Thursday October 06, 2017
Is Minister Patterson related to this gentleman? DEAR EDITOR, Every day when I read about Guyana and its unending problems I feel sick and frustrated, unable to help in a practical way from this great distance. Because of my preference for complete independence plus what I regard as exploitation by pricing guest house accommodation in US dollars for even the ‘basics’, I am ‘put off’ visiting the land of my birth. The 4-hour wait for planechange in the Caribbean, arriving in Guyana at night does not help, but instead adds to one’s anxieties. No thanks! Two well-meaning elderly women found apparently murdered in their home brought back personal memories of what hastened my departure from the country at the turn of the century. I have just read of the vendors at Vreed-en-Hoop in danger of being deprived of their livelihood and what happened to others a few years back (Freddie Kissoon column, Thursday, October 5, “The Vreed-en-Hoop assault on 30 women.”) How can Establishment figures be so heartless and cruel? In fact, we are treating our sisters the way the whites we got rid of treated them in the past. I remember my grandmother telling me of her sister who worked as a ‘nanny’ to two children, but was required to ‘help out’ at evening cocktail functions to entertain overseas visitors. At one party, she partook
of some of the ‘leavings’ in glasses, dozed off in a chair, causing a shortage of serving staff. The “Master” became embarrassed, stormed into the kitchen, roughly shook her and threatened to “kick her down the back stairs” if she was not on steady feet serving immediately! She was after a fashion. On holiday in Hong Kong a few years ago, I saw street work being done at nights, when traffic was scarce. Lanterns were used. Why cannot Guyana do similar? Surely, women could come together and help in the process, perhaps minding the offspring of other women, freeing them to help. We had a saying “Circumstances alter cases”. Fancy destroying good FOOD. What a waste! I saw the column mentioned the name of a Government Minister called ‘Patterson’ , and hoped he was not a descendant of the Mr. Patterson I knew as a youngster who lived in Camp Street next door to the Brethren Church. He was my father’s friend, a visitor to our home, a Christian gentleman, and highly principled. I sincerely hope there is no connection between the two. Let us be kinder to our sisters trying to earn an honest living. He eventually worked in the shipping business. Sometimes the (manmade) law can be “an ass”. Use some discretion and humanity. My fervent prayer! Geralda Dennison
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HE CONTEMPTUOUSLY SAID SHOW ME THE EVIDENCE
DEAR EDITOR, It’s public knowledge that in the run up to Guyana’s May 2015 General and Regional Elections, Clinton Urling, in an attempt to secure the best platform to launch his short-lived political career intimated himself with then Speaker of the House and current Chairman of the Alliance for Change – Mr. Raphael Trotman and several members of the now APNUAFC Coalition. At the same time he befriended Mr. Trotman and members of the diplomatic corps, to whom he also presented himself as a trustworthy up and coming young politician, he also “knocked glasses” with members of the then People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government and political party. To the surprise and scorn of many, including members of the Blue Caps youth group Mr. Urling once presided over, he declared his candidacy for the (PPP), a political party that was tainted by repeated alle-
gations of corruption, ties to criminals and the illicit narcotics trade and violence comparable to no other period in Guyana’s post-independence history. When asked by Demerara Waves of his concernes about these allegations, then candidate on the PPP’s election list Clinton Urling said, “If you have the evidence and you show me the evidence, maybe I may be persuaded to look at it, but that’s all based on perceptions. If there is direct evidence of corruption, then I think they would have been prosecuted.”Shame on you – to believe that political ambition could ever take a backseat to integrity, decency and the will of well-intentioned people. It is unconscionable to think that Mr. Urling, whose tenure resulted in FIFA blocking funds to Guyana’s football programme subsequently, is criticising the GFF Executive and Secretariat. To secure conditional funding to
basic operational requirements, FIFA requested further investigations into improprieties and implementation of new regulatory measures and safeguards. Since Mr. Urling chaired the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Normalisation Committee (NC), he has become an overnight expert and enthusiast of football administration, perhaps with a little more subtly this time around having learned his lesson from the infamously contemptuous “show me the evidence” challenge, an insult to prevailing commonsense of Guyanese. Furthermore, since the democratically elected new GFF Executive to office in 2015, Mr. Urling who was once tasked with stabilizing local football, has been unrelenting and interestingly misled, in his public commentary and tacit private actions to destabilize the GFF Executive and Secretariat, by throwing some serious but not out of character shade. This began in 2016 when Team Unity, comprised of persons such as Odinga
Lumumba – Alpha United, Javid Ali – Slingerz FC, Fizail Khan - GFC and Robie Rambarran – Pele, was defeated by Team Integrity at the November 2015 GFF elections. This was despite Mr. Urling’s last minute attempt to institute a stipulation requiring police clearances for all candidates contesting the election. Mr. Urling also waived membership conditions for clubs affiliated with the Georgetown Football Association (GFA), paving the way for some clubs not in good financial and management standing with the GFA, to vote, presumably for the current GFA President, Mr. Clifton Hicken. Mr. Urling along with members of the Kashif and Shangai team and Mr. Lumumba were all present at the GFA’s caucus as clubs “voted”, raising questions about coercive collaboration, intent and the integrity of the exercise. Fast track to January 2017, Mr. Urling under the pretense Continued on page 6
Living a champagne style on a mauby budget DEAR EDITOR, Why is it so difficult for the ‘Big Enchiladas’ at City Hall to understand that you cannot earn one dollar a day whilst spending two dollars? It is just not sustainable. It is not rocket science, if you are a private individual and you spend more than you earn you will go bankrupt, if you are a company and your expenditure outstrips your income it will go insolvent before long, so how does City Hall expect to earn just about seventy million per month whilst just one item of its expenditure, its payroll is over one hundred and twenty five million? While companies, municipalities and governments are downsizing all over the world, while entities right here in
Guyana are practicing fiscal restraint, the Georgetown Municipality is on a spending splurge, Is this not just irrational or duplicitous? Why was it necessary to upgrade their Personnel Section into a large independent Human Resource Department, with huge staff upgrades, and hiring of a number of persons to senior positions, costing the city millions more per month? Why is it necessary to have a Public Relations Section with a large staff strength, again costing citizens millions per month whilst
owing the garbage contractors who provide a much more vital service, of over three hundred million dollars? Why do the senior officials need bodyguards, chauffeurs, messengers, two and three deputies, special assistants and a retinue of other personal staffers? But the biggest question of all is why does City Hall after maintaining mammoth staff strength of a thousand workers still have to contract out most of their services albeit without adherence to established tender and procurement procedures?
Why does the Council have to pay for overseas calls, cellular telephones and services, fuel for officer’s vehicles and guards at their residences, for fancy lunches and dinners at posh restaurants etc. Why do they have to travel around the world, first class with assistants in tow regularly with no visible or tangible returns to the citizenry? The Council insists on living a champagne lifestyle on a mauby budget. It just won’t work. Mark Roopan
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Thursday October 06, 2017
Child sexual abuse in Guyana - Some thoughts DEAR EDITOR, For these eight months of 2017 sexual attacks on minors seem to have increased over similar periods of the past, also the acts have become more vicious and the perpetrators bolder. Among these, in April a priest was imprisoned for raping a 6-year-old, in May a 12year-old was rapes, and a tenyear-old sodomized. Now, in September a family has lost a young member and a nation has lost a bit of its energy and hope for the future with the rape and murder of 13 year old Leonardo Archibald. While in the light of these reprehensible acts it is tempting to give up on Guyana, let us recognize that this specific
plague infects people in almost every part of the modern world. Here in the USA we have had day care center operators charged with sexual molestation of their charge. On 25th September 2017 that impressive orator, congress man Anthony Weiner was sentenced to 21 months for sexting with a 15year old. In a report coming out of Britain in 2016, we read of a girl aged 2 year and 4 months old being sexually abused by her grandfather. And of a sister and brother in Wigan being sexually abused by their step-father. The Nordic countries are admired for their low level of violent crimes, but they all record distressingly elevated
HE CONTEMPTUOUSLY SAID... From page 5 of intervening in the best interest of football in Guyana, sought to undermine the authority of the GFF Executive, writing directly to CONCACAF’s President, notifying him of the elite league impasse between the Executive and the aforementioned clubs, advising him of the required recourse. This was met with strong condemnation from CONCACAF and FIFA, both of which documented and publicly endorsed their support of the GFF Executive’s constitutional authority to expand the elite league and relegate the four teams that essentially forfeited their matches by electing to not participate. Still not satisfied, Mr. Urling is on record advising the four clubs that the GFF constitution on Guyana’s laws are on their side, court action, currently pending was
ultimately initiated by Alpha United and Slingerz FC which represent a flagrant breach of the GFF constitution. Unfortunately, players’ experiences and incomes have been sacrificed due to the political contrived machinations by Mr. Urling and a few club and association executives. One would imagine that the errant actions of the clubs’ leaders and dormant GFA during Mr. Hicken’s tenure would attract the ire of Mr. Urling since he has football’s best interest at heart. I suppose however that he, just as the “leaders” hoping their politically contrived instability intentions result in majority representation in the GFF Congress, and access to resources, power and privileges, are drinking from the same soup bowl. More to follow. Mike Archer
levels of sex crimes. Iceland with perhaps the lowest level of violent crimes among these countries nevertheless, leading in sex crimes, with sex crimes against children under the age of sixteen being the main contributing area. Closer home, in Jamaica, a 2015 report defines child sexual abuse on the island as “endemic.” For year ending December 2016 the Caribbean Vulnerable Community Coalition reported that 40% of Jamaicans reported having experienced forced sexual contact before reaching the age of consent. While the Child Protection Unit in Trinidad and Tobago reported probing 886 sexual offences against minors between May – December 2015. In May of this year a man known to constantly reveal himself to children told a court in Trinidad “Ah like them lil children.” I remind readers of all of this not to suggest in Guyana we ought to take comfort in the fact that we are not alone
in the sexual exploitation of children. But to remind us that today most societies are similarly diseased, and that the tendency to present Guyana as cursed because of such occurrences is wrong, misleading. My hope is that with this appreciation of the problem we would be energized, committed to seeking creative responses to this challenge. But first let us examine what we have been doing in response and contemplate doing.Our responses to child sexual abuse reflects that we hold two views on its cause – offenders are either evil or sick. When our justice system sentence perpetrators to imprisonment it suggests, to some, that the wrong doers are wicked, perhaps even evil and should be punished. In early days of the modern prison when guilty of committing serious crimes and wrongdoers were given prison term, it meant solitary confinement. Prisoners would not be allowed to hear or see other
humans during their period of confinement, their only companion would be the Holy Bible. The Quakers (who had a high influence on the concept of the early prison) believed that being alone with the bible would allow one to reflect on one’s wicked ways and seek penance (hence why prisons were referred to as penitentiaries). Today in Guyana I doubt child sexual offenders are held in solitary confinement and given a bible. We just warehouse them as if the intention is merely to satisfy our anger or we hold the false belief that imprisonment is effective as deterrence. Further, since I have no knowledge of many offenders being imprisoned for life without the possibility of parole, then at some point, like the vast majority of others incarcerated, those imprisoned for rape will be free. Thus, imprisonment can offer us only a respite from possible attacks from known rapists.
Those who hold the sickness explanation favor treatment for child sexual offenders. This usually consists of offenders being given indeterminate sentences at a mental institution under care of a psychologist or psychiatrist. This seems to work to an extent since statistics for rape offenders generally indicate a recidivism rate of 12-24%. But as you might expect since rape can have severe physical and psychological effects on victims 24% recidivism is hardly comforting. None of the above approached have worked to satisfaction and occasions of reported child sexual abuse continues to rise. So, now in Guyana we rightly, seek to introduce other approaches intended to stem this rising tide of abuse of our children. The favorite ones seem to be, the development of a sex offenders register, developing a community response and demanding that parents be more responsible. We need to examine each of these. Claudius Prince
What has happened to the Chief Valuation Officer? DEAR EDITOR, I would like to know since when property evaluation is no longer under the purview of the Chief Valuation Officer of the Ministry of Finance? I have read with considerable interest, reports in several daily newspapers that The Mayor and City Council (M&CC) is moving towards reassessing the value of properties in and around Georgetown. Town Clerk Royston King has been quoted as saying that this was one of the many measures the Council is undertaking to address its finan-
cial struggles. He is even quoted as saying that he is hoping that the reassessment of all properties in the city will happen by the end of the year. My research has shown that the preparation of valuation lists for any area of Guyana was by virtue of Article 4 of Chapter 28:04 – the Valuation for Rating Purposes Act is under the direct purview of the Chief Valuation Officer. Has the Georgetown City Council ever previously undertook such an exercise? Or is this another jaunt into the world of fantasy by the Town Clerk? Surely if such an exercise is not conducted in accordance with our laws, it will be challenged in a court of law by any and all ratepayers
against whom these new rates shall be levied. It would be parking meter part two. King told reporters that “the reason why the Council is bankrupt is because the money is in the bank accounts of persons who are defaulting on paying their rates”. I will beg to differ on that, and to say that the reason why the Council is bankrupt is because the money is in the bank accounts of the contractors who continue to be given contracts by City Hall without adherence to tender and procurement procedures and in the bank accounts of the super salaried municipal officials most of whom are relatives, friends and church associates of the big ones at City Hall. Furthermore, if the Council is looking to erect a num-
ber of structures on Merriman Mall that will be rented to hairdressers, nail technicians, and barbers as claimed by King, then he should sell municipal bonds to raise those finances, and not use property taxes which should be for current expenditure. But the question would be who is going to buy bonds from an agency as disreputable as the Georgetown City Council, and is going to be given the contract to build these structures, would they be designed like the horse stables constructed nearby, how many years will it take for these hairdressers, nail technicians and barbers to repay the Council and what ever happened to the plan for clean open spaces in our city Sambu Jacobus
Friday October 06, 2017
Cancer Institute helps to combat cancer scourge with free screening this month Without valid statistics, it is unscientific to ascertain which type of cancer is currently accounting for the majority of cancer deaths. There have been some who are convinced that the majority of cancer deaths here in Guyana are due to breast cancer. Then there are others who have concluded that cervical cancer has taken the lead. But according to Director of Outreach at the Cancer Institute of Guyana, Dr. Syed Ghazi, both cancers are responsible for a great deal of deaths right here in Guyana. Dr. Ghazi explained that although the victims of these impacting cancers hail from various parts of Guyana. It has however been discovered that some areas are more prone to one or the other. For instance, he disclosed that victims of breast cancer are often residents of urban areas while those who develop cervical cancer are often dwellers of rural areas. However, the precise data as it relates to these cancers are not currently known. Dr. Ghazi said that other than a survey (conducted by Dr. Morris Edwards) which examines the reported cases of cancer over a 10-year period [2003 – 2012], there are no readily available data that accurately reflect the current state of cancer in Guyana. “A lot of the stats we have are from American studies, so basically I don’t think Guyana has, since 2012, any studies on its own statistics which could tell us what is happening but based on what we see, breast cancer and cervical cancer are common, not only here in Guyana but in the Region too,” related Dr. Ghazi. It is moreover the view of the Cancer Institute Director that “instead of getting lost in the stats, I would comfortably say both of these cancers are very common.” In fact he concluded that the basis
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Dr. Syed Ghazi of anyone’s action when it comes to combating cancer should not only be on which is the leading cause of cancer but rather on the fact that “cancer is a monster and it can get anywhere and attack anyone without any regards for their colour…it doesn’t spare anyone.” In the fight against cancer, he noted, that it is important to establish from early on the high risk populations and from that vantage point efforts can be fast-tracked. A key factor in combating cancer, he said, is screening. Screening for cancer simply refers to measures to help detect cancer before the symptoms appear. This may involve blood tests, urine tests, other tests or medical imaging. The benefit of screening is that there can be early detection which will lead to treatment that can help to save lives. Against this background, the Cancer Institute will, during the course of this month, advance the notion of screening by offering free sonomammogram. This offer comes even as Breast Cancer Awareness Month is being observed. A sonomammogram is a non-invasive ultrasound that is done to assess the breasts and the blood flow to areas inside of them. This test allows quick visualization of the breast tis-
sue. Although clients of the Cancer Institute are required to pay for the service offered, Dr. Ghazi explained that this cost is only intended to ensure that the not-for-profit operation remains sustainable. In order to offer the free service during this month, he disclosed that the Institute is looking to corporate Guyana for support. “We have only got a couple of sponsors so far, enough to cover about 30 or 40 women but we are expecting about 300-400 coming to access the service,” said Dr. Ghazi. The cost for a sonomammogram at the Institute amounts to $10,000, but according to Dr. Ghazi, although that may be a small price to pay to be screened for a disease that could have a fatal outcome, some people are still not financially able to do so. He explained that the Institute decided to streamline a programme that would enable persons, especially those who are high-risk, to be screened at no cost to them this month. Since the Institute will only be able to cater to a limited number, Dr. Ghazi said that the no-cost screening programme will mainly target women 40 years and older. He however noted that those within the 20 – 40 age group can also visit the Institute and benefit from clinical examinations. Special focus, he noted, will be given to “women who are between 35 and 40 and have a family history. They can have a mammogram done as well, provided we find a lump or anything.” This move to help the women in particular, according to Dr. Ghazi, is a deliberate tactic to give back to women who often leave themselves deprived in order to cater to their families.
Procurement system has been made “Fip-proof” - Finance Minister “Let’s be blunt. The dynamics of the procurement environment have aligned so much with the principles of transparency and accountability that another Fip Motilall would be able to get a project in today’s setting,” said Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, recently. Minister Jordan at the time was reflecting on budget 2017 as well as issues relating to procurement and the implementation of projects. Jordan noted that he is totally disappointed that in two consecutive years, ministries and other budgetary agencies have not been able to correlate greater implementation with early budgets. The Finance Minister said that while this state of affairs may be disappointing, he is not disillusioned. He expressed, “I think it is a work in progress. But ask
yourself, what we go through to make projects as transparent as possible; did this ever exist during the PPP regime? We have a Public Procurement Commission in place; did they have that in place? You think a Fip Motilal would be able to get a project in today’s procurement environment? “No! It is Fip-proof! So people have to understand how much the dynamics of the environment have changed…” Jordan added, “We have created a transparent environment so that another Fip cannot get another project. Let’s be blunt. Building a road is a hard process and even harder in the jungle. And they can say (what they want) from now till eternity; no one can say that a Fip Motilall can get another project in today’s environment.”
Finance Minister, Winston Jordan Although he had no experience in building roads, the controversial contractor, Fip Motilall was still awarded the contract to build the access road to the Amaila Falls Hydro Project by the PPP.
A mini health check is the first step to donating blood
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Friday October 06, 2017
Kaieteur News
Faulty accounting measures continue despite yearly recommendations Auditor General, Deodat Sharma, was keen not to release any details of his most recent audit report handed over to the Speaker of the National Assembly. He said that until that document is laid in the House, it is not public. However, Sharma expressed a general concern that many of the issues that he was at pains to highlight in previous years, continue to be repeated. There continues to inadequate accounting. Many of the recommendations that Sharma and his team made in previous years have not been implemented. Further, Sharma’s work was even impeded on some occasions where he requested information that was not readily avail-
Auditor General, Deodat Sharma able. “If you check all my reports you will see the vouchers sometimes not being presented, cheque orders not being presented and so
on…This sort of thing has become very common.” Sharma was referring to his audit of the nation’s spending for 2016. However, he had similar concerns about auditing the Durban Park Project. Sharma said that he is finding it hard to get documents to verify the spending on that project. While documentation is available for the period that Ministry of Public Infrastructure handled the project, Sharma is struggling to get documentation from the period when Homestretch Development Inc. was in charge. Missing documents is something that some of the forensic auditors also complained about. (Abena RockcliffeCampbell)
65-year-old remanded for trafficking 1.5 grams cocaine Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore yesterday remanded a 65-year-old United States citizen to prison after he made an appearance before her in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts and denied a charge of possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. The elderly man who was handcuffed and his feet in shackles was seen dragging his feet after he made an appearance from the prisoners’ chute into the courtroom. The man, Allen Murdock, who on Wednesday pleaded guilty to the charge which alleged that he on September 30, at Pike Street Kitty, had in his possession 1.5 grams cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, yesterday changed his plea to not guilty and was remanded
to prison. When given a chance to address the court the unrepresented man said that he did not have the cocaine on him at the time of the search. The man who was having a difficult time hearing what the magistrate was saying asked that he be released on bail. According to reports, Police on the day in question was on patrol duty in the Kitty area when they conducted a raid exercise in a yard where the pensioner was sitting on a bench. A physical search was conducted on him and the narcotic was found in a Krazy Glue tube in his right side pants pocket. He was then told of the offence and when arrested
Remanded to prison Allen Murdock told the police “I am a Christian Missionary and I have never been charged before.” The defendant was ordered to make his next court appearance on October 25.
Minibus driver granted $750,000 bail on causing death charge Arnold Castello was yesterday granted bail in the sum of $750,000 after he appeared before Magistrate Esther Sam in the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court. One of three charges read to Castello stated that on Saturday September 30, last, Castello, took the life of 42-year-old Mahendra Deyal of Perth Essequibo Coast, as a result of dangerous driving. Castello who was represented by attorney at law, Onassis Granville, pleaded not guilty to the charge
which was read before him. Granville pleaded with Magistrate Sam that her client be offered bail. Granville noted that her client is not a flight risk since he has a fixed home at lot 253 Richmond, Essequibo Coast. The prosecutor on the other hand, was against the bail application after considering the seriousness and prevalence of the offence. The prosecutor further noted that there are still witnesses with outstanding statements. The Prosecutor said that Castello, if granted
bail, would attempt to contact the outstanding witnesses. Castello’s attorney however upheld her application for bail, citing the fact that there is no certainty that her client will attempt to contact any witness. She noted that the court is powerful enough to put measures in place to restrict Castello from having contact with any witness. On those grounds bail was subsequently allowed. Castello is expected to make his next court appearance on October 31.
Thursday October 06, 2017
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Kaieteur News
Qualifications The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) cannot solve the problem of poor government spending. There is nothing that the IDB can recommend which has not been recommended before. The IDB will most likely refer to the skills/qualifications defects within the public service. It will most likely make a case that the government needs to attract more technically competent persons if it is to improve its implementation of government projects. The problem is not that the government does not recognize that there is a problem with skills in the economy. The government knows that the country lacks certain skills and this is why the President had to call recently for the influx of brainpower rather than barrels. The problem is not that the government cannot attract and retain skilled personnel. The ‘super salaries’ which are being paid to persons within the Office of Climate Change, the Department of the Environment and the Project Management Unit of the Ministry of the Presidency attest to the capacity of the government to attract and retain skilled personnel in
Guyana. The problem with implementation of government projects is part of a bigger problem. The government, however, has found itself not very concerned with addressing these problems. Firstly, there is the problem of absorptive capacity. The government projects have to be implemented by the private sector which for all its credits simply is too weak to be able to take on major infrastructural projects in Guyana. Government spending is too high for such a small economy and a weak private sector. Secondly, the government continues to make a number of political appointments on the basis that these persons are best suited for the jobs since their loyalty will allow for overcoming the resistance of those who want to hold back development. The government needs to disabuse itself of this myth that there are forces which are bent on holding back development in Guyana. There is an opposition which has to do what opposition parties do; it has to find fault with what government does. But the opposition parties lack political power and cannot hold back any devel-
opment, not even in regions which they control. The government is well aware that if there are attempts to frustrate development at the regional level, these attempts can be circumvented by central government doing what is not being done at that level. The problem is not resistance to development. The problem is that the government has opted to place political appointees in a number of Government agencies and these persons are simply not up to the task. They are not performing. Many of them may have worked in certain areas before, but the work has changed so much since their time that they simply cannot function. Many of them owe their employment to relations they have had with senior government functionaries. Some of them are more interested in filling their pockets and running after skirt tails than understanding the job they have been appointed to do. Thirdly, many appointees have not been asked to account for what they do. Many of them are not doing anything. Many of them who are paid ‘super salaries’, are
outsourcing their work to international agencies. This is unacceptable that persons should be paid salaries which are commensurate with what is paid to foreign consultants, yet they are outsourcing work which they should be capable of undertaking, at that salary level. Fourthly, many persons are being given jobs which they are not qualified to perform. They are being promoted to the level of their incompetence. You cannot take a person who has worked just few
levels above that of a switchboard operator and ask that person to assume supervisory and managerial responsibility over staff. You cannot take ex-soldiers and put them into positions for which they have had no formal training or experience. They are many inept persons in top government jobs and they compensate for their lack of ability through ‘bluff and puff.’ There are persons claiming to have ‘degrees’ and you want to know whether they are thermometers. It is just
heat and coldness which is coming from their direction. There are persons who claim to have “degrees” but cannot write a report. There are most likely persons who have fake qualifications. The IDB cannot solve those problems. They can only be solved by a government which is not prepared to sacrifice technical competence for political expediency.
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Thursday October 06, 2017
Kaieteur News
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
Incredible revelations on Jagdeo at Lands Commission hearings I was scheduled to give testimony at 11.30 am on Wednesday morning at the Commission of Inquiry into ancestral African lands. But the testimonies went over their allotted time, so the Commission’s attorney asked me to be patient for there was one more witness before me. I sat at the back of the room with unnerving silence as a heart-broken woman described life in a tenth rate banana republic. She had a large brown envelope from which emerged her documents. What you are about to read is real and it can only happen in a country that is a failed state. She described how President Jagdeo granted lease in Parika to a well known businessman who owns a very
popular gas station as you travel from Houston to catch the Harbour Bridge. Since the press is reporting on the enquiry, maybe the name of this businessman will be published but I am staying away from libel because people just sue because that is a ubiquitous habit in Guyana. The lease overruns the property of this lady and she cannot get access to her land. So he did what citizens do in civilized societies – seek the intervention of the courts. On two separate occasions this lady got injunctions restraining this businessman from infringing on her land. The injunctions were ignored. The man even built a huge tank further consolidating his usurpation of her land. She produced photographs of the
tank. The nation heard about the state-owned well that Ramroop got from Jagdeo when he purchased Sanata Textile. This Jagdeo lease includes sea defence reserve which the Sea Defence Board granted. She told the commission the name of the judges that granted the injunctions and she produced her documents. One of the Commissioners, Mrs. Khan asked her about application for contempt of court. She said that was done but the situation remains the same. What type of banana republic do we have in Guyana? The answer is a tenth rate one. Two injunctions are ignored and contempt of court writs are ignored.
I was so moved by that lady’s testimony that when it was my turn to take the stand, I asked the commission if I can
Frederick Kissoon include a fifth submission to the four I had to forward to the Commission’s secretariat before taking the stand. The fifth submission was to speak on what I heard in that lady’s testimony. The Commission agreed and I posed the question to them; do they have judicial power to summon that man and charge him with contempt of court? There was no answer from the commissioners but I did ask. What went through the minds of the poorer folks who
were in that room waiting to testify about their lands that were forcefully taken from them by oligarchs that were protected by the Jagdeo regime? I can tell you. They will feel that in Guyana injustice is so pervasive that the poorer classes will never receive justice in their country. It is not that the lady is faking. She had her documents to prove that injunctions were granted and were ignored. She told the commissioners that the Chief Justice at the time even made the injunction permanent. The people who heard and saw that lady on the stand will go on to tell their families and relatives of the lawless state that Guyana is. They in turn will tell their friends and the repetitions will pervade the low income classes. And what is born is a contempt that will run deep and wide for society. This in turn breeds cynicism and the climax is violence as we saw in two prison riots. This society refuses to learn the lessons of history.
When a country mistreats its less privileged citizens there will be an angry backlash. What about the other dimension in this lady’s drama? The Bharrat Jagdeo input. No doubt Mr. Jagdeo knew the businessman on first name basis. This columnist is fully aware that Jagdeo knows this rich man very well. That explains the lease. A previous witness, Mr. Norman Dalrymple, of the Working People’s Alliance explained that lease land was also given to this particular rich gentleman on lands that are owned by the Cooperative Society of Vergenoegen. He explained that when co-op members went to assert their ownership, they were met by hooligans who unleashed violence on them There must have been hundreds of oligarchs like that man to whom the presidencies of Jagdeo and Ramotar gave concessions. Jagdeo’s asinine sycophants that write letters in the press praising him as a master president may want to comment on Jagdeo also being a master dictator too.
Dem boys seh...
Watch how Jagdeo mek wrang, right Dem boys seh dem now know how people does tun a saint, and why this does only happen when de people dead. Nobody was a saint while he or she alive. Now Jagdeo telling everybody how Janet should be a saint. If you give away all you property to somebody and
that person find a canister of money inside de property then you got to praise de person who give away de property. That is Jagdeo logic; When dem boys ask him bout giving away 10 times de number of oil blocks to ExxonMobil at first he play
Shaggy—‘Not me.’ Then he land Janet in de boat because dem boys seh how fuh all de talk she talk bout socialism she run and give de while people almost all dem oil blocks that she did know about. Now Jagdeo holler how people should praise Janet because she give away de blocks and Exxon find oil. Is de same thing Jagdeo do wid de state assets. He give away almost all de land and dem boys ain’t talking bout wha he tek fuh heself at Pradoville. When he done, he give way de radio licence; then he give away dem cable channel. He believe that people gun bless him fuh giving away everything. And of course dem have nuff people who hollering he name. But dem boys seh that he mustn’t tek everybody who holler he name fuh a friend. When dem boys mother use to get vex, she use to holler dem name and is not fuh praise dem. She want cut dem tail. That is wha some people who does holler Jagdeo name want to do to him. Talk half and watch how people trying to fool you.
Friday October 06, 2017
Police slow to act on rape of nine-year-old The mother of a nine-yearold girl is upset that ranks in ‘D’ Division appear to be dragging their feet in investigating the rape of her daughter, allegedly by a 34-year-old mini bus driver, more than two weeks ago. The incident allegedly occurred at the woman’s home. The woman has claimed that the suspect went to the family’s home on September 21, last, to meet with the child’s grandfather and noticed that the girl was home alone. He allegedly climbed onto the veranda, entered the home and raped the child. “My brothers and him does drive bus together and when they get problems, he does complain to my father, so on that day, one of my brothers and him got into an argument and he told my brother that he will ‘F#%$&k up his family and he left the Number 32 bus park,” the child’s mother alleged. The woman added that her daughter was sick with the flu and diarrhea and had stayed home from school with her grandfather but the grandfather had to leave home to run an errand. “My daughter said she heard the guy calling and when she went out he asked where was her grandfather and my daughter informed him that he was not at home so he asked she and who home, and my daughter said she alone, so she went in back the house and continued watching television,” the mother recounted. She added that her daughter told her that shortly after she went inside, the 34-
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- File with La Grange Police Station for more than two weeks year-old driver confronted her from the veranda and threatened to kill her if she made any noise. “She said that the man took off her clothes and raped her on the chair and when the pain became too much, she started crying and he put his hands over her mouth but she managed to bite him and push him off and run and lock herself in the toilet.” The terrified mother said that the driver, who is a father himself, then banged on the toilet door for the child to come out. After she remained inside, he put on his clothes and left. “She said she wait a while and then she barely open the door and see him putting on his clothes—a green jersey, black pants, brown boots, blue hat and black shades. He jump down the veranda and walked at the back of the yard,” the mother said. The woman said that the child’s grandfather arrived shortly afer the suspect left. “My father called and ask me if I can come home now that something happen, so I left work and went home.” The woman said that her daughter was so terrified of her attacker that she did not want to tell her what had happened. “When she told us we went to the station to report the matter and we went for a medical which confirmed that she had been raped.” Initially, the family had no
idea who had raped the child. “Two days after she was raped my father had to cut his hair (at a West Coast Demerara barber shop), so he took her and my brother (who was also there) told her to watch around just in case she sees the person who attacked her.” The mother said that her daughter spotted her attacker at a bus park, and he who was wearing the same attire he was dressed in when the attack occurred. The child’s relative apprehended the suspect and took him to the Vreed-en Hoop Police Station where he was released on $100,000 bail after two days. The girl’s mother said that on the day the suspect was released, she went to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) after being instructed to do so by the Child Care and Protection Agency. According to the woman, the DPP’s office called the division to request the file. Later that day, a female police rank allegedly visited the scene of the crime. “Imagine, they didn’t do all this before, but only when the DPP called they come, and the officer asked me why I had to go to the DPP.” This newspaper has been informed that the officers at the La Grange Police Station are still preparing the file for the Commander, Leslie James. The file will then be sent to the DPP.
Satrohan Madray murder trial...
Defence makes no case submission
The trial of murder accused, Satrohan Madray, called ‘Bluie’, 30, of Bennet Dam, D’Edward Village, West Coast Berbice is continuing in the High Court. Madray is accused of murdering his good friend, Dinesh Harrylall, called ‘Kevin’. The trial judge is Justice James Bovell- Drakes. When the matter was called again defence attorney, Mursalene Bacchus, submitted a no case submission on behalf of his client at the conclusion of a lengthy voir dire (a trial within a trial). According to Bacchus, the prosecution has so far failed to make a case against his client. He said that the prosecution’s case, thus far, is weak and tenuous and there is no evidence to show that his client committed any offence. As such, he is asking the judge to stop the case from
going to the jury. Harrylall, a construction worker of Lot 38 B Woodley Park, No. 11 Village, West Coast Berbice, was 20 at the time of his demise. He was reportedly found lying in a pool of blood at his friend’s residence at D’Edward Village, West Bank Berbice. He was allegedly brutally beaten and stabbed about his body. He had reportedly left home to go to Madray’s house. The men were said to be close friends and frequented each other’s place on a regular basis. Harrylall did not return home. Madray was subsequently arrested and taken into custody. On the night in question it was reported that they had a disagreement which led to the killing. So far, the Prosecution which is being headed by attorney at law Orinthia
Schmidt, has called seven witnesses, including Jagdesh Harrylall, the father of the deceased. Police Sergeant, Curtis Cort; Corporal Lawrence Harvey, Constable Alexander, Ex Police forensic expert Tamika Henry; Dr. Vivikananda Brijmohan and civilian Jagdesh Jagnarine have testified. The testimony of Detective Corporal Dharmindra Inderpaul was accepted into evidence. The preliminary inquiry was conducted before Magistrate Rhondell Weever at the Fort Wellington Magistrate’s court where a prima facie case was made out against him.
A mini health check is the first step to donating blood
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Friday October 06, 2017
Kaieteur News
Giftland celebrates Teachers’ Appreciation Day
Some of the teachers who benefitted from giftland vouchers Yesterday, teachers around the world were honoured on the occasion of Teachers’ Day. The Giftland entity was one of the proud businesses to give back to the country’s educators through gift certificates. Fourteen teachers from Ascension High School were gifted with vouchers to shop at Giftland Stores. Representatives were proud to disclose, “The store is always giving and supporting the development of those who need it most. “It is Giftland’s firm belief that teachers play an extraordinary part in the lives of children during their formative years of development. Their importance shouldn’t be undervalued.” Chief Education Officer, Marcel Hutson, on behalf of the Ministry of Education, lauded all teachers on the special day. He even offered a few thoughts on his Facebook page. He said, “A good teacher always inspires the hope, ignites the imagination, and instills the love of learning within their students. Teachers help a student to shape their character and make their future bright. “They enable them to stand strong in this world by building them from within, by making them sensible and knowledgeable so that they become capable of dealing with numerous challenges coming their way and helping them succeed.” The CEO said that a teacher’s job is not just a job;
Teacher, Latoya Schepmyer receives a gift from her Grade One pupil, Makaila Boyer, at Kuru-Kururu Primary School it impacts the growth and wellbeing of the nation since they indeed play a crucial role in delivering a quality education. Teachers, he said, are considered the ‘moral fiber’ in society since they play a part in building the character of pupils, molding their future and helping them to become productive citizens. In observance of yesterday’s event, schools across the country would have participated in concerts and prepared lunches while pupils and students would have bought various gifts for
their respective teachers. Additionally, Education month in Guyana would have concluded today. This year’s Education Month was held under the theme ‘Promoting wellness in communities through quality education.’ The activities in observance of the month kicked off on September 4, last, and had several exciting and educational activities held across the country. As part of the celebrations, award ceremonies were hosted in addition to exhibitions and rallies among other events.
Thursday October 06, 2017
Kaieteur News
Trial of convicted drug trafficker....
Magistrate rules Police handwriting analyst competent Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan yesterday ruled that Police Corporal Ameer Mohamed, a handwriting analyst, is deem competent and that she is satisfy beyond reasonable doubt that he is experienced in the field of handwriting analyst and for that reason the court will allow his evidence into the trial. Corporal Mohamed is the last witness in the trial of Denis Jones, who is accused of attempting to smuggle 22 pounds of cocaine to Canada through the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC). The defendant is being represented by Attorney-atLaw Eusi Anderson, who on the last occasion told the court that the police witness does not possess the minimum qualifications to be deemed competent. The lawyer is of the view that Corporal Mohamed needs a lot more qualifications and experience to develop his competence in handwriting analysis. Corporal Mohamed, when called by Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU) Prosecutor, Konyo Sandiford, to give his evidence, yesterday, said that he is stationed at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown. He said that he has been attached to the Handwriting Section for the past three years. Mohamed said that on January 31, last, he received a sealed yellow envelope from a police officer marked J12017CA which contained two statements which had the defendant’s signatures. Mohamed said that after he received the statements he carried out a side by side examination and comparison on the statements using magnification and light. He said that based on his examination and comparison he found a number of both general and personal identifiable handwriting features, which include letters formation, strokes, connecting of letters and writing speed. The court heard that where the signatures of Denis Jones appear on the statements, when compared to what was on the form in his opinion all was written by the same author. Mohamed said that after he had finished examining and comparing the docu-
ments he made a large photocopy of the identifiable handwriting features. Under cross examination by defence counsel, Corporal Mohamed was asked a series of questions by the defendant attorney, Anderson. When asked by the attorney how many specimens of handwriting he received from his client the Corporal said less than five. He was then asked how many specimens are normally collected from an accused and he said ten. The lawyer then added that the fewer the specimen, the more likely his professional opinion would be less accurate. When asked why he was the only person to analyze his client’s handwriting when normally he should have consulted with other police officers, the witness said that he did not need help because the handwriting was very simple and straight forward. Denis Jones, 63, of Lot 239 Caneview Avenue, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown is on trial again, this time, for allegedly attempting to smuggle 22 pounds of cocaine out of Guyana in Banko Wine and baking powder via the GPOC. It is alleged that on January 20, at the GPOC, Jones had 10.618 kilograms of cocaine in his possession for the purpose of trafficking. According to reports, Jones, who was convicted in 2012 for drug trafficking, was arrested shortly after he attempted to ship cocaine in baking powder and Banko Wine to Toronto, Canada. Ranks from CANU intercepted a box containing the prohibited substance. Jones is also facing forgery charges. It is alleged that between September 1 and
September 30, 2016, with intent to defraud; he forged a Republic of Guyana identification card in the name of Josiah Jones, purporting to show that same was issued by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). He is on trial before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore. The police prosecutor is contending that the identification card was found in Jones’s home and that he confessed to forging the document. It was also noted by the prosecutor that GECOM has no records of issuing that identification card. Based on reports, Dennis Jones was deported from the USA for a drug trafficking offence. In 2012, Jones was sentenced to four years in jail after pleading guilty to attempting to ship 300 kilograms of cocaine in a container of soap powder to Niger Republic in Africa. Jones was arrested on November 29, 2012 after attempting to ship the narcotics from the John Fernandes Limited terminal at Mandela Avenue, Georgetown. Back then, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) had said that the drug had an estimated street value of US$10M. During that arraignment, the court was told that Jones is an exporter and that he turned up at the terminal to ship a 20-foot container of Breeze brand soap powder. But during an examination of the shipment, it was discovered that several packets which had the brand label were packed with cocaine concealed in a transparent plastic within. The trial is scheduled to continue on October 17.
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VACANCY Experienced s a l e s m a n , generaldomestic , p o r t e r . Apply with hand written application & recommendation @ Keyfood, McDoom Village. SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.
Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535. INNOVATIVEMARKETING& PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included.
Foxtail, Supari, Royal Palm @ $1,000. Ficus & Exora 4 for $1,000. Organic potting soil. Crotoons- Tel: 626-1044
Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigration Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496/ 662-6045
Aluminum windows & doors at the best prices. Chenfeng Aluminum @ Lot 11 Public road Eccles, EBD- Call: 696-8688, 6828378
I N S TA L L AT I O N S , REPAIRSAND PARTS FOR AC, FRIDGE, WASHING MACHINE, STOVE ETC: CALL NICK 627-3206, 6301600 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 Repairs to refrigerators, gas stoves, A/C units, washing machines. Call Lindon: 6411086/ 694-2202
30’ feet Aluminum jet boat with spares- Call: 6427898 25LBS 7", 25LBS 8" and 25LBS 10" nylon seine (fishing net)- Call: 670-3912
85 DAF Hauler with 40ft trailer- Call: 694-1258 1 - 9 We e k s o l d m a l e Rottweiler pup- Call: 6271360 Computers, office chairs, display racks, mannequins, supermarket carts, supermarket counters, freezers and chillers- Call: 6013395 42" LG TV $110,000- Tel: 662-9832 Cummin seed (Geera) 55kg bag -$18,000 -Call: 2231332
LEARN TO DRIVE C. Persaud & N. Outar Driving School formerly Soman & Sons Driving School @ Maraj BuildingCall: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997 (affordable packages).
EDUCATION Day Care and Pre-K classes available in Diamond Call Canadian School 2166921,216-6922 Register your child for after school classes for slow learners in Mathematics, Reading, Phonics, Spelling, etc. Call: 675-4379
SALON
TO LET
- Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. -CosmetologyCourses:$120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 647-1773/660-5257
Camp St. area middle & upper floor for office,school/other type of business. Call Richard 609-7675, 674-1705, 233-2614
Purple Reign Beauty Salon & cosmetology schoolOpening Oct 16th, specializes in all hair & nailscall: 673-5987 (Hill Foot Soesdyke)
Thursday October 06, 2017
Kaieteur News
LEARN TO DANCE Classes in dancing, sewing, table tennis, Spanish and more- Call Studio 87: 676-6312
P o r t e r s , r i p s a w, r e - s a w &moulder o p e r a t o r, woodmizer o p e r a t o r. Eccles Industrial Site EBD. Call Richard 609-7675/6741705/233-2614 Receptionist, age 2348yrs. Must be able to work shift. 233 South road- Tel: 225-0198 One delivery guy with motorcycle- Call: 225-7933 or visit 172 Sheriff street. One professional seamstress. Working experience will be an asset. Send application to: Lot 67 Dennis street, Campbellville- Tel: 672-4695
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Property for rent - 2 storey house at Republic Park, E.B.D$1200US. Call 647-1773 Place for rent, can be used as an office/ restaurant at Lot 1C Hydronie Parika, E.B.ECall: 665-6138, 630-5962 Two bedrooms apartment in Plaisance, E.C.D, 3 Bedrooms furnished house, master room inclusive- Tel: 673-4745, 603-4466, 218-1107 1- two bedrooms bottom flat apartment, Eccles Park, EBD. Very clean, tiled toilet & bath inside $50,000- Tel: 648-7004
CANTER DRIVER/ SALESMAN, MINIMUM 3 YEARS DRIVING EXPERIENCE, FACTORY A S S I S T A N T , SECURITYGUARDSCALL: 266- 4427
CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL:656-0087,6435122 ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM
Experienced qualified teachers for Secondary Dept. @ Canadian School ,Diamond . Send resume to email:davidsukhdeo @gmail.com
DOLLY’SCARRENTAL-CALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM
1 salesgirl, 1 maintenance worker, 1 farm worker, 1 watchman, 1 handy woman- Call: 265-3586
AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MINI BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPORT & FAMILY OUTINGS, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807 WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP RATES,SPECIALOFFERS! . CALL: 690-6494
Cook/ Baker for interior. Applicants must be experienced. Call: 618-2020 1 General domestic to prepare vegetarian meals. Apply in person @ Alabama Trading 65 Robb St, Bourda Manager / Supervisor to work @ A&S Supermarket in Charity Essequibo accommodation provided. Send application: r t i l a k @adamantiumholdings.com , contact: 223-5273/74 One experienced legal computer clerk. Call: 624-7087/ 226-4283/ 258-0213/ e m a i l : husainsaphier@yahoo.com
1 Experience driver to work in Interior. Must have license for Car/van/canter- Tel: 665-3421
Salesgirls & porters, apply with written application @ 1E Dennis & Middleton streets, Campbellville. One private tutor for grade 5 student- Please Call: 600-7388 Wa i t r e s s f o r Call: 612-2522
bar-
Female to work at car wash, apartment building, shop 18-28yrs.Livingin Georgetown- Call: 646-5754, 660-5003, 226-7231
1 maid with cooking experience for East Bank area- Call: 614-4358 Accounts clerk for Eccles office, knowledge of Quickbooks and payrollCall: 614-4358 We buy land in Eccles, Providence, Herstelling, Farm, Covent Garden, Parfaite Harmonie. Legal fees paid- Tel: 651-1969, 6671960 Processing plant workers & labourers please contact BM Enterprise at Guyana Fishers Ltd Wharf, Houston, EBD. Tel: 227-8176/77 Wa n t e d in l a rg e quantities dried corolla bush- call: 665-1397 1 Live in domestic to workCall: 674-1767 Gasoline mechanic wanted for the East Coast- Call: 623-0318 Live in domestic, must know to cook. 1 waitress with secondary education $20,000 weekly- Call: 610-3974
VEHICLE FOR SALE Allion, Primo, Fielder Wagon, Spacio, Bluebird, 212 Carina, NZE, Honda CRV, Toyota IST, RZ & Pitbull – Call: 650-7501 Unregistered Axela 2011 $2.7M, dark interior, fully loaded, Nissan pickup extra cab $2.3M. Call: 617-5536 1 Caldina wagon in perfect condition, PLL seriesContact Ganesh 664-0508
PEN PAL “There is someone out there for everyone.” Males seeking slim working females 25-50yrs- Call: 6766312
Experienced salesgirl a t C h r i s t i n e ’s Va r i e t y, Lombard street- Call: 227-8529
1 male cook to work in Interior $100,000 monthly, experienced jet & marack men for land dredge- Tel: 672-3359 (8:30am-5:00pm)
Vacancy exists for 1 experienced pharmacy assistant to work at a reputable pharmacy in Diamond, EBD- Call: 6965098
Experienced pharmacy assistant to work full time. Part time pharmacist. Pharma Choice Pharmcy, Durban & Louisa Row- Tel: 661-3124
WANTED 1 Male to look after layer birds in the Interior- Call: 665-3421
LAND FOR SALE 10 & 30 ACRES OF LAND AT YARROWKABRA, LINDEN SOESDYKE HIGHWAY. CREEKAVAILABLE-TEL:6635524, 264-2967 Farm (100ftx 50ft) with reserve (East Bank) $3M, Farm (100ft x 60ft) $3.6MTel: 651-1969, 667-1960 Parfaite Harmonie (way upfront) 7yrs finished, one concrete wall, already cleaned $1.4M- Call: 6671960, 611-7223
TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS) PROPERTY FOR SALE 3- Bedrooms flat house @ Blankenburg $10.9M , $2.9M Down payment, $64,000 monthly installment Also house lots available $2.9MContact# 650-0402/ 6031402 1 Transported property @ Covent Garden, EBD- Call: 265-3586 Spacious 4 bedrooms concrete home with modern amenities @ New Amsterdam Berbice opposite N/A police station. $79M negotiable- Call: 718-6830884, 682-2046
Friday October 06, 2017
Kaieteur News
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Friday October 06, 2017
Efforts moving apace to ExxonMobil reveals yet another re-establish Guyana Youth Corps “significant” oil discovery
Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry, MP and Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton, listening keenly to contributions during the meeting. Yesterday, officials from the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Social Cohesion met to discuss the way forward to re-establish the Guyana Youth Corps. Leading that discussion was Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry and Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton. The meeting was held at the Ministry of Social Cohesion’s Boardroom, Main Street, Georgetown. The new Guyana Youth Corps is an initiative of President David Granger, geared towards providing young people with an opportunity to be productive citizens. It is expected that the programme will come into effect on January 1,
2018. Specifically, the Guyana Youth Corps will target those young people that are not educated enough to matriculate after high school and are unable to gain employment. The programme is expected to be set up at the Kuru Kuru Training Centre on the Linden Highway. The target group comprises young people between ages 16 and 24. The Ministry of Education is committed to providing the academic support as it relates to training and the curriculum content for the programme and other necessary assistance. The remaining facets of the programme will
fall under the remit of the Ministry of Social Cohesion. Following full implementation, the campus at Kuru Kuru will provide opportunities to young people that are not in the formal education system and need training. The programme will absorb those youths that have fallen by the proverbial wayside. During the meeting, commitments were made and a number of committees formed with the intention of accelerating the implementation of the programme. The Guyana Youth Corps was first established on January 1, 1968, with the similar intent of fixing the problem of youth unemployment.
Commemorating the 41st anniversary of the Cubana air disaster
Haleem Khan Forty-one years after a terrorist bomb exploded on Cubana Airline Flight 455, causing it to crash into the sea off the coast of St. James, Barbados, killing all 73 of the p a s s e n g e r s a n d c r e w, President of the Guyana Cuba Solidarity Movement (GCSM) Haleem Khan is repeating calls for the rejection and condemnation of all acts of terrorism. “We refuse to forget; we demand justice in the names of all those lost to these unspeakable acts of terror. We
shall not forget, and we shall not give up,” Khan said. On October 6, 1976 when the aircraft exploded just after take-off from Barbados, there were 57 Cubans, 11 Guyanese and five North Koreans on board. The Cuban national youth fencing team was among the dead, as were a number of young Guyanese academic scholarship winners who were traveling to Cuba to pursue studies. The names of the 11 Guyanese who perished are
Eric Norton, 18; Ann Nelson, 18; Seshnarine Kumar, 18; Jacqueline Wi l l i ams, 19; Rawle Thomas, 18; wife of a former Guyanese diplomat Margaret Bradshaw; Economist Gordon Sobha, Violet Thomas, Rita Thomas, Raymond Persaud and nineyear-old Sabrina Harripaul. A special commemoration is expected to be held today, at the University of Guyana to mark the 41st anniversary of the Cubana Air Disaster. Investigations revealed that two types of bombs were used, variously described as dynamite or C-4. President of the Guyana Solidarity Movement with Cuba, Haleem Khan explained that at its simplest, the mastermind of the tragedy walks freely in Miami, while those who sought to expose the terrorist actions of groups that targeted Cuba from the safe haven of the United States, were put behind bars. Those convicted are referred to as the Cuban Five.
ExxonMobil has made yet another “significant” discovery of high quality oil offshore Guyana. The company announced yesterday that it had made a fifth new oil discovery after drilling the Turbot-1 well offshore Guyana. T u r b o - 1 i s E x x o n M o b i l ’s l a t e s t discovery to date adding to previous discoveries at Liza, Payara, Snoek and Liza Deep. Following completion of the Turbot-1 well, the Stena Carron drillship will move to the Ranger prospect. ExxonMobil said that its affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Ltd, began drilling the Turbot-1 well on August 14, this year and encountered a reservoir of 75 feet (23 meters) of high-quality, oil-bearing sandstone in the primary objective. The well was safely drilled to 18,445 feet (5,622 meters) in 5,912 feet (1,802 meters) of water on September 29, 2017. The Turbot-1 well is located in the southeastern portion of the Stabroek Block, approximately 30 miles (50 kilometers) to the southeast of the Liza phase one project. “The results from this
latest well further illustrate the tremendous potential we see from our exploration activities offshore Guyana,” said Steve Greenlee, president of ExxonMobil Exploration Company. “ExxonMobil, along with its partners, will continue to further evaluate opportunities on the Stabroek Block.” The Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometers). Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited is operator and holds 45 percent interest in the Stabroek Block. H e s s G u y a n a Exploration Ltd. holds 30 percent interest and CNOOC Nexen Petroleum Guyana Limited holds 25 percent interest. Y e s t e r d a y , E x x o n M o b i l ’s S e n i o r Director of Public and Government Affairs, Kimberly Brasington, said that the company will not be able to know the real size of the resource until another well is drilled in 2018. That well will be Turbo2 and will be drilling in close proximity to Turbo-1. “Only then will we have a number to go with,” said Brasington. Brasington said, “The
announcement says 75 feet of high quality oil-bearing sandstones and that literally means that we have drilled through 75 feet of the sand rock and 75 feet shows oil…So our best estimate of this find is that there is 75 feet of oil.” Brasington continued, “When we drilled the first well at Liza-1, we knew there was oil. We made an announcement that oil is there but we had no idea how much was there until we came back and drilled the second one. “What we did, we picked another location further away and it helped us; it gave an idea of how big is the reservoir. It is so hard to make that estimate on one well. We do not have enough data.” However, Brasington said that the oil at 75 feet is quite “significant. If we had found 12 or a smaller number it would give a different message but the fact that it is 75 ft, it is significant enough to warrant us coming back and drilling a different well to get more information. “So after we drill Turbo2 next year we will be in a much better place to figure out how many barrels are in this.”
Linden Hospital refutes report of shortages, malfunctioning equipment
The administration of the Region Ten’s premier health facility, the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC) has debunked claims that the LHC is in dire need of staff and supplies. In a detailed response to the press, the hospital which operates under the purview of the Ministry of Public Health, noted that it remains committed to providing a high quality health care service in an accountable and transparent manner. The management and staff of the LHC held that it functions at a very high level of efficiency and standard. “If we were to use Maternal and Child Health Safety as the bench mark or indicator of the high quality
of Health Service achieved over the years, then the need for close monitoring, supervision and continuous training of our young doctors would be understood and appreciated.” Since September 14, 2013, Linden Hospital Complex has trained in excess of 64 Guyanese doctors, who completed their training in Cuba. “Six of these doctors have gone to China to specialize, two are currently on Hospital Management Programme at the University of Guyana, one was released for one year to pursue studies in England on Hospital Finance and Planning.” Five of these doctors are placed at Health Centres
around Linden; one is assigned at Kwakwani Hospital, and doctors were re-assigned to other regions and function at the level of Regional Health Officer Region One. A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e statement outlined that there are currently 30 General Medical Officers. There are seven doctors in General Surgery; three General Surgery Specialists and four General Medical Officers. Specialists are on call every third week whereas G.M.O take calls every four days. The General Surgery Schedule shows a clear indication of fair distribution of work. Furthermore, none of the (Continued on page 24)
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Tax the aliens...Not us!
Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and his Finance Minister Colm Imbert Trinidad Express - That is the cry of the Amusement Gaming Association (AGA) i n r e s p o n s e t o Government’s new tax plan, which will see fees almost doubled in 2018. The AGA is also calling on Government to deal with non-nationals who operate illegal gaming machines before imposing the new taxes.
Finance Minister Colm Imbert announced that new tax measures will be imposed on gaming machines effective January 1, 2018 and will be strictly enforced in 2018. And a new 10% tax would be imposed on players’ lottery winnings that will take effect on December 1, he said. The National Lotteries Control
Board (NLCB) reported last week that it had enjoyed its highest ever profits in 2016. Speaking on behalf of the A G A , R u s s e l Bahadoorsingh stated that the new measures were punitive and primitive. He said the non-nationals were not compliant with the tax laws and were being ignored by law enforcement officers. Bahadoorsingh stated that transactions for amusement machines were steadily declining in recent years due to increasing competition from illegal non-nationals operating identical machines including roulette machines. “These non-nationals are not compliant with the tax laws of the country and have colluded with some corrupt law enforcement officials and therefore not pay taxes required. Instead of punishing small bar owners and operators across Trinidad and Tobago the Minister of Finance should work to enforce existing laws to curb the illegal operators of non-nationals and corrupt law enforcement officials,” he said.
Linden Hospital refutes... From page 23 specialists was sent on leave for the period of January to August, during which two hundred and two (202) general surgeries were done. The LHC staff specifically rebutted reports that audits had not been conducted at the facility. According to them, several audits were done on Pharmacy this year, both internal and external. “Relative to the claim of untimely requisition of drugs and the alleged collusion between staff members and private pharmacy owners to have drugs sold, the LHC wishes to verify that recent and past audits have never shown any discrepancy in terms o f i n v e n t o r y management and dispensing protoco l s a t the pharmacy and that order quantities are
c a l c u l a t e d a c c o r d ing to the standard used across the country and as set out by the LMIS manual.” T h e L H C ’s X - R a y machine has never been in a state of disrepair and is presently functioning well, the hospital management said. According to the data released from the LHC, patients did not have to pay for an X-Ray because the machine is privately owned since the h o s p i t a l ’s m a c h i n e i s broken. “The LHC has never collected money from any patient to have an X-ray completed.” For the period of January to August 2017, the LHC successfully completed 6196 x-rays which includes dental X-rays. Additionally, the LHC
conducts as much as twenty five (25) ECG examinations daily.
Friday October 06, 2017
Controversial Levy Raking in the Dough for Barbados Govt. But Economic Growth Stunted BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – The National Social Responsibility Levy (NSRL) that has left businesses and consumers crying out has reaped big dividends for the cashstrapped Barbados government. According to Finance Minister Chris Sinckler, the tax has generated BDS$50 million (US$25 million) in revenue, just three months after a 400 per cent increase in the levy was introduced. “I believe the figure so far is just short of BDS$50 million (US$25 million), which, if you’re to multiply it by four quarters, would give you just around BDS$200 million (US$100 million),” he told Parliament while leading off debate on the
Chris Sinckler
National Social Responsibility Levy Amendment Bill 2017 this week. Not only have the NSRL’s earnings exceeded expectations, but Sinckler
reported that the final figure for the period could be higher. He pointed out that additional Value Added Tax earned under the NSRL still had to be added.
Pork-knocker butchers policewoman... From page 3 who made the discovery and raised an alarm, said that she had no knowledge of any bad blood between 'Tekie' and 'Woody.' She spoke of having a very close relationship with the 'Tekie' and her mother. And she said also that ' Wo o d y ' w a s l i k e a handyman to the family.
According to other reports, Anthony was previously married and had stabbed his ex-wife multiple times during an argument. Relatives, friends and colleagues of the murdered woman were seen screaming and crying as undertakers removed the corpse. Her colleagues recalled
her as being “hardworking, jovial and pleasant.” Fraser served the Guyana Police Force for some 15 years. Aside from her 18-year-old son, she leaves to mourn two other children: Dacquan Fraser, 11, and Damara Fraser, aged five. She is survived by two sisters and one brother.
Friday October 06, 2017
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All Blacks expected to complete clean sweep Cape Town (Reuters) World champions New Zealand are expected to complete another clean sweep of the Rugby Championship as they finish this year’s campaign away in South Africa tomorrow. A fifth title success in the last six years was already secured last weekend and the All Blacks are expected to underline their dominance against one of their traditional foes, who have come in for a heavy battering of late. New Zealand have toyed with the Springboks in their last three clashes since the 2015 Rugby World Cup semi final, scoring 155 points in the
process and won 14 of the last 15 meetings between the two countries. The 57-0 win in the Auckland suburb of Albany last month was a record defeat for South Africa, whose primary concern will be proving more competitive than they were at the North Harbour Stadium on Sept. 16. ”The All Blacks will again test us in every department. They don’t seem to have any weak areas, so we will have to show that we’ve learnt from our experience in Albany. Saturday is another huge opportunity for us to continue to grow as a team and build on our cohesion,”
said coach Allister Coetzee at a news conference yesterday, where he named three changes to his team. The absence of veteran prop Tendai Mtawarira — released on Thursday for unspecific personal reasons — is a massive blow to the home side who have also moved Francois Louw to eighth man, although he has never played there before for South Africa. New Zealand, anticipating fatigue after a long trip from last Saturday’s win over Argentina in Buenos Aires, let four players skip that match and travel directly to Cape Town from New Zealand instead.
Lock Sam Whitelock, flankers Sam Cane and Liam Squire and center Ryan Crotty are all included in the starting lineup for Saturday’s clash, with the team essentially the same one that destroyed the
Springboks last month. ”We’ve not had as much time on the field this week but it’s all about energizing everyone and getting the zest back,” Crotty said yesterday. ”It’s all about attitude for us
this week. It comes individually; we each need to do what we need to do to be ready for kick off. The guys have got different plans in place. I’m sure everyone will have their attitude where it needs to be.”
Friday October 06, 2017 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Arguments with children or friends may leave you steaming. This may not be your day if you are overly melodramatic and unnerving everyone around you. Don't jump into investments too quickly. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You can make money if you're willing to push your ideas on those in a position to support your efforts. Females may put demands or added responsibilities on you. You can come up with future trends in creative fields. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Be diplomatic but stem. Be prepared to neutralize any threats. Sudden disruptions will cause upset and a change of routine in your home environment. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Personal problems may be hanging over your head but don't confront the situation. You can expect changes in your financial situation as well as in your status. Groups and organizations that indulge in social events to raise money will be conducive to meeting new and exciting lovers. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Put your efforts into moneymaking ventures. Don't divulge secret information. Don't let criticism upset you. Hassles will delay your plans. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Concentrate on home improvement. Small details will make a difference. The only thing you'll accomplish is a bad reputation. They will not be in the right frame of mind
to put up with tactless comments. LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Get motivated and follow up on some self-improvement resolutions. Help those incapable of taking care of their personal affairs. Discuss your objectives with partners or peers. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Don't bother getting even; they'll make themselves look bad. You won't get the reaction you want from your mate today. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Finish overdue paperwork and catch up on letter writing and reading. Your need to obtain additional details will lead you into strange topics of conversation. They will jump at the chance to do something without you if it sounds like more fun. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Taking on too much won't help the situation. Unexpected changes in friendships could occur. Take on positions that offer on the job training or pay for courses related to the business. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Make your intentions perfectly clear and find out exactly what is expected of you. Nothing can be resolved if you don't want to talk about it. Use your creative flair. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You are ready to blow up and your stress level has gone into over drive. Your loved ones could set you off. Sudden romantic infatuations could lead to a significant and prosperous connection.
File Photo - New Zealand’s players celebrate with the trophy after they won The Rugby Championship. REUTERS/Marcos Brindicci
Brazilian Olympics chief arrested... (From page 27) last month, read: “The entire journey of the Rio Olympics, from the bid to the closing ceremony, was conducted within the law.” In June, former Rio State Governor Sergio Cabral was jailed for 14 years after participating in the embezzlement of $64m from construction contracts, including the renovation of Rio’s Maracana stadium, where the 2016 opening and closing ceremonies were held. French prosecutors an-
nounced last year that they were widening their investigation into corruption in athletics to include the bidding-
and-voting processes for the hosting of the 2016 and 2020 Olympics. (BBCsport)
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Panama’s Escobar on facing U.S.: Neymar and Co. run out of “We have to calm and focused” ideas in high-altitude as they’re held to a goalless stalemate
Davenport, Florida – He’s only 22-years-old, but Panama defender Fidel Escobar already possesses the demeanor of veteran at the international level. He has appeared in six of the Canaleros’ eight finalround qualifiers for the 2018 FIFA World Cup and is with squad in Florida ahead of today’s match day nine clash with the host United States at Orlando City Stadium. ”We are a step away from the dream that we all want, which is to go to the Russia World Cup,” said Escobar,
who scored the only goal in the Hexagonal opener against Honduras last year. “We have to be calm and focused. We cannot get desperate.” Third-place Panama (2W-4D-2L, 10 points) can book its ticket to Russia by defeating the fourth-place U.S. (2-3-3, 9) and Honduras (2-3-3, 9) losing at Costa Rica. While a loss would not be fatal to the USA’s World Cup hopes (it would still have a chance to secure an intercontinental playoff berth), winning at home
would somewhat ease the burden heading into an October 10 road encounter with last-place Trinidad & Tobago (1-0-7, 3). Escobar is cognizant of that fact. “They are going to come wanting to impose themselves,” the New York Red Bulls player finished. “For that reason, when we have the opportunity, we have to take advantage of the space that they are going to leave us.” The last four meetings between Panama and the U.S. have ended in 1-1 draws.
England qualify for World Cup after late Kane goal Tottenham’s Harry Kane captained England for the first time in his career.
Neymar is denied by heroic Bolivian goalkeeper Lampe who refuses to give in.
Harry Kane’s injurytime winner secured England’s qualification for next summer’s World Cup with victory against Slovenia - but this was a display designed to dampen any sense of expectation. Kane, England captain for the night, bundled in Kyle Walker’s cross for his 11th goal in 22 international appearances to finally break down Slovenia’s resistance as they looked likely to hold out for a point. It meant manager Gareth Southgate can now start planning in earnest for Russia but could not cover up the cracks in an England performance that w as lifeless, uninspired and m e d i o c r e . Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling almost broke the deadlock before K a n e m a d e h i s breakthrough, the hosts were
also grateful to muchcriticised keeper Joe Hart for some crucial interventions. England and Southgate have achieved their goal. It was not, however, achieved in a manner that will start alarm bells ringing for any future World Cup opposition. Elsewhere in the group, Scotland kept their qualifying hopes alive in dramatic fashion as a late Martin Skrtel own goal gave them victory over 10-man Slovakia at Hampden Park. Germany 3 Northern I r e l a n d 1 Defending champions Germany confirmed their qualification for next year’s World Cup in Russia by beating Northern Ireland 3-1 in Belfast. Sebastian Rudy shot into the top corner in the second minute, Sandro Wagner rifled home from the edge of the area, and Joshua Kimmich drove in late on.
Josh Magennis headed Northern Ireland’s goal in stoppage time. Germany progress as group winners but Northern Ireland remain well placed to make November ’s play-offs. Michael O’Neill’s men complete their Group C campaign in Norway on Sunday, aiming to finish among the best eight of the nine group runners-up. They will follow results elsewhere over the next two days but, as it stands, they may need a point in Oslo to make sure of reaching the play-offs, the draw for which takes place on 17 October. Of the eight teams, the highest four in the Fifa rankings which will be published on 16 October Northern Ireland are currently 20th - will be seeded for the play-offs. (BBCsport)
Brazil were held to a 0-0 draw away to Bolivia in a Wo r l d C u p q u a l i f i e r yesterday with home goalkeeper Carlos Lampe in outstanding form to frustrate the five-times world champions. Brazil have already having qualified for next year’s finals in Russia while second-bottom Bolivia are out of the running for one of South America’s qualifying places. The visitors had the best in a match played at high altitude and searing heat on a poor pitch that made neat play difficult. Lampe made
several fine saves, particularly in the first half when he twice denied Neymar from close range and then kept out a pointblank shot from Gabriel Jesus. The keeper thwarted both players again in the second period, after Bolivia’s Diego Bejarano Ibanez rattled the bar in firsthalf injury time with a spectacular 30-metre strike. ‘We created lots of chances but the goalkeeper had a happy afternoon, he deserves our congratulations,’ Brazil’s captain for the day Casemiro said after the
game. Brazil lost Thiago Silva to injury after 28 minutes but were never in danger of losing their first competitive match since Tite took over as coach in June last year. The point extended his run in the qualifiers to 11 games without defeat. Brazil top the South American standings with 38 points from 17 games, while Bolivia have 1 4 p o i n t s Brazil are the only team to have played in every World Cup since the first tournament was held in Uruguay in 1930. (MailOnline)
Costa Rica, Watson look to secure World Cup berth at home San Jose, Costa Rica – For a footballer, it doesn’t any bigger than playing in a World Cup. That’s why Costa Rica defender Kendall Waston wants to see the secondplace Ticos (4W-3D-1L, 15 points) seal a spot in Russia 2018 by getting a point at home against fifth-place Honduras (2-3-3, 9) today as the final round of CONCACAF qualifying nears its conclusion. ”Without a doubt it will be the most important match of my career because it is the one to qualify for the World Cup,” said Waston. “As a
player, when you debut and start to play regularly with the national team, going to a Wo r l d C u p i s a l w a y s dreamed about. It is the ultimate than can be achieved for any player.” Even with a loss to the Catrachos, Costa Rica can still qualify by getting a draw at Panama on October 10, but the 22-time capped Waston would prefer to share the joy with his countrymen at the Estadio N a c i o n a l . ”Here, it is win or win, but you have to calm the anxiousness,” he commented.
“ P e r s o n a l l y, m y happiness is to qualify for the World Cup and see us all embracing after the match; the country celebrating euphorically something historic for everyone. ”It gives me a tingle in the stomach because so many things are at stake. The truth is that it’s tough to describe. But we hope that the fans support us enough to be able to achieve it together.” Costa Rica is unbeaten at home in 2018 WCQ play, posting a 6-1-0 record. (CONCACAF)
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Eliminated T&T to give Mexico Pollard named to lead their ‘best shot’, says Lawrence Bloem City Blazers
Port of Spain, Trinidad, CMC – Head Coach, Dennis Lawrence, says Trinidad and Tobago will be keeping their heads up against mighty Mexico, despite already suffering elimination from the 2018 CONCACAF World Cup qualifying campaign. T&T will be playing only for pride when they take on the confederation giants at the Estadio Alfonso Lastras in San Luis Potosí today, in the penultimate match of the campaign. ”It’s a very difficult place to come. We already know where Mexico are in the CONCACAF region, a very powerful team,” the NewsDay here quoted Lawrence as saying. “We need to make sure we’re very organised and we’re going to give it our best shot.” T&T have endured a wretched run, winning a single game to lie bottom of the six-nation standings on three points, with just four goals to their credit. Mexico, in contrast, are unbeaten and have already qualified for next year’s showpiece with 18 points from five wins and three draws. T&T’s chances of a positive result have been further complicated by injury to Colorado Rapids
Dennis Lawrence defender Mekeil Williams and midfielder Leston Paul coming down with an illness that has also affected other members of the squad, and Lawrence admitted this would force him to make adjustments to his approach to the contest. ”We had a situation with a couple of the boys going down with some sort of virus. Leston Paul is still struggling a bit [but] a couple of the others have managed to overcome it,” the former T&T defender said. ”We have the situation with Mekeil Williams who came in injured from Colorado from the last game that he played. We’re still monitoring that. It doesn’t look the best at the moment for Mekeil. ”We’re still working on Leston to see if he recovers in time. Apart from that, all
the other boys are in good condition.” He added: “The injury concern and the illness has affected in terms of what I got in my head but I’m more or less there in terms of the starting XI for t h e g a m e . ” Today’s game will be one of two in five days for Trinidad, with their final encounter of the campaign coming against powerhouses United States next Tuesday here at the Ato Boldon Stadium. And with the games of academic interest only, Lawrence said he was already looking to the future development of Trinidad’s football. “ We n e e d t o s t a r t thinking about the future. We need to start thinking about going ahead and putting together our developmental structure to ensure that we don’t end up in this type of situation again.”
Brazilian Olympics chief arrested in Rio
Carlos Nuzman Brazilian police have detained the head of the c o u n t r y ’s O l y m p i c committee in Rio de Janeiro. Carlos Nuzman has been investigated as part of a cash-for-votes probe after the bid for the Rio 2016 Olympics was won. The arrest is part of the corruption investigation, known as Operation Unfair Play. Mr Nuzman has previously denied all wrongdoing. Leonardo Gryner, the committee’s
director general, was also arrested, according to Brazilian media. The inquiry is being conducted in conjunction with French and US police. In September, Mr Nuzman’s home was searched. He was questioned and had his passport seized. Brazilian prosecutors believe he acted as an intermediary in an alleged $2m (£1.5m) payment to Papa Massata Diack, the son of an influential Senegalese member of the International
Olympic Committee (IOC). It is alleged that this was done to secure the vote of Lamine Diack, who was then serving as the head of the International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF). All parties have denied the allegations. On hearing of Mr Nuzman’s arrest, the IOC released a statement offering the Brazilian authorities its co-operation. “The IOC’s chief ethics and compliance officer has asked the Brazilian authorities for full information in order to proceed with the IOC’s investigation,” it said. ”[The IOC] also reiterates that the presumption of innocence prevails,” it added. Mr Nuzman, 72, has led the committee since 1995 and headed Rio’s successful bid to host the 2016 Games. A statement from Mr Nuzman’s lawyer, released (Continued on page 25)
Bloemfontein, South Africa, CMC – West Indies Twenty20 star, Kieron Pollard, has been named to lead Bloem City Blazers in South Africa’s T20 Global League which bowls off here next month. The big-hitting Trinidadian, a fixture in most of the major T20 leagues, also captains Barbados Tridents in the Caribbean Premier League. Head Coach Phil Simmons said t h e 3 0 - y e a r- o l d m a n y qualities had made him an obvious candidate for the job. ”Polly is a World-Cup winning player and has won numerous T20 domestic titles across the globe. His leadership is a vital asset to the Bloem City Blazers,” said Simmons, a former West Indies Head Coach. ”He brings with him a deep understanding of the game and the energy and passion to inspire the squad in our first attempt at T20 Global League success.” Pollard led Tridents to the 2014 CPL title and has also led Mumbai Indians at stages during the Indian Premier League. He brings a wealth of experience to the Blazers, having already compiled 7578 runs from 387 T20s, to be one of only seven batsmen with 7000 runs in the game’s shortest format. Pollard, who has also led West Indies in two One-Day Internationals, said he was already looking forward to the assignment. ”I’m honoured to be leading this immensely talented group of players. Every year I come back to South Africa and I am made to feel incredibly welcome,” said
Kieron Pollard
the veteran. “The T20 Global League is a new and exciting competition and looking at the squad we’ve put together I’m confident our brand of cricket will light up Bloemfontein and give the fans cause to cheer.” Blazers are expected to pose a strong challenge in the November 3 to December 16 tournament, with Pollard set to be joined by the likes of Barbados-born England allrounder Chris Jordan and former West Indies star Dwayne Smith, for the campaign. Pollard said the quality of the squad meant a lot would be expected from them. “We want to start with real momentum and the fans being behind us from the outset is important,” he
noted. “We’ve got worldclass talent that covers every base in the Bloem City Blazers squad, the ingredients are all there to make the T20 Global League a successful tournament for us. ”I’ve either played with or against most of the guys so they’ll be familiar with how I lead a group. If we perform our roles and show the fighting spirit from the outset we will be formidable opponents. I can’t wait for the first game.” Pollard is one of three high-profile West Indies players in this year’s competition with superstar opener Chris Gayle turning out for Cape Town Knight Riders and all-rounder Dwayne Bravo signed by Pretoria Mavericks.
Guyana depart for ABCA Independence Tri-Nation T20 in Antigua The Guyana team departed yesterday for Antigua where they will take part in the second annual Antigua and Barbuda Cricket Association Independence Tri-nation T20 Tournament starting today. The tournament which also involves the host nation and Jamaica will conclude on October 14. The Guyana team is being led by Leon Johnson with Veerasammy Permaul serving as his deputy. The Guyanese will take on Jamaica in their first
game from 18:00hrs tomorrow at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. The squad reads; Leon Johnson (Capt.), Veerasammy Permaul (V. Capt.), Christopher Barnwell, Jonathan Foo, Ronsford Beaton, Keemo Paul, Romario Shepherd,
Ricardo Adams, Sherfane Sutherford, Steven Jacobs, Gajanand Singh, Chanderpaul Hemraj, Robin Bacchus, Ramaal Lewis and Anthony Bramble. Esuan Crandon (Head Coach) and Rayon Griffith (Manager/Assistant Coach).
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Friday October 06, 2017
RHTY&SC says Japanese GP: Lewis Hamilton thanks to sponsors position ‘not comfortable at all’ after successful Rose Hall 175th Anniversary activities The nine cricket teams, Over-35 group and the Management of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, Ms, has announced that the 175th Anniversary celebrations of Rose Hall Village was a smashing success. The Club, from the August 19 – September 21 last hosted a number of activities to commemorate the purchase of Rose Hall by 57 freed slaves in 1842 from European Planter, John Henry Baird. The month long celebrations were held under the theme, “Celebrating the Legacy and Vision of our Founding Fathers”. Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster who spearheaded proceedings along with Vice President Mark Papannah and Assistant Secretary Simon Naidu noted that the club was proud to be based in Rose Hall Town and as such worked beyond the call of duty to make the historic anniversary a memorable one for ever Rose Hall residents. The club, which organised the events with the permission of the Rose Hall Town Council, expressed gratitude to Mayor Vijai Ramoo, his Deputy Dave Budhu along with the Staff of the Council for their cooperation. Foster was also very appreciative of the support of residents of the Township who came out in their numbers to support each event. Some of the events that took place were; Cross Country Race which attracted over 40 athletes, 5a-side football, domino’s, dancing competition, fitness walk, diabetes clinic, day of sports, unveiling of Scoreboard at the Area ‘H’ ground, Hand-in-Hand cricket match and GBTI inter-school softball cricket. The long serving Secretary/CEO praised the members of the nine cricket teams and Club’s
Executive for working beyond the call of duty, singling out Simon Naidu, Joel Pike, Uma Matadin, Joshua Wilson, Sohan Harry, Elizabeth Brusch, Pamela Brusch, Mark Papannah, Shawn Pereira, Bridgette Mc Donald, Rabindranauth Kissoonlall, Keith Hicks, Terry Pike, Neville Beaton and Vee Fraser for special mention. The outstanding work of the Guyana Police Force throughout the month long celebrations was also highlighted as was the support of the media. Sponsors of the activities were, Ministry of the Presidency, Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Business, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Public Health, Berbice Regional Health Authority, Poonai’s Pharmacy, Guyana Football Federation, M&M Snackette, J’s Printery, Guyana Prison Service, I m p r e s s i o n P r i n t e r y, Namilco, Republic Bank, Bank of Nova Scotia, Demerara Bank, RDC Region 6, Regional Chairman David Armogan, Vijai Ramoo, Arokium Funeral Home, Sham Grocery, Marcy Chill Corner, Dr. Herman Fraser, Hand-inHand Insurance, National Sports Commission, Guyana Tourist Authority, Imran Hamid, Ansa Mcal Trading, Sueria Manufacturing, Bello Grilling Shop, St. Francis Community Developers, Bank of Guyana, Guyana R e v e n u e A u t h o r i t y, University of Guyana, Guyana Bank of Trade & I n d u s t r y , M s . Ve n a Mookram, Azeeze Khan, Harris Paint, Guyoil, NTN, National Trust, National Library, Guyana Defence Force, Guysuco Training Centre, Department of Culture, Tracy Khan, Alvin Jai Jai Ram, M o o n i s h Singh, Shamie Ramsingh and Ministry of Education Region 6 Department.
Lewis Hamilton says he is “not comfortable at all” with his position in the championship despite a sizeable lead over rival S e b a s t i a n Ve t t e l . T h e Mercedes driver is 34 points ahead of Vettel heading into Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix with 125 available in the remaining five races this year. Hamilton said: “I am under no illusion. I might have the nail a little bit in, but I need to keep hammering it. “It is not done until there is no more to push it in.” Hamilton has gained 31 points on Vettel in the past two races after problems for the German and his Ferrari team. ”There are so many points available and you have seen other years where things swing,” Hamilton added. “The pendulum can swing. I am hoping if it starts to swing the other way we have enough force to push it back to where it should be.” Ferrari have been quicker than Mercedes in the past two races but both their cars crashed out together at the first corner in Singapore and Vettel finished fourth in Malaysia after starting from the back because of an
Lewis Hamilton high-fives a young fan while signing autographs at Suzuka. engine problem. Asked to rate his chances of overhauling Hamilton, Vettel said: “We have a chance. I tend not to rate many things. I think there is a chance and we make sure we use it. “We are behind so it depends on what Mercedes are doing. We just have to do our best and we need to score much more than them. How we achieve it doesn’t matter as long as we do achieve it.” Mercedes had a difficult weekend in Malaysia, where they expected to be more competitive than they were.
Hamilton said Mercedes had “definitely still question marks” about the car’s performance but added: “I saw some stories that we had been thrown off the ball or are on the back foot. We’re not. ”We are still leading the championship, we still have a great car. Each race is really just about trying to understand more about the car because there is constantly something new coming in the mix that can catch us off guard. ”That is the exciting thing about this car. If the car was
perfect every weekend, it would be boring and we are enjoying the fact we are being challenged and that she is not the easiest. ”I don’t know if any of you guys can predict but I definitely can’t predict what races are going to work and what are not. We thought we’d be stronger in the last race but we were way off but we still got pole and finished second.” The weather forecast for Suzuka is for a wet day of practice on Friday before drying up into the weekend. (BBCsport)
Sawpit CC claim WDCA T20 Title
Members of the victorious Sawpit Cricket Club. Sawpit Cricket Club emerged champions of the West Demerara Cricket Association (WDCA) T20 tournament for the first time f o l l o w i n g f o u r- w i c k e t victory over Zeeburg in the final which was contested on Sunday at Joe Vieira Park, West Bank Demerara. Zeeburg took first strike and were pegged back by some accurate bowling from Imran Khan and were sent packing for 89 in 14 overs.
Balbinder Shivpersaud hit three fours and two sixes in the top score of 33 while Medha Dhanpaul made 15; Khan finished with 4-25. Sawpit CC responded with 92-6 in 14 overs. Man of-the-match Khan and Ganesh Puran made 16 each; Timur Mohamed took 2-12 and Azad Azim 2-23. Meten Meer Zorg ‘A’ defeated Rising Stars Sports Club by 16 runs in the third place playoff which was
reduced to 15 overs due to rain. Meten Meer Zorg’ ‘A batted first and scored 1108. Mahendra Nandkishore hit one four and five sixes in his 34 while Zaheer Haniff made 14. Nickos Major picked up 3-16 and Marvin Cheong 222. Rising Stars were bowled out for 94 in 14 overs in reply. Major made 32 (4x6) while Rohan Deonarine grabbed 4-7, Haniff and Harry Persaud
had 2-16 each. Sawpit received a trophy and $100,000 and Zeeburg took home a trophy and $50,000. Chairman of the WDCA Competition Committee Omar Hussain congratulated Sawpit and encouraged the players to strive for greater heights. Hussain indicated that they will be shortly commencing tournaments for Under-15, 19 and Senior players.
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Banks DIH/GABA Division One League
Colts waltz to championship by bolting past Guardians
Shelroy Thomas
Nikolai Smith
When the final whistle blew on Wednesday night to signal the end of the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA)/Powerade/Malta Supreme/Rainforest Water 2017 season, Bounty Colts had successfully defended all of their titles secured in the First, Second and Under23 divisions. Shelroy Thomas poured in 29 points to lead the Colts to an exciting 93-86 and eventual 7-point win over Plaisance Guardians in the final game of best of three final series contested at the Burnham Hard Court, Middle and Carmichael
Streets. The entertaining triumph saw Colts Basketball Club sweeping all three divisions in 2017 season. After wrapping up both the U n d e r- 2 3 a n d S e c o n d Division 3-game finals, 2-0, Colts were in serious pressure in their bid to retain the First Division title, Plaisance forging ahead with an 11-point lead during the third quarter in the final m a t c h o n We d n e s d a y evening. This followed a 2121 tied score after the first quarter and a 7-point lead after the following quarter. Plaisance Guardians was a confidemnt unit after
Some of the Plaisance supporters that brought life to Burnham Court on Wednesday night. winning game two of the three-game finals on Sunday night; further aided by the support of their boisterous East Coast fans who cheered them opening whistle, they were in with a good chance of jolting the Colts’ victory bid. However, as Colts have
Mike’s Pharmacy/Nauth Motor Spares/Trophy Stall Softball
Ariel Masters, Trophy Stall Angles triumph Ariel Masters and Trophy Stall Angles recorded victories when the Mike’s Pharmacy, Nauth Motor Spares and Trophy Stall softball tournament continued on Sunday last at Carifesta Sports Complex. Ariel Masters defeated Floodlights by two wickets. Floodlights batted first and were bowled out for 127 with John Sumir scoring 49 and Imtiaz Mohamed 31; Doodie Ramdeen claimed 4-26 and Talesh Ramotar 2-35. Ariel responded with 131-8 in 19.3 overs. Dharmendra Mohabir made 27 not out and Vinoo Lall 24 not out. Dharam Persaud had 3-20 and Sumir 3-23. Trophy Stall Angels beat Wellwoman by 27 runs. Trophy Stall took first strike and posted 121-9 in 15 overs. June Ogle led with 51 while Alicia Allen made 21 and Matana Cambridge 18. Zola Telford captured 317, Reneka Isaacs 2-24 and Latoya Smith 2-25. Wellwoman were limited
Latoya Smith (left) and Zola Telford to 94-5 in reply. Telford made an unbeaten 42 and Christine Fraser 29; Allen had 2-14. Trophy Stall Angels overcame Blue Divas by 9 wickets. Blue Divas batted first and struggled to 36-6 off their reduced quota of 10 overs. Sangeeta Shaw made 14; Allen picked up 3-7 and Tremayne Smartt 2-5. Trophy Stall replied with 37-1 with Ogle scoring 20 not out. In quarterfinal action on Sunday at Carifesta Sports Complex from 10:00hrs, HS
Masters will play Wellman on pitch one while Fisherman will engage Floodlights on pitch two. At Hydronie, Parika Defenders will entertain Sunrisers. In the lone open semi final game Farm will play Success from 13:00hrs on pitch one while the female segment will continue with preliminary matches; Wellwoman oppose Glen Eagle’s Warriors from 13:00hrs and at 15:00hrs 4R Lioness will face Glen Eagle’s Warriors on pitch two.
done consistently across all three divisions this season, the disciplined unit showcased their superior fitness and the champions pressed the tiring Guardians late while reducing the
deficit to 7-points heading into the final quarter. In crunch time, Guardians’ top scorer Nikolai Smith (26 points) played wonderfully but his exhausted teammates couldn’t stop the final charge
of Colts as they sunk threepointers, grabbed defensive rebounds and benefitted from numerous turnovers, when it mattered, in the divisive moments. (Calvin Chapman)
Regional Health Director Jevaughn Stephens heads Mental Hospital Cricket Club The Fort Canje Mental Hospital Cricket Club is once again functioning and at a recent meeting which took place at the Berbice Regional Health Authority elected the Regional Health Director Jevaughn Stephens as its President. The other officers elected were Desmond Conway - Vice President, Rhonda Russell - Secretary, Daniel Latchana - Treasurer. The Committee Members are Augusto Collins, Andre James and Natasha Durant Clements while Director of Sports Christopher Jones is
the Honorary Patron. The Club also elected the President and Vice President as the two representatives to the Berbice Cricket Board and wishes to inform the general public that no other persons are authorised to represent the club. Meanwhile, the club on Sunday last held a successful Tapeball competition which formed part of its fundraising activities. The teams that participated were Mental Hospital Cricket Club, Guyana Revenue Authority, MassyBerbice , J’s Supermarket and Oldendorff.
J’s Supermarket won the trophy and carried home $200,000 and a trophy while the runner-up prize of $100,000 was won by Massy-Berbice. Stephens has noted that the Mental Hospital Cricket Club’s major aim would be to form teams to compete at every level in Berbice and to offer alternatives to youths in the Fort Canje and New Amsterdam areas. Interested players are urged to call Secretary Rhonda Russell on telephone number 333 5716 for more information.
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Friday October 06, 2017
Demerara Bank partners RHTY&SC to host Art and Spelling ‘B’ Competitions Demerara Bank in conjunction with the nine cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club (RHTY&SC) recently hosted an Art competition for the Rose Hall Nursery School while students of the Rose Hall Town Primary participated in a Spelling ’B’ competition held under the club’s, Say Yes to Education Campaign. Vice President Mark Papannah informed that the events were held since the cricket teams champions the importance of education and also as part of the 175th Anniversary celebration of Rose Hall Village. The top three winners of the Art competition were Giara Punch, Camille Singh and Hannah Somrah while the Spelling Bee top students were Angel Joseph, Brandon Ferreira and Jeremiah Boodhoo. The winner of each category received a trophy while all six winners carried home exercise books and educational materials. Vice President Mark Papannah who organised the events expressed gratitude to the Management of Demerara Bank, especially Rose Hall Town Branch Manager Martin Khemraj for their continued confidence in the club. Demerara Bank,
The Winners of both Art and Spelling ‘B’ competitions pictured with Demerara Bank Officials. Papannah stated is a long standing friend of the club and expressed confidence that the Bank would continue its support in the future. Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster in an invited comment said that the club this year has hosted some 87 educational programmes and would continue to invest in
education. Foster informed that they will be teaming up with Demerara Mutual Life Insurance Company to host the first Region 6 Tribute to O u t s t a n d i n g Te a c h e r s Awards Scheme. A total of six (6) teachers from the Primary and Secondary levels would be honoured based on the students’ performance at the
National Grade Six and CSEC Examinations. The teachers would receive a combined financial package of $350,000 along with trophies, medals and certificates. Rose Hall was purchased in 1842 by 57 free slaves and the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club and the nine cricket teams organised a
series of activities to mark the historic anniversary. The Papannah boasted that no other club and NGO in Guyana can match the outstanding work his club in making a positive difference in the lives of youths while disclosing that they have now successfully completed 545 projects for 2017 after surpassing its
initial target of 500 on September last. The club’s nine cricket teams are the Poonai Pharmacy Under-13, Farfan & Mendes Under-15, Bakewell Under-17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under-19 and Intermediate, Metro Females, Gizmos & Gadgets Under-21 and First Division.
South American Youth Games – Badminton
Priyanna Ramdhani in today’s quarter finals
Priyanna Ramdhani (right) with Chile’s Michaela Skaric. Now holding the joint #4 ranking in South America, the youngest player in Badminton and Guyana’s team at the 11 South American Youth Games being hosted at the
C e n t r o d e E n t r e n a m i e n t o Olimpico, Santiago, Chile, Priyanna Ramdhani, will contest today’s quarter finals in the singles competition.
Priyanna Ramdhani and Tyrese Jeffrey (foreground) competing in the mixed doubles competition on Wednesday. Competing in Group B on Wednesday, the 15 year-old Ramdhanni defeated the host nation’s Michaela Skaric, 21-17, 21-14 to book her place in
today’s quarter finals. Reports out of Chile indicated that the young Guyanese not only shut out the cold conditions (11 degrees) but also to support of the home fans.
Ramdhani and her Mixed Doubles partner, Tyrese Jeffrey competed in Group C round-robin play and beat the Panamanian pair of Francisco Hau/Nathalie Fedney, 21-
6, 21-13 but lost their n e x t t w o m a t c h e s to Chile’s Alonso Medel and Mickaela Skaric, 21-12, 21-12 and Brazilian’s William Guimaraes/Sania Passos, 21-5, 21-11.
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Friday October 06, 2017
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Works begin at GFF National Training Centre – FIFA Forward Programme
GFF President Wayne Forde (left) seen with other officials at the Providence FIFA Forward site. Construction works began on Wednesday at the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) National Training Centre ( F I FA F o r w a r d Programme) as the GFF
gears up to create a stable home for football development in Guyana. The key activity executed was the clearing of the field by the local contractor – S. Nabi and
Sons Ltd. – to prepare same for further works. President of the GFF, Wayne Forde, visited the site and said he was happy that works have commenced.
”We’re happy to see movement on the ground, we will be keeping our members and the general public f u l l y i n f o r m e d throughout the project.”
The first phase of the project will see the construction of the artificial turf by Greenfields, a manufacturer of artificial turf. This phase is
scheduled to be completed by the end of January. Other aspects of the facility will include dormitories, kitchen services, gym and a pool.
WIFBSC Hall of Fame to take flight in Guyana Late Richard Fields, Neville Denny and Major General (rtd) Norman McLean nominated
Major General (rtd.) Norman McLean Next week’ s Guyana National Rifle Association (GuyanaNRA) 150th Anniversary championship which will also be run concurrently with eth West Indies Fullbore Shooting Council (WIFBSC) Caribbean championship will be historical in more ways than one. According to Guyana’s Fullbore Captain, Mahandra Persaud, the WIFBSC is
expected to launch its Hall of Fame next week. ”It’s going to commence with shooters from 1987 coming forward but is not to say that we are forgetting those who were before or did well for West Indies shooting before.” T h r e e f o r m e r GuyanaNRA Executive members have been nominated to be inducted, they are the Late Richard
Neville Denny ‘Dickie’ Fields (former Vice President & Team Captain), Neville Denny (former GuyanaNRA VP & WIFBSC President) and Major General (rtd) Norman McLean. Persaud who shared this info at a GuyanaNRA hosted press conference on Wednesday last at the Crown Mining Roof Garden, D e n n i s S t r e e t , Campbellville, said that
McLean was the person instrumental in assisting the association to set up the 900 and 1000 yards banks at the Timehri Rifle Ranges. Persaud also informed that along with the three Guyanese, there is also quite a few other Caribbean nationals who are going to be inducted: “At least two or three from each territory, Trinidad, Barbados and Jamaica.
Richard ‘Dickie’ Fields Having said that, we in Guyana will launch our own hall of fame in the short future; If we can get a home and will keep stressing that until we get it, if we can get a home for this prestigious association of 150 years then all those things can be realities.” The Fullbore Captain reinforced that once a home is realized; they will go back as far as the era of the
Mohamed Ali’s and Georgie Whyte’s all great marksmen. Persaud further informed that the children of the Late Mohamed Ali have donated three trophies that would be shot for by the local competitors. ”A challenge trophy for the winner along with second and third places, they have already posted the trophies and we should be receiving them shortly.
t r o Sp Banks DIH/GABA Division One League
Colts waltz to championship by bolting past Guardians
Bounty Colts, Banks DIH/GABA Division One League 2017 Champions.
Guyana depart for ABCA Independence Tri-Nation T20 in Antigua
Members of the Guyana team with Coach Esuan Crandon and Manager Rayon Griffith.
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