Saturday November 18, 2017
I survived and this is my story DEAR EDITOR, Due to the unprofessional conduct by members of the Guyana Police Force stationed at the East Ruimveldt Outpost on January 13th, 2016 - the day that I was beaten on my head with a hammer and left to die - my assailants were never arrested or charged. For nine months I have gone around in circles in my quest for justice. I have written letters to the Police Commissioner, c.c. to the Minister Of Public Security, the Commander of A Division Brickdam Police Station and the Guyana Human Rights Association (G.H.R.A). Articles were published in the Guyana Chronicle and Stabroek News and letters to the Editor, as well as circulated on the internet, yet I have been denied justice. The blow has had considerable effect on me with periodic pain, loss of memory and blurriness of vision, which will require overseas medical treatment. I had written to H.E President David Granger outlining what had transpired and soliciting financial support from the Government to undertake a trip to São Paulo, Brazil for advance medical treatment at São Camilo Hospital. I got no assistance from the President or the Government of Guyana. Months after I received a letter from the Ministry of Public Security stating that an investigation was carried out, but the reason why the matter is not before the court is because the man “is not arrested and no one seems to know the whereabouts of him. It is therefore recommended this matter should be closed.” signed Investigating Rank. I find the police investigation very unsatisfactory,
inconclusive and half-baked. I can now categorically state, given the manner in which the police have investigated and closed my case, that had I succumbed to the blow, my case would have gone down among the hundreds of cold cases of my fellow Guyanese who were killed, their loved ones denied justice and left to mourn the loss, while the murderers walk free! This scant regard for human lives has become a norm in Guyana and has rendered the fundamental right to life, security of the person, and protection by the police, sheer hogwash. It is as though we have returned to a state of savagery. As an Artist I have served my country for 35 years with distinction nationally and internationally, promoted the Visual Arts, and the need for National Unity. I constructed and donated to the Guyanese nation the National Unity Monument at a time when the major political parties’ platforms were preaching racial division. I have promoted in Brazil, Guyana’s Continental Destiny, placing Guyana as a major player in Latin America, Caribbean Integration without the support of the Government or their institutions. My take is that given the nature of our political culture, the political parties (and this also means the coalition) have no respect or regard for the contributions of the citizens of Guyana. Had it been a member of the ruling elite, the Guyana Police Force would have left no stone unturned to find the assailant. We all live in this country at our own risk; Today for me, Tomorrow for you. I survived and this is my story. Desmond Alli General Secretary of Guyana United Artists
This evolving hazardous... From page 4 since there are other communities where this trend prevails. However, they can write as well, or even take action if so persuaded. The practice of whoever owns those horses, as well as another group that routinely congregate on the A-field section of Dennis Street opposite the Beepat’s Wholesale Bond, seems to be getting completely out of hand. About a year ago, one of the horses from that stud on Dennis Street opposite the Beepat’s Bond, leapt onto the car of someone I know, damaging the bonnet and shattering the front windscreen. The gentleman made an initial Po-
lice report but was subsequently burdened with the expense of repairs to his car since the horse’s owner became a slippery eel and the matter died with the passage of time. Once again, I trust that the relevant authorities will take note, as well as appropriate steps, to curb this evolving hazardous situation in the South Turkeyen, Pattensen, Sophia district. The impounding of those animals that pose threats to public safely, and the instituting of consequent fines or auctions against their owners, could be a timely source of revenue earning for the Neighbourhood Council. Orette Cutting
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A Government of men and not laws DEAR EDITOR, The second President of the United States of America, John Adams, once described his Government as “a government of laws, and not of men.” The philosophy which underpins this statement is the foundation of modern democratic governments. Its antitheses are political dictatorship; authoritarianism and anarchy. Each passing day exposes both, at a philosophical and practically level, this Government’s constant battle to comply with our fundamental law, the Constitution. There appears to be a deep-seated ideology embedded in this Government which violently collides with that ancient British adage, nay truism, “ye maybe high. But ye is never higher than the law.” It is only that type of innate mentality which can explain the constant and continuous assertion in the Courts of this land that Presidential actions and decisions are not reviewable by the Judiciary, although the Constitution is supreme and therefore, the Presidency is but a
creature of the very Constitution. That such a concept, which owes it jurisprudential genesis in the Royal Prerogative, has been rejected half a century ago throughout the British Commonwealth, on the basis that it has no place in a legal system predicated upon a doctrine of constitutional supremacy (as ours is), coupled with the fact that our Courts have overruled such a plea every time it has been raised, seem not to daunt the Attorney General. In fact, in the case filed against the appointment of the new Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), the contention is elevated to even greater untutored heights. The argument is that the Judiciary will be violating the Doctrine of Separation of Powers were it to review the President’s decision! It is this ideology which blinds a Government to the clear language of the Constitution because it cannot fathom that the Executive President, the fountain of all powers, is obliged to choose
a person from a list of names submitted to him by the Leader of the Opposition. This school of thinking perceives such constitutional requirement as an unnecessary shackle on the “omnipotence” of the Executive Presidency. It is the same kind of philosophy which drives the instinctive remark that a Chief Justice’s Ruling, is her own opinion and therefore, not binding on the President. It is a similar thinking which manifests itself in formal letters being written by Ministers of the Executive, giving directions to independent constitutional commissions! Those consumed with such an ideology will always view the Constitution, the laws, independent oversight bodies and similar mechanisms, as hurdles and obstacles. Hence, the constant attempt to violate and undermine them. So in the Parliament, Ministers, in violation of all principles known to parliamentary democracy and of the spirit
World Day of the Poor DEAR EDITOR, Holy Father, Pope Francis, at the conclusion of the Jubilee of Mercy, offered the world a “World Day of the Poor” so that throughout the world Christian communities and everyone can become an ever greater sign of Christ’s charity for the least, and those most in need. It is in this view, the Holy Father has called Sunday, 19 November as the First World Day of the Poor. On this day, we are invited as men and women of good will everywhere, to gaze on this day to all those who stretch their hands and plead for our help and solidarity. God has loved us first and he has given up himself for us on the Cross. Such love cannot go unanswered. We have to love Him back through welcoming God’s grace and through his merciful charity in our hearts, so that our will and even our emotions are drawn to love
God and love our brothers and sisters. Poverty challenges us daily in myriad ways, in faces marked by suffering, marginalization, oppression, violence, torture and imprisonment, war, deprivation of freedom and dignity, ignorance and illiteracy, medical emergencies and shortage of work, trafficking and slavery, exile, extreme poverty and forced migration. These above kinds of poverty have faces, and these faces will remain as they are unless we reach out to each other in due time. Tragically, in our own time, enormous wealth accumulates in the hands of the privileged few, often in connection with illegal activities and through appalling exploitation of human dignity, hence, pushing people to extreme poverty. Pope’s message is self-explanatory as regards to how one acquires the wealth. The
World Day of the Poor is meant above all, to encourage us to reach against the culture of discard and waste, and to embrace the culture of encounter. Meantime, everyone, independent of religious affiliations, is invited to openness and sharing with the poor through concrete signs of solidarity and fraternity. It is time to break barriers, walls and fences and uphold God’s original gift of humanity to all. We are invited to make every effort to create moments of encounter and friendship, solidarity and concrete assistance. One might brush aside these wonderful thoughts of the Pope with usual parlance, “go preacher,” but it is sig-
of the Constitution itself, chair oversight Committees. This occurs in no other democracy in the British Commonwealth. The Minister of Finance unilaterally cutting the budgets of independent constitutional agencies on the floor of the National Assembly and the vilification of a Judge on the Bench by the Principal Legal Adviser of the Government, are all actions which manifest this ideology. THE EXXON MOBIL CONTRACT Such thinking cannot tolerate accountability and transparency. Authoritarianism aside, the sheer arrogance, which such a philosophy breeds, militates against such concepts. The persistent refusal of the Government to disclose the ExxonMobil contract is another striking exemplification of this mentality. There have been repeated public demands for this document to be made public, dating back several months. This call has been ignored. Continued on page 6 nificant to pay attention to the reality that is marred by poverty of several kind. Even though, Pope has invited the Catholic Church to observe this Day, it is truly an invitation to everyone to be concrete and pragmatic in our approach to the poor. It is significant to identify who are the poor of our society, or are there poor people in my neighbourhood, or do we care to see poor people lying around our cities? It is a crucial call given by the Pope, who follows a simple and a humble way of life. I also would extend my gratitude to all people who help the poor in their need, not merely during Christmas, but all round the year. Let us live and share a happy and good life. Fr. Jerri Dias SJ
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What more can be said about the woes of Region One? DEAR EDITOR, The Governmental sectors in Region One (BarimaWaini) as a result of being badly managed, not monitored and evaluated, continue to provide poor services to the residents. In this regard value for money is not being respected. The Geographic distance from the Barima-Waini region to Georgetown, poor leadership and representation, are reasons why government officers do as they like in providing poor services to North West District (NWD) residents, since they have no one in authority to complain to. Hence, the importance and reliability of sessions of the media which residents desperately need for their concerns and problems to venture into the public domain, so that all Guyanese can know the “hell” that they are going through as a result of the poor services provided by government officers. The Mabaruma Hospital, even though it has five doctors, continues to provide poor health services to the Mabaruma subregion residents. When they show up at the hospital from at least 8:30 am they have to wait until 3 pm before they can see a doctor. When a resident tells the doctor he has terrible back-pains, the doctor responds “you old man, that is why you getting back pain”. The resident is sent away back to his community without being medically checked. Another resident told the doctor that he is unable to pass water, the doctor responded “go home and sit down in a drum of hot water”. The resident was turned away without being medically examined. Mabaruma residents do want to know if the doctors at the Mabaruma Hospital are authentic There is still an ongoing shortage of drugs, according to residents. I made contact with the Regional Health Officer on this matter,
but he denied it. But if this is so, then what is happening to the drugs? The youths of Mabaruma are desperately in need of a youth centre. They claim that Mabaruma is now a town and that they have nowhere to conduct their indoor activities such as training. Residents have alleged that a building in the township was identified to be a youth centre. This building was renovated, but it will be used as an office for the Regional Democratic Council. Residents are highly concerned over this and are demanding that the Regional Executive Officer urgently construct a youth centre for Mabaruma youths so that their leisure time can be positively spent. Youth development is badly needed at Mabaruma, but this is being ignored by the relevant government authorities. But is a Mabaruma youth centre catered for in the 2018 National budget? If not, Mabaruma Youths are still not being recognized. The Mabaruma residents are concerned over the mayor and town council operations, which are deemed to not be of a standard to transform Mabaruma into a real township. The residents are claiming that work is going at a snail’s pace, since while the vendors tarmac is being completed it cannot be occupied, because huge piles of garbage are now being deposited there, covered by a blue tarpaulin. Residents are of the opinion that if the mayor is unable to do his work then he should humbly resign. The Mabaruma radio station is poorly managed and does not have announcers or broadcasters and radio programmes. Currently, a technician is the radio announcer, according to residents. Can NCN radio intervene to give respectability to Radio Mabaruma? The region one education department needs an overhaul. There is a breakdown of discipline and moral standards in the school sys-
tem. The Wauna and Mabaruma secondary schools are typical examples. This shows that education development is not going anywhere in the Barima-Waini region. The Barabina community residents are still hoping and praying that the Ministry of Public Infrastructure fixes their swamped access road. Currently they are in the “dark” where this is concerned. But the residents are of the opinion that a well construed bridge should be built instead. The Ministry should consider this. The Wauna road continues to be in terrible state. According to information, the road is catered for in the 2018 budget. But residents are still wondering when their road will be fixed? No one is telling them anything. Barima-Waini workers are being exploited by both the Public and Private sectors. They are even wrongfully dismissed from their jobs. The Ministry of Labour needs to decentralize their operations in Guyana’s hinterland region. At least it should have a labour office stationed in region one (Barima-Waini) - well equipped to deal with labour exploitation. The Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission office at Mabaruma needs to be urgently investigated by its head office in Georgetown. There are serious allocation issues. This is also happening at Port
Kaituma. The village council in Baramita has collapsed and its office has been continuously locked. As a result, lawlessness has swamped the village, even though a police station is there. In my opinion, the police officers need to be removed. Gold miners are building roads from Baramita village to the Venezuelan boarder which pose a national security risk to our country. The miners conduct mining activities on village lands without permission. The mines officers of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission do not care. Sexual molestation of Amerindian women and young girls is prevalent, but no one in authority cares. There is an urgent need for the construction of a health centre to replace the “shack” that is being used as a health centre. Baramita’s residents are of the opinion that their village is treated as though it is not part of Guyana. In Port Kaituma, law enforcement is carried out at the pleasure of police officers. They do not respond to emergency calls by residents. They also need to be removed. Police officers serving in Guyana’s hinterland regions should do so on a rotational basis for the avoidance of complacency and lawlessness. Peter Persaud
Saturday November 18, 2017
A Government of men... From page 5 On almost every occasion that the call was made, the response of the Government has been different. The first reason advanced for the non-disclosure was that a law assented to by President Jagdeo prohibits such disclosure. This contention came from Minister Raphael Trotman. In a Press Statement, which I issued on the 12th day of September 2017, I debunked this contention. I pointed out that no such law was assented to under the Presidency of Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo. Further, I explained that there is no such prohibition in the laws of Guyana. I also drew attention to Section 4 of the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act Cap 65:04, which expressly authorizes and mandates the disclosure of the contract. No one, thus far, has challenged my interpretation. Again, the calls for the disclosure of this contract have recently resurfaced. Again, the Government is obstinately refusing to disclose, although the law compels them so to do. The latest argument from the Government emanates from the “Public Affairs and Communication Officer” of the Ministry of Natural Resources. In this latest release, Minister Trotman now shifts
blame for the non-disclosure away from himself and places it at the foot of Cabinet and the Government. However, this does not absolve the obligation which the law imposes to make this disclosure. Here one sees another manifestation of the philosophy to which I have referred above. Minister Trotman is maybe of the view that if he shifts the obligation to Cabinet and the Government, then the legal duty to disclose will disappear. This is so because of that deep-seated instinctive mentality that Cabinet and the Government are beyond and above the law. The legal truth is that Cabinet, like every other organisation or department in this country, is bound by the law. Additionally, under Article 106 of the Constitution, Cabinet is also collectively responsible to the Parliament. This is obviously the next forum, which will have to be utilized to secure a copy of this document. However, with due regard to the Government’s track record in the National Assembly, I am not optimistic that a request, even at that level, will yield fruit. Free and fair elections remain a nation’s only recourse against a Government driven by such ideology. Mohabir Anil Nandlall, MP
The Georgetown Municipality cannot deliver... From page 4 taxes and rates and other revenues available to Georgetown M&CC were insufficient to provide citizens a satisfactory service. When I became Mayor in 1994, I took into account the wisdom of the IMC’s position that additional resources were necessary to manage the City. I therefore proposed among other measures a Lottery for the City or State to garner in the additional funds necessary. The Late Haslyn Parris assisted in identifying and negotiating a group that was prepared to run the Lottery with a portion of the profit for the benefit of the City and Citizens. A delegation including Philomena Sahoye-Shury and Robert Williams, met with
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, who was then performing the duties of President. Mr. Hinds told my delegation that the PPP Government could not support the venture, because they feared opposition from religious and other bodies opposed to every form of gambling. On this I make no further comment, but that subsequent events prove the hypocrisy and trickery of that statement by Honourable, and I repeat Honourable Samuel Archibald Hinds. According to the Constitution, the Mayoral term should last 3 years and each year it is the Councillors who elect the Mayor. At the First Session the GGG majority prevailed and I became Mayor. After that, Dr.
Jagan engaged me in conversations about the mayoralty and proposed that we give the second term to the PNC and that the third term to elect a PPP person as Mayor. Dr. Jagan told me that such a proposal would sit well with the principles of socialist democracy. I told Dr. Jagan that I was attracted to the idea, but why not extend this principle to sharing some Ministerial portfolios with the PNC. That brought an end to our conservation. I cannot say if Mr. Hoyte or persons in the PNC bought the idea, but at the 1995-96 Elections for Mayor, the PNC (10) and the PPP (8) combined their votes and that is how Ranwell Jordan was elected Mayor. It is clear that during his tenure in Office, Mayor Jordan did not get the support expected from the Government. From the onset, I saw Dr. Jagan’s proposal to have a PPP Mayor in place for the 3rd and final term as an attempt to win the support of Georgetown. The PPP Government would have given the PPP Mayor their full backing and
support so that Mayor will look good and bolster the fortunes of the PPP in Georgetown for Elections expected to be held in 1997-98. As the boy says, as an old political (war-horse) I quickly saw this Trojan horse trick of the PPP. The rest is history. The PNC soon discovered that the PPP could not be trusted, and so at the next bout the GGG majority again prevailed, and I became Mayor once more. The lack of support and deliberate sabotage by the PPP Government is no secret. It was a real horror story, the worst being during the infamous regime of Town Clerk, Carol Sooba. In all of this political struggle, the victims were the citizens who then deserved a better service. I thought I should set the record straight since Dr. Leslie Ramsammy in his letter sought to ignore the above facts. The truth is the Georgetown Municipality cannot deliver unless measures are put in place to broaden its revenue base – the term used by the IMC. Hamilton Green
Saturday November 18, 2017
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Kaieteur News
SEXUAL HARASSMENT To surprise her husband, an executive’s wife stopped by his office. When she opened the door, she found him with his secretary sitting in his lap. Without hesitating, he dictated, “And in conclusion, gentlemen, budget cuts or no budget cuts, I cannot continue to operate this office with just one chair.” We have had a lot of situations like the ones above in our offices. There are lots of men and women who use their positions of authority to have affairs with their staff. One of the stories which was recently hot on social media was about a senior officer in a government office who was actually having an affair with another person and offering him part-time jobs with her department. This is one of the dangers which bosses guard against. There has to be some code of conduct which should guide what happens when a senior person has a relationship with
another member of staff whether full-time or part-time. It is unlawful to outlaw relationships in any workplace. Where one has to be careful though is when there are relationships in which one party has power and the other does not. The powerless individual may be pressured into having sexual relationships with senior executives out of fear of dismissal or in order to gain favour. In the past, certain institutions used to prohibit husband and wife working at the same place. If you happen to marry someone in your workplace, one or the other had to resign. This rule cannot be applied today because any company doing this will face a lawsuit. And this is it is important that there be some code to guide things such as promotions wherein the person doing the promotion is related or has a relationship with the person to be
promoted. Sexual harassment is rife in offices in Guyana. Women are the victims of this sort of harassment. In one government agency, a Casanova was implanted by the new government. He was running after skirt tails all day. Probably still is, seeing that he is an untouchable. Women must be protected from sexual predators. A man should not be using his position of power to extract sexual favours from women. This has been happening for decades in Guyana and needs to be brought to an end. A lot of lives have been messed up because of this. A lot of marriages are affected because of it. There is little recourse for the victims. One guy had the habit of hitting on a particular girl who worked with him in a factory. One day she could not take it anymore and she went to her boss, another male, and complained how the guy had told her she looked
Dem boys seh...
Don’t let de police know you Old people does seh, “Better late than never”. But dis is one time when dem same old people saying “Too late, too late will be de cry.” Barton, who is de main man in Parliament allow Jagdeo to cuss and behave bad in parliament. He sit down and he didn’t say a word. Jagdeo and he kavakamites palaver. All dis time de people all round de world see wha happening in Guyana and deh see wha Barton do. Two weeks pass. He wait till dem people talk and ridicule him fuh allowing lawlessness to pass den he gun come out and tell Jagdeo how he wrang.
Dem boys seh is like a man invite people to he house. Inside he house he watch a man tek a stick and put some lash pun a man. When de man done get de lash somebody gun come up and tell de onlooker how he coulda stop de beating because it happen in he house. Dat is how life does go. Barton was dealing wid low life people and he should know dat you don’t give some people an inch. Now he waste people time talking bout who wrang and who ain’t got behavior. And while he talking de police now waking up to de
fact dat is dem responsible fuh most of de crime. Is dem setting up de robbery and is dem does decide who get charge and who ain’t get charge. A corporal who was best cop suddenly tun out to be de best crook. Dem boys want to know how he coulda get away wid this behavior fuh so long. And he not de only one. Some of he boss in de same business because dem telling de young ones to bring dem share. Dem boys don’t want to believe dat Guyana got de most corrupt police force in de world. Talk half and hope de police don’t know you.
sexy. The boss looked at her and asked. “And you give him wrong for saying that!” That was the end of the complaint. The government speaks a lot about social cohesion. But it should begin with organisational cohesion because there are lot of wrong things happening within organisations. And women are the ones mostly affected by this. Sexual harassment legislation needs to be introduced. The government should take the lead in tabling such legislation and in developing rules to prevent sexual harassment in government offices. The problem is not just
confined to the government offices. Any woman can tell you what happens when she passes near to a construction site. Women are greeted with hoots and sexually suggestive comments. This too is a form of harassment. Things got so bad at one factory site that the boss was forced to erect a sign which read: “Warning to young ladies: If you wear loose clothes beware of the machinery. If you wear tight clothes beware of the machinist.” Some people feel that sexual harassment rules can lead to unfair dismissals. It is argued, for example that some persons may treat genuine compliments as a form of
sexual harassment. However, there is always a way of differentiating between the two. A woman was at work when a man said, “Your hair smells nice.” She went straight to her boss and said, “I’ve been sexually harassed. A man said my hair smells nice.” The boss in return said, “What’s wrong with that, it does?” She said, “The man who said that was a midget.”
Cop who masterminded 'Sagga' execution... From page 3 said he was in court at the time that 'Sagga' was slain. Eastman admitted to have gone beyond his role of duty to ensure justice was met. In one incident, he claimed to have called in the Immigration Officers on workers at various Entertainment spots in the city. He is the same corporal who was transferred to Mounted Branch, two months ago for conducting an
unauthorised raid at a night spot in which he and one of the Intelligence ranks in custody reportedly collected $1M. The raid was reportedly carried out at the behest of the night spot's competitor. Eastman contaminates crime scenes… Reports are also now emanating that the former intelligence rank contaminated a number of crime scenes and
numerous reports were made to his Divisional Head. Kaieteur News has been informed that the Corporal would often turn up at crime scenes which were outside of his jurisdiction. “People does want know how he does reach these scenes so quick and it don't be in his area.” In Scipio's murder, the police have since charged Aubrey Bobb, 26, of Kitty, Georgetown.
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Saturday November 18, 2017
Kaieteur News
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
A bullet, a magistrate, a road, a sign We had two horrible prison mayhems that gave this county a hideous image on the international scene. One will remain one of the most violent incidents in the history of the CARICOM countries – the central prison was burnt down. In the other one, 17 inmates were burnt to death. Surely, we cannot have such uncivilised leadership in the 21st century in a country that cannot see that circumstances could evolve to give us another horror show. We are seeing the coming of that plague and our leadership may indeed be so psychologically bereft of rationality that such minds pose a danger to the continuation of life in this
country. I am not one who is soft on crime (just last week, my daughter’s very close friend was robbed). The most left wing radical anywhere in the world would be disgusted about the crime rate in the 21st century. Maybe all in Guyana want criminals to be punished severely; some should never be released. A majority wants the moratorium on the death penalty to be lifted. But any logical mind would question the remand of an accused for the possession of a single bullet. Any rational mind would know that the committal of a crime has certain circumstances by which you judge the accused. How can you commit a felony when there is just one bullet found on you? There is no large quantity of ammunition, there is no gun, there is no machete, there is no steel rod found on you when the police came up – just one, I repeat, one bullet. The police will charge
because they say under the law possession of even one cartridge is illegal. But the magistrate has latitude to decide on bail or remand. Magistrate McLennan remanded the man. In reporting the case, this newspaper stated; “…the prosecutor did not disclose any facts about what transpired…however the objection to bail was upheld… Figuerio told the court he had gone to Lethem to visit his mother.” We are heading for another prison tsunami if we keep packing people in jail for offences like these? Why is this man on remand when no circumstances were explained to the court? Is there something seriously wrong about the mindset of the magistracy that we need to question as a nation before another catastrophe strikes again? Enter Khemraj Ramjattan. We have a titular Prime Minister who is about to ride out in the sunset. He shows no interest in saving Guyana.
We have a president that is certainly not far behind Nagamootoo. Both of them could say why we should comment on magisterial decisions when you have two subject ministers – Ramjattan and Basil Williams. Ramjattan did say after the second prison disaster that the country needs to look at sentencing. Since then those accused that are first offenders have gone to jail. This is Guyana. We simply have become a psychologically warped country where people exist and their existence has no ultimate meeting. Yesterday, this gentleman came up to my car as I was about to leave the National Park. He said his name is Tyrell Morrison and lives on William Street, Kitty. According to this gentleman, he is unable to get the Minister of Public Infrastructure and the higher authorities there to complain against the destruction of his road.
Frederick Kissoon He said because of the repair to the Kitty Public Road outside the Kitty Pump Station at Clive Lloyd Drive, westbound traffic on the Kitty Public Road is diverted to David Street to come out onto Vlissengen Road. He explained that because of the traffic on David Street, huge vehicles like rice trucks, construction lorries, and container trucks are using William Street instead. It is too narrow a road for
such traffic and the road is breaking up. School children run helter- skelter when these large vehicles are passing. He says only Minister Jaipaul Sharma promised to look into the situation but William Street is breaking up fast. I told him; “Relax, this is Guyana.” Finally, all the Ministers including the Prime Minister and the President, and all the senior leaders in the police force must have seen this shambolic anomaly. If you are travelling west on Carifesta Avenue when you meet the traffic lights at Camp Street, there is a large visible sign that yells out; “Road under repair, detour,” with a large arrow telling you to turn south into Camp Street because you cannot continue on to Young Street. That sign was put up when Young Street was being repaired two years ago. If you are from Berbice going to the US Embassy, the sign will mislead you.
Saturday November 18, 2017
Venezuela opposition leader Ledezma flees to Colombia
Antonio Ledezma, Venezuelan opposition leader. REUTERS/Jaime Saldarriaga CARACAS/BOGOTA (Reuters) - Veteran Venezuelan opposition leader Antonio Ledezma, under house arrest after his 2015 arrest for alleged coup plotting, escaped across the border to Colombia yesterday. Ledezma, the best-known detained opponent of leftist President Nicolas Maduro after Leopoldo Lopez, said he had gone past 29 police and army controls during a clandestine, overland journey that he kept secret from his loved ones. “I ask my wife and daughters to understand. They have suffered long hours of anguish without knowing where I was,” he told reporters in the Colombian border town of Cucuta after crossing a bridge from San Antonio in Venezuela. “It was my decision alone.” The 62-year-old former Caracas metropolitan mayor
had spearheaded street protests against Maduro in 2014 that led to months of violence and 43 deaths. Maduro mocked him as “The Vampire,” and officials accused him of helping violent hardliners, including dissident military officers plotting to topple the president via air strikes. Ledezma denied those charges as being trumped up. “Welcome to freedom!” tweeted former Colombian President Andres Pastrana, who is close to Venezuela’s opposition and the families of other jailed activists. With a 2018 presidential election looming, an array of major Venezuelan opposition figures are now in exile, detention or barred from holding office. They say Maduro has turned Venezuela into a dictatorship, while the government accuses them of joining forces with a U.S.-led global
plot to topple him. Before boarding a private plane to Bogota, Ledezma said he was planning a “global pilgrimage” to fight for political freedom in Venezuela. He thanked Colombia’s government, which also recently gave asylum to another highprofile Venezuelan dissident, former state prosecutor Luisa Ortega. “It’s time for him (Maduro) to step aside and allow a transition government,” he said. “Maduro cannot keep torturing the Venezuelan people, he’s killing Venezuelans with hunger.” The OPEC nation of 30 million people is suffering a fourth year of brutal recession, with the highest inflation in the world, shortages of food and medicines, and many people having to skip meals or suffering preventable illnesses. “Chavistas,” as government supporters are known after Maduro’s predecessor Hugo Chavez, have long vilified Ledezma for supporting a brief 2002 coup and accused him of corruption. Ledezma, along with another opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, has been part of the more militant wing of Venezuela’s opposition coalition. Both oppose a planned new political dialogue between the opposition and government scheduled for early December in the Dominican Republic. “I left my flag with Maria Corina Machado, in whom I trust completely,” Ledezma told reporters. He was planning to travel overnight to Spain, supporters said, where his wife was.
UK gives assurances to CARIFORUM countries (CMC) The United Kingdom is assuring Caribbean Forum (CARIFORUM) countries that while it remains a member of the European Union (EU), trade will continue under the terms of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). CARIFORUM countries, comprising the 15-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Dominican Republic signed the EPA accord with Europe in 2008. On Thursday, representatives of CARIFORUM states met with the United Kingdom’s Minister of Trade Policy, Greg Hands, to discuss UK-CARIFORUM trade relations and according to the joint statement issued afterwards, the Caribbean wel-
comed the UK’s commitment to the EPA as well as the UK’s intention to avoid disruption for its trading partners as it withdraws from the EU. The statement noted that the UK is in the process of exiting the EU and that while it “remains a member of the EU, trade between the CARI FORUM states and the UK will continue to take place under the terms of the CARIFORUM-EU EPA. “The CARIFORUM Ministers welcomed the UK’s commitment to the CARIFORUM-EU EPA and its intention to avoid disruption for its trading partners as it withdraws from the EU. “The CARIFORUM Ministers also welcomed the UK’s desire to maintain current
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market access to the UK following its withdrawal from the EU, and to ensure continuity of the effects of the CARI FORUM-EU EPA,” the joint statement noted. It said that the two sides agreed to progress discussions to explore ways to ensure that the existing trade arrangement between the UK and CARIFORUM states, currently governed by the CARIFORUM-EU EPA, will not be disrupted by the UK’s departure from the EU. “This will be a technical exercise to ensure continuity in their preferential trading relationship, rather than an opportunity to renegotiate existing terms,” the statement noted.
Local Government Elections in 2018 a certainty – Finance Minister -Opposition questions $800M cut to agency’s budget request Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, has assured that Local Government Elections will be held in 2018 despite the $800 million cut to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) budget request which the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) believes will negatively impact electoral preparations. The Minister gave the assurance during last evening’s sitting of the National Assembly which considered current and capital expenditure for 2018 proposed by the Constitutional Agencies, including GECOM which has an approved capital and current expenditure budget totalling $2.9 billion. GECOM had originally requested $3.7 billion. According to the Finance Minister, the budget with donor financing will be sufficient to ensure the holding of Local Government Elections next year. “Local Government Elections in 2018 is a certainty,” the Minister declared. He informed that more money was budget for GECOM because of General Elections in 2015 and then the holding of Local Government Elections in 2016 for the ‘first time in decades’. He stated that because of those two back-to-back elections, GECOM would have acquired sufficient hardware and software which the Commission will not have to duplicate in 2018. “If per chance GECOM
falls short of resources, it knows it can come to the House to ensure that the return of Local Government Elections which returned in 2016 will continue,” the Minister said. Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira, questioned why the government would cut the GECOM budget for 2018 to an amount that is lower than the 2016 election year. According to Teixeira, the Government has consistently reduced GECOM’s budget for 2018 when the agency is expected to increase its workload since there were no continuous registration in 2017 and no bi-election at the local government level. “I’m trying to comprehend why this Government would cut $800M when you have Local Government Elections planned for 2018. There were no Local Government Elections and continuous registration, therefore, the figures for 2017 can’t be considered as savings,” Teixeira pointed out. At one stage, Speaker of the House, Dr. Barton Scotland, intervened to warn Teixeira not to debate the matter, but that she is allowed to ask questions of the Minister of Finance. “The Standing Order allows us to debate the estimates…We have the right to question the Minister,” Teixeira stated. Opposition MP, Priya
Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira Manickchand, told the House that she found it odd that the Minister of Finance gave the same answer to every single question raised by the Opposition. She stated that in the case of GECOM, the Finance Minister advanced the reason that the agency was unable to spend its allocation in 2017. She countered by pointing out that there were several factors that led to lower spending, including the nonappointment of a GECOM Chairperson and no commission meetings, among other things. President, David Granger appointed retired Justice, James Patterson as GECOM Chair. “If indeed the gentleman is “fit and proper,” then they should increase the GECOM budget,” Manickchand stated.
No procurement plan for 2018 submitted by constitutional agencies Constitutional agencies did not submit procurement plans for projects that they plan to execute in 2018. Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, has put forward this as one explanation for the cuts in their budget request. The House of Assembly last evening approved an $8B budget for 2018 across the agencies, representing a reduction of some $2.2 billion. The agencies requested $10.2 billion. Commenting on the cuts, Minister Jordan noted that the allocations take into account the economic outlook for 2018 for revenue, expenditure and growth in the economy, challenges in implementation encountered in 2017 and annualisation of salaries. The Minister further noted that the 2018 budget submission did not fulfill the requirements of the 2018 budget circular as no procurement plan was submitted for budget 2018 for the agencies. The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) received the largest allotment of $2.9 billion; it requested $3.7 billion. The Supreme Court which
…$8B in spending approved has plans to construct a new Magistrates’ Court at Grove, East Bank Demerara, and an extension of the Court of Appeal building in Kingston, Georgetown, was approved for nearly $1.9 billion. According to the Supreme Court’s work plan, the extension is to accommodate the increase in the complement of Court of Appeal Judges. There are also plans to construct a Court building at Kamarang in Region Seven, the Cuyuni-Mazaruni Region. This will alleviate the problem of court sessions being held at the Kamarang Nursery School after school is dismissed. The Supreme Court had requested a budget allocation of $2.7B. Some $1.5B was approved for the Parliament Office which includes capital expenditure of $96 million and current expenditure of $1.4 billion. The Parliament Office had submitted a budget request of $1.7 billion. Office of the Attorney General was approved for $783 million. The Public and Police Ser-
vice Commission will received $95 million; the Teaching Service Commission, $125 million; Public Prosecutions, $174 million; Office of the Ombudsman, $58 million; Public ServiceAppellate Tribunal, $52 million; Ethnic Relations Commission, $86 million; Judicial Service Commission, $10 million; Indigenous People’s Commission, $26 million; Human Rights Commission, $31 million; Rights of the Child Commission, $43 million; Women and Gender Equality Commission, $43 million; Public Procurement Commission, $178 million. The Opposition, People’s Progressive Part/Civic (PPP/C) challenged the Minister of Finance on most of the reduced allocations presented to the House for approval. The Coalition Government with its majority ensured the estimates were approved. Minister Jordan will present the estimates for the remainder of the 2018 budget expenditure to the House of Assembly on Monday, November 27.
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Kaieteur News
Guyanese lawyer observing 12 kilos coke case in Barbados
SERVICES
FOR SALE
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
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EDUCATION Day Care and Pre-K classes available in Diamond Call Canadian School 2166921,216-6922 First Aid/CPR courses on Saturdays St John’s. Call 225-9082 or visit 110 Cowan street, Kingston.
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PROPERTY FOR SALE Concrete house situated in 3rd Avenue, Diamond. House 47x34, Land 110x64. $38Million negotiable. Contact Mr Kitt 626-9797
Carpenters to work in Linden. 602-9469 6x6 logging trucks for hire. Logging truck drivers with experience. Contact #656-8754 Truck Drivers. Applicants must work in Georgetown, experience in high & low range is an asset. Tel#227-1717.
1 domestic maid to cook and clean. Please call Tel: 644-4940 Live in waitress to work in bar. Call: 604-6606/ 692-4649 Chefs, Bar attendant, waitresses. Trinidad & Tobago. Tel#868-372-9787/ 868-744-5766 Live-in family. HusbandDriving, mechanical experience etc. Tel: 227-1830
Pickup Truck from Canada2005 Tacoma $2.3M, Ford F150 Sport $1.5M FordRanger Sport $1.4M #682-5230/ 6154414 Tractor (foreign used) Massey Ferguson -165 -$1.7M, MF-135 $1M,MF-265-$1.9M,165Loader tractor -$2.2M. Call: 682-5230/ 615-4414 One 1998 model Toyota Rav 4 in working condition. $1.5 million negotiable. Contact 218-3463 or 623-8759. Unregistered Axela 2011 $2.5M, dark interior, fully loaded, Nissan pickup extra cab $2.1M. Call: 617-5536
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Barbados (Barbados Today) - For the second time this week, entertainer Betty Griffith-Payne and two co-accused have been remanded to Dodds Prison, in connection with $625,000 worth of cocaine. The 38-year-old former Richard Stoute Teen Talent winner, of Apartment No. 8, West Terrace Heights, St James, first appeared in court here on Monday, along with her 35-year-old sister Marie Griffith, of Phillips Road, Cleaver’s Hill, St. Joseph, and 34-year-old Guyanese na-
One cornerlot for sale 50x100 in gated community @ Land Of Canaan, Canaan Gardens. Tel: 694-7817, 612-1351
VACANCY Confidential Cabs. Vacancy exist for one experienced dispatcher. Tel#231-5784 6951961. Cook/ baker and Kitchen Assistant for interior location. Applicants must have experience. Call:618-2020 Account support specialist, Customer service representative, Office clerk with driver’s license. Apply to Zip Logistics @ hr@ziplogistics.com Chef and assistant cookpreferably Carnegie trained. Call 225-7933, or visit 173 Sheriff Street. Salesgirls, D.Singh and Sons, 95 King Street Tel : 226-0881 Looking for professional hairdresser, waitress, cleaner, call: 684-9409. For one Cashier and one Salesperson. Previous experience an asset. Apply in person Mike’s Pharmacy Bel Air, Georgetown. For one experienced Pharmacist, apply Mike’s Pharmacy, Bel Air, Georgetown. TOLET 3 bedroom apartment, Free wifi, Fully tiled, Bathtub, Spacious kitchen and living area. #641-3318 Business space for grocery or snackette. 619-5357/6671896SS One two bedroom apartment located in Herstelling New scheme. $50,000 Call: 641-2311 Spacious two bedroom bottom flat, fully grilled with garage located in Georgetown. Price $50,000 Contact: 667-3692 FOR SALE/RENT American Pool Table. Call: 277-0578
tional Kwanza Canterbury, was initially sent to Dodds for two days. On Thursday, the trio was remanded to prison for a further 28 days on charges of possession, possession with intent to supply, trafficking and conspiracy to traffic 12.6 kilos of the illegal drug, some time between November 7 and November 10. The sisters are also jointly accused with knowingly handling the illicit substance during that same period. Station Sergeant, Janice Ifill, who is representing the Crown, objected to bail, based on the seriousness of the offences and the amount of drugs involved. However, attorney, Marlon Gordon who is described as “nebulous”disagreed with the decision and questioned the street value attached to the cocaine and how police had arrived at the amount. He also repeated his earlier submission that GriffithPayne was a Barbadian with strong family ties, no prior convictions and was willing to adhere to any conditions imposed by the court. Gordon, who is also legal counsel for Canterbury, submitted that the Guyanese man was presently in the country on a legitimate work permit and had also never been convicted. He also revealed that the accused man’s family had sent attorney Dexter Todd, who was present in court, from Georgetown to observe the proceedings. Appearing today for the first time for Griffith-Payne, was legal counsel Angella Mitchell-Gittens. She urged the magistrate to exercise her discretion and to grant bail to her client, arguing that the seriousness of the offence was not sufficient to keep her behind bars. The attorney further argued that, like the High Court, the District ‘E’ Magistrates’ Court could grant bail on the indictable offence, once “particular considerations” had been satisfied. Mitchell-Gittens also pointed out that sureties were present to secure the entertainer’s bail. Attorney, Naomi Lynton made a similar application for Marie Griffith, saying that her close-knit family was “devastated” over the length of time the mother of four had been on remand so far, and therefore it “should not continue”. However, in denying the requests for bail, the magistrate said, “I know you said, they are fit here and fit up there [High Court], but I think they will be fitter up there”, she said as she remanded the trio to the St. Philip institution until December 14.
Saturday November 18, 2017
OECS warns of impact of climate change on economies of sub-region BONN, Germany (CMC)– The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) says the Caribbean has found itself in the forefront of efforts to end the impact of climate change that has resulted in billions of dollars in losses. OECS Director General Dr. Didacus Jules, addressing the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP23) that ends here on Friday, said historically the Caribbean has been at the crossroads of the crossing of civilizations “and today in this era of climate change, we find ourselves in the frontline. “We are the first barrier against the chaos of climate that is unleashing destruction, depravation and death across all geographies. We find ourselves….the victims of a war that we did not start but which we are obligated to end,” he told the conference. Jules said that the sub-re-
gional countries, comprising a cohesive grouping of 10 small island developing states, have had to endure the “pain and suffering visited on them by the hurricanes of 2017”. According to Jules six Category 3 to 5 hurricanes traversing the region in 2017 represent a terrifying escalation of catastrophe and that five OECS member states were directly impacted by the most dangerous of these hurricanes. “That we are small does not make us insignificant; that we are insular does not make us isolated. The size and scale of our destruction, damage and loss in this season of pain may not be readily appreciated by those who are bigger and richer. But perhaps if we scale up our loss to your parameters you will grasp the comparative magnitude of our pain,” he said.
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Saturday November 18, 2017
Saturday November 18, 2017
Warrican tilts balance Pride’s way KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent, CMC – Out-offavour West Indies left-arm spinner, Jomel Warrican, struck twice in as many balls in the final session to hand Barbados Pride the advantage on the second day of their fourth-round Regional four-day contest against Windward Islands Volcanoes. At the close at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex here yesterday, Volcanoes were battling on 151 for five in in their first innings, in reply to Pride’s 360 all out earlier in the day. They were in good shape at one stage on 89 for two but Warrican knocked over Kavem Hodge for 38 and Barbadian Kirk Edwards without scoring in successive deliveries, to hurt the innings. However, Roland Cato came to his side’s aid with an unbeaten 47, and was
partnered by Barbadian Kyle Mayers on 21, at stumps. Volcanoes trail by 209 runs heading into today’s pivotal penultimate day. Earlier, Pride were dismissed about 40 minutes after lunch, after resuming from their overnight 273 for five. All-rounder Kevin Stoute, unbeaten overnight on 59 overnight, top-scored with 84 while Justin Greaves, on 14 not out at the start, carved out 54. Scores: BARBADOS PRIDE 360 (Kevin Stoute 84, Anthony Alleyne 82, Kenroy Williams 55, Justin Greaves 54, Shayne Moseley 54; Tyrone Theophile 5-56, Shane Shillingford 3-102). WINDWARD ISLANDS 151 for five (Roland Cato 47, Kavem Hodge 38, Kyle Mayers 21 not out; Jomel Warrican 2-30).
Letter to the Sports Editor
Berbice cricket poorly administered Dear Sir, Something is definitely lacking and not good in Berbice Cricket and the current leaders of the Berbice Cricket Boar are totally clueless and have no knowledge on how to administer the game and to lift it to a higher level. As a former administrator of Berbice Cricket, it pains my heart to see and observe the poor planning, no vision and the lack of coordination of the current administration and their failure to attract any form of sponsorship is testimony that Berbicians and sponsors have no faith and trust in them. The Berbice Cricket Board recently launched a Second Division Competition in complete secrecy with no sponsorship. Unlike in the past, there was no invitation ex-
Saturday November 17, 2017 Aries: Mar 21 - Apr 19 Sudden insights and revelations could enable you to make some long-desired changes. A lucky break might bring an unexpected sum of money your way. Unusual dreams could amuse you during the night.
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Gemini: May 21 - Jun 20 A sudden but fortunate change of job circumstances could take place today. Perhaps an important piece of information comes your way that leads to advancement. Cancer: Jun 21 - Jul 22 A close friend or your partner could propose an impromptu trip and you might decide to go. You're restless for adventure. Leo: Jul 23 - Aug 22 An unexpected sum of money could cause chaos in your home, but it's an exciting, pleasant sort of pandemonium! Phone some friends and give them the good news. Virgo: Aug 23 - Sep 22 An increase in your technical skills could bring you a new job or an increase in income. You may have felt a bit nervous and stressed lately, but this should balance out now.
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Sagit: Nov 22 - Dec 21 Idealism and some intriguing mystical revelations could make you want to spread your ideas. You may want to invite some friends over to talk. Capri: Dec 22 - Jan 19 The hopes and goals of a group with which you're associated inspire you. You might make personal sacrifices in order to assure their success. Aquar.: Jan 20 - Feb 18 Sudden, unexpected success could result in an equally unexpected raise. Friends may have pointed you in the direction that put you in the right place at the right time. Pisces: Feb 19 - Mar 20 A rush of optimism and enthusiasm could propel you into a more positive frame of mind, and you could accomplish wonders.
tended to the clubs and the press. Most of the clubs were unaware of the tournament. The end result was that numerous clubs were shocked to discover that a second division competition started, they are asking questions because they did not receive any forms and were completely left out of the competition. Imagine for decades clubs like Belvedere United, Fyrish, Toopoo, Fyrish Road among others were left out of the fixture and they have played Second Division Cricket under the Berbice Cricket Board. What is worrying and brows are being raised, if the current Berbice Cricket Board is interested in the development of cricket or more interested in public relations; Imagine the Second Division Tournament has started with no written Rules, no List of Debarred Players from the Competition, the amount of First Division players who will be allowed to play in the competition, the first prize money for the winner in the tournament and the Clubs have to drop off the match report forms within 72 hours after the match. We are fully aware and have knowledge that the Competitions Committee is not functioning under the appointed Chairman and it is a farce and free for all atmosphere where only one or two persons make all decisions of the Berbice Cricket Board. Recently I visited several of these matches and observed eight fielders on the leg side boundaries. In the match versus Tain, that Club had about four Guyana Cricket Board Franchise Three Day Players playing. Questions were asked and were told that no Rules were available to guide the teams. What is even more shocking, the poor clubs now have to fork out $2,000 per match to pay for umpires, balls, transportation and meals expenses. All the past Berbice Cricket Board administrations under Leslie Amsterdam, Roy Baijnauth, Malcolm Peters, Keith Foster and Anil Beharry were able to attract sponsors. Why this present Berbice Cricket Board cannot do so? Under the Carl Moore Chairmanship of the Competitions Committee, letters were sent to over 120 Second Divisions Clubs in every village in Berbice. Second Division Cricket was their passion, now that number is less than 50 because of the poor and clueless administration of the Berbice Cricket Board. It seemed that the Berbice Cricket Board is only inter-
ested in organising interzones at the junior level without hosting any tournament for clubs. Numerous players at clubs like Albion, Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, Young Warriors, Rose Hall Canje, Blairmont, Chesney, Whim, Kildonan, Big Star, Tamarind Root, Fyrish, No. 73, Upper Corentyne and Skeldon practiced on a daily basis. They have not played any competitive cricket at the Under-13, Under-15, Under17 and Under-19 levels. The Berbice Cricket Board recently organised a poorly staged Under-13 tournament which is still to be completed. Board umpires are staying away for one round at the poorly organised Under-15 tournament, the lunches are late and Selectors are umpiring matches. In one case, there was one club alone representing Lower Corentyne Zone. In the end that zone was an embarrassment to Berbice Cricket, being bowled out for 30 runs
against New Amsterdam/ Canje with extras totaling 18. That team in three matches failed to past 100 runs in any innings. This is because the better players were not given the opportunity to play because no inter club tournament was hosted and that the administration is bent on keeping clubs out of competitions. The latest and most popular talk among cricket lovers, that clubs and cricketers would have been enjoying properly organised cricket at all levels in Berbice only if Mr. Hilbert Foster was allowed to participate in a free and fair Berbice Cricket Board election. In the meantime, the current Berbice Cricket Boards owns an explanation and apology to Fyrish, Toopoo, Fyrish Road and Belvedere United why they were not allowed to play in the Second Division Tournament. Yours in Sports, Berbice Cricket Stakeholders Committee