Thursday November 23, 2017
Harassment and racism against imported Roman Catholic Priest DEAR EDITOR, Please allow me to find justice on the above subject for a single parent mother who has suffered under Fr. Joaquim D Melo for over a year at 293 Oronoque Street, Queenstown. On November 20, last, Fr. Joaquim sinned his soul by telling lies about me and showing false evidence of a few biscuits at the Labour Office, Brickdam. So I decided to seek justice in all the human rights organizations in Guyana. On the third day of his arrival at Oronoque Street, without telling me in advance, he tried to force himself into my home. I was saved by the dogs. Afterwards, he has constantly stalked me in the workplace with all kinds of remarks as I did my work as a cook and cleaner with long hours of work. Then on Saturday Octo-
ber 8 he kept me back to clean and to cook the Sunday lunch and supper. That chore ended at 6 pm. Then in the absence of a female he searched my bag and found nothing belonging to the house. Now on November 20, he showed fresh biscuits from the dining room as evidence of theft. CATHOLIC STANDARD editorial, 17 November 2017 stated: RACISM IS A SIN. Harassment and racism perniciously live in him. I can provide evidence and witnesses of his treatment of non-white Guyanese. For example, without notice he fired a Guyanese who had a contract to work. His hypocrisy has caught up with him. The time book will show he broke the labour laws by making me work long hours and make special roti for him. He should go back to India. Concerned worker
Let there be compromise DEAR EDITOR, With the controversial decision of President David Granger of the APNU+AFC Government to go-it-alone and unilaterally select Justice James Patterson as Chairman of GECOM, one is left to ponder if the Government is listening to anyone other than its supporters? Hence, is it governing in the best interest of all Guyanese or just pandering to their supporters? There is still time for President David Granger to act democratically and rescind this controversial selection. This will then create a Golden Opportunity for the governing APNU+AFC and the main Opposition PPP/C to work together in selecting a new non-partisan Chairman for GECOM. Such small moves by both the government and the main
Opposition will augur well for Guyanese as oppose to the continued rancour derived from the “one-upmanship” (or, who-pon-top) gamesmanship. Hence, I would like to take this opportunity to promote Consensus Politics whereby we work together on issues of National Importance for the betterment of all Guyanese. By doing so, we will be building Trust, Mutual Understanding and Mutual Respect. It is time for politicians to compromise as opposed to trying to outdo each other. In Guyana, compromise seems to be a bad word as no politician wants to be seen as flipflopping on issues. It is up to President David Granger to act democratically and lead the way as opposed to being led by his supporters. Sean Ori
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Kaieteur News
Applauding the Peeper DEAR EDITOR, The Peeper (KN Nov 20, 2017), must be applauded for the expose of ‘America’s nasty war’. This piece is refreshing and spot on when it comes to an analysis of the current covert and overt operations of Anglo-American imperialism in our region and worldwide. It is good to see that Guyanese are waking up to the lies and deception of the Empire. As the Peeper notes, Guyanese must be aware of many of the so-called NGOs popping up everywhere. They are in fact Trojan horses of imperialism in our midst, parading as apolitical entities, when they are in fact part and parcel of the Empire’s plan to usurp what little is left of our sovereignty. Many of these NGOs work hand in hand with US entities that have been associated with destabilizing and overthrowing progressive and revolutionary oriented regimes in our region and throughout the Global South. These entities include but are not limited to USAID, National Republican Institute
and the National Endowment for Democracy (referred to by former US Attorney General, Ramsey Clark as the National Endowment for the Destruction of Democracy). Another one to look out for is the LEAD Project, which purports to be about ‘voter education’, but which is really about influencing our young people to vote in a way that supports the Empire’s agenda. We in OVP have been exposing these insidious machinations of the Empire for a very long time. It has been a lonely journey because of the mental incarceration of so many of our intellectuals, academics and political analysts, who continue to operate within a Eurocentric and racist epistemological framework. They reinforce the false narrative that everything good comes out of Europe and North America, and all that is bad emanates from us. This misleads our people right into the trap the Empire has set for us. Those who are awake to these issues are often afraid
to voice them, since the repercussions of speaking out can be severe in terms of travel restrictions, livelihood etc. I would also like to take this opportunity to support attorney-at law and environmental activist, Melinda Janki’s call for the government of Guyana to revoke ExxonMobil’s Environmental permit. She quite rightly argues that their contingency plan or lack of plan and compensation in the event of an environmental disaster, such as an oil spill, is completely inadequate, and could end up costing Guyana millions, if not billions of dollars. It was noted in the same article reporting Ms. Janki’s principled position (KN, Nov 17, 2017), that “for reasons not stated, some environmentalists are unwilling to go on record criticizing the stance being taken by the Government of Guyana when it comes to the protection of the environment.” Whether they state their reason or not – we know why. Guyana is where it is today
GTT is no less than professional DEAR EDITOR, Not too long ago, one used to associate GTT with efficient and reliable service. Recently, though, there has been a dramatic decline in customer care and support, my family and I have been loyal GTT customers for over thirty years. I would like to share the story of my ordeal, with their disappointing customer service. In the summer of 2015 I started to notice I was being billed for unaccounted overseas call appearing on my bill (telephone number 2252443) over a span of three months. First, I was charged for the month of July 2015 and received that bill in September 2015. Immediately, I addressed
this issue with GTT’s customer service rep in person and spoke with an individual who blatantly accused me of making these calls by stating, “If you didn’t make the calls how could it appear on the bill and who made it then?” He took no time to assess the situation or even perhaps look down at previous bills. If he saw my previous bills he would see my phone activity to be mundane and show phone calls to the same phone numbers over and over. Yet, he had the audacity to insinuate I’m making these unknown phone calls and now trying to avoid paying them. Afterwards, he did agree to take a copy of the bill and promised to have it investi-
gated and when information becomes available; he will advise me accordingly. However in October 2015, I received my August 2015 bill and noticed I was charged once again for these overseas calls. I went back to customer service and advised him of the new development. He took copies of the bill for July
precisely because we have become a nation of cowards. Too many of us are willing to go along with the nonsense we see all around us because we are afraid of the consequences of speaking out. Such individuals live in the shadows to protect their personal interests. Too many Guyanese like to talk big when socializing at the corner shop, but when it comes time to take a public stand they are nowhere to be seen. A colleague of mine recently summed it up when he said “Guyanese love to talk about the evils taking place in our society – at the corner shop they speak like eagles, but when it comes time to act they show themselves to be chicken hawks”. To take back our country from foreign predators and embark on a path of true independence, self-reliance and economic justice for all, Guyanese requires courage and sacrifice. You cannot have an omelet without breaking eggs! Gerald A. Perreira Leader Organization for the Victory of the People (OVP) 2015 again and for August 2015 and promised to have these investigated. Unfortunately, in November 2015, I received the bill for September 2015 with again unaccounted for overseas calls to the same number along with local cell calls I know nothing of. The representative gave me his word this matter would be looked into deeply. It became a ridiculous run Continued on page 6
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Kaieteur News
Thursday November 23, 2017
Responding to Peter Persaud’s letter There is no shame among no apology for their of discrimination Harbours Department will be the Opposition ranks issued acts of disrespect and decepboarding. According to the implementing new systems at DEAR EDITOR,
DEAR EDITOR, Fortunately, Guyanese live in a democratic republic. Imperfect though it may be, one can only hope that our country continues to progress along a positive course towards realisation of democratic ideals. Central to those ideals are the rights of association, self-expression and choice of our political representatives or leaders. Recent developments though, have caused me to question whether we as a people are being wise in the way that we exercise those rights. Here, I wish to cite two instances. First, in the exercise of his own Constitutional privilege under Article 67 (1), President Granger addressed the 71st sitting of the 11th Parliament on November 2. As has been extensively reported, PPP Members of Parliament engaged in acts of protest inside the Chamber which included – in the words of Speaker Dr. Barton Scotland – “some members held placards and other bits of paper bearing slogans; some with poor spelling and even poor grammar.” He said, “One of the placards displayed, alluded to democracy while another was in support of free speech.” He said, too, that those members who were engaged in the sitting protest were not at all embarrassed with their behaviour while being in a place of honour. The Speaker also said
that the performance by those on the Opposition was unworthy of the National Assembly and served to heap disrespect on the “Honourable House.” Further, the Speaker characterised the MPs’ actions as, irredeemable, intemperate and misguided, while pointing out that they were in contravention of the Standing Orders. Second, on November 14, the Hon. Mr. Charles Ramson, a PPP Member of Parliament, posted a photograph of a house on his Facebook page accompanied by the caption “The benevolent and honourable Granger building his mansion and his high fences to keep out the poor people who may have supported him... all after just 2 years in office but complained about a man who was 12 years a president. “Bannas I couldn’t make this stuff up.” It was later conclusively proven that Mr. Ramson did indeed make this stuff up, as the building was revealed to be a relatively modest, 32year-old dwelling-house, owned by President Granger’s deceased brother. Mr. Ramson’s contention and innuendo were thus proven to be false. Editor, the two examples of conduct that I cited were orchestrated by persons who represent about 50% of Guyanese (according to results of the last general election). Those leaders have since
tion. They have offered no retraction or otherwise showed no remorse or evidence of embarrassment or shame. In fact, on the contrary, many of them appear to be proud. Editor, it is a saddening fact that we live in a society which is divided along racial lines, and that that cleavage is reinforced by some selfserving politicians. One is even more disheartened by the fact that many citizens blindly support the actions of their elected representatives despite objective proof that those actions are unworthy of endorsement and should instead, be condemned and denounced in the strongest manner. In other words, it is unfortunate that owing to irrational, unearned loyalty supporters and enablers of political leaders who behave in ways which bring not only their offices but our country into disrepute and embarrass us on the international level, fail to hold those representatives to account. I hope that in our quiet moments, we can find it in our hearts to be honest with ourselves and admit that some of our leaders do not deserve our backing. I trust that as a result of that self-admission, we demand that those leaders either alter their behaviour or, we resolve to ensure that they are made to face the political consequences. Mark DaCosta
GTT is no less than professional From page 4 down just to get this matter rectified. There were months of back and forth with ultimately no effort or concern given by GTT. After not getting any results in five months I decided to visit the GTT office again on March 3, 2016 and spoke with the Supervisor (Who I believed to be named Spencer.)
He advised me that GTT will be deducting the unauthorized charges on the bill but as of today November 22, 2017 no deduction was ever made toward my bill. GTT informed me to write a letter to their office. Once again, I did what they told me, and I don’t like having matters hanging over my head. I wrote this letter since the
middle of last year and sent it to them, the letter was addressed to the customer service manager. As of November 22, 2017 I have yet to even receive a call from them addressing my letter or even acknowledgement of my letter. GTT has shown the utmost disrespect and disregard for me during this process. How GTT and its employees have carried themselves during this process, does not speak well of their business standards and must be addressed. When a company like GTT runs a monopoly it starts taking the customers for granted and treats us without the integrity and principles with which a normal business organization should conduct itself. To me GTT no longer stands for Guyana Telephone & Telegraph. How they operate their business is more in-line with a shady empire than that of a professional legitimate service. S. Mohamed
Permit me to respond to a Kaieteur Newsletter by Mr. Peter Persaud dated Tuesday November 21, last, captioned “There is a case of Discrimination aboard Lady Northcote. The Ministry of Public infrastructure, Transport and Harbour’s Department takes seriously the safety and wellbeing of its passengers on all vessels. Discrimination or favoritism of passengers is not a part of the policies of MOPI/ T&HD and most certainly not of the Government of Guyana. Any such practices we find to be true will be condignly dealt with. I first responding to Mr. Persaud’s statement that passengers are not allowed seating on the vessel because the hucksters are placing their cargo on the seats. The policy of the Transport and Harbour’s Department is that such is not allowed. No passenger who has complied with the rules and regulations of T&HD should be hindered from sitting on any of our vessel. Passengers are required to place their luggage under the seat of the vessel upon
allegation by Mr. Persaud that crew members from the Lady Northcote are engaging in the selling of fuel at the Kumaka Waterfront, the Department has begun conducting an investigation. Please permit me as well, Mr. Editor, to remind you and all passengers of the Lady Northcote about the following seating and cargo policy of the T&HD: There is a limit of 125 persons (excluding crew members) on the Lady Northcote where seating accommodation is concerned. Each Passenger is only allowed to carry three pieces of luggage (100lbs total) on the vessel. Passengers traveling with postage cargo for example sugar, rice, flour, beverages etc. are required to take them to the wharf to be placed in the hatch. When the vessel reaches its capacity that operation will cease immediately. Freighted items which include perishables are to be taken on the day the vessel is scheduled to depart. NEW MEASURES TO BE IMPLIMENTED. The Transport and
the goods wharf soon. Passengers will be notified when these measures will take effect. Freighted items that would normally be stored on the passenger’s deck will now be placed on the lower deck of the vessel. This will allow for more maneuvering space. Passengers who fail to adhere to these arrangements will be dealt with appropriately by the management of the vessel. T&HD therefore, would like to thank Mr. Persaud for his letter of concern and would also ask any passenger on our vessels who feel discriminated against by their fellow passengers or any member of our staff, in any way shape or form, to report it to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure Public Relations Department forthwith, by emailing us on mopiguyana@gmail.com or call us on 231-8127, 231-8128, 226-1875, 225-6510. Swift actions will be taken. Regards. Andrew P. Weekes (Mr) Public Relations Officer Ag. Ministry of Public Infrastructure
Sexual abuse is widespread, globally From page 4 pretend at the popular level, but at the level of authorities and institutions that children should be able to rely on. The latest of the stories has also come to light in the context of global attention to sexual violence against women, children and men arising out of the “me too” campaign and it might be useful to remind ourselves how this came about. First, a person or a few people told the story of sexual violence they suffered, often many years ago, sometimes when they were children. The first victims who came forward were women, then came some men. The floodgates opened, bringing not only new reports of sexual violence by the same few men in positions of power, but of sexual violence by more and more men in positions of power in more and more institutions. More and more it has become clear how widespread the abuse is, how much it was pushed underground, how many people who could have done something to end the abuse did nothing. How much the men were allowed to keep bestriding their various platforms, pretending decency. How many of them remained in good standing in society, even as
they were known to be sexual predators. In the present case in Guyana, as the lead activist in the matter, Ruel Johnson should encourage the students and former students who have been abused ( if he has not already done so), to make reports to the police so that the law can be used to address the unlawful behaviour of the teacher. As for the Ministry of Education and the Teaching Service Commission, we know that successive administrations have been guilty of covering for accused child molesters in the schools by transferring them from one place to another – presumably because they were “good teachers” we could not afford to lose. Given the poor history of the MoE in protecting children against sexual assaults and the report that Ruel Johnson had drawn this situation to the attention of the Ministry months ago, it is clear that relevant protocols (which should also speak to consequences of breaches) have not been put in force. How many more children can we expect to suffer at the hands of predators in the school system before this is done? The Ministry of Social
Protection must also explain why, seven years after the enactment of the sexual offences law and two years after the coalition assumed office, it has still not activated a functional National Task Force as called for in the Sexual Offences Act Part ix, Prevention which has among other responsibilities, public education and the creation of a national plan for the prevention of sexual offences. There is a broader point to be made. We would never deny the centrality of race in what happens in Guyana. But the single minded obsession with race, or with race as it connects to party and politics as an explanation for all our ills, the consequent insistence on claiming that all we have to solve or what we have to solve first, is which combination of races and parties should govern us - all this results in a shameful inattention to social crises, many of which cut across race and party. One of the biggest of these social crises is what is happening to the children and youth whom we insist on calling “our future” even as we brutalize them and allow them to be brutalized in the present. Andaiye, Karen de Souza
Thursday November 23, 2017
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Kaieteur News
Way paved for retroactive pay hike for UG workers Although an agreement was met and inked sometime ago for the majority of University of Guyana [UG] workers represented by the University of Guyana Workers Union [UGWU] to take home an eight percent increase, it was only Tuesday that the University of Guyana Senior Staff Association [UGSSA] was able to ink a pay ink increase for the workers it represents. According to a statement issued by the university, the agreement was reached on Tuesday and will allow for salary increases of six percent for UA staff for 2017. The agreement was reached months after negotiations. It was noted that although the administration and UGWU had inked their agreement earlier, the UGWU also needed to be part of Tuesday's settlement, as it also represents some UA workers. In addition to the Memorandum of Agreement, which covers the salary increase and stresses the importance of performance, the officials signed a Letter of Understanding which addresses the issues of timely grade submis-
sion and the design and implementation of a new performance management system. Both documents were signed on Tuesday. Vice-Chancellor Professor Ivelaw Griffith represented the University Administration; Dr. Jewel Thomas, President of the UGSSA, signed on behalf of her union, and Mr. Bruce Haynes, President of UGWU, signed on behalf of that body. The event took place at the Ministry of Social Protection, and was witnessed by Ms. Karen Van Sluytman, Acting Chief Labour Officer. Also in attendance was Mr. Lincoln Lewis of the Guyana Trades Union Congress, who was instrumental in securing the settlement. The Agreement and the Letter pave the way forward as it relates to overall performance of all staff members, particularly the submission of grades by the teaching staff. The timely submission of grades has been a perennial issue at UG, and the Administration has sought the support of the Union to remind its members of their obligations to students in this regard.
Bus driver charged with rape of girl, 13
“The Administration acknowledges the tremendous work done by most staff members and is committed to ensuring improved service delivery by all staff,” the administration said in a statement even as it pointed out that the deadline for submission of all outstanding grades has been extended to December 1, 2017. As such, staffers who have met their obligations by then will not receive salary increases. Some 700 full-time and part-time academic and nonacademic staff at the UA Level will receive an increase of six percent across-the-board in their December salaries, as well as payments retroactive to January 1, 2017. As with the agreement signed on November 8, 2017 with the UGWU, the offer from the Administration was made in the context of what is affordable, in keeping with the mandate from the University Council, and it stresses the importance of performance. Vice-Chancellor Griffith noted, “I am delighted that we are able to close this chapter and begin paying the increases. Today's signing also
Charged: Kevin Loaffe
A bus driver was yesterday charged with the rape of a minor when he appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Twenty-four-year-old Kevin Loaffe, of Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara, appeared before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman and was not required to plead to the indictable offence. It is alleged that between March 1 and March 2 at South Dakota Circuit, Timehri, he engaged in sexual penetration with a child under the age of sixteen. The accused was released on $150,000 bail and was instructed to make his next court appearance before the Chief Magistrate on December 4 for assignment. The matter was held in camera.
Dem boys seh...
Soulja Bai passing law to full ee pocket When de whole world talking bout having governments keeping no secrets and mekking things transparent, Soulja Bai passing a law that threaten fuh jail people if dem talk. Dem boys want to know why any govt. would pass laws fuh silence people from talking. Jagdeo, dat scamp, never do anything like dat. But he use to get vex and knack dem off when dem expose ee scampish ways. He knock some of ee security guards at State House because he feel dey tell de Waterfalls paper bout de two container wha Ed Ahmad send from New York to him. Dem things in de container end up in ee mansion at Sparendaam.
Was a lot of perks and was not dem guard tell dem boys; was Ed Ahmad heself. He never lock up nobody, but Soulja Bai tekking dis ting to another level. He want knock off people, pay a big fine, and still get lock up if dem talk. De law he want pass also seh dat even if you lef de wuk and ten years pass and you talk, you can still guh to jail. Dis ting got dem boys mix up and li’l confuse. De only rationale dem boys come up wid fuh him to pass dis law, is dat he and he boys dem want to full dem pocket and full it quietly. Dis law is only fuh de oil wealth. Dat is all dat lef fuh de poor Guyanese people. Dem boys seh Jagdeo, Donald Dumb and dem team
clean up three-quarter of Guyana. Actually, nutten lef fuh de new coalition govt. Dem realize dat when dem go in power. Now dat oil come on stream dem seh dem got to ketch up wid wha Jagdeo and he team grab up and de only way dem can ketch up is through de oil money. Suh dem passing law to shut up anybody who talk. Dis new law also stipulate that if you see a man coming off de oil tanker wid ee two hands in ee pocket, keep yuh mouth shut, otherwise is straight to jail. Talk half and remember deh ain’t got no odda way fuh Soulja Bai and he team ketch up wid Jagdeo and ee team.
sets the stage for a new normal at the university, where performance is just as important as payment, and where accountability and affordability are key to enhancing educational entrepreneurship.” Further, he reiterated that, “as regards affordability, these increases are not our only financial obligations. We still have an average of 4.5 percent merit award to fund, as well as allowances for travelling, entertainment, and academic materials. We also have to cater for study leave (salary and housing for three months), sabbatical leave (salary and housing for 12 months), leave passage, and responsibility allowances for Coordinators, Heads, and Deans.” In a joint statement, the unions – the University of Guyana Senior Staff Association and the University of Guyana Workers Union – said, “We are grateful to all who have intervened to bring us to this point. We are especially appreciative of the vital role played by Mr Lincoln Lewis, General Secretary of the GTUC.” The unions also said, “We also wish to acknowledge the assistance given by Minister Keith Scott, and the staff at
the Department of Labour. Unfortunately, our feelings about today's [Tuesday's] event are not the same as they might have been if this agreement was being signed in either August or September 2017.” According to the unions, headed by Dr. Jewel Thomas [UGSSA President] and Mr. Bruce Haynes [UGWU President], given that negotiations for salary increases finally began on July 12, that they proceeded relatively smoothly, and that the Unions did not dispute the final offer made by the administration, “we had reasonable expectations that the agreement would be concluded and signed without fuss.” It was however noted that instead, a lengthy, draining, and unnecessary dispute with the administration began over a number of things. In the end, after compromises, it came down to the administration's insistence that there must be a clause about sanctions being imposed in relation to performance. According to the unions' statement, the final agreement signed was void of the performance clause. “We acknowledge and salute the patience, profession-
alism and solidarity exhibited by our members over the 10 months that it has taken us to conclude this agreement. No system is perfect, and we are acutely aware of the shortcomings of the institution that we are part of,” it was noted. Nonetheless, the unions said that there are many fine persons who work extremely hard under difficult conditions, and dedicate themselves to doing their best for both colleagues and students. The last few months, according to the unions “must have been very trying ones for such members of staff, who found their efforts seemingly being discounted or denied.” “We would like to say to such members of staff – please do not lose heart. The improvement of the University of Guyana will continue with the hard work and dedication of staff members such as yourselves. We hope that lessons have been learned from this year's negotiations, and that we do not travel this road again in 2018. We trust that we will be able to truly focus on working constructively to improve the experiences of students and staff at the University of Guyana,” the unions added.
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Thursday November 23, 2017
Kaieteur News
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
More evidence of the irrational and the illogical A construction worker in Lethem was charged with possession of a single cartridge. This is not a typographical mistake – yes, one cartridge. This newspaper reported that when the case came up, the prosecutor didn’t offer any details of the circumstances. Bail was denied. Another person from the interior this week appeared in front of the same magistrate. Now read on and see if this country is a viable society A miner of Port Kaituma
was allegedly found with a bag of ammunition which contained the following; twenty-two 9mm ammunition, .38 live ammunition, and two other types of armaments. In the case where the accused was charged with one bullet, the prosecutor did not explain to the court the facts that led to the arrest, but Magistrate McLennan still refused bail. In the situation with the Port Kaituma miner, the prosecutor told the same magistrate that acting on a tipoff, the police searched his hotel room in his presence and
found the ‘hardware.’ The magistrate set bail at $200,000. I have no problem with people getting bail. This man allegedly had a bagful of assorted ammunition in his hotel suite and was allowed his freedom after posting $200,000 but the very magistrate thought that possession of a single cartridge was a more complex case, so she refused bail. My daughter was three years old when an action series was popular on television named MacGyver. She loved MacGyver.
Everyone loved MacGyver because of what he could do –make something out of nothing. It was absolutely hilarious to watch how MacGyver got out of situations where James Bond would have had no chance of staying alive. I saw one episode in which MacGyver was imprisoned in a place where escape was impossible. But he found an old chewing gum and with some spit, he created an inflammable liquid; the ensuring fire burnt the place down and he ran out. I am wondering whether that Lethem construction worker was not perceived as a MacGyver-like character where with a single cartridge, he could open it, put some saliva inside, go into a bank and threaten to burn it down if they didn’t give him the bank notes. These awful discrepancies in bail assignments and jail sentences somehow never find their way on top of the desk of the Bar Association office holders. But it would make sense why they wouldn’t. Here is why. I was jogging in the National Park and this lawyer, who is a personal friend, told me of the horrible mistreatment of his client by
a magistrate. I agreed to write about it. He exclaimed; “no, no. Freddie, I have to appear in front that woman; I have to protect my clients.” This explains why a magistrate could do any crazy thing on the bench but the people who comprise the Bar Association will remain reticent. Lawyers are terribly afraid to upset magistrates and judges. This is Guyana where you find bizarre things that no other country will experience. A magistrate freed one of several accused in a gold smuggling case by using the nursery rhythm, ‘eeny meeny miny moe’. This same magistrate in the middle of a trial got up from his seat, yelled out, “my wife hassar curry is finished cooking, I going home to eat,” and he just left the cases in front of him. The Bar Association never reported him. The nihilism just doesn’t stop. The country was shocked by the philistine display of the PPP, when they actually tried to stop President Granger from speaking by the unfurling of placards and tumultuous heckling. Most people felt that it was the ultimate disrespect shown to Parliament. But who said Guyana learnt from that immoral
Frederick Kissoon circus. Each time a particular opposition City Councillor gets up to speak, he is drowned out by the APNU+AFC Councillors. It happens all the time. An APNU+AFC councillor thought the man had endured enough philistinism from his colleagues, so he appealed to them to let him enjoy his right to speak. The lead heckler would have none of this. But here is the frightening part. She said he should not be allowed to speak, because each time he takes to the floor he says the wrong things and badmouths the Council’s achievements. In other words, the APNU+AFC-dominated Council now decides what elected representatives from the Opposition should say or they will be given the treatment the parliamentary opposition gave the President a few weeks ago. In the RDC of Region 5, earlier this year, the disruptive behaviour became morbid. But then again, the entire country is an ocean of morbidity.
Thursday November 23, 2017
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Kaieteur News
Caribbean countries record high IMF says economic growth will fall below one per cent for Barbados sugar production figures KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Caribbean countries produced an estimated 418,000 tonnes of sugar for the 2016-17 period, according to a statement released by the Sugar Association of the Caribbean (SAC) on Wednesday. It said the figure surpassed the projected figure of 406,000. The SAC, which groups the Barbados Agricultural Management Company (BAMC), the Belize Sugar Industries Limited,(BSIL) Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GUYSUCO), and Sugar Manufacturing Corporation of Jamaica Limited (SMCJL) said the production figures demonstrate the region’s own capacity to supply the regional market, estimated at 320,000 tonnes for both brown and white sugar, and supports the argument for tariffs to be applied to imported sweeteners. The SAC said that at its 167th Annual Board Meeting in Belize last week, the directors reaffirmed their plans to continue to supply the needs of the regional sugar market for both brown and white sugar and that it had held talks
with officials of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Council of Trade and Development (COTED) in Guyana earlier this month to sensitise them on this issue. SAC said it has noted that all other regional markets preserve their sugar industries through application of an import tariff, which permits their industries to be competitive. “Regional producers requested of CARICOM a uniform application of the 40 per cent Common External Tariff (CET) on all imported sweeteners. “The four regional producers have the capability to supply the full market requirements and we plan to increase our outreach efforts to all stakeholders who use sugar to make the case for the application of the CET and to discuss with them how best to do so for the benefit of both producers and users,” said SAC Chairman, Karl James. The statement said that the SAC board of directors also discussed the effect that the removal of domestic production quotas in the European sugar market as of October 1, 2017 will have on prices. “Surplus EU sugar from the last crop has resulted in a
IDB funds to increase conviction rate for murders in Jamaica WASHINGTON, CMC – The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) said, yesterday, it had approved a US$20 million loan to support the Jamaica government’s efforts to measurably increase the conviction rate for murders and other violent crimes. It said this project aims to help reduce homicides through intensified crime prevention activities as well as to improve the quality and rate of criminal investigations being managed by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). The IDB said that key metrics will be the number of murder investigations and the overall murder conviction rate. The project will also fund the training of JCF personnel in the use of technology to combat crime and to improve criminal case management. Jamaica’s violent crime rate of 223 per 100,000 inhabitants continues to be among the highest in the Americas, and has negatively affected its economic growth prospects. Between 2010 and 2016, the country averaged over 1,200 murders. Out of this total, just 43 per cent resulted in an arrest and subsequent criminal charges being filed
against a suspect. Just 36 individuals or three per cent were successfully incarcerated on murder charges each year. The IDB said that this project will also seek to address the high percentage of female murder victims of domestic abuse and intimate partner violence. During the last five years, 19 per cent of female murders were the result of domestic violence, as compared to three per cent of male murders. “Modernizing the intelligence of the Jamaica Constabulary Force through the use of technology and better surveillance techniques are important to enhancing policing and citizen security in Jamaica,” said Therese Turner-Jones, general manager of the IDB’s Caribbean Country Department. “A modern, trained police force is fundamental to improving the lives of the people of Jamaica,” she added. The US$20 million loan is for a 25-year term, including a 5.5-year grace period, at a LIBOR-based interest rate, and is funded through the IDB’s Ordinary Capital.
fall in prices and this has impacted regional producers, as current prices are not remunerative. This has the potential to close factories and result in negative socio-economic consequences, hence the imperative to preserve the regional market for regional producers”.
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – The International Monetary Fund (IMF) says continued strong growth in long-stay tourism has supported Barbados’ economic growth, but fiscal consolidation is contributing to a slowdown and that real growth is projected to fall below one per cent this year.. An IMF team, which has
ended a two week visit to the island, said that the adjustment strategy should focus on addressing the high transfers, containing other current expenditures and maintaining a strong revenue effort. It said that urgent structural reforms are needed to support growth and improve the business climate for domestic and
foreign investment. The team, led by Judith Gold, the Deputy Division Chief at the Washington-based financial institution, said that following last year’s improved performance of 1.6 per cent, real growth is projected to slow to 0.9 per cent for the year, reflecting ongoing fiscal consolidation efforts.
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Thursday November 23, 2017
Kaieteur News
GTU disappointed with “deficient” task force
SERVICES
FOR SALE
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY- $19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-2274754. Video games and consoles at affordable price. Repairs to video game system .Call:6722566/265-3231 Spare for washing machine, microwaves,fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, motors, etc. Call:225-9032;647-2943;6045198 1 Leyland Daf Cement mixer, 1 caterpillar skid steer 236B. 7 mining blocks (North West) Contact# 650-0402 Used Yamaha Outboard motor 200 just arrived from USA, also flat screen computer monitor 20" Please Call: 6725830,671-9169
Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535. INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. PASSPORT, PERMANENT & VISITOR VISA APPLICATION, PROFESSIONAL IMMIGRATION CONSULTANT – SABITA IMMIGRATION SERVICES. CALL: 613-3920/625-3767. Eagle’s: Re-gas –low prices, washing machine repairs, gas stove, plasma flat Screen, computer repairs & more. Call: 697-2969/646-0966 I N S TA L L AT I O N S , REPAIRS AND PARTS FOR AC, FRIDGE, WASHING MACHINE, STOVE ETC: CALL NICK 627-3206, 6301600 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158
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FOR RENT
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PROPERTY FOR SALE Aubrey Barker $30M, Diamond, Schoonard $1.5M, North $17M, Bel Air $31, Lamaha Springs $7.5M. GME Realty 231-2200, 618-7483
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General Secretary of GTU, Coretta McDonald Exactly three weeks and one day after the creation of what was referred to as a ‘high-level Task Force,’ it is already being labeled as deficient. The reason for this was explained yesterday by Gen-
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EDUCATION Day Care and Pre-K classes available in Diamond Call Canadian School 2166921,216-6922 FOR SALE/RENT American Pool Table. Call: 277-0578
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eral Secretary of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU), Coretta McDonald. McDonald told Kaieteur News that, so far, the Task Force has only managed to convene one of the three meetings, which was the introductory meeting, and has not yet assembled for the others that were intended to address several pertinent issues. She asserted that one such meeting was scheduled for November 9. In addition to this, the meeting that was expected to be carried out one week later was also not held. “The meetings were cancelled due to official reasons, which the GTU doesn’t know about, and the second meeting was cancelled due to the lack of a quorum. We did not have the representatives from the government - who they had identified to be there - for the meeting to start.” McDonald said that, “We agreed to meet once per week, and that is every Thursday at 10:00am.” The Task Force was recommended by President David Granger after he met with the executive members of GTU on October 30, last. The President’s meeting with GTU officials was held following a meeting the Union had with the Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry. The task force was officially established on November 1 of this year to essentially guide salary negotiations for public school teachers. Its mandate is also to examine outstanding problems faced by teachers and by extension the union with a view to their timely resolution. The Task Force should have been convening weekly statutory meetings and is also mandated to propose a new multi-year remuneration package for a period spanning 2016-2020 that both government and the union can agree on.
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Thursday November 23, 2017
Kaieteur News
Zimbabwe’s incoming leader returns home to cheers
Navy aircraft crash leaves 3 missing in Philippine Sea
Zimbabwe’s President in waiting Emmerson Mnangagwa, greets supporters gathered outside the Zanu-PF party headquarters in Harare, Zimbabwe HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) — Zimbabwe’s incoming leader, Emmerson Mnangagwa, made a triumphant return yesterday, telling cheering supporters that the country is witnessing “a new and unfolding democracy.” “I appeal to all genuine people of Zimbabwe to come together,” Mnangagwa said. “We are all Zimbabweans ... we need peace in our country and jobs, jobs, jobs.” That was received enthusiastically by the crowd at the headquarters of the ruling ZANU-PF party, as Zimbabwe’s economic crisis helped bring the downfall of Robert Mugabe, who resigned Tuesday after 37 years in power. Mnangagwa said he had been in constant contact with military leaders during the tumultuous two weeks between his firing by Mugabe and his return to lead Zimbabwe. He will be sworn in Friday to serve Mugabe’s remaining term until elections next year. He praised the military and commander Gen.
Constantino Chiwenga, “who have been able to manage this process very peacefully.” Speaking with his wife, Auxilia, by his side, Mnangagwa was flanked by two rows of security agents, who appeared alert to any possible security threat. After emerging from hiding in neighboring South Africa, Mnangagwa met with its President Jacob Zuma and flew to Zimbabwe in a private jet. The 75-year-old Mnangagwa fled Zimbabwe after Mugabe fired him, leading the military to move in and kick off a series of extraordinary events ending in Mugabe stepping down amid impeachment proceedings. The jubilant crowd in the capital, Harare, celebrated his first public remarks. Some carried signs with his image, suggesting a organization behind the festive turnout. Signs read “Our Hero, Our Hope” and “Welcome back, Our Hero.” Zimbabweans were still reeling from Mugabe’s resignation. They cheered and
danced in the streets of Harare late into Tuesday night, thrilled to be rid of a leader whose early promise after the end of white minority rule in 1980 was overtaken by economic collapse, government dysfunction and human rights violations. Now the focus turns to Mnangagwa, Mugabe’s longtime depu t y w h o w a s pushed aside as unpopular first lady Grace Mugabe positioned herself to replace him and succeed her husband. Mnangagwa is a former justice and defense minister who served for decades as Mugabe’s enforcer, a role that earned him the nickname “Crocodile.” Many opposition supporters believe he was instrumental in the army killings of thousands of people when Mugabe moved against a political rival in the 1980s. So far in the current political turmoil Mnangagwa has used inclusive language, saying that all Zimbabweans should work together to advance their nation.
Flea market photo shows ‘Billy the Kid and man who shot him’ A photo discovered by a US lawyer at a flea market may be a rare image of Wild West outlaw Billy the Kid and could be worth millions, experts have said. Frank Abrams bought the tintype photo in North Carolina for $10 (£7) and put it up in the guest room of his home. He consulted experts after watching a TV programme about the discovery of another photo of Billy the Kid. Historians told Mr Abrams his photo may show the outlaw with his future killer. Mr Abrams, a criminal defence lawyer, bought the tintype photo - which is an image produced on a thin sheet
of metal - at a flea market near the city of Asheville in 2011. He told BBC News he decided to have it analysed by experts at the Billy the Kid museum in New Mexico after watching a programme in 2015 about a newly found photo of the gunslinger playing croquet. The croquet photo had been valued at around $5m. Mr Abrams came to suspect that one of the five men pictured in his tintype image was Patrick Floyd Garrett. Garrett and Billy the Kid were said to have been close friends until Garrett became sheriff of Lincoln County, New Mexico. Sheriff Garrett is remem-
bered for gunning down the outlaw in 1881. Mr Abrams said his photo - which is dated 2 August 1880 - hung for several years on the wall of a spare room in his home that he rented out through Airbnb. “If I had known it was one of the most famous photos in history, I would have charged more for the room,” he laughed. William Dunniway, a tintype expert, told the New York Times the photo was probably taken between 1875-80. Mr Gibson used facial recognition software to conclude it was most likely a photo of Billy the Kid and Sheriff Garrett.
A C2-A Greyhound plane launches from the USS Ronald Reagan during a 2017 exercise. (CNN)A US Navy plane crashed into the ocean southeast of Okinawa yesterday afternoon, leaving three people missing in the latest of a string of troubling incidents facing the Navy in waters off East Asia this year. The C2-A Greyhound transport plane was carrying 11 crew and passengers to an aircraft carrier when it crashed into the Philippine Sea around 2:45 p.m. Japan Standard Time, the Navy said. Eight people have been rescued and are in good condition aboard the carrier, the USS Ronald Reagan, the Navy said in a statement. US and Japanese ships and planes are searching the area for the three people who remain missing. The names of those who were onboard are being withheld, pending the notification of their next of kin, the Navy said. The plane was carrying passengers and cargo from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni in Japan to the carrier when the plane crashed about 500 nautical miles
southeast of Okinawa, Japan. A Navy public affairs officer told CNN the plane was on approach to the carrier, but didn’t know how far away it was from the ship. The cause of the crash wasn’t immediately known, according to an initial statement from the US Navy 7th Fleet. “I have been informed from the US military that engine trouble may have caused (the crash),” Japan’s Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera told reporters Wednesday. It’s been a difficult year for the Navy in the western North Pacific following a spate of incidents — most involving ships assigned to the East Asia-based US 7th fleet — that included the deaths of 17 sailors. In August, Vice Adm. Joseph Aucoin was relieved of his duty as the commander of 7th Fleet following a deadly collision between the destroyer USS John S. McCain and a merchant ship off Singapore that left 10 US sailors dead. In June, the guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald,
also of the 7th Fleet, collided with a cargo ship off Japan, killing seven US sailors. Those two fatal collisions were “avoidable” and “numerous failures occurred on the part of leadership,” a Navy report concluded earlier this month. At least two other incidents involving US 7th Fleet ships happened in waters off East Asia this year. On Saturday, a Japanese tugboat lost propulsion and drifted into the USS Benfold in a bay off central Japan, causing minor damage to the guided-missile destroyer, the Navy said. In late January, the guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam ran aground in Tokyo Bay, damaging its propellers. Another incident in East Asian waters involved a US 3rd Fleet ship: In May, the guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain was struck by a South Korean fishing boat off the Korean Peninsula. The Navy has launched multiple investigations and reviews in the wake of this year’s accidents.
France calls for UN Security Council meeting on Libya slave auctions (CNN) French President Emmanuel Macron called the sale of migrants at slave auctions in Libya “a crime against humanity” and vowed to press for sanctions. France has requested an “urgent” meeting of the UN Security Council to discuss this treatment of migrants in Libya, Foreign Minister JeanYves Le Drian said. France will advocate for international sanctions against Libya if its justice system fails to act, he said. Libyan authorities launched a formal investigation into the human slave auc-
tions, which CNN revealed this month in exclusive reporting. After obtaining footage of a human auction in Libya, a CNN team went to the country in October to investigate. It saw a dozen men sold at an auction outside of the capital, Tripoli — some for as little as $400. The crew was told of auctions taking place at nine locations in the country. News of the auctions sparked protests outside of the Libyan Embassy in Paris. French soccer star Paul Pogba raised the issue after scoring a goal for his club,
Manchester United, putting his wrists together as if they were handcuffed. The UN secretary-general said Monday that the reports from Libya demonstrate some of “the most egregious abuses of human rights” and may amount to crimes against humanity, Secretary-General António Guterres urged the international community to unite on the issue and called on all countries to adopt the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its protocol on human trafficking.
Thursday November 23, 2017
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Thursday November 23, 2017
Thursday November 23, 2017
Motor racing: Todt unopposed for third term as FIA president LONDON (Reuters) - Jean Todt is sure to be re-elected for a third term as president of Formula One’s governing body after the International Automobile Federation (FIA) said yesterday that no other candidates were standing. The 71-year-old Frenchman took over from Max Mosley in 2009 and won a second four-year term in 2013. The FIA said on its website (www.fia.com) that the former Ferrari team boss was the only candidate whose electoral list had been received by the official deadline. The vote will be held at the Annual General Assembly on Dec. 8 in Paris. Formula One, with U.S.based Liberty Media taking over the commercial rights last January, is entering a poten-
Jean Todt tially turbulent period with team contracts expiring in
2020 and a new engine format to be agreed.
Thursday November 23, 2017 Aries: Mar 21 - Apr 19 Your association with a group could enable your spiritual progress today. Past emotional issues could come up, but don't despair. Look at it as an opportunity to release old traumas that have limited you.
Libra: Sep 23 - Oct 22 A specific task or goal could have you making a lot of calls, writing a lot of letters, or doing a lot of running around in the car. You're feeling especially determined.
Taurus: Apr 20 - May 20 Money or other resources could be made available to you today so you can increase your career prospects or advance in your occupation.
Scorpio: Oct 23 - Nov 21 If you've been thinking about working out of your home, this is the time to put your plans into action. Anything regarding money or the home could succeed now.
Gemini: May 21 - Jun 20 Doubts about a romantic or business partnership could have an energizing effect on you today. You're determined to resolve any problems or disagreements you may have with your partner.
Sagit: Nov 22 - Dec 21 Although you occasionally want to spend a whole day alone, this isn't the time. You have a lot of specific goals in mind that you want to take care of today, perhaps involving writing or speaking.
Cancer: Jun 21 - Jul 22 Uncertainty about your financial future might have you developing some sort of savings or investment plan to give you more security.
Capri: Dec 22 - Jan 19 Unknown skills or talents that you didn't know you had might set you on a course that leads to increased income, if you're willing to put in some hard work.
Leo: Jul 23 - Aug 22 A joint endeavor with a partner could lead to imaginative and creative opportunities. Whatever you start today, especially creative projects, should succeed in spite of any obstacles that come up. Virgo: Aug 23 - Sep 22 Today, you might have an irresistible impulse to put your home in order. You want to give it a thorough cleaning, do a little decorating, or perhaps make some minor but necessary repairs.
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Kaieteur News
Aquar.: Jan 20 - Feb 18 An unwitting communication from a friend could set you off on a path that changes your life. This could involve business opportunities, or you could discover a new interest or group you'd like to join. Pisces: Feb 19 - Mar 20 Whatever difficulties may have arisen over the past few days, you have the power to overcome them, gain new strength, and move on.
IOC bans four Russian skeleton athletes for life over Sochi doping MOSCOW (Reuters) Four Russian skeleton athletes, including Olympic champion Alexander Tretyakov, have been banned for life from the Olympics after being found guilty of doping at the 2014 Sochi Games, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said yesterday. Tretyakov, Sochi bronzemedal winner Elena Nikitina, Maria Orlova and Olga Potylitsyna have been “found to have committed anti-doping rule violations,” the IOC said in a statement. “The four athletes are declared ineligible to be accredited in any capacity for all editions of the Games of the Olympiad and the Olympic Winter Games subsequent to the Olympic Winter Games Sochi 2014,” the IOC said. The IOC added it had disqualified the athletes from Sochi, effectively stripping Tretyakov and Nikitina of their Olympic medals. Orlova and Potylitsyna did not win medals in Sochi.
Everton fined by UEFA after fan attempt to punch Lyon player (Reuters) - Everton have been fined 30,000 euros (£26,632) by UEFA after one of their fans tried to punch an Olympique Lyonnais player during last month’s Europa League group stage match at Goodison Park. An all-out melee ensued amongst the players, while at least one Everton supporter behind the goal was caught on video trying to punch a Lyon player before stewards intervened. UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body charged the Merseyside club with “aggressions by supporters against players” under Article 16 (2) of its disciplinary regulations. Everton’s hopes of qualifying for the Europa League knockout stages was ended by a 3-0 defeat in the reverse fixture in Lyon earlier this month, leaving them bottom of Group E with one point from four games. Everton, who are struggling in the Premier League, sacked Dutch manager Ronald Koeman last month and have yet to appoint a full-time replacement at Goodison Park.
The IOC did not disclose the nature of the doping violations. Earlier this month, the IOC banned six cross-country skiers from the Olympics for violating anti-doping rules as part of an investigation into allegations of widespread doping among Russians and sample tampering by laboratory and security officials at the Sochi Games. The IOC has been re-testing all Russian athletes’
samples from the 2014 Games following revelations by Grigory Rodchenkov, the former head of Moscow’s suspended anti-doping laboratory, of a scheme to cover up home competitors’ positive samples. The IOC is set to decide next month on the participation of Russian competitors at the Pyeongchang winter Olympics in South Korea in February.