Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

KAIETEUR NEWS Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: ADAM HARRIS Tel: 225-8491, 225-8458, 225-8465 Fax: 225-8473 or 226-8210

Editorial

Mind boggling statement on crime

Two days after the Police announced that crime in Guyana is on the decrease and that plans are in place for a safe Christmas season, armed bandits invaded the home of the former Crime Chief and robbed him and his family. The ordeal which lasted for a few minutes has not only traumatized his children, but has added to the perception that criminals are operating with impunity in the country. If the criminals could be so bold as to rob a senior Police Officer, then what would they do to the ordinary citizen. Many believe that the crime statistics are being manipulated by the police to make it appear that crime is not as bad as is being reported in the media. The statement by the Crime Chief is mind-boggling; it flies in the face of the mountain of evidence that contradicts his words. What was the basis of the statement when the citizens are exposed to violence almost every day? Surely the Crime Chief is misguided and that he may well be aware that he is a square peg in a round hole, especially if one were to judge him not just on this statement, but on his string of public gaffes since achieving office. The Government, especially the Minister of Public Security should act now to reduce crime or they too will be seen as being incompetent. Many have contradicted the Crime Chief whose intent was to send a strong message to calm a jittery public that crime is under control. It has backfired because crime is the new threat that has taken the country back in time. It appears as though the Government remains as clueless about the upsurge in crime as it does of its origins and its appeal to and influence on youths. There is no plan or strategy to deal with crime or to counter its influence on youths. Until it does, society will continue to lose its youths to a criminal life. The minister, like his predecessor, continues to address the situation in vague clichés as if it is not of deep concern to all and to the extent that crime is not a threat to society. In Guyana, there isn’t anything that has so chilled the spirit and depressed the psyche of the people as violent crime. Guyanese all across the country have been affected by the criminal acts of evil, vicious and mindless men.The danger is that the people feel that the government has not done enough to prevent such barbarities The government and the Police have to make up their minds and deal with the criminals. It is lamentable that crime has increased substantially under the Minister of Public Security who on several occasions had criticized the former Minister of Home Affairs for allowing the criminals to act with impunity. Many, including the religious fraternity, posit that there are too many guns on the streets. The over-militarization of the criminals is in part responsible for the high level of violence in society, not only because police guns inevitably end up in the hands of criminals, but also because the criminals use their connections to obtain more sophisticated weaponry than the police. A de-escalation of violence in society in needed. There is irrefutable evidence that violence begets violence and the bravado espoused by the criminals has provoked a greater reaction from the lawless. Crime must be confronted by all not as members of opposing political parties, but as one people against the criminals. Efforts must be explored to empower and organize the communities to assist the security forces and to improve the penal and correctional system so that more young men can return to society after incarceration as potentially useful citizens, rather than embittered and hardened criminals. There must be accountability and transparency in governance in order to bolster confidence.

Sunday November 29, 2015

Kaieteur M@ilbox Send your letters to Kaieteur News 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown or email us kaieteurnews@yahoo.com

Political parties should not contest local elections DEAR EDITOR, Here is my brief response to a letter that was published in Kaieteur News of November 25, 2015 under the caption, “PPP, APNU AND AFC are on the same political page”. Your letter- writer praised the coalition government for keeping its promise on holding local government elections. However, he went on to lament that they have failed to reform the local government structure not taking into consideration that such profound alterations ought to be done in collaboration with the PPPC. Let me take this opportunity to remind the writer as he pretends not to

know, that when the Local Government Elections are held in 2016 it will be doing so with a number of wide ranging changes in the system that were achieved without the support of the PPPC in Parliament. My main concern however, is with this aspect of his letter, “…And the APNU+AFC politicians have not exhibited much interest in empowering local bodies. Moses Nagamootoo spoke the language of local empowerment when he served briefly as Local Government Minister. He may be the only politician in the ruling coalition who has some genuine interest in local government reform……..” I am in no

position or have any interest in challenging this view of Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo’s historic or present position on local democracy. However, I feel moved to remind readers and the nation that the WPA, over two decades ago, was the first major party at the time to call for fundamental changes in the local government structure, and stated that political parties should not contest local elections. Our position remains unchanged. Since the WPA is an integral part of the APNU and the Government we will be supportive of the collective decision on this matter. TacumaOgunseye

Sunday November 29, 2015

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur M@ilbox Kaieteur M@ilbox The PPP and PNC have the same people in leadership for far too long DEAR EDITOR, The letter in KN that the ‘PPP, APNU and AFC are on the same political page when it comes to Local Government Elections( LGE), appears to be an attempt by to obfuscate the PPP’s philosophies, doctrines and practice in government, and to suggest to the electorate of Guyana that LGE choices among the three will make no difference. The truth is that LGE is a critical form of direct democracy, much purer than national elections. On this score there is no record for comparison, between the PPP on the one hand and the APNUAFC as a coalition administration on the other, only innuendo and contrived assumptions. First, the PPP’s genuine beliefs about democracy are questionable. For example, the PPP’s mentality appears to be that unless the PPP wins all national elections something must be wrong with democracy in Guyana. Unless it is in power it refuses to share responsibilities for governance. Freedom of speech means that it speaks as centralized government and no one must be able to respond. Its ideology and doctrines were given full expression in its attitude towards LGE. There is nothing democratic about democratic centralism. Indeed, PPP’s political and governance practice was the opposite of democracy. This reminds one of the farce of the vicious despotic regime in North Korea, calling itself the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, when nothing about it is democratic. Second, the PPP had a choice and lots of time to

prove its democratic credentials through LGEs’, but instead it engaged in every kind of political chicanery, subverting local self-government. In terms of time one cannot compare the first year of APNU-AFC with the last 20 years of the PPP administrations, where successive Presidents did the same thing. This is no mistake or accident. It is a direct result of the PPP’S ideology and doctrines such as democratic centralism. Third to chastise and to hold the APNU-AFC accountable, for failing to deliver on the campaign promises, is nonsense. Having said that however, it is not even peculiar that the writer’s arithmetic allows him to chastise APNUAFC for not delivering LGE within six months but he found no courage or desire(not sure which) to chastise the PPP for no elections at all for 20 consecutive years. Did he actually read the PPP’s manifestos that talks about democracy, freedoms etc?. The very fact that the PPP deliberately and calculat-

edly foisted “Interim Management Committees” on local communities is proof of its design to illegally usurp all political power, and to continue its disregard for parts of the Constitution that did not suit its purpose. Subverting self- government and local choice of leadership is no accident; it is “centralism” in practice. However, for all his skill as a political observer he noticed none of this for 20 years. The APNU-AFC has the same choice and less time but has pushed ahead with LGE anyway. The difference between the PPP and APNUAFC is like night and day. Further, as appears to be customary, Vishnu did not notice that the PPP has gone rogue, thus stymieing the pace and even the possibility of serious institutional reforms urgently needed in Guyana. PPP is incommunicado with APNU-AFC regarding the big items on the national reform agenda, including constitutional reform, national unity talks, and social

cohesion, and it refused to lend support for the Procurement Commission. It was even attacking GECOM for its willingness to speedily prepare for LGE. In other words, regarding the things which will make Guyana a more democratic, just and progressive society the PPP is playing the obstructionist role. Is it against a just and more equitable society? It appears so. We will

make this concession to Lincoln Lewis too, on the issue of election of local community leadership. The APNU-AFC and the PPP are richly populated by people from the past 40 years. Several were in the proximity of, or directly exercising power in governments that not only espoused but practiced “Paramountcy of the Party and Democratic Centralism”. These two doctrines have cost Guyana greatly because, put simply, they are anti-democratic at their core, and in practice au-

tocratic and despotic. One had hoped that these ghosts of the past would stay buried after 11 May 2015. Now Mr. Editor, the problem may be that, if the old guard intend to practice government according to these doctrines because that is all they know then the game for Guyana will not change and, God forbid, the game may well be lost altogether since it does matter what people believe. We will see what happens after 12 months of APNU-AFC. Ivor Carryl

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Kaieteur M@ilbox

Sunday November 29, 2015

Kaieteur M@ilbox

The Government must employ Police Commissioner compared to Roman Emperor, Nero Indians but not from the PPP DEAR EDITOR, Do permit me the chance to share some thoughts on an article written by Mr. Ivor Carryl, one of your logical letter writers, and a person who is reasonable in his views. He states, “APIU-AFC needs politically able, smart and credible people. The PPP is not the place to look for these people. The APNU-AFG can earn the votes it needs by demonstrating to the electorate that it possesses these qualities within its ranks. Mr. Carryl goes on to speak to the need for the coalition to attract bright and honest Indian Guyanese in its ranks. This observation is well taken by a large number of Indian people. Speaking with an elder of mine, she stated that the present Government must not make the same blunder of Mr. Burnham in. taking in Indians in the administration for the sake of tokenism or as Dr. Jagan accused Mr. Burnham of “window dressing the regime.” The very sin Dr. Jagan committed in1992when he regained to power. For the sake and benefit of national unity we need more Indians in governing this country at all levels and there are such people. When I was still attending primary school, I used to listen attentively to Consumers Cor-

ner. My most favourite presenter was one Mr. Hafiz Rahman. He enlightened me on the need to be civic minded from his speeches on road safety matters and in relation to agriculture and matters that affect country people. Has he migrated or is he dead? In following his life, I know that he was involved, with the National Farmers Organization of which my father and two brothers were active members. Such persons like Mr.. Rahman are the kind of people the government should recruit to leading positions, because they have always involved themselves, on the site of the poor and those who cannot speak up for themselves. Should Mr. Rahman read this article, would he kindly get in touch with me at 67 Zeeleught, North, East Bank, Essequibo. I want to give to him some documents from the Farmers Organization which my deceased father left. This government cannot take anyone from the PPP. According to news items appearing in your paper, many of the former PPP leaders have to be jailed for raiding the finances. When they would be in jail, and new leadership for the new PIT is installed, then that new leadership will be ready for unity. Shakela Bux

DEAR EDITOR, Several comments in recent editorials and by at least two letter writers indicate that public dissatisfaction with the Guyana Police Force is growing to the point where respect and confidence may be irretrievably lost. To read of the disdain shown the President of the Guyana Manufacturers Association, Mr. Norman McLean by the police policy analyst required a large glass of water to wash down what amounts to an insult to Guyanese. The analyst who - it seems is quite content to trot out statistics with no reference to the relationship between prevention policies (if they exist) and relevant interventions was woefully out of his depth and brings into question the suitability of the designation “policy analyst.” Mr. McLean was quite rightly concerned about the increasing levels of fear that incidents of crime are causing in the society. The GPF is more inclined to focus on messenger more than on the message and what needs to be done to correct this wholly undesirable situation. Maybe it is as GHK Lall credibly suggests that the crime upsurge is intended to embarrass the government and bring about the return to the previous culture of widespread corruption influenced by organised criminal players. But another letter writer Michael An-

thony is just as direct when he mentions in Guyana Police Force needs to be overhauled now that the same actors are in control of the GPF and is even more scathing in his condemnation of the intolerance of “dissent, criticism and rules” that pervades the hierarchy of the organisation. The appearance that the “top three” has the subject minister enthralled is not helped by Mr. Ramjattan’s seeming reliance on one or two vindictive self-serving individuals with a clear ethnic agenda. Just look at the strategic placement of certain individuals of questionable integrity and ability. Another letter writer argued for a succession plan in the public service and police force, but it seems as if those words fell on deaf ears and passed unseeing eyes. I am supportive of the call for the President to take definitive action with regard to the administration of the force. In no other country with a runaway crime spiraling out of control would the commissioner and his crime chief be allowed to hide behind nice sounding platitudes reminiscent of Nero and his fiddle. Who has to go on leave must do so with all dispatch or be placed in positions where they can do no more harm to this nation’s psyche. Let us have a shake up now. Julius Laundry

Businessman Kissoon makes plea for Syrian refuges to Guyana Al Creighton accuses KNews DEAR EDITOR I write in support of Clairmont Lye’s recent letter in which he proposed inviting refugees to settle here in Guyana. We have to face the fact that we need many more people if we want to achieve significant development in Guyana. There are very many job opportunities that exist now that are not being taken up by people who are currently unemployed, either because they think the work is too menial or too back-breaking. For instance, there is a considerable amount of untended developed land along the coast at present caused by a severe shortage of people. Refugees could be brought in to settle without disruption to people now living along the coast. I know several people who might be willing to participate in a programme to assist those refugees. Several houses are closed and have left abandoned for want of caretakers. Retired Guyanese and old people need reasonable helpers. Everyone needs a gardener. Farmers are leaving the creeks and rivers to come to the coast or leaving the country. When the oil industry comes on stream in a few years’ time, there will be a mass movement of labour to that area, leaving many addi-

tional vacancies in the lesser paying jobs. We need to start planning now for that eventuality. Bringing in refugees is the first step in that direc-

tion. Refugees like Ethiopians are farmers and herders could be looked at through the United Nations. faithfully, Hemraj Kissoon

Who is Mr. Larry? DEAR EDITOR, The article in your Sunday’s edition of November 22, 2015, headlined; “Celina ignores government to halt works” is deceptive. Mention is made in the article that; “Workers said that a “Mr. Larry” was in charge but was not there”. Kaieteur News must come clean and tell its readers what they knew long ago; that the “Mr. Larry” is a Guyanese businessman who lives in Miami, Florida and who is a close friend and associate of certain Ministers’ of Government and the police. He usually tenders for the procurement of arms and ammunition. The quiet and strong backing “Mr.Larry” receives from government gives him the confidence to proceed with the works at the seawall site. It is note-worthy to see that a well known Guyanese is the spokesperson for the new proprietors of Celina’s. This person is a close associate of the APNU+AFC administration. He was one of

the men behind the presidential swearing in at the Parliament Buildings and at the Inauguration Ceremony at the National Stadium. He is also a key person planning Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations. My opinion is that he is one of the “blue eyes” boys to be in governmental circles circle. Nowadays, in Guyana we don’t know who or what to believe. Why should Minister Patterson be believed? Are these people to be believed when they say that “at least three Court orders have been issued and ignored? “Mr. Larry must” have powerful backers indeed. Majeed Hussain

of newsworthy opportunism

DEAR EDITOR, I am now commenting on a news item recently carried in the daily editions of the Kaieteur News about the release of the Shortlist for the Guyana Prize for Literature. I have decided, after all, to offer this response because I had actually been heeding the advice of those who thought I should ignore the article and not dignify it with a response. But on second thought, I think the records must unmistakably show that there is something seriously flawed in the news report. The Kaieteur News said, among other things, that “there were perceived biases in the Shortlists” and that “many writers and critics were crying foul”. You went on to express the opinion that “the First Book of Poetry section was intentionally fixed in an attempt to justify the books as they have both been printed by the often criticized

Caribbean Press, established five years ago due to a promise made by Former President Bharrat Jagdeo”. It might be helpful if the Kaieteur News can point out where these biases are evident and exactly what is the evidence to support that claim. More importantly, telling the public that the shortlist was “intentionally fixed” is a very serious charge which demands more than personal “opinion” to justify your publication of it. What is the evidence to support such a claim? Only one who has read all the entries for the Guyana Prize can possibly be in any position to say there is bias or that the list was “fixed”. Only one in possession of facts can seriously justify a claim that there was “fixing” and that it was “intentional”. Did you, your staff or the “many writers and critics” actually read the entries for the Guyana Prize in order to

Minister Harmon still to reveal information on land deal DEAR EDITOR, The Guyana Chronicle of Monday, November 16, 2015, reported Mr. Joe Harmon as saying that he will “reveal a land deal involving the former President and now Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo and convicted US business man Ed Ahmad”. Harmon promised to release information on the “land

deal” during the week of November 16 to 21, 2015. That week has passed yet no revelation was forthcoming from Mr. Harmon. We are now in the week of November 22-29, 2015, hopefully Mr. Harmon will reveal the information on the “land deal” he claimed he has. Mr. Harmon must know that his comrades out there are growing impatient with all

the never-ending investigations the coalition government has initiated but without the public being brought up to speed with the results. Mr. Harmon should do as he promised and reveal what he knows about this “land deal” and not keep the public in suspense. The public has a right to know. Rudolph Williams

arrive at those conclusions? The judges might have spared themselves the considerable time, effort and energy that it took to read through that large volume of literature if they knew all you had to do was look at the publishers to make decisions. On the contrary, it appears that the attempt to politicize the Guyana Prize continues with the references to the “often criticized Caribbean Press”. There is now a further attempt to drag the Guyana Prize Jury into it. One of my reasons for writing this letter at all is that we must protect our judges from this attempt to besmirch and insult them. The members of this Jury are highly reputable experts only one of whom is a resident Guyanese; they are far removed from local politics and way above the petty partisan parochialism into which the Kaieteur News would wish to reduce them. They have served the Guyana Prize and the Guyanese nation well and have made personal sacrifices in their demanding work schedules to do so. They do not deserve to be repaid with the daub of this tarnished brush. And by the way, the shortlist as printed in the ‘news’ article contained many inaccuracies with the Best Book of Fiction and the Best First Books mixed up. May I dare to look forward to the support of the Kaieteur News for the Guyana Prize rather than populist ‘newsworthy’ opportunism ? Al Creighton

Sunday November 29, 2015

Kaieteur News

Nations pledge climate action, obstacles remain to summit - France

French President Francois Hollande (C), French Foreign Affairs Minister Laurent Fabius (L) and French Ecology Minister Segolene Royal (R) meet with representatives of NGOs specialized in environmental issues at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, yesterday. REUTERS/Etienne Laurent/Pool Reuters - Almost all governments have outlined plans for fighting global warming beyond 2020 in a positive sign for resolving a string of obstacles at a U.N. climate summit starting tomorrow, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said yesterday. So far this year, 183 of 195 nations have issued longterm plans for tackling climate change, meant as building blocks for a Paris accord, with a flurry of more than a dozen in the past week including from South Sudan, Kuwait, Yemen and Cuba. “This is radically new,” Fabius told a news conference of the almost universal involvement, including by countries such as Cuba which was among a handful that blocked a global deal at the last, failed, summit in Copenhagen in 2009. Governments hope the summit will end in a deal that marks a turning point away from rising dependence on fossil fuels since the Industrial Revolution, shifting towards cleaner energies such as wind or solar power. The national plans, including a Chinese commitment made in June to peak its rising carbon dioxide emissions by 2030, cover about 95 percent of world emissions, the United Nations said. Before this year, plans for action have been dominated

by developed nations in the 1997 Kyoto Protocol. Fabius said the high number of submissions was encouraging before the summit, to be attended by about 140 world leaders including U.S. President Barack Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, leader of Europe’s largest economy, welcomed the Chinese commitment. But she said the overall proposed targets for reduction were not enough to limit rising temperatures to a U.N. goal of 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit) to avert more floods, extinctions of animals and plants and rising sea levels. “That means we need a follow up process and that, in my view, must be binding,” she said. A train carrying Germany’s environment minister to the Paris talks was held up for two hours by protesters who chained themselves

to the railway tracks at Frankfurt station on Saturday, a police spokesman said. In France, Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said authorities had put 24 green activists under house arrest ahead of the climate talks, using emergency laws put in place following the Paris shootings. Fabius said there were still many hurdles to a deal at the Nov. 30-Dec. 11 conference, ranging from climate finance to developing nations beyond an agreed goal of $100 billion a year by 2020 or how to set a long-term goal to shift away from fossil fuels this century. “You have positive elements and others that need to be resolved,” Fabius said after handing the keys of the sprawling Le Bourget conference centre to Christiana Figueres, head of the U.N. Climate Change Secretariat.

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Sunday November 29, 2015

Putin, citing national security, signs Turkey sanctions decree Vladimir Putin

Tayyip Erdogan

Reuters - President Vladimir Putin signed a decree imposing a raft of punitive economic sanctions against Turkey yesterday, underlining the depth of the Kremlin’s anger towards Ankara four days after Turkey shot down a Russian warplane. The decree, which entered into force immediately, said charter flights from Russia to Turkey would be banned, that tour firms would be told not to sell any holidays there, and that unspecified Turkish imports would be outlawed, and Turkish firms and nationals have their economic activities halted or curbed. “The circumstances are unprecedented. The gauntlet thrown down to Russia is unprecedented. So naturally the reaction is in line with this threat,” Dmitry Peskov, Putin’s spokesman, said hours before the decree was published. A senior Turkish official told Reuters the sanctions would only worsen the standoff between Moscow and Ankara. But aides to Putin say he is incandescent that Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has yet to apologise for the Nov. 24 incident near the Syrian-Turkish border in which one Russian pilot was killed along with a Russian marine who tried to rescue the crew of the downed SU-24 jet. Senior Russian officials have called the episode, one of the most serious publicly acknowledged clashes between a NATO member country and Russia for half a century, a pre-planned provocation. Erdogan has been equally robust. He has said Turkey will not apologise for downing the jet, saying Ankara was fully within its

rights to defend its air space. On Saturday, he appeared to soften his rhetoric a little, saying the episode had saddened him. Putin’s spokesman suggested the Russian leader was ready for a long standoff however, saying he was “fully mobilised” to tackle what he regarded as an unprecedented threat from Turkey. The decree, posted on the Kremlin’s website, spoke of the need to protect Russia’s national security and Russian citizens “from criminal and other illegal activities”. In it, Putin ordered the government to prepare a list of goods, firms and jobs that would be affected. Some of the measures announced have already been informally introduced. The government is expected to publish the list of banned imports on Monday, Interfax news agency reported, citing a government source. The list is likely to include food and some other products, a second government source said. Turkey mainly sells food, agricultural products and textiles to Moscow and is also one of the most popular holiday destinations for Russians. Peskov, Putin’s spokesman, said he thought up to 200,000 Turkish citizens could be on Russian soil. Putin signed the decree days before a climate change summit in Paris. Erdogan said earlier on Saturday it could be a chance to repair relations with Moscow. “Confrontation will not bring anyone happiness. As much as Russia is important for Turkey, Turkey is important for Russia,” Erdogan said in a televised speech in the western city of Baliksehir.

Sunday November 29, 2015

Dem boys seh...

Jagdeo begging fuh things name after him It has been a norm in de world, before dem boys born that Countries does tek it on dem own to rename places and things after people who really mek a significant contribution toward de country or humanity as a whole. Some countries does mek statue and monument of people. Guyana copy de world trend but de only thing is that de leaders just copy, dem don’t know de significance of it. De people couldn’t wait till Burnham dead fuh name place after him. Linden got Burnham drive, New Amsterdam got Burnham Park. At one stage de way Burnham was naming things people began to think that Guyana would a rename Burnham. Cheddi dead and dem boys rename de airport and other things after him. This new govt copying de same trend. But it seems as if dem run out of and things. Dem boys would help out de situation, as usual. Donald de Dumb dem boys would like him to get something name after him. Dem boys suggest that he name de Sun and Sand Hotel after Donald de Dumb. He was de Dumb that been and turn de sand and de hotel can’t start up to now. Mazaruni Prison should be renamed after de Shaat Scamp, Ashni. Lot 12 should also get a name change too. Name it after de fat crook, Brassington. Marcie, Brassington seckan, gun get de New Amsterdam female prison name after she. A big sign gun be placed over de gate leading into de prison. Dem boys see all dem bridge at Ruby back dam and Den Amstel wha Rob de Earth never build should be named after him—Rob de Earth bridges. Eteringbang outpost who don’t have a zinc sheet over de roof should name Rohee de goat man because all de outpost wha build under he supervision is goat pens. De Atlantic Ocean will now name Irfaat Ocean. He love to swim and all dem house wha he own he put swimming pool. De Berbice Bridge should now name Babbie Bridge. Both have de same Bees and besides, Babbie did always want own de bridge. Jagdeo still want things name after him. He vex that de govt announce things to be named after people and he name not mentioned. He complain bitterly to dem boys reporter. He tell de reporter that when he build de Marriott he was hoping that Brassington woulda name it after him and dem would all live deh like Maharajah and Maharani. Govt change and that can’t happen but dem boys got a place wha best suit him and is he build it too. That place is none other than de place wha look like him and smell like him. Nothing more, nothing less should be named after him. That place is Haags Bosch dumpsite—HBD. Talk half and hope that dem boys in this new govt don’t end up like this set.

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Exxon Mobil will own you if you take advance money - Jagdeo warns By Abena Rockcliffe Should the government of Guyana go through with its plan to take an advance payment from US oil giant Exxon Mobil, it will lose its good standing to negotiate in the best interest of the nation. The government will be in Exxon’s pocket and the company will get the upper hand in negotiations. This is the view expressed by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo at a press conference, yesterday, at Freedom House. Jagdeo shunned ideas expressed by Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman, to the effect that taking the money and using it for infrastructural developments will prove highly beneficial for an underdeveloped country such as Guyana. Trotman was quoted in sections of the media as saying that Exxon’s President will meet with the Guyana government in January and negotiations will be made then. The former President said that while improved infrastructure is always commended, taking the money before oil production starts can prove disastrous. Jagdeo also said that the government is making a big mistake in counting its egg before it is hatched by making plans for future oil wealth even before operations begin. Further, Jagdeo said that the government is sending too many mixed signals with regards to its plans for oil wealth. On one hand government is saying that it will save the money in a Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) and on the other, it is saying that it wants to take an advance—money that has not even been secured—to carry out developmental

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo

Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman

works. Jagdeo said that all the mix up probably stems from ignorance and confusion within the government’s ranks. He added, “We hear Trotman saying he wants to create a SWF. I do not know if he has gone through this carefully but a SWF is created by income; basically if you have balance of payment surpluses, which we do not have. It is created for fiscal surpluses which we do not have and it is created to sterilize excesses from export receipts from mineral sectors.” A SWF is used to invest abroad in financial assets so that it can maintain the value of the portfolio. Both Jagdeo and Trotman pointed out that such a fund can also come in handy if there is ever a budget shortfall. An SWF prevents the Dutch Disease. The former president noted that the government indeed announced plans to enter revenues derived from minerals in the fund but said that the bulk of the money to be entered into the fund has to come from future oil proceeds.

Jagdeo said that while government is saying that it will save future oil proceeds it is ready to borrow from what is yet to be secured. “But in one voice Trotman says we are trying to save the money for a rainy day and then he says we are going to ask Exxon Mobil to give us some money in advance. Now how more contradictory can you get….. we have not yet been even given the oil proceeds to save but he now wants to spend it today, money that we do not have?”

asked Jagdeo. The former president said that such philosophies land countries in serious debt. Of course in this regard Jagdeo had to make reference to the debt the PPP inherited in 1992. “He wants to borrow against future income that we are not even sure will materialize,’ said Jagdeo. He explained that Exxon Mobil still has to prove the reserve and drill more wells before the company can get into the actual production. Jagdeo said, “We do not know when they prove the reserves what they will find. We do not know what it will cost them to extract the oil per barrel, the cost of production, whether it will be above the world market price which is currently so low. We do not know if they will proceed immediately or shelve the project indefinitely.” The Opposition leader said that even in the absence, such confirmations “they are making it look like this money is on the table saying that we must prepare for this unprecedented wealth that will come our way. We are not Continued on page 13

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Sunday November 29, 2015

GPL cuts power to BaiShanLin headquarters The financial troubles enveloping Chinese-owned logging company, BaiShanLin Forest Development Inc., seems to be multiplying with technicians cutting power to the company’s headquarters in Providence last week. According to officials of the state-owned Guyana

Power and Light Inc. (GPL), BaiShanLin was caught stealing power last year and had been assessed and penalized. The logging company reportedly was supposed to pay over $20M but failed. Between Thursday and Friday, GPL disconnection crew descended on the

Cacique Palace and Banquet Hall, a partially finished hotel behind Princess Hotel. In August, Kaieteur News reported that the logging company owed around $600M for the property. It had belonged to a group of private developers who were aiming to capitalize on the 2007 Cricket World Cup.

However, the US$3.5M ($700M) project was not completed despite a $30M cash injection by the then Government. To recover its monies, the previous administration had established a team comprising the developers and Keith Burrowes, a senior official. BaiShanLin, which was rapidly expanding its tentacles in the logging and other sectors, expressed an interest. A deal was reportedly reached for US$4.5M, down from the original asking price. However, BaiShanLin between 2012 and 2013 only paid US$1.5M. There was difficulty in collecting the remaining US$3M. The spotlight has been on BaiShanLin’s operations in Guyana along with its closeness to consecutive administrations of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic, which was voted out in May, following general elections. The APNU +AFC, while in Opposition, had criticized the seemingly excessive concessions and other tax breaks granted to the company. The criticisms have refused to die away. In the beginning, the company was harvesting an extraordinary large amount of logs and exporting them. A flyover last year in Kwakwani

BaiShanLin’s local head, Chu Hongbo confirmed that indeed the company’s operations, as far as forestry activities go, were extensive. It came to light that the company questionably acquired significant other forestry concessions, making it one of the largest players in the timber export business in the country. It was discovered that the company was also granted hundreds of millions of dollars in duty free concessions for trucks, excavators, skidders and road making equipment for use specifically in its logging operations. In return, BaiShanLin promised to build a modern, wood processing factory just off Linden, Region 10 that

would have created jobs for locals. The company has been here for almost a decade but has failed to build the facility. Guyana later learned that BaiShanLin reportedly collected almost US$70M for the wood processing factory but instead diverted the monies to gold mining, a housing community at Providence and a mall to showcase Chinese products, among other ventures. With regard to gold mining, the company has acquired a number of concessions. Gold miners have been complaining that BaiShanLin breached its investment agreement by using its trucks and equipment from logging in the gold mining sector. It has placed local operators at a disadvantage as they are required in most cases to pay the taxes and duties. The New Life gated community project at Providence is also facing problems with little work seen on the 100-acre plot the Chinese company bought from local businessman, Brian Tiwarie. Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) has given BaiShanLin up to February to finish off critical infrastructural works or face penalties. The nearby mall in (continued on page 72)

The Providence headquarters of BaiShanLin which is now without power.

Sunday November 29, 2015

Kaieteur News

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Theatre Guild still GTT banks on 2016 for faster bandwidth owed from Carifesta X Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company is in negotiations with the government for the liberalization of the sector. Once permission is granted by next year Guyana will have 3G and 4G services for faster internet browsing etc. Though not in his company’s total control GTT Chief Executive Officer, Justin Nedd, made this disclosure yesterday. He said that his company is doing its best to push the subjects of spectrum and Liberalization along. He expressed optimism that 2016 will be a year for spectrum expansion even as the telecommunications giant works to be known for keeping its promises, for being easy to do business with and for increasing its speed at job execution. “I know that this Government is very keen on liberalizing the sector and granting spectrum so that we can free the customers from a slow 2G experience.” Nedd confirmed that his team is already making preparation for the very important issues by talking to vendors, trying to get the best prices, and looking at the

GTT CEO Justin Nedd shares optimism for increased spectrum in 2016 procurement process to see how quickly the company can get the necessary gear installed and tested so that customers can get the 3G and 4G services etc. “Everything we do is around the customers so 3G and 4G {will allow for} much better life for the customers.” He also noted that once the company procures the equipment and is allowed spectrum, testing will begin because getting that would depend on the spectrum

allowed from the authorities. He said the all the company needs to get next generation services is spectrum. The Government of Guyana through the frequency management unit, is vested with the authority to use the spectrum. He said once the authorities give us spectrum all that would be needed is three months to buy and install some equipment, “Customers would get 3 and 4G service.”

Seven years after Carifes t a X d r e w t o a conclusion, the Theatre Guild is still owed $1.5M by the Carifesta Secretariat for rental of the building. Chairman of the Theatre Guild, Dr. Paloma Mohamed, according to the Carifesta X forensic audit report, recommended payment for several organizations that were not under her scope. Amongst those recommended for payment of monies owed are, National Media Publication for advertising, CNS Television channel 6 for advertising, Vieira Communication and Nigel Fraser-HGP T.V. CH-16 Advertising. However, Mohamed at the time (and still has) made no

recommendations for payment of monies owed to the theatre. In 2008, there were also complaints from several employees of the secretariat as well as several performers who would have performed in “Legend of the silk cotton tree,” regarding the issue of non-payments. Payments were reportedly made to the Knightrider Bus Service, Classique dancers and the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha by the Ministry of Culture for their services while artists “were left out.” Amongst the performers were Sonia Ya r d e and Godfrey

Naughton. They, along with several others had staged a protest for the monies owed to them. Godfrey Naughton in a telephone interview said that he along with several other artists staged a protest as they felt they were being disrespected. Two weeks after the protests, “the money was found.” Payment was subsequently made to those who had protested but no payment was made to Theatre Guild and several persons, up to this day, reportedly have not been paid. “He only pay who he fight up, he ain pay the rest,” said Naughton. Calls made to contact Dr. Paloma were unsuccessful.

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Kaieteur News

Sunday November 29, 2015

OPR investigating alleged assault of woman by Police Commander

A family in the mining town of Linden is accusing police ranks there of physically assaulting them and then covering up their actions by instituting charges against some family members. The McAlmont family is accusing police ranks, including the Commander of the ‘E’ Division, Senior Superintendent Calvin Brutus, of using unnecessary physical violence two weeks ago to carry out a simple arrest. Maxford Mc Almont is alleging that the Commander physically assaulted his wife, Deborah, who is a serving member of the Guyana Police Force at their One Mile, Wismar home on Tuesday, November 17. But although the matter is being investigated by the police Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR)

McAlmont is not too confident that justice will be served, given who is involved. On the day in question, Mc Almont was not at home but his son, Dexter, was operating in his vulcanizing shop which is located at One Mile, Wismar when three men barged in and began assaulting him. A few persons in the shop, convinced that it was a bandit attack, quickly exited. One of them informed the man’s mother who lived a short distance away. McAlmont said that when his wife arrived at the shop, she saw the men assaulting her son and like any other mother, she intervened. She managed to free her son by pushing away one of the men. Another man went to a tinted car that was parked nearby and grabbed a baton

and returned to the shop to attack McAlmont’s son, who managed to arm himself with a cutlass and chased one of the men away. McAlmont said that after the men left, his wife took his son home. It turned out that the men were actually policemen in plainclothes. At the time no one was made aware that McAlmont’s son was wanted by the police. A few minutes later, though, two jeeps load of police ranks, including the Commander swooped down and surrounded McAlmont’s house. Mc Almont was now aware that the men who had attacked his son and wife earlier were policemen since they had returned with the party of heavily armed ranks. A female rank immediately confronted his wife, who has been attached to the Special

Constabulary for the past 25 years, and told her that she was wanted at the station. No mention was made of her son, who had disappeared by then. There were comments from heavily armed ranks that they will kill him. Mc Almont said that at first his wife showed some reluctance to go to the station, claiming that she needed a change of clothes. As she was walking away towards the clothes, she felt a cuff to the back of her neck and when she looked around, she saw the senior officer standing there. The woman said that at the time she was thinking of retaliating but good sense prevailed. By this time, Mc Almont and another son arrived home, saw what was taking place and enquired from the police why they were treating

his wife like that. “(My wife) told me to keep out, she can handle it,” Mc Almont told this newspaper. He said his son also questioned the police’s actions and was dealt a cuff to his face and he too was subsequently bundled into a police vehicle. By now, Mc Almont’s juvenile son came up and was grabbed by a police rank and arrested too. He said that his wife and two sons were taken into custody and placed at three different stations in Linden. His wife, although a serving police rank, was placed into the lock-ups at Wismar. After several hours, Mc Almont’s wife was released without bail and without being told of any charges against her. This was after her husband had turned up with their remaining son with whom the police had the initial altercation. Three days later on, Friday November 20, all three of Mc Almont’s sons were placed before a court in Georgetown although the

police had promised to release two of them. Their charges were ‘Assaulting Peace Officer’ and ‘Resisting Arrest’ for which they were placed on $150,000 bail each. “The Commander showed no example by leadership. If he could assault a woman in front of his ranks during what should have been a routine arrest, what do you think they will do?” Mc Almont said. The family expressed no confidence in the police investigating their own, especially a senior officer. This newspaper made repeated efforts to contact Commander Brutus throughout the week but was unsuccessful as calls to even his cellular phone went unanswered. “When he (Mc Almont) went to see (Commander) Hicken after turning in his son, Hicken told him that he was he was making a very serious allegation about a senior officer and like Hicken was getting vex so Mc Almont just walk out,” a relative told this newspaper.

Sunday November 29, 2015

Kaieteur News

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Govt. has no strategy for seeking funding through REDD — says Jagdeo --Trotman will be walking around in Paris aimlessly

Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman

Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo

Leader of the Political Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, has blasted the government for failing to outline a policy of how it is advocating for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD) since coming to office. In light of this, Jagdeo said that Guyana is losing ground internationally. During a press conference at Freedom House yesterday, the former Head of State had harsh words for Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman, who is slated to act as Guyana’s representative at the United Nations (UN) climate change summit, which runs from November 30 to December 11 in Paris, France. “This is a Government that has no climate strategy, no plans for global advocacy. It sent someone who has a vague understanding of these concepts,” Jagdeo said. “We have sent Trotman to Paris and he has not given us any indication as to what his Government’s climate policy is; we haven’t heard about his position on REDD+.” “It’s not a joy ride to Paris. You have to go there with

serious positions,” Jagdeo continued. “This Government has been totally silent on any of these things. We have lost that leadership role in the political forum where these concepts were advanced. So my worry is that they are not at the table.” Jagdeo decried the fact that there is no clarity from the present government about its position on climate change. “We have lost relevance. We were at the forefront in the fight to (co-operate with) REDD. And when we found out that it would not have benefitted countries that did not have a high level of emissions, we managed to build a coalition to get the concept to evolve from REDD to REDD+.” The REDD+ concept, in conjunction with the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), involves Guyana managing its forests and reducing deforestation in order to reduce carbon emissions. The REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF) is a fund that financed activities and projects under the LCDS and was established in 2010 with the World Bank as the

trustee. The establishment of the fund was owed to an agreement signed between Guyana and Norway in 2009, in which Norway agreed to provide Guyana up to US$250M by 2015 as long as REDD was adhered to. However, there have been several red flags raised by stakeholders over the years. Some of the reports pointed to the previous Guyana government not utilizing the funds for the stipulated reasons. This has reportedly caused money to be blocked from reaching GRIF.

Jagdeo noted that on a per capita basis the Guyana/ Norway agreement was the largest sale of forest carbon in the world. He attested that this model was used and recognized by many countries and was seen as answering the questions stakeholders had of whether REDD was sustainable. “REDD is so important to the world. We have about 16 to 19 percent of gross carbon emissions coming from the forestry sector. We have all the tools to show that REDD+ is necessary and the reason that it is important is

because forests were not in the Kyoto protocol.” He noted that the potential for disbursements could amount to millions of US dollars annually. Jagdeo was adamant that if REDD+ could be included in the upcoming agreement, then Guyana would get access to the Green Climate Fund (GCF). The GCF supports projects in developing countries on the climate change basis. “They have billions of dollars there for financing our national efforts. Imagine if the price of forest carbon was $30

per tonne as it was in the European Union emissions trading scheme. It is $5 per tonne and we could get an annuity of US$500M. If it goes to $30 (per tonne) we can get $3B annually from the sale of forest carbon.” Noting that that sum was the approximate size of the economy, Jagdeo pointed out that Government was just not paying attention. According to Jagdeo, all the present Government has done is to get the technical staff to prepare the Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDC) report to submit to the UN for consideration. Continued on page 71

Man kills wife, attempts suicide A Paradise/ Jibb man is now battling for life at the Suddie Public Hospital after he chopped and slit his wife’s throat. The man after butchering his wife turned the weapon on himself. He is nursing a deep gash to his throat. His condition has been regarded as critical. Dead is 23-year-old Malanie Narine formerly of Jibb. The dead woman’s mother Sattie, said that after she learnt of her daughter’s death she ventured over to the deceased’s residence to see what had transpired. Sattie said that her daughter has a four-year-old son. She was prevented by her “jealous” husband from socializing even with her

Vishnu Narine

Malini Narine

family members. Robin, the dead woman’s father said that he and his son-in-law were imbibing alcohol early Saturday at Robin’s house. Robin said that after a while his son-in-

law and his wife went into their bedroom to sleep. He said that he left his home and went over to one of his friends in Jibb. He said that he was alerted to his daughter ’s demise after

Narine’s sister came shouting, “Come see wah Vishnu do to Malanie.” Robin said that he made it home in haste but was prevented from entering his house to have one last glimpse of his now dead daughter. Robin added that his daughter told him that Vishnu threatened on three occasions to kill her. Robin said his daughter and his sonin-law had been living together for the past eight years. He however said that the couple didn’t have any quarrel before the murder took place. Police have since visited the scene and taken statements from family members. (Yannason Duncan)

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Kaieteur News

Sunday November 29, 2015

West Dem. Road Safety Council hosts successful awareness fair As Guyana wraps up its observance of Road Safety Month under the theme, “Be Wise, stay alive. Stop speeding, don’t drink and drive”, the West Demerara road safety council in

collaboration with the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) hosted a road safety fair yesterday, at the Vreed-enHoop bus park.

The fair was aimed at sensitizing the public on road safety practices. Present at the event were Retired Senior Police Superintendent, Owen Trotz, who is also the chairman of the West

Demerara Road Safety Association; Kester Hinds, a special project engineer of traffic and maintenance attached to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure; police officers, staff members of the Hand in Hand Insurance company, civilians and other officials. Several brochures, fact sheets and testimonials were given out as part of yesterday’s initiative. Hinds, coordinator of the event, said that the fair enables the officials to share information to all road users. He said that everyone has an important role to play in promoting road safety, while pointing out that the effort should be a collaborative one. Chester said that often times people shift their focus on fatal accidents, overlooking the other categories. “There are many accidents we often do not pay attention to. They might be many persons, who are maimed for life, suffer debilitating injuries or lose their limbs. Often times these are not highlighted. When persons die we pay attention to it.” According to the coordinator, statistics show that there were 11 road

Kester Hinds as he addressed the gathering.

fatalities and about forty serious, minor and damage accidents for the West Demerara District. Chester continued, “those accidents might sound like numbers to many persons.” He stressed that once a life is lost, it affects the country economically. The engineer explained that in engineering, and in order to respond to road safety with road safety intervention and initiative a cost needs to be place on lives and accidents. He said that doing so, justifies road safety interventions. For example, he said that a person may question the reason for building a side walk

when it costs $20M. “If a person dies on the road, with the figures we had calculated a few years ago, we are estimating that a fatal accident is valued at $20M.” He went on to say that someone might say, “Wow my life is cheap”. However, he pointed out that this is not the case. Chester also pointed to the importance of understanding why a certain measure was put in place and not just look at it as money being spent. He therefore affirmed that the implementations should be viewed as a way of preserving lives and the input our human resources can Continued on page 71

The informative booth that was set up at the Vreed-en-Hoop bus park.

Sunday November 29, 2015

Kaieteur News

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UGSS signs MoU with UWI’s Inter-Campus Guild Council The University of Guyana Students’ Society (UGSS) and the UWI’s Inter-Campus Guild Council yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to improve students’ rights, particularly for disenfranchised Guyanese students studying on UWI campuses. The agreement is expected to be implemented immediately once all of the UWI Guild Presidents assent with their signatures. It will continue to exist indefinitely until a more concrete agreement is established to allow for the protection of students’ rights. The MoU also outlined a need for the parties to work together in developing academic support, through collaborative research and exchange of materials to benefit the students. Further, it will also address issues of culture and sports in the region. President of the UGSS, Joshua Griffith, who hailed the signing as a “historic event”, said the approach is to work together as student

leaders at the various universities to improve how they advocate for the rights of students, student governance, the efficiency in which they work and foster exchange of culture among the partners of the MoU. “As a sub-intent of the MoU we would like to ensure that students from our respective countries who are present at other universities are also respected and protected,” he said. President of the UWI St Augustine Campus Guild, Makasi Peters stated that the partnership was long in the waiting. The agreement came out of the Commonwealth Student Leaders meeting in Barbados in July, where several issues affecting students were discussed. Peters said it was at the meeting that the leaders realized that Guyanese students attending the St. Augustine campus were severely disenfranchised because their government is not a contributing member to the University of the West Indies. He said these students suffer to pay high tuition fees,

(From left) President of the UWI St Augustine Campus Guild Makasi Peters, UGSS President Joshua Griffith, UWI Cave Hill Campus Guild President Dalano Da Souza and Jordon Jarrette, Law representative of UWI Cave Hill campus yesterday at the signing of the MoU. hall fees and living expenses. He added that he was honoured to meet with Guyana’s education minister Dr Rupert Roopnaraine and

discuss these issues. He also noted that he made a proposal to Roopnaraine for the construction of a UWI campus on Guyanese soil.

President of the UWI Cave Hill Campus Guild, Dalano Da Souza, stated, “This MoU would go a long way for our students.”

The campuses would be able to better aid each other, he said. The agreement is said to be another step toward regional integration.

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Kaieteur News

Sunday November 29, 2015

BK Wins Haags Bosch Court Battle:

CJ finds Govt’s decision to terminate irrational Chief Justice Ian Chang in an 80-page decision has ruled in favour of BK International, Inc. in a long standing dispute between the Ministry of Local Government, prohibiting the Ministry, Minister and Permanent Secretary of Local Government Ministry from terminating the Haags Bosch landfill contract. The Ministry is now the Ministry of Communities and there is a new Minister in place. The new Minister, Ronald Bulkan, had also

agreed to enforce the decision of the previous administration. BK International was represented by Devindra Kissoon of London House Chambers. In March, BK’s Counsel Mr. Kissoon, in response to a termination notice received from the Ministry on February 27, 2015, obtained orders nisi against the Permanent Secretary and Minister of Local Government, among other things, preventing them from terminating the contract

with BK for the construction and operation of the Haags Bosch dumpsite. In his affidavit in support of BK’s application, Mr. Brian Tiwarie deposed that the Ministry, the Permanent Secretary and the Minister acted “unjustifiably” and “in egregious bad faith as part and parcel of practice and pattern of conduct victimizing BK. He also accused the Minister and/or the Permanent Secretary of abusing their power, and in so

doing, reached a decision that no reasonable authority could have adopted, if it had taken account of all relevant considerations and had left out of account all irrelevant collateral matters.” Tiwarie stated that “The Ministry has constantly delayed and changed design instructions due to shoddy design work, expecting BK to immediately adapt to the Ministry’s ever evolving needs, while at the same time pressuring BK to accept and process an increase of almost double the amount of waste originally contemplated at an incredibly high standard. This was being done against the backdrop of withholding payment for operational or construction costs from BK for years at end, and failing to establish required accounts necessary to fund the Ministry’s shortfall in payments to BK as agreed. This was done, according to the lawyer, to stifle BK and force a termination of the parties’ contract, to corner BK to expend and utilize its own resources to comply with the Ministry’s ever increasing

unreasonable demands.” “Despite the fact that BK not only complied with the Ministry’s demands and constructed and operated the Landfill Site without any failure whatsoever, and invested more than five years and millions of dollars of its own money into the project, with the reasonable and legitimate expectation that it would reap the benefit of its hard work until the end of the contract in 2019 the evidence showed that the Ministry conjured up a scheme to terminate the parties’ contract. Solicitor General, Sita Ramlal, on behalf of the Government argued that BK’s action was unsustainable since BK could not seek prerogative relief, instead having to rely on private law remedies. She argued that the State contracted BK in its capacity as a private party, and that the dispute concerned private law rights and not of public law. The Government’s decision to terminate was susceptible to judicial review and that BK should bring a separate private law proceeding to determine any alleged wrongs. Kissoon retorted that the Government was relying on outdated law. Chief Justice Chang, in dismissing the Ministry’s arguments, found that the remedy of judicial review was

Davendra Kissoon appropriate, given the fact the State entered its contract with BK “in the exercise of the State’s common law power to contract”; that “the general public had a direct interest in the project” given “the level of public expenditure...the importance of the project to public health and welfare.” Chief Justice Chang went on to find “that the failure of the respondents to take into consideration such relevant factors rendered its decision to terminate as irrational in public law sense, since in the circumstances, no public authority could reasonably fail to consider its own breaches of the provisions of the contract in making a decision whether to terminate its contract with BK.”

Sunday November 29, 2015

Kaieteur News

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A Specialist’s view on the operation of the GPHC’s A&E Unit bureaucracy and unfortunate management rather than a lack of finances.

- stresses need for substantial funding By Sharmain Grainger The Accident and Emergency (A&E) Unit at any hospital is very important. Here, in Guyana, the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC)’s A&E is dubbed “the gateway to Guyana’s public healthcare system.” Its operation has been gaining close attention from world renowned Professor of Emergency Medicine, Dr. Kenneth Iserson. Dr Iserson is one of the first Emergency Medicine Specialists in the United States. In fact the author of the famous medical book ‘Improvised Medicine’ has helped to develop the specialty in the US, and has also been doing so globally. Dr. Iserson, who is well respected among emergency physicians, recently shared his thoughts about visiting Guyana and sought to highlight what measures can be taken to help improve the GPHC’s A&E Unit and by extension, the delivery of health care. Below are the responses to some questions recently posed to Dr. Iserson. WHY DID YOU COME TO GUYANA? It was supposed to be a one-time trip so I could help at a relatively new Emergency Medicine training programme. I work and teach around the globe, particularly in resource-poor countries. Having worked in rural sub-

Saharan Africa, I am familiar with resource scarcity— Guyana is not at that level. My experiences working in Antarctica showed me what medicine in an isolated setting is like—Guyana’s interior has some of those qualities. Yet, Guyana is uniquely different from any of these locales: relatively poor and with an underfunded healthcare system trying to serve the needs of an urban, rural and remote population. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST IMPRESSION OF THE GPHC’s A&E UNIT? When I first entered Guyana’s GPHC Accident and Emergency (A&E), it fit my expectations for a poor country’s typical neglected public hospital: overcrowded, understaffed, and poorly equipped. The waiting room was jammed with patients and families, many in wheelchairs or on stretchers. Staff and visitors were passing through the department for easy access to the hospital. Very ill patients filled the broken stretchers, and other extremely ill patients filled the mass of chairs inside and the benches outside the department. Occasionally ambulance stretchers held patients between A&E beds. The few staffers sweated profusely (the AC usually didn’t work) as they worked to keep up with the patient flow, sometimes having to take over “bagging” a patient in

The Baccoo Speaks One more road death would be recorded before the end of the month. Again careless driving would be the cause. No one wants to wait so this driver is going to force his way around stationary vehicles, only to crash into a pedestrian standing on the median. The ensuing horror would be difficult to explain, but the driver is going to wish he hadn’t done what he did. ** This is the season when people do the most travel. A group travelling from Venezuela will encounter problems on the river. Fortunately, apart from losing some household articles, they would live to

tell the tale. ** Guyana is going to be the most active place in the Caribbean given the number of people who would be coming home. But there is a downside. Some young criminals would take this as a cue to attack some people. Many of them would not be spending the holidays away from home, many of them in hospital.

whom a breathing tube had been inserted, since no intensive care beds or ventilators were available in the hospital. The referral phone was almost constantly ringing with calls from a regional hospital, or an interior health clinic signaling that physicians were transferring a patient needing more help than they could provide. Unfortunately, many calls also came from private hospitals that would no longer care for a patient who had run out of money. That was what was obvious. WHAT WAS IMPORTANT ABOUT GPHC A&E THAT YOU DID NOT IMMEDIATELYSEE? What I did not initially appreciate was the extraordinary talent and motivation of the Guyanese physicians training in Emergency Medicine and the dogged commitment of their Vanderbilt University Emergency Medicine faculty. (Reference is being made here to Dr Zulfikar Bux who currently holds the position of Head of the A&E Unit) The first class of Guyanese Emergency Medicine residents consisted of one physician. On my first visit, he was in his last year of the three-year programme. A University of Guyana graduate, he shared a vision for the future of the specialty and for improved emergency medical care throughout Guyana. Two larger groups of residents were in their first and second years. Based on the U.S. model for training Emergency Medicine specialist physicians, the GPHC programme represents the optimal graduate medical education model that other less-developed nations can follow. Of the eight residents who have graduated, seven work at GPHC and one has returned to direct emergency care in her homeland of Antigua and Barbuda. All are now providing the highest levels of emergency care that is possible given the limited resources they have on hand. HOW LIMITEDARE THE PUBLIC MEDICAL SYSTEM’S RESOURCES? Most people outside of the medical profession do not realize that Guyana’s public healthcare system has no Labaria (poisonous snake)

antivenin, no clot-busting drugs for strokes, no rabies vaccine, no free CT scanning, very limited x-ray capability, and inadequate medications, medical supplies and equipment. These shortages are even more acute in the regional hospitals. Of course, CTs, x-rays, and many medications are available in the private sector. This often frustrates our GPHC emergency physicians, since they would love to diagnose and treat their patients using the optimal methods, medications and equipment. That, unfortunately, is often not possible. Guyana’s public health system is truly resource-poor — although this is often due to

WHY DID YOU REPEATEDLYRETURN TO GPHC AND GUYANA? That is a good question. I retired about six years ago from the University of Arizona as Professor Emeritus of Emergency Medicine. Since that time, I have worked only in Global and Disaster Medicine. My pattern has been to work in a country, or a health care site (often at Emergency Medicine residency programmes), only one time. I try to contribute some sustainable changes to the local health system by not only treating patients, but also teaching health care professionals. What I found in Guyana changed my pattern. The quality of the Emergency Medicine residents, faculty, nurses and staff offers me an opportunity to help shape what is undoubtedly one of the Caribbean’s premier training programmes for

Kenneth Iserson physicians. Instead of just traveling the world (I still do that also), I now have worked as part of the GPHC educational family for about three months a year for several years. Over this time, I have seen wonderful changes in how GPHC delivers Emergency Medical care, with a promise of great (continued on page 50)

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Sunday November 29, 2015

The case of the kidnapped Iranian cleric By Michael Jordan Of all of the cases that I have reported on, few have been as strange as the saga of Mohamed Hassan Ibrahimi. Ibrahimi, an Islamic cleric from Iran, arrived in Guyana thirteen years ago, in 2002. Eighteen months later he had married a Guyanese woman and had established the International Islamic College for Advanced Studies, located at Lot 42 B United Nations Place in Georgetown. He was also the school’s Director. One day in 2003, Ibrahimi turned up at the Kaieteur News. He was drenched in blood and explained that he had been robbed. At the time, Guyana was in the throes of unspeakable violence and that attack was soon forgotten. It was in 2004, when the Islamic scholar and his wife, who lived in Queenstown, were expecting their first child that their lives began to unravel. At around 22:30 hrs on Friday, April 2, 2004, Mohamed Ibrahimi stepped out of his college. The scholar was accompanied by an employee, Raymond Halley. The two men entered Ibrahimi’s white Toyota Carina and the cleric was about to drive off when two men, brandishing assault rifles, blocked their path. Ibrahimi and Halley raised their hands in surrender and the gunmen opened fire, riddling the car with bullets and wounding Halley in the right foot. The assailants then dragged the terrified Ibrahimi out of his vehicle and forced him into

Mohamed Hassan Ibrahimi a dark-coloured car, which was parked nearby. Slamming the doors shut, they then raced away east into Brickdam. Within hours of the daring abduction, ranks from the police force’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad had launched a search for the missing cleric. Ibrahimi’s associates also began their own efforts to locate him. Muslim groups scoured various sections of Georgetown and the East Coast of Demerara. But not a trace of the

Iranian was found. One thing soon became clear. Money was not the motive for the kidnapping, since the abductors made no ransom demand. Speculation was rife as to who was behind Ibrahimi’s disappearance. Was it the notorious gunmen who were hiding out in Buxton and Agricola? If so, why was there no ransom demand? Was it the work of the feared ‘phantom’ gang that had sprung up during the crime wave? If so, what did the ‘phantoms’ want with an Iranian cleric? On Friday, April 9, 2004, a week after the abduction, police received a tip about his possible whereabouts. The information indicated that Ibrahimi was being held against his will at a private school building in the city. Ranks from the Anti-Kidnapping Squad cordoned the area and entered the premises where students were preparing for exams. Although they found no trace of Ibrahimi, the ranks detained the principal, his deputy, and about four other staff members. They were all released after intense questioning. The arrests and the police search sparked outrage in certain quarters. The days passed and the trail grew colder. I was at work at around 21:00 hrs on Tuesday, May 4, 2004, when someone telephoned me. The caller disclosed that police had located a two-and a half-feet-deep grave some 400 yards off the St. Cuthbert’s trail and about three-and-a-half miles in from the highway. The victim, a man, had been placed face down, his mouth and hands were duct-taped and he had been shot twice in the forehead. The victim was dressed in a black jersey beneath a plaid shirt and a pair of brown trousers. These were the same clothes that Ibrahimi was wearing when he was kidnapped. The following day, police allowed Abdul Kadir, a former parliamentarian and close associate of the missing cleric, to view the body. After viewing a silver cap on the lower jaw, a gold finger ring, and the victim’s clothing, Kadir informed police that the dead man was

indeed Mohamed Ibrahimi. Detectives believe that Ibrahimi’s kidnappers executed him about three days after he was abducted. The investigators believed that the cleric’s captors forced him to walk through the trail until he reached the spot where he was executed. But according to police, no bullet casings or warheads were recovered. Reports at the time indicated that about three weeks before the discovery, a resident from the predominantly Amerindian area was walking along a trail when he spotted a strange, dark-coloured pickup with what appeared to be bloodstains. According to this report, he approached the vehicle with a view to getting a drop, but the pickup sped away. The man then saw what appeared to be a shallow grave nearby. He reportedly pushed a stick into the ground. It was covered with blood when he pulled it out. He reported the matter to his Village Captain, but there was no immediate report to the police. A few weeks later, the police got word of what had transpired and attempted to locate the captain and witness. Investigators immediately suspected that the grave contained the body of the abducted Iranian cleric, since the vehicle the witness saw, appeared to be similar to one that was seen parked outside the International Islamic College when Ibrahimi was kidnapped. In response to the gruesome discovery, the Iranian government sent four detectives to Guyana to assist in the investigations. They visited the murder scene, but, like the local cops, they found nothing. Ibrahimi’s wife subsequently migrated, and the case like so many others, remains cold. If you have any information on this case or other unsolved murder, please write to us at our Lot 24 Saffon Street Charlestown office or you can contact us on telephone numbers 22-58465, 22-58491, or 22-58458. You can also contact Michael Jordan at his email address: mjdragon@hotmail.com.

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== THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN ==

The soul of the murdered granny is calling on President Granger This nation will never learn. Every human being in and out of this country that witnessed the aftermath of the “Mash Day jailbreak” in 2002 would know that remanded accused and convicted prisoners were driven to violence because of the violations they suffered at the hands of the police and judicial officers. Police framed them, courts ignored evidence of strength in their favour, the system denied them a speedy trial and they rotted in jail. A majority of people in this country are not even near to understanding what happened in that “Mash Day jailbreak” and the anger it released in the men who fled, and in the village of Buxton where they took refuge. I am not going over that period for which I have done over twenty articles for the Chronicle at the request of its then editor, Anthony Calder and the Kaieteur News. Suffice it to say there were many in Buxton who willingly joined the gunmen because they wanted to get back at society whom they felt encouraged police, magistrates and judges to violate their rights. Many Buxtonians sympathized with the denunciation of the system by the escapees. What never came out of that story was the fact that the number of planners of the escape totaled as much as ten, but was reduced to eight, then seven and finally five. Think of what would have happened if the original ten had made it out. During the hold-up in Buxton, a document got out that carried the names of persons the gunmen wanted to target. On it were the identities of judicial officers and state officials that many prisoners saw as rightsviolators. We have gone right back to the Faustian dungeon of judicial bestiality where young men are reduced to lost souls in jail, while their friends wait like sadistic predators hoping for the opportunity to repeat the mayhem of Buxton. It would be very unwise to think that these youths do not know about the deceit, depravity and hypocrisy in very high places like the judicial system, the police force and the power establishment. They see themselves as the victims of these people. They hang around the older folks and they pick up information on cruel officials who have no right to occupy these high

Frederick Kissoon

Murdered for her property, Clementine Fiedtkou-Parris

Who is the businessman that had Clementine Fiedtkou-Parris killed? seats of authority. They know about the “Oracle”. They would have picked up that information long ago about a sitting judge who Roger Khan bankrolled. They know about the nouveau riche that have committed many violations that should have brought them heavier sentences than what their friends got for just stealing a cell phone. These convicted men and those on remand in the Camp Street jail know that there are hierarchical members of the police force who are in the pay of demonic businessmen who get away with murder. The “Mash Day jailbreakers” knew the corrupt

The hitmen who were paid by a bussinessman to murder Clementine Fiedtkou-Parris, each sentenced to 81 years in prison cops and they wanted to kill them, as in the case of the CANU official who used to take both the narcotics and money when he made his raids, yet arrest those he stole from. They killed him on the Buxton public road during the crime plague, 2002-2005. This columnist wouldn’t dare detail the information of drugs and money that are found on raids, only for both to vanish. Small fish get thrown into the ocean of barbarity while the drug lords and money

launderers drink expensive liquor with the senior superintendents.

Lawyers told me that Magistrate Alex Moore’s ruling of a suspended

sentence for a man who pleaded guilty to possession of 150 pounds of cocaine and an unlicensed shot gun makes a mockery of the entire fabric of this nation. Moore continues as a magistrate. We conclude on a tragic note – the Robb Street granny murder trial. Four men were each given 81 years in jail for the hit on an elderly poor woman who, by any stretch of the imagination, was an ordinary lady without any conceivable type of wealth. She was in a property dispute with a rich man. Guyana knows the rich man paid four destitute African men to kill the lady. The people who ought to be in jail with these four men were the Indian businessman and the police officers that refused to go after the mastermind. The reason was obvious – envelopes talk. Do you think the violent youths out there are so stupid and ignorant that they don’t know the police and the businessman made four African youths from depressed homes the scapegoats? It is said that President Granger is Mr. Honest, Mr. Decent, and Mr. Clean. The soul of granny is calling on him for justice.

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Sunday November 29, 2015

THE ISIS DILEMMA:

Lessons learned from Paris By Jack Warner The tragedy in Paris is certainly a wake-up call for many of us living in the Western part of the globe. The many responses on social media were very instructive because they raised questions over the legitimacy of ISIS and why it has become such an attractive option for young people around the world. What is rather interesting is the apparent underlying support and in some cases quite vocal too from persons who are far from being radicalised who belong to a demographic, which would express sheer horror at the ruthless and cavalier violence practised by ISIS while at the same time demonstrate an understanding for the way it behaves. That ISIS is a threat to the world that we know cannot be challenged. It is an ideology that is different from ours and does not share the same episteme that we do. Its value of human life is twisted, its respect for modern and even ancient civilizations does not

exist; its desire to inflict pain and fear on its enemies has extended way beyond the reach of human comprehension so one cannot deny that it is a real threat to the world that we know. The major world powers have embarked on a journey to bomb ISIS out of existence but let me warn them with much sobriety that such a journey would end in horror for those who travel along that path. Such an act is one of simple revenge and not one to bring an end to this evil among us. ISIS is not a country and does not own enough real estate to be considered one. Its domain is the social media, which it has used to great effect to challenge the status quo and bond with the disenfranchised in communities across the world. It is not Muslim although there is a shared eschatology with the Islamic faith but even if the fundamentals are similar, the radical approach and the violence are not symptomatic of the rise of Islam even

during the period of the Crusades. So ISIS is an invisible enemy that can strike at the heart of any nation at midnight and one hour later instill the kind of fear that leaves continents and countries paralyzed. This is a very mobile ideology that bombs, boots on the ground and economic sanctions cannot destroy or conquer. What is required to beat this ideology is a common sense approach applied to determine the basis for ISIS’ attractiveness and the application of an even stronger but positive counter prevailing ideology that serves as a competitive antithesis to ISIS. The ideologues who descended on Paris were not strangers to each other. One journalist, describing the area where the lone female in the Paris attack came from described it as “rough.” Generally, the description of “rough” is usually applied to “at risk” communities, “ghettos,” areas where it seems as though the politics and the wealth of a country

have conspired to keep in bondage. These are areas generally that one would describe with the nomenclature “rough” regardless of the society in which we live. The other point is that a number of the ideologues were familiar with each other as a result of the penal system. That is where they met and bonded and established shared views that they were victims in the society in which they lived and on their own accord it seemed as though they were impotent to address these wrongs. ISIS as a dominant of ideology of fear would be attractive to those who experience this sense of hopelessness and these would not be afraid to stand up against the de jure establishment in revenge for what they believe were wrongs effected against them. The fact that a large number of young Muslims have been attracted to ISIS does not make ISIS Islamic. What is required is an exploration into the narratives and conversations since September 11, 2001 and ask ourselves the question whether Muslims as a class were treated fairly within the global village. What is required is an investigation into the double standards practised by dominant world cultures that allow Israel to bomb Palestine and threaten genocide on a race that lacks the military capacity to defend itself and

our silence in the face of such action. Radical Muslims across the world who feel disadvantaged are the ones more likely to align with this militant group. And for this reason you will hear denial from less radicalised Muslims that ISIS is not representative of the Holy Quran from which Islam is directed. So what is known so far is that a number of ideologues who are actively involved in what we selectively call “terrorist attacks” seem to be persons who have been disenfranchised in their communities and identify with the call of ISIS which seems to possess the ability to inflict pain on the societies which caused them much hurt. So this is a starting point. It is the point at which our examination should begin because the first thing that nation states ought to do is to emerge with an ideology that makes ISIS less attractive; in this way the recruitment of ideologues will decline and eventually ISIS will become an aging movement and an unpopular ideology. From the 1990 Islamic Uprising, we learned nothing. No one sought to understand how Abu Bakr was able to command the loyalty of a large number of young men to execute an attempted coup on our nation state. And I am not referring to the intelligentsia, which was a part of the movement but that large critical mass which is still a threat to our own peace and safety even

though Abu Bakr has faded into a more contemporary approach to the treatment of inequality in our society. Abu Bakr then did a very humane thing, which is the provision of a home and meals to the disenfranchised and an Islamic message of hope with which he purchased loyalty and amassed that critical mass. Today, similar young men and women are interspersed in communities across Trinidad and Tobago and no system has replaced the Jamaat al Muslimeen as the haven and respite for these young men and women. As a matter of fact it grew worse under the last administration where food cards which ought to have assisted the disenfranchised with meals were given to friends and family of the PP administration to purchase stock for social gatherings and food and drink for river limes. It is these perceptions of inequality which must be addressed if ISIS is to be downgraded as a threat in the Western world and specifically in our own home, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Over 70 persons have migrated to fight with ISIS and that should be a reason for concern but who in this country is doing any meaningful research into seeking to find out from which communities the young men and women came from who have migrated to fight with ISIS?

Sunday November 29, 2015

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My column

Let’s all reach out to our friends and family members Suicide is now the talk of Guyana, and not because the country made the news as the suicide capital of the world. Rather, it is because we now have young people choosing innovative ways to kill themselves. Indeed, a lot of people choose ways that are commonplace. They use poison, the rope and very few use a gun. Now we have people going to the top of the Kaieteur Falls to jump to their death. The first time it happened the newspapers had a field day reporting on every aspect, from the jump to the retrieval. Then there was a second jumper. Again the media followed the event, but not as detailed as the first one. Again there was a lot of interest in the recovery, but that soon faded until the third jumper. As was the case of the first two, this was also a young woman. Then someone made an interesting connection; the victims were young Hindu women. All of them suffered from

depression, although we did not take it for anything because in this country we do not diagnose depression. We see a person in a state of depression and we say that he or she is just moody. We see someone crying and we either joke or we say that something must be wrong. We do not attempt to offer help because we are a people who tend to leave people in distress to themselves, because we conclude that they need privacy. But in recent times I have been talking to people who now say that they have been to the depths of depression and something prevented them from jumping off the edge. In one case the victim had experienced a break-up. However, there was still some reasoning and the person recovered. Recently, news came that a person attached to an aircraft company killed himself. My first thought was that he had so much going for him, so why did he? It was

not until I spoke with Ms Annette Arjoon-Martins that I realized the person found each day extremely painful to go on living. That is a concept that I cannot imagine. I, too, have been depressed, but I always told myself that tomorrow would be better and that any pain would ease as days go by. But I am told that many people do not have such a coping mechanism. That is why I am now thinking about setting up a group that would deal with people who suffer from depression. Psychiatrists are crucial here, but Guyana has a psychiatrist to patient ratio of probably one to 5,000. This alone is mindboggling, so there is need for support groups. We should all begin to talk more to those close to us, because each depressed person gives a sign. If we get them talking then we could begin to help that person get out of the feeling. When the individual made the connection between Kaieteur Falls jumpers and

Hinduism, I began to wonder at the role of the church. Some of them attribute depression to the presence of a demon and they adopt drastic measures to drive out this demon. They only make matters worse. Some years ago, one of my cousins jumped through a window to his death in Beterverwagting because of a beating he was getting to rid him of the demon. Mother Patricia Alves killed a woman by beating her to rid her of a demon too. Alves ended up in jail; many do not because the beating death is not reported. In other cases, there is the so-called laying of hands. A pastor surrounded by worshippers would scream prayers over the individual with the hope that the demon would leave, not recognizing that the demon is depression or some other mental ailment. When I visited the United States recently, I discovered that every home had a veritable dispensary. There were tablets and pills for just

about everything. Everyone seemed to have a problem that needed medical intervention. I suppose that because some people had more money than most of us do, they also saw to it that their relatives and family members go to the “shrink”. I later learned that tablets and pills have side effects that cause problems that require even more pills and tablets to treat. In Guyana we are not so hypochondriac. But that does not mean that we should not begin to pay attention to people close to us. A simple “see you later” before we leave home can go a long way. In the workplace a person who is withdrawn may actually be reaching for help, but we turn away when the person mumbles, “I am okay. I just want to be left alone.” Some women suffer postpartum depression—a feeling that descends on the person following the birth of a child. We husbands just conclude that she is moody.

Adam Harris Then the woman kills her baby and we scream in panic. This most recent jumper may never be recovered because for one, the descent to where she is, is perilous. The last time it took some highly trained soldiers fourteen days to retrieve a body. The cost was said to be in excess of $10 million. Sadly for the family members, there will never be closure, because they may not get a chance to bury or to cremate their loved one. To crown it all, the young woman recalled that her boyfriend committed suicide some six years ago. She blamed herself and chose to end her life on the anniversary of his death. Her relatives were unaware, they said. The need for support groups becomes more urgent.

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Sunday November 29, 2015

Book Review…

Poet triumphs through pain Book: Tangled Emotions Author: Charmaine Wallace Reviewer: Dr. Glenville Ashby Tangled Emotions is a gripping revelation of the many existential crises that beset us. In the vein of Viktor Frankl, Charmaine Wallace struggles to find life’s meaning. Not that she is unsuccessful. In fact, she proves resilient and unbending despite personal angst and despair. She rises from the ashes, soars - ever mindful that all paths are seldom smoothly paved. Throughout we are aware that the mind is a matrix of conflicting thoughts combative at times, but starkly weak when we need it to be valorous. Yes, we are tangled. No one conveys this better than Wallace. Admittedly, her work isn’t

original. Far from it. Arguably, her poem ‘Chained’ is worn, and others, such as ‘Skyscraper’ is a tad banal. But there is an authenticity to Wallace that is unquestionable. Her words are emotive and we feel them; her thoughts are expressive and we are moved; her reflections are transparent and we ponder, with her Wallace wrestles with life’s vicissitudes; she stumbles but never raises that white flag. She leans on the divine and in a Psalmic tone she writes many of her more masterful pieces. In ‘Grateful Me’ her invocations reverberate. “The storms of life rage but He calms the sea. He protects, guards and watches over me. I rest in his arms comfortably forever blessed and thankful. I say this sincerely, Yours truly, grateful Me.” And she can be mystical, straying from the path of

tradition as she equates the conscience as the voice of God in ‘The Voice Within.’ In ‘I Met a Man,’ there is a phantasmagoric feel - eerie, but comforting. This is as cryptic as it gets and written with imagination and piercing knowledge of spiritual manifestations. Wallace frees herself from life’s torment and appears supremely confident in ‘You Can’t Cage Me.’ Here, she is no longer coy or tentative. There is an unnerving hubris. She is uncharacteristically combative, yet sanguine. But this invincibility is ephemeral, for in subsequent offerings she is again walking on thin ice - picking up the pieces or struggling to convince herself that she will be victorious as the torrents of life rain down. Wallace’s work is doleful but expectantly joyous. For sure, she well captures the enigma of existence. ‘Tangled

Emotions’ soars because we are all Charmaine Wallace. But there is a difference. Sadly, we shut tight our emotional door while suffering silently. Wallace has opted to pry open hers, laying bare her feelings. This bold act quickens her healing and her triumph. But ‘Tangled Emotions’ is not all turmoil and mental anguish. ‘The Kiss’ is a wondrous demonstration of unbridled passion. “My heart raced, My belly raced, Curled toes, in a passionate woe, I shivered, I felt the earth quake, Cold sweat all over my face, I almost said I love you babe. Silly... that couldn’t be, How could a kiss do this to me?” But on a dime, that innocence can turn decadent. Again, we see that thread of paradox that runs through Wallace’s work. “Too much to drink,” she writes in ‘One Night Stand,’ “possibly I am drunk....I think....This is ecstasy, romance and desire, Confused...Red wine working on my brain like a fuse, I’m all nude. It’s my sexiest attire, My body yearns, I’m wet, I am on fire.” And in the e p o n y m o u s ‘ Ta n g l e d Emotions’, Wallace is compelling with words that scramble the mind and unsettle the most tempered of readers. “Can they see the pain I try to hide? Can they really tell what’s going on

inside my mind? I wear a grin and mask the pain within. I live a lie. A terrible sin. But for how long can I remain this way. When there is nothing left to gain. The mirror reflects a change but sadly, things remain the same.” Oh, Wallace’s torture is so beautifully expressed. Ye s , ‘ Ta n g l e d Emotions’ drills into the very heart of life. Therein is a sound message - simple but profound. As wretched as life seems, we are forever shielded by deliberation and wisdom. Wallace’s words

couldn’t be more lucid: “We are armed with choices, education or ignorance. Which path will you choose today?” Feedback: glenvilleashby @gmail.com or follow him on Twitter@glenvilleashby Tangled Emotions: Thoughts, Reflections, Moods and Attitudes by Charmaine Wallace Publisher: Create Space ISBN: 13;9781515267959 Available: Amazon.com Rating : Recommended

Sunday November 29, 2015

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Gender-based violence is never acceptable The International community recognises the period November 25 December 10 as a period where efforts are mounted to end violence against women and girls around the World. A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)’s record of advocacy on this subject remains clear; gender-based violence is never acceptable. We believe that women and girls must be protected so that they can be assured of achieving their full human potential. In Guyana, women are not achieving their full potential; they continue to perform the majority of unwaged work; occupy the majority of the lowest-paid and least regulated jobs; are far more subject to domestic violence, sexual violence and sexual harassment. The constraints that limit women’s collective capacity are sometimes firmly entrenched in the fabric of our society. These include gender discrimination, mental and emotional abuse, limited access to finance for the promotion of entrepreneurial activity, and insufficient protection under the current legal system. In the manifesto crafted by A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) several critical challenges were identified and the Coalition committed itself to

a progressive women’s agenda. ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT It was recognised that many women and girls suffer in silence because the abuser is the sole provider in the home. Empowering women economically was seen as pivotal in transferring financial independence to women in society. The Coalition promised to achieve this goal by: · working closely with local and international bodies to: · increasing women’s entrepreneurial activities; and increasing micro-credit and access to small business loans. · promoting genderfriendly banking services, especially in the area of loans to women; establishing job centres in each administrative region to facilitate job search and employment matching. THE LAW It was also recognised that laws pertaining to the protection of women needed to be addressed. · A family court to adjudicate matters pertaining to women was seen as an absolute necessity. · The enforcement of the Domestic Violence Act and the Sexual Offences Act. · The establishment at all police stations of a Special Victims Unit (SVU) with

trained officers and qualified social workers to handle crimes against women. Changes in the law and the way the law is enforced, so that charges can be instituted against a perpetrator without the victims consent. · Special training for the Judiciary and Magistracy on the detection and the consequences of domestic violence, on the family and the society at large, and the necessity for the expedited determination of these cases. EDUCATION After several decades it is an acceptable fact that education is an important pillar in the eradication of interpersonal violence. Education for men and boys - The developing of appropriate programmes to help transform negative male values, practices and beliefs into positives and build a new generation of men and boys who can serve as respectful and respected citizens, parents, leaders and positive role models throughout the society. Education for women especially remedial education focusing on literacy, numeracy and matriculation. Encourage women to enter non-traditional areas of employment including Information Technology, auto mechanics, electrical repairs, carpentry/ construction and to enter technical training institutes.

The school curriculum must be strengthened to include increase awareness of Women’s Rights. We must promote respect for women and positive coverage of women in all media. SOCIALASSISTANCE POLICY The time has come for the establishment of a ‘hotline’ where reports can be made of domestic abuse. The establishment in each region of Transition Houses for victims of domestic violence (including all forms of abuse, rape and incest) is important. These support facilities will provide long term accommodation for women and their children, financial support, on location counselling, job search and skills training.

Also imperative is the establishment of a network of Clinics with trained Psychologists and social workers to counsel the battered and otherwise abused women. Hospital and medical centres must also have on their roster a strong cadre of well-trained counsellors and Medical Social Workers who are equipped to identify and work with abused women and girls. Female police officers at each station must be trained and empowered to provide one-on-one support to victims of violence. At the community level, workshops should be held on stress management, conflict resolution and communication techniques. Due to the stigma that is currently attached to women

who are abused, it would be advisable for hospitals and medical centres to have confidential priority wards to ensure victims of abuse receive immediate medical attention, in a protective environment. These facilities must be staffed by specially trained professionals who can offer confidential support services, and security personnel where and when necessary. The foregoing will be costly, but to do nothing will be even more expensive. Providing the basis for girls and boys, women and men to achieve their full human potential free from violence is both a moral imperative and a requirement for economic and social development which uses the potential and serves the interest of all the people.

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Roshinee Phagwah SUNDAY SPECIAL ANOTHER YOUNG WOMAN JUMPS OFF KAIETEUR FALLS Horrified tourists on Saturday November 20, watched as another woman plunged off the edge of the Kaieteur Falls, just 82 days after Laleta Sivanand ended her life at the majestic falls. The dead woman has been identified as 21-year-old Roshinee Phagwah of Reliance, East Canje, Berbice. She was a clerk at the Guyana Power and Light Company (GPL). Reports are that the young woman who lived with her aunt, Indira, and mother, Indro Ramsundar at Berbice jumped off the 741-feet waterfall sometime around 09:00 hrs. Kaieteur News was told that the woman was a passenger on a Roraima Airways flight that left the Ogle International Airport with nine persons– four Canadians, four Americans and the 21-year-old who was the only local tourist. Information reaching this newspaper indicated that the woman seemed normal while at the falls and was seen taking a lot of photographs. It was while the group was getting ready to leave the waterfalls that the woman turned back and ran towards the waterfalls and plunged. Managing Director of Roraima Airways, Gerry Gouveia said that this time around the tour guide and people from the Kaieteur National Park were alerted and ran behind the woman in an attempt to stop her but failed to do so. Gouveia opined that the young woman was determined to plunge off the falls.

struction taking place on the Kitty business place. He was advised that the construction was in breach of the lease issued by the Lands and Surveys Commission. He was asked to halt construction and to contact the Ministry of Public Infrastructure. Another order was issued in September. Earlier this month, Yhun was again written to, warning him of the unauthorized construction at the sea defence reserve. According to the Notice of Violation, any activity regarding the seas and river defence reserves has to be approved by the Sea Defence Board. The Ministry was unhappy that Yhun breached regulations when he stockpiled construction materials, operated heavy equipment across the seawall, excavated the foreshore area, cut mangroves and did modifications of existing buildings. Celina is also accused of placing three containers in the area.

amiss. ”I turn and ask he ‘whappen, you ain’t paying me?’ He give me $120 and say he going up back again,” the conductor said. Even then, neither Searles nor his conductor suspected anything, since neither of them recognized the gunman.

ing the privatization of state assets. It reportedly spent more than $200M to develop the seaside community without the knowledge and blessings of the National Assembly and other relevant bodies. The said lands were then secretly sold to the former ministers and known friends and associates of the previous regime.

TUESDAY EDITION

WOUNDED BUSINESSMAN RETURNS FIRE, HITS GUNMAN

PRADOVILLE 2 SCANDAL…COPS SEEK LEGALADVICE ON CHARGES FOR JAGDEO, EX-MINISTERS

MONDAY EDITION BUS DRIVER SHOT IN FACE IN EXECUTIONATTEMPT Up to late last week Sunday night doctors at the Georgetown Hospital were battling to save the life of a mini bus driver who was shot at point blank range in the face by a lone gunman in what appears to be an execution attempt. Devon Searles of 73 Hadfield Street received a single gunshot to his left side jaw when the gunman who was sitting behind him in the route 40 mini bus he was driving pointed a .38 revolver at his head and pulled the trigger. Clutching his jaw, Searles hurriedly exited the bus and ran several metres away to avoid being shot again. The bus had stopped near the junction at David and Sheriff Streets to put off a passenger when the gunman made his move around 18:40 hours. The gunman made no attempt to shoot or rob the conductor of the bus although he was sitting next to him, and pointed the gun in his direction after shooting the driver. With the gun pointing to his head, the conductor bolted from the vehicle, leaving behind eight horrified passengers and some shocked onlookers. Speaking to this newspaper, the bus conductor, who did not wish to give his name, recalled that the gunman had joined the bus

CELINAIGNORES GOVT. TO HALT WORKS Government is involved in a tussle with a city businessman who refused to halt construction works at Celina’s Atlantic Resort. The Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI) is now moving to court to seek an injunction to halt what it says are unauthorized activities. The hangout bar and restaurant, which made the news in recent months for the construction, is also finding itself in trouble with the sea defence authorities. It has illegally cleared mangroves, trucked sand, placed containers and disturbed the beach area at Kitty, without acquiring permission. Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, confirmed that the matter is engaging the attention of his Ministry. “I can tell you that at least three cease orders to halt construction taking place there have been issued. They have been ignored and we have been talking to the office of the Attorney General for an injunction.” Kaieteur News was told that since late June, Celina’s Managing Director, Bernard Yhun, was written to about unauthorized con-

Sunday November 29, 2015

Devon Searles from the Kitty bus park at the Stabroek Market. According to the conductor, the man sat next to him and rode the bus for the entire round trip from the market to Kitty and back, without he or the driver thinking anything was

Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum Investigators are continuing to study a key report that recommends charges against former President Bharrat Jagdeo and a number of ex-Ministers over the allocation and sale of prime seaside property at Sparendaam to themselves. Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum, questioned about the status of investigations, on Monday disclosed that a file prepared by the State Assets Recovery Unit (SARU), and recommended actions, has been received. It is being studied by the police legal advisor to determine how investigators will proceed, the Crime Chief disclosed. SARU, headed by economist, Professor Clive Thomas, was appointed by the David Granger administration to retrieve properties believed stolen or acquired through illegal means by government officials. The case of the Sparendaam property, known as Pradoville Two, located on the East Coast of Demerara, was the first major one announced by SARU that has recommended charges. And it could go no higher than Jagdeo whose two terms as President of Guyana was dogged by accusations of corruption. There has been impatience with the pace of investigations under the new administration which had vowed to investigate all reports of corrupt transactions that allegedly took place under Jagdeo’s rule. While there have been questions over what charges are likely and whether Jagdeo has presidential immunity, legal experts have also not ruled out civil actions being filed. The Pradoville Two deal itself had raised eyebrows as the property was not opened for ordinary citizens to have a shot at acquiring. SARU’s report last month noted that in 2010, the Jagdeo Cabinet made a decision authorizing the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) to privatize state lands. NICIL is the body tasked with oversee-

The owner of Yog Yog Frozen Parlour, Gail Russell’s son, Nicholas, was last night shot after five bandits invaded his home in Bel Air Park. Nicholas Coates, 30, of Eping Avenue, Bel Air Park was shot to his knee when five bandits barged into his house and shot at him. He was taken to the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, where he is expected to undergo surgery. Russell told Kaieteur News that her son, a young entrepreneur, was home alone in his apartment when the incident occurred. She stated that he was drinking a cup of tea in his verandah when five men rushed through his open door. She said the men had apparently knocked at the downstairs apartment and received no answer. She said it was then that they probably noticed Coates’ door open. She said Coates immediately threw his cup of tea on the bandits and ran into his bedroom to get his gun and in the process was shot. While the bandits were trying to pry their way into the room, she said, her son grabbed his gun and returned fire. One of the bandits was shot in the ordeal and the men made their escape in a yellow car. They managed to steal a cell phone. ”We called 911, 913 and 9 whatever and it all ring out. The police came 45 minutes later,” she noted. WEDNESDAY EDITION INT’L FRAUD UNIT TO HELP SARU UNEARTH CORRUPTION IN GUYANA FraudNet (FN) of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), which recently held a workshop in Guyana, advised the country’s anti-corruption body to pursue not one but several cases on fraudulent transactions, among other forms of corruption, at a time. This is according to head of the State Asset Recovery Unit (SARU), Dr. Clive Thomas. According to FraudNet, it is an international network of independent lawyers who are the leading civil asset recovery specialists in several countries. Its membership extends to every continent and the world’s major economies, as well as leading offshore wealth havens that have complex bank secrecy laws and institutions where the proceeds of fraud often are hidden. Using sophisticated investigation and forensic tools and cutting-edge civil procedures, FraudNet members have recovered billions of dollars for victims of some of the world’s largest and most sophisticated global frauds involving insurance, commodities, banking, grand corruption and bankruptcy/ insolvency. Its members regularly act for government agencies and regulators in obtaining domestic and international recoveries for fraud victims. FraudNet members also pursue recoveries against financial institutions, professional advisors and other intermediaries involved in fraud. Founded in 2004 by the Paris-based International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the world’s business organization, FraudNet (Continued on page 32)

Sunday November 29, 2015

Kaieteur News

(From page 32) operates under the auspices of the ICC’s London-based Commercial Crime Services unit. The economist informed this newspaper Tuesday that the representatives of FN met with him and other members of his team, and discussed several areas upon which they can strengthen their capacity to prosecute cases in fraudulent transaction of state assets.

hicles (SUVs) within the last five years when he was only entitled to one. Ali is now a Member of Parliament (MP) for the opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP). Ali had taken to his Facebook page late August claiming that it was brought to his attention by a senior GRA official that instructions have been given to institute taxes on “a Motor vehicle I acquired through legal means as a Member of Parliament in the 10th Parliament.” Ali insisted that the concession was recommended and approved by all the relevant authorities. ”I was shocked when this officer approached me after the Parliament to inform me that I will be receiving a letter from GRA…asking me to pay taxes on this vehicle.”

ROBB ST. GRANNY KILLERS GET 81 YEARS EACH Wails echoed through the hallowed halls of the Georgetown High Court on Tuesday, shortly after four men were convicted for the execution-style murder of 72-year-old Clementine Fiedtkou-Parris. Fiedtkou-Parris of Lot 42 Robb Street, Georgetown, was killed in her home on June 30, 2011, as part of a cons p i r a c y f o r m o n e y, a n d w a s r e l a t e d t o a p r o p erty dispute. On the day of the fatal shooting, two men entered the woman’s yard and requested an audience with her. Upon hearing the persons’ request, she moved to the door. A gunman opened fire on her, hitting her several times about the body. After the shooting, the assailants made their escape in a waiting car. Four men, who were on trial for the vicious attack, were Tuesday given a combined sentence of 324 years for the murder. The sentences were imposed by Justice Navindra Singh Orwin Hin d s , c a l l e d “ R e d M a n , ” o f Burnham Boulevard, Mocha, East Bank Demerara; Kevin October called, “Troy,” of Second Street, Agricola, East Bank Demerara; Cleon Hinds and Roy Jacobs called “Chippie” or “Black Boy” of Evans Street, Charlestown, were each sentenced to serve 81 years in prison. The sentences comprised a base of 60 years, 10 years for premeditation, another 10 years because the murder was for pay and five years for the use of a firearm. Four years was deducted for the time the men served in prison pending trial, bringing the judgment to 81 years each. The men must serve at least 45 years in jail before they are eligible for parole. Justice Singh, in summing up of the evidence, urged the jury panel to use their common sense, intelligence and experience, when reviewing the case. In less than four hours after retiring to deliberate, the panel returned to the courtroom. The atmosphere was tense as members of the panel announced unanimous guilty verdicts for all four accused, in relation to the murder. The convicts, who were seated in the prisoners’ dock, covered their faces and shook their heads in dismay at the announcement. They all maintained that they had nothing to do with the murder. THURSDAY EDITION FOURARRESTED IN CELINA’S STANDOFF An ongoing standoff between the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI) and Celina’s Atlantic Resort (CAR) over current expansion works on Wednesday saw four workers being arrested. Charges are now likely against the resort operators for possible damage to the integrity of Kitty seawall, MPI said Wednesday. CAR, which has embarked on a US$5M ($1B) renovation at the hangout spot, is planning to have a modern entertainment facility com-

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FRIDAY EDITION LOCAL TRUCKERS COMPLAIN BITTERLY AS… CJIA CONTRACTOR HIRES BAISHANLIN TO TRANSPORT SAND

plete by May next year in time for Guyana’s 50th Independence celebrations. However, the Ministry says that the construction works are unlawful. Despite several cease work orders, CAR has refused to adhere. Celina’s has insisted that its lease which was updated in 2011 allowed it to carry out works. The ministry had been preparing this week to approach the courts for an injunction to stop the works. A statement from MPI Wednesday confirmed that following a formal complaint to the Criminal Investigations Department, four workers were taken into police custody after ranks visited the Kitty seawall site in the afternoon. ”For quite some time now, MPI has been concerned about the ongoing construction due to the risk it poses to sea defence. After MPI sought assistance in the matter (Wednesday), the police legal advisor was contacted and informed of the situation. In turn, advice was given that the police may proceed to prosecute CAR under the Sea Defence Act,” the Ministry explained. When police visited the site at around 16:30 hrs, employees were at the time engaged in work. “While three persons were arrested on the spot, one subsequently came in. The employees were three operators and a mechanic. A police official has confirmed that an investigation has been launched into the extensive and detrimental work undertaken by CAR.” According to the ministry, the employees have all singled out the same person as their employer. “Additionally, the police are hoping that the arrests will send a clear message to both employees and employers at CAR and will act as a deterrent in the future.”

TAX EVASION MATTER AGAINST IRFAAN ALI DROPPED Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, categorically stated Wednesday that a case involving tax evasion on a sport utility vehicle by former Housing Minister, Irfaan Ali has been dropped. He said that after “personally examining the facts” it was clear to see that, “Ali didn’t commit any wrong.” The Finance Minister said, “I examined the matter and all the documents involved and what I can say is that someone at inland authority was just too overzealous. Ali was in no way wrong, he committed no act of impropriety and as a result of that Government has dropped the matter.” In early September, it was reported that Ali received a letter from the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to pay up to $40M in taxes for a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) he imported last year. But the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee insisted that he had received permission for exemptions. On August 23, he released a letter dated March 3, 2014 that he purportedly received from GRA’s Commissioner-General, Khurshid Sattaur, approving the importation. Under regulations, MPs, Ministers, State and other officials are entitled to tax waivers on vehicles. They can import used vehicles every three years. For new vehicles, officials are not allowed to import one before a five-year period has passed, a senior GRA official explained. GRA contended that while serving as a Minister in the previous administration, Ali imported two luxury Sport Utility Ve-

Local truck operators are complaining bitterly about being sidelined from jobs at the US$150M expansion project at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri. The jobs for fetching sand, they say, was handed illegally several months ago to Chinese-owned logging company, BaiShanLin Forest Development Inc. This particular company is in deep trouble with Government for failing to construct a wood processing facility in Region 10, despite significant reports of timber harvesting and an equal, unknown amount in log exports. The establishment has been here almost a decade and granted hundreds of millions of dollars in tax and duty free concessions. For several months now, log exports have been halted for BaiShanLin pending an assessment by Government regulators of their operations. The company says that it is awaiting financing from the China Development Bank for the processing facility and wants a two-year extension. The duty free concessions were for trucks, skidders, excavators and other equipment to be used specifically for BaiShanLin’s activities in their logging concessions. It would be a breach of the company’s investment agreement to use it elsewhere, in another sector, or in this case, for hire to another company. The exact amount of trucks and equipment BaiShanLin shipped in has never been disclosed, but insiders believe that the company has at least 200 trucks. The duty free concessions had been a hot topic of interest for Guyana, and for the current Government, which while in Opposition prior to the May 11th general elections, spoke vehemently about it. On Thursday, based on complaints by local truck operators, reporters from Kaieteur News confirmed that scores of trucks from BaiShanLin are working on the runway expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. In a compound managed by the CJIA contractor, China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), several of BaiShanLin’s trucks and equipment were seen. There was evidence that crude attempts had been made to cover up the logo of BaiShanLin on a number of trucks. Some of the logos were painted over while others were covered by white plastic. However, the registrations were still in (Continued on page 34)

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(From page 33) BaiShanLin’s company name. ‘NICIL IS NECESSARY’ – FINANCE MINISTER INSISTS

Finance Minister Winston Jordan Though a forensic audit report on the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) emphatically recommends for the entity to be shut down, Finance Minister Winston Jordan does not necessarily share this view. In fact, he insisted in a recent inter-

Kaieteur News

view with Kaieteur News that NICIL as a stateowned company is essential. He made this comment in response to questions posed on the NICIL report and whether it has been handed over to Cabinet for consideration. ”I have not read the NICIL report as yet. It is still on my desk. It will be handed over to Cabinet soon, but at this moment I cannot say anything on the recommendations,” Jordan asserted. Asked if he agrees with the recommendation for NICIL to be shut down, the Minister responded, “I can’t say anything on that because I have not read the report. I have not seen the recommendation you speak of.” Jordan was then informed that a copy of the report which had been seen by Kaieteur News had stated such, among other recommendations. To this, Jordan replied, “Listen, NICIL is necessary. You cannot shut down the entity just like that or do away with it, because it was established to serve a particular purpose. Granted, NICIL needs to be restructured, but I would emphasise again that it is a necessary entity. The decision to be taken on NICIL has to be approved by Cabinet in any case, so I cannot say to you that I agree with this recommendation or I disagree.” The report on the forensic audit into NICIL was completed over a month now. Government had contracted Chartered Accountant Anand Goolsarran to conduct the audit. In the report, it has been recommended that the entity be closed down and a small department be opened under the Ministry of Finance, if

Sunday November 29, 2015

Director, Carvil Duncan and Deputy CEO, Aeshwar Deonarine government deems it necessary. It was explained that the reason for such a recommendation was premised on the fact that NICIL was initially established for the purpose of privatization of state assets. That was done in two phases in the 1990s. SATURDAY EDITION COMMITTEE SET UP TO REVIEW LEGALITY OF RADIO LICENCES The Board of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) has set up a special committee to review all issues relating to broadcasting licences as well as examine the validity of some licences. Head of the Authority, Leonard Craig, told Kaieteur News Friday that the Board had already discussed licences, but did not look into them in detail. He said that the Board recently made the decision to set up a subcommittee which is mandated to submit a report on Thursday, December 10. That committee is chaired by veteran broadcaster, Anthony Vieira. The committee is expected to recommend to the Board, which broadcasting licences definitely need to be revoked and those that need further review. However, the final decision lies with the Board. Craig said that the issues relating to broadcasting licences are taking priority for the Board along with some internal management issues. When contacted, Vieira gave Kaieteur News further details as to what is expected of the committee. He said that it has on its agenda a task to look, in-depth, at the entire fee struc-

ture. Vieira said that the fee has to be adjusted reasonably so that it can be in harmony with the different classes of licences. CID WANTS TO QUESTION FORMER GPL DEPUTY CEO – SAYS CRIME CHIEF While Aeshwar Deonarine, the suspended GPL Deputy CEO, GPL remains out of the country local police investigations are moving ahead to address the issue of the $27.8M that he had paid himself as back pay. Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum on Friday said, “Investigations will go ahead. We have strategized on a certain course of action that we will take as it relates to Mr. Aeshwar Deonarine.” Blanhum said that despite the fact that the GPL DCEO is away based on confirmations, the investigations will go ahead. The Crime Chief said that the CID is questioning persons from the GPL. Some statements have already been obtained from those individuals. He however noted, “(Deonarine) is wanted for questioning for larceny by public officer.” Blanhum said that the CID has interviewed and taken statements from Carvil Duncan who has been cooperating fully with the police for the investigation. It is unclear what impact the police investigations will have on Duncan’s position in other entities. Last July, Government asked police to investigate two senior officials of Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) who reportedly paid themselves almost $29M without authorization earlier this year.

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Sunday November 29, 2015

Neck Pain: Knowing when to visit the Doctor By Dr. Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine I am often confronted by patients who complain that their neck is hurting and they came to ensure that their pressure wasn’t high. Some think that once they have neck pains it’s because their blood pressure is high. There is no direct association between high blood pressure and neck pains. For the most part, neck pains are usually because of a muscle strain and do not require extensive testing and treatment. However there are instances where one’s neck pain can be indicative of a more serious cause. WHAT CAN CAUSE NECK PAIN? Neck pain mostly occurs

when there is a problem with or injury to any of the parts (“structures”) in the neck. The structures in the neck include: * Bones – The neck has 7 bones that are stacked on top of each other. These bones make up the top part of the spine and are called the “cervical vertebrae.” Neck pain can happen when the bones get worn down or develop abnormal growths (called “bone spurs”). * Ligaments – Ligaments are strong tissues that connect bones to other bones. Ligament damage can happen when the neck moves back and forth suddenly (called “whiplash”), such as in a car accident. * Discs – Discs are cushions that sit between the bones. When the discs change shape or move out of position, people can have

symptoms. * Muscles – Muscles hold the head up and make the neck move. Neck pain can be caused by muscle strain or tension, such as from poor posture or stress. * Nerves – A bundle of nerves (called the spinal cord) travels down the middle of the spine. Nerves branch off from the spinal cord to all parts of the body. People can have symptoms if their nerves are irritated or pushed on by nearby bones or discs. WHAT SYMPTOMS CAN PEOPLE WITH NECK PAIN HAVE? People can have different symptoms that include: * Pain, stiffness, or tightness in the neck, shoulders, upper back, or arms * Headaches * Neck weakness

* Being unable to move or turn the neck * Pain when turning or tilting the head * Numbness or strange feelings (such as pins and needles) in the shoulders or arms * Trouble walking or moving the legs * Having no control over the bladder or bowels WHEN SHOULD I SEE A DOCTOR OR NURSE? You should see a doctor or nurse if you have: · A severe injury to your head or neck · Severe pain · No control over your bladder or bowels · Numbness or weakness in your arms or legs · Pain that doesn’t get better after you treat it at home for one week · When you neck pain is associated with chest pain or runs up your neck to your jaws (may indicate a “heart attack”) DO I NEED TO HAVE TESTS? Most people do not need any tests. Your doctor will do an exam. He or she will feel your muscles and check how your head and neck move. But some people might need tests. Tests can include:

* X-ray, CT scan, MRI scan, or other imaging tests – Imaging tests create pictures of the inside of the body. * Muscle or nerve tests to see if the muscles and nerves work normally. IS THEREANYTHING I CAN DO ON MY OWN TO FEEL BETTER? Yes. To reduce your symptoms, you can: * Take a pain-relieving medicine such as Ibuprofen or Panadol * Massage the muscles that are tight or tense * Put ice on the area to reduce pain – You can rub ice on the area for 5 to 7 minutes. Or you can put a frozen bag of peas or a cold gel pack on the area for 20 minutes at a time, a few times a day. * Put heat on the area to reduce pain and stiffness – Take a hot shower or hot bath, or put a hot towel on the area. Don’t use heat for more than 20 minutes at a time and do not use heat if you know that your neck pain was due to an injury. Don’t use anything too hot that could burn your skin. * Do neck exercises – Different exercises can stretch the neck, shoulder, and back muscles and help make them stronger.

Dr. Zulfikar Bux * Reduce stress – Stress can make pain worse and prevent symptoms from getting better. Try to reduce your stress. You can ask your doctor about exercises that can help you relax. * Watch your posture – Try to keep your neck straight in line with your body and avoid activities that involve a lot of neck movement. When you sleep, keep your head and neck in line with your body. Try to avoid sleeping on your stomach with your head turned to one side. Ensure you have a comfortable pillow. Your neck connects your control centre (head) to the rest of your body. Do not hesitate to see your doctor if you are not sure what’s causing your neck pain.

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Sunday November 29, 2015

Politician and legal luminary C.M. Llewellyn John, C.C.H., is a ‘Special Person’ By Jarryl Bryan Clifton Mortimer Llewellyn John, C.C.H., is someone who is a part of the very fabric of Guyana’s history, as much as any of the stalwarts who have called this their motherland. He has walked beside the likes of Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow and Dr. Ptolemy Reid. We are fortunate to still have such a personality in our midst. A lawyer for much of his life - in fact still in active practice – C.M. Llewellyn John is a former Minister of Agriculture, Local Government and Home Affairs. In those portfolios spanning 1964 to 1969, he held positions of power in Guyana’s early and formative years. He thus played his part in building modern-day Guyana. This legal paragon was born on January 25, 1925 to Joseph Nathaniel and Georgiana Antoinetta. His father was a Barrister-at-Law, so the law profession was already in his genes. He attended the West Demerara Secondary School. John recalled the arrival of

the royal commissioners in 1929. Just a child, his father had taken him to see them. At the time, what would become known throughout the world as the ‘great depression’ was just getting started. During the ‘great depression’, economies around the world went into recession and were hit by food shortages. As the Royal commissioners toured the country, John recalled that the people cried out for food, to their per-

mark in both fields. “My father was a politician.” John said. “And he was an ardent supporter of the politicians of the day.” John noted that in those days there were two branches of lawyers -solicitor and barrister - until they were merged. “I was admitted first as a solicitor. But as a solicitor you could have conducted cases in the high court. So from the time of my admission in 1952 I was practicing in the high

“I was admitted first as a solicitor…as a solicitor you could have conducted cases in the high court. So from the time of my admission in 1952 I was practicing in the high court and the Magistrates’ court.” ceived rescuers. ATTRACTION TO LAW AND POLITICS Leaving school in the 1940s, John set out to pursue law. He did private studies with a correspondence course, where he read for the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree. He noted that his attraction to law and politics came from his father who made a

court and the magistrate’s court.” As a Solicitor, John became a leading member of the League of Coloured Peoples, under the auspices of Dr. Denbow, from 19501954. The league was founded in London in 1931 by Dr. Harold Moody, a Jamaican. It dealt with issues affecting coloured people worldwide. At first based in En-

In London, before Independence. From left; Neville Bissember, Winifred Gaskin, C.M. Llewellyn John, L.F.S. Burnham, Eugene F. Correia and Hugh M.E. Cholmondeley.

gland, the league built branches in several countries. Among other things, the league advocated human rights and progressive changes to constitutions. John also became a member of the Lincoln’s Inn, one of four associations in London that legal practitioners must belong to in order to be called to the British bar. At first, he was told that he would have to take and pass the examination. After painstaking research, however, he submitted his findings to the bar council in the United Kingdom. His submissions were accepted and he was admitted, based on his qualifications and his legal experience, as a Barrister. This went down in the records as the first occasion that a Solicitor from the British Commonwealth was accepted as a Barrister-at-law without having to write and pass an examination. During that time, he also married the love of his life, Evelyn Rose Arthur, on July 21st, 1956 and had five children; Helen, Richard, Dina,

Clifton Mortimer Llewellyn John, C.C.H. Marie and Hannah. Marie has followed in her father’s footsteps as a lawyer and currently holds public office in New York, USA. STEPPING INTO THE WORLD OF POLITICS In 1958, John became the editor of the Torch, Sentinel and New Nation newspapers. This was during the period that Guyana’s two foremost politicians - Dr. Cheddi Jagan and Forbes Burnham - would split ideologically, with Burnham going on to form the People’s National Congress (PNC). John stepped firmly

into the world of politics with the formation of the new party, as he became the Assistant General Secretary of the PNC. He was made Chairman of the Lodge Village Council from 1958-1963. Also in the 1964 elections, the PNC formed a coalition with The United Force (TUF) and won a collective 53 percent of the votes, sweeping to victory against Jagan’s People’s Progressive Party (PPP). MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE 1964-66 In the new dispensation, John became a Member of Parliament and Minister of Agriculture under Burnham’s premiership. “I helped to set up the Guyana School of Agriculture,” John recalled. “There was the development of the (agricultural) areas between Soesdyke and Linden. Also the fisheries sector, the Mahaica-Maichony- Abary (MMA) and the candy basin schemes.” He recalled the works executed in the MMA area in order to keep back flood waters. Those areas were especially flood-prone. His portfolio also had control of sea defence. He briefly touched on his handling of the sugar and rice industries, which were and still remain two of Guyana’s most important foreign currency earners. “You had to deal with the sugar estates. They were not as developed as they are now. You had to grapple with the question of what to do with the sugar industry. Are you going to mechanize it and bring it in line with modern methods?” John said, vocalizing one of the prevailing questions of his day. “(As well as) methods of harvesting, draining and planting of sugar cane in the beds.” “Mind you, you still have (Continued on page 50)

Sunday November 29, 2015

Kaieteur News

Special needs children have rights too - says passionate Educator - calls for yearlong support

A typical school day

By Sharmain Grainger Regardless of how people feel about them, Special Needs children have been and will always be a part of society. This was the assertion of Principal of the Gifted Hands Learning Centre for Special Needs Children, Marcia Smith. The school is located at Parade Street, Georgetown, and caters to children with a number of special needs including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Down Syndrome and even slow learners. But according to Smith, they all must be counted as individuals in the society, regardless of the extent of their contribution. “Come elections time, when they are eligible, they will be registered, and I am sure they will be taken to vote. They have to be counted,” Smith insisted as she pointed out that “If they (special needs individual) are a part of society, why not include them in everything?” Smith’s remarks were forthcoming during a recent interview she afforded this publication. Being the mother of an autistic child has allowed her to embrace a special ability to appreciate and care for children with special needs or who are differentlyable. It was because of her keen focus on helping her son that he is currently in a mainstream school. But ensuring that children with special needs are properly cared for could in fact be a costly undertaking, especially for some less fortunate families. Smith understands all too well the challenges associated with raising a child with special needs. “Lots of persons are single parents and they

can’t afford to care for disabled children but they want their children to be a part of a school environment...that is the child’s rights,” said Smith as she considered that many families are in need of support to care for their special needs members. It is for this reason that Smith has been doing all that she can, in her own way, to help educate the children who are entrusted into her care at the Gifted Hands Learning Centre. But Smith can only do so much for the more than two dozen special needs children currently enrolled at her

school, and given this reality, she has been soliciting support from a number of organisations including the Ministry of Education. This, however, has not been an easy task, she divulged. In fact she described her attempts to meet with the relevant education officials as a “royal run around.” ENTITLED This is in spite of the enactment of a Disability Act which accentuates that persons with various forms of disability are entitled to so much. “A lot of people don’t know about the Act...they are (Continued on page 50)

A student gets a dental check-up

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Sunday November 29, 2015

Interesting Creatures…

Kemp’s ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempii)

Kemp’s ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempii ), or the Atlantic ridley sea turtle, is the rarest species of sea turtle and is critically endangered. It is one of two living species in the genus Lepidochelys (the other one being L. olivacea, the olive ridley sea turtle). Kemp’s ridley is a small sea turtle species, reaching maturity at 58–70 cm (23–28 in) carapace length and weighing only 36–45 kg (79–99 lb). Typical of sea turtles, it has a dorsoventrally-depressed body with specially adapted flipper-like front limbs and a beak. The Kemp’s ridley turtle is the smallest of the sea turtles, with adults reaching a maximum of 75 cm (30 in) in carapace length and weighing a maximum of 50 kg (110 lb). The adult Kemp’s ridley has an oval carapace that is almost as wide as it is long and is usually olive-gray in colour. The carapace has five pairs of costal scutes. In each bridge adjoining the plastron to the carapace, there are four inframarginal scutes, each of which is perforated by a pore. The head has two pairs of

prefrontal scales. Hatchlings are black on both sides. The Kemp’s ridley has a triangular-shaped head with a somewhat hooked beak with large crushing surfaces. This turtle is a shallow water benthic feeder with a diet consisting primarily of mollusks, crustaceans, jellyfish, fish, algae or seaweed, and sea urchins. Juvenile turtles tend to live in floating sargassum seaweed beds for their first years. These turtles change colour as they mature. As hatchlings, they are almost entirely a dark grey-black, but mature adults have a yellow-green or white plastron and a greygreen carapace. They reach sexual maturity at the age of 10-12. The nesting season for these turtles is April to August. They mate offshore. Gravid females land in groups on beaches in what is commonly called an arribada or mass nesting. They prefer areas with dunes or, secondarily, swamps. The estimated number of nesting females in 1947 was 89,000, but shrank to an estimated 7,702 by 1985. Females nest 2-3 times (Continued on page 50)

“The mind is a... (From page 24) have all crumbled. Only the MIND holds inexhaustible, renewable power! We see that in the creation of the internet, in the use of the electro-magnetic spectrum, in the flow of data and video on the information superhighway. Knowledge today is becoming accessible by all. We too can enrich our minds, renew our knowledge-base, make a difference in who we are and what we are capable of doing. The mind is a democratic source of power. We are ALL endowed with it. As medical practitioners, however, you are constrained by the Rules of Engagement, by your Oath, by codes of conduct. You must be aware that the media have become all intrusive but also more helpful in what we do and how we do what we do. We are not allowed to indulge in professional malpractices. We are

not allowed to be negligent. But you don’t have to hold back. You must not curtail your skills. Do what you are trained to do with diligence, with competence, with confidence! Finally, I bring you congratulations from President David Granger who regrets not being here to share in this historic and auspicious occasion. The President went to Malta to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Summit, and I am honoured to be here in his place, and on his behalf, to share with you these unforgettable moments of academic achievement. It is often said that leaders are seldom recognised in their own land which is why I am very humbled by your kindness…” (for the offer to confer on him an Honorary Doctorate Degree which he humbly asked to be postponed).

Sunday November 29, 2015

Kaieteur News

Politician and legal luminary C.M. Llewellyn John, C.C.H... Mr. John being duly recognized for his work in the legal field, at an anniversary dinner of the Guyana Bar Association.

From page 46 to compete with other sugar-producing countries,” he continued. “So the challenge was what will you do with the sugar industry, and that challenge still remains today.” He recalled that while diversification was always a priority, it was not so simple. It was a major industry, effective operation of which required money. He also stated that the sugar industry had a huge workforce that had to be kept working. In that regard, he opined that managing the industry was more challenging than it is now. However the necessity of keeping the industry going was recognized because of the many Guyanese that would have been on the breadline without it. Observing the downward trend of the sugar industry within recent years, John noted that the market viability has always been determined by preferential prices. “I always knew that the day would come when those preferential prices would be cut down. Because those persons who were responsible for those prices (would be exposed) to other sugar-producing countries.” John also offered his view on the rice industry, noting that both he and his family were personally involved in rice planting. He reflected that the way rice planting was once done has changed drastically. “There were challenges in my time as Minister of Agriculture. There were different varieties. We had to produce to compete with those other countries. It was a question of competition.” MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS 1967-68 As Minister of Home Affairs, John had responsibility for the police and fire protection, National elections, prisons, internal security, probation and welfare services. He recalled the infamous Ankoko island incursion, which occurred in his time and involved Venezuelan troop occupation. Back in February of 1966, the Governments of Venezuela and the United Kingdom signed the Geneva Agreement which aimed at resolving the controversy over Venezuela’s claim that the 1899 arbitral award, which dealt with the border dispute, was null and void. The agreement had stated that “no new claim or enlargement of an existing claim to territorial sovereignty in these territories (of Venezuela and Guyana) shall be asserted while this agreement is in force, nor shall any claim whatsoever be asserted otherwise than in the mixed commission while the commission is in being.” However, John recalled waking up to

the news that an armed group of Venezuelan soldiers and civilians had encroached and occupied the half of Ankoko Island being claimed as Guyana’s side of the boundary (the Guyana/Venezuela boundary passes through Ankoko island). The Venezuelans reportedly introduced military, civilians, an airstrip and other installations and structures. They even reportedly introduced a post office, school and military and police outposts. Reports of the incursion galvanized strong responses from Guyanese politicians and street protests by the locals. John recalled that at the Independence conference in 1966 it was still being debated how far Guyana’s boundary should go. “The Venezuelan question is not a question of today,” John stated. “Looking at the current Venezuelan situation, the problems arising have long transcended domestic proportions and are international.” MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT 1969 When John was appointed as Minister of Local Government in 1969, his responsibilities included Municipalities, administration of the interior and administration of Amerindian affairs. It was also in 1969 that the first Amerindian conference was held. “Amerindians came from as far as Konashen in the ‘Wai-Wai (community)’; and they were there in Parliament building for the conference,” he said. “I was there as Minister of Local Government.” He noted that while the Amerindians had their own form of democratic governance, by the nomination of Toshaos, they still had problems with mining and agriculture. “The Amerindian is no longer a child of the forest. He is integrated into society. He has to go to University. He is entitled to the same education (as Indigenous people worldwide and coast-landers).” In his capacity as a Government Minister, he has traveled extensively,. He also became Chairman of the World Peace through Law Centre in 1974. This organization, he related, devoted its efforts to worldwide conflict resolution through the law. In addition, he was made the Secretary of the Association of Legal Practitioners in 1970. The Cacique Crown of Honour, C.C.H. was conferred upon him by President David Granger on October 6th, 2015. And today, Kaieteur News confers its ‘special person’ status on one of Guyana’s more enduring personalities and nation builders.

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Special needs children... From page 47 entitled to housing, they are entitled to water, they are entitled to an education, and in that same Act it says if the parent or guardian has that child locked away, that parent or guardian can be charged and placed before the courts...”Smith explained. Support has however been forthcoming from some organisations. Smith reflected that it was on International Literacy Day (October 8) that staffers of Digicel Guyana took the time out to treat her students to a session of reading. The students were also presented with bag packs and even snacks. Other support that has been forthcoming from the Ministry of Public Health and the Cheddi Jagan Dental Centre which allowed her students to benefit from medical and dental checkups recently. “Any attention they get, it is exciting for them,” disclosed a smiling Smith. She however lamented that not too many other companies and individuals have been willing to offer needed support to the Special Needs School. “These children need consistent love and support...they may not be able to do much, but they expect a certain level of treatment,” said Smith as she recalled how one of her students would usually make it his duty to bring her a flower or even a piece of grass each day as his way of showing affection. “I greet them (students) with a high-five...One little boy, every afternoon before he leaves he kisses me and says ‘love you sweetheart’ and I would say love you too. It makes your day, because

this is what they have to give you, and its genuine...their love is very sincere,” added Smith. She is therefore on a keen mission to find ways to help expand her school in hopes of being able to cater to even more special needs children, especially those from less fortunate families. Smith is hoping that she will be able to find a better location for her school, a level of support she’d anticipated would have come from the Education Ministry. According to her, “persons have called and some who have come in to us have asked ‘Miss you don’t have a bigger space?’” “All I’m asking for is the space...an area with yard space for the children to play; they shouldn’t be ‘cooped up’ in a classroom all the time as they are now. I am willing to pay all the bills, because we are getting more children and they need the space; they shouldn’t be confined to a space like this,” said Smith as she glanced around the single classroom that accommodates her students. A PROCESS This publication first highlighted Smith’s work in 2012. At the time she only had eight children in her care, but that number today stands at 28, with one of her students having recently left. In addition to facilitating swimming sessions by a professional coach, Smith is able to offer her students language, phonics and mathematics. She disclosed that for the children with Down Syndrome, a modified nursery curriculum is used. “We at Gifted Hands believe that tailored, specialist education and support can

make a difference to a person with special needs,” added Smith who points out in her school’s brochure “They can learn to maximize skills and achieve their full potential.” In fact one of her students with a learning disability was recently incorporated into the regular school setting because of the support he received from Smith’s school. “He will always remember his beginnings and I want to reward him...I will get him a trophy. His mother is just an ordinary cook and she said ‘Miss I can’t thank you enough’,” recounted Smith. “They all do learn, but things have to be taught to them repeatedly,” she said of her students, adding that “you don’t change the topic every day or every week...we work with them until they are able to grasp the concept.” Smith also explained that visual aids are an important aspect of teaching her students whose ages range from six to 47. Smith has high hopes for her students. She even envisages that some of them will be able to participate in the paraplegic sports slated for next year. “They might not be able to do it with a book but maybe they might be able to do it swimming, or on a bicycle. My aim is to teach them some lifelong skills even if it is planting cash crops...I want to help them to have a fulfilling life,” added Smith. According to her, an increasing number of people have been hearing about the school and they have been coming. But Smith has made it clear that “if you want to get to really know a special needs child you have to go into his or bubble; you can’t

From left: Marcia Smith, Jewel Smith and Celeste Belgrave

take them into your space...it simply wouldn’t be a smooth transition, but if you come to their space they will be comfortable.” And Smith is able to do this with the support of her two employees –her daughter Jewel and Celeste Belgrave. Belgrave has mothered a visually impaired child and is as passionate as Smith in teaching those who are differently-able. Smith and her staffers have all been able to benefit from training from the National Centre for Educational Resource Development’s Special Needs Education Department. Like Smith, her employees understand all too well that the service offered is not about earning a major profit. In fact Smith has been working to ensure that her school can be accessed by all strata of society. This however means that she is unable to

pay herself salary. “My passion to care for these children...this is what keeps me going,” she intimated as a satisfied grin formed on her face. The operation of Gifted Hands Centre has however not been going unnoticed. A lecturer, Ms Christine King, at the Adult Education Association has been using the Centre as a practical training ground for students. Smith had herself gained some of her knowledge at the very institution under Ms King, whom she views as her mentor. But it is not only for this reason that she is elated to lend support, but rather because she has a keen interest in helping others learn more about catering to children with special needs. “They are able to get hands-on experience here,” asserted Smith. On December 3, the world will celebrate International Day of People with Disability. The aim of the Day is to

encourage a better understanding of people affected by a disability, together with helping to make people more aware of the rights, dignity and welfare of disabled people, as well as raise awareness about the benefits of integrating disabled persons into every aspect of life, from economic to political, to social and cultural. The Day is one that is promoted by the United Nations since 1992 and is not exclusive with either mental or physical disabilities, but rather, encompasses all known disabilities - from autism to down syndrome. Smith is however hopeful that persons would not only remember those who are differently-able on special occasions such as on International Day of People with Disability, but rather, it should be a yearlong occurrence. “These people don’t only need love on a few days, they need it every single day.”

From page 48 during a season, keeping 10 to 28 days between nestings. Incubation takes 45 to 70 days. There are, on average, around 110 eggs in a clutch. The hatchlings’ sex is decided by the temperature in the area during incubation. If the temperature is below 29.5 °C, the offspring will be mainly male. These turtles are called Kemp’s ridley because Richard Moore Kemp (1825-1908) of Key West was the first to send a specimen to Samuel Garman at Harvard. However, the etymology of the name “ridley” itself is unknown. Prior to the term being popularly used (for both species in the genus), L. kempii at least was known as the “turtle”. At least one source also refers to the Kemp’s ridley as a “heartbreak turtle”. In her book The Great Ridley Rescue, Pamela Philips claimed the name was coined by fish-

ermen who witnessed the turtles dying after being “turned turtle” (on their backs). The fishermen said the turtles “died of a broken heart”. Hunting first depleted their numbers, but today major threats include habitat l oss, pollution, and entanglement in shrimping nets. One mechanism used to protect turtles from fishing nets is the turtle excluder device (TED). Because the biggest danger to the population of Kemp’s ridley sea turtles is shrimp trawls, the device is attached to the shrimp trawl. It is a grid of bars with an opening at the top or bottom, fitted into the neck of the shrimp trawl. It allows small animals to slip through the bars and be caught while larger animals, such as sea turtles, strike the bars and are ejected, thus avoiding possible drowning. (Wikipedia)

A Specialist’s view on the operation of... Kemp’s ridley sea turtle...

From page 25 things to come. These changes will not only lead to improving Emergency Medicine care in Guyana and the Caribbean basin, but also will produce domestic and international physician leaders. For me, this is what sustainable educational

assistance is about. For example, our first graduate, Dr. Zulfikar Bux, became the A&E Department Head and the first Guyanese consultant in EM. He has improved A&E’s functioning—including providing patients with a measure of privacy, and also has begun educational

outreach to government agencies and regional hospitals, helped develop a robust EMS (ambulance service for the public) programme, and supported the vital professional specialization of Emergency Nurses.

CAN WE IMPROVE THE SYSTEM? While Emergency Medicine in Guyana holds great promise, a lack of vision means that many sick patients still must sit in chairs rather than recline on A&E stretchers. Often, too few monitors (or working monitors) are available for critical patients, vital laboratory tests (such as to diagnose heart attacks) are unavailable, and patients may wait many hours for x-rays. Improving this situation depends on a real administrative commitment to upgrade the facilities, and to supply adequate equipment, personnel, space and beds.

Managers and bureaucrats must find ways to solve the problems rather than obstruct the solutions. Most importantly, rather than ignoring the GPHC A&E, they must devote substantial and constant funds and attention to its improvement so that its high-quality physicians and nurses can do the job for which they have been trained. Guyana has an opportunity to deliver some of the best emergency patient care in the region with its human resources and international support services. The bureaucracy has prevented this for the most part, but I am now more encouraged by the leadership that is beginning to take shape. They now have the opportunity to transform the face of the medical system by supporting the vital development of emergency medicine and emergency departments in the country.

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== CONSUMER CONCERNS ==

THE GUYANA FIRE SERVICE’S IMPORTANCE TO GUYANESE LIFE Most Guyanese today are not aware of the importance of the Fire Service to the protection of lives, property and comfort of citizens. The Fire Service is taken for granted unlike in the last century when citizens were very aware of its importance. In those times, there was an aura of romance about the “Fire Brigade” as it was then known. Children at school aspired to be firemen and a good proportion of the professional and business classes joined the Auxiliary Fire Brigade, being a member of which was somewhat of a status symbol. Though the work and activities of Fire Brigade, now known as the “Guyana Fire Service” has expanded manyfold, people are even now less cognizant of its importance. The only time when one seems to know of the Fire Service is when one is in trouble. In rhis week’s Consumer Concerns, we thought of focusing on the Guyana Fire Service so that Consumers and the public at large could once again begin to be conscious of this important segment of Guyanese life. We therefore spoke with Mr McGregor, the acting Fire Chief, since Mr Marlon Gentle, the substantive Fire Chief was on leave. Mr McGregor handed us over to Mr Compton Sparman, the longest serving officer of the Fire Service, and as expected, he was a mine of information and anecdotes. In earlier colonial times, the Fire Brigade was centered on Georgetown and the Georgetown Service had the responsibility for the countryside. Now, the Service is countrywide: In Georgetown there are four stations - Stabroek which is headquarters, Alberttown, Campbellville and West Ruimveldt. On the East Bank Demerara, there is a station at Diamond and one at Timehri. The Timehri Station specializes in dealing with aircraft fires, aeroplanes running off runaways and other possible aircraft accidents as well as the usual fire-fighting duties. On the West Coast Demerara, there is the Leonora Station. In Berbice, there are four stations - Onverwagt, New Amsterdam and two in Corriverton. There are also stations at Linden, Bartica and Anna Regina. There are five Auxiliary Stations at Lethem, Kwakwani, Port Kaituma, Mabaruma and Mazaruni.

The Fire Service deals with fires of all types as for example, grass fires, house fires, electrical fires, aircraft and fuel fires. Each type of fire requires its own technique for successful extinguishing - some types of fires require water, others may require the use of foam or dry powder. Sometimes it is necessary to employ explosives. In addition to its core activity of extinguishing fires, The Fire Service offers a plethora of services and help to the public. We will mention some of these so that the public could have a better understanding of the Fire Service to the life of the Community and at same time inform of some of their offerings to the public: Rescuing victims of various kinds of accidents is one of the daily activities of the Fire Service. For example, in traffic accidents, or collapsing old houses or in construction work, the Fire Service is the only body with the necessary tools such as appropriate saws, jacks, cutting and welding torches and other such tools and at the same time could render first aid to victims. There are other types of rescue. Sometimes someone may be marooned on a tall tree and can’t come down, or a construction worker on a very high scaffold may have an attack of vertigo and has to be brought down, or a wouldbe suicide from a house roof. Animals are also rescued as for example someone’s valuable pet cat climbing a very high tree and can’t come down or horses falling into canals and have to be lifted out. During periods of drought or water shortage, the Service has kept institutions such as schools, Help and Shelter, the Palms and even private residences supplied with water. The Service often has to hose out tarmacs in preparation for public and private functions. It would adjust flag poles and flags for embassies, government departments and even private residences. It would blow out drains in various parts of the City to facilitate drainage. At a fee, it would supply visiting ships with water and would also salvage sunken ships or pump out water from ships which may be taking in water. One of the most useful services to the community is the Fire Service ambulance. Very often, the Fire Service (continued on page 67)

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Police accused of Cutting edge certified organic technology poor investigation into commercially released for agriculture production pensioner’s death Relatives of a 71-year-old man, who died on Friday after he was struck by a car on Aubrey Barker Street, South Ruimveldt, are pleading with the police to conduct a thorough investigation. Bernard Blake, of Lot 1743 South Ruimveldt Park, was struck down around 18:45 hrs on Thursday allegedly by a speeding taxi. He was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) but succumbed the following day. Blake sustained multiple injuries to the head and lacerations to the body. The driver of the car that struck the 71-year-old man is in police custody assisting with information. A Traffic Officer, yesterday, told this newspaper that the police are currently preparing a file to send to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for advice. Blake’s relatives do not seem too pleased with the way the police are handling this case. According to one relative, Lennox Skeete, at the time of the accident, the police did not go to the scene to investigate and to take eyewitnesses reports. In fact, they went the following day (Friday) when the car had already been moved. Relatives are of the opinion that traffic ranks will prepare a file based on

“hearsay” since they did not talk to anyone who witnessed the accident. Also, Skeete said that a police rank who is investigating the accident asked his wife to give a statement. “She was not there. She did not see what happened so how can she give a statement. She can only say what she heard.” For information, the relatives are offering a reward to persons who may have witnessed the fatal accident. “We want justice,” Skeete lamented. According to Skeete, at the time of the accident, the 71-year-old man was heading home. “I was supposed to leave the country on Friday so he came here (Tucville) to collect the keys to the house so that he could feed the dog and so.” It was while Blake was heading home that he was killed. His relatives claimed that on Thursday while the man was battling for his life, the owner of the taxi service tried to offer a settlement but they insisted that justice must be served. “No amount of money can bring back a life as precious as that,” one of Blake relatives said. With Blake’s death, the country has now recorded of 18 deaths during Road Safety Month 2015.

As part of efforts to sustain and promote development of the poultry industry, members of the Guyana Livestock Development Agency (GLDA) and staff of Health 2000 (Guyana) Inc. (H2K) partnered to train farmers at a demonstration farm located at Canal # 2, West Bank Demerara. Dr. Tihul, GLDA Region Three Divisional Officer, spoke about the importance of several factors to poultry rearing including proper pen design, nutrition of the birds and odour control. He advised that abuse of antibiotics by animal rearers is problematic around the world and has resulted in disease organisms becoming resistant. It was therefore welcoming when H2K approached GLDA for advice to construct a model broiler (meat bird) pen to test the products and to train farmers. GLDA’s Livestock O ff i c e r M r. P a n d a y provided regular guidance to the trial and reported that the products resulted in faster growth rates and birds were healthy, consumed less feed to rear and the odour of the pen was significantly reduced. The visiting farmers were impressed with the poultry rearing operation they observed. Chicken farmer Jai,

THE GUYANA FIRE SERVICE’S... From page 66 ambulance is the only one available to fetch the injured and sick to hospital or health centre. And first aid is a continuous activity at all times. One very important aspect of the administration of the Service is the continuous training of firemen in the most modern techniques. The Fire Service runs a training complex at Leonora which accommodates 60 trainees. There is also continuous foreign training in the Caribbean, especially in Barbados and

Trinidad. Training in the United Kingdom is a tradition which has continued from colonial times; for example, seven firemen went to England last year for five-week training programmes. Despite the great impact the Service makes on Guyanese life, the Management is never complacent but is always working for improvements and building a Service comparable to the best.

of Clay Brick Road, remarked that he used the products and was able to obtain a sixpound bird in six weeks, which was previously not possible. Pig farmer, Jessamy commented that the product, Renerzyme, virtually eliminated the odour in his pens. They were also appreciative of the free products distributed at the session. At the end of the session, Mr. Christopher Persaud, Head of Agricultural Operations for H2K said that

H2K’s focus is the development of the agricultural industry in order that farmers will earn larger profits while producing healthy food and sustainably managing their farms. Organic products are imported from India and USA and certified by accredited agencies Ecocert and OMRI, he said. Scientific studies have been done by University of Guyana students since 2013 and these have to date confirmed that H2K’s

products improve the yield of wiri peppers, improve broiler chicken growth rate and reduces feed. They also control black sigatoka in plantains. H2K is also confident that it can improve rice production so that Guyana can be highly competitive on the world market. Field tests over the past two years have seen 30 - 50% increase in yield from 100% increased tillering, to longer grains and panicles, to better grain filling.

Exxon Mobil will own you if... From page 9 sure what will happen in the future.” He said that if the government “borrows” money and then things do not materialize the government will find itself in a pickle. Jagdeo pointed out that, government, in looking to borrow from Exxon, has not even exhausted avenues to access funding from multilateral agencies. “You haven’t used the Norwegian Fund and you are going to go and borrow from Exxon Mobil.” “That puts you in Exxon’s pocket. How can they then sit and negotiate with Exxon on an equal footing?” He said, too, that if this materializes, “when the PPP resumes office in four years or so we will be forced to consider whether it is a transparent deal because this government is borrowing against future receivables when you do not know if they will materialize. It is not like we already have producing oil fields.” The leader opined that the government is avoiding taking money from IDB

because it wants to avoid processes like feasibility study and approval. “From Exxon Mobil it comes into the treasury and skips transparency requirements necessary for using multilateral monies. It gets to handpick contractors like with the Specialty hospital.” Jagdeo said that the Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative should be signed on to immediately and Exxon Mobil has to be forewarned that if it comes to Guyana and engages in underhand dealing “we are going to

examine everything.” Earlier this year, Exxon Mobil announced what is believed to be significant oil find offshore Guyana. This has raised the prospects of other wells being drilled. However, the discovery was clouded by the collapse in international oil prices which makes it less attractive for immediate extraction. Also, as a result of the announcement, Venezuela started an aggressive campaign to scare the company away. This has sunk the relationship between Guyana and Venezuela.

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BABY BOTTLE TOOTH DECAY By Dr. NerominiFagu Last week we discussed the importance of taking care of baby teeth and gums. According to the Centre for Disease Control, “dental caries may be the most prevalent of all the infectious diseases that affect humans.” Let us this week continue our discussion on tooth decay in infants and young children. This form of tooth decay is known by many names including Baby Bottle Tooth Decay (BBTD), Rampant caries, Nursing Bottle Syndrome and Early Childhood Caries. Unlike caries in adult teeth, BBTD mainly affects the front baby teeth of young children. Many of you may have seen children with BBTD and not think much about it or its consequences. As mentioned last week, BBTD is a rapid form of tooth decay caused by the frequent and long-term exposure of a

Stages of baby bottle tooth decay — mild, moderate, severe child’s teeth to sugary liquids.The sugary substance can be from liquids in bottles and include milk, formula, juice, soda or other sweetened drinks. The condition is also associated with children who fall asleep while breast feeding or with children whose pacifiers are frequently dipped in sugary substances. If sweet fluids are left in the mouth while the child is sleeping it increases the chances of cavities. Giving a young child a sugary drink at nap or nighttime is harmful because during sleep, the flow of saliva decreases, allowing the sugary liquids to stay on the child’s teeth for a long period of time. Bacteria in the mouth

then change the sugar in the sugary liquids into acid that attacks the teeth and breaks down the enamel. Also, each time you eat or drink, that acid can attack the teeth for 20 minutes or longer. Over time, tooth decay can develop and form a cavity which if left untreated can result in pain and infection. Severely decayed teeth may need to be extracted. Although baby teeth are replaced by adult teeth, taking proper care of baby teeth is important for several reasons. Baby teeth last for one-sixth of a person’s life and are necessary for proper chewing of food and digestion. Chewing on well-formed baby teeth also helps the jaw bones to grow and develop properly. The presence of front teeth is necessary for learning

speech sounds and proper language development. Baby teeth act as a placeholder for the adult teeth. If the baby teeth are lost early, the adult teeth may grow in crooked or in a crowded arrangement which can lead to the need for orthodontic treatment later. It is important to note that children do not lose all of their baby teeth at once and certain baby molars are expected to last longer in the child’s mouth up to 12 to13 years of age. Healthy teeth also contribute to a child’s wellbeing and self-esteem. Treatment of BBTD will depend on the stage of the disease as well as the child’s age. In the early stages close monitoring along with fluoride treatment and oral health instructions are usually done. In advanced

stages, when cavities are formed, fillings for front teeth are done and stainless steel crowns are recommended for back teeth. More invasive treatments like pulpectomies (root canal treatment) or extractions may be indicated for severe cases. You can help prevent Baby Bottle Tooth Decay by: · Cleaning your child’s teeth daily · Not allowing your child to fall asleep with a bottle filled with juice, milk, or formula · Not letting your child sip on a bottle filled with juice, milk, or formula for long periods of time as a pacifier · Giving your child plain water when he or she is thirsty · Making dietary changes such as diluting fruit juices and giving more healthy snacks · Ensuring your child gets the fluoride needed to prevent decay · Scheduling regular dental check-ups for your

Dr. Neromini Fagu child beginning when their first tooth appears Remember, children need healthy baby teeth to chew food, to speak, and to allow adult teeth to grow correctly. Proper usage and correct monitoring of baby bottles, food and drink can greatly assist in the prevention of BBTD. Learning and practicing proper oral hygiene from an early age is the best way to ensure good dental health. For more information contact OMNI DENTAL at 295 Quamina Street, Georgetown Tel: 227-0025, Parika Tel: 260-3133 or send emails to nerominifagu@hotmail.com.

STANDARDS IN FOCUS

Ten useful Weights and Measures Tips for Christmas Shopping During this busy shopping season, it is customary for consumers to engage in the purchase of goods, such as rice, flour, sugar, meats, preserved fruits and cooking oil by Weights and Measures. Although the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) has been executing its mandate to ensure that all weighing and measuring devices used in trade are verified (stamped), consumers have meaningful roles to play which would

guarantee that they are not given short weights and measures. The following are ten of these roles: 1. Buy goods from vendors who are using verified scales and other verified devices. If used properly, approved devices give correct weights or measures. 2. Look for GNBS verification seals on devices. The affixed GNBS seals are one way of determining whether the device (scale) was verified. 3. Make sure the device used to weigh or measure your goods is clean and tidy. Dirty devices often give inaccurate weights and measures and can cause the contamination of goods.

4. Make sure that you can see the measuring indicator of scales. Ensure that the scale is positioned in a manner which will allow you to see the weighing process. 5. Do not buy from vendors or shopkeepers using the domestic (kitchen) scales. These scales are not approved for commercial trade because their internal mechanisms are quickly worn, hence they give inaccurate weights. 6. Do not accept purchase if you have doubts about your weight or measure. 7. Buy in metric quantities. Devices used in the market place are in metric units and by requesting goods in metric quantities you are assured of the

quantity of goods issued to you. 8. Buy all solids by weight instead of measure. Rice, peas and channa are solid goods and all solids must be weighed, not measured. Request these goods in grammes and kilogrammes. 9. Buy prepackaged goods that are labeled with the quantity (net contents). For example: 450 g, 1 kg, 3 litres, etc. 10. Call the GNBS hotline or visit the Weights and Measures office in your Region and make your complaints if the need arises. For further information please contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 2190069, 219-0065, 2190062 or visit the GNBS website: www.gnbsgy.org

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Govt. pledges support for small businesses The inaugural Business Exposition 2015 opened on Friday last, with Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo committing to develop small businesses in Guyana. Although they are significant contributors to economic development, small businesses have always been beset with stumbling blocks. The challenges being faced include limited access to finance, the high cost of borrowing, and inadequate advisory services as well as inadequate business training. The exposition was held at the Sophia Exhibition Complex, Georgetown under the theme, “Guyana Products and Services – our gateway to the good life.” The venture is expected to conclude today. The audience included several Government ministers, members of the Diplomatic Corps, businessmen

and women, foreign business leaders, tourists and other officials. The Prime Minister who is performing the duties of President attested that small business persons have a chance to be progressive business individuals. Nagamootoo described the expo as a new dimension in marketing and exhibition. He saw the small business sector as being critical to strengthening and sustaining Guyana’s economy. He also pledged the administration’s continued support towards establishing the framework for a level playing field, to allow equal access by both local and foreign investors, to concessions and grants for the development of their businesses. Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin, said that the expo is being held in collaboration with the Ministry of Business and the Guyana

- as Business Expo 2015 wraps up Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA). “This event presents a real opportunity for small businesses to have access to a volume of customers over a three-day period that they may not ordinarily encounter in an entire year of business.” “And this allows them to showcase and sell their products and can get valuable feedback that can be used to improve these products.” Gaskin affirmed that the event was more than just a one-off event. He described it as a targeted measure to address the Ministry’s main goals in the five year strategic plan. “Those goals are to support the development and export of value added industries and to increase the economic

Finance Minister defends MOU with Fedders Lloyd Finance Minister Winston Jordan has finally decided to respond to mounting criticisms on his recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Fedders Lloyd to complete the Specialty Hospital. The Ministry of Finance stated, yesterday, that its recently signed MOU with Fedders Lloyd is consistent with the proper procurement practices. The Ministry of Finance quoted the Procurement Act Chapter 42:05 to support its position. “If the supplier or contractor whose tender has been accepted fails to sign a written contract, if required to do so, or fails to provide any required security for the performance of the contract, the appropriate board shall refer the matter to the Evaluation Committee to determine which of the remaining tenders is the second lowest evaluated tender based on the evaluation criteria outlined in the bid documents subject to its right, in accordance with section 40(1), to reject all remaining tenders.” The Ministry noted that in the Public bidding done for the Specialty Hospital under the former PPP/C government, four tenders were received. Two were deemed to be rejected, leaving the remaining two - Surendra Engineering and Fedders Lloyd Ltd. – in contention. In spite of the protestations of Fedders Lloyd, the Ministry said that the then PPP/C government selected Surendra Engineering, leaving Fedders Lloyd as the sec-

Finance Minister, Winston Jordan ond and only other bidder for the project. The Finance Ministry said that Surendra’s services were eventually terminated by the previous government. Therefore, in accordance with Section 42(5) of the Procurement Act, it said that the government can proceed to the second bidder. The Ministry also emphasized that it did not award a contract to Fedders Lloyd; the Ministry merely entered into a MOU with the second bidding company and, indeed, the only other qualified bidder. It said, “The advantages of proceeding in this manner, rather than going out for a new tender are many, including the fact that Fedders Lloyd expressed in the MOU its intention to hold its prices expressed in its original bid made some four years ago. In

addition to being time consuming, a new tender will result, obviously, in price escalation due to inflation.” The Finance Ministry noted that Fedders Lloyd intends to examine works already done by the previous contractor and to integrate those works within its proposed current design options, so as to lessen the burden of loss of funds already spent. Fedders Lloyd it said intends to complete the designs and finalize the list of equipment (which was not completed by the previous contractor) to the satisfaction of the Ministry of Public Health. The Indian Company also intends to hold the overall cost of the project within the available balance of the Line of Credit from Exim Bank of India. Kaieteur News understands that it is the intention of the Ministry of Finance that should the conditions in the MOU be satisfied by Fedders Lloyd, then the Tender Board will be invited to make an award of contract to Fedders Lloyd. The Ministry said that procedurally, therefore, there is no impropriety in the method used by government in entering the MOU with Fedders Lloyd with the intention of leading to an award should the conditions stipulated in the MOU be met by Fedders Lloyd. It said that the decision to utilize the instrument of the MOU safeguards the procurement process and seeks to optimize the use of Public Funds, in this case a loan, in the most beneficial way.

opportunities and capabilities of vulnerable groups,” Minister Gaskin explained. The Small Business Act stipulates that 20 percent of all public contracts awarded must go to small businesses. One of the plans communicated by the Ministry of Business is to institute a programme that prepares small businesses to access public spending. The event also saw the

participation of members of the Caribbean Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (CAIPA). The huge crowd was treated to a dramatic presentation by Kross Colour productions. The exhibition is a smaller version to GuyExpo. The larger expo has been shifted to next year, and will be a part of the activities to celebrate Guyana’s 50th anniversary of independence.

This year ’s expo was sponsored by Republic Bank, Digicel Guyana, Toolsie Persaud Limited, BK International Inc, Pomeroon Oil Mill and Trinidad Cement Limited. Small and Medium Enterprises (SME’s) contribute significantly to economic growth and serve as agents of change, innovation and pioneers for creating new technologies. SMEs in Guyana are estimated to account for 40 per cent of total employment and also play a part in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Guyana.

Elements sabotage pump station

Region Two councillor, Hardatt Narine, a/k”Sham” has expressed his disgust over the sabotage of national assets. Narine noted that a mobile pump which is almost two years old was sabotaged by persons who remain at large. Narine said that it was brought to his attention that someone threw sand into the engine and cut the belt thus rendering the pump inoperable. The furious councillor said that the incident occured in the latter part of September and senior officers including the engineer who is attached at the Region’s Drainage and Irrigation department are aware of the issue. Narine is of the opinion that this issue needs to be addressed by the present Government since he strongly believes that there are persons in the Region who are bent on causing problems for the new Coalition government. “There are elements in Region Two who are bent on making mischief.” Narine said that after he was alerted to the issue, he immediately went and inspected the mobile pump which is stationed at Hampton Court, Essequibo Coast.

The sabotaged pump

Narine said that as a result of the sabotage of the mobile pump, the connecting rod would eventually bend which would further result in the cut and punch of the engine causing the pump to block, rendering it inoperable.

“The Government need to look into this serious matter because it’s like we have the same circus but this time with different clowns.” Narine stressed that the pump costs some $12M. (Yannason Duncan)

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SERVICES

WANTED

PLANNING AN EVENT? 1 C o o k t o w o r k i n t h e BIRTHDAY PARTY, Interior for Family. Call: GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, 683-2271 ANNIVERSARY,ETC.–CALL Wanted experienced taxi DIAMOND TENTS: 216- drivers and dispatchers@ 1043; 677-6620 Princess Hotel ProvidenceVisa Application: U.S.A, Tel: 616-5419, 256-7075 Canada & UK; Guyana Passport application. Graphics One live in maid assistant design, Advertisement. Tel: salesgirl, E.C.D –Call: 6035416; 644-9802 626-7040; 265-4535. PARTY DECORATING: We pay cash for land in balloon creation, back drops Eccles, Herstelling, Farm , etc. for weddings, birthdays, Prospect, Parfaite Harmonie, anniversary etc. Make your Uitvlught, Zeelugt. Call: 611event extra special! Tel 7223; 604-2207 Maya: 642-6664 Experienced pastry maker, Repairs at affordable prices: curry & roti/puri cooks, fridge, air conditioner, counter servers, handy boys. washing machines, dryers, Apply at Hack’s Halaal, 5 TV, microwaves & freezer- Commerce Street. Call: 610-5846 or 661-8158 Bartenders, waitress, cook, Landscaping: Palms, largest maintenance, please apply in varieties of plants, Used in person @ Aracari Resort 160 every one of our unique Plantation Versailles W.B.D landscapes- Call: 648-1821/ Live in waitress to work in a 219-0468 bar and hotel –Call: 604-6606; Permanent & Visitors 665-7865 Vi s a Applications, Professional Immigration Live in waitress 18-30yrsC o n s u l t a n t R o o m D 5 salary $60,000 monthly- Call: Maraj B u i l d i n g . 610-3974 visadocumentsgy@yahoo.com. Senior Mechanic to work in Call: 225-6496, 662-6045 Georgetown – Call: 218-1156 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, Drivers, dispatchers & washer, dryer-Call: 231-0655; contract cars- Call: 231683-8734. Omar 0316,231-0002, 219-4086, 219LCD-Plasma-LED TV repairs 4087 etc. Contact Abdul Attractive live in waitressElectronics. Call: 225-0391 Call: 327-0252/674-4665 Floor sanding & Lacquering Wanted land to buy at House plans, Estimate & Parfaite Harmonie, Eccles, painting, boat for Santa Mission Diamond, Tuschen (best Tours –Call: 650-4362 price pay)- call: 604-6724 Landscaping: Palms, largest Live in couple; husband varieties of plants, Used in duties: driving, welding, every one of our unique mechanical experienced. landscapes- Call: 648-1821/ Good accommodation and 219-0468 rates. Call: 227-1830 We print ribbons and napkins Attractive Live in Waitress. for weddings etc, at a Call: 228-5129; 604-8277 Competitive Price. Call: 225- Girl to work in snackette at 8133; 671-6754 Schoon-Ord, West Bank Building Contractor: Demerara- Call: 626-2629, 676drawing plan, general home 6312 maintenance, free estimate- Live in or live out babysitter/ Call: 216-0671/ 622-0267/692- domestic- Call: 219-5354 8 4 6 4 . (Monday- Saturday) 8:15email:klakeram.construction@ 4:15pm gmail.com Office clerk senior/ junior KrossBeaux Enterprises, CXC English/ Mathematics, affordable computer classes, computer knowledge an computer repairs, online asset- Call: 219-5354 courier service, websites. Experienced wash bay Call: 223-1915; 648-1120 or attendants living in http://krossbeaux.cu.cc Georgetown. Attractive AT Investments: salary- Call: 646-8748 immigration & One cleaner to work in documentation (US, Canada, Alberttown - Call: 225-3234 UK, BVI, etc) flyers, FOR SALE/RENT business cards – Call: 6155633/ 641-5195/ American Pools table-Call: amri_rivas@yahoo.com 277-0578

VACANCY Rays One Stop Auto Parts: experienced used parts counter and bond clerk @ 74 Sheriff Street. Call: 225-6356/ 7 Landscape maintenance team seeks, Hardworking, reliable workers, 17-35 ages; on the job, training. Contact: 2190468/621-2453 Plant Shop Sales Clerk: Hardworking, literate, punctual workers, Work experience an asset.Contact: 648-1821 Experienced bar/ shop worker for Ekereku bottom Interior, age 17-30years- Call: 231-0363 Exist for bartender, waitress, security guard –Contact Sheik or Donald on Tel: 227-1131 Hairdressers, barbers, also hair stations available for rental -location: New Market Street- Call: 638-1106 Experienced cook, waitress, bartender, bouncer needed for Eden’s Bar. Call for appointment: 652-0074 Live in housekeeper to care for child, long term employment. Call: 656-1284 Vacancy exists for cooks, waitstaff, bartenders & cleaners at Starbuds Restaurant. Send applications to 183 Albert St, Georgetown. ACCOUNTS CLERK, MINIMUM CXC Accounts Grades I or II; PLANT TRAINEE, GTI/ GITC graduates preferred E.B.D Residents- Tel. 676 6700 Security officers wanted by security company-Contact: 672-1920, between 8:00am5:00pm 1 Sales representative must have motorcycle -$30,000 per week, plus commission, handy-man -$25,000 weekly – Call: 231-8053 TRINIDAD JOB O P P O RT U N I T Y: E X P E R I E N C E D HOUSEKEEPER WITH VALID PASSPORT CALL: 669-6565; 695-2838 Agriculture personnel must have 3-4yrs experience, also a diploma from U.S.A. Call: 231-8053 Technician- must be certified and have experience in installing security cameras. Call: 231-8053 Vacancies for porters. Apply at Alabama Trading Georgetown Ferry Stelling Stabroek. 1 computer legal clerkPhone: 624-7087, 258-0213, 226-4283 FOR RENT SD Real Estate, Executive 2 Bedrooms Apartment in exclusive Residential Area with all modern amenities. Tel: 653-2920.

Sunday November 29, 2015

SALON -Make Up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, Black Opal, Mabelline. -Nail Technician Course Call: 647-1773/660-5257 Affordable salon services: pedi, mani, wash & blowout, facials, etc $2500 each. Vogue @ Kalyan Mall, Lamaha Street. Tel: 647-1773/6605257. Earn a certificate in cosmetology. Enroll now at Artee’s School of Cosmetology and Beauty Salon-Call: 680-0156; 2750267

FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.

VEHICLE FOR SALE Star Cars Auto Sales: Premio, Spacio, Runx, IS, Fielder, Bluebird, Axela, Pit-bull, Raum, Benz -Tel: 268-3509; 679-3140

One 928 F Caterpillar Wheel Loader $ 7.1 M, Price Negotiable-Call Us Today 650-0402/260-4988

We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 TacomaCall:680-3154

3 Lots At Blankenburg Behind The Gas Station; $13 M Price Negotiable; Each Lot Size 75x76- Call Us Today 650-0402/260-4988

AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms- Call: 680-3154

Lot 175 Atlantic Gardens E.C.D – 2 Storey Building, 3 bedrooms- $120,000- Call: 687-1050

Rotweiler pups. Tel: 619-6086, Toyota Noah & Voxy, Fully 622-6646, 699-7077. loaded, never registered, ‘G’ Series -$1.7M –Call: 617-2891 PRADO: TOP CONDITION, SUNROOF, FULLY One yellow cab 212 motor car, LOADED, 8 SEATER, FUEL, very good condition-Call: 2000 MODEL. CALL: 684- 691-5086 5868 One Honda CRV, immaculate CRV EXCELLENT condition –price $1,650,000CONDITION, 1998CC, Call: 626-2884 ALARM, DVD, MAGRIM, CLEAN ENGINE & BODY- Mitsubishi Canter for sale; GTT series, next to new – CALL: 684-5868 Call: 611-5354; 615-4728, 1-36ft cabin Cruiser for sale- price reasonable Call: 648-6815; 654-2817 PRR Mazda Axela with 50lbs Bags, dog food W/Sale chrome kit, auto start alarm. & Retail- Call: 222-7891; 609- Price $1.450M series. 9202 Serious enquires only call: 1 Mitsubishi Canter: Long 617-7113 base, open back, PNN series Toyota Vios. Call: 644-6346 4D33 Engine –Call: 610-2878

Top flat, 2 bedrooms @ East Street opposite Balwant Singh Hospital, no children. Call: 227-6776; 667-3062

Used XBOX 360, PS Vita, PS3 I-pad & I-pods, XBOX one & games –Tel: 621-7497; 6038643; 649-3277

2 Bedrooms apartment located @ Mon-Repos North E.C.D- price $60,000 – Contact: 692-9295 & 688-6005 2 Bedrooms bottom flat @ West Ruimveldt - $40,000 per month. Call: 692-7194; 6927377

Rottweiler and German Shepherd mix pups for sale – Call: 641-1771 and 654-0388

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

Hair & Nail Stations @ Forgaty’s Building, also a braider either to rent station or work -Call: 602-7256; 6859836 J u l i e a n n ’s A p a r t m e n t Rentals: fully furnished apartments with aircondition & Wi-Fi -$9,000 daily –Call: 226-5336; 6926595; 616-4686 One self contained room; preferably bachelor. Call: 2234545 SMALL 1 BEDROOM U N F U R N I S H E D APARTMENT @ ECCLES$35,000 MONTHLY. CALL: 609-8132; 672-8569

Pure bred Rottweiler pups with pedigree – best quality. Call/Whatsapp: 664-5401

Nissan Sunny B12 in excellent working condition, no body work nor engine problem- Call: 327-7625 HB yellow 192 Corolla in good condition. Price $550,000. Owner migratingCall: 684-2539, 647-0271 Bus for sale, BJJ series- call: 677-3177, 678-5887

Stalls 64-72 -47ft longX7ft wide @ La Penetence Market Albouystown-Call: 663-1597; 218-4837; 225-4410 Cheap! Cheap! CCTV Security Surveillance Kit, 8 Channels DVR with built in Hard Drive, 8 bullet cameras – Tel: 621-4740; 686-3500 Pools-table cloth, balls, pocket, coin-shute, rubber, cue-stick, coin, chalk, spots gully boot, white ball, poolstable locks –Tel: 669-9927 One white eye parrot and one Amazon Parrot –Call: 6678896 Pure bred pit-bull pups for sale –Contact Lisa: 697-8867

1-3 Bedrooms bottom flat at Lot 135 South Vryheid’s Lust East Coast Demerara – Call: 691-6963 for more information

One 600amp automatic transfer switch sold as isCall:627-7835 ADULTAMERICAN BULLYCALL:667-4845, 610-0068, 220-7933

Prime business place for rent @ Mon Repos Public Road E.C.D, 2 (2) Bedroom apartment @ Block 8 Mon Repos E.C.D. Contact: 6181754; 681-1508; 220-6168

Clean Garden earth, Trucking Services and Builders Waste, also bobcat rental, excavating, clearing, levelingCall: 627-9977; 616-0617; 6633285

TO LET Rooms in Albertown –Call: 225-3234 Brand new top flat unfurnished 2 bedrooms apartment, located Lot 8 Shell Road Kitty Georgetown $70,000 –Call: 231-4385; 6385894 For foreigners fully furnished two bedrooms apartment in South. Hot & cold, cable, washing machine & internet. Tel: 6895877 2 BEDROOMS FULLY FURNISHEDAPARTMENT, IN ECCLES (FOR OVERSEAS VISITORS) US$30 DAILY. CALL MAX: 609-8132; 672-8569 Prime business place on Sheriff Street to rent only for offices. Call: 627-6740 Continued on page 71

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Kaieteur News

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West Dem. Road Safety Council hosts.... From page 70 TO LET 3 Bedrooms apartment for rental at W.B.D- Call: 2671446, 674-6080

Officials and members of the West Dem. Road safety council pose for a photo. From page 14 generate for the country. Chairman of the West Demerara Road Safety Association also weighed in at the event. Trotz told Kaieteur News that several transport drivers were trained in being better road users. The training, he said, was conducted by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure. About 100 drivers took part in the two-day programme held at the Aracari Resort. They were each rewarded with a

Certificate of Completion at the fair. He stated that the number of road deaths occurring this month is worrying. Based on records from the police traffic department, Trotz said that road safety month is the most fatal month this year. He said that several bodies are working on a plan to ensure a decline in road accidents. “One death in this country is too many,” he said. Trotz related that in

observance of road safety month, the West Demerara Road Safety Association coordinated several activities. He said that pedestrian crossings in the district were painted. Trotz said, too, that lectures were given to school children on road safety. He added that the association visited the families of several accident victims to extended sympathy. The retired police noted that pedestrians are the largest category of persons

Govt. has no strategy... From page 13 “It lacks creativity. It emphasizes two sectors, energy (hydro power, solar, wind and bio fuel) and forestry. We had submitted (during consultations with the UN), a document that was much more comprehensive two years ago. They left out the potential of Agriculture and retro fitting buildings.” According to Jagdeo, had these been included as conditional pledges Guyana could have the opportunity for much more financing. Instead, he stated that the energy and forestry pledges were the only submissions and old ones at that. Jagdeo also lashed out at the Government for not addressing Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) except in passing. He queried how the Government could keep touting a green

economy. “What do they mean when they say a green economy? That they would plant some trees in the city? I’m happy with the tree planting and I would probably join in,” he said. “But this is a serious concept. It’s about using the opportunities presented by green technology, initiatives, technology to create wealth and move country forward.” The former president also took the Government to task for either a lack of transparency or for dropping the ball on some 16 projects that were identified for implementation under the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and were being financed by Norway but are in limbo. Among the projects he cited was Amaila falls. Jagdeo said that while

Norway is the primary funder of many of these projects, Government has not been giving any updates. He also stated that due to the Guyana g o v e r n m e n t ’ s inattentiveness, the country could miss out on global climate related opportunities amounting to three trillion dollars over the next ten years. Asked whether he expected the government to send him to France in order to advocate for Guyana, Jagdeo vehemently stated that President David Granger (at present on the island of Malta for the Commonwealth summit) was the best man to represent Guyana in Paris. The Kyoto Protocol (in Japan) is an international treaty effective from 2005. It committed countries to reduce greenhouse gases to avoid global warming.

killed on the roadways. Trotz stated that the association will continue to educate pedestrians on safe road practices. He recounted that a rally was held last Thursday for Primary School children in that area at the Uitvlugt Community Centre. He said that traffic officers, magistrates and Commander of the Division spoke to the children on various topics. He extended a warm invitation to members of the public for their presence at the Road safety walk tomorrow. The walk will commence at 15:30hrs from Anna Catherina, West Coast Demerara. The proceedings will go all the way to the Leonora Police Station. This walk is being held in commemoration of road accidents victims not only in Guyana but around the world.

LEARN TO DRIVE Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel:644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997

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

LAND FOR SALE Luxury gated community with pool, mall, swipe entry/exit, underground irrigation – Contact: 609-0783 Eccles -$5M, Herstelling $4.5M, Parfaite Harmonie$1.3M & $1.5M, Lowlands (East Coast) -$1.8M –Uitvlugt -$2.8M-Call:611-7223;604-2207 Providence Scheme 115ftX81ft located on a Cul de Sac close to Bai Shan Lin -$8.2M negotiable –Call: 601-4163; 223-0719 Land @ Moblissa Soesdyke Linden Highway, 22 Acres if cleared land with nearby creek -3 minutes off Highway-Call: 689-0003 At Parfaite Harmonie- $1.4M, $1.6M, $1.1M, Tuschen 2nd street $5M, Tuschen Phase 2 $1.2M. Term available- Call: 604-6724

TOURS Suriname Old years into newexciting fireworks, shopping, site-seeing & tours (Dec 30thJan 3rd). Call: 665-5171, 6392663

DRESSMAKING We design and sew all ladies clothing, curtains etc. Call Sharmie (Canadian Trained): 626-2629; 676-6312 6 Weeks Course in designing and sewing ladies garments etc. Call Sharmie (Canadian Trained): 626-2629; 676-6312

FOR SALE 1- Leyland DAF Truck 620HSP –Call: 641-3092

PROPERTY FOR SALE House on land, 18 ponds, length-200X24-width, 20,000 Tilapia & Hassa in pond at Craig – Back. Call: 266-3156; 682-6128 Church and 2 storey building Lot 180 Charlotte Street Bourda-Call: 227-6817; 624-7341 Property for sale, Grove $20M / Rent: $50,000 per month. Tel: 625-5461. Brand new 2 storey concrete building in 5th Avenue, Diamond, E.B.D, all modern amenities –Call: 662-9335; 612-3244 1-2 Storey building in Diamond, New Scheme 3rd Avenue & Better Hope, Line Top-Call: 220-5525, serious buyer only 2 storied transported concrete property- upstairs: 2 bedrooms apartment, downstairs: 2 bedroom apartment, block ‘8’ MonRepos, E.C.D -$19M neg. Call: 625-1514; 231-7255 2 Storey 45x35 concrete property, lower flat incomplete. Land 65x120 @ Diamond N/S 5th Avenue,E.B.D- Call: 664-5052 Popular business place at temple Street, WindsorForest, W.C.D, -$35M price negotiable. Call: 642-6664, 658-3640. Transported land, 2 storey building; four bedrooms fully grilled @ Tuschen, New Housing Scheme-Call: 6953983; 685-5747 Lot 67 First Street, Garden of Eden E.B.D – Seven (7) acres of land with two buildings. Call: 639-8376 Lot 236 Buzz-A-Bee Dam Craig Village E.B.D, Size 6X120 rods with house and chicken pens. Call: 639-8376 House and land - $3M @ Lot 13 La- Bagatelle, Leguan – Call Rita: 6565734, 664-1134 Transported property 48X223ft (with old house) at Hague (duck pond/ settlement) W.C.D, price $5.5M negotiable- Call: 6553667 Two properties for sale at West Coast and West Bank. Excellent condition- Call: 660-3235, 668-3985 CATERING Order now – Puri, Roti and curries (no order too big or small) –Call: 676-6312; 626-2629

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Sunday November 29, 2015

Masked men rob Hamid Hardware store on Saffon Street Gunmen are still at large after robbing a member of the staff of Hamid’s General Store on Saffon Street , yesterday. At approximately 16:30 hours, Nicola Kurt, the Store Supervisor for Hamid

Hardware was robbed of all her personal belongings and the day’s sales from the hardware store. According to Frank Nichols, the security guard on duty at the store, Ms Kurt was

playing with a child awaiting her daily transportation unaware of what was about to happen. A black Nissan Bluebird approached with three masked men armed with guns.

One of the masked assailants emerged with a handgun and attacked Ms Kurt and helped themselves

to the store’s $713,000. They then escaped in the said vehicle. Police ranks along with

other business owners are working together to gain CCTV footage to apprehend the criminals.

Hamid Hardware

GPL cuts power to BaiShanLin ... From page 10 Providence is also halted with little work done since December. In the meantime, BaiShanLin has applied to the new Government for a twoyear extension to build the wood processing facility in Linden. This is because a loan it has applied for from the China Development Bank is on hold. In recent months, to raise cash, and with little monitoring from the authorities, BaiShanLin started entering the local market, using its trucks and other equipment to vie for jobs. Last week in one of the biggest scandals for the new administration, BaiShanLin had quietly started to fetch

sand for the runway expansion of the US$150M Cheddi Jagan International Airport. The logos on the logging trucks were covered in paint and stickers, in a crude attempt to disguise them. Many of the trucks still carried registrations showing BaiShanLin as the owner. They had secretly been working there for months now with the nearby CJIA management saying late last week it had no idea. An investigation has been launched. Nobody knew something was wrong except for local truck operators who claimed they saw no advertisements and in any case, BaiShanLin is acting illegally when it uses

its trucks that were specifically allowed in for logging, to be hired in another business. Amidst it all, there is little evidence that anything much is being done by regulators, including the natural resources sectors, to monitor the seeming lawless situation the company has been operating under. While at the CJIA runway extensions site on Thursday, GPL contractors also went to the contractor’s compound to cut the power off. China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), the contractor, reportedly owed over $1M. The contractor had not received a bill, an official told the GPL crew. CHEC was allowed to pay the money on Friday.

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Sunday November 29, 2015

UK wants direct access to Cayman Islands company information GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands (CNS) — The UK’s overseas territories (OT) minister has told the Cayman Islands premier that the British government wants direct access to companies registered in the territory for all of their law enforcement agencies, but the Cayman leader

has so far refused. As the dispute between the UK and its territories continues, the return of James Duddridge to the OT desk at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has seen a renewal of demands by Britain, dashing hopes raised by the acting minister, Grant Shapps,

that access to beneficial ownership records could be fulfilled via other means. In a statement to the Legislative Assembly last week, ahead of his departure to London on Friday evening for the annual Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) meeting, Premier Alden McLaughlin said beneficial ownership was not on this year ’s agenda but there would be discussions with Duddridge in separate talks. The premier said that Duddridge had told him by phone that the UK was now seeking direct access by its law enforcement agencies to beneficial ownership information in the Cayman Islands and other overseas territories. “I have advised him that this is not something to which the Cayman Islands can agree,” McLaughlin said. “The information concerned does not belong to the Cayman Islands government. It is property of the owners

of the respective legal entities,” he added. “As far as we are aware, there is no country in the world that allows unrestricted access to beneficial ownership information by the law enforcement agencies of another country.” McLaughlin pointed to the established mechanisms to allow requests for information to be made to the relevant authorities in Cayman by overseas law enforcement agencies, tax and regulatory authorities. “The information collected and shared through these mechanisms is, importantly, information which we have cross checked and verified – we do not simply rely on an honour system. These mechanisms were approved by the UK and have been assessed to be in accordance with globally accepted standards. They are working well and our position is that they should continue to be the means by which the UK and other countries obtain infor-

mation on beneficial ownership of legal entities in the Cayman Islands,” he said. Concerned that anything else would place Cayman Islands at a competitive disadvantage, he said the jurisdiction was already complying with international standards, particularly as it relates to transparency and beneficial ownership information. “We have demonstrated this full commitment in a number of meaningful ways, such as being an early adopter to the Convention on Mutual Tax Assistance and leaders in the implementation of US and UK FATCA as recent examples. However, what we are not prepared to do is to adopt a scheme which our competitors, some of whom are G20 member states, do not subscribe to, put ourselves at a competitive disadvantage and thereby cause our business to migrate to competitor jurisdictions.” He said Cayman would not agree to a public register

until it becomes the global standard and requests for information from law enforcement agencies must continue to be dealt with by the established means, in accordance with global standards. “Cayman’s position on beneficial ownership information has not changed. We will uphold our commitments to globally acceptable standards,” the premier told the LA. “This is the message I have already delivered to Mr Duddridge and which I intend to reiterate when we meet in London,” he added, as he asked for their support to achieve the best position for Cayman on beneficial ownership. The matter is a particularly thorny one for the financial sector and there are concerns that industry players could take flight over the introduction of direct access or a public register. The industry is keen to see that access to their clients’ information goes through controlled channels.

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Canada trade mission discovers high demand for Jamaican products KINGSTON, Jamaica — As the demand for Jamaican food continues to increase in global markets, six Jamaican exporters found success on a trade mission that was held from September 28 to October 2, 2015 in Toronto, Canada. The Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) led the Jamaican delegation on the trade mission to identify and pursue more export opportunities in the Canadian market. The mission, which resulted in initial orders of products valued at close to J$4 million (US$33,450), included Jamaican agro-processing and fresh produce exporters, Honey Bun Limited; Carita Jamaica Limited; Rio Grande Farms; Southside Distributors Limited; EG Wellness Brands & LASCO Manufacturing Limited. The companies participated in a network-

ing forum with Canadian buyers and retailers and B2B meetings during the mission. The exporters also visited Canadian retailers and importers to get a better understanding of their competition and the demands in that market. The mission yielded positive results for the exporters, with some already receiving orders while others are in negotiations with buyers. LASCO Manufacturing, which has recently experienced a spike in its profits due to the introduction of its iCool products and other initiatives, participated in the mission to identify potential distributors for the LASCO range of products. Marjorie McCalla, export manager at LASCO Manufacturing Limited, said, “We have been exporting to Canada for several years and there is good potential for our prod-

ucts in Canada. We are now seeking to identify a distribution partner that has the necessary resources and facilities and is committed to establishing the LASCO brand throughout Canada.” McCalla said the company received positive feedback and that LASCO was able to identify potential distributors for its products, which would assist them with expanding in the market. “Positive responses were received from all the companies with regard to product quality and packaging and the strength of the LASCO brand. Once a distributor has been selected, our focus will be on targeting the consumers through on-going promotional activities,” she said. Winsome Crosdale, general manager of Rio Grande Farms Exporters, said the experience was an encouraging

Representatives Ryan and Mark Chong from Encompass Sales look at LASCO Manufacturing products during B2B meetings held in Toronto, Canada, to promote Jamaican products one, as the company was able to secure shipments of its products to Canada. “It was indeed a success. I was able to build a network from this mission and gather market intelligence and the team was able meet with some of the major distributors of fresh produce and agro-processed products. We were also given the opportunity to

visit some of these distribution facilities,” she said. “The buyers were excited about Jamaican fresh produce and products and there is high demand for these commodities; however, the Canadian market is quite price sensitive. I had the opportunity to access new market and to date I have done seven shipments to Canada,” she added.

President of The Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), Diane Edwards was satisfied with the overall outcome of the mission. The agency has improved its market development strategy and has been working with more international private and government partners to support local SMEs that aim to export to global markets.

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T&T Govt. moving to recover funds PORT OF SPAIN - CMC – The Trinidad and Tobago government has denied suggestions that it sought to “stop or frustrate” the Super Industrial Services Limited (SIS) in the successful execution of a multi-million dollar water project. Earlier this week, the state-owned National Gas Company (NGC) said it had terminated the one billion dollar (One TT dollar =US$0.16 cents) contract awarded to Super Industrial Services (SIS) Limited for the controversial Beetham Water Recycling Plant. In a statement, NGC said it entered into a contract on March 10, 2014, for the design and build of the plant to the tune of US$162.05 million and that the contractual date for completion was October 21, 2015. “To date, SIS, the Contractor, has failed to complete the project and has indicated in writing that they ‘are unable to continue the works’ in accordance with the contract,” the NGC said Speaking in Parliament on Friday, the Minister in the Ministry of the Attorney General, Stuart Young, said that SIS, in discussions about the controversial project, claimed, “people now holding high office in the Government… have made serious allegations about the project and the conduct of officials of NGC and SIS.” Young told legislators that as a result, SIS said it was “reasonably certain that steps

Stuart Young

would now be taken by the State to stop or frustrate SIS in the successful execution of this project. “SIS used this as one of its reasons for slowing down works and eventually refusing to continue the project. (But) There was no evidence to support this position that the new Government would have stopped or frustrated SIS from completing the project,” Young said. He told Parliament that NGC denied any allegations of state interference and stated it was committed to enforcement of the contract and it expected SIS to continue to deliver all contractual obligations in a responsible and timely manner. “There then ensued an exchange of correspondence and communications between SIS and NGC, wherein SIS claimed that it had underbid on the project at the tender stage and it was unable to continue the works without a

review of the contract price and project schedule and that it could no longer fund the works. This, even though SIS’s price for the project was TT$464 million more than the next bidder. “SIS also suddenly claimed it had safety and security threats and it used this as its excuse to begin the withdrawal of construction resources, manpower and equipment from the sites on October 8, 2015,” he said. When the contract was awarded, then Opposition Leader Dr. Keith Rowley claimed that SIS had been given the job under the Kamla Persad Bissessar led People’s Partnership government, even though the company’s bid was TT$400 million more than the other bidder on the project, Rowley, who is now prime minister, said that the matter should have attract the attention of President Anthony Carmona.

Simpson Miller Off The Mark With Voting Numbers The Gleaner - People’s National Party (PNP) President, Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller was in her element in South West Clarendon Thursday night declaring that the her party will win five of the six constituencies in the parish in the impending general election. She particularly highlighted South East Clarendon won by the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP’s) Rudyard Spencer in 2011. “South East Clarendon was shy of only 40 votes to have come in the column for the People’s National Party,” she said at the PNP’s Race Course, Clarendon Mass Meeting. HERE ARE THE FACTS: 1. According to the Electoral Office of Jamaica, Spencer got 8,843 or 50.1 per cent of the votes. 2. The PNP’s Derrick Lam-

Portia Simpson Miller bert got 8,736 or 49.5 per cent. 3. Some 17,665 persons or 50.33 percent of the 35,097 eligible voters cast their ballots in South East Clarendon in 2011. Based on the data from the Electoral Office of Ja-

maica, Simpson Miller was wrong when she told Comrades that the PNP lost the South East Clarendon seat by 40 votes. The party’s candidate, Derrick Lambert, actually lost by 107 votes.

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Kaieteur News

C’bean welcomes appointment OF BARONESS SCOTLAND BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - CMC – The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has welcomed the election of Baroness Patricia Scotland as the new Commonwealth Secretary General following an election campaign that had threatened to split the 15-member regional grouping. Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrt had nominated the former United Kingdom attorney general for the post and stuck with the nomination of the Dominican-born former legislator despite calls for CARICOM to back a single candidate to replace the outgoing former Indian foreign affairs minister Kamlesh Sharma. Her nomination for the post had divided the grouping with some countries openly supporting Sir Ronald Sanders, the Antigua and Barbuda Ambassador to the United States, who is reported to have withdrawn from the race after failing to past the first hurdle on Friday. Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne said later that St. John’s had thrown it support behind Baroness Scotland, 60, who also faced Mmasekgoa MasireMwamba of Botswanna for the top Commonwealth post. In a congratulatory message, the Guyanabased CARICOM Secretariat welcomed the victory, pointing out that Baroness Scotland has created history as the first woman to head the organization. “She is also the second Secretary-General to come from the Caribbean Community, the other being Sir Shridath Ramphal of Guyana. Baroness Scotland, born in Dominica and whose father is from Antigua and Barbuda, brings to the position an impressive record of public service.” CARICOM Secretary General, Irwin LaRocque, said the Community looks forward to working with Baroness Scotland in continuing to strengthen the unique organisation

Baroness Patricia Scotland that is the Commonwealth and in building on the close co-operation between that organisation and CARICOM. Meanwhile, St. Kitts- Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris has described the new Commonwealth Secretary General as a woman with strong attachments to the Caribbean and as one who has “a broad global view” which is needed to “lead the Commonwealth in a new era when solutions are required to critical problems”. Trinidad and Tobago Opposition Leader, Kamla Persad Bissessar said she has “no doubt that Baroness Scotland would maintain her pledge to put the women’s agenda firmly on the table and work with leaders, governments, local governments and other partners. “It is most fitting for the Commonwealth to recognise the value of women in leadership roles,” she added. Baroness Scotland takes up her position in April next year.

Delay hits terror lawsuit

Kareem Ibrahim Trinidad Guardian - The State suffered a setback in an unprecedented anti-terrorism lawsuit aimed at striking against a convicted T&T terrorist who is incarcerated in the United States for plotting to blow up the JFK Airport, in New York. High Court judge Nadia Kangaloo, who heard the matter in the Port-of-Spain High Court, said the State had to provide more evidence to support its application to deem him a terrorist and obtain an order to freeze his assets and financial transactions. The Guardian learned that during a hearing Kangaloo instructed representatives from the Office of the Attorney General to file supplemental evidence against Kareem Ibrahim.

Friday’s hearing was held in private. In their application filed on Tuesday, the AG’s office included evidence which was used to convict Ibrahim and his two Guyanese coconspirators of plotting an attack on the JFK Airport in Queens, New York, in 2007. The information was provided by the United States Department of Justice earlier this year. In the additional evidence, which is to be filed before the next hearing on Tuesday, the AG’s office is expected to identify any business and real estate interests connected to Ibrahim, which the State intends to seize. Thus far the AG’s office has only been able to inform the court that checks by the T&T Police Service’s Financial Investigation Branch revealed that Ibrahim was not an account holder or signatory with any local financial institution. Section 22(b) of the Anti-Terrorism Act provides that the AG’s office apply to have a terrorist’s assets frozen, provided that there is sufficient evidence proving that he/she was involved in terrorism either locally or internationally. The application appears to be merely procedural, as the T&T Guardian understands that no assets were identified in searches which were still ongoing up to late Friday. The application is to be heard ex-parte, without the input of Ibrahim’s attorneys. Ibrahim may apply for a review of Kangaloo’s eventual decision 60 days after she delivers it. The State is being represented by Pamela Elder, SC, and Michael Rooplal.

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Llong review a sucker-punch for rattled New Zealand ADELAIDE (Reuters) The third umpire’s controversial reprieval of Australia’s Nathan Lyon was a suckerpunch for frustrated New Zealand which left the hosts in a strong position on day two of the third test on Saturday. New Zealand were convinced Lyon was out when his sweep-shot sent the ball looping into the slips and the spinner himself started walking back to the Adelaide Oval dressing room when the ‘Hot Spot’ technology revealed the mark on his bat. Nigel Llong saw it differently and analysed angle after angle and replay after replay for five minutes as a bumper crowd jeered. While the ‘Snicko’ technology gave no hint of a nick, Llong dismissed the other evidence out of hand, remarking in his exchanges with the umpires on the field that the mark on Lyon’s bat “could have come from anywhere.” At the time, Australia were

on the ropes at 118-8, but the match turned on its head after Llong’s contentious call, with Lyon and his batting partner Peter Nevill plundering the bowlers. Pundits’ condemnations were amplified on social media, with former Australia bowler Shane Warne remarking it was wrong and a “ridiculous waste of time”. New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor, mindful of risking his match fee by being too forthright, was nonetheless clear his team felt there was a miscarriage of justice. “That was one of the discussions that the boys did talk about in the changing room,” he told reporters. “We can understand when the umpires make the wrong decision on the field but once you’ve got so many different angles and whatnot, you think that more often than not, 99 to 100 percent of the time you’re going to get the right answer. “I guess we didn’t today.”

Having spent far more time in the field than they might have banked on, New Zealand were condemned to batting in the evening session, facing a pink ball which hooped around with venom. They staggered to stumps at 116-5, with their hopes of a series-levelling victory fading. “The new ball does a lot under lights,” Taylor said. “If we were able to bat a bit more in that middle session it might have made things a little bit easier but it wasn’t to be.” Scores: New Zealand 202 and 5 for 116 (Santner 13*, Watling 7*, Hazlewood 3-32) lead Australia 224 (Nevill 66, Smith 53, Bracewell 318) by 94 runs.

City beat Saints to go top, Palace rout Newcastle 5-1 LONDON (Reuters) Manchester City returned to the top of the Premier League — at least until Leicester City

Sunday November 29, 2015 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Someone you need to contact for information may be temporarily unavailable. You might have to try to find whatever you need somewhere else.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Some people with whom you spend a lot of time could get into a debate over spiritual or metaphysical concepts. This could make you and everyone else very uncomfortable.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You're probably doing better financially than you have for a long time, but you still might not have reached some of the monetary goals you'd set.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Disagreements and hot tempers could hinder the completion of an important project. There may be a detail to the plan that some people just can't agree on.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Your parents or another couple close to you may be quarreling, and you might be expected to take sides. Don't do it! CANCER (June 21–July 22) Someone you know well could be saying one thing to you while your intuition tells you another. Your friend is probably troubled by something embarrassing.

Josh Hazlewood is mobbed by his team-mates after claiming the wicket of Tom Latham, Australia v New Zealand, 3rd Test, Adelaide, 2nd day, November 28, 2015 ©Getty Images

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You might have gotten home later last night than is good for you, and you may feel a little tired and dragged out. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Your emotions may cloud your intuition today. You might not pick up on the thoughts and feelings of others the way you normally do, and you could feel at a disadvantage.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) A female friend may seem to be upset with you and might not admit it. If you ask what's wrong, she'll probably say, "Nothing."

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Today you might feel especially passionate and desirous of some time alone with your significant other.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Emotions might run high with today's astral energies. Your friends may be snapping at each other and even getting into quarrels. Stay out of it!

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Your significant other may be expected at your house tonight but not show up, and may not even communicate with you.

play Manchester United in the late match — when they beat Southampton 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday. Leicester, who started the day in first place, and United, who were second, kick-off at the King Power Stadium at 1730GMT and whoever wins that will go top in place of City. City, thrashed 4-1 at home by Liverpool last week, took an early grip with a tap-in from Kevin de Bruyne and a shot from the edge of the box from Fabian Delph inside the opening 20 minutes before Shane Long headed in for Saints soon after halftime. Aleksandar Kolarov added the third after 69 minutes as City moved on to 29 points from 14 matches, one more than Leicester and two more than United. With fourth-placed Arsenal and fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur not playing until Sunday, Crystal Palace closed the gap on the leaders when they thrashed struggling Newcastle United 5-1 at Selhurst Park after Newcastle scored first through Papiss Cisse after 10 minutes. Palace, who had slipped back to 10th after a good start to the season, responded with two goals from Yannick Bolasie, two from James McArthur and one from Wilfried Zaha to send Newcastle back into the relegation zone. Newcastle have 10 points, the same as Bournemouth who staged a dramatic comeback after trailing 2-0 to Everton then 3-2 with only seconds of stoppage time left before Junior Stanislas equalised with a header to make it 3-3. Ramiro Funes Mori and Romelu Lukaku had put

Everton 2-0 ahead before Adam Smith and Stanislas scored to make it 2-2. Ross Barkley put Everton 3-2 up after five minutes of additional time before Stanislas’s late goal saved a point for the home side. Despite those heroics, Bournemouth have now gone eight games without a win and remain in the relegation zone on 10 points with Newcastle and Aston Villa, who have only five points and have lost 11 of their 14

games, beneath them. Villa lost 3-2 at home to Watford after 10 minutes of stoppage time at Villa Park following a long delay to treat Watford’s goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes who suffered a head injury. Sunderland climbed out of the relegation zone with their second win this week, following up Monday’s 10 victory at Palace with a 2-0 win over Stoke City who had Ryan Shawcross sent off in the second half.

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“WSC, coincidences and synchronicity in West Indies v Australia Test Series!” By Colin Croft “Coincidences never happen. They are God’s plans that us humans know nothing about!” Thus spoke the old sage. But if coincidences do not actually occur, then surely synchronicity, that element of several related important things happening exactly at the same time, must be real! Great timing allows West Indies to be now touring Australia, for three Tests, at the same instant when Cricket Australia (CA); eventually International Cricket Council will also concur; finally plans to honour and recognise records of 1970’s era Kerry Packer’s World Series Cricket (WSC). Influenced by WSC’s initial use of a ball coloured in a hue other than red – white, in that original case – pink balls are being used for the very first time in an official daynight Test, featuring Australia and New Zealand. One might come to the conclusion that massive coincidences do actually happen, but maybe

God planned this too for our great game! What is amazing is that it took nearly 40 years after WSC’s life; 1977-1979; for cricket’s authorities to recognize how very useful all innovations from that period have really been. All have played regularly in coloured clothing and with white balls in shorter formats of the game, as “invented” by WSC, but until now, Tests were on hallowed ground. Nothing is new anymore! Considering that ICC, CA’s forerunner Australian Cricket Board, Kerry Packer and Marylebone Cricket Club – MCC - were at such serious, cantankerous loggerheads that they eventually ended up in court for WSC to even begin in 1977/78, Packer must be laughing very loudly up there! One senior international cricketer made everyone laugh last week too by suggesting: “Maybe many cricket authorities and players nowadays either cannot read or do not understand anything that they do read,

for a day-night Test cricket game in 2015 is not at all innovative. It was already done in 1977 by WSC. The only thing was that it was not officially recognized then!” What about those dropin pitches that everyone were enthused about earlier this month when the All-Stars, captained by Australian Shane Warne and India Sachin Tendulkar, played? Well, that innovation was also firstly present in WSC’s inaugural season 1977/78. By the time I signed in 1978/79, WSC had become so powerful that we played at recognised Test arenas in Australia. But, those series were very tiring, as they were proper Tests, in name and nature, against the best that Australia and ‘Rest of the World’ could conjure up. How some of us survived unscathed physically, and how West Indies managed to win everything, even with the style, class and talent that our team possessed, is still a major miracle. We had to win, kitted out in that shocking pink for

WSC’s ODI’s! On WSC’s tour of the Caribbean 1979, five five-day Tests, without rest days, and twelve ODI’s were played between WSC Australia and WSC West Indies, from 23 February to 10 April 1979. Can you imagine today’s prima-donna cricketers playing that much; thirty-seven days of hard cricket in six weeks? Or even playing sixteen ODI’s in WSC International Cup, in Australia, in two months between November 28, 1978 and January 30, 1979, with tremendous cross-country travel included? Not nowadays they won’t! But there is a caveat for this CA recognition of WSC’s feats. Unfortunately, even though they were tough, hard-fought Tests, easily the hardest set of games that I have ever played in, wickets and runs thusly gleaned will only count as First Class elements, and not for official Tests. So, while my original 125 Test wickets will remain, from 27 official Tests, with no ad-

dition of wickets from seven Super Tests played. Per CA’s proposal, the additional thirty wickets that I had in those seven additional games will bump up my First-Class wicket aggregate to 458 wickets from 128 First Class games. Hey, not so bad, eh, but you have to be grateful for small mercies! Coming back to WI in Australia 2015, what can we expect? After all, Australia have also lost many of their stalwarts, but, judging from WI’s recent, debilitating exploits in Sri Lanka, who, coincidentally were also rebuilding, WI could be looking at a severe hiding in kookaburra country. Yet, WI could surprise us. After all, by laws of averages, no team can be that poor in Sri Lanka and not improve, so one has to hope that that improvement is very imminent. Remember, WI’s selectors, under Clive Lloyd’s leadership, could not find anything wrong with the team’s performance in Sri Lanka, for noone, absolutely no-one, was

dropped for Australia WI may not win a Test, but I also believe that Jason Holder’s men will hold their own relatively creditably, probably losing 2-0, but if they could win any of the three Tests at Hobart, Melbourne and Sydney, then another miracle would have occurred amid shouts of another resurgence! Meantime, those pink balls used by Australia and New Zealand this weekend remind of WSC WI garb in 1978/79. Where they got that color back then for our clothing is anyone’s guess, but at least, in 2015, the colour has been severely tested for the night; day/night Tests, that is! Enjoy!

GTT/Limacol Round Robin/KO Football Tournament

Pompey’s stunner dent Topp XX hopes of reaching final Dreadlocked Winston Pompey’s stunning piece of mastery in the 55th minute of play dented the hopes of Topp XX making it an all Linden final after they succumbed to Victoria Kings by a 1-0 margin in semi-final action of the GTT / Limacol Round Robin / Knockout Football Tournament, at the Victoria Community Centre ground, East Coast Demerara. In the first semi-final, an all-Linden clash, underdogs Milerock shocked the highly favoured Winners Connection 2-0 thanks to goals from the prolific Clarence Huggins in the 67th and Troy Lewis in the 85th to set up a date with Victoria Kings. Appearing in what was rightly referred to as the fea-

ture of the double header, the large turnout of fans in support of the home team Victoria Kings waited patiently as they saw their pride and joy stand toe to toe against a team that they had never beaten before. The first half saw both teams miss clear opportunities to take the lead with none dominating the other as the half time whistle sounded. After the resumption, Kings orchestrated a few threatening incursions into Topp XX’s goal area but solid defending combined with equally impressive goalkeeping erased their efforts. It was clear that the hosts were enjoying the better of the possession and urged on by their supporters they raised

the tempo and the experienced Pompey, who has been the star of the Kings performances to date executed a piece of mastery that perhaps rivaled any goal seen in the competition so far. It came from a cross delivered from the left side and he raced through the centre, crested it skillfully past an advancing defender, before volleying past a transfixed Topp XX net stopper to evoke euphoric celebrations among the team’s supporters who invaded the playing area in numbers. Sensing the kill, the Kings continued to attack with intent as Pompey and company kept the Topp XX backline busy, while the visitors tried to temper the storm. The wily veteran Collie Hercules pushed himself upfront in an attempt to conjure up something magical, but the Kings defence kept him outside the danger area. With nothing to lose, Topp XX surged forward with menace, exposing their goal in an effort to gain the equalizer, but time after time their buildups were snuffed out by a disciplined Kings backline and it remained t h a t w a y u n t i l R e f eree Wayne Griffith sounded the final whistle to send Kings

- Milerock shock Winners Connection

Winston Pompey. into the final. In the opening game, the taller and stronger Winners Connection started off in blitzkrieg fashion and had a goal disallowed wrongfully since it was deemed that the ball had landed outside the goal, hitting the side netting much to the dismay of the Connection players and staff. The half came with no goals scored and it meant that the final period would be the deciding factor and it was as Huggins, who was tormenting his adversary on the right flank turned inside to lob the ball over the advancing

(from left)- Troy Lewis and Clarence Huggins pose for a photo op following their win against Winners Connection on Friday night at the Victoria Community Centre ground. goalkeeper’s head who watched it take several bounces, before ending over the goalline. Winners Connection simply could not duplicate their previous commanding performances and suffered another setback five minutes from full time when Lewis beat the goalkeeper from close range to seal the deal and a spot for his team in the final which will be played next Sunday, at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground in Linden. The winning team will take

home $500,000, runner-up $250,000, 3rd place $125,000 and 4th place $75,000. Among the other sponsors are Igloo Ice-Cream and the National Sports Commission. In the night’s full results: Game-1 Winners Connection-0 vs Milerock-2 Clarence Huggins-67th roy Lewis-85th Game-2 Victoria Kings-1 vs Topp XX-0 Winston Pompey-55th

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Kaieteur News

Union-Renaissance No53 Village SC win Balram Shane Memorial Volleyball Competition The up and coming UnionRenaissance No53 Sports Club Volleyball team made a major move forward in the volleyball arena in Berbice when they won the 5th annual Balram Shane Memorial Volleyball Competition which was held on Sunday last at the Port Mourant Community Centre Multiplex court. Four teams participated in the competition due to a number of reasons. The teams that participated in the competition were Union-Renaissance Sports Club, PMTC No1 and PMTC No2 and Tain, Corentyne. In the final Union-Renaissance Sports Club got the better of PMTC No2 by (2-0) the scores being 20-18, 20-17 after a keen battle.

Results for earlier games saw Tain edging PMTC No1 (2-1); Union-Renaissance No53 Sports Club then defeated PMTC No2 (2-0), a win which guaranteed them a place in the final. PMTC No 2 then edged Tain (2-1) to book their place in the final. The tournament was affected due to the unavailability of a number of teams and players. The Port Mourant Training Centre Alumni team was overseas participating in an International competition. At the same time a Berbice team was participating in the Tradewind Tankers International competition in Demerara. Sponsor Mr. Deonarine Balram in his remarks at the opening ceremony, expressed

some dissatisfaction with the lack of turnout of the teams. He was however pleased with the level of play and the enthusiasm of the young players and promised to sponsor the competition again in 2016. At the presentation ceremony held immediately after the finals, Mr. Balram congratulated the players for their good performances and handed out cash incentives to all the teams that participated. The winning Union-Renaissance Sports Club of #53 team collected $20,000 and the Balram Shane Memorial Trophy. All the other teams that participated were presented with $10,000 each by the sponsor. (Samuel Whyte)

Young Warriors congratulates Vishal Mahabir as he leaves to further his studies In a perfect example of how to mix sports with education, recent Young Warriors Cricket Club captain and all rounder Vishal Mahabir has left for Canada to fulfill a scholarship - CARICOM Faculty Leadership Programme - which is funded by the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) on behalf of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT). The 26 year old former Berbice Under-17 cricketer is currently a Chemistry Lecturer 1 within the Department of Chemistry, Division of Natural Sciences at the University of Guyana, Berbice Campus for the 5th consecutive year and is also the coordinator for the

Division of Natural Sciences since 2013. To further emphasize his versatility, he coordinates sports for the Berbice Campus. Vishal, as he is fondly called by his team mates, attended International Academic Conferences and presented two different research papers namely: 1.International Conference on Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Bangkok Thailand, 2012 and 2. The Caribbean Academy of Sciences18th General Meeting and Conference on “Hazard Mitigation: Protecting Caribbean Infrastructure – Securing Caribbean Communities”, University of the West Indies, Cave Hill, Bridgetown, Barbados

Winston Murray Memorial softball re-scheduled Due to the staging of the finals of the Guyana Floodlight Softball Cricket Association Petema Enterprise /Motor Trend tournament today at the Demerara Cricket Club, the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc (GSCL Inc) has been forced to re-schedule the Winston Murray Memorial 10/10 tournament. The GSCL Inc had originally set the eight-team contest for today at Everest Cricket Club, but has re-set the competition for December 6 at the said venue. The League would like to apologise to the teams for any inconvenience caused. Meanwhile, the GSCL Inc will stage an over-40 competition on the said day and venue. The tournament is being sponsored by Dass Enterprise of Bartica and only the first four teams that entered will be accepted. The winning team will pocket a trophy and $500,000 and the runner up a trophy and $100,000. For more information interested teams can contact Mahendra Hardyal on 623-2704. Action gets underway at 08:30 hrs.

Vishal Mahabir Over the past 11 years, Vishal balanced his studies and his favorite game of cricket so well that he was selected in a Berbice under19 squad, represented Rose Hall Estate Cricket Club, currently a member of the Young Warriors Cricket Club and gained selection on the New Amsterdam/Canje Zone Team. He has two hundreds under his belt and a number of wickets. He is a serving member of the Competitions Committee of the Berbice Cricket Board. Mahabir plans to return to his native country on completion of his scholarship to serve and hope to make a significant impact on the growth and development of his cricket club. The club wishes him success and continued growth in his academic and cricket career.

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Rockville Promotions 4-Mile Road Race set for Tuesday The day for the Rockville Promotions 4 Miles Road Race is fast approaching and local and Foreign Athletes will be keen to cash in on the $500,000 in cash prizes made possible by a donation from the Management and staff of Rockville Hotel and Bar of 108 Third Avenue Bartica. This race is one of the major sporting events in Bartica, which will be promoted to status of Township next year. The competition is scheduled for Tuesday December 1 to commemorate World AIDS day. The race starts at16:00hrs at the Junction of the 4 Miles Potaro Housing Scheme on the Bartica Potaro Road and among those vying for supremacy will be Samuel December who finished second in the Bartica Regatta Cross Country Road Race and is confident of placing one better on Tuesday. A good contest is anticipated between the students of the Bartica Secondary and the 3 Miles Secondary of Bartica. The Primary school students will also compete in the U-13 category and the athletes in Bartica are busy preparing for what is expected to be an exciting race and students from the Bartica Secondary are involved in rigorous training sessions under the watchful eyes of their Coach. The winners, along with the first and second runnersup in the various categories will receive $20,000, $10,000 and $5,000 respectively in the event that has categories in U-13, 15, 17, 19, Open and over-40 where Cash and Trophies will be up for grabs.

Samuel December Rockville Hotel Promotions is committed to the development of sports and cultural tourism as such this activity will be staged annually to herald in the series of sports and cultural events to be staged monthly in collaboration with the Regional Administration and the Neighborhood Democratic Council or Town Council along with other community Groups leading up to the Grand Finale to be held annually on April 23 celebrating Bartica’s township status. “Our vision is to encourage competition between athletes on the coastland and their brothers and sisters in the hinterland, and giving them an opportunity to experience and cover a slightly hilly course and feel the vibes of our rich hinterland, we invite local and foreign tourists to come and witness this spectacular event , bringing together athletes from the Secondary and Primary Schools in Bartica and the Open and Masters Categories open to all Guyana and any foreigner

wishing to participate in this inaugural event,” stated Coordinator Aaron Blackman. At the Presentation, members of the National AIDS Programme Secretariat are expected to deliver presentations to generate HIV/AIDS awareness in Bartica and its environs, while athletes and fans will be given an opportunity to tour the Rockville Hotel and BAR. The National Sports Commission and the Regional Administration of Region 7 will also be presenting trophies and cash prizes. All interested athletes can uplift registration forms from the National Sports Commission (NSC) Homestretch Avenue, Rockville Hotel and Bar 108 Third Avenue Bartica, the Regional Chairman Office Region 7, Guyana Olympic Association Main Street, Georgetown. Residents of Bartica are invited to join the Rockville Athletic Club of Bartica which should soon be affiliated to the Athletic Association of Guyana and it is hoped that a strong contingent of Athletes from Bartica will represent there in National and International meetings in the near future. Athletes are asked to assemble at the Bartica Community Center at 15:00hrs to be transported to the starting point while members of the Community are asked to assist by volunteering transportation along the route for athletes who may need such during the race. The Regional Chairman Mr. Gordon Bradford is expected to deliver an address immediately before the race.

Messi scores as Barca hit four BBC Sport - Barcelona remained four points clear at the top of La Liga after an emphatic win which saw Lionel Messi score his first league goal for two months. Neymar opened the scoring with a composed left-foot finish before Luis Suarez doubled the lead with a brilliant volley before half-time. It was 3-0 shortly after the interval, Neymar scoring his 14th goal in 12 La Liga appearances. Messi completed the scoring after meeting Neymar’s cross. It was the Argentina forward’s third goal in two starts since suffering a knee injury in a 2-1 win over Las Palmas on 26 September. Messi has been linked with a move to Manchester City but the 28-year-old did

not let the speculation spoil his performance as Barcelona secured a sixth successive victory. Luis Enrique’s side dominated their lowly opponents, Suarez’s acrobatic finish the highlight of a clinical team performance. They have scored 14 goals in the past three games, while Messi looks to be nearing the form which saw him score 43 goals to help Barcelona to the La Liga title last season. Barca have 33 points from 13 games. Third-placed Real Madrid, who were hammered 4-0 by Barca last weekend and are now nine points off the pace, play Eibar on Sunday. Barca’s win took them seven points clear of nearest rivals Atletico Madrid, who

later reduced the deficit back to four with a 1-0 win over Espanyol thanks to Antoine Griezmann’s goal.

Neymar is La Liga’s top scorer with 14 goals this season.

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Kaieteur News

‘Back to the Future’ Development Boxing Tournament

Sunday November 29, 2015

Smalta/Ministry of Public Health Girls Pee Wee Schools Football Competition

Guyana loses twice but stay in Title holders Stella Maris contention as opponents fight back into Knockout phase

By Michael Benjamin Local (junior) feather pugilist, Christopher Moore, put up a valiant fight but in the end it proved insufficient and he lost by a close 2-1 verdict to Jamaican Daniel Hylton when the action in the ‘Back to the Future’ Development Boxing Tournament continued at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) last Friday evening. Local middleweight (youth) boxer, Roger Sloon also surrendered a 3-0 verdict to Barbadian, Charles Cox to register Guyana’s second loss on a night when the competition was fierce. Diwani Lampkin corrected the situation somewhat when he pounded out a points victory over Barbadian, Justin Edwards, in a light/welterweight affair, while Clairmonte Gibson boosted Guyana’s challenge with a lopsided points verdict over Dominican, Simon Joseph in their bantamweight elite open encounter. Barbadian, Jabali Breedy, also turned in a special performance to defeat Anthony Phillis (St Maarten) in their bantamweight (youth) contest. Breedy was quite nimble, sliding in with precision combinations and then dancing to safety when his opponent retaliated. Short but dexterous, Breedy employed a sustained two fisted attack to his opponent’s body and head and after one such onslaught, the ringside doctor was summoned to examine an injury to Phillis’ nose which spurted blood. Upon resumption, Breedy peppered the injury and forced the doctor to administer another check and this time he decided that Phillis should not continue. The time of the stoppage was 2:19secs of the third stanza.

Another entertaining encounter occurred in the lightweight division when Jemicha Jones (T&T) battled Keshan Jacoby Koaly (Guadeloupe). The latter fighter demonstrated good skill and aggression, pushing the former on the back foot with ramrod punches. The pattern continued into the second stanza when Koaly backed Jones to the ropes and unleashed a wicked combination to his head. The referee jumped in to administer the mandatory count but Jones’ corner beat him to it and threw in the towel at 1:31secs of the 2nd round. In every tournament the heavy boys always provide entertainment and mirth for the audience and the super/ heavyweight shindig between Guyanese, Eon Fraser and Grenadian, Christopher Andall, did not disappoint. The two warriors exchanged toe to toe bombs and it was apparent that the contest would not have lasted the full three rounds. The blows rained down and it was Andall who suffered the worst effects as his opponent aimed and fired with unerring accuracy. The two gladiators continued to lash out and midway into the second round Andall received a wicked clout that staggered him. He turned his back momentarily and appeared on the verge of calling it a day but for some inexplicable reason, seemed to have experienced a change of mind and reentered the fray. It proved to be his own undoing as he was met with a barrage of blows that forced him to block up and eventually called it a night at 2:38secs of the 2nd round. In other results Leonardo Mosquea (French Guiana) was too good for Israel

Johnson (Bahamas) and forced the referee to call a halt to their light/heavyweight elite bout in 2:58secs of the second round while Mosquea’s countrywoman, Simone Cambria emulated the feat with a 3rd round TKO victory over Barbadian, Kamara Stuart in the heavyweight category. Trinidad and Tobago’s Justin Parris was also on winners’ row with a crunching knockout victory over French Guiana’s Rene Claude Dutard in 1:01secs of the first round of their featherweight contest. One fight later, Guyanese bantamweight (youth) boxer, Jamal Eastman, was gifted a walk over after his opponent, Trinidadian, Nicholas Alexander, failed to show up for their bout. Guadeloupe light/welterweight representative, Jeremie Cointre, found the skill of Christian McDonald too much and he surrendered a lopsided points decision to the Trinidadian. The category for those novice fighters with less than 5 bouts saw Lance Robinson of Antigua and Barbuda securing a points decision over Anguilla’s Quammaine Elie in their welterweight bout moments before Antigua and Barbuda’s Senthil Kumar prevailed on points over his Trinidadian opponent, Shakir Flemming, in a light/heavyweight affair. Activities climaxed yesterday when the semi-finals got underway. The number of bouts surpassed 30 and the organizers were forced to commence the proceedings from 16:00hrs to facilitate all of the bouts. The final will be staged this evening at the same venue when the winners, runner-up, best boxer and other awards will be established.

Bush Lot United Sports Club defeat Paradise in goodwill cricket encounter Bush Lot United Sports Club (BLUSC) continued their winning ways when they defeated Golden Elparabel (Eldorado, Paradise and Belladrum) Cricket Club of Paradise, West Coast Berbice (W.C.B) by 32 runs in a feature 25 overs goodwill game played last Sunday at the Bush Lot Cricket ground. Taking first strike on a good pitch, the home team found themselves in some early trouble as they lost two

wickets in the first over to pacer David Jones to be 21. However, opener Aron Matabeek with 70 (9x4) and Troy McKenzie with 34(5x4) put together an 83 runs partnership for the third wicket before they were separated as Bush Lot went on to make 157. Bowling for Golden Elparabel David Jones was the pick of the bowlers with 4 wickets with Wendell Fordyce picking up 2.

When Golden Elparabel took to the crease, they were off to an encouraging start as they reached 43 before both openers were dismissed. They never recovered and were all out for 125. Top scoring for Golden Elparabel was Egbert Webster with 19. Bowling for Bush Lot United, Javed Saywack led the way with 3 wickets w h i l e Wi n s t o n J o s e p h picked up 2.

-Action resumes today Reigning title holders Stella Maris joined St. Stephen’s, North Georgetown and St. Pius, North in the knockout phase of this year’s Smalta / Ministry of Public Health Girls Pee Wee Schools Football Competition which resumed yesterday, at the Ministry of Education ground, Carifesta Avenue resumed yesterday. The champs received a walkover from Sophia to earn valuable points which placed them in the next phase. St. Pius squeezed past St. Margaret’s 1-0 through a Shanique Ferguson strike in the 17th minute of play, while, North Georgetown cruised past Winfer Garden by a 5-0 margin with Shamiya Daniels’ hat-trick in the third, 10th and 15th minutes doing most of the damage. Angel Denny and Thanifa Phyllis goals in the 7th and 9th minutes

respectively completed their tally. St. Stephen’s inflicted a similar margin of victory over St. Ambrose with Leonanna Greaves booting in a brace in the 9th and 14th minutes respectively, while Kizieya Phillips, Shanaya Gordon and Paulette Hughes netted in the 1st , 11th and 22nd minutes. Angel Davis 20th minute strike was enough to secure a place for South Ruimveldt in the knockout round after their narrow 1-0 triumph over St. Agnes. In other results, Enterprise beat Smith Memorial 1-0 with Dewanie Crandon’s 9th minute effort separating the two teams. West Ruimveldt then defended tenaciously their 10 advantage over St. Angela’s courtesy of an opening minute strike from Nikita Kingston. Tucville Primary scraped

past F.E. Pollard 1-0 with Shania Elexey scoring the solitary goal of the match in the 17th minute of play. Meanwhile, play in the competition continues today with more action at the same venue. In the opening fixtures at 13:30hrs, Tucville takes on St. Angela’s, before Stella Maris clash with South Ruimveldt. At 14:15hrs, F.E. Pollard square off with West Ruimveldt, while Sophia engages St. Agnes. St. Margaret’s then meet Winfer Garden, before St. Stephen’s and Smith Memorial collide. St. Ambrose tackles Enterprise, before St. Pius and North Georgetown square off in the final game of the day. Other sponsors on board are Sterling Products, the National Sports Commission and the Guyana Football Federation.

Ramdyhan/Dey are Trophy Stall Doubles Ladies champions

From left: Nicola Ramdyhan, Aretta Dey, Fiona Bushell, Shelly Daly-Ramdyhan after their contest. Junior and Ladies Champion Nicola Ramdyhan and teammate Aretta Dey capitalized on a golden opportunity to defeat Shelly Daly and Fiona Bushell to claim the Ladies Doubles Championship in two sets 6-4, 6-4 in the Trophy Stall sponsored Doubles Tennis tournament. In the first set, Daly’s signature service game was broken twice but there was sterling performance from her partner Bushell that kept the pair breaking back to stay alive in the set. Bushell who just recently elevated from the Novice category was able to maintain reasonably consistent volleys and keep up the momentum with Daly as they defended their side of the

court and capitalized on opportunities to make winners at the net. But it was the young Ramdyhan who frequently attacked her mother at the net to eventually earn a 6-4 win in the first set. In the second set, Daly and Bushell were once again maintaining a high level of net play. They raced to a 3-0, 40-15 lead before the young pair turned up the heat with heavy ground strokes directed at Bushell and won 5 games straight to take the score to 5-3. Daly/Bushell then held serve to stay alive at 4-5. Ramdyhan then spared no moment in closing out the set as she held serve at 6-4. As the tournament winds down in its third weekend,

Harry Panday offered the use of his tennis club to the GTA for the remaining matches to be played during the evenings. Last evening Men’s Doubles Semifinal was to feature Nicholas Fenty/Leyland Leacock vs Jason Andrews/ Daniel Lopez. Today from 5:30pm: Mixed Doubles Finals, winner of the Aretta Dey/Daniel Lopes vs Keenan Persaud/Sarah Klautky match will play Nichola Ramdyhan/Nicholas Glasgow, afterwards the Men’s Doubles finals will see the winner of the Nicholas Fenty/Leyland Leacock vs Jason Andrews/Daniel Lopes match facing Anthony Downes/Harry Panday.

Sunday November 29, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 83

Two-time CMRC champion Kristian Jeffrey gives back to Buxton Youth Developers Club Two-time Caribbean M o t o r R a c i n g Championship (CMRC) champion Kristian Jeffrey made good on a promise to offer support to the Buxton Youth Developers Club when his father and mother Kevin and Denise Jeffrey made good on his commitment recently. Young Jeffrey, who swept the marquee Group 4 Class in the CMRC, dominating his more experienced counterparts in all four countries that the championship was staged, pledged assistance to young member of the Club Aneka Phillips, who was scheduled to leave Guyana to participate in the North American Teams Table

Tennis Championships in the USA. Jeffrey, an ambassador of the Club which does a lot of social and sporting activities in the Buxton community is following in the footsteps of his grandfather Lennie Shuffler, who has been instrumental in developing and sustaining the facility in addition to assisting in realising many of the programmes the Club offers to youths of the community. According to his father, Kristian offered one of the trophies he won from the final leg of the CMRC which was held in Guyana to the club as an appreciation for the moral support he received from them that

Scotiabank Kiddy Progression One Cricket…

James leads Two Brothers Primary to victory …Vive la Force Primary beat Nismes Primary Junior James cracked 61 to spur Two Bothers Primary to victory over Kawall Primary, while Vive la Force Primary defeated Nismes P r i m a r y a s t h e GCB/Scotiabank Kiddy Progression One Cricket continued in the West Bank Demarara Zone. In the first match of the West Bank Demarara zone, Kawall Primary took on Two Brothers. Kawall Primary batted first and scored 118/5 in their 14 overs as Khemraj Nohar top scored with an entertaining 55 which included four boundaries and five sixes. He was well supported by Rayan Latchman who scored 30 which was laced with 5 fours. Bowling for Two Brothers Primary, Saffrana Rasheed had 1/2. In Reply, Junior James led Two Brothers as he smashed a blistering 61 out of the 119/1 his team scored as they reach their target in the 14th over. His innings was decorated with three well timed fours and 8 towering sixes. Rayan Latchman took the only wicket to fall. The second match at the Wales ground saw Vive la Force tackle Nismes Primary. Vive la Force won the toss and batted first scoring 117/9 off their 14 overs. Danish Seepersaud was the top scorer with 19 runs. Bowling for Nismes Primary, Tyreca Wallace

snared 2/2. Nismes Primary in reply was restricted to 83/6 in their 14 overs with Emmanuel Phillips hitting a top score of 20. Bowling for Vive la Force, Vaneeta Mangal had 1/1. Matches continue tomorrow, December 30,

Junior James of Two Brothers 2015 when Saraswat Primary play Patentia P r i m a r y a t Wa l e s Community Centre ground.

enabled him to go out on the track with the confidence he exuded during the races. Senior Jeffrey relayed a message from his son to the m e m b e r s t h a t read,”Development in life is just like motor racing, it is not only for the swift, but for those who could endure to the end. Continue to develop and stay focued on your goals.”

Kevin and Denise Jeffrey, parents of Two-time CMRC champion Kristian Jeffrey poses with young recipient Aneka Phillips and her father Robin recently.

Page 84

Kaieteur News

Sunday November 29, 2015

Pizza Hut sponsors GCC Ladies Pizza Hut Marketing Manager Navin Singh (centre) poses with the team shortly after confirming his entity’s sponsorship to the GCC Ladies recently.

Pizza Hut recently offered its support to the GCC Ladies Hockey team after pledging sponsorship that will last for the next three years and includes academic and team sponsorship. A release from the Company stated, “With Pizza Hut re-entering the Guyanese market under new ownership and management by The Corum Group, we found it imperative to form partnerships with key leaders across differing sectors in Guyana. Pizza Hut over the next 3 years will be heavily involved in sponsoring both academia and sporting activities. We feel that having balance is the true key to a successful life. The GCC women’s hockey team is one of the most decorated teams within the sports sector in Guyana and we are proud to be their main sponsors”.

Recently, the GCC ladies have expanded their achievements by participating in the Trinidad & Tobago national outdoor and indoor hockey league. It was the first time that has been attempted by any regional team and the GCC ladies placed a respectable fourth in the outdoor league and made the semi-finals of the indoor league. The team’s strong junior development programme has provided the sustainability and consistency to ensure the team’s continued success well into the future. The GCC ladies have been dominant also in regional competition by defeating teams from Canada and Trinidad in the annual International Indoor hockey festival, hoisted the trophy no less than five times in its eleven years of existence.

FARFAN & MENDES ON BOARD AS FLEX NIGHT SPONSOR

Flex Night Managing Director, Donald Sinclair receives contribution from Melisa Gounga-Khan, Store Supervisor of Farfan & Mendes. The Farfan & Mendes on board with Flex Night Group in Guyana has Inc. whose motto is ‘Raising become the latest company the bar.’ to lend its support to the Flex On Friday afternoon in a Night International 2015 simple hand over, Farfan & event which comes off on Mendes presented the Sunday December 6 at the company’s contribution to National Cultural Centre. D o n a l d S i n c l a i r , With their commitment to Managing Director of products that are of high F l e x N i g h t I n c . who quality Farfan & Mendes expressed gratitude for the expressed pleasure at being timely support.

Sunday November 29, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 85

Diamond Mineral Water Hockey Festival

Pepsi Hikers send strong warning The Pepsi Hikers signaled a strong warning to all challengers with a massive 11-0 victory over Carib Hockey club of Trinidad as the Diamond Mineral Water Hockey Festival continued on Friday evening at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue. Bounty GCC men also created a stir by upstaging the popular Canadian side, the 6ix, in a high energy duel that ended 5-3 in favour of the locals. GCC also continued their path of steamrolling their way through the vets division with another win, this time at the expense of Carib HC, while YMCA of Barbados remain their closest rival in the pool table. In the final match of the evening, spectators were hopeful for an exciting matchup between the Pepsi Hikers and Carib HC but from as early as the second minute, it was obvious that Carib’s eyes would be on the click, counting down the time to stop the onslaught. After Jamaarj Assanah opened the Hikers account two minutes into the match, Carib would never get off their defensive position as the Hikers raided their goal ten more times before the final buzzer with national MVP Shane Samuels scoring a hat-trick, Assanah and Robert France doubles, while Jerry Bell, Reginald Harper, Colonel Heywood and Randy Hope scored one each. The Bounty GCC versus The 6ix men’s first division match extracted the most noise from an excited crowd as the highly touted The 6ix featured several internationally known players from Pan American champions Canada. With an impressive display of speed and skill, Bounty GCC however would remind the spectators that the competition was still wide open as the competitive

match seemed able to produce a winner from either side. Orland Semple and Kevin Spencer were once again the marksmen for GCC with Semple scoring the opener in the 12 minute o f p l a y. Canadian international Jonathan Roberts equalised two minutes later after a find display of passing by The 6ix and a Gagan Dhanju penalty corner put the Canadians up by one after a further pair of minutes. GCC’s Spencer would respond however with a pair of goals just before the half to give his team a 3-2 lead at lemon time. Spencer and Semple each scored second half goals before The 6ix could get on the board again in the 30th minute through Jugraj Kalkat. While The 6ix refused to fade and seemed to threaten the GCC lead, Spencer would be on the end of a swift counterattack to seal the game with its final goal to give GCC the 5-3 win. Newcomers Phoenix managed to produce the upset of the tournament thus far by defeating the highly regarded Old Fort by 4-2, while the under-21 showed their class by rebounding from their loss to the Hikers a day earlier with a 4-1 victory over Carib HC. GCC continued their unbeaten streak in the veterans division with a 2-1 victory over the Carib vets, while Malvern vets of Trinidad held the unbeaten YMCA of Barbados to a 1-1 draw. The Hickers secured the easiest 3 points of the evening by walkover as Old Old Fort failed to show up on time for their scheduled match. The ladies competition continued yesterday with Pizza Hut GCC taking the floor for the first time against pool leaders the Old Fort Shooting Stars. The 6ix

were hoping to redeem themselves against Phoenix in the men’s division, while all eyes were on the Malvern men who opened their competition against Malvern. The three finals set for today from 17:00hrs.

. Veteran striker Anthony Marcano scores Malvern vets over YMCA.

t r o Sp ‘Back to the Future’ Development Boxing Tournament

Guyana loses twice but stay in contention as opponents fight back

Guyana’s Eon Frazer about the land a powerful right hand on Christopher Andell in thier Elite Heavyweight semi-final (Sean Devers photo) Guyanese Clairmonte Gibson breaches the defence of Dominican Simon Joseph in Elite Bantamweight Semi-final. (Sean Devers photo)

Smalta /Ministry of Public Health Girls Pee Wee Schools Football Competition

Title holders Stella Maris into Knockout phase -Action resumes today

Part of the action in the final game of the day that featured South Ruimveldt (Blue and Red uniforms) and St. Agnes yesterday at the Ministry of Education ground, Carifesta Avenue.

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