Kaieteur News
PAGE 04
Friday November 10, 2017
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
MAKING THE CASE FOR IMPEACHMENT Democrats in the US Congress have been calling for the impeachment of President Donald Trump, especially after he fired Director James Comey of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Trump reportedly has shared terror and other intelligence with Russia. But it is highly unlikely Mr. Trump will be impeached because of the Republican majority in both Houses of Congress. Yet given the nature of his presidential campaign and his unprecedented liabilities, calls by democrats to impeach and remove him from office are understandable. The English dictionary defines impeachment as to formally accuse a public official, especially politicians of a serious crime in connection with their job. It is a means to challenge the honesty and credibility of public officials. Impeachment has its origins in English law and was first used by the British during the second half of the 14th century but fell out of use in the 18th century. It exists under constitutional law in many countries, including Australia, Brazil, the Republic of Ireland, India, Philippines, Russia, South Korea and the United States, among others. In the US, impeachment is an enumerated power of the legislative branch of government that allows formal charges to be brought against a President and other public officials for crimes alleged to have been committed while they were in office. Impeachment proceedings have been initiated against several presidents of the United States, but only Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton were impeached in 1868 and in 1998 respectively by the House of Representative. However, they were not convicted by the Senate and therefore were not removed from office. Only a conviction by the Senate could remove a president from office. To date, no U.S. President has been convicted by the senate and removed from office. Many believe that impeachment as a legal proceeding is needed in Guyana to curb the reckless and corrupt behaviour of some politicians. The people cannot rely only on democratic accountability which has been reduced to elections normally held once every five years. Elections cannot provide timely, direct or substantive punishment to individual acts of public wrongdoing by politicians. They gamble on the assumption that people will cast ballots to signal their displeasure with acts of malfeasance, which are unlikely, given Guyana’s strong culture of party-based and racial voting, regardless of individual candidates. Elections also incorrectly assume that voters will punish their parties to indicate their disapproval with a member’s wrongdoing or corrupt practices by a governing party that occurred during a five-year cycle. It is a fact that our courts operate on two different systems of justice by punishing rogue individuals who are poor and not public officials and the political elite who are wealthy and who rarely face the consequences for their illegal actions. The government should introduce legislation to make impeachment a legal proceeding against public officials, especially politicians for corruption, abuse of power, betrayal of public trust and other forms of malfeasance. The possibility of impeachment would help to regulate the conduct of politicians and would deter them from wrongdoing, corruption and abuse of power as occurred during the last administration. The prospect of being impeached would severely constrain the power and behaviour of the political elite. Impeachment procedures exist in several other countries to solve this very problem. It is time for the government to establish an impeachment process to provide an effective check on the power of the ruling elite who because of their wealth and status might be perceived to be beyond challenge for specific offences, such as corruption, abuse of power and violation of the Constitution. It has proven to be a useful tool in other countries and could do the same for Guyana.
Silent we shall not be for our democratic values and rights DEAR EDITOR, So the President used an unusual word, “vulgarian”, dating back to the 1640-50s, to describe the PPPC’s protest in the Parliament Chambers during his speech. Most people got the gist of what the word meant, but actually the choice of the word by the President is rather illustrative of a particular mind set. The word means “a vulgar person, especially one whose vulgarity is the more conspicuous because of wealth, prominence, or p re t e n s i o n s t o g o o d breeding” according to the Random House and Collins dictionaries. It is a little used word, popular in the 1800s, and mostly used as a “put down” especially from an aristocratic or upper middle class point of view to denote people not of their class or beneath their class. So the President found the PPPC behaviour vulgarian? Funny he didn’t find that the case when he was Leader of the Opposition and his members, surely under his direction, banged the tables for long periods on many, many occasions in the 10th Parliament, thereby preventing several members of the government side from speaking, including Minister
Clement Rohee for nine months, or, singing hymns loudly, or, even putting up placards. It happened so many times that the then Speaker, Mr. Raphael Trotman, now Minister of Natural Resources, had to suspend the sittings on several occasions, and, on others, adjourn the sitting abruptly as the Opposition benches refused to listen to his admonitions and appeals to stop the noise and allow the sitting to proceed. At no time was any action taken by the Speaker to discipline these members. This is the same APNU and AFC in opposition, who reduced three annual budgets by GY$90B, thereby denying Guyanese of important services and programmes they deserved. It is the same APNU and AFC opposition which reneged on agreements made in the Inter-Parliamentary Parties Dialogue with President Ramotar on the Linden electricity subsidy, on the composition of the Commission of Inquiry on the Linden Disturbances, and, on the Amalia Falls Hydro Project. It is the same APNU and AFC opposition which fanned the disturbances in Linden for 36 days that
destroyed parts of the town, and, divided the country physically in two. It is the same APNU and AFC which organized and gave support to the October 11th, 2012 protesters on the East Bank Highway in the vicinity of Agricola village, some imported from outside the community, who blocked the main thoroughfare into and out of the capital city, Georgetown, with connections to two other regions at rush hour for seven hours. Vehicles and debris were used to block the highway on all four lanes and fires were set. Thousands of commuters including school children were trapped in a small area with no way to turn. Citizens were attacked and robbed and hundreds of vehicles were unable to move for over seven long hours. Thousands of citizens, including school children, who lived across the Demerara River walked back to Georgetown to try to reach the boats at the Ferry stelling and were also robbed. The Police were physically assaulted and abused by the protesters. Again on October 15th and 16th, at rush hour, the protesters attempted to block the highway again and succeeded in blocking two of
the four lanes. This resulted in the backing up of traffic, where some vehicles were attacked and damaged by protesters. The Police again were abused, but the situation was finally brought under control. In retrospect, the loss of life and property during the Linden disturbances and the Agricola protests are indicators of the level of extremism and irresponsible and reckless leadership that t h e A P N U + A F C government is capable of. Ironic isn’t it, that the worst behaviour of the parliamentary opposition in the Chambers was during the 10th Parliament when Mr. Granger was Leader of the Opposition? This pattern of behaviour continued during the election campaign, and, after the May 11, 2015 general and regional elections, while the country was waiting for the final results, the Party and Coalition he heads threatened the GECOM, the International observers and the diplomatic corps, that they would burn the city down and wreak violence if the results weren’t announced urgently. This scare tactic was designed to prevent a recount of 20 ballot boxes which the Chairman (Continued on page 5)
Friday November 10, 2017
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Kaieteur News
An Open Letter to the President on the critical garbage situation DEAR MR. PRESIDENT, Greetings! I know how very busy you are with matters of state but I am writing to you personally because of a matter of great concern to me and one over which I have been brooding for many weeks now. It concerns the disposal of garbage or thrash in the Republic of Guyana, including the capital city and most, if not all, of the entire country. On several visits to the “green land of Guyana,” I have noticed that personal and industrial garbage is simply thrown all over the canals and trenches, the roadways and sidewalks, and in public
spaces and places throughout the land. Not only is this a disgusting eyesore but it is extremely hazardous to the health and well-being of the population. I want to suggest humbly that you appoint a special committee/commission to deal with this concern in a timely manner by putting a high profile and respected person in charge of this endeavor in order to draw attention not only to this troubling issue but to draw up plans for the implementation of a comprehensive and long-term resolution of this matter. It has got to begin with consciousness raising at all
levels of society and government via radio, TV, newspapers, and magazines of all kinds, where appropriate articles coupled with encouraging posters and strategically placed trash bins will motivate Guyanese of all ages to do something positive about this deteriorating situation before it gets more and more out of hand. Everywhere I traveled in the country, including my hometown of Bartica, I was offended by the amount of rotting garbage and unsightly thrash thrown about the place. Contrast this with the Republic of Suriname next door where simple joy in the
cleanliness of one’s community, one’s town, one’s village, is a matter of immense pride for residents and citizens alike. Not only must a sustained educational programme regarding the disposal of thrash and garbage be instituted in all primary and secondary schools, even in colleges and universities, but attractive and colorful posters, motivational public service announcements, and constant vigilance by the police and other law enforcement agencies, must fortify this endeavour at all times and in all places. I don’t think you (Continued on page 6)
Silent we shall not be for our democratic... (From page 4) initially agreed to on the morning of May 14, 2017 and then recanted a few hours later. And now as Government, the President and his spokesperson, having unilaterally, unconstitutionally and undemocratically appointed the Chairman of GECOM, and destroyed trust in the integrity of the electoral machinery, finds the PPPC protest in the Chambers anti-national? And the Prime Minister calls this action “domestic terrorism”? Their sensibilities have been offended by a peaceful protest? How hypocritical! But the President’s belittling of the Parliamentary Opposition is a mere veneer to distract from the magnitude of his deeds. The President has cast his stone; he will go down in the annals of Guyana’s history as the first President to violate the constitutional provisions regarding the appointment of the Chairman of GECOM. He has triggered a trajectory of his own making; his will be an ignoble notoriety. He has refused to accept that his actions have immensely damaged the political fabric of our nation. He has further exacerbated the situation with his speech in Atlanta, Georgia, which further confirms that his objective is to take this country down a
dangerous path of PNC party paramountcy. The statement that the “PNC is the face of the future. We are what Guyana looks like, not the people that you saw on Thursday (in the National Assembly)” will require by itself many other letters, but immediately it can be interpreted as a clarion call that is arrogant, elitist, and ethnically biased, and hence fundamentally undemocratic. Not surprising, the statement reflects the profound prejudice of an urban older male upper middle class in power who have no tolerance for anything different as is reflected repeatedly in their statements, deeds, policies and programmes. Fundamentally, they are anti-working class, anti-farmer, antiwomen, anti-youth, anti-criticism, and undemocratic. While in opposition they were good at dishing out their criticism, mainly based on fiction, but now in government, they are extraordinarily thinskinned, even though so many of them are former military men. They have thrown out transparency and accountability, and believe that they are not open to scrutiny. The posture is one of the “Emperor”, and no one interrupts, troubles, or, worse yet heckles the King—fortunately Emperors and Kings are of the
past, thanks to the people’s struggles for democracy. He, like those before him, will find out in 2020 how Guyanese voters treasure their young democracy. It appears that these upper middle class sensibilities have been offended by the protest in the Chambers. Maybe those who have been so offended should take a look at the Mother of all Parliaments which often descends into loud cacophony or, worse yet, in other parliaments where there are fisticuffs and furniture throwing as recently seen in the Ugandan Parliament. Is the government saying to the people that it can do as it wishes with a mere less than 1% of the vote and everyone must sit there and be polite like school children so that we can show that we were well brought up like refined old QC boys?
I have read some letters encouraging the Speaker to discipline all 32 PPPC members. What I do know is despite the consistent unruly and disruptive behaviour, especially in the 7th and 10th Parliaments by the then opposition, no PNC MP was ever disciplined. In fact, only 2 MPs, Dr. Cheddi Jagan and Isahak Bashir, have ever been disciplined over 50 years in the National Assembly, and, this was done by Speaker Sase Narain. Let’s see if the PPPC Members will once again be targets of an undemocratic National Assembly? But we can guarantee that silent we shall not be in the face of constant and consistent efforts to undermine our democratic values and rights. Gail Teixeira, M.P., Chief Whip Parliamentary Opposition
Are those inside of the ramshackle City Hall not ashamed of themselves? DEAR EDITOR, Having just returned from a brief visit overseas, where I observed the reverence placed, the importance attached to and the scrupulous maintenance effected on heritage buildings of those countries, I could only hang my head in shame upon my return to Guyana, as I gazed upon the ruinous state of the City Hall of Georgetown, an iconic landmark that was once known for its resemblance to a fairytale-like castle. Treating the prettiest building in our country in such a callous, uncaring manner could only signal one thing about the Mayor and Councillors who sit inside and pontificate all day long about inconsequential matters. It could indicate merely one thing about the senior officers who sit idling inside all day long in their offices - that they are cultural barbarians of the worst kind in the world. I see tourists taking photographs of this ramshackle building and I wonder where these terrible images of Guyana’s architecture are going to be posted. I wonder if those inside City Hall are not ashamed of themselves. What are they waiting for? The government to restore it and give it back to them; the same way they waited for them to restore the Kitty Market? Was it more important to build a Presidential Park than
to fix City Hall? Was it more important for a large delegation to fly off to China on yet another useless overseas jaunt rather than using that money to start to repair City Hall? How is it possible that they maintain a monthly payroll of over one hundred and twenty five million dollars including carpenters, masons, plumbers, electricians, tinsmiths, rodent and vector control workers etc., and yet the roof is leaking badly, the upper flat is infested with bats and pigeons, the wiring in the building condemned and the guttering and other parts of the building constantly fall off. What gives City Council the moral authority to condemn other buildings in the city? By all appearances, City Hall seems on the verge of collapse, but to municipal bigwigs, the building seems to be in the pink of condition. If the folks at City Hall had the decency to have put aside a mere five million a month for the last twenty-three years for the maintenance of City Hall, the building would have been in a pristine state today, but they are visionless individuals who prefer to travel extensively and in luxurious style with the ratepayers money and gawk upon the wonders of the world. Modi Sankar
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Kaieteur News
Friday November 10, 2017
HPV vaccines are safe; all children should be immunized with it DEAR EDITOR, The Ministry of Health in Guyana is on safe, strong ground in its programme to ensure that all girls and boys are immunized with the HPV vaccine. It is a necessary public health response and by stopping it, the Ministry will do a disservice to our children and to the overall fight against cancer in our country, particularly cervical cancer. Make no mistake, HPV vaccines will lead to a lower incidence of cervical and other cancers in the adults of the next generation. Guyana has a track record with this vaccine. We have safely used it since 2009, when I first introduced its use among young girls, 9 -11 years old. I have been patient, painfully patient, waiting for the Ministers of Health or their Chief Medical Officer and the Pan American Health Organization to respond to a very reckless letter published in a number of newspapers and carried widely through social media calling for the withdrawing of the HPV vaccine. I did not want to be the
lead person to respond, because I am aware that some people might have seen my response with political lens. HPV and cervical cancers are public health threats and HPV vaccine is one of the effective tools to combat cervical cancers. While the Ministry of Public Health and PAHO have chosen silence, I am encouraged that a number of professionals, including some young doctors, stepped up to respond in a very professional and clear manner, debunking the irresponsible position taken by a number of Guyanese, led by an old opponent of the HPV vaccine in Guyana, Ms. Sherlina Nageer. I will not repeat the facts they outlined. I will simply ask that Guyanese support fully the 100% HPV vaccine coverage for our children. The scientific evidence is impressive; supporting both the safety and efficacy of the HPV vaccine. It is now more than a decade since the introduction of this vaccine and millions of children in virtually every country have now been immunized against the
Human Papillomavirus, a virus that is the main cause of cervical cancer. This virus is also one of the causative agents for a number of other cancers, such as breast cancer. When I advocated for and introduced HPV in Guyana in 2009, I presented evidence that the HPV vaccine is safe and will reduce future incidences of cervical cancer among women in Guyana in the years to come. Ms. Nageer was one of the few voices that objected. Unfortunately, at the time, a number of MPs on the Opposition side provided some meek support for her position. I will not name those MPs, all of whom now are advocates for the vaccine. Since then I have become an even more ardent advocate for the HPV vaccine, because the evidence is now even stronger that the virus is linked to the overwhelming majority of cervical cancer and that HPV vaccine can be a major barrier against this cancer in the generations to come. The vast majority of children who receive the vaccine
An Open Letter to the... (From page 5) personally can take on one more thing, but I am sure you can direct your energy to the appointment of a special committee or commission that will make the cleanliness of Guyana its top priority and enlist the support of community service organizations such as churches, rotary clubs, boy scouts and girl guides, etc. to do their part
to maintain a clean and attractive republic. This has got to be a matter of national priority and of national importance for it to take root and grow fruit eventually in terms of a country that is truly “green” at all levels. Right now the pervasive presence of thrash and garbage everywhere is an assault on the senses and an insult to every Guyanese who de-
sires a clean and wholesome environment. Please redirect this request to a reliable and dependable person who will take this matter under advisement immediately and who will report back to you in due course about the progress being made to implement lasting strategies for a clean and green Guyana. You know you can count on my genuine support always as you engage this project for the ultimate good of our homeland. Fr. William Guthrie+ Retired Anglican Priest Haines City, Florida
experience no side effects. There are some side effects in a small percentage of people. None of these side effects are life-threatening. These side effects include dizziness, fainting, nausea, headache and fever. All of these are side effects that a small percentage of people will experience, even with taking aspirin or eating certain popular food. A larger percentage of people suffer from worse side effects by simply being exposed to second hand smoke or by taking an alcohol drink. As I have said thousands of times, there are no debates about vaccines, and certainly none about the safety and efficacy of the HPV vaccine. Real science, by real scientists, published in real medical journals, and reviewed by
experts in epidemiology, virology, infectious diseases, cancer, and other biomedical researchers, verify both the safety and effectiveness of HPV vaccines. There will always be naysayers. For sure, there is a small number of people who are anti-vaxxers - against HPV vaccines and all vaccines. Many of these same people doubt the evidence that climate change is real. Every year brings 528,000 new cases of cervical cancer and 266,000 deaths, linked to Human Papillomavirus. We have a highly effective HPV vaccine. Science published in Journals such as Nature, Science, New England Journal of Medicine, the British Medical Journal and others, have published impressive research results, testifying to the effec-
tiveness of the HPV vaccines. Importantly, after just over a decade of use in countries like the US, Canada, Europe, evidence is now mounting that HPV prevalence in young women has begun to decline. It would be a colossal mistake for the Ministry of Health to stop this programme. It is a colossal mistake that the Ministry of Health has allowed this disinformation to simmer for so long without responding. By using vaccines, we no longer have smallpox, rubella, whooping cough etc. Similarly, I expect that in the decades to come we will see a reduction in cervical and other cancers, because we had the strength and the will to introduce and use the HPV vaccine. Dr. Leslie Ramsammy
Are these all codes being used to plug freedom? DEAR EDITOR, The origin of the word “STOP” is from old English, which related to the phrase “to block up” or the German word “stofen” which means “to plug”. I have observed many of the speeches from the PNC leaders (the Coalition is just a sham, this is a PNC government in substance), and they seem to like using the word “stop” in their attempt to lecture the Guyanese people living locally and even further afield in the Diaspora when they are given the chance. If one reads the Demerara Waves, President Granger, while in Atlanta, told the people to “stop attacking the PNC leader”, he re-emphasized his point by saying that the “PNC members must stop attacking him”. Locally he demanded that we must
“stop the police promotion”, “stop blaming the government”, and there are several more cases of such negaholism. But the fever seems to be catching on, because now we’ve heard Minister Harmon calling for the PNC councilors to “Stop the PPP councilors in their tracks”. Are these all codes being used to plug freedom or block up the right to protest and speak out against a centralized and coordinated attempt of the Granger regime at establishing a creeping autocracy? President Granger has the proud history of being the only PNC Leader who has won elections in the entire history of Guyana; albeit by 4,506 votes. So why this determined effort to mess up that record? Even Burnham cannot claim such an honour. To disrespect the system of democracy is to disrespect the masses who are mainly the poor. It is said by the wise men, “he who oppresses the poor taunts his Maker”. Is this what President Granger is doing today with this massive level of misrule? And do they think the Guyanese people will roll over and graciously allow these PNC leaders to do their own thing? If one observes the protest line in front of Parliament early in November 2017, it was dominated by women with their placards protesting the indignations of this Granger regime. Whoever did the grassroots mobilization to achieve this end, did a great service to the Guyanese society. It was ordinary ladies who will bring the excesses of this Granger regime to an end, peacefully and grace-
fully, like Kowsilla who died for Guyana’s freedom in the 1960’s. So there is no need for any belligerence and pugnacity from Mr. Granger and Mr. Harmon. The Guyanese people in the true spirit of Kowsillism will stand up to their anti-democratic rhetoric, today, tomorrow and the next day. So bring it on baby! Therefore it is imperative that the electorate not fall for this Granger trap, populated with heavy doses of deception and subterfuge, and wise up to what is happening. In the Granger camp, their agenda is not about the people, but really about the preservation of an affluent lifestyle of a small cabal that surrounds the presidency. The utterance from the President himself in Atlanta confirmed this commitment to such a cause, rather than an ideological grounding in doing things for the poor and the working class, although he did attempt to give lip service to the act of serving the poor. But a man is judged by his actions not his words. It is our duty to continue to bring these matters to the eyes of the people so that they ‘wise up’ and oppose and reject this creeping dictatorship. Thus I encourage all UG students, this is your time. You need not be bystanders in this struggle for true freedom. It is time to flood the letter pages and join the protest line until the oppressors understand this country is really about you, the youths, and not exclusively about the septuagenarians and octogenarians in power. Sase Singh
Friday November 10, 2017
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Kaieteur News
Finance Ministry’s Public Debt. Register not in order - Auditor General An examination of the Public Debt Register by the Audit Office revealed that it was not properly written up in respect to recording of entries. As a result, Auditor General, Deodat Sharma, in his latest report said that the accuracy, completeness and validity of the Public Debt Register could not be relied on. Nevertheless, during November 2016, with the aid of Commonwealth Secretariat, through technical assistance, the Ministry of Finance was able to have the Public Debt System computerized using the Commonwealth Secretariat Debt Recording Management System (CSDRMS). However, at the time of reporting, Sharma found that the system was partially implemented with the Debt Management Division having the authority to record, input and validation of all data entered into the system. Additionally, Sharma said that the Public Debt Section has only realtime viewing access and cannot input data and customize report.
- Highlights increase in External, Internal debt for 2016
Auditor General, Deodat Sharma In response to this finding, the Ministry of Finance said it started the process of fully computerizing the activities of Public Debt. In 2014, the Ministry noted that the Public Debt Section was connected to the Debt Management Division’s CS-DRMS system to operationalise the Domestic Debt Module and to use the system reports for reconciliation. At the end last year, the Finance Ministry said that
staff was fully trained in the use of the new CD-DRMS version and are able to extract the requisite reports for verification and reconciliations. Additionally, the Ministry said the department will be fully utilizing the CSDRMS through one database housed at the Ministry of Finance and preparation of the Public Debt Statement will be done using the new system. This means that there will be no need for reliance on the manual records in the Public Debt Section since the CSDRMS would become the single repository for all debt related transactions. Be that as it may, the Audit Office still recommended that the Ministry of Finance take steps to have the Public Debt system fully computerized, and to carry out monthly reconciliation of its records with those of the Debt Management Division. The Auditor General also
Robber shoots gold miner in beauty salon A 33-year-old gold miner is in a critical condition after being shot by a gun-toting robber in an Avocado Street, East Ruimveldt hairdressing salon around 13.00 hrs yesterday. Paul Chow, of Kitty, was shot in the chest during a struggle with the robber. He was scheduled to undergo surgery at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. Chow was waiting on his wife when the attack occurred. His wife told Kaieteur
News that Chow had accompanied her to the hairdressing salon and was sleeping in a chair when the robber entered. His wife and the owner of the establishment were the only other occupants. “He (the robber) came in with a gun and said, ‘Y’all give me everything.’” She said that the intruder approached her husband, who was sleeping in a chair and woke him. She said her husband “sprang up” and began to struggle with the robber, who
then shot him in the chest. The bandit then fled emptyhanded. Leaving the wounded miner in a chair, the two women ran outside and shouted for assistance, but no one responded. Eventually, a woman who was driving assisted them in taking Chow to the GPHC. The wounded miner’s wife recalled her husband pleading with them to hurry, since he was having difficulty breathing. The robber is still at large.
made mention of Guyana’s external and internal debt figures for 2016. Regarding external debt, Sharma said that at the end of 2016, it was $235.711 billion, compared with $232.097 billion at the end of 2015, a net increase of $3.614 billion. The Auditor General said that this increase was due to
a number of reasons. He said that some of these include disbursements totaling $11.811 billion or US$57.196M in respect of loans contracted; the capitalization of interest for Non Paris Club Creditors totaling $677.229M or US$3.280M; and the inclusion of interest for oil shipped to Guyana under the PetroCaribe agreement totaling $448.518M or US$2.172M for the period 2014 to 2015. As for internal debt, Sharma said that this in-
creased by $8.900 billion from $119.976 billion to $128.876 billion. He noted that this increase was as a result of the issuance of non negotiable debenture certificates totaling $4.882 billion to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS); the increase in the issuance of treasury bills totaling $4.031 billion; the issuance of a non interest bearing debenture totaling $21.402M; and the principal repayment of an internal loan totaling $35.478M.
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Kaieteur News
Thursday November 10, 2017
Task Force Chairperson scuttles first mandated weekly meeting Teachers’ salary negotiations…
Almost one week after being established to fast-track salary negotiations for public school teache r s , t h e President David Grangermandated Task Force has already started to experience some hiccups. This has translated to the group’s failure to convene its first official meeting scheduled for yesterday. This publication was reliably informed that the Task Force, which consists of officials from a number of Government Ministries and t h e G u y a n a Te a c h e r s Union [GTU], following a meeting which was chaired by Minister of Education, Ms. Nicolette Henry, last week Tuesday, decided that
it would host weekly meetings on Thursdays. However, according to information reaching this publication, the meeting slated for yesterday was postponed without any explanation. The meeting was planned for the Kingston, Georgetown National Centre for Educational Research Development [NCERD] at 10:00 hours. However, reports suggest that an email was disseminated by Chairperson of the Task Force [Mrs. Genevieve Whyte-Nedd] to the members of the Task Force Wednesday afternoon indicating that the Thursday meeting was postponed. Reports suggest that representatives of the GTU were
especially peeved with the development. However, officials of the Union were not prepared to comment on the state of affairs yesterday. The Task Force was formulated at the behest of President Granger following a meeting he hosted with executive members of the union to appease their concerns about the non-progressive nature of the salary negotiations. The union had threatened to agitate its 6,000-odd teacher-membership into strike action if Government had failed to engage swift action. Strike action was in fact slated for November 2 and November 3 but was cancelled
after fruitful discussions between the Head of State and union executives a few days earlier. Up to 2015, teachers were benefiting from a multi-year remuneration agreement which was inked under the PPP/C administration. That agreement expired in December 2015. The very month union representatives said that a proposal for a new agreement was presented to the Ministry of Education. However, negotiations in that regard were stalled on multiple occasions. According to the GTU President, while the Ministry had signed off on the nonfinancial aspects of the proposal, the financial aspect was being stalled. In its proposal, the union has asked for, among other things, a 40 percent across the board increase for teachers for last year; 45 percent increase for this year and 50 percent for the following three years (2018-2020) for all categories of teachers. In the interim, Government has announced that teachers will benefit from six to eight percentage increases
retroactive to January 1, 2017. Members of the Task Force who were identified to plot the salary-negotiation w a y f o r w a r d a r e M r. Marcel Hutson, Chief Education Officer, Ministry of Education; Ms. Adele Clarke, Permanent Secretary (ag), Ministry of Education; Ms. Jacqueline Simon, Human Resource Manager, Ministry of Education; Mrs. Genevieve WhyteNedd, former acting Chief Education Officer; Ms. KellyAnn Hercules, Legal Officer, Ministry of Education; Mr. Frederick Mc Wilfred, Political Advisor, Ministry of the Presidency ; Ms. Gail Williams, Senior Personnel Officer, Ministry of the Presidency Department of Public Service; Dr. Hector Butts, Finance Secretary, Ministry of Finance; Mr. Emil Mc Garrell, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communities; Mr. Mark Lyte, President, GTU; Ms Coretta Mc Donald A.A., General Secretary, GTU; Ms Samantha Alleyne, Treasurer, GTU, and Mr. Lancelot Baptiste A.A., Administrative Secretary, GTU. At the meeting she
chaired last week, Minister Henry furnished the members of the Task Force with background information and relevant documents and announced that the body will be chaired by Whyte-Nedd. She also urged members to be professional in their deliberations and responsibility to the nation. The work of the Task Force commenced with the formulation of a Terms of Reference (ToR) which was expected to be completed within a week. The outlined mandate of the Task Force is to examine outstanding problems faced by teachers and by extension the union with a view to their timely resolution. Through its weekly statutory meetings, the Task Force is also mandated to propose a new multi-year remuneration package for a period spanning 2016-2020 that both government and the union can agree on. Following each meeting, it was revealed that joint statements by the Chairperson of the Task Force and the President of the GTU will be shared with the public.
Thursday November 10, 2017
GRA seizes boats with $$$ millions in contraband
No legal option by January 2018 This column does not usually respond to its critics except where there is misrepresentation of the positions taken within the column. This is clearly the case in relation to the response of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to a recent column on the Guyana/ Venezuela controversy. The column had sought to make the following assertions. First, that the talks in New York recently between the foreign ministers of the two countries are a foreboding that the controversy is not going to be sent to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) come January of 2018 because, in diplomatic lexicon, if two sides had been reluctant to engage and now are engaging, this represents ‘significant’ progress. The understanding that Guyana has of the decision of the Secretary General of the United Nations is that there would have been one year of the good offices process and if there was no significant progress in that year, the matter would be referred to the ICJ. It is this column’s contention that the recent talks in New York can be viewed as representing progress and therefore there is no likelihood of the matter being sent
to the ICJ this year end. The second assertion follows from this. It argues that Guyana made a mistake in pinning its hopes, almost exclusively, on the matter being sent to the ICJ. In order for the matter to go to the ICJ, Venezuela has to agree since Venezuela is not a member of the ICJ. Guyana is pinning all its hopes on the ICJ but the fact of the matter is that the United Nations cannot compel Venezuela to go that route. What happens if Venezuela decides against the ICJ? It was asserted also that Guyana, following Venezuela’s decrees in May of 2016, should have done what is basic to diplomacy, it should have engaged the Venezuelans in talks at the highest level. If it is Guyana’s position that it has been talking for fifty years and it does not wish to continue to talk, then Guyana has to live with the consequences of not having engaged more seriously with Venezuela since May 2015. One of the consequences of not talking was the loss of the rice market. The loss of the rice market was not simply a matter of trade and economics and it is now being made out to be. The loss of
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the rice market was a consequence of the row which broke out over the Venezuela decree of May 2016 and which saw a war of words between Caracas and Georgetown. There was no reason why the rice market should have been lost. Venezuela was facing a food crisis. It needed food. Why would it have stopped buying rice from Guyana if this decision was unrelated to the territorial controversy? The loss of the rice market was not as a result of trade and economics. It was because of the war of words. Guyana was never interested in talks, which could have saved the rice market, because it is being advised that it should go the legal route. The legal route is costly and will not lead to an immediate solution. On the issue of the legal fees, this column was never suggesting that Guyana should abandon the option of a juridical settlement because of high legal fees. This column was pointing to the fact that Guyana has pinned all its hopes on one option, the legal option. The legal route, however, is costly
and time consuming. There is no likelihood that Venezuela will consent to the matter going to the ICJ. So why pin so much hope on an option that is not likely to be invoked? The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, probably sooner rather than later, will have to explain to the Guyanese people, what happens if come December 31, 2017, the United Nations indicates that significant progress has been made and the good offices process should continue. It means that Guyana would have failed to have the matter referred to the ICJ as at January 1, 2018. This column will go out on a limb and predict that the United Nations will recommend that the good offices continue. Will Guyana talk then? Or will it say that it has been talking for too long? Guyana has already spent a fortune on legal fees. And it will still have to talk come January. So why not have talked all along while pursuing the legal route?
The Law Enforcement and Investigation Division (LEID) of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) recently seized millions of dollars worth of smuggled beverages on two trawlers which were making their way from Trinidad and Tobago. The seizure was made in Guyana. Kaieteur News understands that this seizure is part of a vigorous effort on the part of the revenue authority to stamp out smuggling which has led to the loss of millions of dollars in taxes. In fact, the Guyana Revenue Authority is expected to roll out an anti-smuggling system by the end of the month. This is according to its Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia. The tax chief said that discussions had re-commenced with Canadian Bank Note, a company that brought the national lottery. He said that those discussions were aimed at introducing the Stamp System. Statia said that this is in an effort to minimize revenue leakages through the smuggling of alcohol and tobacco. The need to address rampant smuggling in Guyana is
one that was raised by the Tax Reform Commission which was established by the Granger administration. The Commissioners said that Guyana is subjected to major revenue loss from smuggling, not only because of its porous borders but, also, from its wharf operations and ports of entry. They said that this is especially so for fuel, gold, cigarettes and alcohol, where there are ongoing allegations that collusion and corruption facilitate such tax evasion and revenue leakage. The officials said, “We understand that the GRA is in the process of acquiring a digital stamping programme for the latter two products at a substantial cost. It is crucial that the GRA avoids the experience of TRIPS which has failed to deliver on its promises and that it ensures that a proper assessment of all the features of programmes is examined and options and avenues considered and evaluated before entering into any contract.” The tax experts added, “In areas of smuggling, it is known that producers and Continued on page 31
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Thursday November 10, 2017
Kaieteur News
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
The power structure is planning to victimize me I live in a community that is a so-called gated one although there is no gate at the entrance. But there is only one road in and one road out. Because of its geographical location in Turkeyen, the community does not see public traffic. So it is a closed off community that when you see a car it is either a resident or a taxi. A rough count shows there are sixty households in the community. Let us rewind the tape to Robeson Benn as Minister o f Wo r k s i n N o v e m b e r 2010. His crew came to clean the southern Turkeyen trench on the
Frederick Kissoon Railway Embankment. My house sits next to that waterway. The entire trench was cleaned of the foliage except the part outside my home. Please Google the media coverage of that event. On Tuesday, the new contractor for garbage pick-up for Turkeyen/Cummings Lodge cleared every bin in our community except mine. The day before, I helped to tie the large plastic bags that contained the resulting garbage
from my friend’s mother-inlaw party in the compound. There were six huge garbage bags. On Tuesday afernoon while there, I noticed the truck coming. Yet when I left home an hour later my bin was still not cleared. Where was the truck? Something was not right because the plastic bags I wrapped were all gone from my friend’s home. These were placed next to his bin. On Tuesday evening on return from the Giftland Mall compound where I take my dog for a nightly walk, I looked into the bins of a few households and they were empty. As I drove past my neighbour ’s residence, I stopped and looked into her container. It was empty. It meant the truck missed my home. I raised the issue with my daughter and wife. My daughter came out with me and we went out and shone
the torch into a few bins along the streets. They were all empty. The collectors did not pick up my stuff even though my neighbour’s container was literally a few feet from mine. That night I called Debra Lewis, the PRO of City Hall. Ms. Lewis is one of those public relations officers that is indeed pleasant. I told her I have a problem and would like to get in touch with the head of Solid Waste Management of the City Council. She asked for a description of the problem but I told her I would get back to her based on the position of that person. She put me in touch with Mr. Walter Narine, the head of that section. I never spoke with Mr. Narine before but this gentleman was extremely polite and attentive. He said he has no explanation for what happened but he will get in touch with the owner of the contracting service and he, Narine, would
personally see that my bin is cleared early in the morning, the next day. At six O’clock the next morning (Wednesday), a man was at my gate. He drove up with a fairly new car and began looking around. My bin was right there. I came out, went to the gate and asked him for an explanation as to why my bin was not emptied. What you are about to read is disgusting, depraved, incredible and unbelievable. This was the owner of the contracting service. He told me the bin was never put out. I couldn’t control my rage. I turned right away and headed back inside with these words to the man; “I would not stand here and let you insult my intelligence.” He was hostile and as I walked away, he uttered some unpleasant things about me. If you are a rational person and a decent human you would know from that man’s reaction that my bin was de-
liberately left untouched by the cleaners. Someone instructed the garbage collectors not to empty my container. What was unnerving about this situation is that my family had to go through this ordeal seven years ago with the trench. From that untouched bin on Tuesday night right up to the time of writing, my wife cannot come to grips with what has happened. Then in her own way, she said something that solved the puzzle. She said she never misses the garbage truck when it comes because of the noise it makes. That is absolutely true. We hear it when it comes all the time. What they did this time was to cut off the engine at the head of the road so we would not know they had arrived and they rolled all my neighbours’ bins to the truck. Is this the beginning of a victimization campaign?
Dem boys seh...
Moses promise picket fuh picket De rate things going nuff people wouldn’t live to see Christmas. If dem ain’t driving like mad people pun de road dem either fighting or dem killing one another. A man get vex wid he gyal suh he pull out a gun and shoot she. When he done he shoot heself. Fuh sure he didn’t live to see Christmas but she might mek it. Dem bys hear she wake up yesterday but she ain’t wake up full. A young man walking out he bird see a woman lying down in de cemetery not far from de crematorium. Somebody beat she up, bruck she foot and dump she. She live fuh two days and she dead. Now de police question a whole set of people. One of dem is she child father. Two brothers fighting; a man go between dem and try to mek peace. One of de brothers stab de man in he chest and kill him. That is another person who wouldn’t live to see Christmas. Dem boys seh de story ain’t done deh.
Yesterday, like if somebody throw guinea pepper in a yard, a man run to de hospital wid a hole in he neck. Somebody had plans to out he light before Christmas. De doctors was busy saving he life. Dem boys want to know if somebody pass over Guyana on a plane and drop something that got people violent. De other day was a set of thiefing. Like these things got a cycle and people want to know if is something de country inherit from somebody. Another thing that happening a lot is de protest. Moses go to de Corentyne and people line up to picket him. Dem want he carry a message to Soulja Bai that dem must move Patto. Dem boys seh de next time Moses going back he walking wid he own picketers. He suh vex that when he go home he tell dem boys that is picket fuh picket. And dem boys notice that while dem picketing Moses dem boycotting Soulja Bai. And he ain’t even noticing. Talk half and brace fuh more madness
Thursday November 10, 2017
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Region 9 deducts NIS, employees’ tax …but auditors unsure where money went Executive Officer, in charge of the purse strings, was Carl Parker. He was interdicted earlier this year pending a criminal court case.
In Guyana’s outlying areas, there are piles of evidence of the difficulty in monitoring how state resources are being expended. The recently released Report of the Auditor General for 2016 is once again replete with instances and some of them are glaring. For example, in Region Nine –Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo area— state auditors found some deeply worrying things, including when it came to hiring workers. While there were authorized 707 persons that the border region could hire, on the books there were 669 workers. Nothing much wrong here. However, checks revealed that a sample of 12 new employees’ personal files found that pertinent documents including appointment letters, details of qualification, application letters, and valid police clearances were missing. The region, in the report, promised to correct the situation. It gets worse in the report.Employees of the state, by regulations, are required to be registered with the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) and assigned a number which is submitted to
the office on assumption of duty. An examination of the NIS register revealed that 43 employees were with a temporary numbers whilst 60 were not registered and did not have any. However, an examination carried out on documents related to deductions for NIS revealed that deductions were being made for persons without NIS numbers and those with temporary numbers. But there were no records as to where the monies were paid over to. “Examination of the documents related to NIS contributions revealed that they were not paid over in a timely manner although an NIS office is located in the area. This is not in keeping with the NIS circular which states that all deductions for NIS shall be paid over to the agency on or before the 15 of the following month.” But it seemed that problems of deductions from workers did not stop at NIS. It also happened for tax deductions for workers in Region Nine. Audit scrutiny carried out on the records of the regional administration revealed that 105 employees were without a Taxpayers Identification Number (TIN) which is a requirement of all employees. Audit examination carried
Interdicted REO: Carl Parker out in September on the deductions file, revealed that deductions for December 2016 were not paid over to the Guyana Revenue Authority. However, an examination carried out on documents related to deductions of PAYE revealed that deductions were being made for persons without TIN numbers, and no records were provided for audit scrutiny as to where these deductions were paid over. The region, in its defense, said that 11 of the temporary card holders and 27 of those without NIS numbers now have NIS numbers. Fortyseven are in receipt of TIN. “Efforts are continuing to have everyone registered with NIS and have a TIN.” Last year, the Regional
George Subraj Foundation visits again The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation will once again be hosting the George Subraj Family Foundation, New York, USA on their 26th Mission to Guyana this week. During this mission, the Subraj Family Foundation with be working with the Department of Ophthalmology of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation and with the Suddie Regional Hospital in Essequibo. The Foundation will be holding an Eye Care Clinic today, at Anna Regina Mandir, Essequibo Coast, Guyana. The clinic commences at 8:00 hours. Several hundred residents from some of the remote communities on the
Essequibo Coast are expected to benefit from the outreach. The participating medical team comprises Dr. Celeste Haynes-Hinds (Ophthalmologist, GPHC), Dr. IIeana Agramonte (Cuban Ophthalmologist, Suddie Hospital) and Optometrist Jonelle Duke. According to Eye Surgeon Dr. Haynes-Hinds, this outreach will not only be dispensing glasses but will test for other diseases affecting the eye. Tony Subraj, President of the Foundation says that the mission is important in that it allows the team to examine the magnitude of the problem. “Hundreds of patients are seen weekly at the GPHC and our team, along with the Head
of the Department, Dr. Shailendra Sugrim has already participated in 60 cornea transplant procedures in a few short trips. We find these figures alarming and are looking at ways to assist and help as many Guyanese as we can.” Similar clinics are planned for the Essequibo Islands. The Subraj Foundation was also instrumental in successfully procuring one cornea tissue which has been used to perform a corneal transplant operation during this week. Residents from the Essequibo region are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to have their eyes screened for various eye disorders.
Performing his duties now is Kerwin Ward. The Audit Office, in its recommendations, said that the regional administration
ensures that all employees are properly registered with the National Insurance Scheme and are assigned a Taxpayer Identification Number.
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Thursday November 10, 2017
More preferential market access to Cuba with signing of new trade protocol
Secretary-General of CARICOM, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque (left) and Cuba’s Ambassador to Guyana, Julio Cesar Gonsalves Marchanta sign the Second Protocol to the Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement between CARICOM and Cuba.
Guyana is expected to benefit from more preferential market access to Cuba following the signing of a second Protocol to the Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement signed yesterday between the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Cuba at the Marriott Hotel, Georgetown. The agreement which was signed at the opening of the 45th Ministerial Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED), marks a further deepening of the trade and economic relations between CARICOM and CUBA. According to CARICOM, the agreement seeks to expand the preferential market access into each other’s market, but more importantly,
should serve to instill in the CARICOM private sector in particular, an urgency to access the Cuban market. The protocol offers expanded duty-free access to Cuba on a list of 326 items which include meat, fish, dairy produce, fruits and vegetables, beer, rum, cement, soaps and clothing. There are approximately 50 items on which Cuba will grant immediate duty-free access and a list of 22 items on which differential treatment, including phased reduction of duty, which CARICOM More Developed Countries (MDCs) will grant to Cuba. Products included in the duty free offer to Cuba are fish, pharmaceutical products, fertilizers, articles of iron and steel, electrical machinery and equipment. Cuba and CARICOM signed the Trade and Eco-
nomic Cooperation Agreement on July 5, 2000. That agreement provides for, among other things, the promotion and expansion of trade in goods and services through free access to the markets, elimination of nontariff barriers to trade, the establishment of a system of rules of origin and the harmonization of technical and sanitary and phyto-sanitary measures. Both sides are being urged to pursue the new agreement in an expeditious manner which will position the companies and producers of the respective countries can take advantage of the opportunities which will emerge. The agreement was signed by Secretary-General of CARICOM, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque and Cuba’s Ambassador to Guyana, Julio Cesar Gonsalves Marchanta.
A boat operator who was caught attempting to traffic four Venezuelans for sexual purposes was yesterday remanded to prison. Kenneth Simon appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts and denied the charge which alleged that on the November 3, last, at Kumu Backdam, Central Rupununi, he recruited, transported and harboured four women for the purpose of sexual exploitation. The matter was held incamera. According to information the women came to Guyana to work and the defendant paid for them to come. It was when the virtual complainants told the defendant that they wanted to go back to Venezuela, he told them that they would have to
Remanded to prison Kenneth Simon
Boat operator accused of exploiting Venezuelans for sex
engage in sexual activity with him to repay him of the money that he spent for them to come to Guyana. The prosecutor objected to bail being granted to the defendant and he was remanded to prison. Simon was instructed to make his next court appearance on November 15 at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court.
Friday November 10, 2017
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45th COTED meeting in Guyana…
Guyana makes case for rum industry Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Trade Ministers started their two-day meeting yesterday at the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown to search for solutions to the challenges preventing the optimization of the free movement of people and goods under the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME). Behind the closed-door session of the 45th Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED), Guyana made a push for the region’s rum producers who have complained of an uneven playing field due to competition from the U.S Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, who benefit from U.S. subsides. Prior to Guyana’s presentation on the state of the CARIFORUM rum industry – challenges and opportunities, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, said that the rum producers are concerned, not just about the finished product, but also the inputs. “The rum manufacturers have an interest in the treatment of some of their products and the treatment of the inputs for those products with regards customs and taxations,” Greenidge stated. As it relates directly to the CSME, the Foreign Minister made it clear that satisfactory is not the word that can be used to describe the implementation of the regime. “There are clearly challenges posed by the imple-
mentation of the idea and we agree that some of those need to be resolved. Some of those need to be sorted out in a way satisfactory to all sides. We are not yet there,” Greenidge stated. Last month, Komal Samaroo, Chairman of Demerara Distillers (DDL) group of companies, assumed the leadership of the West Indies Rum and Spirits Producers’ Association Inc. (WIRSPA) It is estimated that the industry earns in excess of US$550 million in foreign exchange every year, but also depends on healthy local markets as its base. According to Samaroo, rum companies rely on the profitability in their local market to be able to finance entry into export markets which are highly competitive and where regional producers are up against global spirits giants. According to WIRSPA, the regional brands continue to face an uphill battle against these companies, several of whom may be benefiting from substantial subsidies provided through the United States tax system which provides them with ‘Cover-Over’ payments. These payments are tax rebates given back to producers in the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico when they sell rum into the US. “Increasingly, we’re seeing brands entering our local markets which benefit from these subsidies and are selling well below what we would
consider to be expected costs. So not only are we up against subsidised brands in the export markets, but these brands are now entering local markets as well,” Samaroo has stated. OTHER ISSUES FOR COTED Secretary-General of CARICOM, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque said that issues on the agenda such as compliance with the provisions of the Revised Treaty and the decisions of the Community’s Organs require urgent attention. “It is therefore necessary that COTED ensures compliance,” Ambassador LaRocque stated. There are matters on the agenda with respect to trade in goods that have remained unresolved for a considerable length of time. These relate mainly to the trade in agricultural products. Ambassador LaRocque urged that the regional representatives must also seek to remove the areas of uncertainty in respect of the free movement of skills regime. “We have to recognize that the free movement of skills has been embraced by the people as a benefit of integration. Many have taken advantage of the opportunities presented by this regime. And again, it is my understanding that this regime has worked fairly-well,” Ambassador LaRocque said. He said that there are challenges. Some have been ex-
Head of Guyana’s delegation, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge (right) at the opening of the 45th Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) at the Marriott Hotel, Georgetown. perienced by persons seeking to exercise their rights under the regime in accordance with decisions of the COTED and the Conference of Heads of
Government. He added that there have been challenges experienced by Member States seeking to confer those rights.
“The Council must move quickly to resolve those issues,” Ambassador LaRocque urged. The COTED Meeting concludes today.
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Kaieteur News
Friday November 10, 2017
Berbice robbery spree accused pelts reporter Three men were again remanded on Wednesday after appearing before Magistrate Renita Singh at the Reliance Magistrate’s Court for three counts of robbery under arms, one for break and enter and larceny, and one for malicious damage to property. Peter Baker, 19, a mason of Lot 8 Canfield, East Canje Berbice; Aubrey Brandt, 28, a porkknocker at Mahdia; and Leroy Guavara, aka ‘Trini’, 22, a taxi driver of Dr. Tulsi Street, Hampshire Village, Corentyne were remanded to prison for the offences. They were not required to plead to the indictable
charges with no option for bail given the nature and gravity of the crime as recited by the Prosecutor Lennox Poliah. They were unrepresented. The charge for the break and enter and larceny read that between October 30, and October 31, 2017 at New Street Cumberland, they broke into the grocery shop of Bisham Sarju and stole one Samsung laptop computer valued at $120,000; one Blu cell phone valued at $7,000, one Alcatel cell phone valued at $7000, a quantity of cosmetics valued at $120,000, a quantity of cigarettes worth $120,000, a quantity of light-
ers at $1,800 and $60,000 cash. The three robbery under arms charges state that on Tuesday October 17, last, at Workshop Street Cumberland, East Canje Berbice in company of others armed with a dangerous weapon, that is to say, a gun, they robbed Drupatie Aziz of one Samsung Galaxy Cellphone valued at $75,000. Also on the said date, in the company of others and armed with a gun, robbed Nafeeza Aziz of one gold and diamond ring valued at $86,000, two gold rings, $50,000, one Brazilian gold chain valued at $1,500 and
During the confrontation between Brandt (second from left) and a reporter behind the locked gate and the police rank (right) $7,000 cash, a total value of $144,000. On the very date, at Workshop Street Cumberland East Canje Berbice in the company of others and armed with a gun, they robbed Dirk Sharp of one mega pixel Cellphone valued at $7000. The fifth charge for malicious damage to property read that on Monday, October 30 and Tuesday October 31, at New Street Cumberland, East Canje Berbice the trio unlawfully and maliciously damaged five surveillance cameras valued at $90,000 property of Bisham Sarju. The men are set to return to court on December 20, 2017. As the accused exited the
docks at the Reliance Magistrate Court, Brandt once again threw a punch at a reporter in the courtroom, much to the amazement of the Magistrate and others present in the court. The accused, upon reaching downstairs of the court building with a police rank far behind him and his accomplices nearby, he picked up a stone and attempted to hurl it at reporters while the police rank did very little to intervene. One of the reporters, after noticing the stone in Brandt’s hand, locked the gate to protect himself but the police instructed him to “open the gate leh he pass”.
Brandt then dropped the object and began to hurl insults and threats as he walked over to the Reliance Police Station. The other two accused walked quietly over to the station. It was expected that the men would have two or more ranks escorting them, given the showdown that took place at the New Amsterdam Magistrate Court the previous day. However this was not the case. There was one rank and he was unarmed. A report of the incident was subsequently lodged at the police complaints department in New Amsterdam by several reporters.
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Kaieteur News
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Friday November 10, 2017
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PI into Berbice businessman murder...
Three committed to High Court for Crabwood Creek murder Three men were committed to stand trial at the Berbice High Court for murder, yesterday, after Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh overruled a no- case submission presented by Attorney-at-law, Chandra Sohan, in relation to the unlawful killing of Crabwood Creek businessman, Shameer Ali Mursalin. Mursalin, called “Kazo.” a trader, of Grant 1805 Weld Tank Dam, Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, Berbice, was fatally shot following a longstanding dispute with another trader, on October 24, 2015. The said trader was later identified as Dennis Veerasammy called “Diggles.” Veerasammy and his accomplices, Basheer Harrinauth and Delroy Fraser, are currently charged for the murder. Yesterday, the men were committed to stand trial at the Berbice High Court at the next practical sitting of the criminal assizes after Magistrate Singh ruled that sufficient evidence had been made out against them in relation to the charge. In his ruling, the Magistrate noted that a Prima Facie case had been made out against the three accused. The Magistrate afterwards allowed the men to address the court. Alluding to Section 65 of the Criminal Law Procedure Act, the Magistrate cautioned the three accused as they stood individually in the prisoners’ dock at the Springlands Magistrate’s Court. “You are not obliged to say anything, unless you wish to do so but anything you say will be taken in writing and can be used as evidence against you in your trial.” Veerasammy, Harrinauth and Fraser each stood and pleaded their innocence. “I am innocent, sir. I know nothing about this matter,” the men stated. The three accused later told the court that they had no other witnesses to call in their defence. In light of those circumstances, Magistrate Singh announced that the matter was laid over to the High Court for trial. The three accused were therefore released into the custody of police ranks to be transported back to the New Amsterdam Prison where they are expected to remain until such time. As they exited the courthouse, the men vented their anger; hurling insults at bystanders and threatening witnesses involved in the matter. The ruckus caused several ranks to intervene --- armed with shotguns and rifles the officers stood strategically around the courtyard as the men were escorted out of the compound.
Accused: (From left) Basheer Harrinauth and Delroy Fraser
Murdered: Shameer Mursalin Ali Meanwhile, relatives of the deceased expressed their satisfaction at the outcome of the case. The victim’s sister, Hallimoon Lalman, noted that she is thankful that the matter which was before the Magistrate’s Court for the past two years is finally coming to an end. “All Glory to the Lord Jesus for this favourable outcome and a special thanks to Kaieteur News Publisher, Glen Lall, for sending a reporter to ensure that justice prevailed, “she said. The matter caught the attention of the media several months ago after allegations of misconduct surfaced against Magistrate Singh. It was reported that during the Preliminary Inquiry, (PI) into the murder, Singh adjourned the case without allowing the main witness in the trial to review and sign his deposition. Those close to the investigation viewed the act as a deliberate ploy to sabotage the case. But Magistrate Singh had defended his actions. Quoting sections of the law, Singh claimed that he was within his rights to do so. According to Magistrate Singh, the law does not specify a time limit by which depositions are signed. “It could be signed at any time before the accused are called to lead their defence,” Singh explained. “I do that all the time. There is nothing wrong with it,” he said. However, a number of law-
Accused: Dennis Veerasammy
Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh yers and judicial officials who commented on the issue were in agreement that the Magistrate erred. The officials noted that although the law does not state a specified time, it is considered good practice, because of the legal pitfalls, for the evidence to be read over and signed by the witness as soon as possible. “If something should happen to the witness, the uncertified information is not valid. Furthermore, if there is a lapse of time in certifying the record, it can be problematic and eventually be discredited.” Magistrate Singh appeared to later backpedal on his position allowing witnesses in the matter to sign their statements immediately after giving evidence. Singh, who presides over the Springlands Magistrate’s Court, has since come under investigation by the Judicial Service Commission, (JSC) for his conduct and handling of cases.
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Friday November 10, 2017
Limited capacity forces GPHC’s Medical Lab to subcontract tests As the premier public health facility, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation [GPHC] is expected to deliver a wide variety of health services, including those that are offered by its Medical Laboratory. But the laboratory has been faced with some shortcomings. This situation was brought to the attention of the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Social Services when its members paid a visit to the GPHC earlier this year. Speaking with Director of the Medical Laboratory, Dr. Fiona Rambarran, the Committee was made aware of the fact that tests such as infectious markers are not done at the laboratory. While such tests are usually done at the National Public Health Reference Laboratory, Dr. Rambaran, revealed that tests such as Hepatitis C and Dengue were not routinely available at the hospital lab. This development, according to her, has thus placed the lab at a disadvantage. In fact, the hospital is, as a result, forced to subcontract these tests. But there are some services that the lab is able to offer today that were not previously available, according to Dr. Rambarran. She disclosed for instance that the laboratory is at present able to offer blood gases test. A blood gas test is ordered when someone has symptoms of an oxygen/carbon dioxide or pH imbalance, such as difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, nausea
- Parliamentary Committee hears or vomiting. It may also be ordered when someone is known to have respiratory, metabolic or kidney disease and is experiencing respiratory distress. There have been other moves that have been made to enhance the operation of the lab. According to Dr. Rambarran, the Department was recently given a new Chemistry and haematology analyser machines. A coagulation analyser would be obtained shortly. Added to this, the Director revealed that the Blood Bank had improved its collection to meet the laboratory needs and that the stock out had reduced significantly over the past two years. However, Dr. Rambarran admitted that the stocking-out situation still remains a challenge when it comes to blood banking in relation to platelets and plasma. Currently, the Medical Laboratory has five sections -- Bio Chemistry, Urology, Haematology, Compatibility and Micro Biology. Dr. Rambarran disclosed that the Lab is one designed to conduct all the basic testing and processing of samples for all the regional hospitals and health centres in Region Four as well as referrals from hospitals across the country. However, since the lab has been tasked with doing tests for other institutions, Dr. Rambarran said that the large
number of samples to be processed and the results to be dispersed usually pose a challenge. According to the Committee in its report of the visit, “[Dr. Rambarran] explained that sometimes calls are made to regional hospitals and health centres to give them their test results and the copies of those results would be sent subsequently.” Dr. Rambarran also told the Committee that the lab has a number of results for patients who have not returned to uplift them. The Medical Laboratory Director has moreover suggested that “if the lab implements an electronic system, results would be transmitted easily, staff would be able to monitor patients in the system and the services offered by the department would be improved making it more compliant with the law and laboratory standards.” Following the visit, a number of recommendations were made by the Committee for the Medical Laboratory. These include the implementation of an electronic data base system to store and transfer results; the procurement of special markers to facilitate tumour, infectious markers, among others. The Committee also recommended that the lab should have trained technicians and that the hospital train personnel for maintenance of equipment.
E-Governance Unit flagged for fuel racket The Audit Office of Guyana has found the E-Governance Unit of the Ministry of Public Telecommunications to be operating in a manner that is not consistent with best accounting practices and the laws of Guyana. Specifically, the Audit Office highlighted several discrepancies with the way in which the unit accounted for millions of dollars’ worth of fuel. According to the 2016 Auditor General’s report, $12.407M represented the total amount expended by the Ministry of Public Telecommunications on fuel and lubricants for the period under review. The Auditor General, Deodat Sharma said that included in the $12.4M is the sum of $7.09M which was spent on the supply of fuel and lubricants to the E-Government Unit for the period. “However, audit checks carried out on the fuel slips, charged bills and invoices revealed that: a) a fuel register
was not maintained ; b) charge bills and invoices for the months of May and August were not presented for audit; and c) reconciliation with GUYOIL statements was not carried out for the period January- December 2016.” The only explanation offered by the E-Governance Unit is that “the register is now being maintained and the reconciliation is in process.” The Audit Office recommended that the Ministry of Telecommunication ensure that the register is maintained and amounts expended are reconciled with charge bills and invoices to properly account for amounts expended on fuel. A similar situation was found within the Ministry of Education. Sharma reported that circularised instructions requires that historical records and log books be kept for each vehicle owned and or operated by the ministry in order to record maintenance
costs and other pertinent information. However, “During the year under review, log books were not submitted for 36 serviceable vehicles. The log books presented were not properly written up and maintained. Fuel collected from the gas stations was not always recorded.” In addition, the Audit Office found that the Ministry did not maintain a fuel consumption register for the period under review. “In the circumstances, it could not be ascertained whether all journeys undertaken over the period were for official use, and whether journeys were properly authorised or whether proper control was exercised over the vehicles.” The Ministry of Education responded to the findings of the Audit Office only by committing to providing “the outstanding Log Books for examination and will endeavour to have all Log Books properly maintained.”
Friday November 10, 2017
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Telecommunications Ministry set for Hackathon 2017 The Ministry of Public Telecommunications yesterday at a press conference at the Ministry’s boardroom, on Camp Street, Georgetown announced the programme for this year’s Hackathon. It is being held under the theme ‘Hack to the Future’. Ministerial Advisor on Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Lance Hinds, said that the programme expects to have the participation of at least 60 persons competing in 12 groups. He announced that the much anticipated Hackathon will be held over three days from November 17 at the Pegasus Hotel. The competition is slated to commence at noon on Friday November 17. Contestants will be expected to work through the entire 48 hours of the programme. This will be followed by a judging round, after which the winner will be announced on Sunday evening. “This is really a first come, first served arrangement. As soon as we get 12, we are going to close off. So all teams that are interested, we urge you to register as soon as possible”. So far four teams have registered. One of them is a Surinamese team. Hinds said the Ministry al-
ways welcomes the participation of its neighbours to be part of the exercise. Come November 17, contestants will battle for the first prize of $300,000 with additional mentorship from the Ministry to make their production better, thereby securing a sale for the product. Second prize winner will secure $200,000 and third place $150,000. While the Ministry has not yet decided on what participants will produce over the period of time, it was promised that, “anything that we select for them to do must have some application, either in the Government, Civil Society or the Private Sector”. This, according to Hinds, has been the policy of the programme from the inception. The advisor to the Minister stated that an invitation to the public was scheduled to be sent out yesterday to give these persons an opportunity to make a suggestion as to what type of product they think will be useful in the various Ministries and why. Even as the activity is slated for next week, it was noted that this is an initiative that the Ministry is developing to inform Guyana on the Technical talent that is engraved in youths.
(From right) Coordinator of Hackathon, Kevin Roopchand; Ministerial Advisor, ICT, Lance Hinds; and Coordinator of Hackathon, Donnella Collison Kevin Roopchan, a member of the coordinating team, said he encourages persons with the necessary skills to take part in the contest and considers building a team rather than jumping into the programme. He noted that the newest aspect of this year’s Hackathon will allow persons in Guyana to also make contributions to the programme in the form of suggestions. A prize will be given also to persons with such ideas. Details on this aspect of the competition can be viewed on the Ministry’s Facebook page. Persons desirous of participating in the activity are
expected to be equipped with skills in the areas of programming, modern languages, whether Java Script or Dot Net and experience in developing mobile or web applications. It was further related that participants will be in talks
with the coordinating officials from Hackathon so that they will be informed on what is expected of them in terms of performance as well as behaviour. Registration is expected to end on November 15 for the
activity; however, if 12 teams are acquired before this date, registration will be halted. Last year’s Hackathon attracted eight teams. The winner is currently being assisted to make his project run in the Agricultural Ministry.
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Murdered teacher’s baby’s father held …he was found with victim’s missing phone The bizarre murder of 22-year-old teacher Kescia Branche took another strange turn yesterday, with detectives detaining the father of her child after finding him with her cell phone. A senior official confirmed that the man is in custody and is being subjected to intense questioning. Kescia Branche’s mobile phone is one of the items that was reportedly missing after she was found battered and unconscious in Louisa Row last Sunday. Calls to the number had all gone unanswered. Meanwhile, the four police ranks who were being questioned about Branche’s murder are reportedly still in custody. Among them is a constable, who had claimed to have dropped Branche off at a street in Prashad Nagar, Georgetown. Also in custody are two
other policemen that the teacher had met in Kitty. At the time, she was standing near a night club waiting for a taxi. They all went to a barbeque grill on Mandela Avenue. One rank alleged that he went to use a washroom, and when he returned, the teacher and his
Skeleton suspected to be missing teen’s remains found at Lethem -had reportedly received death threats over cattle rustling claims Police appear to have found the remains of 18year-old Lethem ranch hand, John Friday, who was reportedly murdered last August by individuals who accused him of cattle rustling. The skeletal remains and some clothing were found on Monday in a bushy area known as ‘Break Away,’ located on the left bank of the Takutu River, some three miles out of Lethem. A ranch hand who stumbled on the remains identified a shirt and a pair of underwear as items that
Dead: Kescia Branche
Friday November 10, 2017
belonged to Friday. The ranch hand, who is a friend of Friday’s, has given police the names of an individual who had allegedly accused the teen of stealing one of his cows. The ranch hand had also claimed that the same man, and his workers, had beaten him and submerged him in the Takutu River. He also claimed that his attackers had warned that he “would end up like his friend.” John Friday, of Central Lethem, was last seen in August. Friends had
Missing ranch hand, John Friday assumed that he had migrated to Brazil. Police at Lethem are likely to question several suspects today.
colleague were gone. Around 05:00 hrs on Sunday, Branche, of First Street, Cummings Lodge, was found unconscious. Her left leg was broken and she sustained multiple head injuries. She died at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation on Tuesday.
Gold Board staffers sent home in gold-fixing probe Two staffers of the Guyana Gold Board (GGB) have been sent home amidst investigations into alleged cooking of the books. According to sources, currently off-duty now are the accountant Rosanna Ramnarine and a junior staffer, Deborah Forbes. It is being reported that the decision to send the two home is part of a larger overhaul of the Gold Board
and an expanding probe stemming from a major investigation involving top officials of the entity who were relieved of their duties earlier this year. Sources indicated that a scam, involving millions of dollars, monthly, was being run where gold brought in for sale by miners was being recorded as less with the miners not receiving the correct amount.
Gold Board workers shaved off some of the gold presented and kept the shavings for themselves. It is unclear how this could have happened as the secured area at the Brickdam office has security cameras. Gold Board is the official buyer of the yellow metal for Government. It has been proving a headache for recent administrations because of billions of dollars in deficits, made worse by the fall of gold prices about five years ago. At the Gold Board this year, three senior officialsGeneral Manager, Lisaveta R a m o t a r ; h e r d e p u t y, Andrea Seelochan and Legal Officer, Suzanne Bullen, were sent home also for alleged collusion with dealer, Saddiqi ‘Bobby’ Rasul. Rasul, a Bartician, who lost his dealer’s licence, is being investigated for money laundering. The administration has signaled an overhaul at Gold Board with calls for the entity to stop buying gold, as a way to reduce the risk of Government losing monies. Rather, the entity is being recommended to act more as a regulator.
The skeletal remains
CARICOM leaders urged to place crime on agenda of upcoming conference BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - (CMC) – Attorney General and Minister of Home Affairs Adriel Brathwaite has urged Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders to place crime, as well as disaster management, on their agenda for the next meeting of heads of government due at the end of February In an address on Wednesday, at the opening of a two day CariSECURE workshop hosted by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Brathwaite pointed to the situation in Barbados, noting that gun crimes resulted in 28 murders so far this year, surpassing the 23 recorded for all of last year.
Attorney General Adriel Brathwaite He said crime and security and disaster management are the critical issues facing the region at this time. “These two issues can, and will, determine how we go forward, or if we go forward as a region.”
He said if crime, in p a r t i c u l a r, w a s n o t immediately controlled, it would have dire consequences. “Unless we put the resources in place to tackle the challenges that we are having all across the region, then we are shooting ourselves in the foot,” the Attorney General said, adding that the region needed to do a better job at compiling, and making available, crime statistics. “We need a holistic approach. We need to have champions across all the ministries, across all the sectors, so that we have information that is readily available. We c a n n o t c r e a t e effective policy without the relevant data,” he stated.
Kaieteur News
Friday November 10, 2017
PAGE 29
UK strives to strengthen In Beijing, Trump presses relations with Barbados China on North Korea and trade BEIJING (Reuters) U.S. President Donald Trump pressed China to do more to rein in North Korea yesterday and said bilateral trade had been unfair to the United States, but praised President Xi Jinping’s pledge that China would be more open to foreign firms. O n N o r t h K o r e a ’s nuclear and missile programs, Trump said “China can fix this problem quickly and easily”, urging Beijing to cut financial links with North Korea and also calling on Russia to help.
(L-R) -Lord Ahmad, Prime Minister Freundel Stuart and Janet Douglas British High Commissioner BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - CMC – The United Kingdom’s Minister of State with responsibility for the Caribbean and the Commonwealth, Lord Ahmad arrived here We d n e s d a y t o f u r t h e r strengthen the relations between both contries. The visit formed part of a three-day visit to the Caribbean, which also included Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica. During meetings with Prime Minister Fruendel Stuart and other government officials, discussions included the 2018
Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, postBrexit trading arrangements with the region, and joint efforts to combat organised crime across the Eastern Caribbean. Lord Ahmad was also thanked the Prime Minister Stuart personally, for Barbados’ invaluable assistance in support of the UK’s h u r r i c a n e r e l i e f efforts totalling almost £65 million; by acting as the base for the coordination of UK military forces and the transportation of UK Aid to islands affected by Irma and Maria.
“The UK and Caribbean share a long rich history with shared values, common interests and an interwoven history”, further expressing the UK’s desire to nurture and develop its relationship with Barbados and the region,” Lord Ahmad noted in an official statement released via the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. “We are and will remain strong partners in trade and will continue to cooperate to combat organised crime and counterterrorism to ensure our citizens’ security and protect our way of life.”
Civil society discusses sustainable development challenges in the C’bean SANTA CRUZ, Bolivia - (CMC) – More than 500 representatives from Latin American and Caribbean Civil Societies organizations are meeting in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, with s e n i o r I n t e r- A m e r i c a n Development Bank (IDB) officials to discuss ways to put innovation at the service of sustainable development. Yesterday, the IDB said the 17th Annual Meeting is a two-day annual event that includes workshops, discussion panels and direct exchanges with Civil Society groups. This year’s meeting focuses on the relevance of innovation for sustainable growth from a variety of perspectives, such as the jobs of the future, the use of data to transform cities, the changes brought about by the digital economy, the exponential growth of technology and social innovation, the IDB said.
Alexandre Meira da Rosa
“In this constantly changing world, the civil society in Latin America and the Caribbean has a unique chance to profit from disruptive innovation to contribute to improve the living standards of all its citizens,” said the IDB’s Vice President for Countries Alexandre Meira da Rosa. “We must all work together to strengthen our region’s innovation potential and make sure that it plays a pivotal role in the fourth digital revolution.” Both from its
headquarters in Washington and its 26 country offices throughout the region, the IDB said it works alongside the Civil Society on five strategic engagement lines – information, dialogues, public consultations, collaboration, and partnerships – “in order to promote inclusion and diversity to combat inequality and poverty, boost productivity and innovation, and foster economic integration among Latin American and Caribbean countries.
Trump was speaking alongside Xi in the Chinese capital to announce the signing of about $250 billion in commercial deals between U.S. and Chinese firms, a display that some in the U.S. business community worry detracts from tackling deepseated complaints about market access in China. Xi said the Chinese economy would become increasingly open and transparent to foreign firms, including those from the United States, and welcomed U.S. companies to participate in his ambitious “Belt and Road” infrastructure-led initiative. Trump made clear that he blamed his predecessors, not China, for the trade imbalance, and repeatedly praised Xi, calling him “a very special man”. “But we will make it fair and it will be tremendous for both of us,” Trump said. Xi smiled widely when Trump said he does not blame China for the deficit and also when Trump said Xi gets things done. “Of course there are some frictions, but on the basis of win-win cooperation and fair competition, we hope we can solve all these issues in a frank and consultative way,” Xi said. “Keeping opening up is
U.S. President Donald Trump and China’s President Xi Jinping make joint statements at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, yesterday. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst our long-term strategy. We will never narrow or close our doors. We will further widen them,” he said. China would also offer a more fair and transparent environment for foreign firms, including U.S. ones, Xi said. MODEST PROGRESS Trump is pressing China to tighten the screws further on North Korea and its development of nuclear weapons in defiance of U.N. sanctions. At least modest progress is hoped for, although there are no immediate signs of a major breakthrough, a U.S. official said earlier. Referring to Xi, Trump said: “I do believe there’s a solution to that, as do you.” Xi reiterated that China would strive for the denuclearisation of the Korea n p e n i n s u l a b u t offered no hint that China would change tack on North Korea, with which it fought side-by-side in the 1950-53 Korean war against U.S.-led forces. “We are devoted to reaching a resolution to the Korean peninsula issue through dialogue and consultations,” Xi said. Briefing reporters after
the talks, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Trump told Xi: “You’re a strong man, I’m sure you can solve this for me.” Tillerson said both leaders agreed they could not accept a nuclear-armed North Korea but he acknowledged they had some differences over tactics and timing. Tillerson pointed out that Trump, in a speech in Seoul, had “invited the North Koreans to come to the table,” in line with the Chinese desire for a negotiated solution. He added, however, that Trump was prepared for a “military response” if he deemed the threat serious enough, but “that’s not his first choice”. “We are going to work hard on diplomatic efforts as well,” he said, but did not elaborate. In a show of the importance China puts on Trump’s first official visit, Thursday’s welcoming ceremony outside Beijing’s Great Hall of the People overlooking Tiananmen Square was broadcast live on state television unprecedented treatment for a visiting leader.
U.S. blacklists 10 Venezuelans for corruption, undermining state vote WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Tr e a s u r y D e p a r t m e n t yesterday sanctioned 10 more Venezuelan officials, including several government ministers, who it said had helped Ve n e z u e l a n P r e s i d e n t Nicolas Maduro’s attempts to undermine democratic rule in the country.
“These individuals are associated with undermining electoral processes, media censorship, or corruption in government-administered food programs in Ve n e z u e l a , ” t h e U . S . Treasury said in a statement. On Oct. 15, state elections were held in Venezuela. The list of officials
includes Julian Rodriguez D i a z , Ve n e z u e l a ’ s ambassador to Italy; Ernesto Emilio Villegas Poljak, Venezuela’s new minister of culture; Freddy Bernal R o s a l e s , Ve n e z u e l a ’s minister for urban agriculture; and Manuel Fernandez Melendez, who heads the country’s National Telephone Company.
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SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.
Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK;Guyanapassport application. G r a p h i c s design, advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. INNOVATIVE MARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included.
1. Cat 320 BL Excavator, 1. Cat 215 B Excavator, 1. Cat 428 Back- Hoe, 1. Leyland Daft Truck, 1. 8CU.YD. Mack Cement Mixer Truck. Contact: 275-0367, 275-0538/ 683-7225
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Creole chicks, ducklings, ducks, turkey chicks & one fridge. Contact: 610-0901
Cerulean Inc celebrates tourism month 2017 by hosting a service showcase. Contact 226-4650
SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. -CosmetologyCourses:$90,000 Technician Course: $35,000. Call: 647-1773/660-5257 Qualified Hairdresser & nail technician. At least 1 year experience must be able to work without supervision. Call: 227-1125, 626-6450
Video games and consoles at affordable price. Repairs to video game system .Call:6722566/265-3231
1 Mitsubishi canter, long base good condition. Contact# 698-8820. Samsung Galaxy J3 $30,000, Samsung Galaxy On5 $32,000, Motorola Droid Turbo $45,000 Tel: 6219604,694-1748 Nintendo DS Lite $6000, Xbox360 $30,000, NumarkMixtrack 3 with free laptop $60,000 Tel: 621-9604, 694-1748 HP 6730B laptop windows 10 Pro $35,000, HP G62 laptop windows 10 Pro $50,000, Android TV Box fully loaded $18,000 Tel: 621-9604, 694-1748
LEARN TO DRIVE C. Persaud& N. Outar Driving School formerly Soman& Sons Driving School @ Maraj Building- Call: 6445166; 622-2872; 615-0964; 689-5997 (affordable packages).
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PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY ETC.– CALL DIAMOND TENTS:216-1043; 6776620 1 bedroom apartment, Samatta Point E.B.D. Phone No: 665-8561/625-2406
Security to work in the interior. Must have Military/ Police background. Age range 35-50. Contact # 2269768
One business space, located at 177 Charlotte & Alexander St- Kindly call: 689-3462 or 644-3555. Serious enquiries only.
Residential: One bedroom house. Cornelia Ida Public Road $25,000 per month. Tel: 693-3340 Furnished one and two bedroom apartment in Nandy Park.Parking available. Call 6194824(for further information) PEN PAL Overseas male seeks female. Age 29-32. Call or text 664-3119
Experienced Curry cook, Roti/ Puri cook, Cleaners. Apply Hack Halaal. 5 Commerce St.
Property for rent - 2 storey house at Republic Park, E.B.D$1200US. Call 647-1773
Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic- Call: 223-7500 Monday to Saturday 8:15am-4:15pm
Furnished two bedroom house, top flat in E.B.D Diamond to rent. 2160644/668-8430.
Live in & live out Babysitter. Preferably from EBD. Call: 647-1773
2 Bedroom apartment to rent. Caneville, Grove E.B.D. $35,000. Tel#653-3328
Land to buy inParafaiteHarmonie or anywhere on the west coast, 1.8 million, 1.5 million. Tel:6421252
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TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 2257878 (24HRS)
Thursday November 10, 2017
Kaieteur News
VEHICLE FOR SALE Allion, Primo, Fielder Wagon, Spacio, Bluebird, 212 Carina, NZE, Honda CRV, Toyota IST, RZ & Pit-bull – Call: 650-7501 1-Caterpillar skid steer loader 236B $3.8M. Contact # 6500-402 Mitsubishi Pajero. Best offer accepted- Call: 219-5354 Monday to Friday 8:15am4:15pm, Saturday 8:15am4:15pm Gun Metal BMW 3181. Good Condition. PPP series, 164k mileage. Rim music 1.6 million negotiable. Call: 6047998. 1-AT192 Carina. Excellent condition Call: 662-9378.
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EDUCATION Day Care and Pre-K classes available in Diamond Call Canadian School 2166921,216-6922
VACANCY General maintenance man. Age 25-50 Tel: 225-0198 or visit 233 South Rd, Lacytown.
Alleged chain snatcher remanded
Chef and assistant chef. Please call 225-7933 or visit 172 Sheriff St. Deskstaff Age 25-40. Tel# 225-0198 or visit South Road, Lacytown. One Tig-welder/ fabricator, One fitter machinist for Lathe and Mill. Call 664-2670, 6970703, Email: havin_ramnauth@yahoo.com Cook/ baker and Kitchen Assistant for interior location. Applicants must have experience. Call:618-2020 One General domestic must be able to prepare vegetarian meals. Apply Alabama Trading. 65 Robb Street or call 6231615 General handy man to work at hotel. 225-9211 Cashier/ Sales Clerk. Apply in person with written application @ Nirva Supermarket 49 Sheriff& Craig Street, C/ ville. 227-5771 Experienced cleaners, Call between 7am and 9am. Tel: 225-8572 One experienced legal computer clerk. Call: 6247087/ 226-4283/258-0213/ e m a i l : husainsaphier@yahoo.com Account support specialist, Customer service representative, Office clerk with driver’s license. Apply to Zip Logistics @ hr@ziplogistics.com
Remanded to prison Junior Lewis A taxi-driver who allegedly pointed a gun at a man and robbed him of his gold chain, was on Wednesday remanded to prison after he made an appearance in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Quincy Abrams, 31, of Bagotville, West Bank Demerara, appeared before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore and denied the charge which alleged that on October 29, at West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, while being in the company of others and armed with a gun he robbed Redrick Bowman of a gold chain worth $170,000. Police Prosecutor Simone Payne opposed bail being granted to the unrepresented defendant citing the serious nature of the offence and the fact that a gun was used to commit the offence. According to reports, Bowman was walking in the West Ruimveldt area when he was approached by a group of men who held him at gunpoint and told him to hand over his valuables. Being fearful for his life, Bowman handed over his gold chain and the attackers then made good their escape. The Prosecutor’s objection was upheld by the Magistrate and the defendant was remanded to prison. The father of three was instructed to make his next court appearance on November 27. Also before the same magistrate, a labourer was remanded to prison for allegedly snatching two cellular phones. Eighteen-year-old Junior Lewis, of Pike Street, Kitty, denied the charge which alleged that on November 4 at Kingston, Georgetown, while armed with a cutlass he robbed Davina Persaud of one Samsung phone. It was further alleged that on the same day in question, while being armed with a cutlass he robbed Vishal Mohan of a cellular phone. The Prosecutor objected to bail being granted to the defendant citing the serious nature and prevalence of the offence. The magistrate remanded the defendant until December 6.
Thursday November 10, 2017
“70 percent vaccination coverage doesn’t quite cut” – DCMO Although Guyana has been able to record an overall 90 percent vaccination coverage since 2002, there are some regions of the country that have to do much more in this regard. This was the recent observation of Deputy Chief Medical Officer [DCMO], Dr. Karen Boyle. Her remarks were forthcoming as she revealed that some programmes have consistently put Guyana on the map for outstanding performances. These, she said, include the Maternal and Children Health Programme which has steadily achieved over 90 percent vaccination coverage over the past years. In fact she disclosed that in 2016 the coverage was 97 percent. “In comparison to most other territories in the Americas, Guyana is a top performer. For this we should be proud and I take the opportunity to publicly commend the hard working team being capably led now by Dr. Ertenisa Hamilton,” said Dr. Boyle.But according to the DCMO, “When we look a little deeper, internally, at the regional vaccination coverage, we see that not all children are created equal, not all babies have equal opportunities to be reached when they should be with the vaccination programme.” She explained that the situation that exists is that some regions have a challenge to provide adequate vaccination coverage, especially in Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine. “In some places, the coverage is as low as 70 percent,” said Dr. Boyle. “It should be understood that WHO [the World Health Organisation] recommends targeting 90 percent coverage to achieve something they call Herd Immunity.” Herd Immunity, according to Dr. Boyle, simply means that “if you have enough people vaccinated, even if you import a case and if that person is surrounded by people who have already been vaccinated, it is not likely that you will have an outbreak.” For this very reason, the DCMO stressed “it is important that you try to reach that 90 per-
cent coverage.” She added, “You can appreciate that 70 percent vaccination coverage doesn’t quite cut it, so the question must be what do we have to do differently to ensure that children born in the hinterland have equity in access to health services and that the services when delivered are culturally appropriate and therefore acceptable to them.” It was Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings, who also underscored that “until we can ensure that every child, every person, is receiving his or her required vaccines, there remains much more to be done.” According to Minister Cummings, based on information from the Centre for Diseases Control and Prevention, there are five main reasons for placing emphasis on immunization. These include the fact that “immunizations can save your child’s life; it is very safe and effective; immunization protects others you care about; immunizations can save your family time and money; and immunization protects future generations.” ”Vaccines promote health and unlike many other public health interventions, vaccines can help healthy people remain healthy, and at the same time remove a major obstacle to human development. Vaccines also have an expansive reach: They protect individuals, communities, and entire populations,” she added. Through its Expanded Programme on Immunisation [EPI], the Public Health Ministry has been advancing its vaccination programme. Guyana has had success with its Immunization Programme over several decades. In the 1970s, the programme started to vaccinate against six diseases – measles, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, diphtheria and tuberculosis – but by the end of 2015, additional antigens against yellow fever, Hepatitis B, mumps, haemophilus influenza, rubella, rotavirus and pneumococcal, meningococcal and human papilloma virus were included.
GRA seizes boats... From page 9 distributors have a vested interest in reducing such activity, since it reduces their bottom line. Ideally, such parties should have been requested to cooperate with any such a design, rather than having it trusted upon them, as they would be responsible for its
implementation.” The officials said it is recommended that GRA hold consultations with all the players in the field. They said, too, that it is known that digital stamps “in plain sight” are more easily forgeable, than digital markings when so placed in the packaging by producers.
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Friday November 10, 2017
Friday November 10, 2017
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Syria declares victory over Islamic State BEIRUT (Reuters) Syria’s army declared victory over Islamic State yesterday, saying its capture of the jihadists’ last town in the country marked the collapse of their three-year, hardline reign in the region. The army and its allies are still fighting Islamic State in desert areas near Albu Kamal, the last town the militant group had held in Syria, near the border with Iraq, the army said. But the capture of the town ends Islamic State’s era of territorial rule over the socalled caliphate that it proclaimed in 2014 across Iraq and Syria and in which millions suffered under its hardline, repressive strictures. Yet after ferocious defensive battles in its most important cities this year, where its fighters bled for every house and street, its final collapse has come with lightning speed. Instead of a battle to the death as they mounted a last stand in the Euphrates valley towns and villages near the border between Iraq and Syria, many fighters surrendered or fled. “There’s some fighters left but they’re few. Small numbers is all I can say,” said a Syrian army commander of the remaining militants near
Albu Kamal. “Some were killed and some ran away. They went toward eastern or northern villages.” In Albu Kamal, the jihadists had fought fiercely, said a commander in the proSyrian government military alliance. But it was captured the same day the assault began. This sealed “the fall of the terrorist Daesh organization’s project in the region”, an army statement said, using an Arabic term for Islamic State. The fate of its last commanders is still unknown — killed by bombardment or in battle, taken prisoner but unidentified, or hunkered into long-prepared hideouts to plot a new insurgency. The last appearance of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who declared himself caliph and heir to Islam’s historic leaders from the great medieval mosque in Iraq’s Mosul, was made in an audio recording in September. “Oh Soldiers of Islam in every location, increase blow after blow, and make the media centers of the infidels, from where they wage their intellectual wars, among the targets,” he said. Mosul fell to Iraqi forces in July after a nine-month battle. Islamic State’s Syrian capital of Raqqa fell in October to the Syrian Democratic
Forces (SDF), a U.S.-backed alliance of Kurdish and Arab militias, after four months of fighting. But all the forces fighting Islamic State in Syria and Iraq expect a new phase of guer-
rilla warfare, a tactic the militants have already shown themselves capable of with armed operations in both countries. Western security chiefs have also said its loss of ter-
ritory does not mean an end to the “lone-wolf” attacks with guns, knives or trucks plowing into civilians that its supporters have mounted around the world. MIDDLE EAST CHAOS
As it did after previous setbacks, Islamic State’s leadership may now stay underground and wait for a new opportunity to take advantage of the chaos in the Middle East.
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Friday November 10, 2017
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Four Russian cross-country skiers get life ban for doping MOSCOW (Reuters) Four Russian cross-country skiers have been banned for life from the Olympics after they were found guilty of doping at the 2014 Sochi Games by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Russian cross-country federation said yesterday. The head of the federa-
tion, Elena Valbe, told R-Sport that skiers Maxim Vylegzhanin, Alexei Petukhov, Evgenia Shapovalova and Yulia Ivanova had been disqualified and their results annulled over doping. “The athletes have been disqualified for life from taking part in the Olympic Games,” Valbe said, without
specifying the doping violations. The IOC has yet to make a statement regarding the skiers. The decision brings to six the number of Russian cross-country skiers sanctioned this month for violating anti-doping rules as part of an IOC investigation into allega-
tions of widespread doping among Russians and sample tampering by laboratory and security officials at the Sochi Games. The skiers’ disqualification also means Russia loses two silver medals won by Vylegzhanin in the 50 km freestyle and the team sprint.
Hearn confirms start of Joshua-Wilder talks LONDON (Reuters) - A heavyweight world title fight between Britain’s Anthony Joshua and U.S. rival Deontay Wilder has moved a step closer after promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed contract talks would begin yesterday. WBA, IBF and IBO world
champion Joshua and the WBC title-holder Wilder want the match-up as part of efforts to unify the heavyweight division. Joshua has knocked out all 20 of his opponents to date, while Wilder has won all 39 of his professional fights
and has been taken the distance only once. “This is the first meeting (on Thursday). It may go well, it may go terribly, it may go OK. Fans need to know we are being proactive,” Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, told Sky Sports from New York.
GFF names 18-man squad for... (From page 38) the Trinidad game, Dover said: “We are expecting a very tough game where Trinidad will bring it to us especially since they’re coming off from a 2-1 victory against the United States. They should be confident but we’re preparing for that. We will try to give a good account of ourselves, give a good match and get a positive result.”
Meanwhile, a 24-man locally-based squad has begun training from November 5, as Guyana also prepares to face Indonesia in an International Friendly on the 25th November in Indonesia. Dover said this squad will be available for selection, he is pleased with the attendance thus far and the players have shown a commitment to fitness, which is one of the critical areas: “Fitness is currently our number priority. Analysis of our
previous match against Grenada revealed a number of areas in the team’s performance that can be improved. Such areas included our crossing ability and our execution of combination play. Nevertheless, we have used this knowledge to develop a new training regimen.” While some of the selected players travel to Trinidad, the others will remain as a unit with identified coaches. “Bryan Joseph and Lyndon France will remain to work with players who are not selected and, in so doing, provide them with an opportunity to improve their fitness and understanding of tactics. This will improve their chances of being selected for the subsequent Indonesian International Friendly,” Dover said. The overseas-based players, who are all in peak shape from playing in ongoing seasonal matches with their respective clubs, will join the locally-based team members in Trinidad. The Golden Jaguars are set to depart for Trinidad and Tobago today for their November 14 date with the Trinidad and Tobago Senior Men’s National Team at the Ato Bolton Stadium.
“The Wilder fight will happen in 2018, unquestionably.” Hearn added that it’s merely a case of deciding where and when the fight will be. The winner of a JoshuaWilder fight would also need to defeat New Zealand’s Joseph Parker, the undefeated WBO champion, to hold all five heavyweight titles at the same time.
Petukhov, Shapovalova and Ivanova did not win medals at Sochi. Petukhov, a two-time world medalist, won bronze at the 2010 Vancouver Games in the team sprint. Ivanova was part of the Russian team that placed sixth in the relay in Sochi. She also finished 17th in the 10 km, while Shapovalova finished 19th in the 15 km sprint. The Russian crosscountry federation said in a statement it would appeal the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The annou n c e m e n t comes a week after crosscountry skiers Alexander Legkov and Evgeniy Belov received life bans from the Olympics over doping at Sochi. Legkov won gold in the 50km and a silver medal in the 4x10 km relay event.
The IOC said all of Russia’s 4x10 km team, which included Vylegzhanin, would be disqualified given Legkov’s violation. Belov, who competed in the men’s skiathlon 15+15 km mass start event and the 15 km classic country skiing event, did not win a medal at Sochi. The IOC is re-testing all Russian athletes’ samples from the 2014 Games following revelations by Grigory Rodchenkov, the former head of Moscow’s suspended anti-doping laboratory, of a scheme to cover up home competitors’ positive samples. The IOC has said it will decide during its executive board meeting being held from Dec. 5-7 on the participation of Russian competitors at the Pyeongchang winter Olympics in February.
Friday November 10 , 2017 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Self-deception is likely. Any financial limitations will probably have to be dealt with on your own. Do not force your opinions on others the connections will be short lived.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Resistance leading to conflict will only make it twice as hard to turn the situation around. You will drive your emotional partner crazy today.
TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You are in a high cycle where travel, education, and creative endeavors are concerned. Be careful how you handle friends and relatives, they may take things the wrong way.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You can make favorable changes in your home environment. This will not be the best day to make changes or renovations to your residence. Plans to make physical improvements may lead to psychological changes, too.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Consider selling your homemade crafts at the flea market. You must be careful not to reveal secrets or get involved in gossip. You need to start planning that vacation.
SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You need an outlet. Weigh the pros and cons and make a decision that will change the conditions you've been living under. Taking on too much won't help the situation.
CANCER (June 21–July 22) Inharmonious situations at home may be extremely upsetting for you today. New interests are preoccupying your time.
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Friends and relatives may be hard to take today. Don't get involved in other people's problems. Passion is about the best way for you to relieve tension.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You are ahead of your time, and trying to stay in one spot could be asking too much. Changes in your domestic scene are evident. Partnerships will be favorable and contracts can be signed.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You like to stay busy and now is your chance to do just that. Fitness or weight loss programs will help your self esteem.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) . Difficulties with older females in your family may turn out to be quite trivial after all. You can enjoy doing things that include children.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You need a job with more responsibility and a higher wage. Your ideas may be a little ahead of their time; don't push them, instead just continue working on development.
Friday November 10, 2017
Kaieteur News
Massa ready to go but hopes Brazil will stay
Felipe Massa (apa/afp/stollarz) SAO PAULO (Reuters) Felipe Massa hopes his home Brazilian Grand Prix can stay on the Formula One calendar despite a drought of local drivers and uncertainty about the long-term future of the Interlagos circuit. The 36-year-old Williams driver, winner of 11 grands prix with Ferrari and world championship runnerup in 2008, is retiring at the end of the year. His departure ends an unbroken line of Brazilian drivers stretching back nearly four decades and comes at a time when Interlagos, which has a contract to host the race to 2020, is up for sale. “I really hope Formula
One stays forever in Brazil,” Massa told reporters at the atmospheric bowl-like circuit where he last won in 2008. “Brazil is a very important country for Formula One; so many titles, so many drivers, so many Brazilian drivers raced for Formula One since the start. “I really hope Interlagos stays for a very long time in Formula One and anything I can give to help, not racing any more, I can do. It is a very important race.” Brazil has produced three world champions — Emerson Fittipaldi, Nelson Piquet and the late Ayrton Senna — who won eight titles between them.
There has been a Brazilian driver competing in every championship since 1970 when 1972 and 1974 champion Fittipaldi made his debut. Before Fittipaldi, there was a 10-year period with no Brazilians and the country’s race dates back only to 1973. No Brazilian has won a grand prix since Rubens Barrichello in 2009 and Massa has been his country’s sole representative since Felipe Nasr left Sauber at the end of last season. Massa had also been due to go last year but was recalled in January when his Williams team mate Valtteri Bottas moved to Mercedes following the sudden retirement of 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg. Sunday will be his last home appearance and penultimate grand prix of his career. “This time is the last one for sure in Formula One,” Massa said of his second farewell to the home crowd in the space of a year. “I‘m really looking forward to another amazing feeling to race at home and really enjoying the track that I grew up (on).” Massa, who plans to race on in some other as-yet unspecified series, said his best memory of Interlagos was winning with Ferrari in 2006.
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FIFA’s human rights advisers call for more detail over stadium workers MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) - FIFA has been urged to reveal more about its monitoring of construction sites at World Cup venues in Russia and Qatar in a report by its Human Rights Advisory Board. The report, published on Thursday, welcomed FIFA’s new approach, such as including commitments to human rights in the bidding process for hosting future tournaments and the creation of a human rights policy. Yet the panel, which includes human rights experts from various organizations, called for further measures. “What matters now is that FIFA demonstrate meaningful steps on the most urgent priorities – meaning those that can have the most severe impacts on people,” the report said. FIFA said it “welcomes the recommendations of the Advisory Board formulated in this report and sees them as helpful guidance for its efforts to further strengthen its systems toward ensuring respect for human rights.”
Much of the criticism of FIFA’s record on human rights has focused on workers’ rights at stadium and facility construction in Russia and Qatar, which will host the World Cups in 2018 and 2022 respectively. FIFA has set up what it calls “monitoring systems” for construction work in Russia and Qatar, but the board said information on the results of their operation and findings should be made public. “This is essential to build greater stakeholder trust in the work that is already being done, as well as plans to address remaining gaps and challenges,” said the board. Qatar is keen to show it is tackling allegations of worker exploitation and the International Organization for Labour (ILO) on Wednesday dropped a case against the Gulf state over its treatment of foreign workers. Regarding Russia, however, the report said FIFA needed to “strengthen the work to address human rights risks in relation to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, including labor conditions”.
Jane Buchanan, Assistant Director, European and Central Asia Division of Human Rights Watch, an organization which declined an invitation to join the FIFA board, a g r e e d t h a t s o c c e r ’s governing body needed to detail the monitoring. “There is just so much that FIFA has to show in terms of what it is doing,” she told Reuters. “There is just no public information about the nature, the quality, the kinds of inspections that are going on (in Russia) and so there is no way to evaluate whether it is effective. We are simply asked to take FIFA’s word for it and I think that is hard for a lot of people.” The report also called on FIFA to be transparent when cases of human rights abuses emerge. “Where critical human rights issues arise in connection with its operations, it is important for FIFA to make prompt factual statements about its knowledge of the situation that can be shared with relevant expert and/or directly involved stakeholders,” it said.
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Friday November 10, 2017
CWI Digicel Regional 4-day C/Ships
Hodge, Carty share unfinished century stand as Hurricanes take first-day advantage By Sean Devers in St Kitts In association with Connections travel & V n e t Communications It was a battle of attrition at Warner Park yesterday as Leewards Hurricanes doggedly fought their way to 181-1 against a Guyana Jaguars attack which operated with impeccable control but lacked late afternoon penetration on the opening day of their third round CWI Digicel Regional four-day encounter here. The 30-year-old West Indies ‘A’ opener Montcin Hodge led from the front with a well calculated unbeaten 72 from 274 balls with nine fours and shared in a half-century stand with fellow Anguillan Chesney Hughes and an unfinished 113-run stand with West Indies U-19 Keacy Carty. Hughes’ 31 lasted 87 balls and included five fours, while Carty’s undefeated 61 took 185 balls and was decorated with thee fours and a six. The Jaguars won the toss and asked the Hurricanes to
Montcin Hodge late cut Permaul to reach his half-century at Warner Park yesterday. (Sean Devers photo) bat on a good track and small outfield in steaming hot conditions and although Hodge and Hughes were never allowed to dominate they built a firm foundation for the home team. The left-handed Hughes, dropped at second slip by Shiv Chanderpaul on 18 off Kemo Paul, was the more
aggressive of the two although he had problems with the ball leaving him and edged Sherfane Rutherford between the Keeper Anthony Bramble and Leon Johnson at first slip on 21. Hodge was tested especially by his West Indies ‘A’ team colleague Keon Joseph, who extracted pace and lateral movement from
Watched by Anthony Bramble, Keacy Carty punches Veerasammy Permaul for four during his fifty yesterday. (Sean Devers photo) the track which favoured the batsmen but still had something in it if the pacers bent their backs and put in the effort. Against an attack dominated by pace with the tournament’s leading wicket taker left-arm spinner Ve e r a s a m m y P e r m a u l , bowling just three overs in the first session, Hodge got going with a boundary off Paul, who shared the new ball with Joseph. Hughes stroked Rutherford sweetly past point for four but the Hurricane pair was made to fight hard for their runs. Hughes square-drove Rutherford confidently to the point boundary in the 19th over to bring up the 50 and by Lunch the openers were still there in a session which was won by the hosts. At Lunch, Hurricanes were 56 without loss with Hughes on 29 and Hodge on 20.
After the interval, the Jaguars bowled four consecutive maidens before Hughes played around a ball from Shepherd was LBW at 58-1. Carty, from the hurricane hit Island of St Martin, joined Hodge who was dropped at first slip by Shiv Chanderpaul on 29 off the unfortunate Paul and the pair consolidated against Permaul and Paul bowling in tandem with impeccable control and kept a strangle hold on the batsman. Permaul from the South and Paul and Rutherford from the North kept the batsmen in shackles with a succession of dot balls before an exquisitely executed on drive from the 20-year-old Carty raced to the ropes to ease the pressure. Hodge was hitting the ball straight to the fielders and the Anguillan began to exhibit signs of frustration as
the partnership stalled as he struggled to score and put pressure on young Carty, who also found it hard to get the ball off the square. A slash off Rutherford, just past gully, brought Hodge four fortuitous runs to wide third man as the pair eked out just 46 run in 120 minutes from Lunch to Tea as they crawled to the break at 102-1 with Hodge on 41 and Carty on 20 and their partnership worth 44. Carty hit Permaul back over his head for six just after Tea, while Hodge late cut Permaul for his sixth four to post his 18th First-Class fifty from 208 balls and 258 minutes and celebrated with a Lawrence Rowe-like late cut for four more when Shepherd gave him room outside off-stump. Hodge give himself room and used Permaul’s pace; executing another deft cut past slip for four while Carty, the leading run scorer for the Hurricanes with over 300 runs, whipped Joseph for four as his confidence increased as his innings progressed. The run rate increased in the last session as the Jaguars bowled economically but lacked penetration as Carty in only his 13th match, reached his 6th fifty from 148 balls and 177 minutes with three fours and a six as the bowlers began to tire and the final period produced 79 runs. Today is the second and play starts at 10:00hrs. Scores: HURRICANES 181 for one (Montcin Hodge 72 not out, Keacy Carty 61 not out, Chesney Hughes 31) vs JAGUARS. Meanwhile, over in PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, – Trinidad & Tobago Red Force reached 334 for three in their first innings at the close, after they were sent in to bat on the first day of their round match against Windward Islands Volcanoes in the Regional 4Day Championship yesterday at Queen’s Park Oval. Scores: RED FORCE 334 for three (Denesh Ramdin 104 not out, Jason Mohammed 100 not out, Kyle Hope 68, Yannic Cariah 49; Sherman Lewis 2-42) vs VOLCANOES. (CMC)
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Friday November 10, 2017
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ECB seeks ‘balance of censure and support’ in Stokes case - Harrison ESPNcricinfo - Tom Harrison, the chief executive of the ECB, has given the clearest indication yet that Ben Stokes could be back in England’s plans sooner rather than later, after admitting that the board was keen to “rehabilitate reputations on the field” in the wake of Stokes’ arrest in Bristol in September. With just over a fortnight to go until the first Test at Brisbane on November 23,
Harrison conceded that the ECB had been forced into a “holding pattern” as it awaits news as to whether Stokes will be charged by Avon and Somerset Police for his alleged actions outside Mbargo nightclub on September 25. And though a board spokesman sought to downplay rumours, emanating from the Australian media, that a police update could come as
soon as Wednesday, it seems increasingly clear that England are refusing to discount a recall for their star allrounder, who was made unavailable for selection after appearing to be caught on camera throwing punches at two men in a street brawl. “What happened was wrong, there’s no question about that,” said Harrison, speaking at the Deltatre Sport Industry Breakfast Club in London. “You don’t
Seamers shine in tame draw BRISBANE, Australia, CMC – West Indies made light work of Northern Suburbs District Invitational XI but their two-day warmup match finished in a predictable draw here yesterday Captain Jason Holder (216), Alzarri Joseph (2-18) and Raymon Reifer (2-47) all picked up two wickets each as the hosts were limited to 165 all out, in reply to West Indies’ 352 for eight declared overnight. Hamish Martin topscored with 50 batting at number nine while Kendel Fleming got 20 but the remainder of the Northern Suburbs attack struggled against the Windies seamers. In fact, the hosts were tottering on 109 for nine before Martin anchored a last wicket stand of 56 – the best of the innings – with Paddy Dooley who made 10 not out. The match was called off once Northern Suburbs were dismissed.
Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph …picked up two wickets. West Indies are preparing for their two-Test series against New Zealand starting later this month. The tour match was the first warm-up fixture of the ongoing camp. Scores: WEST INDIES 352 for eight decl. (Shimron
Hetmyer 119, Kieran Powell 65, Kraigg Brathwaite 43, Jason Holder 35; Andrew Gode 2-57). N O R T H E R N INVITATIONAL XI 165 (Hamish Martin 50; Jason Holder 2-16, Alzarri Joseph 2-18, Raymon Reifer 2-47).
Palm Court boosts 6 racers for CMRC Popular night spot Palm Court has once again shown their continued benevolence for sports in Guyana by giving timely support to six racers ahead of this weekend’s final leg of the Caribbean Motor Racing Championships (CMRC) final leg at Guyana’s South Dakota Circuit this weekend. Race car drivers, Rameez Mohamed, Peter Morgan, Sharima Khan, Rupee Shewjattan and Motor bikers Kevin Persaud and Raveiro Tucker are all beneficiaries of the sponsorship. Manager of the entity, Sasha Lewis, in speaking at the simple presentation ceremony held at the Main
Street location, explained that their support for the sport will be continuous and she hopes it will aid in Guyana securing valuable championship points. Lewis also made a call for other members of the corporate sector to aid in the development of their local sportsmen and women. “In other countries big companies support their athletes all around the world and I think in Guyana we need to invest a lot more; these are people with talents and we need to push them more rather than spending money out of the country supporting others when we can support our own,” she posited. Khan, who was present,
expressed her gratitude for the continued support and acknowledged it will go along in helping her perform to her optimum on race day. Meanwhile, this w e e k e n d ’s 2 7 - r a c e programme is being touted as the biggest to grace these shores as it will encompass heated action on both tomorrow and Sunday. Based on reports, two professional drift cars from Trinidad and Tobago, as well as, four SR-3 Radicals from Barbados will bring added attractions for fans. Scrutineering is expected to be conducted today before both the qualification (10:00hrs) and races (14:00hrs) tomorrow.
want to see your sport in that position and there are consequences of that. We’re in a holding pattern at the minute. “There’s a process with the police and then a disciplinary process. As you’ll appreciate, these things take time and that’s the pattern we’re in at the moment.” The question of Stokes’ availability has been made ever more pressing for E n g l a n d ’s t o u r p a r t y following confirmation that his designated replacement, Steven Finn, has been ruled out of the rest of the tour after sustaining a knee injury. Finn suffered a tear to his left knee cartilage while batting on the first day of middle practice, and was unable to recover despite an injection. England have called up Tom Curran as a replacement but, along with the impending arrival of the England Lions squad to shadow the senior squad, there is still a need for clarity as they formulate their Ashes plans. With an internal ECB disciplinary process underway, but taking its lead from the police
Ben Stokes’ future remains under a cloud. (Getty Images) investigation, further reports suggest that - should Stokes escape police charges - he could be facing a two-Test suspension, which would make him available for the third Test at Perth, starting on December 14. However, Harrison refused to be drawn on any timeframes. “ I t ’s c o m p l i c a t e d , ” Harrison said. “We can’t go into any kind of detail about police matters, but there are serious issues that the game has to face and we have to get it right. “We have to get that balance between censure and support absolutely right. I think cricket’s response to this will show the value of
the game in the best light. “Having been through a difficult moment, I think we’ll see the very best of cricket come out. We are blessed with a group of outstanding characters in the men and women’s game. They are great ambassadors for the game and this is very much an isolated incident and an aberration. “I think we will quickly recover to a place where the game is seen as doing its best to rehabilitate reputations on the field, and try to get Ben and Alex [Hales] back to a place where fans are really behind them, trying to do what they do best.”
Barbadian White eyes BCB presidency HAMILTON, Bermuda, CMC – Barbadian Wendell White is eyeing the presidency of the Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB) after incumbent Lloyd Fray announced he will step down at this month’s annual meeting. White, 52, says he wants to “make cricket in this country better”. White, a member of the Bermuda squad who qualified for the 2007 World Cup at the last ICC Trophy Tournament in Ireland in 2005, says he has already received the backing of some of local cricket’s stakeholders. “I am tentatively considering running for president of the Bermuda Cricket Board because basically I want to make cricket in this country better,” White told the Royal Gazette newspaper. A left-hander, the former Somerset Cricket Club allrounder and Flatts Victoria coach is expected to make his decision final by the end of the week, ahead of the BCB’s AGM on November 29. Other names being touted as potential nominees for Fray’s soon to be vacant post are BCB first vicepresident Nyon Steede and BCB treasurer Gershon
Barbadian Wendell White. Gibbons. Fray said he would not seek a third term, citing his appointment as the g o v e r n m e n t ’s c h i e f information officer as the main reason behind his decision not to stand. Fray was first elected BCB president in 2011 by a landslide after Reggie Pearman did not seek reelection and was then reelected in 2014 after withstanding a challenge from fellow BCB executive Lloyd Smith. Speaking at the BCB annual awards ceremony on Saturday, Fray said he was satisfied with the work
accomplished during his six years in office and that he had laid solid foundations for his successor to build upon. “There’s been quite a bit of work done over the last six years, particularly the last three years, where we’ve started to see a strategy unfold, which involved putting in the academy programme,” he said. “We’re still working closely with the clubs to get them to embrace and engage w ith s ome of the s tandards that w e’re trying to put in, w hich w ill take s ome time.”
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Friday November 10, 2017
GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power U-17 League – East Demerara FA
Durant’s double sets up Buxton United win; BVTU also notch full points A brace by leading goal scorer Kobe Durant piloted Buxton United to a comfortable 3-0 win which also maintained their unbeaten run when play in the East Demerara Football Association leg of the G F F / N A M I L C O Thunderbolt Flour Power National Under-17 Intra Association League continued on Sunday last at the Golden Grove ground. Buxton’s latest victim were Golden Stars FC, whom they beat 3-0. Also taking full points in their encounter as they returned to winning ways were BV Triumph United which h a m m e r e d B a c h e l o r ’s Adventure Paradise Sports Club, 4-0. Golden Stars did present tough opposition to the rampaging young Buxton side which were only able to break them down in the 40th minute when Durant fired in his first. It did not take the leading marksman long to
BVTU’s scorers from left, Omari Glasgow, Tyrice Dennis, Tiquan Taylor and Samuel Garnett. double his side’s advantage, three minutes later, the opposing goalie was retrieving the ball from the back of the nets as the score was doubled. Golden Stars went back
into denying the Buxton team for almost the entire second half but couldn’t keep them from netting their third goal which came off the boot of Troni Semple on the stroke of fulltime.
12th Annual North American Regional Bench Press Championships
Nairianjan ‘The Golden One’ Singh powers to silver and bronze medals
Nairianjan Singh proudly displays the Golden Arrowhead during the M-M4 medal presentation ceremony. They say that age is just a number and that is precisely what 74 year-old Guyanese Powerlifter, Nairianjan ‘The Golden One’ Singh has been demonstrating consistently. Following up from his new Bench Press and Deadlift South American records when he claimed one gold, two silver and a bronze medal at the 16th NAPF and 32nd South American
Powerlifting Federation (FESUPO) Championships held at the Hyatt Regency, Orlando International Airport in July this year, Singh, Guyana’s oldest competitor continued his medal hauling ways in Canada, last month. Competing at the 12th Annual IPF/NAPF North American Regional Bench Press Championships from October 26 – 28 in Hamilton,
Toronto, Ontario, Canada, the Golden One of the sport, competing in the Masters 4 category, raked in another silver and bronze medal. Competing in the 83kg class, Singh’s silver was achieved in the Masters 4, while the bronze medal came in the Masters Open category his overall total being 254lbs. His first attempt was 100kg while the second and third was 115kg.
Captain Omari Glasgow, the competition’s second leading goal marksman, converted the first goal for BV in the 5th minute, laying the platform for their triumph. Samuel Garnett in
the 23rd, Tyrice Dennis six minutes later and Tiquan Taylor were the other players inking their names on the score sheets for BVTU. Another double header is set for this Sunday at the
Kobe Durant same venue from 13:00hrs when Ann’s Grove will take on Bachelor’s Adventure Paradise SC with the main attraction between Mahaica Determinators and Buxton Stars from 15:00hrs.
Australia’s Ashes pace attack revealed ESPNcricinfo Australia have effectively revealed their full pace attack for the first Ashes Test in Brisbane by withdrawing Josh Hazlewood and Jackson Bird from the third round of the Sheffield Shield in addition to Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins. The decision to have Hazlewood train alongside the other three at the National Cricket Centre rather than playing for New South Wales in the Shield match against Queensland at Allan Border Field next week - followed his impressively rhythmic return to first-class cricket against Western Australia at Hurstville Oval. Having played in Sydney grade cricket the previous weekend, Hazlewood claimed three wickets in each innings, notably dismissing Test middleorder contender Hilton Cartwright for a first-innings duck, defeating the WA captain Mitchell Marsh in each innings, and also getting the wicket of Shaun Marsh twice. These toporder incisions made it possible for Starc to pluck a hat-trick in each innings while cleaning up the WA tail. Following the match,
Josh Hazlewood stretches while fielding. (Getty Images) Hazlewood was involved in discussions with coaches, selectors and medical staff, leading to the decision to spell him from the next Shield match, effectively deciding he was ahead of schedule after Hurstville. Instead, he will work alongside Starc, Cummins and Bird under the eye of the Australian bowling coach David Saker in Brisbane. Starc and Cummins were always slated to play the first two Shield games before missing the third. “The decision on Hazlewood not playing in the third round of the Shield was made in consultation with the player, coaching
staff, selectors and team performance staff, following a review of all the bowlers after the last round of the Shield,” a Cricket Australia spokesperson said. Bird’s inclusion in the quartet, having bowled well for Tasmania despite their defeats in the opening two matches to Western Australia and Queensland, underlines his long-standing position as the selectors’ preferred reserve pace bowler in most conditions. He played the most recent of his Test matches at the MCG against Pakistan on Boxing Day last season, and was a squad member in both India and Bangladesh.
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Kaieteur News
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Fans usually throng to the various tournament venues for the excitement on offer and this year promises to be bigger and better.
Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ G/ town Zone
Entries set to surpass last year’s- Three Peat Promotions -qualifiers commence Nov.17 Teams interested in participating in the qualification phase of the 7th Edition of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Georgetown Zone Competition has been handing in their registration in a fast and furious manner. This is the word from coordinating group Three Peat Promotions that is predicting an increase from last year’s number of entries with only sixteen needed to join the list of automatic qualifiers for the November 22 start of this year’s competition that will see a total of thirty-two teams square off for the right to be crowned Georgetown Zone champions and a spot in the national final. According to a release, the high level of interest being exhibited while commendable and also expresses the immense popularity of the tournament, might force the co-ordinators to initiate a cut-off point for entries. “A lot of teams have been calling us for registration forms and expressing interest in participating in the qualifying process to get into t h e m a i n d r a w, b u t realistically we might have to cut off entries at some point so that we can keep our deadline for the commencement of the real competition,” an official from the co-ordinating committee disclosed. The deadline for registration is November 16, one day before the quest to
select the sixteen teams that will join the automatic qualifiers begins. According to the group, the qualifying segment will be played, at the Meadow Brook Playfield situated east of Mandela Avenue, the street immediately south of the National Gymnasium. Already teams have intensified preparations ahead of the November 22 start and Banks DIH under its Guinness brand has agreed to make this year’s event more exciting and a spectacle of colour. Teams will be colourfully decked out, while the playing balls will also have a touch of flush on them as well. Brand Manager Lee Baptiste said it was their wish to add some new innovations to this year’s competition among which were to create a colourful scene to enhance the usual stirring atmosphere and to give back to communities. Winner of the overall event will receive $500,000 and the championship trophy along with automatic qualification for the National Playoffs. The runner-up, third and fourth placed finishers will receive $250,000, $200,000 and $100,000 respectively. Forms can be uplifted from Banks DIH Limited ‘Caesars Place’ Durban Street location or Referee Coordinator Wayne Griffith on 697-7777 or Three Peat Promotions Rawle Welch on tele: 688-1776 or Duncan Saul at Stabroek News.
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Kaieteur News
Displaying the Golden Arrowhead after touching down in Barbados are from left, Ebo Orford, Yannick Grimes, Alisha Fortune and Emmerson Campbell.
Friday November 10, 2017
Phil ‘The Gift’ Heath and Promoter Roger Boyce at the Grantly Adams International Airport.
10th Darcy Beckles Classic 2017
Eight member team to represent Guyana Continuing its tradition of representation at one of the most prestigious body building shows in the Caribbean, the Guyana Amateur Body Building and Fitness Federation (GABBFF) is being represented by an 8-member team at the 10th Darcy Beckles Bodybuilding Invitational Classic, Bikini and Body Fitness Classics. All the body flexing will unfold tomorrow evening at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, St. Michaels where seven-time Mr. Olympia,
Phil ‘The Gift’ Heath will be the guest poser. Already on the island are Chaitram Nagessar, Ebo Orford, Yannick Grimes, Alisha Fortune and Emmerson Campbell, while winging out today will be Caerus Cipriani, Junica Pluck and Tremel King. Federation President, Coel Marks said that he is pleased that they were able to facilitate the largest attendance ever of local athletes at this event and is confident that they will do well.
GFF names 18-man squad for International friendly against Trinidad – Locally-based Squad in training for possible selection for Indonesia game Wayne Dover, Interim Head Coach of the Senior Men’s National Team – the Golden Jaguars – has selected an 18-man squad for the upcoming International friendly against Trinidad and Tobago on November 14, 2017. The squad consists of 15 overseas-based and three locally-based players including four debutants – Kadell Daniel, Devonte Small, Daniel Jodah and Jelani Smith – who bring needed skills to the national setup. “One of the four additions is a young, talented Central Defender – Smith,” Dover said. “We have been short of Central Defenders as of recent and although we have identified talent, the likes of Jeremy Garrett and Cecil Jackman, who will emerge as leading defenders in the
Wayne Dover future, we’ll focus on using the new-found talent for the Trinidad game,” he added. Daniel, while new to the senior national team, played at the national U-23 level in an Olympic qualifier some years ago. Looking ahead to (Continued on page 32)
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Founding member and decorated racer Pat Holder honoured by GMRSC Patrick Holder, one of the founding members of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMRSC), has expressed delight in the gesture of the current administration of the club to fulfill the wishes of former President John Carpenter to have the club house at the South Dakota Circuit at Timehri named in his honour. After the decree three years ago, the GMRSC had painted over the facility which is done yearly and renamed it boldly after one of their living founding members, Holder, who has contributed immensely to not only motor racing, but sports in general in Guyana. The current President of the GMRSC confirmed the gesture. The 83-year-old Holder, a decorated veteran cyclist, motorcyclist and powerboat racer, grew up in Queenstown, the same area a s G u y a n a ’s c u r r e n t President, retired Brigadier General David Granger, who is currently 72-years-old. In cycling, Holder shared with Kaieteur Sport that he was the first
Guyanese to compete in Suriname when he rode in an 85 mile race there in 1949 at the young age of 15 years. By then, he was the under16 cycling champion of British Guiana, the former British Cycling Club athlete stated. In motorbike racing, he competed in the 250cc and 350cc classes and although he was never an overall champion, he had his fair share of victories. Other contributions by Pat Holder, the owner of Auto Electric (automobile company) to the motor racing, besides competitively and administratively, is the fact that his company was the first to introduce the Ducati and Yamaha brands of motorcycles. After successes in motorbike racing, he tried boat racing in 1960 on a whim after acquiring a 40HP engine at a good price. Holder explained his initial success at boat racing was very lucky. “I’ve lived a very lucky life. Here I was at the Bartica regatta, knowing very little about boats, lost all the races I competed in
GFF ‘Stag Big Four’ Tournament venue changed Semis on today at Leonora The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has informed that there has been a change of venue for the ‘Stag Big Four’ Tournament due to unfavorable weather. The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Ground has been flooded and as a result which has pushed the federation to relocate the tournament to the Leonora Track and Field Facility. Today will see Fruta Conquerors opposing Victoria Kings in the first at 17:30hrs followed by the Guyana Defence Force
against Buxton United in the feature match The GFF release further stated that this is a precursor to the commencement of Season III of the Elite League. The winner will pocket 1.5 million dollars, 2nd place will earn 700,000 while the third and fourthplaced clubs will pocket 500,000 and 300,000, respectively. The ‘Big Four’ is a knockout tournament among the four top clubs from Season II of the Stag Elite League.
during the day while toppling over in a couple and had decided that the sport wasn’t for me.” But, after a few drinks and with encouragement from his friends, he entered the final and biggest race of the day and won by a long shot. “So now after losing all day, one victory in a big race made me into a motor racing
champion and it was all over the news”, stated GMRSC founding member. Pat Holder posited that the formative years of the GMRSC witnessed in the 1950’s drag races at the 63 beach every Easter, while meetings were usually held at rum shops and at houses of members. (Calvin Chapman)
Pat Holder poses at one of his trophy cabinets at his home which has accolades that are over 50-years-old.
t r o Sp Hodge, Carty share unfinished century stand as Hurricanes take first-day advantage CWI Digicel Regional 4-day C/Ships
Keon Joseph worked up good pace yesterday but went wicketless. (Sean Devers photo)
Seamers shine in tame draw
Palm Court boosts 6 racers for CMRC
Sharima Khan (left) receives the sponsorship cheque from Palm Court Manager, Sasha Lewis. Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210