Kaieteur News

Kaieteur News

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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

Guest Editorial

Rogue cops have no place in civilized society Kaieteur News employee who made an allegation of illegal police conduct against him died in a road accident last week. Five policemen were involved in the incident. It would appear that charges against them will not proceed because the defence lawyer(s) will no doubt argue that there isn’t evidence to offer since the virtual complainant cannot be cross-examined. But should this be the end of the story? Justice has a way of being irrepressible. Justice has a way of catching up with evil-doers. Justice is longer than time as some folks are wont to say. On August 17, last, a police patrol of five ranks stopped Harry Brijmohan for riding his motorcycle without a helmet. They demanded money in lieu of prosecution. Brijmohan told them that he did not have the sum of money they demanded but in the end he forked over $4,000. Brijmohan is dead but justice should not be denied his loved ones. The story would never have reached the level it is at the moment if it were not for his girlfriend who is a practising journalist. She became the protagonist and insisted that there must be an investigation. The Office of Professional Responsibility of the police force conducted an enquiry and their report is with the Office of the Crime Chief waiting to be dealt with by either the Police Complaint Authority or the DPP. The wheels of justice turn so slow in this country that it would be no exaggeration to say that in most instances the wheel is stuck in mud and tar from which it is hard to extricate it. If this investigation was done with speed and if the final report had led to charges, Brijmohan might have had his day in court. There is overwhelming evidence to prove that these cops are liars. They penned statements that totally contradict the content of the video footage. Why did they say they had no knowledge of arresting Brijmohan? Because they did not know the incident was filmed and they hoped to get away with their illegality. They will not face the court but they can still face the halls of justice by being dismissed from the force. We come now to the Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan. When he was in the opposition, he denounced rogue cops, going so far as to demand prosecution for the detectives who tortured an underage boy. He took the little boy’s case to court for compensation and won. When he became Minister he dismissed one of the detectives through the authority vested in him as Minister with portfolio for the police. The other policeman could only be taken off the force by an edict of the Police Service Commission. We are asking the Minister to display the same nononsense approach to these five ranks. Nothing less will be acceptable. Rogue cops are dangerous people in civilized society because they threaten the very fabric of civilized society. These are people on whose chest the people put a badge, the badge of service and protection. A rogue cop does not serve and protect. A rogue cop endangers the freedom of the very citizens he is paid by society to protect. Some say the small pay forces them to be corrupt. So should society allow itself to be endangered because lowly paid officers have to make a living in the production of illegally violent activities? Who then does it fall upon to protect society? These five ranks should be kicked out of the force ASAP.

Sunday November 27, 2016

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

Is the Guyana dollar undervalued? Dear Editor; The USA dollar is backed by gold reserves (over 70% of their currency reserves is gold). This is the fundamental element that made their currency strong. Currencies such as the Euro are also supported by key European member states gold reserves. For example France’s, Germany’s and Italy’s reserves are made up of over 60% gold. Guyana should take advantage of the current opportunity to build our own gold reserves and allow our currency to strengthen. This should be doable as the current annual gold export revenue is close to the value of our foreign exchange reserves. Guyana has been selling gold (top export) as a commodity with no value added products being made from it (value added products earn more profit) for USA dollar income in order to buy oil from overseas (top import). Keep in mind that the USA dollar is debt heavy and their economy is growing slower than ours. In other words, Guyana is trading sustainable wealth (gold) for an unsustainable consumable resource

(oil) without improving the buying power of the Guyanese dollar. It is my opinion that the current strategy is not one that will be winnable over the long term. Instead we should pursue a stronger Guyanese dollar supported by a healthy gold reserve, value added exported products and a low to zero debt policy (avoiding the risk which the USA is now exposed to) all within a low inflation environment. Low inflation being another key element to ensure that the buying power of the Guyanese dollar is strengthened and maintained. There is less need to overcharge for local goods in the trade embargo free environment which we enjoy today (let’s continue to avoid the Venezuelan reality) and more importantly if the mantra of quality over quantity is continued, a low inflation environment will be sustained. Once the buying power of the Guyanese dollar has increased we will be able purchase oil imports at a relatively cheaper price. Also there is an economic value to keeping our oil reserves in the ground as seen in the Climate Finance discussions

held by the Climate Change Expert Group (CCXG: primarily made up of developed nations). This economic value for keeping our oil in the ground would also add to the value of the assets in the reserves backing our currency and help strengthen it. In addition, as we transition to a sustainable clean energy economy our oil consumption levels will reduce significantly. This will increase the savings of the country (less foreign exchange used to buy oil) which also strengthens our dollar, and reduce the need to sell off valuable assets cheaply (without any value added). Most importantly, a strong Guyanese dollar policy will mean that it will be easier for every family to be able to buy what they need with their current salaries while also improving the quality of the products they can purchase over the long term. Remember that not too long ago we were a nation whose currency was 2 to 1 compared to the USA dollar and less than 5 to 1 compared to the British Pound. Jamil Changlee

Make your enemies work in your favour From page 3 * Happiness keeps You Sweet.. But being sweet brings happiness. * Patience with self is confidence and Patience with GOD is faith. * Never Think Hard about the PAST, It brings Tears... * Don’t think more about the FUTURE, It brings Fear... * Live this Moment with a Smile, It brings Cheer. * Every test in our life makes us bitter or better, * Every problem comes to make us or break us, * The choice is ours whether we become victims or victorious. * Beautiful things are not always good but good things are always beautiful * Do you know why God created gaps between fingers? * So that someone who is special to you comes and fills those gaps by holding your hand forever. * Happiness keeps You Sweet.. But being sweet brings happiness.

Sunday November 27, 2016

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Kaieteur News

Kaieteur M@ilbox

Kaieteur M@ilbox

Skeldon factory was allowed to deteriorate by the Government DEAR EDITOR; In June 2015, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo at the Enmore Martyr’s Day event spoke about the appointment of the Commission of Inquiry for Guysuco and emphasized that ‘the Commission will not sit in an office. It will go to every estate and it will talk to the sugar workers and find out from them what can be done to save sugar’. Yet the findings of this COI are now thrown aside. The Commission of Inquiry was set up and $52million taxpayers’ money was spent to find the answers and to save the sugar industry. It was headed by Mr. Vibert Parvattan and comprised nine members which included Mr. John D. Dow (Guysuco’s Factory Operations), Mr. Joseph Alfred (Factory Operations) and Mr. George James (Sugar Processing). The Report of this Commission was submitted in October 2015 and it took more

than one year after for the Chairman of the Guysuco Board to come to the conclusion that the Skeldon Factory is a ‘ticking time bomb.’ The Report made a number of recommendations but I want to draw attention to pages 2230 of the Agriculture section. It was recommended that the Capital requirements for the entire Guysuco will be approximately $26 billion from 2016 to 2020. Out of this amount Skeldon was budgeted for $5.2 million US while Uitvlugt, Albion and Rose Hall Rose will require US$6.9 million- a CDB soft loan for harvesting and leveling equipment. Nowhere did it mention that the Skeldon Factory was falling apart and that it was a ‘ticking time bomb’. In fact just a while ago the same factory was grinding 260 tonnes of cane per hour and both Guysuco and the Government bragged about it. It was getting closer to the 350TCH it was built for. Even

the TC/TS had improved. It must be noted that the US5.2 million budgeted for Skeldon from 2016 to 2020 was for: - Accessibility and cane transport - Civil structures - Drainage and irrigation - Mechanization - Tillage and planting. Is it not an anomaly that no money was allocated to fix a factory which was falling apart? Again, was it deliberately allowed to become ‘a ticking time bomb’? If so then the objective is obvious. This is so even though the COI’s Terms of Reference specifically targeted the ‘Factory Operations’. The Report itself did not mention the state of the machinery and equipment at the Skeldon Factory. I wish to submit that if they were in a deplorable condition at that time then the Report would have highlighted that fact but again they were not. Therefore, the time frame when the

Here is the way forward for GuySuco DEAR EDITOR; Editor’s note; this concludes Mr. Kissoon’s submission which was carried in our Thursday edition under the caption, “GuySuco’s closure would be a recipe for economic disaster.” GUYSUCO’s ability to employ is far from its only economic benefit. GUYSUCO has always been a main source of foreign revenue and still earns a significant portion of Guyana’s foreign exchanges despite its recent struggles. Anyone with basic knowledge of economics would tell you that a decrease in foreign currency earning would mean a depreciation in our currency. This is particularly important since Guyana is a small open, merchandizing

economy. We export most of what we produce (rice, sugar and gold) and import most of what we consume, including food products and everyday items. Any significant drop in foreign exchange earnings would seriously affect the average Guyanese since a bulk of Guyanese consumption are imported goods (food, clothing and oil included). The main argument by GUYSUCO detractors is that the subsidy places immense burden on central government’s spending. Mr. Editor, the GUYSUCO sub-

sidy as of 2015 was 5.21% of total government spending. It is not a gigantic burden on the state as we are led to believe. However, even the subsidy is being misrepresented to the masses. The revenue gained by central government from GUYSUCO is being overlooked with great convenience. GUYSUCO has 28,000 workers, while no accurate data is (publicly) available on the issue, 28,000 workers would be paying at least TWO BILLION in income (Continued on page 06)

audit by the ‘international firm’ was done and the COI Report in October 2015 would again suggest that the deplorable state of the Skeldon Factory occurred after the COI was done and not before. Furthermore, the audit highlighted the following findings: - Deteriorating bagasse plant - Missing insulation from the plant’s diffuser - Problems with the boiler fuel feeders - Frequency converters for bagasse feeder motors missing and not working due to lack of spares - Conveyor feeder junction box and connection boxes in deplorable conditions - Exhaust gas leakages - Boiler platform corroded - Oil burners demolished - Insulators for the boilers in a deplorable state - Furnace walls tubes need replacement - Superheat tubes damaged - Lack of spares prevent crucial repairs - Alarming level of corrosion to various parts of the factory. All the findings above highlighted gross neglect and the lack of repairs and maintenance during the past 17 months and can be seen as a deliberate ploy to run down the factory to justify its sale. Moreover, the same Audit

Report gave several reasons for this sad state of affairs at the Skeldon Factory. Some of these are: - Incompetence of the plant operating personnel to operate and maintain the power plant - No concept for maintenance planning or spare parts management - General lack of spares and tools at site concerning all areas (mechanical spares, electrical spares, normal hand tools, measuring equipment, safety equipment, etc.) - No conservation concept to maintain the equipment such as steam turbines during shut down time. From the above audit findings, it is clear that preventative maintenance is sorely lacking and even routine repairs and maintenance were not done in a timely manner so how can we not expect the factory to deteriorate to its current state? This is not about ‘steel and iron’ it’s about repairs and maintenance. In addition, the COI has highlighted several factors which have contributed to the Skeldon Estate as a whole and as the former Agriculture Auditor for the

East Berbice Estates, I am acutely aware of the prevalence of these negative factors. Some of these are: - Poor quality of tillage - Timing of planting (timing and sequence of operations) - Shortages of inputs - Chronic weed competition - Burning to grinding intervals beyond 72 hours in many instances - Shortage of labour - Poor cane quality due to a high percentage of over aged canes - Delays in crop start resulting in harvesting in wet rainy conditions resulting in a high percentage of extraneous matters and mud being delivered to the factory, again affecting sugar recoveries and the quality of sugar - Poor drainage A point to note is the claim made by Minister Trotman that ‘the US200 million Skeldon factory never generated one kilowatt of power’. This is a joke. Can the Government or Guysuco please tell us exactly what the fate of the Skeldon Estate is? Haseef Yusuf

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Sunday November 27, 2016

Kaieteur News

Kaieteur M@ilbox

Kaieteur M@ilbox

10 positives that the 2017 budget must encapsulate DEAR EDITOR, I am glad that the Private Sector Commission (PSC) raised its voice on the National budget since as an organization, it has been docile for too long. They have raised some very creative and insightful recommendations. I have been thinking over the past few days about what Guyana must have to be able to advance on the road to enhancing our productivity and growth rate, and to start the process of turning the economy around. I came up with ten must have takeaways for the 2017 Budget as follows: 1. State of the economy – the people must have more than 5% GDP growth rate in 2017 which will set up rapid economic expansion in 2018 and 2019. 2. Infrastructure and housing – we must invest our own funds now in key projects like paving the first 10 miles of the Linden to Kurupukari Road in 2017 and the rapid expansion of new homes construction. At a mini-

mum some $23 billion of the budget should be targeted in these areas in 2017 to drive new infrastructure, new housing and new innovation using taxpayer funds. 3. Tax reforms for businesses – The Tax Reform Commission submitted their report to the Minister on January 18, 2016, and he has had enough time to be able to take action to present some reforms of the tax system to drive expansion in the private sector. The main tax for rationalization remains the corporation tax, which is stuck at 30%. It should drop to 25% immediately to stimulate the expansion of the private sector. Guyana’s tax/GDP is the highest in Caricom and this makes it uncompetitive as a place to invest. 4. Small businesses with a turnover of less than $10 million in rural and hinterland Guyana should get a tax rebate of $50,000 if they are registered with the GRA, recruit 2 new staff on the NIS records for more than 6 months and file taxes. This will

bring more rural and hinterland businesses within the scope of the tax system, expand employment and drive an expansion of the village economy. 5. The national minimum wage has to go up to at least $55,000 per month with the tax threshold increasing to $75,000 per month. 6. Duties and tax rates on all types of renewable energy will continue to be zerorated and there should be a tax holiday and a 25% government cash equity contribution for any company that will invest in renewable energy at the village level (local village utilities). These companies must be 75% private sector run and shares will be sold at a discounted value to consumers of the services in the village that will pay a minimum dividend every year, and cannot be resold to anyone who resides outside the village. This is a deliberate attempt to use the provision of renewable energy for the economic empowerment of the villagers. Any homeowner

Here is the way forward for ... From page 05 taxes if we were to assume income tax at 30%, the threshold at 50,000 and the average salary of a GUYSUCO employee at 75,000 per month. If one was to factor in the income taxes and other revenues streams central government gain from GUYSUCO, it would be clear that the real subsidy is significantly less that the government is claiming. When one considers the real subsidy, it would be less than 4% of total government spending, or less. The APNU+AFC coalition must surely know they cannot receive this stream of income if GUYSUCO was to no longer exist. Mr. Editor, it does not take a genius to see that any brash and crude move against GUYSUCO will translate in to employment, currency, revenue and a general cost of living shock. This is an impact therefore in all sectors of the economy- financial, real, monetary etc. Here is the way forward.

The road to GUYSUCO making a financial profit would be long and hard, it cannot be achieved overnight or without hard work. But there exist alternatives, contrary to the assertion by the APNU+AFC government. For GUYSUCO to make a financial profit, recapitalization the industry is the only way forward. Further industrial investment into value added goods and production is the only way forward for this Guyanese economic giant. This process of recapitalization will also allow for sufficient time to improve the absorptive capacity of other existing sectors and the creation of new sectors, to cushion the effects of the inevitable structural displacement of labour arising from this project. GUYSUCO must move into the production of corn syrup, canned sugar cane juice (which is imported and sold next to Parliament building), ethanol and other prod-

ucts that are sophisticated to produce. These products would maintain the need for the raw sugar and the existing jobs, while creating additional jobs and income for the company, allowing it to break even in the medium-term. Additionally, research must be done to increase yield per acre, overall production and inevitably cost of production. Research must also be done to improve agricultural and managerial practices to reduce theft. Better agricultural practice has the potential to ease many of the financial burdens. Mr. Editor, this is a simple example of the usefulness of the industry. A multiplicity of suggestions of such sort can be rendered for the argument of the maintenance of GUYSUCO. What is certain however is that the closure of GUYSUCO spells economic disaster for Guyana. Keeping the industry alive is a necessity, ensuring that GUYSUCO makes a fina ncial profit is also, imperative. The only way to achieve both is through prudent management on the part of both, the State and the company as well as additional industrial investments. Stephen Kissoon.

who signs up to this programme will be eligible to a $20,000 sign-on check from the government. This will allow GPL to focus on the commercial clients. This is not my idea; this is happening in the villages of India today and is a very successful business model for the villagers and the private sector investors. 7. All funds in the parallel treasury must be paid into the Consolidated Fund. This deception from the Minister of Finance has gone on for too long. I am calling on the Office of the Auditor General to investigate what the state of the depletion of these funds is outside the Consolidated Fund under the Granger administration. 8. Develop a ‘grow more food’ local fund to finance the purchase of seedlings and small tools for all urban residents who want to grow their own food in what little space they have. This will re-establish that move-

ment started by Burnham called the Grow More Food movement. 9. Progress the Amaila Falls Hydro Project as a top priority. Only minds which cannot envision a future of a great Guyana will want to destroy what was already invested in this project for petty political reasons. This is not a bad project, but it has to be sanitized financially and to date, no effort was made by Minister Patterson to even move this great idea one inch forward into action. Small minds in big positions are the most dangerous development in Guyana. 10. Invest $10 billion in enhancing the nation’s productivity – training in mathematics, vocational training, and on core skills like how to convert an idea into a working business plan. Let us train Guyanese and put them to work. I am really proud of the work of Minister Joseph Harmon on the Public Service

Staff College, that is a great start. Great job Minister Harmon. If we look at how the 2016 economy was managed it will be realized that we have bureaucrats and pen-pushers making the decisions in Guyana rather than transformationalists. They do not know how to enhance their efficiency at national development. So although the Minister may be utterly convinced he is doing the right thing all along in 2016, he has either not learnt or else has forgotten how to make major strategic changes. The reality is he is incompetent at strategic change and thus it would be incredibly difficult for him to phantom any of these 10 ideas. He will be doing alternative things that are utterly expensive for the nation, like squandering over $500 million on a parade ground that serves very little useful purpose for the nation. Sasenarine Singh

Tinted vehicles give protection from ultra-violet radiation DEAR EDITOR; Permit me please space in your newspaper to express frustration on what you can say is a very sad story regarding the poor people of our country. It is sad to know that our policy makers and the Guyana police force are so insensitive to the poor people of this country who are the same persons who put most of them in their high offices. First let me first bring to your attention a part of a report prepared by the World Health Organisation on the dangers of UV Radiation from the sun: It is titled “Solar ultraviolet radiation: Global burden of disease from solar ultraviolet radiation,” and I quote from the report; “Human exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation has important public health implications. Evidence of harm associated with overexposure to UV has been demonstrated in many studies. Skin cancer and malignant melanoma are among the most severe health effects, but a series of other health effects have been identified. The current report provides a quantification of the global disease burden associated with UV. The information presented forms a knowledge base for the

prevention of adverse effects of UV exposure that is achievable with known and accessible interventions. UV prevention focuses on protecting the skin and other organs from UV radiation.”(unquote) Tinted vehicles some would argue cause crimes and as such the policy is no tint. Normal citizens would tint their vehicles lightly in order to protect them from the UV radiation of the sun, which is very stressful to deal with on a daily basis. However, only the ordinary person is being victimised by the police when it comes to removing their tints. But what about the business community that has tinted vehicles and are not made to remove them? Police ranks and their relatives who have tints and are not made to remove them. Police ranks that have vehicles working as taxis that are tinted, but aren’t made to remove them. Faithful policy makers and their relatives have tinted vehicles but aren’t made to remove them. Mind you, these vehicles are so heavily tinted in all directions that it’s even hard to see through from the inside.

It’s a fact that vehicles manufacturers recognised the effects of UV rays, and it’s the same reason why vehicles that are being manufactured come with tinted glass from the factories. The funny fact is that the policy makers and those removing the tints are the persons who don’t understand the effect of the sun on everyday drivers because they are the persons whose vehicles are not just tinted, but is black in all directions. If you could remember when our good minister launched “Operation Dragnet,” it wasn’t a tinted civilian car that was found with unlicensed guns but a high ranking office of the Guyana Police Force. Tinted or un-tinted vehicles won’t put an end to crime. The normal man would tint a vehicle to save himself from the heat of the sun and its UV rays. If I am made to remove my tint, then , w e a l l should do so, lead by example and let us follow I say to our policy makers and ranks of the police force. The law is for all of us not just for the poor who are being victimised by it. Abhi Pradeep

Sunday November 27, 2016

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Former Cuban leader transformed politics in the western hemisphere - President Granger As the Republic of Cuba begins its nine-day period of national mourning for their former leader, Fidel Castro, who died Friday evening, President David Granger yesterday extended condolences to the people of Cuba. The President credited Mr. Castro with transforming politics in the Western Hemisphere, adding that he was perhaps one of the bestknown Latin Americans in the world. “We are deeply sad-

dened by the passing of President Castro. His life was of significance not only to Guyana and the friendship he had with Guyanese leaders but also to the entire Western Hemisphere,” he said. The President stated that Guyana sees Cuba as part of the Caribbean, as it was 44 years ago that Guyana along with Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica established diplomatic relations with the country. “Since then we have [had] very a cordial, close relationship with Cuba. Right now we have many Guyanese, who are being

trained as doctors in Cuba. We have Cuban doctors working here and there have been lots of engagements at different levels; educational levels, technical levels… so we are deeply saddened by the passing of President Castro,” he said. The President also extended condolences to his family, particularly, Fidel Castro’s brother, President Raul Castro, as well as the entire Cuban population. “He certainly transformed politics in the western hemisphere and we would like to express our solidarity with the Cuban people in that regard,” he said. Fidel Castro was the longest serving leader of the 20th Century, after seizing power in 1959 when he overthrew Fulgencio Batista. He was 90 years old.

Sunday November 27, 2016

Thousands benefitted from Castro’s friendship – CARICOM Secty General It is with deep sorrow that I have received the news of the death of His Excellency Fidel Castro Ruz, the former President of Cuba. President Castro’s commitment to assist developing countries through the sharing of his country’s skills and expertise, made him a treasured friend of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Thousands of our citizens have benefitted in many ways

from his dedicated friendship to our Community, rooted in his appreciation for the courage of the then four independent Member States of CARICOM in breaking the hemispheric diplomatic isolation of his country in 1972. The great strides made by the Cuban people in the fields of science, health, education and sports in particular, bear testimony to

President Castro’s determination to build a nation that is second to none in developing its human capital. The passing of Fidel Castro marks the end of a life dedicated to fighting for the dignity of all people which ensures his place in history. I extend my condolences to the Government and people of Cuba as they mourn his death even as we celebrate the life of a true global icon.

Fidel was an outstanding friend of Guyana- Govt. The administration has joined in mourning the death of former Cuban leader, Dr. Fidel Castro, who passed away Friday after ailing for a number of years. The full statement from the Government of Guyana said: The government and people of Guyana mourn the death of Dr. Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz, the late former President of the Republic of Cuba. Dr. Castro was President of Cuba from 1976 to 2008 and previously Prime Minister from 1959 to 1976, leading Cuba for a total of almost 50 years. Guyana hails Dr. Castro, globally renowned as ‘El Commandanté’ or, simply, ‘Fidel’ as an outstanding friend and a genuine partner, even before our country

attained independence. It was under his leadership that Guyana-Cuba friendly and fraternal relationship had been placed on a solid and unbreakable footing. When an unjust embargo had been imposed against Cuba to isolate the Castro government, Guyana, in 1972, joined three other countries in our region to establish diplomatic relations with a fellow Caribbean state. Since that time, Castro embraced our countries as partners and responded to our critical needs, especially in the health and education sectors. To this day Guyana benefits from scholarship and training opportunities afforded to our young people in becoming doctors, engineers and other

Former Cuban leader, Dr. Fidel Castro specialists. We continue to benefit too, from Cuban doctors and medical experts serving our people in our health care system. Guyana mourns the death of a dear friend, a revolutionary icon and a giant of international humanitarianism.

Sunday November 27, 2016

More alleged victimization by Food and Drugs…

Dem boys seh...

Importer’s Customs entries mysteriously disappear after picketing exercise Days after a number of importers picketed the Ministry of the Presidency and the Ministry of Public Health over delays in their containers, one of them is claiming more victimization. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Sueria Manufacturing Inc., Frank Sanichara, yesterday said that the Government AnalystFood and Drug Department (GA-FDD) is unable to find documents for a shipment of Shakura Energy that his company has brought in. “They said that my entries, which include original Customs documents, are nowhere to be found. This happened after we participated on Wednesday in a picketing exercise. We can conclude that this is yet another ploy to frustrate my company for speaking out,” a frustrated Sanichara told this newspaper yesterday. The Ministry of Public Health, under which the Food and Drugs Department falls, had announced an investigation in the allegations of discriminations by the head of that entity, Marlan Cole. Government officials and others have said that they have been receiving complaints. “The situation goes further. The department is also refusing to stamp or acknowledge that they have taken our documents, including Customs entries. We therefore have no proof that the department is processing our applications. I am not sure what is happening here but every Government entity has procedures of acknowledging when you hand in documents or a correspondence.” Sueria and several other importers from Demerara and Berbice are protesting what they say is an abuse of office by Cole. It is not the first time Cole is in trouble. He was sent home earlier this year over an alleged incident but later turned back out on the job. The importers are claiming that they are being singled out. Sueria has the distributions rights to several popular products, including Shakura Energy Drinks. The shipments that have been

Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton held up by Food and Drugs are several consignments of products including Shakura Energy Drink. In the case of Sueria, Sanichara is a businessman who returned home to invest and has plugged hundreds of millions of dollars in manufacturing of sweets and importation of juices. He has been battling Food and Drugs for almost a year now. The juice importation business is a highly competitive one with a number of large companies involved. Yesterday, the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) in a statement said that it is “deeply concerned” about the recent accusations being made against Cole in the form of a public protest. “The GMSA is aware that the grievances of some importers are in the courts and that is in fact the proper place for businesses to challenge the regulatory authority,” the association insisted. Some of the members of GMSA are involved in the drinks business. “We, however, wish to

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Businessman, Frank Sanichara

Food and Drug Director, Marlan Cole

state that for the first time in recent history this agency seems to be doing its job regarding upholding the law when it comes to certifying and labelling of imports. Recently, the G-FDD has asked all and sundry for free sale certificates including manufacturers. We are all complying.” The certificates referred to by GMSA have indeed been in contention. Sanichara had made it clear that his company and others have

been complying but Cole and the department have been asking for more paperwork. “So we buy a quantity of juices from a manufacturer and pack these in different containers. Food and Drugs wants certificates for each and every container. We are not sure what else to do,” Sanichara said yesterday. Sanichara said that all documents required by the law were submitted to Cole, including Free Sale Continued on page 66

SEEALL AND RAM LIKE TWO FOWL COCK

Imagine a house in which a husband and a wife fighting all de time. Don’t ask wha de children gun be like. Dem and all might start fighting. De solution is to put out one of de big people but if de children big dem got to put out all two, de mother and father. Well in de Guyana Police Force de two people at de top fighting. Dem is not husband and wife but dem is like de husband and wife of de force because is dem calling de shots. Dem like two fowl cock and dem got fowl cock name—Seeall and Ram. Any farmer know that two cocks can’t live in one pen. Dem also know when two cocks start fighting dem don’t done. Dem two boss start one fighting over friends. De two of dem got dem own friends and all was going well. Suddenly, one of dem go pun leave and lef de other one. That is when de problems start. De one who tek over cut off de friends of de other one and people get vex. All of dem who claim that dem had friends in high places suddenly find that dem couldn’t even call de office. That is why when de other one come back he try to change all de things that de actor do. Soulja Bai step in and seh that dem story should never come outside but he forget that one of dem reporting to Jagdeo and de other one reporting to him. De story had to come out and since Jagdeo like talk de country woulda know anyhow. Dem boys seh that de politicians mek some peace between de two of dem but as everybody know, when cat and dog got story, de peace does only last fuh a short while. Dem two fighting again and dem boys seh that dem notice that de policemen under dem starting to fight among demself. It look like if is a case of monkey see, monkey do. And people getting worried, especially wid all de crime and de police expected to fight de crime, people can’t see how de police gun fight among demself. That is why dem boys now believe that de powers should send home all two of dem fighting cocks. In fact, if was country people de boss fuh de house woulda change dem colour. Talk half and do something to stop de fighting.

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Sunday November 27, 2016

Interpol issues wanted bulletin for head of US-based charity The International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) has issued a wanted bulletin for US-based Guyanese, Marcus Brian Bisram, who has been implicated in the murder of a carpenter, Faiyaz Narinedatt. Interpol is the world’s largest police organization with over 190 member countries. Their role is to enable police around the world to work together to make the world a safer place. Bisram returned to the United States of America, shortly after the murder of the carpenter on November 1, last. On Thursday last, Bisram, who is said to be the

mastermind behind the murder of the carpenter, was charged in his absence. A wanted bulletin was subsequently issued for him here in Guyana. Shortly after, Interpol issued a wanted bulletin for the suspect. Bisram is 27 years old and his address in Guyana is listed as Lot 115 Section ‘A’ Number 70 Village Corentyne, Berbice; also the US based Bisram is the sixth person to be charged with murder. Last week, Radesh Motie; Diadath Datt; Harripaul Parsram and Niran Yacoob were remanded to prison when they appeared before Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan. Bisram along

with his bodyguard, Orlando Dickie were subsequently charged with murder. The multi-millionaire, who is the founder of the Marcus Brian Bisram Foundation, is said to have donated $2M to a Berbice Community Policing Group and recently pledged $200M annually to the needy in Berbice. It is alleged that Narinedatt was murdered between October 31 and November 1, last at Number 70 Village, Corentyne, Berbice. According to reports, on the day of the killing the overseas-based Guyanese hosted a party at his home, which Narinedatt and a few others attended. At some point Narinedatt went to the back of the yard to urinate. The overseas-based Guyanese allegedly followed Narinedatt and began making sexual advances towards him. Narinedatt slapped and pushed away the man. It was then the rejected man allegedly instructed his friends to kill Narinedatt. It was reported that the overseas-based Guyanese told his friends he would ensure they are not caught. Kaieteur News understands that several men beat Narinedatt at the businessman’s premises. He was then taken to a roadway and beaten until he fell into a drain. The men reportedly took the carpenter by vehicle to Number 70 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, where they dumped his body and drove over it with a car to make it appear like a road accident.

Interpol wanted bulletin for Marcus Brian Bisram

PPP mourns Fidel Castro’s death The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) is deeply saddened over the passing of Dr. Fidel Castro. This is indeed a great loss not only to the Cuban people but for freedom loving peoples throughout the world. The late Dr. Castro was undoubtedly one of the

greatest revolutionaries of all times who during his lifetime had demonstrated that no sacrifice can be considered too great when it comes to defending the rights and dignity of the Cuban people. He survived several threats and assassination plots by the CIA and other opposition elements which only served to strengthen his resolve to intensify the struggle to defend the dignity and interests of the Cuban people. The embarrassing failure of the United States to topple his government in the now infamous Bay of Pigs invasion will forever remain a monument of the extent to which he was loved and respected by the Cuban people who still until this day regarded him as their hero in the national liberation struggle and the Father of the Cuban nation. He stood as a beacon of hope for oppressed peoples throughout the developing world in particular Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. His role in national

liberation struggles in several countries of the world in particular Africa is testimony to his unflinching solidarity with the poor and the oppressed. The People’s Progressive Party remains eternally grateful to Dr. Castro who came to the rescue of the PPP Government during the early 1960’s when attempts were made by hostile and reactionary elements to destabilize the Jagan-led PPP administration. During the previous PPP/ C administration, Dr. Castro again extended a hand of friendship to the Guyanese people when he granted hundreds of scholarships to Guyanese students to pursue studies in medicine and in other technical fields in addition to technical assistance rendered to the government in a variety of areas. The PPP wishes to extend its deepest condolences to President Raul Castro, the Communist Party of Cuba and the whole of Cuba on his passing. May his soul rest in peace!

Sunday November 27, 2016

Canadian gang busted Canada- A man dubbed the ‘king of car thieves’ has been arrested, once again, this time for allegedly running a $5 million organized crime group engaged in everything from stealing Nutella to importing cocaine and perpetrating warm-up thefts. Bill Dhaliwal, 60, who owned a car garage on Hanlan Road in Woodbridge, Southern Ontario, Canada, has been charged with a slew of offences including trafficking, commissioning an offence for criminal organization and possessing a firearm. He was arrested along with 22 others — including his son, Kevin, and his wife — many of whom police say he’s associated with through the criminal underworld. This group, made up from people across the GTA including three from York Region, was not only involved in car theft, drugs and fraud, but also kidnapping, police allege. York police, on Nov. 11, warned a Vaughan developer about a plot to kidnap him by three alleged members of Dhaliwal’s group. Investigators said the men planned to dress up as undercover police officers

…shipped stolen cars to Guyana, Dominican Republic pull over the ‘wealthy’ victim, then tazer, bound and gag him, before delivering him to another location and demanding a $1 million ransom for his return. However, police arrested the men, with the help of wiretaps, prior to the alleged plot taking place. Once in court, the three men who allegedly wanted to commit the plot were themselves photographed by an unidentified man in the court’s gallery. Police are not revealing the victim’s name. The car-theft probe, dubbed Project Cyclone, began in March after two high-end cars were stolen from the same York Region driveway while warming up. Once the shop, where the cars were taken, came onto the police radar, Det. Sgt. Paul LaSalle said the investigation witnessed a huge range of crimes committed, the widest he’s seen in his 30-year career. That included the discovery of 60 cars worth about $3.4 million, the most expensive of which was a $340,000 Lamborghini.

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“The owner was very glad to get that back,” Det. Sgt. LaSalle quipped. Also located was $200,000 in cash and some $2,000 allegedly buried in Dhaliwal’s backyard, investigators said. The group was allegedly shipping the stolen cars abroad to places including Dominican Republic and Guyana. Some of the vehicles that remained in Canada had the VIN numbers changed to match legitimate ones from similar cars in the United States, police said. In those cases, investigators added, fake paper work was drawn up to make it appear the cars had been shipped to Canada. In other cases, Det. Sgt. LaSalle said, thieves were renting cars, having fake keys made, and then returning them only to steal the cars from rental car lots. The group was also alleged to have been renting stolen high-end cars to criminal associates, police said. As for the $30,000 worth

of Nutella, police said a truck load was stolen then sold for about 50 cents on the dollar. Also stolen were ecigarettes, alcohol, including crates of Moosehead beer, investigators added. Busts uncovered two guns along with small amounts of cocaine, heroin and marijuana. “If there was a profit to be made, they jumped on the opportunity,” LaSalle added. Dhaliwal, 60, of Mississauga, was charged with conspiracy to create forged documents, possession of a firearm and conspiracy to import heroin. Bill’s son, Balkevinjuit “Kevin” Dhaliwal was charged with conspiracy to traffic cocaine, conspiracy to procure a person under eighteen and Bill’s wife, Kuljit Dhaliwal, was charged with conspiracy to commit fraud. Two men from Vaughan, Mike Hartlieb, 38 and John Pouliot, 33, and one man from Richmond Hill, Nazir Mohamed, 36, were also charged. (yorkregion.com)

Taxi driver recovering after shooting - Vehicle located The police have managed to locate a car that was hijacked from 38-year-old Leroy Blair on Wednesday when three armed bandits shot and robbed him at D’Urban Backlands, Georgetown. The vehicle is currently at the Brickdam Police Station. Blair is recovering at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). According to information received, Blair was shot by one of three bandits on motorcycles after they relieved him of an undisclosed sum of cash and his vehicle. Reports are that the victim went to the location to drop off a passenger when he was confronted and shot.

Leroy Blair He was rushed to the GPHC by public spirited persons where he remains a patient. The victim’s daughter, Cassie Blair, said that her father is recovering but is in pain. Investigations are ongoing.

A mini health check is the first step to donating blood

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Sunday November 27, 2016

Castro was one of the greatest 20th century leaders – fmr President Donald Ramotar

I hereby extend deepest sympathy to the people, the Communist Party and the Government of Cuba on the passing of Fidel Castro, the leader of the most significant revolution in our hemisphere.

Fidel Castro led Cuba towards profound changes in conditions of great hostility. His country faced

economic sabotage, the blockade being the greatest example of the economic war against Cuba. He had to

contend with overt and covert military attacks and numerous assassination attempts but survived them all. Cuba under his leadership not only survived but made impressive achievements. Cuban people are among the most literate in the world. The universal health care that the people enjoy is an achievement longed for by many. Today the Cuban people have one of the highest life expectancy rates in the world. But Fidel was more than just a leader of the Cuban people. He was undoubtedly

one of the greatest leaders of the 20th century. His internationalism was profound. Even though the Cuban people had to make many sacrifices, Castro’s Cuba gave generously to the poor and oppressed the world over. Cuban doctors and educators have done tremendous humanitarian work in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. Cuban soldiers spilled their blood for the freedom in Southern Africa. It is that solidarity and support and at the invitation of the Angolan Government Cuban soldiers

contributed to the end of apartheid in South Africa and led to freedom in Namibia, Angolan and Mozambique. Fidel Castro was also a profound thinker and champion of the oppressed. He led by the clarity of his views on important world issues, including the huge debt that the third world was saddled with. Those efforts contributed to a change in policies that led to debt write – offs and debt forgiveness. This giant, this largerthan-life figure is now no more. However, he will be mourned by working people and the oppressed the world over. His name and work will endure throughout the ages.

Alleged fraudster before the court on another fraud charge Anthony Nester on Friday made another appearance in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan to answer to another charge of fraud. The charge read that between September 2, and September 17 at Quamina Street, Georgetown, he incurred a debt of $135,000 at the El Dorado Inn Hotel by falsely pretending that he had a valid credit card to pay for his expenses at the hotel, knowing this to be false. The card bore the name Frank Da Silva. The 28-year-old pleaded guilty when the charge was read to him by the Magistrate. Nester told the court that

he resides at Lot 107 Thomas Street and is the owner of several companies in Guyana. The Guyana School of Etiquette and Nester Enterprise Limited are two. Police Prosecutor, Kevin London, told the court that on September 5, the defendant showed up at the Hotel and asked if he could lodge there. He told the staff that he lost his baggage and his passport since he came in on the Caribbean Airline and due to the fact that he lost his belongings he was granted the privilege to stay for the period of September 7 to September 17. The supervisor of the Hotel, Roxanne Graham, ob-

served in the news papers that Nester was charged with two similar offences and she immediately reported the matter to the Police Station. Following an investigation he was arrested and charge. Nester told the court that he was willing to pay back the money and was granted time to do so. Hhe was able to pay $130,000 to the supervisor. The court ordered that he pay the additional amount before November 28 or in default, serve four months imprisonment. The magistrate also placed Nester on a bond for 12 months or in default three months imprisonment.

Sunday November 27, 2016

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Jagdeo calling on Govt. to release fact-based study on Amaila Falls The leader of the Parliamentary Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, is calling on the government to release the fact-based report done on the Amaila Falls hydropower project. In a statement released by the Office of the Leader of the Opposition, it was stated that the study is intended to help Guyanese citizens and businesses access an independent assessment of the merits of Amaila Falls. The statement read, “A year ago, Minister Raphael Trotman said the study would be ready in May 2016. In July, Minister Joseph Harmon said the report would be ready by September 1, 2016. Then a few days ago, we hear from the government that it will not now be released until January 2017. What is the government hiding? Why will they not release the study?” According to the opposition, the Coalition government misled the National Assembly when it said that Amaila Falls will cost the Guyana Power and Light Company US$2.6B over 20 years. The statement said that measured against 2012 prices, in fact, it will save GPL $2B over 20 years. “President Granger was wrong when he said the

a day and GPL is putting future electricity costs up by buying expensive, dirty energy supplies. Only two weeks ago, they bought four new oil-based generators. The blame for this situation lies entirely with the APNU-

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo

President David Granger

project would saddle Guyanese with debt. There would be no public debt. The government’s contribution to Amaila Falls would largely come from US$80M which was earned in payments from Norway and has been sitting unused in a bank account at the World Bank and the InterAmerican Development Bank for years.” The PPP/C is of the view that by 2017, Amaila Falls could be generating about 50 per cent more electricity than the entire GPL supply in 2012, for about half the cost. The statement said that customers’ electricity bills would significantly decrease in stages , 90 per cent cheaper

than they were in 2012. According to the PPP/C, in 2015 Jagdeo had offered to help the government understand and progress the Amaila Falls Hydropower project. “When the government failed to take him up on his offer, he called for an independent study to help the government proceed and welcomed the announcement that the government of Norway would fund such a study.” The statement said that Guyanese will face years more of unreliable electricity supply and excessively high bills with no end in sight. “Blackouts last up to 10 hours

AFC coalition.” Further, the PPP/C accused the PNC arm of the coalition of excluding Guyana from the global capital markets in the first place and for decades of zero investment in Guyana that

resulted. “Then in 2013, they resumed their economic vandalism, working with likeminded partners in the Alliance for Change (AFC). They used their one-seat Continued on page 66

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Sunday November 27, 2016

Strike action looms for education sector Strike action could hamper the start of the school term in January. This course of action could, however, be averted if delayed public school teachers’ appointments are completed by that time. This disclosure was made by President of the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU), Mark Lyte. According to Lyte, two weeks have already elapsed

...linked to TSC’s failure to adhere to court-instructed review since a ruling was handed down by the High Court for the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) and Schools Board Secretariat (SBS) to review preliminary lists of senior teachers’ promotions. To date, he noted, that there is no evidence that the review has

commenced. Lyte told this publication that the union has been paying close attention to the inaction of both the TSC and the SBS. But the union is not prepared to take this inaction lightly. According to Lyte, “My union will not sit back

any longer on this matter.” Chief Justice, Yonette Cummings-Edwards, on November 10, last, ruled that the 2015 senior promotion lists from both entities be reviewed. The stalled promotions had resulted in no senior teachers’ promotions for the

past two years. The court proceeding was initiated by an injunction filed by the GTU which had reason to believe that the promotion process of both the TSC and the SBS was flawed. At a recent press conference, Lyte said that the ruling essentially quashed the preliminary promotion lists that were completed by both the TSC and the Secretariat for 2015 and made clear that the very lists were unlawful, irrational, unreasonable, in excess of jurisdiction, null and void and of no legal effect. “The Chief Justice agreed that the lists were flawed...the lists that were produced should not be used to facilitate 2015 promotions. She instructed and compelled the TSC and the Schools Board Secretariat to assess all applications for promotions afresh,” Lyte disclosed. According to Lyte, “Since that ruling was given there has been no effort whatsoever on the part of TSC or SBS to commence the process. Instead, they are saying that they await advice from their lawyer. Well it is clear for all to see that the TSC is not prepared to abide by the ruling of the court which took 17 months to give its decision.” Moreover, Lyte disclosed that should this year come to an end without any adherence to the judgement that favoured the union, stern action will be taken. “We will be calling out our teachers come January if these reviews are not done. It is our belief that TSC is afraid of what they will discover. We also believe that they have no regards for the rule of law,”

said Lyte as he shared his conviction that “the TSC simply does not care about the teachers who are affected.” According to GTU General Secretary, Ms. Coretta McDonald, although the Board has some level of autonomy it is essentially governed by the TSC. She explained that while the TSC had a couple of years ago given authority to the Secretariat to do promotions, appointments and recommend and institute disciplinary actions against teachers, since the recent ruling this authority was revoked by the TSC. There are reports that the TSC is preparing to appeal the High Court ruling. But according to Lyte, “The Union is calling on Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, and President David Granger to look into this matter urgently because the new year will not see GTU accepting any excuse from TSC.” A member of the legal fraternity, yesterday, informed this publication that failure to review the promotion lists could see the TSC being cited for contempt. In addition to consulting with its lawyer, Mr. Roysdale Forde, the Union is on Monday planning to dispatch letters to TSC and to President Granger to amplify its desire to have the review process, when it is being done, to be looked over by representatives of the GTU. This move, according to General Secretary McDonald, is to emphasise the fact that “we do not and cannot trust the TSC.” She said that it was the TSC that has been delaying the process and continues to do so even if it means subverting the course of justice.

Sunday November 27, 2016

Cabinet grants ‘no objection’ to $1.9B in contracts…

Cultural Center rewiring, payment for CJIA expansion greenlighted The Cabinet of Ministers last Tuesday granted its ‘no objection’ to several contracts totalling over $1.9B, including for payments on the expansion works of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport and the rewiring of the National Cultural Centre. With the recent appointment of members on the Public Procurement Commission, the role of Cabinet in granting its ‘no objection’ to contracts above $15M will eventually fall under the body’s work. The commission is currently interviewing staffers and making preparations to take up its mandate. The contracts that were given Cabinet’s ‘no objection’ last Tuesday were:

Kaieteur News

PAGE 15 The National Cultural Center

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Sunday November 27, 2016

Sunday November 27, 2016

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Why is violence allowed to fester in our school system? By Sharmain Grainger Violence is not a very farremoved characteristic from human nature. This is in light of the fact that human beings, much like animals, seem to have a knack for violence, of course some more than others. Some may be constantly inclined to perpetrate acts of violence, but somehow possess what can be described as an ingrained ability to control their emotions which often drives the desire to be violent. Violence can be demonstrated in many forms, but essentially, persons can be violent against themselves or others as well. There are some persons who have been known to be violent against animals even. But as it relates to human beings, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has defined violence as “the intentional use of physical force or power, threatened or actual, against oneself, another person or against a group or community, which either results in or has a high likelihood of resulting in injury, death, psychological harm, maldevelopment or deprivation.” Research shows too that globally, violence resulted in the deaths of an estimated 1.28 million people in 2013, up

from 1.13 million in 1990. Of the deaths in 2013, roughly 842,000 were attributed to self-harm, 405,000 to interpersonal violence and 31,000 to collective violence and legal intervention. The evidence certainly points to the fact that human beings are more inclined to harm themselves. This of course has long emphasized the need for increased mental health intervention. This, however, does not mean that mental health intervention is not required to help address the instances that people are violent against

each other. There must be cause for concern when individuals, especially adults, can’t be rational enough to deal with issues they face without being violent. But looking to the health sector is certainly not the only available option. It is however interesting that although some acts of violence that occur in our society are punishable by law, many do not even reach a domain of such intervention. Perhaps for this reason, or because of the very fact that many do not give a thought to the possible outcome, violence prevails often

The Baccoo Speaks Berbice continues to be the crime hotspot in Guyana when it comes to robberies. Many of the perpetrators are from that county, and have been associated with likeminded people from outside the county. The police know who these people are, but corruption is playing a large part in the failure to arrest some of the perpetrators, many of whom conduct the same crime at the various locations. But this will end in a

few weeks. **A river accident is going to force the authorities to consider patrolling the hinterland rivers. Young and unlicensed drivers are going to

be responsible. Once more there would be the failure to observe the basic rules of the river. ** At this time of the year when there seems to be more vehicles on the roads, motorists and pedestrians alike would be at risk because of the uncaring multitude. One accident on the eastern corridor would occur within hours, because one motorist did not heed the basic traffic rules.

unabated in our society. Particularly worrying were recent reports from the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) that there has been an upsurge in the incidence of violence in the public school system. Not at all surprising is it when tempers flare among peers in a classroom and violent reactions result. But when a student, angered by an instruction of a teacher, opts to launch an attack, this is certainly not a situation for a nation to take lightly. It was revealed by the GTU that students have been the initiators of physical altercations with their teachers in the classroom, and in several of these cases, there has been little or no redress forthcoming. Some students have even brought along family members to help “deal with” teachers while on the school premises. Many of these complaints are reportedly brought to the attention of the GTU by teachers who constitute its membership. The GTU is tasked with representing in excess of 7,000 teachers within public schools nationwide. While violence in the school system is not one that is remotely novel, it is under-

standably an immense bugbear to teachers and their ability to be effective educators. No teacher should be looking over his or her shoulder while delivering the day’s lesson because a student was not receptive of an instruction or even punished for a misdemeanour. This, however, is the disturbing case in some public schools. But this isn’t to say that there aren’t some teachers who are provocateurs. Many students have complained of excesses meted out by teachers too. When asked about this recently, GTU President Mark Lyte claimed to have no knowledge of such occurrences. In fact he, without hesitation, insisted that “those are allegations. We have been speaking to our teachers and we are not aware that teachers are in the habit of injuring children. We know that in many cases some of those children come from home with their injuries and that is blamed on the teachers.” Perhaps the GTU needs to give a closer look at some within its membership. Just recently one of my colleagues spoke of an incident whereby one of her young relatives was nothing less than abused by a teacher. The reason that was allegedly given by the teacher was because the student didn’t cry like the others when flogged. However, we must bear in mind that corporal punishment is not a thing of the past in the public school system and could still be administered with discretion of course, despite many arguments against it. Teachers simply can’t use this mechanism to be vindictive. There are, however, many who are of the belief that if corporal punishment is to remain a staple in the school system, more efforts should be made to make parents and

guardians of students more au fait with the process. Maybe, just maybe, this is one area in which the Parent Teacher Associations have been failing. The schooling of a child should be a collaborative effort between the school, parents and of course, the child. This has long been touted as a key tactic to ensure that the delivery of education is effective. And in some cases the effective delivery of education may warrant some disciplinary measures; it certainly didn’t harm the older generation. Perhaps if stakeholders’ collaboration was enforced, the issue of violence in the school system might not have been so pervasiveness and downright worrying. So worrying it is that limited or lack of security at some schools has been called into question. It was recently pointed by the GTU at a press conference that while some schools do have in place regular security guards, some are not capable, even physically, to ward off violent situations on school premises. Addressing the capabilities of these security guards can lead to an employment issue, but this of course is a whole other matter. The GTU is, however, calling on the Ministry of Education to urgently address the prevailing violence situation. Violence many not have engulfed the entire education system, but leaving a situation to fester cannot at all be the solution. As stakeholders of education, the GTU should not have needed the media to help stress the need for the Ministry to address a school-based upsurge of violence; it should have long been addressed. This has left me wondering if there are even more systemic shortcomings within the education system than meets the eye.

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Sunday November 27, 2016

WHO IS THE HARLEM KILLER? By Michael Jordan Wow! That was quick work! Just two months after I highlighted the strange demise of Sadeek Juman in a hotel pool, the boys from the Major Crimes Unit have all but solved this cold case. Here’s one that I dearly want this unit to reopen. Someone dropped off a note to me at Kaieteur News in late January 2010. It said: “The suspect’s name is Durjhan…this is no joke. Help her.” I knew the ‘her’ that I was being asked to help. But that individual was long past help, because someone had murdered her. And now someone was appealing to me to help bring her killer to justice. A corpse was the last thing that the residents of the quiet rice-farming community of Harlem, West Coast Demerara, expected to see on the long dirt road known as Back Street on Sunday, January 10, 2010. But there it was; the body of a fair-complexioned young woman of East Indian ancestry. Someone had attacked her brutally, leaving some 16 stab wounds on her body. The injuries included two stab wounds to the throat and four to the abdomen. The victim was clad in a pair of blue three-quarter pants, white sleeveless top, blue and white brassiere and a pair of brown slippers. The killer had scratched her during his brutal attack. The villagers who looked at her realised that the victim was not from their community. The suspicion was that someone had transported the victim by car to the area, murdered her and dumped the body there. Police ranks even-

Luciana Bhagwandin tually arrived on the scene. They took the victim’s fingerprints and photographed her before mortuary attendants took the corpse to the West Demerara Regional Hospital morgue. Needing to have the victim identified, a police official reportedly ordered a senior rank to release pictures of the slain woman to the media, in the hope that someone would recognise her. However, the senior rank failed to follow through with the request and the victim remained unidentified for two days. This lapse may have allowed a killer to cover his tracks or even go into hiding. Despite this, it seemed as if police already had a suspect. Shortly after the discovery, a young taxi driver went to a police station on the West Bank of Demerara with a rather bizarre story. According to police sources, his story was that he had stopped to urinate on a roadway in Harlem on the night of Saturday January 9, 2010, when the occupants of another car attacked him and made off with his vehicle.

The man’s taxi, which was smeared with mud, was found on the West Bank of Demerara. When the man made the report, the unidentified body had already been found. Investigators suspected that the taxi driver had some knowledge of the incident and took him into custody. They also impounded his car. Meanwhile, I was curious about the victim’s identity, so, I visited the West Demerara Hospital mortuary, where I took photographs of the slain woman with the intention of publishing one of the less gruesome shots. We had used this method successfully before to assist the police in identifying murder victims. I developed one of the photographs, and showed it to some of the taxi drivers who ply the West Coast and West Bank Demerara routes. I also showed the picture to the owners and patrons of some of the popular nightspots. No one recognised her. However, the following day, several persons saw the Kaieteur News. They immediately recognised the victim. One of those readers was a man from Pomona, Essequibo Coast. He realised that the victim was his daughter, 22-year-old Luciana Bhagwandin, a first-year trainee teacher at the Cyril Potter College of Education. Luciana had married in her teens and had resided with her husband at Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara. However, around August 2009, the couple had some domestic troubles and Luciana moved out and went to stay with an aunt at Industry, East Coast Demerara. Luciana’s close associ-

ates claim that it was at around this time that she caught the attention of a young man, who her friends portrayed as an obsessive and violent character, and also as someone with a shady past. According to some reports, the man, a dark-complexioned individual of Indian ancestry, claimed that his first name was ‘Jerry’ and that he resided at Eccles, East Bank Demerara. He claimed to be employed at an embassy. He also claimed to be a senior security official with the state. Luciana’s associates also said that the man would sometimes pick up the trainee teacher in a dark-blue car with heavily-tinted windows. The driver of the car had reportedly lived in Bel Air, but had moved to Ogle, East Coast Demerara. According to her colleagues, the man had repeatedly urged Luciana to leave her husband. It is said that he would sometimes brazenly turn up outside Luciana’s residence and demand that she accompany him. The trainee teacher had reportedly told friends that ‘Jerry’ had often threatened to kill her and her spouse. He had once reportedly placed a gun to her head. Luciana’s colleagues said that they warned her to leave ‘Jerry’. They were certain that he would kill her one day. The aunt that Luciana was staying at told me that she left home at around 17:00 hrs on Friday, January 8, 2010, after saying that she was going to a supermarket. She failed to return that night and the following day the aunt went to the Sophia Police Outpost to report her missing. The woman said that a rank informed her that she

had to wait 48 hours before filing a missing person report. It appears that police never sent out an all-station bulletin when the body was discovered, to ascertain if anyone fitting the victim’s description had been reported missing. But according to some of Luciana’s friends, she had indicated to ‘Jerry’ that she had wanted him to return some of her belongings. On the Friday that she disappeared, she was reportedly in the vicinity of Ogle, when the occupants of a dark-coloured vehicle abducted her. Luciana’s colleagues recalled that she attended classes on Friday, January 8, 2010. She was scheduled to take an exam on Monday, January 11, 2010, but failed to turn up. The friends tried unsuccessfully to reach her on her mobile phone. After hearing of the alleged abduction, police appeared to be convinced that the taxi driver that they had initially arrested knew nothing of the murder and released him. The case went cold. But about a week after appealing for information about Luciana’s killer, I received the envelope with the anonymous message. I then spoke to Luciana’s parents, who were also trying to gather information about her mystery boyfriend. They said that Luciana would often tell them that she was going to a popular hotel

on the East Bank of Demerara. They said that the boyfriend, who identified himself as ‘Jagroop’ had contacted them by telephone at around 19:00 hrs on January 2, 2010. That call had lasted for over 15 minutes. It is also alleged that ‘Jagroop’ had brazenly informed Luciana’s husband about his affair with Luciana, and that an individual had given the husband a phone which contained proof of the affair. The parents also said that they were told that their daughter had visited two locations at La Jalousie, West Coast Demerara, shortly before her death. I passed this information over to the police. They checked it out, but to date, they have found no trace of their suspect. But if Luciana Bhagwandin can somehow hear me, I want her to know that three years after…”I’m still trying to find your killer”. And I’m appealing to those who knew you to help me. If you have any information about this case, please contact Kaieteur News by letter or telephone at our Lot 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown offices. Our numbers are 22-58465, 2258473 and 22-58458. You need not disclose your identity. You can also contact Michael Jordan at his email address: mjdragon@ hotmail.com.

Sunday November 27, 2016

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Kaieteur News

== THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN ==

A country I will never understand

It has been an eventful week for me as a columnist. I’ve been at this job since 1988 and each day this country recedes from my attempts at comprehending its ontology. I came from an era that is long gone and I am fooling myself to think I will live long enough to see its return. For me, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s phenomenal song, ‘Memory’, taken from the musical, CATS, captures the way I feel about my country. Here are the lyrics. I dedicate this song to me and my country. “MIDNIGHT Not a sound from the pavement Has the moon lost her memory? She is smiling alone In the lamplight The withered leaves collect at my feet And the wind begins to moan Memory, All alone in the moonlight I can smile at the old days It was beautiful then I remember The time I knew what happiness was Let the memory live again Every street lamp Seems to beat a fatalistic warning Someone mutters at the street lamp gutters And soon it will be morning Daylight I must wait for the sunrise I must think of a new life And I mustn’t give in When the dawn comes Tonight will be a memory too And a new day will be-

gin

Burnt out ends of smoky days The stale cold smell of morning A street lamp dies, another night is over Another day is dawning Touch me, It’s so easy to leave me All alone with my memory Of my days in the sun If you touch me You’ll understand what happiness is Look a new day has begun.” I have told only one person, Rawle Welch, a friend of mine at Kaieteur News, about a strange encounter I had last week. It was with a former Minister of the PPP Government. I came out the supermarket, heading toward my car and he was going to his. The conversation was brief. He told me that if ever there was a column of mine that he appreciated, was the one in which I asserted that the wealthy class in Guyana does not support local products. He said that as a minister he saw that with all the rich folks whose houses he had the opportunity to be in. He called some names that cannot ever be published. As he was leaving, he said to me it will always be that way with these people. The depressing part was when he said even if they produce local “stuff” (his word) that makes them rich, they will not patronize their own manufactured goods; they will buy foreign “stuff” (his word

again). As he opened his car door, I said I will write about this. Then came these words; “You can write all you want, but don’t you dare mention my name; you better don’t.” Up to now I don’t know if that was a threat. I will not mention his name and only Rawle Welch I told about this encounter. But I still think that was a threat. I wasn’t going to mention his name anyway. When you reflect on what he said, you will have to wonder if this country will ever have a future. A former powerful minister says that the rich folks of Guyana will never patronize Guyanese products. As I said it was an event-

ful week. I wrote a column questioning the competence of many (I never wrote the word “all”) Cuban-trained doctors, and the reaction was intriguing and disturbing. The Medical Council and the Ministry of Public Health denounced me. Interesting to note, not one non-medical organization or non-medical professional voiced any criticism of me. After that column, my editor, Adam Harris wrote a superb piece about aspects of medical malpractice and medical incompetence, although he was not specific and did not point fingers at Cubantrained Guyanese doctors.

I got a plethora of support via telephone calls and emails. The list even included doctors. But these persons did not want to come forward. There was just one exception; the brother of President Granger, Frederick. He related to me his experience of how he almost died, and said he would not object to being named.I just cannot and perhaps will never come to terms with how a country’s population could just remain happy in its cowardly reticence. This is not the era that gave birth to me, when courage and the spirit of freedom roamed this land. I began with a song that explains my life in

Frederick Kissoon Guyana and I will end with one. It is Joni Mitchell’s fantastic tune, “Both Sides Now.” Just substitute Guyana for the word “life.” “I’ve looked at life from both sides now. From win and lose and still somehow It’s life’s illusions I recall I really don’t know life at all.”

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Sunday November 27, 2016

Kaieteur News

Preparing for First Oil Last week we published the first part of the address by Natural Resources Minister, Hon. Raphael Trotman, to participants of a two-day seminar held on November 17 and 18 which was titled: “Governance of the Petroleum Sector: Preparing for First Oil”. The Ministry had collaborated with the New Petroleum Producers Group (NPPG), an arm of Chatham House, the (British) Royal Institute of International Affairs, and NPPG had partnered with the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Natural Resources Governance Institute (with offices in the UK, USA, Ghana, Peru and Jakarta) to facilitate this seminar. The objective was to assist Guyana with establishing the most appropriate and effective institutions that will ensure good governance of our impending petroleum

sector. This discussion group, NPPG, has built a strong network among existing and emerging oil producers around the world. Through their strategically-located offices, NPPG helps emerging petroleum producers like Guyana to develop practical guidelines, structures and rules, and carry out research on foreseen challenges based on the experiences of other emerging producers. It also facilitates information sharing and capacity building at various levels of government and its agencies through training and mentoring, while helping to devise strategies that will promote national/citizen understanding of the role the oil industry will play in the national agenda. Today we conclude Minister Trotman’s address:

“The Government recognises the need for a highly skilled workforce. Therefore we will undertake two key initiatives, which are to revamp the public education system and to integrate the supply and demand of labour into a flexible, technical vocational education and training system. This initiative will create our own skill pool for the industry and for the non-oil sectors while we upgrade the expertise of our professionals who are already trained. Cross sector training and education is another deliberate step to counter the dreaded and very real ‘oil curse’ and the Dutch Disease. This precious resource of ours (oil) is a significant component of our national patrimony. It belongs to the people of Guyana. It is therefore the Government’s inescapable

Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman responsibility to ensure that this translates into our citizens’ right to work and develop. The sky is really the limit. We have seen examples of locally grown businesses within the petroleum sector in other countries blossom to the point where they are able to offer/sell their skills and services internationally. We want no less for our own citizens. This component is included in our local content/ local participation Policy and Regulations that will soon be laid before all of Guyana and our international partners for your review. Our aim is to provide opportunities for our citizens to participate actively from these early stages and onward. Our intent is also to create as wide an impact as possible into other local industries especially in the private sector, as evidenced by the

cross section of participants (at the seminar). Our soon to be established Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative’s Multi-Stakeholder Group and its supporting Secretariat are other key signals that the Government of Guyana is committed to good, transparent governance. Issues of environmental and social safeguards (including oil spill prevention and responses) also factor prominently into this equation. The policies for regulation and management of our oil and gas sector have been designed to function within the context of Guyana’s environmental priorities. Guyana’s priorities are aligned with our commitment to international obligations and responsibilities for the post 2015 developmental agenda which include the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Our focus is on ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns; taking urgent action to address climate change and its impacts; ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all; protecting, restoring and promoting sus-

tainable use of terrestrial ecosystems; sustainably managing forests; combating desertification; halting and reversing land degradation and biodiversity loss; and conserving and sustainably utilizing the ocean, seas and marine resources. Guyana’s 2016-2018 Roadmap takes a comprehensive approach to the development of our oil and gas industry under the guidance of advisors and developmental partners such as those represented (at this seminar). The roadmap inculcates: 1. Implementation schedules for policies, legislation, regulations and the accompanying governance structures 2. The schedule for public engagements 3. A review of Guyana’s petroleum acreage and interests 4. Development of a local content plan that includes the transition of work and intellectual capital 5. Building appropriate infrastructure including an onshore logistics base to support offshore operations. 6. Developing an evolving framework to address the anticipated increase in commercial activities in the social services, auxiliary services, financial and others. Guyana is new to this business of oil production and we have been fortunate to receive the high level of support and guidance from a plethora of experienced policy makers, oil producers, marketing experts, environmental pundits, business and social development craftsmen the world over. Our chief responsibility is to ensure that at every level, Guyanese citizens will be intimately involved and will ultimately reap the anticipated benefits. Guyana must prosper, our citizens must prosper, as will their generations to come.”

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Kaieteur News

My column

Reason has fled in the face of Hamilton Green’s pension Bill I rarely worry about the duplicity of people who profess to be democratic and calling for equality for all. In my lifetime I have seen many of them hobnobbing in the wake of the late Forbes Burnham although privately they abused him. Some were even brash enough to approach him for personal favours. These people professed a dislike for the People’s National Congress and it was only years later that I realized that politics had precious little to do with their dislike. I make bold to say that racism was at the root of the dislike. Burnham died and the late Desmond Hoyte reversed many of his policies, wringing praise from these critics, but the dislike for the party remained. Many contended that the dislike was a carryover from the Burnham years and had tainted those who served with Burnham. The euphoria that followed the Cheddi Jagan victory in 1992 could be understood. I hear a lot of talk about witch-hunt and discrimination. The now opposition People’s Progressive Party is in the forefront. Sadly, I did not hear such talk during the tenure of the PPP when many skilled people were discarded.

Some went to their graves without getting benefits due to them because the PPP was vengeful. And so I come to see the opposition to former Prime Minister Hamilton Green being granted a pension deserving of someone who served in one of the highest offices in the land. The pension Bill before the National Assembly has drawn criticisms from people who claim to champion human rights. Even a group I support, Conservational International, has come out against the Bill, talking about the government favouring its own. The Prime Ministers in Guyana, excluding Forbes Burnham, were Ptolemy Reid, Desmond Hoyte, Hamilton Green, Moses Nagamootoo and Samuel Hinds. Of the lot, only three are alive today and one of them, Samuel Hinds, is enjoying a presidential pension. The other is still holding the office. One argument against Hamilton Green being given the pension is rooted in the fact that he did not work for the money paid to the Prime Minister today. That is true. Samuel Hinds did not work for the money paid to the president today. He served as Prime Minister for

a few months in 1997, but he is enjoying the same pension that Bharrat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar are getting. And it should be noted that he will always get seveneighths of whatever the serving president is getting for the rest of his natural life. The Guyana Human Rights Association took pains to describe Hamilton Green as one who oppressed the people and failed to serve in their interest. Nowhere in the law is anyone barred from a pension because of his perceived indiscretions. Bharrat Jagdeo was tainted with the death of some 400 Black youths, blatant discrimination against one section of the society, including the very Guyana Human Rights Association and Conservation International, but that never surfaced when it was time to debate his pension. Jagdeo did so much more. He blatantly allocated radio frequencies to his friends and supporters to the exclusion of those who openly opposed him. His People’s Progressive Party is a major beneficiary; the People’s National Congress and the other political parties are not. Yet these facts did not

mitigate against him getting the former president’s pension. When the Former Presidents Pension Bill was passed there was an anomaly. No retired public servant receives a graduated pension— one that climbs with the salary of present-day public servants. Former President Jagdeo also receives seveneighths of the pension of the serving president. A retired public servant receives a maximum of two-thirds of his salary as a pension. These facts did not form part of the criticism of Jagdeo’s pension Bill. I am not certain whether the same brouhaha would have been there had the Bill not been misn a m e d , a l though I am certain a shrewd politician like Bharrat Jagdeo would have made the point and even named the Bill after Hamilton Green. I see nothing wrong with a former Prime Minister’s pension. I see a lot wrong with the people criticizing it. Dislike for Hamilton Green should

have nothing to do with his pension. Jagdeo, at a recent press conference contended that Green should be content with the pension he gets as a member of the National Assembly. I do not believe that this pension is graduated like Jagdeo’s. And there is more. Jagdeo also sat as a member of the National Assembly. Why did he not settle for that pension? If the argument is that he served as president then the argument for the Prime Minister’s pension is that he too was elevated to the office of Prime Minister. Someone even pointed to the pension that Barack Obama would get when he demits office. I am certain that because of inflation and the different salary rates, his pension would be greater than Jimmy Carter and George Bush’s. The story is different in Guyana and there is a reason for this. Bharrat Jagdeo set his pension so that he would always receive the maximum possible. Hinds and Ramotar are the beneficiaries

Adam Harris of Jagdeo’s plan. I happened to be discussing this very issue with the staff of Kaieteur News one day and I could not help but conclude that the noisy opposition to Hamilton Green’s pension was due more to racial considerations that any other factor.

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“I am happy to be present in this College dedicated to the memory of Robert Cyril Gladstone Potter. Cyril Potter was born 117 years ago in May 1899 at Graham’s Hall where his father ran a school. He attended Queen’s College and the Mico College in Jamaica and became Principal of the Government Training College for Teachers. Cyril Potter is one of the most eminent and talented Guyanese of all time. He wrote the words of our National Anthem and composed the famous ‘My Guiana El Dorado.’ He is a role model for teachers. It is most appropriate that this College should have been dedicated to his memory. It was my fortune to have been taught by him. I feel honoured to be here today. Where do correct ideas come from? The One Laptop per Teacher Initiative is a correct idea that arose more than five years ago. It came out my interaction with the villagers of Annai, Aranaputa and Surama in the Rupununi Region in October 2011. I gave a teacher a laptop and she was so grateful. She was grateful because the computer helped her to prepare her lesson plans. I iterated my call for “one laptop per teacher” the next year, 2012, when I addressed the 78th convocation

Sunday November 27, 2016

Kaieteur News

Education and information of the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE). I iterated that Guyana could not afford to be left behind, especially in the world of communication and the education revolution which is transforming the rest of the world. I iterated, “We shall continue to work to ensure that every student teacher and every teacher gets one lap top per teacher whether they are in the hinterland or the coastland… you can’t do without it.” I was still the Leader of the Opposition at the time. I announced that, should I ever become President of Guyana, every teacher – starting with those teachers who enter the Cyril Potter College of Education – would be given a computer. The idea of one laptop per teacher was rekindled in 2015. The idea has now evolved into an initiative. A conscious decision has been taken to reshape the remaining phase of the One Laptop per Family (OLPF) Initiative into the One Laptop for Teacher (OLPT) Initiative. The world has entered the ‘Information Age.’ Information, information technology and innovation are transforming almost every facet of human existence. ICT is revolutionizing education. It is

(Address by His Excellency Brigadier David Granger, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, at the launching of the One Laptop per Teacher Initiative at the Cyril Potter College of Education) transforming the manner in which information is assembled, organized and disseminated. It is changing the way education is delivered in the classroom. Teachers are at the heart of any education system. They are vital conduits in the dissemination of information in our education system. They nourish the minds of students by providing information and inculcating values and attitudes for our children. I told the 13th Annual Conference of the Caribbean Area Network for Quality Assurance in Education (CANQUATE), that teachers are the guardians of quality assurance in education. Educational standards will decline unless there is a corps of trained and qualified teachers capable of upholding quality assurance standards in education. Teachers must be prepared for the new demands of the Information Age. The future of education requires teachers to have a fuller knowledge of ICT and to be adept in using and utilizing the technologies of in-

President, David Granger

formation. The One Laptop per Teacher Initiative asserts the importance of education to the nation and acknowledges the role of information in education and the value of our teachers in the delivery of that information to our students and augments the investment in teacher training. Teachers are essential to education and must lead this process. Teachers must not be left behind Teachers must become familiar with the tech-

nologies of information, the gathering of information, data storage and data retrieval. Teachers will have greater access to ICT and its benefits through the OLPT Initiative. The OLPT Initiative is the beginning of a process of ICT transformation in our educational system. ICT education is no longer optional. It is now mandatory. Citizens of the 21st century must be trained in ICT, whatever their career. Every child and every teacher

must be schooled in the art and science of using a computer. ICT education must be mandatory for teachers trained at this College. The Government will expand access to the Internet for all Guyanese. Internet connectivity will be available in every school in Guyana. Every government building – airport, bank, hospital, police station, post office, school and university must have internet access in due course. I would like to enable every Guyanese to have access to the information superhighway. The OLTPT Initiative starts the process modernizing ICT development. We have started with our educators, the brain of our public education system. Teachers must be geared for the important role in educating our students for the ‘good life’ as citizens in the 21st century. The Ministries of Public Telecommunications and must be congratulated for their collaboration in launching this initiative. The Government of the People’s Republic of China, with which the Cooperative Republic of Guyana has enjoyed cordial relations for 44 years, must be thanked for responding favourably to our request to reshape the original programme. I thank you.”

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Kaieteur News

Commonly asked questions about Chickenpox By Dr. Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine Chickenpox is a highly contagious virus that causes more discomfort than anything else. There is a current mini outbreak in Region Eight, and it is around this time that the virus will tend to peak. Studies have shown that during seasonal changes, the chickenpox virus tend to thrive. Today we will discuss some commonly asked questions about chickenpox. WHAT IS CHICKENPOX? Chickenpox is an infection that causes itchy, red bumps to form on your skin. It is caused by a virus called varicella-zoster virus. This virus can linger in your body for years and later cause a painful rash called “shingles.” Chickenpox used to be much more common than it is now. Today there is a vaccine (a shot) that helps keep people from getting infected. The vaccine is called the varicella vaccine. WHO SHOULD GETTHE VARICELLA VACCINE? Almost all children should get a shot of the varicella vaccine when they are 12 to 15 months old.

Then they should get a second shot when they are 4 to 6 years old. Everyone needs two separate shots for the vaccine to work best. People who have not gotten the second shot can still get sick with chickenpox. Adults who have never had chickenpox should get the vaccine, especially if they: -Work in healthcare or with small children -Are in close contact with people who have trouble fighting infections, such as people with cancer or HIV -Live or work in a college, prison, or other place where a lot of people live close together -Are women younger than 45 WHO SHOULD NOT GETTHEVARICELLA VACCINE? The following persons should not get the varicella vaccine: -Certain children who have trouble fighting infections -Women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant soon -Children and adults who have had chickenpox WHATARE THE MOST COMMON SIDE EFFECTS OFTHE VARICELLA VACCINE?

The most common side effect is pain where the shot was given. WHATARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CHICKENPOX? When you first get chickenpox, you usually: -Get a fever -Feel sick -Get a sore throat -Do not feel like eating About a day after these symptoms start, the chickenpox rash shows up. It starts out as groups of s m a l l , v e r y i t c h y, r e d bumps. These bumps usually swell with fluid and then pop. After that, the rash dries up and forms a scab. The rash lasts about a week. HOW DOES CHICKENPOX SPREAD? If you have not had chickenpox or the varicella vaccine, you can catch chickenpox just by being around someone who is infected. It can be spread from skin to skin contact or from breathing in the virus particles from the affected person. SHOULD I GO TO THE DOCTOR IF I THINK MY CHILD OR I HAVE CHICKENPOX? Do not go to the doctor without calling first. Your doctor might be able to tell

you what to do over the phone. That way you will not risk infecting other people at the doctor ’s office. Chickenpox rarely causes complications and usually takes it course. WILL MY CHILD OR I NEED TREATMENT FOR CHICKENPOX? You might need treatment, but your child might not. Most healthy young children get over chickenpox on their own without any problems. On the other hand, older children who have not had the vaccine and adults with chickenpox can sometimes have problems. For them, doctors would usually recommend a course of antiviral therapy There are also non-prescription medicines you or your child can take to help with symptoms, such as fever and itching. But you should never give aspirin to a child who is younger than

18 years old. In children, aspirin can cause a dangerous condition called Reye syndrome. WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I WAS NEAR SOMEONE WITH CHICKENPOX? If you have not had chickenpox or the varicella vaccine, call your doctor right away. It might still be possible to avoid getting sick. The varicella vaccine can work even if someone has already been near the virus. For people who cannot have the vaccine, there are other options that can help keep them from getting sick. WHAT IF I AM PREGNANTAND THINK I MIGHT BE GETTING CHICKENPOX? Call your doctor right away! Call also if you were near someone with chickenpox or shingles, a painful rash related to the chickenpox virus. Getting chickenpox while you are pregnant can cause

Dr. Zulfikar Bux problems for you and your baby. There is a medicine that can help – if you get it soon enough. Chickenpox is not a lifethreatening condition. But the itching and rash can make things uncomfortable. You should always inform you doctor if you suspect you have chickenpox. He/she will prescribe medications to help your symptoms and should monitor the course of your illness.

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Sunday November 27, 2016

SUNDAY SPECIAL MURDER OF BERBICE CARPENTER… MASTERMIND’S MOM, SUSPECT’S SISTER OFFER DETECTIVES $4M BRIBE A desperate attempt to thwart investigations into the brutal slaying of 26-year-old carpenter Faiyaz Narinedatt has been thwarted, with ranks from the Major Crimes Unit (MCU) detaining two women who offered them $4M to release their relatives. The women in custody are the mother of the overseas-based man who allegedly ordered Narinedatt’s death, and the sister of one of the suspects, who is known as ‘Lloydie.’ Nine people are now in custody for Narinedatt’s murder. Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum confirmed last Saturday that a hefty sum was offered to some members of the MCU to free a suspect. Instead of taking the money, the detectives set up a sting that led to the arrest of the two women who had offered the bribe. He said that the women are to be charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice. ”This serves as a message to those who believe that they can commit themselves, and bribe their way out of being prosecuted,” the Crime Chief said. ”This is the second case in which persons have tried to bribe members of the Major Crimes Unit.” Kaieteur News understands that it was while one of the suspects was being subjected to intense interrogation on Friday that he indicated to the detectives that he could give them $4M. “to get him off”. He indicated that his relatives would bring the cash. According to a source, the alleged mastermind’s mother and the suspect’s 23year-old sister turned up at CID Headquarters, Eve Leary last Saturday with the money. They were promptly detained. But while the ranks from the Major Crimes Unit are being lauded for their integrity, other disturbing reports have surfaced which suggest that some of the detectives from Berbice may have hampered the murder investigation. This had led to senior officials putting the MCU team on the case. ”These are some of the allegations that relatives (of the victim) have made, and these are being investigated,” a senior official said. Faiyaz Narinedatt’s battered body was found on the Number 70 Village, Corentyne on November 1. The autopsy was conducted by Government Pathologist Dr. Nehaul Dingh. NINE MONTHS LATER, STILL NO WORD ON GPL $3.6B TENDER -EMBATTLED CHINESE FIRM STARTS REPAIR ON DAMAGED SUBMARINE CABLE Four months after a critical power cable that was badly laid across the Demerara River was damaged, work has finally started to repair it and bring it back into operations. The more than $120M in repairs will take about three weeks to complete with the cable expected to be repowered way before Christmas, officials of the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) said lasy Saturday. Contractor, Gaico Construction and General Services Inc., is providing the barge, Gaico Marine1, to help raise the cable and dig the channel to lay it. However, GPL has turned back to CMC, the same Chinese contractor which had badly laid the cable in the first place, to conduct the repairs. Critics and a report by consultant, Carib-

bean Engineering and Management Consultants (CEMCO), had blamed the poor laying as the major cause for the damage, likely made by a passing vessel. The cable, which is supposed to be an armored one, had been critical to bringing power from the new 26-megawatts power station at Vreed-en-Hoop, West Bank Demerara to the inter-connected grid in East Demerara and Berbice. The extra power from West Demerara was needed for a stable supply on the coastland. GPL was forced to wait for weeks before the cable kit and sections were shipped in. Over the past months, there have been a significant number of outages and total shutdowns in all three counties due to a combination of factors. While GPL has managed to reduce the outages, consumers have remained angered by the incidents with the Cabinet becoming involved. However, the new power plant at Vreeden-Hoop, run by Finnish-owned Wartsila, had to cut back on its generation as there was no way to send it across the Demerara River. The previous administration has been coming under fire for not doing enough to supervise CMC. CEMCO, the consultant, had been extremely critical of the Chinese company and especially the l a y i n g o f t h a t c a b l e . The fibre optic submarine cable had been part of a larger US$40M programme to run new high-power transmission lines along the coastlands stretching from West Bank Demerara to Corentyne, Berbice. The work included the two submarine power cables—one across the Demerara River and the other across the Berbice River. The idea was to create an entire grid along the Berbice and Demerara. CMC was also criticized for another component– the building of seven sub-stations along the coastlands. The under-fire CMC has also tendered for a major project to run low and medium voltage transmission lines along the coastlands and install more than 25,000 smart meters

across the country, in a pilot phase. FIVE YEARS LATER, $558M ACCESS ROAD TO CJIA STILL INCOMPLETE A project to construct a three-kilometre access road to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, is still to be completed despite starting almost five years ago. Several sections of the new road, which was contracted out to BK International, remain blocked with barriers and unopened to traffic. The $558M contract was awarded in 2011 and was supposed to be part of a bigger project for a four-lane highway between the airport and the city. It is unclear what the hold-up for the project is. This project was started under the previous administration. The Coalition Government has said very little about what is happening. According to past news reports, BK in 2014 had taken media outlets on a tour of the access road project which is supposed to start at the Timehri junction where the police station is to the airport. BK complained then that the delay was because GTT was still to remove some cables and poles. BK had lamented that the utilities companies were to be blamed for the slow work. MONDAY EDITION MURDER OF CARPENTER…BERBICE DETECTIVES TO BE GRILLED OVER ALLEGED COVER-UP They were given the names of the suspects. They were told the motive for the killing. They were even given a description of the car in which the killers transported the body. But yet two detectives from Berbice failed to check these crucial clues, which would have led directly to the men who murdered Fiyaz Narinedatt, and to the individual who allegedly ordered the killing. Those detectives will now have to say whether they deliberately covered up a mur-

der that only came to light after the victim’s family appealed to ranks from Georgetown. A police official confirmed last Sunday that the detectives have been summoned to CID Headquarters, Eve Leary today, for questioning. Residents and police sources from Berbice have stated that the detectives under scrutiny were closely associated with 27-year-old US-based Guyanese, Marcus Bisram, who has been implicated in the murder. Kaieteur News is in possession of photographs which show Bisram and some detectives dining at a restaurant. The restaurant is said to be located in New York. Bisram is said to have feted other senior ranks, including one who provided security for the US-based Guyanese to and from the airport, as well as at Bisram’s private functions. The multi-millionaire, who is the founder of the Marcus Brian Bisram Foundation, is said to have donated $2M to a Berbice community policing group during his recent visit. Last April, Bisram, who grew up in Berbice, visited Number 70 Village, Corentyne, pledged $200M annually to the needy in Berbice. He also pledged to build a home in Berbice for battered women and homeless children. During a ceremony at the Marriott Hotel last April, Bisram donated $672,000 to five Guyanese students from Tuschen, East Bank, Essequibo. Narinedatt’s relatives had immediately expressed suspicion about his death when his body was found on the Number 70 Village, Corentyne roadway on November 1. BAILING OUT GUYSUCO IS LIKE RAIDING THE TREASURY – PRIME MINISTER The ritual of annual billion dollar bailouts to the sugar industry cannot continue. According to Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, this “habit” must change as he is of the firm belief that bailing out the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) every year is tantamount to raiding the national purse. The First Vice President made this, among other comments, recently at his party’s biweekly press conference held on November 18. There, he spoke about the prevailing state of affairs within the sugar industry. He assured that Government will only do what is best for the sector while stating that (Continued on page 33)

Sunday November 27, 2016

(From page 33) sugar production will remain the remit of GuySuCo. The Prime Minister told the media corps that in order to save the industry, one would have to be able to disaggregate certain functions. He said that this is necessary “because it has now become oppressive to hand out or do the annual ritual called bailouts of the industry.” The Prime Minister said, “So far, about $40B has been spent on bailouts in the last five years and …if there is any raiding of the treasury, then it is really raiding the treasury to pay sugar workers and I hope they could appreciate that.” With the aforementioned in mind, the Prime Minister said that some of the functions of the sugar industry will now have to be diversified to accommodate other activities that would earn foreign exchange and will earn revenues for the nation. Turning his attention to the ailing US$200M Skeldon Estate, Nagamootoo said that the factory has not performed to its expectations. He said that this is in spite of the fact that millions of dollars had been spent on consultants from India to fix Skeldon. ”We knew we had a limping elephant, not even a white elephant. It is a failed elephant. So this elephant we inherited was not producing sugar in accordance with what was envisaged originally. So what do you do with Skeldon if it is not performing? You will have to have a method that would allow other things to come in either to refurbish the factory, to diversify crops there or to work out an arrangement with private cane farmers … so there are a combination of several activities.” As currently structured, the Guyana Sugar Corporation cannot be sustained. If the status quo remains, subsidies exceeding $18B and $20B would be required in the next two years and thereafter. In short, GuySuCo’s board members have come to terms with the reality that the price to turn sugar around is too high. A high level team has since communicated this to Cabinet. During that meeting, members of government were told that even if all the capital was to be provided for the state entity, GuySuCo would remain a significant loss maker. The estimated operating losses would be more than $10B annually.

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The cones that were seen on the south bound carriage way Monday morning.

BOY, 16, STABS LOVER’S HUSBAND TO DEATH – AFTER VICTIM ALLEGEDLY TRIED TO RUN HIM OVER WITH CAR A 16-year-old boy was taken into custody after he allegedly stabbed the husband of his 26-year-old lover to death during a confrontation last Saturday night at Eccles, East Bank Demerara. Intiaz Ally, 23, an excavator operator, of 121 BB Eccles, East Bank Demerara, was allegedly stabbed in the neck with a ‘Rambo’ knife, when he attacked the teen, who was walking with Ally’s reputed wife. He succumbed shortly after being taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital. Police said that Ally’s reputed wife and the teen, who was riding a bicycle were heading home, when Ally struck down the suspect with motorcar PSS 2435. The teenager tried to escape but Ally began to kick and punch him. The lad, who was carrying his lover’s handbag at the time, allegedly whipped out a 10-inch ‘Rambo’ knife from the bag, and stabbed Ally to the neck. He collapsed and was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital by a friend, but was pronounced dead on arrival. The suspect was taken into custody and the alleged murder weapon was retrieved. Reports reaching this newspaper indicate that Ally became angry after being told that his reputed wife and the young boy were having a relationship. It is reported that Ally upon seeing the young man walking alongside the woman accelerated the car and struck down the lad. The woman has denied having a relationship with the teen and claimed that they were just friends. She said that the suspect would normally visit the internet café where she works. She stated that the teen would wash her reputed husband’s car. ”After we close off I put money, computer and everything in the bag. So the boy (suspect) collect

the bag from me. He was riding and I went walking.” She recalled someone shouting “look Intiaz coming”. “So I tell them pull in the corner ‘cause when that boy drink he has no selfcontrol. I tell the boy (suspect) don’t worry with he, he gone calm down to he sense.” The woman recounted that Ally punched the boy about four times, after knocking him down with the car and she began screaming for them to stop. TUESDAY EDITION DRUG BOND FIASCO…HEALTH MINISTER HAULED BEFORE PRIVILEGES COMMITTEE Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland has found “sufficient evidence” in a Motion taken to the House which resolved to have Public Health Minister, Dr. George Norton sent before the Parliamentary Committee of Privileges. The transgression cited in the Motion is Norton’s actions on August 8, when he misled the House on details relating to the rental of the infamous Sussex Street drug bond. The Motion approved Monday stood in the name of shadow Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony. The Committee of Privileges looks at any matter which appears to affect the powers and privileges of the Assembly. The Committee considers any such matter and reports thereon to the Assembly. It is chaired by the Speaker, Dr. Scotland. When Dr. Scotland announced his ruling to have Dr. Norton sent to the disciplinary committee, Attorney General Williams took the floor in an attempt to make a clarification. But, Dr. Scotland cautioned the Member that he will not entertain any position on his judgment and that it was final. In several whereas clauses, Dr. Anthony recalled that during the examination of Supplementary Financial Paper # 1 of 2016 on August 8, Dr. Norton admitted that the government had entered into a multi-year rental agreement with a new company, Linden Holdings Company, to store pharmaceuticals and medical supplies. Dr. Anthony said that the Minister misinformed and misled the National Assembly and the nation repeatedly on that occasion when he stated that the reason that no procurement process was followed with regard to the se-

lection of the company, Linden Holding Company, for a three-year contract, was that the facility was required on an emergency basis. Dr. Anthony said that Norton also misinformed the House when he said that the facility for storing pharmaceuticals and medical supplies was certified in keeping with international standards set out by PAHO/WHO. POLICE ADJUST TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT FOLLOWING DEATH OF K/NEWS STAFFER The word “backward’ is regularly used to described the Guyana Police Force, but no one knew that it would have taken someone’s life to wake up the traffic department to the extreme hazard associated with poor traffic management along the congested East Bank Public Road during peak hours. On November 18, 26-year-old Harry Brijmohan, a staff member of Kaieteur News, lost his life after crashing into an oncoming vehicle that was utilizing a third lane on the eastern carriage way of the East Bank Public road opened by police ranks. During peak hours in the morning, traffic ranks would open the western lane on the southbound carriage way to ease the massive build up of city-bound traffic. This method has been described by both drivers and pedestrians as a “confusing and unsafe” system since there are no proper indicators or signs to warn drivers at certain intervals that the south bound carriageway has been opened up to south and north bound traffic. The traffic department has said that the extra lane is usually open at 07:00 am from the Demerara Harbour Bridge to Rahaman’s Park. They said that police ranks and cones are posted at sections to guide drivers, but this is not always the case. Following Brijmohan’s death, brightlycoloured cones were seen on the south bound carriageway Monday morning. The cones were strategically placed to indicate to south bound drivers that the third lane is open. “But this was not here on Friday (the day of Brijmohan’s accident) or any other day,” a road user said. The woman who only gave her name as Sandra, said she did not see the accident, but was waiting for a minibus to go to work (Continued on page 34)

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(From page 33) when the accident occurred. “They did not have cones on Friday. They had a police but they did not have cones or anything to say to people who coming round that corner,” the woman said. She opined that Brijmohan obviously did not know that the three lanes were open and thought he was clear to use the adjacent southbound lane as usual. The woman also said that while the lane is open during peak hours, it is not always open at the exact time. “Sometimes they open late, sometimes they open early,” the woman indicated. WEDNESDAY EDITION MIN. ROOPNARAINE, LONDON’S SHADOW COMPANY COLLECTED ‘DONATIONS’ FOR DURBAN PARK PROJECT As long as a company’s name includes the word ‘Inc.’ it must be incorporated/registered before it can begin official operation. On Monday, Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, told the National Assembly that from the beginning of the Durban Park Project, in 2015, Homestretch Development Inc. managed the financial affairs of the project. That company, he said, collected all donations and channeled it towards the development of the project. However, according to documentation filed at the Registry, the company was only registered on January 22, last. Opposition Member of Parliament, Juan Edghill, had tabled a motion on the Durban Park Project. That motion called for answers on several aspects of the Durban Park project. On Monday, for Members’ Day the opposition motions dominated the business of the House. The government, using its one-seat majority, blocked the Motion. But Patterson addressing issues contained in the Motion, listed the directors of Homestretch Development Inc. He named Lawrence (Larry) London as the Chairman of the Company. London is also the Chairman of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). Patterson also named the other directors but neglected to name Minister of Education Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine. Dr. Roopnaraine was slated to speak to Edghill’s Motion but eventually conceded to Patterson. On Wednesday, Kaieteur News visited the company’s registered address—18 Lamaha Street. The building is unoccupied and the compound is home to pigeons. At the People’s Progressive Party/Civic press conference at Freedom House on Wednesday, the party addressed the concerns about the “scandal of monumental proportions” surrounding the execution of the Durban Park Project. Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira, hosted that press conference with Members of Parliament Irfaan Ali and Edghill. Edghill told the media that he was disappointed in the way the government handled that “simple Motion of transparency.” He said that more questions than answers remain. He said that in addition to the over $400M that was spent from the public purse, more State resources were utilized in the form of material provided by other State institutions like the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation. ”What was the actual cost of the Project?” Edghill queried. That is a simple question that the government, which championed itself on transparency, failed to answer. DEPUTY REO BUSTED WITH COKE AT TEXAS AIRPORT Deputy Region Three Executive Officer (REO), Ameena Hinds, was last month busted at a Texas, USA airport with almost three

Kaieteur News

pounds of cocaine hidden in her suitcase,. According to court documents, after her arrest, the Region Three official told security officials that she took a chance with the drugs after a number of persons she owed, came knocking to collect. She was supposed to receive US$2,500 for the job. According to US court documents, on October 29, at Harris Country, in the Southern District of Texas, Hinds knowingly and intentionally imported into the US over 500 grams of coke. The court documents said that the Deputy REO touched down at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport around 13:45hrs on a United Airlines flight from Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. She was singled out for a secondary inspection. Around 15:00hrs, her luggage was subject to an x-ray inspection and a strange rectangular shape was seen at the bottom between the suitcase wheels. That part of the suitcase appeared shaded on the x-ray machines when it was supposed to be clear. Officials later inserted a metal probe and discovered a white powdery substance. They field tested it positive for cocaine. Hinds was immediately arrested and after the cocaine was weighed, it was found to be 1.49 kilograms (three pounds). The court documents said that Hinds was willing to answer questions without an attorney present. She claimed that she owed US$5000 in personal debt and persons were pressuring her to pay. In July, she met up with an unknown man whom she described as “Mystery Man”. She was offered US$2,500 ($500,000) to take a suitcase with drugs to the US. However, the Deputy REO was nervous and it was not until in October when she was contacted again by the “Mystery Man” that she relented. She was given a ticket by a female and later flew to Trinidad. There, she met “Mystery Man” who gave her another suitcase. Her personal items were placed in this suitcase. She was told to travel to New York and to stay at a hotel where she would be contacted and paid, after the suitcase and drugs would have been handed over.

In court, the official pleaded not guilty to her indictment and was held without bail. BERBICE CARPENTER MURDER…MASTERMINDS MOTHER REMANDED FOR OFFERING $4M BRIBE TO COPS Three weeks after it was suspected that he was the victim of a hit-and-run accident, detectives were able to prove that Berbice carpenter, Faiyaz Narinedatt, was murdered. It took the intervention of ranks from the Major Crimes Investigation Unit to crack this case and now four men have been charged for murder. Radesh Motie, 39, an excavator operator, of Lot 124 Number 78 Village Corentyne, Berbice; Diadath Datt, 18, of Lot 98 Number 71 Village, Corentyne, Berbice; Harripaul Parsram, 49, of Lot 164 Number 71 Village, Corentyne, Berbice and Niran Yacoob, 37, of Lot 65 Number 67 Village, Corentyne Berbice were remanded to prison when they appeared before Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan. They were arraigned in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Wednesday. Kaieteur News understands that Narinedatt’s killing was allegedly ordered by Marcus Brian Bisram, who is an overseasbased Guyanese. He is still on the run. According to reports, on the day of the killing the overseas-based Guyanese had a party at his home, which Narinedatt and a few others attended. At some point Narinedatt went to the back of the yard to urinate. The overseas-based Guyanese allegedly followed Narinedatt and began making sexual advances towards him. Narine slapped and pushed away the man. It was then the rejected man allegedly instructed his friends to kill Narinedatt. It was reported that the overseas-based Guyanese told his friends he would ensure they are not caught. THURSDAY EDITION WANTED BULLETIN ISSUED FOR US-BASED GUYANESE OVER CARPENTER’S MURDER As the killing of Berbice carpenter Faiyaz Narinedatt continues to rivet the nation, police on Wednesday issued a wanted bulletin for a well-known, US-based Guyanese who has been heavily involved in charity work

Sunday November 27, 2016

here. Police in a statement said that Marcus Brian Bisram, 27, is wanted by the police for questioning in relation to the murder of Narinedatt which occurred on November 1, 2016, at Number 70 Village, Corentyne, Berbice. Bisram’s address in Guyana is listed as Lot 115 Section ‘A’ Number 70 Village Corentyne, Berbice and also the US. The police on Tuesday said that they were going to seek overseas help to arrest Bisram. On Tuesday, following the intervention of ranks from the Major Crimes Investigation Unit who travelled to Berbice, four men were charged for murder. Radesh Motie, 39, an excavator operator, of Lot 124 Number 78 Village Corentyne, Berbice; Diadath Datt, 18, of Lot 98 Number 71 Village, Corentyne, Berbice; Harripaul Parsram, 49, of Lot 164 Number 71 Village, Corentyne, Berbice and Niran Yacoob, 37, of Lot 65 Number 67 Village, Corentyne Berbice were remanded to prison when they appeared before Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan. Police are reportedly working on the theory that Bisram ordered Narinedatt’s killing. GOVT, CHINA SIGN US$46M LINE OF CREDIT TO FINANCE ECD HIGHWAY EXPANSION The East Coast Demerara Highway expansion project which began in 2011 but came to a halt, will continue, thanks to a US$46M financial injection made possible through a line of credit agreement between the government of Guyana and the China Exim Bank. The financing came one step closer to being realised on Wednesday when Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, on behalf of the government signed a framework agreement with the Chinese government represented by China’s outgoing Ambassador to Guyana, Zhang Limin, at the Ministry of Finance boardroom. The ambassador who has been working in Guyana for the past four years said that he was elated to be able to sign such an important agreement before departing. He said that discussions for the project had begun three years ago and he is happy that it has been finalised. Ambassador Zhang said that outside (Continued on page 35)

Sunday November 27, 2016

(From page 34) of financing infrastructure development in Guyana in this way, he has also approached the Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder, to ascertain ways in which the Chinese government can contribute to that sector. Minister Jordan, said that the project will entail the widening of a section of the main thoroughfare between Better Hope and Belfield villages. The completion of the project is expected to improve the link between numerous highly populated villages along the coast and Georgetown. He said, “Some of the immediate effects to be accrued as a result of this intervention include reduced travel time, reduced traffic congestion, reduced vehicular maintenance and reduced accident rates.” More importantly, Jordan said that the widened and improved highway will facilitate the efficient movement of goods and people between highly populated regions in the country, thereby strengthening the link between agricultural producers and consumers. According to the Finance Minister, this agreement is just another example of the cooperation between the two governments. “Some examples of China’s economic cooperation in Guyana, where concessional loans have been provided are the Guyana Power and Light Transmission and Distribution Infrastructure Development Project, the E-Government project and the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Extension project which is ongoing.” FEMALE SECURITY GUARD SHOT WHILE FOILING ROBBERY AT HAND IN HAND TRUST A female security guard was shot while fending off two armed men during an attempted robbery on Wednesday at the Handin-Hand Trust Corporation on Middle Street, Georgetown. Injured is 39 year old Natasha Williams, of 14 Sarah Lodge, Stewartville, West Coast Demerara. According to reports, the shooting occurred around 14:00 hrs, when two men approached the building in a suspicious manner. One of them called out to the other to “pass the thing”. An object which was wrapped in a piece of cloth was given to the requesting suspect. According to police reports, Williams, the guard, approached the suspicious-looking men in the company of a supervisor, who was also armed. During this time shots were fired and Williams was hit in her lower left leg. After she was shot, her supervisor returned fire but missed the suspects. However, the supervisor was able to grab

Kaieteur News

onto one of them and a scuffle followed. That suspect apparently had a snub-nosed revolver with five matching rounds which fell to the ground and was seized by the supervisor. The men then made their escape and entered a motor car which was waiting some distance away. The car was located in the East La Penitence community late Wednesday evening and the driver taken into custody. When Kaieteur News arrived on the scene, bloodstains on the floor tiles at the entrance of the bottom flat, broken louvre windows and a shattered plant pot, highlighted the fact that there was indeed a fracas. Additionally, one of the bullets had hit a motor car parked in front of the building. FRIDAY EDITION ACTING TOP COP’S PROMOTIONS WILL STAND – GOV’T The disagreement between the Commissioner of Police, Seelall Persaud and the man who held the reins while he was on leave, Assistant Commissioner of Police, David Ramnarine, regarding the promotion of ranks while the latter was leading the force, has finally been settled. The ranks who were promoted by Ramnarine will remain in their respective positions. At the Minister of State Joseph Harmon’s weekly post-Cabinet press briefing held Thursday, it was disclosed that the Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, had indicated to Cabinet that all of the police promotions approved by Ramnarine will stand. Kaieteur News was told that Persaud has been informed of the government’s position regarding this issue. The decision to let the promotions stand was supported by legal advice. When Commissioner Persaud returned from 100 days’ leave early this month, he reversed all the promotions which were approved and granted to ranks across the country by Ramnarine. Reports are that between August 15 and October 1st, Ramnarine promoted Corporal Wilburg to Sergeant; and Lance Corporal Fraser; Lance Corporal Kumar, and Lance Constable Craig to Corporal. Additionally, between August 3rd and September 26, 2016, he promoted Constables Gay, Semple, Kesney, and Thomas to Lance Corporal. The Top Cop proceeded on leave in June and when he returned, he reversed Ramnarine’s promotions with immediate effect. In his letter to Staff Officer Administration 1 Maxine Graham, Persaud called for the rescission of the promotions Ramnarine had made. He drew the officer’s attention to Article 212

(3) of the Constitution of Guyana, noting that the Commissioner of Police is authorized to make appointments to any office in the Police Force below the rank of inspector. He also quoted Article 211 (i) of the said constitution, which he said indicates that the appointment of the Commissioner of Police is done by His Excellency the President. ”His Excellency the President makes such appointments by issuing an instrument which is signed by him/her”, he said. ”The Police chief, Assistant Commissioner Ramnarine, has misinformed himself that he has the authority to make any such appointment in the absence of an instrument issued by His Excellency the President. The appointments are therefore null and void, and the ranks should be so informed,” Persaud ordered. PI INTO KNEWS GRENADE ATTACK…‘FED UP’ PRISONER CLEARS COURTROOM Pandemonium broke out inside the Georgetown Magistrates Court in the courtroom of Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan after 25-year-old Leroy Williams, burst through a door to the prisoners’ chute demanding “Nobody move”. Williams is a prisoner on remand for the grenade attack on Kaieteur News. The prisoner had stormed back into the courtroom after another sitting of the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) into the matter ended. He was being escorted to the holding cell. He chucked the police rank who was escorting him, after the man had loosened his handcuffs in the process of escorting him to the washroom. The prisoner then ran up the stairs, knocked on the door to enter the courtroom, and as soon as the orderly opened the door, thinking it was one of his colleagues, a frenzied Williams appeared and shouted at the top of his voice as if he were a gunman or terrorist, “Nobody move!” “I fed up of jail, I fed up of jail. I want a quicker trial,” he continued. Persons, including reporters, quickly ran out the courtroom through the lone door. It was pandemonium. The Chief Magistrate came off the bench and retired to her chambers. Proceedings were briefly adjourned as ranks made efforts to restrain the prisoner. At the time, Thursday, several police ranks were standing guard with high powered firearms around the court. This is not the first time that Williams has behaved in this matter. But Thursday’s incident was the worst of them all. In the end, he was restrained and locked away in the Police Outpost. A few months ago, Williams hurled a bottle of water at a female reporter who was standing on the court stairway, capturing video

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footage of prisoners as they were being taken to the prison van. The reporter was at the time taking footage with her cellular phone. Williams threw the bottle at her striking her in the upper chest. She was standing approximately 15 feet from him. The matter was reported to police. SATURDAY EDITION COPS CRACK 2012 HOTEL POOL MURDER… RANKS TOLD VICTIM BEATEN UNCONSCIOUS, DUMPED IN WATER WHILE STILLALIVE -MANAGER, EMPLOYEE AMONG THREE DETAINED Four days before his twenty-first birthday, Sadeek Juman got into an argument with a group of men at a Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo hotel. Those men allegedly beat Juman into a state of unconsciousness, concealed him in a room, and later, under cover of nightfall, dumped him, while he was still alive, in the hotel pool. It’s taken four agonizing years, but thanks to a mother who relentlessly hounded the police for justice, and a team of dedicated detectives, the ugly truth of what allegedly happened on the night of November 18, 2012, has finally come to light. Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum confirmed Friday that police have detained three suspects for Juman’s murder. In custody are the 29-year-old manager of the Double Day Hotel; a hotel driver, also aged 29, and a 26-year-old businessman who is also a friend of the hotel manager. Police appear optimistic that they are developing a strong case against the prime suspects. The investigation is in the hands of the Force’s Major Crimes Unit, which has rapidly established a reputation for solving ‘cold’ cases. Indications are that the detectives who first handled the case botched the investigation. Sadeek Juman left his parent’s Blankenburg, West Coast Demerara home on Sunday, November 18, 2012, and visited his grandmother at Ruby, East Bank Essequibo. Accompanied by a female friend, and others, he later headed to the Double Day Hotel at Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo. Information gathered by detectives indicates that while he was there, Juman got into “a heated exchange” with a group of men. The men inflicted a severe beating on Juman. “They allegedly put him in a room at the hotel, and when the place was silent, they allegedly put him in the hotel pool to give the appearance that he had drowned,” a police official said. A pathologist would later state that (Continued on page 36)

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(From page 35) the mechanic died from drowning, compounded by blunt trauma. Juman’s body, clad in swimming trunks, was found on November 19, 2012. His cell phone and other belongings could not be located. COLOMBIAN AIRCRAFT ATYUPUKARI... INQUIRY POINTS TO FEMALE CONNECTION; ABANDONED CAMP FOUND An inquiry into the September 13 discovery of a Colombian-registered aircraft at Yupukari, Region Nine, is recommending the establishment of a Village Intelligence Committee to help with security in the hinterland. The disclosure was made on Friday by Brigadier (Retd.), Edward Collins, who handed over the final report of the Commission of Inquiry to Minister of State, Joseph Harmon.

Kaieteur News

The Commission was established to probe the circumstances surrounding the discovery of an illegal aircraft near the village of Yupukari, Upper EssequiboUpper Takutu (Region Nine). The COI report, which commenced in early October, was originally slated to be handed over on November 16, but an extension was granted on the instruction of President David Granger, following a request by Brigadier Collins. According to Collins, the decision to host public meetings in several villages such as Katoka, Kaicumbay, Yupukari and other villages, and involving the Regional Chairman and Regional Executive Officer of Region Nine, proved to be a worthwhile exercise, since it allowed for greater insight into the facts discovered during the probe. Brigadier Collins noted as well that through that process a number of eyewitnesses have stepped forward. “There has been additional evidence, which has caused us to firm up our findings into the circumstances under which this aircraft came into Guyana illegally. I wish to thank the Toshaos, the senior councils, and the village leaders in nearby villages for their corporation. Since they got involved,

there have been more revelations [and] more residents came forward voluntarily. They did their own investigations,” Brigadier Collins said. Upon further investigations, members of the Guyana Police Force were led to an abandoned camp at Yupukari, which is believed to be connected to persons, who may have knowledge of the aircraft. “One thing that came out of the inquiry that we did not recognise earlier was the involvement of a woman, and this [revelation] was because of the voluntary evidence presented by the residents.” LINDEN UNVEILS $20M BAUXITE CENTENNIALARCH History was created in Linden on Friday as the local bauxite industry unveiled its multimillion- dollar arch on Casaurina Drive. The arch, which cost some $20 plus million, is a gift from Bosai Minerals Group, in observance of the 100th year of bauxite mining in Linden. The structure, apart from being beautiful is considered educational, as important historical facts and the names of prominent Lindeners, such as those of past Mayors, are inscribed. Chairman of the Centenary Committee Horace James said that as time progresses more historical information will be added, including the names of prominent sports personalities. President David Granger, who was on hand for the auspicious occasion, delivered the feature address and also unveiled the arch. GRANGERATTEMPTING MISDIRECTION TO DEFEND SHADY D’URBAN PARK PROJECT - EXPLANATIONS CONTRADICT MINISTER PATTERSON - NANDLALL Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Anil Nandlall is not buying into the explanations offered by President David Granger in the latter’s effort to quell concerns surrounding the execution of the D’Urban Park Project. Calling it “unfortunate” that the President stepped into this realm, Nandlall said that the President attempted to cloud the issue of accountability and transparency in relation to monies spent on the project by glorifying and extolling the virtues of the D’Urban Park Project. The PPP representative said that the strategy employed by President Granger mirrors the stance taken by government MPs when questioned in Parliament about issues surrounding the project, so as to “avoid addressing the real issues.” Nandlall said that the “fact” is that the private company was “secretly” established

Sunday November 27, 2016

and collected hundreds of millions of dollars to spend to develop a State asset. He noted that information about Homestretch Development Inc and its directors was not made public until Monday when Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson “was forced to disclose these details in the National Assembly. Even then, he misled the National Assembly by not naming Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, as a Director.” Nandlall also recalled that on that occasion, Patterson refused to divulge how much money it received and from whom; how much monies are owed and to whom these monies are owed. And what process of procurement was used by this company to procure goods and services for the project. Nandlall said that Patterson also refused to disclose the total cost of this project, what the liabilities arising from this project are, and the costs for the day to day management of the project. The former Attorney General said that the law is very clear on this issue. He said that once private monies are used on a public project it must be spent and accounted for in the same manner like public monies. “Clearly this was not understood by those who formed this private company. It is obvious that this company was used for this project so that the monies received and spent would not be the subject of Parliamentary scrutiny and oversight and the procurement of goods and services would not have to be done in accordance with the Procurement Act. This is exactly what transpired, and that is why Minister Patterson refused to answer the questions posed to him in the National Assembly,” Nandlall said. He recalled that Patterson directed opposition MPs to further their questions to Homestretch Development Inc., and said that he (Patterson) is not answerable for that company. “However, the following day when the Company Secretary, Larry London, was asked by the Press these very questions, he said he gave Minister Patterson all the information,” Nandlall pointed out. “Then the President enters the fray and clearly demonstrates either he is out of sync with reality or is trying to mislead the nation. The President says that the Government did not have money to commence work on this project and as time was running out, this company was incorporated to start the work until the Government was able to get funding from its budget.” Nandlall said however that the Budget was passed in August 2015. “So by September 2015 there was money to be spent by the Government. This company was not incorporated until January 2016. However, massive works started on this project in September 2015. The President’s story therefore, simply does not make sense.”

Sunday November 27, 2016

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Kaieteur News

Our last two budgets rescued economy from slipping into negative growth By Kiana Wilburg There is much suspense surrounding the 2017 budget which will be read by Finance Minister, Winston Jordan tomorrow in the National Assembly. In fact, President David Granger already gave some insight into the budget, stating recently that given the poor performance of some of the nation’s main traditional sectors such as rice, timber, bauxite and sugar, an element of conservatism can be expected. The Head of State also disclosed that the 2017 budget is centred on ensuring financial sustainability. But to appreciate what is to come, it is wise to note what the Government’s last two budgets actually accomplished. In a conversation with this newspaper last week, the Finance Minister revealed the significant impact that his 2015 and 2016 budgets had on the economy along with his thoughts on the way forward for ensuring that the nation is kept on the path of sustainable growth. Jordan noted that his first budget which was presented to the nation on August 10, 2015, actually laid out a path that the Government will be taking over the next five

- Finance Minister

Finance Minister, Winston Jordan years. But more importantly, the economist said that the 2015 budget can be described as a “stabilizing budget.” “As you would recall when we came in, we had an idea of what we would meet but the reality was far worse than what we were expecting.” Jordan said that the sugar industry, for example, was found in a woeful state. He added that this state of affairs has not changed and is actually reflected in the production figures of the sector. According to statistics from the Ministry of Finance, in August, last, 5,239 tonnes of sugar was produced, bringing the total to date to 61,884 tonnes compared to

96,491 tonnes produced from January to August 2015. In addition to the first crop being lower than expected, planting for the second crop started late which has resulted in a significant decline of 65.9 percent, when comparing production for August 2016 to that for 2015. Due to late sowing, by several estates, the 2016 target for sugar of 218,188 has been revised downwards. The Finance Minister also explained that the booming rice sector ran head-on into trouble after it lost its preferential market in Venezuela. “As you would recall, Venezuela informed us that it was not renewing its contract with us. But what is worse is that they abrogated the existing contract when we came in, which should have run until November 2015. So we had to pay rice farmers for rice they would have already tried to ship to the Spanishspeaking territory, and I believe that rice is still on the wharf up to this day waiting.” The Finance Minister continued, “Then, we had the issue of Venezuela and its renewed claim of our territory. Because of that, we had to divert a lot of expenditure. Compounding that was the

fact that at the same time, we lost the PetroCaribe deal. So instead of saving foreign exchange, we had to expend resources on buying fuel on cash.” To date, the Ministry of Finance has found that rice production for August 2016 reached 2,500 tonnes - up from 402 tonnes in August 2015. Higher production levels over the last three months continue to result

from late reaping. This brings rice production from January to August 2016 to 269,338 tonnes compared to 360,727 tonnes produced during the same period in 2015. August brings to a closure production of the first crop which was badly affected by the El Nino phenomenon. Jordan added that given the state in which the new government found those sectors, it had the difficult task of trying to stabilize the economy; of trying to stop

the economy from “sliding further” down the scale of growth. He said that “sliding” started since 2014. The Finance Minister asserted that the Government, after the election period, also had the task of returning confidence in the economy. He noted that with every election, assurance in the economy is put to a test. “So people either postpone investments decisions or abandon investments or do a ‘wait and (Continued on page 46)

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Kaieteur News

Sunday November 27, 2016

Our last two budgets rescued economy... (From page 45) see’ kind of story. Then we had to temper demands being made on the Treasury in terms of wages and salaries and demands for new concessions by various industries - whether it was fishing, rice, gold, or manufacturing. So we had to deal with all of those while trying to ensure that the economy we inherited did not slide into negative growth,” expressed Jordan. He noted, in fact, that his maiden budget as well as the full year 2016 budget could be deemed as stabilizing budgets. He emphasized that both budgets served to set the stage for continued growth. He cautioned that the budgets should not be seen as transformational for the various traditional sectors. He stressed that this cannot happen in 18 months. The Finance Minister said that before the transformation of the traditional sectors can take place, the foundation has to be set. “Fifty years ago, this economy stood on three, at most four legs for traditional sectors. 50 years later and it is being expected to stand on the same legs. We, who stand on two, after an hour, would want a rest. So for 50 years, the economy has been standing on the same legs and now everything has come crumbling and crashing down. When we talk about

transformation, we have to first talk about rebuilding what we have.” The economist said that while some may be speaking about the transformation of the sugar industry as of late, one cannot simply “wake up tomorrow and decide that value added production is the way to go with sugar.” The Finance Minister said that transformation or diversification in that regard would take studies which will cost money, especially “at a time when we don’t have.” Jordan said that for the time being, what has to be done at this point by the Government is to “patch certain areas and hold on, until you can make decided investments to get to that transformation.” The Finance Minister was also asked to explain the difference between the budgets he has presented compared to those done by his predecessor, Dr. Ashni Singh. In this regard, he said that Singh’s budgets benefitted one way or the other, from good commodity prices. In the case of gold, Jordan said that the prices had shot up at one time and that created a huge response for gold. But when the prices slumped in the gold industry, production and the attraction to the sector saw a decline. Jordan commented that such a reaction is expected. In the case of rice, Jordan said that this sector

benefitted from the Venezuelan overpriced market; a premium market and when the price slumped so did the sector. He said that this has been proven even today, as the rice sector has shown that it could not sustain itself without a premium market. The Finance Minister said that such behaviour in the sector was no surprise. “So with that scenario in mind, it becomes clear why the Opposition Leader and the rest have been calling for new incentives to be given to the rice sector. But the reality is that the rice sector benefits from a significant number of incentives already,” Jordan asserted. On the area of concessions, the economist said that these were never meant to be handed out to maintain a company, for example. He stressed that concessions are intended to help a business grown in its stage of infancy. “When you are giving out concessions, you give it to start up industries. You give it to someone who is creating a big investment in your country and so on, but if you can’t run a business without significant concessions, then you ought not be in the business.” The Finance Minister said that when it comes to the repeated calls for concessions, all it would do once granted, is erode the tax base. Jordan also recalled

statements he made to the manufacturing sector last year, to the effect that he would much prefer a clamour for lower taxes than concessions. He stressed concessions also distort resource allocation. In this regard, he explained, “If you have a business that can’t make a profit, ordinarily what you would do is take your money and go somewhere else. If the only way you are going to make a profit is if I give you x dollars in concessions, then instead of you originally taking your money and going somewhere else, you would continue to invest it in a lossmaking area. So it is distorting resources.” He continued that if a person or a company continuously needs a lot of concessions to stay in business then something is radically wrong. In any case, Jordan stressed that the nation’s tax laws were never created for concessions to be granted in such a manner. Speaking specifically to the impact of the budgets, Jordan said that he is confident that they did their job by preventing the economy from sliding into negative growth. He said it is important to note that the country was actually on the brink of its growth being severely hampered. Jordan said that based on Government’s prudent management of the economy, Guyana can now boast of being one of the few

countries that has recorded positive growth over the last two years. Even with this accomplishment under its belt, Jordan said that Government has not lost track of the fact that the nation is “still under the gun” since the sugar sector is collapsing even further. The economist noted that this is a serious economic challenge and as such, it would be expected of the Government to accelerate efforts to diversify the economy. He said that the economy has to be moved away from its reliance not only on sugar but its other “traditional legs” that are now “tired and worn”. The Finance Minister said that this is not to be misconstrued as Government throwing away the proverbial baby with the bathwater. “It means that in term of the legs (traditional sectors) that we have, we have to treat with them in a smarter way. And just like how some older folks need a walking stick for support, we now have to develop new industries that can help the traditional sectors to sustain growth in Guyana at a higher level, while creating sustainable jobs.” Jordan explained that the sectors such as rice, timber, sugar and bauxite maybe recording growth in production but they do not employ new labour. He said that this is a crucial area of focus for the APNU+AFC administration,

as it is intent on building new industries that can create permanent jobs rather than seasonal and other types of jobs. With regard to forestry production, it was noted that for August, last, it amounted to 24,889 cubic metres compared with 26,010 cubic metres in August 2015. Total production from January to August 2016, currently stands at 202,596 cubic metres compared to 238,045 cubic metres produced during the same period in 2015. The Finance Ministry reported that low production levels for 2016 has resulted from the Government reorganizing the sector in pursuit of better forestry management and greater value added works. Production levels are expected to regain momentum in 2017. In the area of bauxite production, for August, last, it was recorded at 141,705 tonnes compared to 121,469 tonnes in the same month last year. This brings bauxite production from January to August last to 1,024,551 tonnes, compared to 986,176 tonnes produced during the same period in 2015, an increase of 3.9 percent. Except for the months of April and May, bauxite production has been consistently higher in 2016 compared to 2015. The Finance Ministry said that this consistency is mainly attributed to improved efficiency.

Survivor turned author... From page 42 survivors have charged. "Suicide is irreversible,” she asserts. “Infants and children don't commit suicide. So, in as much as I can understand the terror of that day, the outcome is indefensible. Parents don't have the right to take the life of their children." Before the tragic turn of events Kahalas had a premonition, a channeled epic she named Allegory. "I was pre-recording the deaths of people I loved, people that worked by my side day by day, and would later make their exodus to Jonestown and die.” She continues, "I was rapt with metaphors, overwhelmed with outpourings of grief. I thought my heart would burst, but how could this be a real future event? It was terrifying even to consider." Jonestown has spurred a slew of conspiracy theories, including the complicity of Jones with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Jonestown was said to be part of the agency's MK-Ultra Mind Control Experiment.

The vast quantities of drugs found on the compound only fueled suspicion. Kahalas balks at such a suggestion. In her book, Snake Dance: Unraveling the mysteries of Jonestown, Kahalas details her version of events. She reiterates that the CIA was responsible for the assassination of Congressman Leo Ryan, creating a scenario to implicate Jones. Using enlarged photographs of the airstrip where the killing occurred she identified the assassins, pointing to their military postures and the towering stature of the point man. "There was no one that tall at Jonestown; furthermore, we didn't have any military training. Obviously, the assassins didn't come from Jonestown," she argues. Why then would the congressman be targeted? Kahalas refers to the Hughes-Ryan Act that required the CIA to report all covert operations to congressional oversight committees. In other words, Leo Ryan was a thorn in the side of the intelligence agency. What better way to proverbially kill two

birds with a single stone? "Intelligence agencies study your Achilles Heel,” Kahalas asserts. “They exploit your weakness; whatever it is they will work to undermine you. Jim Jones was suicidal. They pushed the right buttons." Kahalas is now happily married and is buoyed by the success of Snake Dance, one of the most insightful books on the subject. Still, for survivors, Jonestown is a psychological albatross that is nervously locked away. They are ever mindful of its enduring power to inflict pain when least expected. "I might experience nightmares after this interview," Kahalas says, but quickly counters with a sense of reassurance. "I am okay… I will be alright.” F e e d b a c k : glenvilleashby@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter@glenvilleashby Dr Ashby is the author of Anam Cara: Your Soul Friend and Bridge to Enlightenment and Creativity

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Sunday November 27, 2016

Prevention gaps could threaten future progress to end AIDS One of the greatest challenges facing the global AIDS response is that of stalled progress on HIV prevention among adults. This state of affairs has been highlighted in the 2016 World AIDS Report produced by UNAIDS. According to the report, the insights revealed by the life-cycle approach must be leveraged to address the glaring challenge manifested by the fact that new infections among young women aged 15–24 years have declined by a mere six percent between 2010 and 2015.

However, the rate of new HIV infections among 25–49year-old men and women is essentially flat. But there is no jubilation in the latter since new infections appear to be rising among people who inject drugs and men who have sex with men. In fact UNAIDS, in July 2016, warned that this prevention gap is a threat to future progress towards the end of AIDS. The report points out that “The Prevention gap report shows how some countries have achieved decline in new HIV infections among adults of 50 percent or more over the

last 10 years, while many others have not made measurable progress or experienced worrying increases in new HIV infections.” But measures to close this gap are readily available, according to the report which points out that “A combination of HIV risk awareness, economic empowerment and oral preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a potentially powerful HIV prevention method for young women living in within extremely challenging economic and social circumstances.”

Added to this, it has been highlighted that social protection measures such as cash transfers and free education have been shown to dramatically reduce economically-driven sex among 12–18-year-old girls. Further still, assisted partner notification and selftest kits have been shown to increase access to HIV testing among men. The report highlights that cities and countries that have put in place truly comprehensive HIV programmes tailored to the needs of key populations have successfully reduced

new HIV infections among sex workers, people who inject drugs and men who have sex with men. These evidence-informed, highimpact approaches must be consistently applied across the life cycle, using a location–population approach that prioritizes the geographical areas and populations in greatest need. STRONG GLOBAL FOUNDATION According to the report, redoubled efforts to close the prevention gap can be built on a foundation of unparalleled global advocacy and financial commitment. In fact it was noted that strategic global partnerships have already put the elimination of mother-to-child transmission within sight. Twenty-one countries in Africa have worked with UNAIDS and the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) to reduce new infections among children aged 0–14 years by 51 percent since 2010, the report adds. Further, it has been revealed that efforts focused on children, adolescent girls and young women are being guided by a new framework entitled: Start Free Stay Free AIDS Free. Governments and civil society, the report has amplified, are also working with the United Nations system within the High-Level Ta s k F o r c e o n Wo m e n , Girls, Gender Equality and HIV in Eastern and S o u t h e rn Africa to raise greater awareness of the disproportionate HIV risks faced by adolescent girls and young women. The 90–90–90 targets, launched by UNAIDS at the 2014 International AIDS Conference, has rallied global efforts on HIV testing and

treatment, and improved focus on the viral suppression required to realize the full preventative effect of treatment. Antiretroviral therapy is now accessed by 18.2 million (16.1 million–19.0 million) people living with HIV. Consistently though, strong scale-up of treatment has seen AIDS-related deaths Plummet by 45 percent, from a peak of about two million (1.7 million–2.3 million) in 2005 to about 1.1 million (940 000–1.3 million) in 2015. More and more adults living with HIV are over the age of 50 years. Age-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease are more common among people living with HIV, and antiretroviral drug resistance poses a significant threat to people who have been living with HIV for many years. However, mounting cases of drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) are threatening to slow steady reductions in deaths among people living with HIV caused by TB disease, according to the UNAIDS report. It has been revealed too that women living with HIV remain at heightened risk of developing cervical cancer due to insufficient coverage of human papillomavirus immunization programmes in low- and middle-income countries, and an estimated 10 million people who inject drugs have hepatitis C infection. Moreover, it has been deduced that “achieving the 2020 target of fewer than 500,000 AIDS-related deaths annually will require taking AIDS out of isolation through people-centred systems for universal health coverage, including treatment for TB, cervical cancer and hepatitis B and C.”

Betrayed! A single act has... From page 44 it is not unknown for boats filled with items being stopped and our own security ranks taking a portion of what is on board. I believe my friend. He has no reason to lie. The point is that it is deeply worrying when we lose faith in those we repose the authority to guard our gates and homes. It is deeply worrying that we have to send investigators from the city to Berbice. It may be a good time to have a shake-up in Berbice in the police hierarchy. This behaviour does not belong in our country. The family is crying for justice. Bisram is for the time being in the safe arms of the US where he is based. I am awaiting to see how this plays out. Bisram, who seemed to have the world at his feet, still needs to tell his side of the story—whether the allegations he is facing are true. We have to bring him back to answer. This one incident, this one death, has brought out a number of deep issues…of trust in the police, and that of the cries of those who have been victimized and have nowhere to turn to. This may be one of the cases that have been solved. One cannot help but wonder how many families are out there, begging for justice, for things we don't know about, and which we will likely never know about.

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Women blazing trail in mining sector The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission’s (GGMC), Geological Survey Unit is undertaking a geological mineral survey in the Itaballi area as part of an effort to map the mineral deposits. Among those conducting field tests and studies for the project in the Region Seven area are several women. Some $40 million has been budgeted for the eight-week Regional Geological Sampling project, according to a recent government

release. The project is being conducted by 42 GGMC officers, including eight females and auxiliary staff. It started on October 13 and is due to be completed by December 8, 2016. A University of Guyana (UG) scholar, now Chemical Geologist, Nkechi McPherson, started at the GGMC in 2011. According to her, the field experience has been good. “It’s a lot of hard work so you should be active before you get in the field or else you’ll

really feel the pressure.” McPherson added that this is the first trip where she led her own team of GGMC staffers. “You have to be confident in yourself and you have to understand that not everything you see on the map is what will be on the ground so you have to cater for all of those uncertainties.” GGMC’s Geologist, Tiace Fraser, who started her stint in 2009, views her career as a challenge, but one that she likes. “You know it challenges your mind and your body at

PSC makes proposals to stimulate growth across all sectors Though it has acknowledged that the slowdown in the economy started two years ago, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) firmly believes that the challenge for Government in the near future would be to stimulate economic activity across all sectors. The Commission emphasized that while GDP growth is expected to reach 4% in 2016, this growth can be primarily attributed to increased production of gold, especially by largescale production of two gold mining operations. The PSC maintained that this has masked the decline in performance of other economic sectors. It said, too, that this decline is having farreaching implications for the business sector. The Commission said, “One manifestation of this is the significant growth of nonperforming loans in the

commercial banking sector. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reported that non-performing loans increased to 11.5% at the end of December 2015 as compared to 6% at the end of 2013.” In a statement to the media yesterday, the Commission presented a number of measures which it believes would stimulate the economy and would lead to balanced growth while having a positive impact on Government revenue in the medium and long term. With regard to fiscal measures, the Commission suggests that there be a permanent reduction of the Corporate Income Tax rate, over 10 years to 20%, a reduce in Personal Income Tax over 10 years to 20%, concessions on income taxation for the creation of new employment in all value added sectors, tax breaks for new tourism assets,

tax breaks for companies which set up operations in depressed communities, and concessions on export tax for businesses which export and relief on outstanding loans for the rice industry. The Private Sector also recommends that security equipment be free of all taxes and the Income Tax threshold be increased to $100,000 per month. The Private Sector Commission believes that in the area of tax laws, Government should pursue compulsory VAT registration along with the enforcement of VAT collection on all businesses which currently do not collect this tax. Among its other 47 recommendations, the Commission said that the Government should outline plans for diversification of the economy away from the traditional pillars of rice, sugar and gold.

the same time. When you’re out there you have to think about the dangers, but at the same time you have to keep pushing yourself.” For Tricia Tulloch, this is her first trip into the fields. The Geological Technician noted that, “It is quite interesting, I like it a lot. I didn’t expect to like it but I do, I really do. You get to experience new things and realise that you’re not fit, sometimes you need to exercise. You learn a lot about your country.” Senior Geologist, Unata DeFreitas, has already served more than 19 years with the

GGMC. The veteran pointed out that more females are finding the career and the environment suitable. There is lot of experience to be gained. De Frietas added, “more so what is given back to our country. We have a passion for the natural patrimony and we understand that the more information we get, the better position our country will be in.” Getting a firsthand look at the project was Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes, who described herself as living evidence of what

women can achieve in the sector. “People say, oh she’s a miner, she’s a porkknocker but look at me now, I’m a minister. The sky is the limit. I would want to encourage women to get involved. We are tidier. We can make a difference in these areas.” The Minister, who was a successful mining operator, said she really admired the female geologists, “who spoke about their passion so when we come to do things we do it in a particular way, looking for that result. The vision, the opportunity is real.”

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How energy drinks affect your body within 24 hours Last year, the World Health Organization hailed energy drinks a “danger to public health,” after they found consumption of such beverages is on the rise. Now, an infographic created by website Personalise.co.uk claims to show exactly what happens to the body in the 24 hours after consuming an energy drink. Created using information from sources including the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and energy drink manufacturer Red Bull, the infographic follows another that went viral earlier this month, revealing how Coca-Cola affects the body within 1 hour of drinking it. This new infographic, however, details what an energy drink - namely, a can of Red Bull - does to the body over a 24-hour period. Energy drinks are marketed as beverages that boost mental and physical performance. Caffeine is the most common stimulant in these drinks, but some brands contain other plant-based stimulants, such as guarana and ginseng. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the amount of caffeine in a can or bottle of energy drink can range from 80 mg to over 500 mg. For comparison, one 5-ounce cup of coffee contains around 100 mg of caffeine. Like soda, energy drinks are also high in sugar. A 250 ml can of Red Bull, for example, contains around 27.5 g of sugar. Numerous studies have suggested energy drinks can have negative health implications. A 2013 study reported by Medical News Today, for example, found energy drinks alter the heart function of healthy adults, while another study linked energy drink consumption to other unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking. But what exactly do energy drinks do to the body after we consume them? According to the infographic, caffeine enters the bloodstream within 10 minutes of consuming an energy drink, triggering a rise in

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heart rate and blood pressure Over the next 15-45 minutes, caffeine levels in the bloodstream peak. As a result, an individual will feel more alert and experience improved concentration. “Caffeine is a crafty drug that temporarily blocks adenosine [a chemical involved in how tired we feel] pathways, giving you a boost while allowing ‘feel good’ molecules in the brain - such as dopamine - to be released more readily. You feel more alert and you feel better about yourself,” science communicator and food researcher Dr. Stuart Farrimond told The Daily Mail. All of the caffeine is absorbed within 30-50 minutes of consuming an energy drink, according to the infographic, and the liver responds to this by soaking up more sugar into the bloodstream. Within an hour, the effects of the caffeine will begin to subside and a sugar crash may occur. Energy levels will begin to feel low and tiredness will set in. It will take around 5-6 hours for the body to achieve a 50% reduction in the amount of caffeine in the bloodstream - known as the “half-life” - and it is likely to take double this amount of time for women on birth control pills. It takes an average of 12 hours for the body to completely remove the caffeine from the bloodstream, though this does depend on individual factors. “Pregnancy, liver damage and other drugs can also slow the rate at which caffeine

is eliminated from the body,” Dr. Farrimond told The Daily Mail. “Importantly, children and teenagers have a significantly longer half-life, meaning caffeine will remain in their bloodstream for longer and at higher levels than for adults. This is why caffeinated drinks can cause behavioral problems and anxiety issues in children.” The infographic claims that individuals who consume energy drinks regularly may experience caffeine withdrawal in the 1224 hours after consumption, which includes symptoms such as headache, irritability and constipation. Dr. Farrimond explained that withdrawal symptoms can last up to 9 days and the severity depends on the amount of caffeine consumed. For regular energy drink consumers, it takes around 712 days for the body to adapt to a regular intake of caffeine, according to the infographic. An individual is unlikely to experience a boost from the beverages once their body gets used to them. While the information provided in this infographic is not new, it does help shed light on why so many studies have cited the health implications of energy drinks. Still, energy drink consumption is rising, In the US, sales of the beverages increased by 60% between 2008 and 2012. Energy drinks are particularly popular with children and adolescents. Last year, Medical News Today reported on a study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which found that 73% of children consume caffeine on a daily basis - much of which is coming from energy drinks and coffee. http:// www.medicalnewstoday.com.

Are electronic cigarettes safe? E-cigarettes were first introduced into the US market in 2007 as a device to help smokers cut back on their habit. Despite growing dramatically in popularity, opinions remain divided as to their long-term impact on health. Are e-cigarettes safe or should people be worried about using them? Many of the concerns arise from an apparent lack of evidence for the effects of e-cigarette use. As ecigarette use is moving toward ubiquity, the gaps in knowledge about their effects are becoming more concerning for health experts. Whether it is concerning how e-cigarettes are marketed or precisely what ingredients are contained within these devices, people are becoming wary of devices that originally appeared to be completely benign. In a study of American adults published in Nicotine and Tobacco Research last year, 37% were opposed to e-cigarette use in smoke-free areas, with around 40% uncertain. This finding suggests both caution and uncertainty regarding the safety of e-cigarettes. For this Spotlight feature, we take a look at what the ap-

parent dangers associated with e-cigarette use are, aiming to assess just how worried, if at all, we should be about e-cigarettes. So what precisely are e-cigarettes comprised of that could make them dangerous? The majority of devices have a mouthpiece or cartridge, an atomizer and a battery. The cartridge holds a liquid solution (usually containing nicotine) that is heated up and vaporized by the atomizer. Once the liquid is vaporized, the user can inhale it, mimicking the process of smoking. The solutions within the cartridges have variable concentrations of nicotine - amounts can

range from no nicotine at all to high concentrations (24-36 mg/ml). A report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published last year revealed that e-cigarette-related calls to poison centers in the US increased dramatically over the past 5 years. In 2010, there was one call per month, but this rose to around 215 calls per month by 2014. Does this increase signal a dangerous toxicity in e-cigarettes? Dr. Tom Frieden, director of the CDC, stated that the report “raises another red flag about e-cigarettes: the liquid nicotine used in e-cigarettes can be hazardous.”

How Coca-Cola affects your body when you drink it

Sugary drinks are considered a major contributor to health conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and tooth decay. But have you ever wondered exactly what these beverages do to your body after consumption? One researcher has created an infographic that explains what happens to the body within an hour of drinking a can of Coca-Cola. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around half of the US population drink sugary beverages on any given day, with consumption of these drinks highest among teenagers and young adults.

There are approximately 10 teaspoons of added sugar in a single can of cola. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommend consuming no more than 6 teaspoons of added sugar daily, meaning drinking just one serving of cola a day could take us well above these guidelines. As such, it is no surprise that sugary drink consumption is associated with an array of health conditions. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, people who drink 1-2 cans of sugary beverages daily are 26% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, and last month, Medical News Today reported on

a study claiming 184,000 global deaths each year are down to sugary drink consumption. Now, an infographic created by British pharmacist Niraj Naik - based on research by health writer Wade Meredith - shows the damage a 330 ml can of Coca-Cola can do to the body within 1 hour of consumption. Coca-Cola ‘comparable to heroin’ in how it stimulates the brain’s reward and pleasure centers According to Naik, the intense sweetness of CocaCola as a result of its high sugar content should make us vomit as soon as it enters the body.

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Kanye West ‘taken to hospital with sleep deprivation’ of playing politics just to win awards. “Beyoncé, I was hurt, cause I heard that you said you wouldn’t perform unless you won Video Of The Year over me,” he said, before asking Jay Z to call him. “Jay Z, I know you got killers, please don’t send them Kanye West Kanye West has reportedly been admitted to hospital just a day after cancelling the rest of his world tour. The rapper is being treated for sleep deprivation in Los Angeles after police were called to reports of a disturbance on Monday, US news reports said. West’s mother-in-law Kris Jenner said the 39-year old singer is exhausted due to what has been a “gruelling tour”. A source told People magazine: “He is exhausted and currently dealing with sleep deprivation. “He went to the hospital at will under the advice of his physician. He’s fine.” The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed it responded to a report of disturbance but the incident was deemed a “medical

emergency”.Just hours earlier the rapper’s concert promoters Live Nation released a statement calling a halt to the remaining dates of his Saint Pablo Tour. It gave no reason for the decision but said: “The remaining dates on the SAINT PABLO TOUR have been cancelled. Tickets will be fully refunded at point of purchase.”The announcement follows the last-minute cancellation of a concert by West in Los Angeles on Sunday and a rant-filled show the previous night in Sacramento. West was recorded ranting about Beyonce, Jay Z, Hillary Clinton, Mark Zuckerberg, the radio and MTV. He ended the show after just 30 minutes. During the public tirade, the rapper accused Beyonce

Florence Henderson, Famed Mom Of ‘The Brady Bunch,’ Dead At 82

Florence Henderson, known for playing mom Carol Brady on “The Brady Bunch,” has died. She was 82. She died Thursday night surrounded by family at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, her manager confirmed to The Huffington Post. The cause was heart failure. She had been hospitalized on Wednesday. Henderson was beloved by millions for her role as the matriarch of the blended Brady family living in 1970s America. The show debuted in 1969 and lived on in popular culture for decades. Those who knew Henderson took to social media to remember the actress, including Maureen McCormick, who played her on-screen daughter Marcia Brad Henderson’s career spanned more than 50 years, beginning on Broadway when she was just 18. She was quickly cast in a lead role in the seminal musical “Oklahoma!” before moving on to productions of “The Sound of Music,” “The King and I” and “South Pacific.” Other notable moments included a stint as the first female guest host on “The Tonight Show,” and the re-

Florence Henderson lease of a cookbook based on the cooking series “Country Kitchen.” Throughout her career, Henderson was known for her philanthropy work, supporting causes including City of Hope and the House Ear Institute. In 2010, Henderson competed on “Dancing with Stars” and was the fifth competitor to be voted off that season. She made a surprise appearance on the dancing showthis September, dressed up in character as Mrs. Brady. Henderson is survived by two daughters, two sons and five grandchildren. http:// www.huffingtonpost.com.

at my head. Just call me!” West said. “Talk to me like a man!”He later flooded his Instagram with pictures of items from his fashion line. At a previous show earlier last week he was booed by fans after telling them he did not vote in the US election - but if he had, he “would

have voted on (Donald) Trump”. He also praised the President-elect for his “very futuristic” methods of communication. Angry fans booed West and threw items on stage following the rant. Several celebrities have since shown their support for

the singer on social media. Actor Emile Hirsch tweeted “Hey @kanyewest, get better man! People are making jokes right now, but having been there myself, I hope he gets the help he needs.” “Get well soon.” http:// news.sky.com.

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Ministry of Health stages AIDS walk and rally The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) in collaboration with the National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS) yesterday, acknowledged World AIDS Day 2016 with an awareness walk and interfaith service. The theme was “Hands up for #HIV Prevention”. Participants on the walk were judged for the largest contingent, the best uniform and the best banner. Minister of Public Health, Dr George Norton, and Programme Manager for NAPS, Rhonda Moore, led the walk which began at the Square of the Revolution and concluded there after walking through the streets of the city. Participants chanted while walking down the streets about HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention. The event featured prayers from the Muslim community, the Rastafarian community and the Christian community. A cultural performance from the Rastafarian community and a poem written and performed by young Guyanese, Zaheer Mohamed were among the features. Minister Norton commended the participants for helping to spread awareness on HIV/AIDS. It is now 29 years since the first case of HIV/AIDS was diagnosed in Guyana. Minister Norton stated that an important concern is the number of young people being diagnosed with this infection. The Minister stated that they will have to implement testing and counseling for schoolchildren, since that is

the age range that will be targeted for testing. National Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) Co-ordinator, Deborah Success-Hall, made mention of the launch of the National Day(s) of testing – a collaboration between the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Education to have the older school children tested for HIV/AIDS. After it was established they targeted a specific group (for the days of testing) with ages ranging from 15 to 19 and 19 to 25. Success-Hall also emphasised the importance of confidentiality and the fact that counseling will be available for persons who test positive for HIV. However, Guyana has made remarkable progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS. There have been decreases in the number of aids cases and the number of HIV/AIDS related deaths, the Minister said. The Minister said, “I remember years ago, that when persons were diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, it was definitely a death sentence. Now it is rated as a chronic disease, we are living longer.” There has also been a 6.1% decrease from 2015, in the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission, (PMTCT). The prevalence of HIV/AIDS cases in women has decreased from 3.1% in 2003 to 1.9% in 2015. The Minister said that for this year, 21 female sex workers have been trained as counselors. This is crucial because we all are involved in this fight against HIV/ AIDS. Twenty persons have also been trained from the

GPHC participants, winner for best uniformed group. vector control unit, which deals with malaria and pneumonia, also ten persons from the Guyana Red Cross Society have received training to better equip them to deal with these cases. Other activities to raise awareness in HIV/AIDS include condom distribution, community globalization, information distribution and messages through social media. The Minister stressed that there is no need for the stigmatization and discrimination of persons living with HIV/AIDS. NAPS Programme Manager, Rhonda Moore, said that Guyana has been involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS for 29 years now. There are approximately 7, 000 persons living with HIV/ AIDS and over 5,000 persons (Continued on page 66)

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Sunday November 27, 2016

Kaieteur News

Importer’s Customs entries... From page 9 Certificates. “If Mr. Cole cannot accept a Free Sale Certificate that is issued by the United States Government which has the most rigged inspection agency in the world then what can I do? Guyana does not even have an accredited lab but is making decisions based on his personal opinion. He is stopping ours while similar products are coming in and having a free pass.” According to GMSA, in the absence of an accredited lab and phyto-sanitary enforcement and anti-dumping legislation it is extremely important that the G-FDD perform its duties unimpeded. “The GMSA supports all legal action being taken by the Food and Drug Department and urges all parties not to impede or interfere with the work of the Food and Drug department which is an important body under the law.” However, Sanichara said that GMSA should have investigated first before making statements. “We bring containers ever so often. Is GMSA saying we should go to court on each container? I am inviting them to come to my place of business and see for themselves the evidence of discrimination. It is a fact that the court cases take a while. What do we do in the meantime?” Sanichara said last week that his company lost over $30M and was forced to send home

staffers because of the delays and disruptions caused by Cole and his department. “I would like to ask GMSA how would they feel if their products are exported and the destination countries treat them in such a manner?” On Thursday, Health Minister, Dr. George Norton, said that he is taking the allegations against Cole very seriously and that there will be no sacred cows and no victimizations of businesses under the administration. Ahead of Wednesday’s picket, Sanichara said that he had written to President David Granger to amplify his concerns with the Food and Drug Department. He said that he had previously written to the Ministers of Business and Public Health, but it was not until he wrote to the President that he was contacted on the matter. Minister of State Joseph Harmon, on Thursday corroborated reports that an investigation into the matter was underway. Minister Norton said that acting on the instructions of the president, he had made contact with Sanichara to inform him that his Ministry, which has responsibility for the Food and Drug Department, was in the process of examining the complaints. Minister Norton said that he intimated to Sanichara that he will be invited, along with Cole, to attend a meeting aimed at reaching a solution to the situation.

Jagdeo calling on govt. to release... From page 13 majority in the National Assembly to vote against the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project and they caused the US private developer, one of the world’s premiere-league private investors to withdraw.” The statement further accused the government of committing economic vandalism once again by stopping the project in its track when the coalition assumed power in 2015. “They justified these acts of vandalism by stopping the project in its tracks. They justified these acts of vandalism through a series of inaccurate stories; including when the Finance Minister stood before the National Assembly and declared that to proceed with the Amaila

Falls project would be a ‘downright criminal act of deception.” According to the PPP/C these statements are false, inclusive of the other countless justifications made over the last two years for rejecting the project. The party said that since before 2013 the APNU-AFC had access to the same information on the project as the PPP/C. “They know that Guyana’s long term energy strategy should be built with hydropower as its back bone; Amaila Falls has repeatedly been identified as the bestfit for the first major hydropower development in Guyana; the best way to develop the project is as a public-private partnership and in August 2013, Guyana had secured a best-in-class US private investor to be the

major sponsor for Amaila Falls.” The PPP/C said that the Amaila Falls Hydropower project should be almost operational by now – and about to provide most Guyanese citizens and businesses with reliable, affordable, clean energy. Today, the party said Guyana should be within months of becoming one of the top ten users of clean energy in the world. The Amaila Falls project is expected to generate 165-megawatts of hydro power and is supposed to be Guyana’s most expensive one to date, if it gets off the ground. Government has already spent an additional US$35Mplus to build more than 160 kilometers of road to the Amaila Falls site.

Ministry of Health stages AIDS... (From page 65) are linked to treatment. Moore said that yesterday was a day for not only raising awareness with persons living with this chronic disease, but also to remember the thousands who would have died because of HIV/AIDS. Moore said that it is estimated that approximately 200 persons die annually with HIV/AIDS in Guyana. The winners for the walk included Parliament Office that carried away two trophies for the largest contingent and the best banner, while Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) took away the trophy for the best uniformed contingent. NAPS recently re-

launched the National Days of Testing under the theme “Test and Start a New Life”. The testing ran from November 16 to November 20, 2016. The launch was held at NAPS’ Hadfield Street and College Road headquarters, Georgetown. At the launch was Minister Norton; Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Karen Cummings; Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Karen Boyle; Health Services Development Unit, MOPH, Dr. Morris Edwards, and Permanent Secretary of the MOPH, Trevor Thomas, were all facilitated to have an HIV/ AIDS test. The targeted testing was meted out to the pre-specified 15 to 49 age group, as well as

commercial sex workers and Men who have Sex with Men. Preventative measures promoted include abstinence, condom use, and faithfulness to one’s partner, and in the case of pregnant mothers, PMTCT. Statistics presented at the launch for the period of January to June 2016, show that 40,331 tests were done countrywide. Additionally, it has been recognised that Guyana now ranks sixth in the Caribbean for HIV prevalence after ranking at a number two. Seventeen temporary testing sites were set up at popular locations across Guyana including all Republic Bank branches, and the City and Giftland Malls.

Sunday November 27, 2016

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Kaieteur News

Reversible Pulpitis By Dr. Neromini Fagu There are a number of reasons why a tooth may become painful. One of the most common is due to pulpitis. The dental pulp is located below the dentine and enamel layer and contains the nerves and blood vessels of the tooth. When it gets inflamed the condition is called pulpitis and inflammation inside a tooth is never good. Our body’s normal response to irritation is to send extra blood and defense cells to the site causing the area to get red and puffy and to expand as it starts to heal. While this is okay for most parts of the body, it is not so okay for the tooth as there is no room for expansion of the pulp because of the hard surrounding tissues.

This causes an increase in pressure inside the tooth and signals pain to our brain. There are two types of pulpitis, irreversible and reversible and this week we will focus on reversible pulpitis. CAUSES Reversible pulpitis is a mild inflammation of the dental pulp and may be caused by anything that irritates the pulp. Some common causes include: · Cavities that haven’t reached the pulp as yet · Dentine exposure which allows bacteria to irritate the pulp · Dental work such as fillings, crown preparations or root scaling · A fracture of the tooth extending to the enamel and dentine layers but not to the pulp

SYMPTOMS One of the most common symptoms of reversible pulpitis is a short sharp pain that lasts a few seconds usually occurs after consuming something cold or sweet or exposure to short blasts of air. EVALUATION To determine the type of pulpitis you have, your dentist may do the following: · Take a thorough dental history and ask about recent dental work or trauma · Ask about previous history of pain in the tooth in question including description of the pain, when did it start/stop, what causes/ relieves it, its intensity, and its duration · Perform an intraoral examination to check for exposed dentine, caries, a deep or defective restoration,

STANDARDS IN FOCUS

GNBS Christmas tips – purchasing household electrical appliances During the Christmas season, many consumers usually decide to add those new pieces of electrical appliances to their homes or replace or upgrade the old ones. For instance, the housewife or home-maker seeks to buy that new blender, washing machine or electrical stove while others are interested in that mini music system or smart television for entertainment. Whomever the buyer, it is very important that he or she chooses carefully when purchasing electrical appliances. Careful consideration must be placed on the brand and type of appliance needed, the usage the appliance and after sale services provided by the seller. The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) monitors the quality of household electrical appliances imported and offered for sale in Guyana to ensure that they comply with labelling requirements. These appliances include refrigerators, electric stoves and cookers, televisions, mini music systems, blenders and food processors, toasters, microwaves and fans. To avoid making purchasing mistakes, consider the following when buying your appliances: Analyze your needs - Who will be using the appliance? How often it will be used? What exactly will it be used for etc. and choose accordingly. Price - Expect to pay more for the more popular brand name appliances, added features and performance and possible workmanship if not adequately covered by a warranty. Some additional gadgets may give the appliance a better look but may be unnecessary for your needs. Electrical requirements – Ensure that the appliance has the correct voltage (110 or 220 volts). If you purchase any high voltage appliance, you must have a higher voltage electrical line installed. You may require the services of an electrician. Ensure the appliance has the right cycle (50 Hz, 60 Hz or 50/60 HZ) which may vary

depending on the area where you are living. Remember to check to ensure that the wattage can be accommodated in your home. (Note that higher wattage may result in better performance but will require more energy). Certification Mark: Look for the certification mark at the back of the appliance. This mark indicates that the product was tested independently in the country of manufacture and has met safety and quality requirements. Some certification marks include: UL, CE, CSA, NOM, and CCC. GENERAL TIPS 1. In the case of appliances, consider the size of the item and its capacity. Make sure the item can fit into the space available in your home. 2. Take into consideration the frequent changes in technology which may render an appliance obsolete or out dated. 3. Buy from stores that offer warranties, good pre-purchasing advice and adequate after sale services. Make sure you know who is responsible for services and repairs – the dealer or manufacturer. 4. Look beyond sales and bargain prices and think quality. A quality appliance may cost just a bit more but will last a lot longer. 5. If you are buying your appliances on hire purchase, make sure you understand the details of your hire purchase agreement. Read the fine print. 6. When you are buying new appliances, it makes good sense to choose models that use the least energy while meeting your needs. It helps the environment and it can save you money too. 7. Ensure that the appliance purchased is working at the store before taking it home. 8. Handle appliances with care; do not misuse them. Caution: Do not try to install or do any work that should be done by a qualified electrician. For further information, please contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0069, 219-0066, 219-0065 or visit the GNBS website: www.gnbsgy.org.

or trauma · Perform a percussion test, thermal test and/or electrical test · Use radiographs to identify teeth with large restorations or caries that are not clinically visible. DIAGNOSIS Generally, there are four possible pulp diagnosis that a tooth may have: normal, reversible pulpitis, irreversible pulpitis, or necrotic (dead). Reversible pulpitis may be indicated if there is sharp sensitivity to cold, sometimes to sweets

and sometimes to biting. The pain does not usually linger for long and disappears after the stimulus is removed. There is usually no marked sensitivity to heat. Swelling is not usually present as the inflammation inside the tooth is not as pronounced. Visually there may be the presence of caries or tooth fracture. Radiographically the tissue around the tooth may appear normal. Differential diagnosis is needed to rule out other conditions with similar signs and symptoms. TREATMENT Fortunately, reversible pulpitis gets its name because the condition can go away if the cause is eliminated. Depending on the cause, treatment option may include restoring a new cavity with a filling or replacing a defective filling, covering up exposed dentine, or simply remineralizing a cavity that is just beginning. The patient may be prescribed antiinflammatory or pain medications and be advised

Dr. Neromini Fagu to return to their dentist if symptoms persist or worsen. If reversible pulpitis is not treated in time the condition will become irreversible leading to the probable loss of the tooth. 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.

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Kaieteur News

EDUCATIONAL CXC Classes: day & evening classes, personal tutor, Grade 4 to 6, Form 1-5 Maths. Call Sir Jarvis: 690-5008/ 6934588/ 638-2359

SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, C a n a da & UK; Guyana p assport 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. Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigrant Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496; 662-6045 Eagle’s: Re-gas -$8,000, Washing machine repairs, Gas Stove, Plasma flat Screen & more. Call: 697-2969/6460966 Guytec Repairs Services & Spares to washing machines, pressure washer, dryer, stoves, refrigerator, treadmill, vacuum, etc –Call: 680-2377 Repairs & spare, fridge, freezer, A/C, washers, stoves – Contact Nick: 6831312, 627-3206 Brian Moe @ 642-3543: Computer Technician, FB: Brian.Moe.165; Home and office visits at your comfort!! Firber glass repairs, truck caps, boats and many more. Contact Taitram Singh Aka Anil:220-2350/621-9021 Mason Available for casting, block work and plastering, reliable and offering quality work. Call: 619-3296

HEALTH Learn how you can benefit from iridology Mon, Dec 5th - Contact Hazel’s Herbal Store: 226-9136 Herbal Nectar Treatment for diabetics, hypertension and most internal sickness, sexual enhancers for men. Call: 651-8351

SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 6471773/660-5257 EARN A CERTIFICATE IN COSMETOLOGY AT ARTEE’S BEAUTY SALON (W.C.D) - $75,000 & WATCH REPAIRING SERVICES .CALL: 2750267/ 680-0156

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

House for rent located at 696 Golden Grove, E.B.D. Call: 611-1963 for further details

Camp assistant for interior location. Job involves dishwashing, cleaning etc.Call: 618-2020 LORRY DRIVER, MINIMUM 3 YEARS EXPERIENCE, FACTORY ASSISTANT 266 5569 Receptionist male, room attendant, desk staff. Call: 2250198 or visit 233 South Road, Lacytown. Vacancy for salesgirls, hair & nail station rental @ New Market Street. Call: 667-7409 Cook/baker for the Interior location, applicants must be experienced. Call: 618-2020 2 Experienced Carpenters and 1 Labourer. 266 4427 1 Cosmetology, 1 security, 2 salesgirls. Call:265-3586 8am4pm Needed: trained Grade 2 teachers for Jan 2017. Call: 231-4164

LEARN TO DRIVE C. Persaud & N. Outar Driving School formerly Soman & Sons Driving School @ Maraj BuildingCall: 644-5166; 622-2872; 615-0964; 689-5997 (affordable packages).

1-DAF 75 Hauler GNN Series -$2.5M negotiable. Call: 6555117 One black pit-bull BTT 9621, in good condition, 1TR engine. Call: 277-3657 SALE! SALE!- 2010 NOAH & VOXY $2.6M, 2009 TOYOTA ARIUS $2.6M, 2 TON CANTER $2.4MCALL:642-7295

Fully furnished apartment in South & 2 Bedrooms unfurnsihed apartment in Albouystown. Call: 689-5877

VACANCY For male factory workers between the ages 18 and over. Must have police clearanceCall:223-0090

VEHICLE FOR SALE

Snackette Space, A/C $12,500 weekly, ready market. Call: 231-4164 Space for secondary lessons, comes with some students, affordable. Call: 231-4164

Bluebird for sale 2011 model, dark interior, reverse camera $2.7M negotiable, preorder any vehicle Call: 655-3400 2009 NOAH & VOXY $2.6M IN ‘G’ SERIES, 3 TON OPEN BACK CANTER -$3.6M. CALL: 617-2891 CHRISTMAS SPECIAL: SIENTA -$2.3M, RAUM $2.3M, RACTIS -$2.3M, FIELDER -$2.6M, NEVER R E G I S T E R VEHICLE.CALL: 617-2891 1 –CF DAF twin steer in excellent working condition. Call: 6498449/615-6683/228-5655 Toyota Spacio (2003) 16" Mags, flair Kit, remote start, alarm, black interior, HID lights, PNN. Price $1.650M. Call: 619-1047

3 Bedrooms apartment, bottom flat -$50,000 per month @ Triumph, E.C.D. Call: 604-0883 One apartment for rent, lot 8 MonRepos, E.C.D. Call: 6024105/ 614-0005 KITTY APARTMENTS: FURNISHED, GRILLED, 2BR, NEW, GRANITE, SECURE $120,000 MONTH, NO AGENTS CALL: 6724532 KITTY APARTMENTS: UNFURNISHED, GRILLED, 2-BR, NEW, GRANITE, SECURE $70,00 MONTH, NO AGENTS CALL: 972-4532 128 Akawini, Sheriff Street: 3 storey building, unfurnished, 5 bedrooms, kitchen. Call:2200365/ 652-1504 Apartment from December 2016, West Minister W.B.D all utilities included. To bus route. Call: 674-5779

CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MIN BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPOTR & FAMILY OUTING, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807

Sunday November 27, 2016

FOR SALE MX QSC 2000, 1500, 1000 watts, 4 Bass 4MID, 4 horn, 4 tweeter mixer, juggler, EQ, Speaker, Cable. Call: 6542732/ 253-3070 1-30 feet aluminum jet boat with spares. Call: 642-7898 LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Elite 150 -$200,000. Call: 6716749

LAND FOR SALE Diamond 21st Street, can transfer $3.5M. Schoonard, WBD $2.5M, Land Of Canaan $5M per acreContact Shawn 231-2199, 618-7483 Land @ La Parfaite Harmonie -$1M. Call: 6909645 Land @ La Parfaite Harmonie: $1.4M, $1M, $1.6M, Uitvlugt $2, Tuschen School Street $2M (terms available). Call: 604-6724/673-6300 Land 60X110. Call: 614—2377

1 Enclosed Mitsubishi canter GNN series, 1 Fiber glass boat 140HP, outboard engine, 1 generator Kubota 1,000 watts. Call: 277-3230 669-9596 Cargo trawler- Call: 682-8724, 616-5954 Honda CBR 929 for sale $800,000. Also Land for sale at Bushy Park E.B.E. Call: 6944609 Marathon Moto, 7½ HP single phase & photocopy machine. Call: 233-2725/ 2332439 Cat 928F loader, 3406 Cat Engine, 3116 Cat Engine, 3208 Cat Engine. Contact #6500402

House lot for sale @ Blankenburg -3.5 & 4.5 M, Schoonord -6.5 M. Contact #650-0402 Zeelugt -$1.5M, Uitvlugt $2M, Tuschen with small house -$3.5M, price negotiable. Call: 642-1252 Onderneeming West Coast Berbice 0.125 of an Acre. Contact Jason: 675-1035/ Allison: 687-2700. 80X160 located in D’ Aguair ’s Park, gated community, transported. Asking price $45M. Call: 645-6498

Eggs for sale. Call: 668-6455 PROPERTY FOR SALE Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461 Property @ Zeelugt, brand new, fenced, land: 60’X120’ $8.5M, owner migrating, must sell! No reasonable refused! Reduced Price! Call: 684-4759 Two buildings on lot at (W30X6120) @ 180 Charolotte Street Bourda. Call:624-7341/ 227-6817/226-5183 (Price negotiable) Transported property, flat concrete building, land size 80x50, house size 20x38, full facilities Tel: 683-7507/6770321

CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 6560087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO. COM WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP REATES,SPECIAL OFFER FOR THE SUMMER. CALL: 690-6494

1 Large double door freezer 40cubic ft, owner migrating. Call: 696-2957 One complete sawmill situated at Yarrowkabra Industrial site, Soesdyke, Linden Highway. Call: 6441190/ 609-8041 Raw loam, mix loam. Call: 6993192 DAF Truck with 2x Dump tray, Massey Ferguson, bobcat loader. Call:689-1250/ 678-8698/516-312-9525 1 Suzuki Vitara four wheel drive PGG 1598, price negotiable $750,000 Contact: 692-8814 Wardrobes, fridges, TV stand, chairs, dresser, gas stove, etc @ Helena #2 Mahaica. Call Jai Singh): 622-7842/ 639-2070 Refrigerator $60,000, RCA smart TV $30,000, all prices negotiable. Call: 687-3241/ 656-1153 1 Big music set, owner leaving country. Call: 690-5225 Lister generator 10KVA. Call: 694-5460/ 694-1258 HP Desktop computer $40,000, cooler -$80,000, cordless phone- $5,000, glass case -$12,000. Call: 6689021 (all items used for 3 months only)

FOR SALE One 2 storey concrete building at Samantha Point, Grove. Call 613 7596 Sale on foxtail palms, silver palms, red palms, Christmas trees, hibiscus, etc. Call:6875631/216-2199 Evergreen Plantshop. Music set, 6 bass 4 tops, RCF & PV Speakers, QSC amp’s, fully loaded rack Call: 6837507 Sale on leotards, tights, dance shoes & costumes @ Roxie’s Fashion 301 Church St. Call: 622-4386/ 227-8538 Clean garden earth and builders waste, delivery to spots also excavating, grading and leveling done. Call: 616-0617/663-3285 Mixed Pitbull with German Shepherd puppies, 5 weeks old $30,000 each Call: 2690711/666-7895 1-2 Storey wooden and concrete property @ Flour Mill, EBD. Call: 612-2751 Vigo GPP Series, 3RZ Engine, 4WD, immaculate conditionCall: 698-7807 Continue on page 69

Sunday November 27, 2016

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Kaieteur News

CONSUMER CONCERNS

Misuse or overuse of antibiotics is dangerous By PAT DIAL Every year the World Health Organization (WHO) designates a number of global health days or months where attention is focused worldwide on certain diseases and issues fundamental to the health and well-being of nations and individuals. Such would include a focus on Tuberculosis, Malaria and Tobacco use. Other global organizations with similar aspirations to WHO, among them Consumers International and Codex Alimentarius, conduct campaigns world-wide in support of such global health days or months. November has been designated “Antibiotic Awareness Month” and both Consumers International with its devoted membership in many countries of the world and Codex Alimentarius with its wide international membership have been supportive in their campaigns. Indeed, last year CI ran a very successful campaign in informing the world of the dangers of livestock being overfed with antibiotics and the focus was on chicken. Most of the major fast foods companies with their conglomeration of restaurants worldwide have moved away from using antibiotic -fed chicken with their suppliers having to conform. This year, the stress is on humans and the information revealed is frightening. The world has been misusing and overusing antibiotics and this is seriously undermining the progress Medical Science has achieved since World War II: Antibiotics are beginning to be ineffective and we are threatened with a “post-

antibiotic age” where very minor ailments and what today are termed routine surgeries could result in death or permanent health impairment. When antibiotics are misused, the dangerous bacteria begin to develop resistance and mutant strains evolve which transform themselves into new strains of bacteria which present antibiotics cannot eliminate. For example, this is beginning to happen with Tuberculosis. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, if one contracted Tuberculosis, the disease was regarded as terminal and early death was felt to be inevitable since there were no cure or effective medicines. With the advent of antibiotics in the 1940’s and 1950’s, Tuberculosis became successfully treatable and it was assumed that it would be eliminated as small pox had been. In addition to dangerous bacteria developing resistance and mutating into new strains, misuse of antibiotics could kill both the dangerous as well as the useful bacteria. For example, if the bacteria protecting the walls of the intestines are destroyed, this could cause inflammation of the tissues. Or a surgeon may be operating on a patient whom he was unaware had developed a resistance to antibiotics. When the surgeon administers the normal antibiotics assuming they would be effective, and when they are not, the life of the patient could be seriously endangered. Antibiotic resistance leads to longer illnesses and more deaths. The underlying causes of the global antibiotic crisis could be traced to a number of factors which can be corrected. The first cause is the over-prescribing of

antibiotics. Since antibiotics had been so effective within a physician’s early experience, he/she has an almost knee-jerk reaction to prescribe antibiotics, even though some other drug could have been as effective. For instance, sulphur drugs could still be effective. To prevent physicians and other health professionals from over prescribing antibiotics, Medical Councils, Ministries of Health and the training institutions will constantly have to enjoin health care workers of the proper use of antibiotics. A fair percentage of the Guyanese public have access to antibiotics which they use for any kind of ailment, whether it is a stomach upset or a cold. They treat it in the same way they used to treat aspirins. The public needs to be educated and informed about the serious side-effects of overuse of antibiotics and the sale of antibiotics needs

to be much more restricted. Quick and sustained action needs to be taken by the Ministry of Health. Overuse of antibiotics on livestock and fish farms, especially in fodder results in humans who use such animals for food unwittingly ingesting into their systems large doses of antibiotics. The Ministry of Agriculture and the veterinary profession must join forces in educating farmers. The health clinics and hospitals need to tighten their infection controls. This can easily be achieved since all health workers are aware of the value of infection controls. It would seem to us that prevention and control of the misuse or overuse of antibiotics by humans and livestock farms is achievable but it requires sustained public education in the media and schools and the unreserved commitment of the medical and veterinary professions.

From page 68

TO LET Fully furnished vacation home with all amenities Call during working hours 2271218 2 Bedrooms apartments for rent @ Nandy Park -$70,000. Call: 641-3318 One bedroom apartment for decent working couple, parking and other conveniences -$30,000 per month. Call: 623-8759 Two bedrooms house with parking & overhead tank. Call Joy: 649-9059/ 621-1088 Stylish comfortable 2 bedrooms apartment for vocation rental. Web: Airbnb Georgetown, FB: Prestige Property Vocational Rental. Call: 592-678-6690 Two bedrooms apartment at Eccles East Bank Demerara. Call:676-7634 One bedroom top flat apartment, prefer working single person or couple $40,000 monthly. Call: 6723699

WANTED 1 Female shop assistant to work in the interior, salary depends on experienced. Call: 678-0565 Straight stitch, over edge machine operators, portersCall 222-2541 8:00am-4:00pm Mon-Fri Live in waitresses to work in bar– Call:604-6606/692-4649 Experienced cahiers, curry cooks, cleaners. Apply @ Hack’s Halaal with written application, 5 Commerce Street. Receptionist, apply with application at Millenium Manor Hotel, 43 Hadfield Street, W/Rust. One cleaner. Call: 629-6891 One experienced driver/ salesman, preferably living on West Coast & West Bank Demerara. Contact: 690-6622 or 628-6027 1- Male able body clerk. Call: 231-2029/ 616-5954 One cleaner. Call: 629-6891

Rooms in Albertown- Call: Female bartender, live in/out, 698-7807,225-3234 attractive waitresses, cooks needed at Eden’s Bar (East Bank). Call: 678-3616/email: edenbarandlounge@gmal . com .

WANTED Job opportunity in Jamaica: Auto Technician with at least 5yrs experience & computer Literate. Whatsapp 1876-8197371

Couple to work on farm @ Yarrowkabra, ages 35-45yrs, must be experienced in farming. Call: 642-9191/ 2311408 8am-2pm Girls to model in fashionable clothing. Earn extra cash in your spare time. Call: 6262629/ 676-6312

6 Waitresses to work in Mahdia; attractive salary. Call:601-1479 after 11am or whatsapp.

One experienced cook, ages 20-40 to work in snackette & bar. Call:663-7741/ 223-5798

One male to work on chicken farm interior, must have knowledge of chicken rearing. Call: 680-2702

Land to buy @ Tuschen, Uitlugt, Zeelugt, La Parfaite Harmonie, one maid on W.C.D, best price offer. Call: 642-1252

FOR SALE/RENT American Pool Table. Call: 277-0578

Male & Female for printery 2030yrs, supervisors/checker to work with security service, 21 Seaforth Street, Campbellville. Call: 226-9337/641-3687

PEN PAL Overseas based male seeks working female 30-33 years. Must be intelligent- call:6643119 (No Texts)

Female worker wanted sound secondary education, computer literate-Tel: 6225518 Live in/live out domestic 3555yrs, salesgirls, must be computer literate. Call: 6035416/ 644-9802 Arc/Acetylene welder – Car/ Van licence required Call: 227-1813

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Sunday November 27, 2016

Brazilian company conducting urban planning study of G/town The Ministry of Public Infrastructure has begun a Sustainable Urban Transport study for the Capital City of Georgetown. According to Chief Transport Planning Officer at the Ministry Patrick Thompson, the project will be undertaken by two companies, Logit Consulting of Brazil and GSB Plus from Colombia. The team met with officials from the Georgetown Mayor and City Council last week at City Hall as part of the consultative process for the project. According to Thompson, the Ministry hired the two firms to conduct the study. He said that the City is the major stakeholder and over the next few months the team will be going back and forth discussing recommendations and proposals the consultants will come up with. The study started on October 17, 2016 and is expected to continue over the following nine months. Thompson said that the consortium has already had a start-up meeting ,whereby a number of important stakeholders came together for initial discussions. He said that these

stakeholders included the Ministry of Legal Affairs, Central Housing and Planning Authority and the M&CC. He said that since the start-up meeting in October, the group has met with the Traffic Department of the Guyana Police Force and the Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training. According to Thompson, meeting with the TVET council was to facilitate discussions on institutional changes. Moreover, he said that it is believed that the TVET council would have a major role to play in the implementation of driver education programmes. Thompson said, “In the course of the few days we will be having meetings with the Bureau of Statistics, Bureau of Standards as well as some other major stakeholders.” During the recent meeting, Thompson said that the project is aimed at targeting mobility challenges within the city which includes nonmotorised transit. Deputy Mayor and Acting Mayor of Georgetown Sherod Duncan, during discussions told the team that

Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan (2nd from right) poses with members of the Brazil/Colombia consortium and members of the Georgetown M&CC one of the major issues as it relates to transportation, whereby there is a grave disregard for obeying traffic regulations. “The minibuses I think add to this by the very reckless way in which drivers operate; the speeding and not obeying traffic rules, jumping the traffic lights. A simple thing when traffic is blocked

up, you don’t block an intersection. So I think it’s not only just a physical issue in terms of roads and infrastructure, but its law.” One of the issues which came up in the discussions was the zoning for minibus operators. The Deputy Mayor highlighted that some of the routes have been deviated

from by these operators, which has contributed to the traffic woes, since there are additional vehicles traversing restricted streets causing congestion. He said that the problem is not the presence of regulations but rather the strict enforcement. Additionally, Duncan said that traffic management

as a whole is an issue which the team needs to look at. He said that the traffic department of the police force needs to collaborate with the City department. According to Duncan, to tackle the transport issue in Georgetown there will have to be greater synergies established between relative departments.

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Former Cuban leader Fidel Castro dies aged 90 HAVANA (Reuters) - Fidel Castro, the Cuban revolutionary leader who built a communist state on the doorstep of the United States and for five decades defied U.S. efforts to topple him, died on Friday. He was 90. A towering figure of the 20th century and Cold War icon, Castro stuck to his ideology beyond the collapse of Soviet communism and remained widely respected in parts of the world that struggled against colonial rule. Castro had been in poor health since an intestinal ailment nearly killed him in 2006. He formally ceded power to his younger brother, Raul, two years later. Wearing a green military uniform, a somber Raul Castro, 85, appeared on state television on Friday night to announce Fidel’s death, 60 years to the day since the two brothers and a few supporters left Mexico on a boat to bring revolution to Cuba.

“At 10:29 at night, the chief commander of the Cuban revolution, Fidel Castro Ruz, died,” he said, without giving a cause of death. “Ever onward, to victory,” he said, using the slogan of the Cuban revolution. Reaction poured in from around the world. “History will record and judge the enormous impact of this singular figure on the people and world around him,” U.S. President Barack Obama said, extending “a hand of friendship” to Cuba. Obama’s elected successor, Donald Trump, said his administration would work to ensure the Cuban people “can begin their journey toward prosperity and liberty,” even though “the tragedies, deaths and pain caused by Fidel Castro cannot be erased.” Trump’s Vice Presidentelect, Mike Pence, used blunter language about the late leader: “The tyrant Castro is dead. New hope dawns ...

Fidel Castro

Viva Cuba Libre!” he said on Twitter. Venezuela’s leftist President Nicolas Maduro urged revolutionaries to follow

Castro’s legacy, while Pope Francis said he was grieving and praying for the repose of the professed atheist, whom he met in Cuba last year.

Leaders pay tribute, but critics scathing of ‘tyrant’ (Reuters) - World leaders paid tribute yesterday to Fidel Castro, the Cuban revolutionary leader who built a communist state on the doorstep of the United States, but in death just as in life he divided opinion, and critics labeled him a “tyrant”. Castro died on Friday aged 90, his younger brother and successor Raul Castro announced on state television. U.S. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA:

U.S. President Barack Obama offered his condolences to Fidel Castro’s family and added that history would judge Castro’s impact on Cuba and around the world. “At this time of Fidel Castro’s passing, we extend a hand of friendship to the Cuban people,” Obama said. “History will record and judge the enormous impact of this singular figure on the people and world around him.” Obama added that during his own presidency he had worked to “put the past be-

hind us,” while working on a future that was built on those things that were in common. RUSSIAN PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN:

“The free and independent Cuba, built by him and his comrades, has become an influential member of international society and served as an inspiring example for many countries and people. Fidel Castro was a frank and tried and true friend of Russia. He has make a great contribution into establishing and developing of Russo-Cuban ties, close strategic cooperation in all the spheres,” the Kremlin said, citing Putin’s condolences telegram to Raul Castro. U.S. PRESIDENTELECT DONALD TRUMP

President-elect Donald Trump said in a statement that: “Today, the world marks the passing of a brutal dictator who oppressed his own people for nearly six decades. Fidel Castro’s legacy is one of firing squads, theft, unimaginable suffering, poverty and the denial of fundamental human rights. While Cuba remains a totalitarian island, it is my hope that today marks a move away from the horrors endured for too long, and toward a future in which the wonderful Cuban people finally live in the freedom they so richly deserve.” U.S. VICE PRESIDENTELECT MIKE PENCE:

Xi hailed Castro for his contribution to the development of communism both in Cuba and around the world. FRENCH PRESIDENT FRANCOIS HOLLANDE:

China’s president, Xi Jinping, said “the Chinese people have lost a close comrade and a sincere friend”. Raul Castro, who glorified his older brother, has changed Cuba since taking over by introducing marketstyle economic reforms and agreeing with the United States in December 2014 to reestablish diplomatic ties and end decades of hostility. It remained unclear whether Trump would continue efforts to normalize relations with Cuba or fulfill a campaign promise to close the U.S. embassy in Havana once again. Fidel Castro himself offered only lukewarm support for the 2014 deal with Washington, raising questions about whether he approved of ending hostilities with his longtime enemy. He did not meet Barack Obama when he visited Havana earlier this year, the first time an American president had stepped foot on Cuban soil since 1928. Days later, Castro wrote a scathing newspaper column condemning Obama’s “honey-coated” words and reminding Cubans of the U.S. efforts to overthrow and weaken the Communist government. News of Castro’s death spread slowly among Friday night revelers on the streets of Havana. One famous club that was still open when word came in quickly closed. Some residents reacted with sadness to the news. “I’m very upset. Whatever you want to say, he is a public figure that the whole world respected and loved,” said Havana student Sariel Valdespino. But in Miami, where many exiles from Castro’s government live, a large crowd waving Cuban flags cheered, danced and banged on pots and pans. Castro’s body will be cre-

mated, according to his wishes. Cuba declared nine days of mourning, during which time the ashes will be taken to different parts of the country. A burial ceremony will be held on Dec. 4. The bearded Fidel took power in a 1959 revolution and ruled Cuba for 49 years with a mix of charisma and iron will, creating a one-party state and becoming a central figure in the Cold War. Nelson Mandela, once freed from prison in 1990, repeatedly thanked Castro for his efforts in helping to weaken apartheid. In April, in a rare public appearance at the Communist Party conference, Fidel Castro shocked party apparatchiks by referring to his own imminent mortality. “Soon I will be like all the rest. Our turn comes to all of us, but the ideas of the Cuban communists will remain,” he said. Castro was last seen by ordinary Cubans in photos showing him talking to Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang this month. Transforming Cuba from a playground for rich Americans into a symbol of resistance to Washington, Castro crossed swords with 10 U.S. presidents while in power, and outlasted nine of them. He fended off a CIAbacked invasion at the Bay of Pigs in 1961 as well as countless assassination attempts. His alliance with Moscow helped trigger the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, a 13-day showdown with the United States that brought the world the closest it has been to nuclear war. Wearing green military fatigues and chomping on cigars for many of his years in power, Castro was famous for long, fist-pounding speeches filled with blistering rhetoric, often aimed at the United States.

7.0 quake shakes El Salvador, Nicaragua: officials U.S. Vice President-elect Mike Pence said on Twitter that: “The tyrant Castro is dead. New hope dawns. We will stand with the oppressed Cuban people for a free and democratic Cuba. Viva Cuba Libre!” CHINA PRESIDENT XI JINPING: Chinese President Xi Jinping said in a statement that: “The Chinese people have lost a close comrade and a sincere friend”.

French President Francois Hollande mourned the loss of a major figure on the world stage and welcomed the rapprochement between Havana and Washington, while noting concerns over human rights under the Castro regime. “Fidel Castro was a (Continued on page 72)

San Salvador (AFP) - A Pacific Ocean earthquake with a 7.0 magnitude shook El Salvador and Nicaragua late last week, officials said, an hour after a powerful hurricane hit Nicaragua’s Caribbean coast. Tsunami alerts were issued as a precaution by the authorities in Nicaragua and El Salvador, where residents were told to evacuate from the Pacific coast. The 7.0-magnitude temblor occurred around

120 kilometers (75 miles) off the coast of El Salvador, at a depth of 10.3 kilometers (6 miles), according to the US Geological Survey. The USGS had initially reported the quake’s magnitude as 7.2, and its depth as 33 kilometers. Shaking was also felt in the Nicaraguan capital of Managua and as far as the Costa Rican capital San Jose. There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.

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Leaders pay tribute, but critics scathing of ‘tyrant’ From page 71 towering figure of the 20th century. He incarnated the Cuban revolution, in both its hopes and subsequent disillusionments,” Hollande said in a statement. “France, which condemned human rights abuses in Cuba, had equally challenged the U.S. embargo on Cuba, and France was glad to see the two countries reestablish dialogue and open ties between themselves,” added the Socialist party leader. Hollande met Castro in Ma, 2015 during the first ever visit by a French head of state to Cuba since the Cuban revolution. UK FOREIGN MINISTER BORIS JOHNSON: “The UK expresses its

condolences to the government and people of Cuba, and to the former President’s family. Fidel Castro’s death marks

the end of an era for Cuba and the start of a new one for Cuba’s people.” “Fidel Castro’s leadership of the 1959 Cuban Revolution marked him out as an historic if controversial figure. The UK will continue to work with the government of Cuba on a wide range of foreign policy priorities, including on human rights.” EU COMMISSION PRESIDENT, JEANCLAUDE JUNCKER: “Fidel Castro was one of the historic figures of the past century and the embodiment of the Cuban Revolution. With the death of Fidel Castro, the world has lost a man who was a hero for many. He changed the course of his country and his influence reached far beyond. Fidel Castro remains one of the revolutionary figures of the 20th century. His legacy will be judged by history.” VENEZUELAN PRESIDENT NICOLAS MADURO:

In Venezuela, a long-time ally of Cuba and staunch opponent of the political stance of the United States, President Nicolas Maduro said Castro had inspired and would continue to inspire his country. “We will keep on winning and keep fighting. Fidel Castro is an example of the fight for all the people of the world. We will go forward with his legacy,” Maduro told television station Telesur by telephone. BOLIVIAN PRESIDENT EVO MORALES: In Bolivia, where Ernesto

DENT RAFAELCORREA: Ecuadorean President

Rafael Correa said: “A great has left us. Fidel has died. Long live Cuba! Long live Latin America!” SOUTH AFRICAN PRESIDENT JACOB ZUMA:

“Che” Guevara died in 1967 in a failed bid to export Cuba’s revolution, President Evo Morales said in a statement: “Fidel Castro left us a legacy of having fought for the integration of the world’s peoples ... The departure of Comandante Fidel Castro really hurts.” ECUADOREAN PRESI-

South African President Jacob Zuma had warm words, thanking the Cuban leader for his help and support in the struggle to overthrow apartheid. “President Castro identified with our struggle against apartheid. He inspired the Cuban people to join us in our own struggle against apartheid,” Zuma said in a statement.

CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER JUSTIN TRUDEAU: In a statement, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said:”A legendary revolutionary and orator, Mr. Castro made significant improvements to the education and healthcare of his island nation. While a controversial figure, both Mr. Castro’s supporters and detractors recognized his tremendous dedication and love for the Cuban people who had a deep and lasting affection for “el Comandante.” VIETNAMESEPRIME MINISTERNGUYENXUAN PHUCANDPRESIDENT TRANDAIQUANG: In a letter to the Cuban people: “In the hour of this infinite suffering, the Communists and the people of Vietnam again reaffirm the solidarity and steadfast fighting spirit with the Communists and the Cuban brothers.” “The bright life and immortal career of comrade Fidel Castro will forever live in the glorious revolutionary mission of the Cuban people and other nations striving to build a fair, civilized, democratic, prosperous and happy life.” SYRIANPRESIDENT BASHARAL-ASSAD: President al-Assad said in a telegram to the Cuban leadership: “Cuba, our friend, managed under his leadership to withstand the strongest sanctions and oppressive campaigns witnessed in our recent history, becoming a beacon of liberation for the people of South America, and the people of the entire world. Fidel Castro’s name will live forever in the minds of generations

and will inspire those aspiring to true independence and liberation from the yoke of colonialism and hegemony.” ITALIAN PRESIDENT SERGIO MATTARELLA: In a message to Cuban President Raul Castro, he said that: “I learned with deep sadness of the death of Fidel Castro Ruz, a leading figure in his country’s history and life of the world. Over the past few years, albeit far away from active politics, he did not fail to make its voice heard on global issues of great importance and relevance, starting with environmental ones. I am sure that his figure will remain alive in the memory of the Cuban people, to which Italy is all bound together by deep feelings of old friendship.” TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTRY STATEMENT: The Turkish foreign ministry said Castro “left a legacy of values and ideals that will set a path for the young generations in Cuba.” “The struggle to which he dedicated his life aroused respect, even in different political camps, and resounded not just in Cuba but around the world. He stood up against global injustice and worked for the establishment of a world with greater equality and solidarity,” it said in a statement. LEBANESE PRESIDENT MICHELAOUN: “The commander of the Cuban revolution left for almost a century a mark on the world’s conscience thanks to his long experience, his power to persuade and the esteem with which he was beheld, so that his political attitudes and national debates became a unique approach of its own.” “Fidel Castro’s memory will remain an impetus for Cuba’s present and future.” Veteran Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga, whose son born in 1973 was named Fidel Castro Odhiambo Odinga in honor of the Cuban leader, said in a statement: “In many ways, Castro was a great friend and true friend of Africa and other parts of the world that had to fight long and bitter wars to attain freedom from colonialism. “Castro stood very firmly on the side of Africans who were fighting for the continent’s liberation from colonialism especially in Congo (now DRC), Angola, Mozambique, Namibia and South Africa. “In the case of Apartheid South Africa, Castro was one of the very few voices to speak against that system that was founded on a false sense of racial superiority with dire economic consequences for black people.” Odinga’s son Fidel died in 2015. Justin Trudeau, Jacob Zuma,

Sunday November 27, 2016

Kaieteur News

Protests Continue As Haitians Await Results From First Round of Presidential Elections PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – Loud appeals by Haitian electoral officials for calm and patience as vote counting continues have been falling on deaf ears, with political parties and citizens clamouring for the results of last Sunday’s first round of presidential elections. For several days, demonstrators have led violent protests on the streets of the capital, Port-au-Prince, clashing with law enforcers as some of the main political par-

ties each claim victory. The Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) declared that the results of the poll would not be released until tomorrow, and in a statement urged the public to ignore any premature victory announcements. “We call on the population not to believe or transmit any pseudo-result, even partial, that has reached them,” it said. “Any result circulating on the internet or social media is

not attributable to the CEP.” The party of former President Michel Martelly, the PHTK, has already claimed victory for his successor Jovenel Moise. PHTK spokesman Rudy Herivaux said: “Candidate Jovenel Moise is presidentelect of Haiti. We know this officially already. The country knows it. The whole world knows who is the president-elect of Haiti – it’s not a mystery.”

Dominica signs agreements with China ROSEAU, Dominica CMC – China is proving more than US$21 million in grant aid to Dominica. The two agreements on economic cooperation provide funds to be to be used for the West Coast road project. Chinese Ambassador to Dominica, Lu Kun, said the agreements are another symbol of his country’s strong support to the rebuilding of a better Dominica after Tropical Storm Erika last year resulting in millions of dollars in damages. “This is also another significant symbol of the continuing good cooperation between our two countries as well as the deepening friendship between our two peoples,” the diplomat said. The signing ceremony follows the earlier signing of Letters of Exchange for the

Lu Kun West Coast Road post Erika Rehabilitation Project between the two countries in July. “It is very impressive to me that the government of Dominica and the visionary leadership of Honourable

Prime minister Skerrit made such a great endeavour and again substantial achievement to rebuild Dominica and improve people livelihood after Erika regardless of its limited resources,” said Ambassador Lu. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, praised the relationship with Beijing that began in 2004. “They have been among the first to come forward to commit assistance to us, so this ceremony is not a new feature with the relationship which exists between our two countries. As a matter of fact, it is the norm of the relationship which exists between our two countries,” he said. Mr Skerrit also “publicly welcomed” Ambassador Lu to Dominica and assured him that his government will “ensure that your tenure here in Dominica will be very successful”.

Grenadians reject changes to constitution ST GEORGE’S – CMC Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell has promised a post mortem examination of Thursday’s referendum where voters rejected all seven bills that would have resulted in a reform of the 1974 Constitution. “Definitely we will be reviewing the entire process that led us to this point and making a conclusion which will be told to the people,” he said. Preliminary figures released by the Parliamentary Elections Office showed that while more than 70 000 people were eligible to vote on Thursday, fewer than 25 000 did so. Mitchell said he did not regard the outcome as a defeat for this ruling New National Party (NNP) that had won all 15 seats in the last general elections. One of the bills rejected had called for the appointment of an Opposition Leader, but according to the preliminary figures, only 6113 supported the idea as against 15

473 who voted “no”. Voters also turned down the opportunity to replace the Londonbased Privy Council with the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) as the island’s final court. Supervisor of Election, Alex Phillip, said the Caribbean Court of Justice and other Justice related matters Bill received 43 per cent support while 57 per cent of the voters were against the Bill. He said in terms of votes, 9 634 people voted in favour of the CCJ while 12 605 did not support the court that was established in 2001 and also functions as an international tribunal interpreting the Treaty of Chaguarmas that governs the 15-member regional integration movement, CARICOM. CCJ President, Sir Dennis Byron, said he had “hoped to be in a position to welcome Grenada to the Appellate Jurisdiction of the CCJ but I am very respectful of the decision that has been made by the people of Grenada”. He noted that the JURIST Project, a five-year Caribbean judicial reform initiative being

Dr. Keith Mitchell executed by the CCJ, had recently participated in judicial reform activities in Grenada resulting in a reduction of the backlog of cases. The CCJ President reiterated that the Court will continue to provide support to the nation notwithstanding this recent development and thanked Prime Minister Mitchell and his government for championing the historic referendum.

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Clinton team to take part in U.S. state vote recount, Trump blasts effort WASHINGTON/WEST PAlM BEACH, Fla. (Reuters) - Democrat Hillary Clinton’s campaign will take part in a recount of Wisconsin votes in the U.S. presidential race,

an effort Republican winner Donald Trump called “ridiculous” yesterday. Wisconsin’s election board on Friday approved the recount requested by Green

Party candidate Jill Stein. She has said she wants to guarantee the integrity of the U.S. voting system since computer hacking had marked the Nov. 8 election.

Marc Elias, the Clinton campaign counsel, said the campaign would take part in the recount in Wisconsin as well as in the other battleground states of Pennsylva-

nia and Michigan if recounts were mounted there. Elias said in a statement on the Medium website that the Clinton campaign had not planned to seek a recount since its own investigation had failed to turn up any sign of hacking of voting systems. “But now that a recount has been initiated in Wisconsin, we intend to participate in order to ensure the process proceeds in a manner that is fair to all sides,” Elias said. Clinton’s campaign should be legally represented in Wisconsin to be able to monitor the recount, he said. In a statement, Trump said the three states had been won by wide margins, including by more than 70,000 votes in Pennsylvania. The recount is a “scam by the Green Party for an election that has already been conceded,” he said. The $7 million Stein has sought to raise for the recounts is a way “to fill her coffers with money, most of which she will never even

spend on this ridiculous recount,” he said. Although Trump won the Electoral College tally, Clinton will have won the national popular vote by more than 2 million ballots when the final results are in. Stein has raised $5.8 million of the $7 million needed to cover fees and legal costs for the three recounts, according to her campaign website. The deadline for filing a recount bid in Pennsylvania is tomorrow. The voting margins make it highly unlikely any recounts would end up giving Clinton a win in all three states, which would be needed for the overall election result to change. Trump beat Clinton in Pennsylvania by 70,010 votes, in Michigan by 10,704 votes and in Wisconsin by 27,257 votes. Experts urged extra scrutiny of the three states, Stein told CNN on Friday, because their voting systems were seen as vulnerable.

South Africa’s scandalplagued Zuma to face ANC integrity panel Reuters - South African President Jacob Zuma will be questioned this week by the African National Congress’ (ANC) integrity commission following persistent allegations of corruption and poor election results, the party said weekend. Zuma’s appearance before the panel could deepen divides within the ANC as it gears up for a national conference next year when the 74year-old leader is expected to stand down as party leader. Several senior members of the ANC have called for Zuma to resign in recent months after scandals rattled markets in Africa’s most industrialised economy and cost the party votes. A constitutionally mandated anti-graft watchdog this month called for a judge to investigate allegations Zuma provided special favours for wealthy friends and allowed them to choose ministerial appointments. Zuma denies any wrongdoing. The president’s office said in a statement that Zuma had received legal advice to

challenge the watchdog’s report in court and would do so at a later date. In the report, the Public Protector watchdog also called for a judicial inquiry to be set up to probe the allegations against him. Zuma told parliament on Wednesday the watchdog had no right to call for a judicial inquiry, describing its report as unfair.The report, released on Nov. 2, focussed on allegations that businessman brothers Ajay, Atul and Rajesh Gupta had influenced the appointment of ministers. The Guptas have denied any wrongdoing. Zuma’s meeting with the ANC commission is expected to be held on Dec. 3 behind closed doors. Members of the ANC have been removed from their posts as a result of the commission’s recommendation. “He will be having a meeting with the IC,” ANC Secretary General Gwede Mantashe told Reuters, referring to the commission. He did not say what would be discussed at the meeting.

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Hamilton on pole for F1 title showdown, Rosberg second

Lewis Hamilton of Britain gets out of his car after taking pole position in qualifying session. REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah Lewis Hamilton lapped in a league of his own to seize pole position for the title-deciding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix yesterday but Mercedes

teammate Nico Rosberg remained championship favorite with second place on the grid. Rosberg has a 12-point

lead and can afford to let Hamilton win today’s day-to-night race, knowing a podium finish at Yas Marina will bring him a first Formula One championship to match Finnish father Keke’s 1982 triumph. Hamilton, who now has 61 career pole positions and 12 for the season as well as four in a row, has to be in the top three to have a chance of becoming Britain’s first four-times world champion. He gave himself the best shot under the floodlights, setting a series of fastest sector times that left little doubt about his determination to try to beat the overwhelming odds against him. His time of one minute 38.755 seconds was a real statement of intent, the champion a mighty 0.303 faster than Rosberg’s best effort. It was the first time Hamilton had

out-qualified his teammate in Abu Dhabi with Rosberg on pole in the last two years, but it could all come to nothing with the title outcome out of the Briton’s hands. Hamilton could end the season with 10 wins to Rosberg’s nine, and needs rivals to get between him and his teammate, but Rosberg will be reassured that Mercedes again looked in complete control. Australian Daniel Ricciardo qualified in third place for Red Bull, with a lap more than half a second off Rosberg’s pace, and will share the second row with Ferrari’s 2007 world champion Kimi R a i k k o n e n . Hamilton reminded Ricciardo of the Australian’s ‘winner, winner chicken dinner’ catchphrase and said he

wanted to hear it today - but with the Red Bull driver one of those behind him and ahead of Rosberg. Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel, who secured his first championship against the odds at the circuit with Red Bull in

2010, starts in fifth place with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen sixth. Britain’s Jenson Button, the 2009 world champion, will line up for his farewell race in 12th position for McLaren. (Reuters)

Doping-Ilyin stripped... (From page 74) after also failing re-tests carried out by the IOC. They were Pavel Lyzhyn of Belarus, who competed in the men’s shot put in Beijing, Sviatlana Vusovich from the women’s 800 meters in Beijing, Boyanka Kostova of Azerbaijan from the women’s weightlifting in London and Nastassia MironchykIvanova of Belarus from the women’s long jump in London.

The IOC, which stores samples for a decade to test with newer methods or to analyze performance-enhancing substances that have yet to be identified, says a total of 98 samples have come back as positive in re-testing from the 2008 and 2012 Olympics. It has been naming the guilty athletics, and stripping them of their medals where appropriate, in batches. (Reuters)

Teams ready for BCCDA/CBIS... Sunday November 27. 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You must use discretion when talking to others. Gambling should not be an option. You will have a problem dealing with groups. You are best to sit back and think it through, rather than add to the ranting and raving. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Make changes around your house and plan to do some entertaining. Trying to deal with your mate will be unproductive and possibly hurtful. Encourage the youngsters in your family. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You can ask for favors but don't take them for granted. Try to make amends by planning a nice dinner for two. Leave things as they are for the moment and focus on reaching your highest potential at work. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Equilibrium in your romantic life is likely if you treat your partner well. This may not be the time to lend or borrow. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You can come up with future trends in creative fields. Help others solve their dilemmas. Do things for them but don't allow them to make unreasonable requests. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Exhaustion combined with overindulgence could result in minor health problems. Try to avoid any drastic decisions concerning personal legal matters. Get busy on those home improvement

projects that you've been procrastinating about. LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Sudden romantic encounters will set your head spinning. Loss or theft may occur if you are careless with your belongings. You can make money if you concentrate on producing services or goods that will make domestic chores easier. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Secret intrigues could get you into trouble. Do your chores and get on with the things you enjoy doing. Educational pursuits should help you develop your hobbies. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Don't count your chickens before they hatch. Discord may arise with someone you're close to. Find out exactly what's expected of you and you'll be surprised to find out how capable you are. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) You need to sit back and enjoy. Don't reveal any personal details. Your mind will be wandering to exotic destinations. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You may be somewhat emotional concerning a rather private matter. Help if you can, but more than likely it will be sufficient just to listen. Do not get upset over trivial matters. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) There might be a problem with a will or with an insurance policy. Your mate may not be too sure about your intentions. You will expand your circle of friends if you join groups.

(From page 77) other activities. The aim of the event is to promote unity and fostering better working relations between entities and the public. Children and other patrons will also be catered for with Merry go round and other tokens. Patrons will have an opportunity to walk away with gate prizes. Massy Industries has donated a gas stove, gas bottle and fittings along with other accessories while Massy Distribution has donated two food hampers. All the funds raised from this

Sizzling action... (From page 78) popular Interstate vehicle batteries, Busta, Macorp, Ready Mix, Guyoil, IPA, BEV Processors Inc., EC Vieira, Sattuar Gafoor and Gafsons, Cummings Electrical, Tecno mil, Namilco, E Networks, Massy, BM Soat, RK Security, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Ramesh Sunich of the Trophy Stall, James Bovell of the Business School, AH&L Kissoon and Nexen Global. Trophies were also donated by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo while the MVP gets the Trophy Stall trophy. The Best Goalie clinches the Business School prize while the player scoring the most goals collects a Lazy Boy chair from AH&L Kissoon Ltd. Teams will be playing according to the Inter Ward/Village tournament rules in accordance to FIFA rules. The no offside rule is also in effect in this format.

event will go towards charity. The winning team is expected to pocket $40,000 plus a trophy and medals. Second place attracts $20,000, trophy and medals while third and fourth place finishers will receive $10,000 and $5,000 re-

spectively, trophies and medals. The man of the match will get $5,000 and trophy. The defending champion is the Nand Persaud Group of Companies. However they will not be participating this year. (Samuel Whyte)

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Red Force 173-4 vs Hurricanes – 2nd day, 3rd round Port of Spain, Trinidad, CMC – Trinidad and Tobago Red Force, sent in by Leeward Islands Hurricanes, were 173 for four in their first innings at the close on a rain-affected second day of their third round game in the Regional

Four-Day Championship at Q u e e n ’s P a r k O v a l y e s t e r d a y . Scores: RED FORCE 173 for four (Kyle Hope 86, Isaiah Rajah 69; Kieran Powell 2-16, Rahkeem Cornwall 2-39) vs HURRICANES.

Sunday November 27, 2016

Doping-Ilyin stripped of Beijing, London weightlifting golds Kazak weightlifter Ilya Ilyin has been stripped of the gold medals he won at the Beijing and London Olympic Games after failing doping tests in re-analysis of samples, the International Olympic Committee (IOC)

said on Friday. Ilyin, who won the 94kg category at both Games and is one of the sport’s most celebrated figures, tested positive for the banned substance stanozolol in 2008 and turinabol and stanozolol

in 2012, the IOC said as it confirmed its decision to strip him of the medals, which he was ordered to hand back. The decision was a formality after the International Weightlifting Federation announced in June that Ilyin, a hero in his home country, had failed a re-test. The 28-year-old, who has also won four world titles and is a multiple world record holder, was suspended and missed the Rio de Janeiro Games in August where he had been expected to win gold in the 105kg category. Ilyin has denied wrongdoing.

Aksana Miankova of Belarus was stripped of the gold medal she won in the women’s hammer throw in Beijing after testing positive for turinabol and oxandrolone in re-tests. Miankova was also disqualified from the same event at the London Games where she finished seventh. Her compatriot Natallia Mikhnevich was stripped of the silver medal from the women’s shot put in Beijing after testing positive for methandienone and stanozolol. Four other athletes were disqualified (Continued on page 73)

Sunday November 27, 2016

Kaieteur News

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U.S. rallies past Mexico for U-20 WWC semifinal spot Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea - The United States advanced to the 2016 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup semifinals, rallying to earn a 2-1 win over Mexico on Friday at Sir John Guise Stadium. In the all-CONCACAF quarterfinal, Maria Sanchez gave Mexico a 1-0 lead near the midway point of the second half, before substitutes Ally Watt and Kelcie Hedge replied for the Americans. The U.S. will next face Korea DPR – a 3-2 winner over Spain — in a final-four encounter on November 29. Mexico went ahead 1-0 in the 66th minute, when Maria Sanchez powered a leftfooted free kick from just outside the box off the hands of goalkeeper Casey Murphy and into the back of the net. Murphy then misplayed a long ball played into the penalty area, but Jacqueline Crowther ’s right-footed effort off the bounce from seven-yards out floated harmlessly over the crossbar.

With that danger averted, the U.S. went to work on the offensive end led by the outstanding Ashley Sanchez – the youngest player on the squad at just 17-years-old. In the 81st minute, Sanchez rolled a splendid pass into the left side of the box for an on-rushing Watt. . As goalkeeper Esthefanny Barreras came out to challenge, Watt shot with her left foot from nine yards, beating the sliding Barreras and depositing the ball inside the near post. The dynamic Sanchez set-up the game-winner in the third minute of stoppage time. After racing brilliantly into the right side of the box and eluding challenges, she pulled the ball back from the end line towards the penalty spot. Mallory Pugh smartly let the ball go through her legs to the waiting Hedge, whose right-footed attempt t o o k a d e f l e c t i o n o ff defender Monica Flores and spun past the helpless Barreras.

The win marked the sixth time in eight U-20 Women’s World Cups that the U.S. has advanced to the semifinals. (CONCACAF)

USA’s Kelcie Hedge (left) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against Mexico. (Photo: FIFA via Getty Images)

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Kaieteur News

Sunday November 27, 2016

Amy Grant Lifts Swimming Campbell props up Scorpions Champion Girl Trophy On Friday evening the curtains came down on the 56th National Schools Swimming, Cycling and Track and Field Championships at the National Stadium with the presentation of medals and trophies. Multi talented athlete and musician Amy Grant picked up the Champion Girl trophy for winning the Girls Under-16 gold in the 50m Freestyle and 50m Backstroke events along with silver in the 50m Butterfly. Grant, also got gold in the Girls 200m Freestyle Open Relay where she anchored the team. The other members of the team were Jadyn George and Danielle George of Queens College along with Lian Winter who attends the same school as Grant, The Bishops’ High School. On Wednesday, two days after her victory in the pool, Grant made a move from the National Aquatic Centre, Liliendaal to the track at the National

Amy Grant shows off her champion girl trophy and medals. Stadium, Providence for the 800m in the Girls Under-16 category. Competing in the first of two heats against 7 other talented girls, Grant made it to the Finals which took place three hours apart

where she placed 5th overall. Commenting on her performance in the pool and on the track, Grant said that it was a great experience especially in the track events and was glad she was able to participate.

Kingston, Jamaica, CMC – Opener John Campbell’s half-century averted disaster for Jamaica Scorpions but they remained in trouble against a fired-up Barbados Pride on a rainaffected second day of their third round game in the Regional Four-Day Championship here yesterday. When rain – which forced the abandonment of Friday’s opening day – ended play just after tea, the hosts were still wobbling om 157 for eight but it represented a huge turnaround from a precarious position of 52 for five in the morning session. The left-handed Campbell led the recovery, stroking a top score of 60 while tailender Damion Jacobs weighed in with a valuable 30 and Andre McCarthy, 22. All told, the West Indies A player struck five boundaries off 142 balls in a knock spanning 3-1/4 hours. Off-spinner Kenroy Williams picked up two for 16 and was joined by seamers Kemar Roach (224) and Justin Greaves (240) who also finished with two wickets apiece. Sent in at Sabina Park, Scorpions made a horrific start when they found themselves four

down inside the first hour with just 28 runs on the board. In the day’s first over, Shacaya Thomas fell for two, edging Roach to Shamarh Brooks at second slip at four for one and in the following over, Test batsman Jermaine Blackwood was snared at third slip by Roston Chase off Greaves, without scoring. Greaves trapped Antiguan Devon Thomas leg before wicket for three in the sixth over before Roach removed Chadwick Walton to a catch at the wicket for five in the following over. Campbell then steadied the innings by adding 31 for the fifth wicket with McCarthy who faced 41 balls in just over an hour at the crease

before finding Brooks at backward point off left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican, in the third over prior to lunch. Debutant Fabian Allen made a breezy 25-ball 19 with four fours in a 38-run, sixth wicket stand with Campbell which took Scorpions to lunch on 70 for five. But Allen perished in the eighth over following the resumption leaving Campbell to mount another partnership, this time putting on 39 for the seventh wicket with Jacobs who counted three fours in a 94-ball knock. Campbell was eventually removed when he popped a catch to Omar Phillips at silly point off Williams, to be seventh out at 129.

Another horserace meet postponed The horserace meet organised by the Rising Sun Turf Club in collaboration with the Alliance for Change Party has been postponed due to circumstances beyond the control of the organisers. The event was scheduled for today at the Club’s Arima Park, Rising Sun, West Coast, Berbice and is off until further notice. Eight races were listed for the day with over $5M in p r i z e s a t s t a k e . Persons with queries can contact Fazal Habibulla at Chester Fry Bush Lot, West Coast, Berbice on Telephone No 232 0232 or 657 7010.

Sunday November 27, 2016

Kaieteur News

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Local group recognises ‘Lady Ira’ for aiding Atwell’s recovery The Guyana Committee of Services on Thursday recognised the efforts and work of Ira Lewis, popularly known as ‘Lady Ira’, who played a lead role in the treatment and recovery of Guyanese boxing champion, Clive ‘The Punisher’ Atwell, who suffered a brutal knockdown at the hands of Dexter Gonsalves last year at the Giftland Mall. Members of the group presented a plaque to the USA-based Guyanese, inscribed with the words, “I slept and I dreamt that life is all joy. I woke and I saw that life is all service. I served and I saw that service is joy, with an abundance of thanks.” It was a simple, but significant ceremony held in the main pavilion of the Georgetown Cricket Club where Chairman of the Guyana Committee of

Services, Eugene Noel, spoke of the committee’s agenda, prior to bestowing the award on ‘Lady Ira.’ ”A few months ago, under the aegis of Payless Variety Store, we endeavoured to a do a few things for persons who are very unfortunate. We were successful with a few of them in sports- we were successful with Clive Atwell- and we’re attempting others. But we’re grateful, we‘re very thankful for the service that you would have provided for brother Atwell when he was in the States and we’re happy that we have this connection,” Noel told the small gathering. ‘Lady Ira’ is the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Guyana America Heritage Foundation, and played a key role in Atwell getting medical attention in the USA after he endured a

Ira ‘Lady Ira’ Lewis (third right) poses with some members of the Guyana Committee of Services. From left are Eugene Noel, Young Bill Rogers, Joseph Ramkumar, boxer Clive Atwell, Rajan Tiwari and Leslie Black. horrendous blow to the head by Gonsalves in their title fight. The punch rendered the boxer unconscious, and after he was rushed off to hospital, it was determined that he

n e e d e d u r g e n t reconstructive surgery on his skull. After the WBC FECARBOX Super Lightweight fight in October 2015, Atwell was diagnosed with massive intracranial haemorrhage and general swelling to the brain. It was on his journey to seeking help to offset his expenses that Atwell encountered ‘Lady Ira’, a meeting he pointed out was “a blessing in disguise.” “She came onboard with everything she had. She got the understanding of the situation and then we launched out to raise money. She made sure I was at different functions, different fundraising events. She would call my wife and I every day- sometimes four, five times a day. She would travel two, three hours a day

from one event to another, all in the effort of raising funds,” Atwell reflected. ‘Lady Ira’ meanwhile, is the recipient of many awards for her work with the Foundation in the USA, but she says this accolade is very special since it is from her countrymen and women. “I’m surprised. I don’t know what to say because a lot of times I give awards, but receiving is something else. I can tell you right now; I never felt this way before,” a smiling ‘Lady Ira’ said upon receiving the plaque. She continued, “I’ve been honoured by many, many countries and nationalities, but today is one of the honours that I

never expected. When your own honours you, you feel so much better. America has honoured me and I’m grateful and thankful for that, but I must tell you I feel 101% better when my own country people honour me. Thank you, thank, thank you.” The Guyana Committee of Services would also like to express gratitude to other several persons who played a part in Atwell’s surgery and recovery, among them Joseph Ramkumar, Carlos Prowell, Avril Black, Leslie Black, Sean Devers, Gwen Williams, Lyndon Jones, Rajan Tiwari, Lennox Cush, Eugene Noel, Young Bill Rogers and Fly Jamaica.

Teams ready for BCCDA/CBIS Inter-Agency Softball cricket and fun day Four more teams have been added to the list of that will be participating in the 7th Berbice Chamber of C o m m e r c e a n d Development Association (BCCDA), Corporate Business in Sports (CBIS) Inter-Agency Softball cricket competition and fun day. With one dropping out and four new additions the total is now 12 for the activity which is slated for today at the Rose Hall Community Center, Canje beginning at 09:00 hrs. The f o u r t e a m s a r e J ’s Supermarket of New Amsterdam, Universal DVD, CGX Carriers and Kascon Engineering of Canje. Republic Bank Rosignol will merge with the rest of their branches in Berbice to

form one team. Meanwhile, the fixtures will see –BBCI taking on Massey Industries followed by a clash between Oldendorff Carriers and Hand in Hand, the match between Republic Bank New Amsterdam Branch and Ansa Mc AL Trading will follow. Massey Distributers will then match skills with Permaul Trading, Kascon Engineering oppose Universal DVD with the final first round game between J’s Supermarket and CGX. The respective quarter finals and semi finals will then follow with the winner of the third quarter final drawing the by top the final. Teams will also engage each other in dominoes and (Continued on page 73)

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Kaieteur News

Cricket Festival celebrates Prince Harry’s St Lucia visit B y S e a n Devers in St Lucia The Prince is in town shouted the locals as Prince Harry made his way into the Darren Sammy Stadium yesterday morning to Captain a Prince Harry’s X1 against a Prime Minister’s X1 led by St Lucian PM Allen Chastanet. The visit to St The Umpire and Prince Harry watch as St Lucian Lucia, often PM Allen Chastanet toss the coin yesterday to referred to Helen start the festival game. (Sean Devers photo) of West Indies because the Island often switched between at 09:30hrs yesterday and Guests, roared its approval. French and British rule, was was won by Prince Harry’s Prince Harry is the younger a part of the Prince’ tour of X 1 w i t h t h e S k i p p e r son of The Prince of Wales t h e C a r i b b e a n w h i c h clobbering 18 from six balls and Diana, Princess of includes a visit to the South bowled by Prime Minister Wales. Prince Harry lives at American nation of Guyana. Chastanet and a stand full of Kensington Palace in The six-over a-side game students from schools in the L o n d o n . H i s R o y a l began in the scorching heat area and specially invited Highness carries out public

duties in support of The Queen alongside a number of charitable activities and projects. Ye s t e r d a y ’ s event included a Carnival Parade around the Stadium and a presentation of an autographed bat by Sammy’s St Lucia Zouks team members. Being from England, it was no surprise that the fit 32-yearold Prince looked the part of a cricketer when he batted and some useful off-spin with an action that was as clean as whistle. H o w e v e r, t h e P r i m e Minister, who represented St Lucia at Basketball, was stumped of his Royal Highness’ bowling looked at sea with the bat. A large media crew of English Journalists and photographers is following Prince Harry on his Caribbean trip.

Sunday November 27, 2016

Mayor Hamilton Green 82nd birth anniversary

Sizzling action anticipated as teams go after top prize and bragging rights Former Prime Minister of Guyana and Mayor of Georgetown, Hamilton Green recently celebrated his 82nd birth anniversary on November 9 and former national footballer and national coach, Lennox Arthur, has organized a oneday tournament to celebrate this important milestone. The preliminary stages had produced a quality brand of football and this trend is expected to continue when several of the top football teams endeavor to triumph over each other at the Den Amstel Community Centre G r o u n d , We s t C o a s t Demerara to claim the top prize of $300,000 and a trophy while the runners-up receive $100,000 and a t r o p h y Twenty-four teams started the competition on the inaugural night and twelve of those teams will now compete for the lucrative first place prize. Play starts today at 15:00hrs when Tucville takes on Wales. Kitty will then face off with Mocha while Pouderoyen tackles Alexander Village. Crane

Trayon Bobb matches skills with Kuru Kururu just before Stewartville take on Grove. The day’s activities will culminate with Uitvlugt up against Soesdyke, Lodge play South Sophia and Herstelling locking horns with Den Amstel. Sponsorship is a very important variable to the success of the tournament and the organisers are grateful to those corporate entities and individuals that contributed to the success of the tournament. They include China Trading, Top Brandz of Broad and High Street, distributors of the (Continued on page 73)

Kaieteur News

Sunday November 27, 2016

3rd Annual Smalta Girls Pee Wee Football Tournament

Title holders St. Stephen’s among early winners

Action in the clash between St. Angela’s and F.E. Pollard yesterday. Reigning title holders St. Stephens’s, West Ruimveldt, Enterprise and North Georgetown were among the teams registering victories during yesterday’s opening round of the 3rd Annual Smalta Girls Pee Wee Football Tournament, at the Ministry of Education ground. The champs edged Redeemer through a solitary strike from Odelli Straughn in the seventh minute to claim full points. West Ruimveldt squeezed past Winfer Gardens 2-1 with Gabriella McGarrell firing in a brace in the third and 10th minutes, while an own goal in the 13th minute a c c o u n t e d f o r Wi n f e r G a r d e n s g o a l . Enterprise then cruised past 2014 winners Stella Maris by a 3-1 margin with Kemeora Warren, Tanya Mohabir and Emmaria Mercier netting in the 14th, 16th and 20th minute respectively. An own goal in the 18th minute provided a consolation goal for Stella Maris. North Georgetown inflicted a 4-0 drubbing on Smith Memorial with Alicia James scoring the first hattrick of the tournament in the 5th, 17th and 20th minute, while an own goal in the 15th minute completed their tally. In other results, St. Agnes beat St. Pius 2-0. Amanda McPherson and Shequeena Smith scored in the fifth and ninth minutes r e s p e c t i v e l y. S o u t h Ruimveldt gained a walkover from St. Gabriel’s, while St. Margaret’s enjoyed a similar result against Tucville. F. E. Pollard and

St. Angela’s battled to a 1-1 stalemate with Carletta Ross’ 13th minute strike giving St. Angela’s the lead, before Cedranessa Benn equalised in the 23rd minute for F.E. Pollard. The event will resume next Saturday at the same venue with another round of group fixtures. At 10:00hrs, St. Margaret’s tackles St. Stephen’s, while Tucville go up against Redeemer. West

Ruimveldt engages Smith Memorial and North Georgetown square off against Winger Gardens from 10:45hrs. At 11:30hrs, St. Gabriel’s lock horns with St. Agnes, while F.E. Pollard matches stride with Enterprise. The final two matches at 12:15hrs will pit St. Angela’s against Stella Maris and St. Pius square off with South Ruimveldt.

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Digicel provides airfare for Garrett to attend Sporting Lisbon tryout Promising young footballer and member of the Fruta Conquerors FC Jeremy Garrett is scheduled to leave Guyana tomorrow to attend a tryout at the world famous football club Sporting Lisbon of Portugal. To t h i s e n d , D i g i c e l (Guyana) made it possible for Garrett to journey to Portugal after consenting to provide total airfare for the talented ball weaver to take up the offer presented by the legendary club. Yesterday, during a simple ceremony that was conducted in the Boardroom at Digicel Head Office in Kingston, Head of Customer Care Sherwin Osbourne presented Garrett with the ticket in the presence of media operatives. Speaking at the occasion, Osbourne said that they were prompted to support Garrett on the recommendation of Alex Bunbury, founder of the Alex Bunbury Sports and Academics Academy (ABSAA) in addition to his outstanding display during the Digicel Nationwide Schools Football Tournament in which he guided his team Chase

Head of Customer Care Sherwin Osbourne (left) hands over the ticket to Sporting Lisbon bound Jeremy Garrett at the Digicel Head Office yesterday. Academic Foundation to the title. In response, Garrett, who had also performed outstandingly at the CSEC examinations, thanked the Company for its support and promised to be a good ambassador during his stint at the club. He also extended

heartfelt thanks to all the other entities and persons responsible for his progression in the sport and pledged to work hard to give Guyana a chance to make it to the World Cup finals. Jeremy Garrett and Shemika Marcus were chosen by ABSAA to attend tryouts at Sporting Lisbon.

t r o Sp Diamond Mineral Water Indoor Hockey Festival

Lions fire warning to all pretenders; Toros setup clash with Pizza Hut GCC

Woodpecker Hikers Krezia Layne (centre) is being checked by a Toronto Toros player during their clash on Friday. The Toronto Lions fired warning shots to all pretenders on Friday evening, cruising to a comfortable 5-0 win over local top side Old Fort as the Diamond Mineral Water Indoor Hockey Festival continued at the National Gymnasium on Mandela A v e n u e . The Toronto side put together strings of passes in a disciplined approach to picking apart their opposition and was devastating when the eventual scoring opportunities appeared. Tony Cole was his usual outstanding self in goal for Old Fort and kept the game scoreless at the half, but the Lions made their breakthrough in the opening minute of the second half through a Jonathan Roberts deflection goal. After being foiled by Cole on

several occasions, the Lions seemed to opt for hard passes across the goal for deflections to achieve success. This tactic worked as Shane Rajaraman scored two goals similar to Roberts and a third field goal to give Lions a 4-0 lead by the 36th m i n u t e . Satnam Dosanjh put the exclamation mark on the performance with a final minute goal to take his team’s tally to 5. Old Fort created opportunities in the match, but Shankar in goal matched each threat to earn t h e s h u t o u t . Following their impressive performance on Thursday evening, the Queen’s Park men destroyed their opposition Bal-Wash-ers 112. Trinidadian nationals Akim Toussant and Jordan Vieira proved too much for the Washers hammering home four and three goals

r e s p e c t i v e l y . Darren Cowie scored a double with Dominic Young and Jerazeno Bell completing the Queen’s Park scorers. Rishi Bhagava and

Jesse Larson each managed singles for the Bal-Wash-ers. The Toronto Lions only needed three minutes to get on the score sheet against Carib HC as match top-scorer Jonathan Roberts pierced the air with a penalty corner strike that was too fast for the Carib goalkeeper. Roberts scored four more goals in the match en route to a convincing 10-1 victory for the Lions. Shane Rajaran added two goals, while brothers Micah and Devohn Texeira along with Satnam Dosanjh netted one each to complete the Lions scoring. Jael St. Louis was the lone marksman for C a r i b . The Bal-Wash-ers returned later in the evening to chalk up their first win of the division against the Avengers with a 4-1 final score. The goals for the

winners were shared among D e a n S c h i l l e r, R i s h i Bhargava, Yannick van Bavel and Jugwinder Mahal, while Meshach Sargeant scored for the Avengers. In the ladies fixtures, the Toronto Toros managed their second win of the competition, beating Woodpecker Hikers 4-3 to setup an interesting clash yesterday with local champs Pizza Hut GCC. After a bit of a slow start, the Toros seized control of the match and were up 3-0 by the 32nd minute as Kaelen Watson scored a double and Danica Jayme added a single. The match then took a strange turn as the Hikers clawed themselves back into contention with a pair of goals from Nicole Eastman and Krizia Layne. The boisterous Hikers supporters seemed to provide just the catalyst needed for the Hikers to craft their comeback, but Jayme carved a chunk out of their enthusiasm with a 37th minute field goal to take the s c o r e t o 4 - 2 . Alana Lewis managed a final goal for Hikers in the

very last minute of the match, but with all spectators on edge, the final horn saw the score remain 43 in favour of the Canadians. Striker Sonia Jardine of Pizza Hut GCC took 15 minutes to get on the score sheet, but then rattled off three more goals for the 4-0 win over Old Fort. Jardine was the lone scorer of the match and showed her class as she produced a goal each time she was on the court for the second half of the game. In Pool A of the veteran’s competition, Old Old Fort made a strong bid for a place in the final with a 5-3 victory over Malvern HC of Trinidad. After a 1-1 halftime score, Old Old Fort fell behind in the 29th minute by 2-3, before storming back with three unanswered goals for the win. Veterans pool B saw Antonio’s Hickers edge Carib HC by 3-2, while the Queens Park vets managed a 6-2 victory over Bal-washers and a 7-3 win against Carib HC. The finals in all the categories are set for t o d a y, s t a r t i n g f r o m 16:00hrs.

Toronto Lions star player Jonathan Roberts (centre) attempts to dribble past Old Fort’s Dwight Sullivan (right) and Christopher Low-Koan during their encounter on Friday.

Digicel provides airfare for Garrett to attend Sporting Lisbon tryout Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210