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Sunday October 13, 2019
Kaieteur News
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Citizenship and patriotism Men have stepped to the wicket and delivered. Forms filled out and passports deposited. This may not rise to the level of supreme sacrifice, but actions still rank as a highly prized piece of personal accomplishment relinquished. It certainly says so much for this society that so many of its citizens had cause to scatter to the far winds in search of sanctuary and succor. From low to high, this included those who marched up the ladder of position and prestige, of earning and growing personally. Now another calling comes, it stirs to respond to country calling. It must be commended, whatever the source, however long it took. Today, there is no spoiling of that sentiment, by asking if the same would have prevailed if Guyana was not positioned where it is; so richly and so promisingly positioned. The embedded economics of the calling and stirring, indeed the enthusing, towards returning and contributing speak authoritatively. The politics, too, has its own revelations to place on the table of public dissection. There is nothing mysterious about those revelations, nothing profound, only an emphatic exposure of the scurrilous nature of this supposedly noblest of Guyanese calling reduced to the prostitution of principle, of people, and of one course, destructive objective after the other. Who will rule? Who will manage the power (and the plums)? May those surrendering citizenship be differentiating. For when the economics and politics have been addressed, there is the matter of racial demographics. Who are the broadest of broad-minded citizens then? Who are the truest, noblest of patriots in the most expansive and inclusive rendition of giving for the striving and rising of others? Those would be the other citizens: the peasants in the far-flung villages, who wonder if the talk about oil and contracts and that corporate devil called ExxonMobil is real, or simply the mirage of another low trick played upon them by their betters. The latter would be those calling themselves leaders.There are also the many other impoverished looking for a hand up from the doldrums of their scanty existence. It is hoped by this paper that all existing legislators and others, who may be elected in due course, remember to do a little more for the lesser citizens; those citizens who have gone nowhere, can go nowhere except to those places where they inevitably come up short; short of cash, short of basic necessities, short of the quality of life that is owed to them and their families. May current and aspiring leaders do more for them.The hope and vision are that grounded leaders and incoming leaders will do more for the less fortunate, by wisely utilising the cascades of cash that float up from the liquid gold now buried beneath the rivers. May that be the resurrection and ascension of all citizens of this country. This could be a challenge for leaders, a different kind of challenge. It is not as stirring or as cheering as the public sacrifice of giving up other citizenship to offer dedicated service to motherland and homeland. Rather, it is that anachronism, that noblest of ideals: irreversible immersion in a genuine patriotism to soil and fellows, to people and future. The future starts now, in the hardscrabble present. From the perspective of this publication, it is that indefinable, but broad discernible, strain that combines the best of citizenship alongside the most powerful and irreversible of patriotic altruisms. We could use some of that here, just some so that the peoples of this stricken land may lift themselves up to a higher place, that proud and dignified place, which has proven to be so elusive for so long. Political leaders know what is required of them. They know by how much and how far they have fallen short. By the same token, the hope is that the sacrifice of citizenship by political participants will contribute to an enduring self-sacrificing patriotism of the highest caliber. One that is of authentic servanthood, and of making this blessing work for the greatest possible good.
Kaieteur M@ilbox Send your letters to Kaieteur News 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown or email us kaieteurnews@yahoo.com
WPA cash transfer proposal is zombie economics DEAR EDITOR In responding to the Working Peoples Alliance coleader, Economics Professor, Clive Thomas, who recently made a public presentation on cash transfers from oil proceeds during, which he referred to his government colleagues as “ignars”, I as an attorney-at-law and oil and gas consultant, has said that the only person who is showing himself to be an “ignar” of the oil industry is Professor Clive Thomas with his “zombie economics”. While I have respect for him as an economist, Professor Thomas has shown that with his cash transfer from oil proceeds proposal he is totally out of his element. Let’s go through Professor Thomas faulty mathemat-
ics and incorrect assumptions: First, he said that by 2025, Guyanas oil production will soar to 1M to 2.5M barrels per day (bpd). This is not only wrong, it is also impossible. The best-case scenario for Guyana’s oil production is about 780,000 bpd by 2025 and that is if everything goes perfect which means that there are no delays in project approvals and projects execution, and no unforeseen events. As it stands right now, there is no serious consideration or possibility of Guyana producing 1.5M bpd let alone 2.5M bpd by even 2030.Second, he makes an incorrect assumption that production profiles stay static. Oil field production is not like a factory. There are var-
ied production results. Even with the application of enhanced recovery techniques, daily production can fall by 33%-50% within 10 years. Ghana’s jubilee field is a clear example. The FPSO was built for 120,000 bpd but is currently producing about 80,000 bpd and it has gone down to low figures like 60,000 bpd. There were even periods when the entire operation had to be shut down so there was no production. In addition, it is important to note that half of those 10 years, the oil company gets the significant portion of the project cash-flow based on the deal which Professor Thomas’APNU-AFC government senselessly trapped Guyana with. Third, he incorrectly calculates the 10% after-tax rev-
enue figure. Let us be clear that no one at this point knows what government revenue would look like around 2025 because the final development plans for project 4 and 5 have not been completed to be sure of their respective or total capital expenditure. That capital expenditure has to be recovered and the 75% cost recovery delays Governments share. Projects 4 and 5 could cost anywhere between US$5 to 10B. This means there are huge sensitivity variations when you have those large variations in project developmental costs which at this point is not known with certainty. No one knows what the exploration costs would be (Continued on page 7)
Sunday October 13, 2019
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Kaieteur News
Kaieteur M@ilbox
Kaieteur M@ilbox
A THREE-PARTY SYSTEM
The Harbour Bridge openings
DEAR EDITOR, The recent letter by former Prime Minister Hamilton Green titled “Remembering the past; lest we forget”, brought back some fond memories of my youth and also reminded me of how our homeland has changed. As a schoolboy, daily I would ride my bicycle home from Queen’s College. This was in the days of former President Forbes Burnham, when free education was enjoyed by all and performance in education was hard earned. Usually, this ride home was with fellow school mates, one of whom was the son of the head of the sound engineering team at the National Culture Centre; the other, the son of the owner of a successful printery and I, the son of an executive from the Guyana Sugar Corporation. We were all from diverse racial, socio-economic and political backgrounds and our ride home would usually take us through Meadow Brook past former Prime Minister Green’s residence. On one occasion, I was fortunate enough to be invited in to play a game of table tennis with the former Prime Minister. In those days, Guyana felt like a large village and a young country with many opportunities for all races to comfortably interact, especially in a school setting where talent was your ticket to obtain a good education via national Common Entrance exams.The portion of former Prime Minister Green’s letter that stood out was his statement, “After that October, we saw a reversal of the gains won in the mid1960s. We witnessed the discrimination of the descendants of those Africans”.
No one should deny how painful it has been over the years for both Africans and Indians in our homeland. The hurtful discrimination and extreme acts of violence that has been experienced by both those of African and Indian descent has created a huge divide in our nation. It has divided colleagues, childhood friends, schoolmates, neighbours and neighbourhoods. In some cases, it has even divided families. Guyana’s population is such that instead of six degrees of separation, we are probably at three degrees of separation, especially for those of a mixed or diverse heritage. The division in our homeland due to discrimination has reached the point where political discourse is extremely difficult and obtaining a mutually beneficial joint solution is usually avoided. The influx of additional foreign actors who help perpetuate such division has also fueled the problem of discrimination and has promoted a bias towards the segregation of Africans and Indians. Our homeland no longer feels the way it did before and a daily war is being witnessed between the Africans and Indians. That is how bad it has become. Some are of the opinion that segregation is the best solution to pursue. More evident is the attitude of “we take care of our own people”. This has fostered exclusion and biased business practices, which have caused stagnation (for the race not currently in power) in many sectors of the national economy. A dual economy system has evolved to such an extent that people from one race “sell out” and leave the country when people from the other
race are “in power” and vice versa. This is the dominant attitude in our society today. The long held approach of “this area being for that group and that area being for the other group” e.g. Linden and Port Mourant, has created an unbalanced strategy within the investment cycle and has undermined the level of growth which our homeland could achieve. This has created frustration in many villages and townships within our nation, while also increasing the risk our nation faces in national security as seen by the incidents with Suriname and Venezuela. The attempts to create a unity government has not been able to overcome the hate harboured over the years by members of the populace and the upcoming election may not change these feelings of betrayal and discrimination on both sides of the racial divide. This has become evident given the current conflict over constitutional adherence. This leads one to believe that the racial divide between Indians and Africans has grown.However, if there is genuine interest in preventing the continuation of biased racial based investment that will lead to further conflict between the African and Indian races, we should consider establishing a three-party system where a third party has the ability to foster true discussion on the issues without regard to race, socioeconomic standing and political affiliation. Such a third party will have to avoid creating a coalition with any of the two dominant parties and lift up the voice of the other races and independent minded voters in our homeland. It has been far too (Continued on page 7 )
DEAR EDITOR, Could the Demerara Habour Bridge authority say if it s more beneficial to the company to have a series of scheduled closures of the bridge at 5:00am and 2:30pm for 5 × days continuous respectively? I can recall the initiative behind the introduction of night openings of the bridge
for vessels, was premised on reducing the burden of day closures to vehicular traffic. However, what has been seen is a reduction of the day closures between 8:30am to 1:30pm with “5:00am and 2:30pm” closures of the bridge to vehicular traffic bearing most of the scheduled closures, which coincides (Continued on page 6)
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Sunday October 13, 2019
Kaieteur News
Kaieteur M@ilbox
Kaieteur M@ilbox
MPI should have fixed traffic lights before acquiring elevators
Time will dictate the end of Ramjattan, representation. The formed in 2005. It was formed Nagamootoo tional same mindset prevailed in by three disgruntled members
Dear Editor, There seems to be a growing concern about the wastage of state funds by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI) on 10 elevators for the five overpasses on the East Bank Demerara (EBD) public road. The framework for these elevators had long before held their prominence on the overpasses as “white elephants”, while the date for the commencement of their operation kept rolling back. Sadly! The elevators never offered a chance to create any pleasant memories, beyond the sticking in the air for hours with a few people. News of that incident has permanently condemned the elevators to “white elephant” status. This is evident by the fact that people are not using the functional elevators at the Harbour Bridge. Public confidence on the elevators shattered. People have seen too many movies of people trapped in elevators. They would rather creep or crawl up the flight of steps to the walkway. In this regard it would be prudent for the Government to let the elements (thieves, vandals and the weather) take care of the ten elevators, rather than to continue wasting monies on them. None of the commentators who wrote about the elevators was able to say what was the damage to the states purse, in terms of price incurred for these elevators compliments of accountable Governance promised by the
Coalition. If something of this nature had happened while the PPP was in Government and APNU/AFC were in opposition, the penguins on the South Pole would have heard them screaming “fowl”. Don’t be surprised if the elevators cost more than the overpasses when that information (price for the elevators) becomes public knowledge. A Charles Sohan wrote in KN: “Elevators are new to us and complex.” It would have been prudent to master something (traffic lights) that had been with us and served us well over five decades before moving to elevators. Traffic lights have been preventing the loss of lives and damage to vehicles through accidents. They are known to provide a safe conduit to both pedestrians and vehicles using the roads. The traffic lights on the Eccles public road had not been working for two weeks. There are many in the city that has not been working for longer periods. No one seems to miss the lights when the traffic cops are out directing traffic. When the cops are gone, the Eccles junction is reminiscent of scenes from the environs of a watering hole on the African Savannahs where lions, leopards, hyenas and other predators hunt their prey. The governments thinktank never saw the wisdom in our skilled technicians mas-
tering traffic lights or a contract to upgrade same, before moving to elevators. Guyana has been a spawning ground for corruption since independence. Conspiracy theorist is of the opinion that 10 percent of what it would take to keep all our traffic lights up and running and well maintained is chicken feed to the minister responsible for our infrastructure, bearing in mind that 10 percent is assumed as the minimum for standard operational plunder (SOP) for ministers in awarding of contracts. On that note, the Minister obviously sees no reward to safeguard the commuting public by inducing any degree of constancy in our traffic lights. Ministers have the luxury of wailing sirens and flashing lights offered by the police force when they commute, the lesser folks are condemned to be part of the road rage. Rudolph Singh
The Harbour Bridge ... From page 5 with the peak periods of vehicular traffic to and from West Demerara. This has resulted in severe fatigue and mayhem to commuters, which at times can be very unbearable coupled with the high levels of downtime and man-hours lost per capita. Given the plight of commuters, the Public Infrastructure Ministry should review the current situation to determine what makes more economic and financial sense in this regard and advise the general public accordingly. Paul Ramrattan
DEAR EDITOR, It is now the foregone conclusion of the masses in Guyana and the Diaspora that the Alliance for Change has long become subservient to the PNC-dominated Coalition Government to the point of being totally consumed. The identity is completely lost. They further opined that the leaders, namely, Moses Nagamootoo and Khemraj Ramjattan have been relegated to rubber stamps status, merely regurgitating the views, utterances, opinions and policies of the PNC. We have seen numerous examples: when Granger illegally appointed Justice (retd) James Patterson as the GECOMs Chairman; when the four sugar estates were heartlessly closed and when the PNC willfully embarked on a course of violating the Constitution and flout the CCJs rulings among others. This is in stark contrast to the Coalition in 1964 between the United Force (UF) and the PNC. Let us take a look at the first Coalition which was formed between the UF and the PNC to oust the PPP from government. The United Force was formed by Peter DAguiar on 5th October, 1960 and won 16.38 percent of the votes in the 1961 Elections, but a point of vital importance was the fact that the elections were won by Dr. Jagans PPP by a slim majority when compared to the totality of votes garnered by the UF and the PNC. This aroused the dictatorship instinct in Burnham and gave him the opening he needed. This slim majority by the PPP indicated that a coalition by Burnham and DAguiar could win if the electoral system was changed to propor-
2015. Then the manipulators, the UK and the US, gave Burnham exactly what he needed to begin his quest for absolute power-proportional representation just in time for the 1964 Elections. This move saw the coalition of the PNC and UF who together won 52.9 % of the votes. This resulted in Burnham getting the Prime Ministerial post and DAguiar, the Finance Minister as agreed. However, DAguiar was not a corrupt person- he was used to wealth and its accompanying opulence and in September 1967, he resigned from the Cabinet because of blatant corruption by the PNC faction. He became totally disgusted by the corruption of the Burnhams PNC. He even went further. In October 1968, DAguiar joined hands with Jagan and walked out of the National Assembly and in January 1969, DAguiar appeared in a documentary, The Making of a Prime Minister, in which he expressed deep regret and disappointment about coalescing with the PNC. But the damage had been done and it took more than two decades of suffering and anguish to finally rid the nation of the PNC scourge which he was duped to install. Ironically, the elections in 1992 was held on 5th October, the same day that the UF was formed, and the PPP emerged victorious as it always did. However, DAguiar must be given full credit for making such a hasty departure from the PNC and his total rejection of that party and its leader. Now let us look at the Alliance for Change which was
REPLY TO FREDDIE KISSOON DEAR EDITOR: In his most recent column in the Kaieteur News (October 12, 2019), my friend Freddie Kissoon repeated a criticism of the WPA he made a couple of weeks ago. He takes issue with the WPAs observation that the current Coalition government is the
first one in post-colonial Guyana that has not harassed, jailed or assassinated political opponents. As a WPA leader who has repeated that observation, I am drawn to respond to Kissoon.In his earlier column, Freddie observed that that also obtained under the Cheddi Jagan presidency. He went on speculate whether the WPAs omission was not driven by subtle racism. In his recent column, he accuses the WPA of spreading a false narrative. I assume that he is in the process accusing me of racism and spreading a false narrative.The WPA sticks by its observation. It is a matter of classification. WPA is talking about governments while Freddie is talking about presidencies. There is a difference.
Guyana has had three governments since independencePNC (1964-92), PPP (1992-2015) and APNU+AFC (2015-2019). There were two presidencies under the PNC government, five under the PPP and one under the Coalition. Freddie is, therefore, imposing his classification on the WPAs observation to aid his vilification of the partyyou shouldnt do that. And by the way, Freddie, using your classification, there were no assassination, harassment and jailing of opponents under the Sam Hinds presidency. You omitted that oneis it racism that drove that omission? I dont think so, because I know you are not a racist. David Hind
of Parliament who claimed that both the PPP and the PNC have destroyed the socio-economic fabric of the country and cannot be trusted to be in government. The people needed change, they claimed. The AFCs message appealed to some and in 2006 it won six seats and in 2011, it won seven seats or 10.3% of the votes. However, the leadership of the AFC, influenced by the arch enemies of the PPP, Moses Nagamootoo and Khemraj Ramjattan, created an unholy alliance with the PNC. Nagamootoo and Ramjattan saw an opportunity when the PPP gained a slim majority in 2011 not unlike the 1961 elections. After joining forces in the National Assembly to frustrate the Donald Ramotars administration, the AFC signed the Cummingsburg Accord on Valentines Day 2015 and handed Guyana on a platter to the PNC. Unfortunately, Ramjattan and Nagamootoo are no Peter DAguiar…these people are thirsty and greedy for power and they made no effort to mask this as the Coalition plundered and pillaged the Guyanese nation day after day. They immediately transformed themselves into the fat cats and began to live the Cadillac lifestyle, which Nagamootoo had vehemently advocated against. The AFC shamelessly forsook their founding principles and the rubber stamps were born on May 11th, 2015. Today, these two rubber stamps are vying for the title of Best Rubberstamp, but the President has made it clear that the AFC cannot select the Prime Ministerial candidate and that prerogative belongs to him. It now seems that the titles of First and Second VicePresidents and Prime Ministerial portfolio will be snatched from the AFC and they will have to settle for the crumbs which the Master would fling at them. Unlike DAguiar, the unprincipled and self-seeking duo, Nagamootoo and Ramjattan are holding on to the PNC for dear life. They cannot depart in honour. Its a shame to see how low some people can stoop- people who were once thought to be heroes of the people. But time will dictate an ignominious and humiliating end for this duo who sold their souls and misled the people who unwittingly believed in them. Haseef Yusuf
Sunday October 13, 2019
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Kaieteur News
Kaieteur M@ilbox
Kaieteur M@ilbox
Social class is also problematic
WPA cash transfer proposal is...
DEAR EDITOR, Some people are of the view that social class is a bigger issue than race in Guyana. I recall my father saying that a lawyer can lose a case in court on the basis of one lawyer being perceived as a member of a higher social class than another. That is how pernicious social class can be and it has been with us from the formation of the colonial society under the British following the abolition of slavery. The British came to the Caribbean with their mentality of royal-blood-noblemancommoner distinctions, which served to justify acceptance of social stratification. I have been following the discussion in the newspapers on the giving of US$5000 per year to every household specifically with assisting the poor. I have no problem with that because it is about time that something is done for the poor in this country - GY$1 million on an annual basis is no money. It will disappear before one can even begin to spend it with the rising cost of living, which will likely rise even more when the oil begins to flow. This means not only will the number of poor increase, but even the not so poor will begin to struggle. As an aside, I went to the market last Saturday, and at one point, I stopped and
A three-party system... From page 5 long that the Amerindians, Chinese, Europeans and the independent voices within the warring races have not had their own seat in Parliament with the required authority to ensure that not only their needs, but the needs of the larger populace are taken into consideration regardless of which party holds a majority in Parliament. A majority in Parliament without a clear mandate will allow for better judgment of all proposed policies and investment needs. It will become more merit based and will better consider the relative impact on the citizens who will benefit. This will allow for the prioritisation of projects that takes into account all citizens of Guyana. Enough seats will have to be won by an independent party that allows for such fruitful discussions and achievements to be had in Parliament. Only the voters can determine if this will be possible. Jamil Changlee
started to count my money wondering if I had dropped some. I had not dropped anything it was all properly spent. I “see” the stressed look on faces and “feel” the struggle to exist whenever I go out. The fear of many people is that they will not get a share of the oil proceeds; and if this is the situation now, when the oil starts to flow, it will very likely be worse because oil and political corruption go handin-hand. But some sort of enumeration must be given in some form or another so that we can all share in the oil wealth but particularly the poor. The Minister of Foreign Affairs recently stated that President Granger will be spending the money on education because he will use the oil money to teach people “how to fish.” I have no problem with money being spent on education - particularly with the high level of functional illiteracy in Guyana, which means some kind of overhaul of the education system is necessary. The education system needs to take into account
that the students are not as good as they used to be and adjustments therefore have to be made. But people also need to eat, and hunger is a major issue in Guyana at the moment. One of the hardest hit groups in the society is women and the situation is contributing to the high level of violence against them. Horror stories are circulating on how some of them are surviving and men are feeling stressed out about their change of behavior. It is amazing what can become acceptable when you are struggling to live. This brings us back to the issue of a hierarchical social class structure, which was created during the British colonial period and whereby the group of people at the bottom were seen as “lazy”, thus unworthy of the title of human being, and thus have no entitlements. The label of “lazy” is being spoken about the poor and circulated in the media at the moment, and thus an indication of what will very likely be their fate. Professor Kean Gibson
From page 4 since there is continued exploration in the block, which would also have to be recovered. Fourthly, his calculation at US$70 per barrel is wildly optimistic and pointless. In the last 30 years, there were only seven years when the average price of oil averaged above $70 for the year. In fact, if you look at the last five years the average price has been just above $50. One of the main reasons is the wider application of fracking, which does not require long lead times to start production like conventional production where the average is just under five years in mature basins, so additional production could be added supply in a short period. This constrains big movement in prices for sustained periods. Fifth, his calculation of Government revenue is not only wildly optimistic, it is complete lunacy. Professor Thomas says that Government would be able to put aside at least US$1B for redistribution to households, which he says amounts to 10% of after-tax revenue.
This, therefore, assumes an after-tax Government revenue of US$10B. The possibility of Govern-
ment revenue being US$10B by 2025 is complete lunacy. Charles Ramson Jr. Attorney-at-Law
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Sunday October 13, 2019
Kaieteur News
Fraser elected president as QC Old Students’ Association reconstituted
1st Vice President: Attorney-at-law, Pauline Chase
Vidushi Persaud 2nd Vice President: Vidushi Persaud
Ordinary Member: Attorney-at-law, Sanjeev Datadin
Ordinary Member: Attorney-at-law, Devindra Kissoon
The Queens College Old Students Association (QCOSA) has been reconstituted with a new powerhouse executive sworn in yesterday. Dr. Arron Fraser was voted in as the new president. The development comes Queens College gets ready to
celebrate 175th years in existence. Considered the top secondary school in the country, it has over the years churned out presidents, lawyers, doctors and prominent leaders. The current President, David Granger, is one such
student. Yesterday, 70 persons voted in the elections for the associations, which had gone dormant in the last three years. Fraser is the current chief of the governments Power Power and Distributors Inc. (PPDI), which maintains the
Wartsila generation engines for the Guyana Power and Light Inc. Voted in as Vice President was attorney-at-law Pauline Chase; Vidushi Persaud was given the nod to be the Second Vice President. Martina McDonald-Johnson, a former QC teacher, is the
Secretary: Martina McDonald-Johnson
Ordinary Member: Samuel Hinds
President: Dr. Arron Fraser new Secretary. The other positions voted in are Assistant Secretary/Treasurer, Babita Ram; Public Relations Officer, Nelsonia Persaud and Physical Educator and Sports Advisor, Kwabina Griffith. The Ordinary members
include Guyana scholar and leading commercial lawyer, Devindra Kissoon; former President and Prime Minister and Guyana scholar, Samuel Hinds, prominent businessman Pearson BurchSmith, and attorney-at-law, Sanjeev Datadin.
Persons committing petty offences should be granted bail- Ramjattan The Minister of Public Security, Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan, is calling on the magistrates at the courts to grant more bail to first offenders and those who commit petty crimes. During a Kaieteur Radio programme, “The Political Show”, the Public Security Minister stated that it costs the Government of Guyana some $492,000 per inmate, per year to keep them in the prisons. “That is a constant cost for their transportation to the magistrates court, especially those on remand who are awaiting their trials, the security arrangements that have to be put in place, and feeding them when they come to Georgetown,” Ramjattan explained. He added that he does not want Guyana to be deemed a “jail house nation”. It is in this regard that he appealed to the magistrates, and to some extent, prosecutors, to grant more bail to offend-
ers. “Not for the robbers and the bandits, but for small offences,” he stated. “A young man steals a mangoyou got to put the man on bail. The minute you put him in the lockups and in the jail, they [the prisoners] graduate and they start talking to the senior convicts. That also graduates them into more negative behaviour,” Ramjattan related. The Public Security Minister suggested that persons who are convicted should conduct community service as a penalty. “I am against jailing, people say that I am too liberal with these things, but I am against for any little offence, you jail people. “It also damages family. I have asked the parole board to deal with more matters. The parole board used to deal with so few matters prior to 2015. But now there is a liberal ministerial structure that would get on with the business,” Ramjattan concluded.
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Kaieteur News
Cash Transfers: The Venezuelan Experience “Cash Transfers” This simple but yet complex phrase gained much attention recently by the media, citizens, politicians and numerous commentators in Guyana. It has even sparked some debate about whether it would be beneficial to spend Guyanas future oil revenue that way. Some have said that it will benefit the country, some are undecided and some are against it.According to recent reports by this newspaper and other media houses, Guyanas leaders are open to the idea of “Cash Transfers” but want more information and detailed studying in order to make a firm decision. This discussion about this controversial issue all began when a proposal for Cash Transfers to every poor household was made by the Working Peoples Alliance (WPA). Back in August, 2018 Coleader of the WPA, Dr. Clive Thomas, was the first to raise the proposal of the intended Cash transfers to poor households. He even recommended that the amount should be US$5000 per year. What is a Cash Transfer? A World Bank Report defines Cash Transfers as the provision of assistance in the form of cash to the poor. The report highlighted that the main objective of this initiative is to reduce poverty in a nation but that it must be done with much care and study, since it has its challenges, advantages and disadvantages. Some countries, in order to eradicate poverty, have adapted this system. Most of those are oil producers. One such country is neighbouring Venezuela. Chavezs Revolution The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, a country that
Free Apartment photo credited to Mision vivienda
was known more for its agricultural sector than its oil industry began drilling wells in the 1880s. However, it was not until after World War I that its oil industry became a grand success and began pumping revenues into the countrys economy. This was in 1922.
As Venezuela approached the 1990s, a new political era began.During the period from 1990 to the 2000s, the late Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez rose to become a controversial political figure due to the “sparking” of what he called a Bolivarian Revolution. During his election campaign, he promised citizens of his country to lift them out poverty and to address their social needsHe eventually won the 1998 elections by 56.4 percent of the votes and
became President in the year 1999. At the time Chavez took office, Venezuela was producing close to 3.1 million barrels of oil per day, which was a heavy boost to the countrys economy. As a matter of fact, an International Monetary Fund (IMF) report dating back
to the early 2000s found that oil exports accounted for 99% of the countrys Gross Domestic Product (GDP). During the beginning years of Chavezs reign, according to a Stanford University document titled “Venezuelan Oil Unifying LatinAmerica”, he modified the Constitution to suit his revolution. In 2005, Chavez began his plan to fulfill the many promises he made to the poor, and Venezuela at large. The first of these was a deal signed
Dem boys seh...
Bathe de Amazon Warriors in some blue Guyana got to be de world’s greatest bridesmaid. When it was time to sign de oil contract, Guyana get a contract dat only de bridesmaid would accept. Last night de Amazon Warriors tun bridesmaid again. All through de tournament dem mek Guyanese heart swell. Dem win every game and dem beat people real bad. Up comes de finals. Guyana start to celebrate even before de first ball bowl. People prepare dem picnic basket to celebrate de victory. De government throw what dem call a watch party. Dat is wheh people gon go to watch de match. Dem boys seh by de time de match done people picnic
basket lef just like when dem pack it from home; people face lang and everybody cussing de same Amazon Warriors dem was chanting and celebrating throughout de competition. Guyana coming home like a bridesmaid. Dis is de fifth time. It look like dem can never get a husband. Bridesmaid is de ones who does do all de flouncing before de wedding. Dem does mek people eye light up but nobody don’t select dem fuh de final walk. Dem got to get a bath in blue. But if people want to know why Guyana can’t we in is because people doing bad things all de time. De man at de Integrity Commission tell all dem big public officers
to declare dem assets. Dem boys talk about dat de odda day. Soulja Bai was never good at Maths, suh he tek a while to declare he assets. But he do it. De smart ones done tek out birth certificates fuh children and grandchildren dat ain’t born yet. Then dem tek de bribes and de thiefing money and put de property in dem unborn children name. Not even de Integrity Commission can find dem property. Is things like dis mek Amazon Warriors can’t cross de line—just like when ‘Ole Higue’ see chalk. Talk half and bathe de Amazon Warriors in some blue
between the late president and the then Brazilian President Luis Ignacio Lula Da Silva. The document they signed expressed the necessity of reducing poverty in the region. In order to achieve this, they agreed to create a programme that will satisfy
the needs of their respective countries which entails feeding programmes, housing, health and education. It was from this period that Chávez began to lavish the Venezuelan citizens with cash from oil revenues. He provided free houses and luxurious apartments for the poor, built schools, public parks (known as plazas) with exercising machines and funded countrywide feeding programmes for students from nursery to tertiary. Last but not least, he implemented the initiative of “Cash Transfers.” According to information obtained from a resident of Venezuela, this cash transfer is called “Becado” or “beca” by Venezuelans. They explained that, in order to be eligible for this cash transfer, one would have to mother a bright young student whos just about to enter university. In certain cases, the cash would be transferred directly to the student. The Venezuelan resident further explained that there is another cash transfer with the aim of helping poor mothers with young children, or teenage mothers attending school.This second cash transfer was detailed by a recent world news article from the Economic Times of New York. The article addressed a current problem of teenage pregnancy in Venezuela, its causes and the lack of contraceptives for Venezuelan
Hugo Chavez
women in a country of crisis. The article, titled “Venezuela crisis pushes women into forced motherhood”, states, “During the late Hugo Chavez’s presidency, Venezuela’s government expanded services aimed at helping poor mothers by providing monthly cash transfers. Chavez lavished praise on women and hailed the socalled revolutionary mothers who would help promote his vision.” The same article went on to state “Despite those initiatives, Chavez’s government made only modest advances, at best, in improving contraceptive access. Government data shows that teenage pregnancies continued to steadily increase during his time in power.”Some Venezuelan sources told this publication that the cash transfers granted were sufficient enough to provide for an entire family monthly. They even said that sometimes in one family, they were two or three mothers who were eligible for such cash transfers. “You werent required to work,” they said. They further explained that along with this extra cash, families received a monthly supply of Food called “Mercal”.The Mercal was bought much cheaper than groceries provided by the local supermarkets or grocery shops. This Mercal still exists but the name has been changed to “Clap”. Even though these cash transfers were intended to lift the nation out of poverty, the majority of these projects were funded by banks due to
the fact that Venezuelas oil industry was prosperous. The charismatic leader Hugo Chavez eventually died on March 5, 2013 and successor Nicolas Maduro took office with the intention to continue his predecessors legacy and revolution. Unfortunately, in the year 2014, oil prices dropped. This shook Venezuela like a tremendous earthquake. Those were compounded by economic sanctions brought against the Venezuelan state by the US government. The countrys economy which to date is heavily reliant on its oil exports plunged into crisis and Venezuela was left with tremendous debt. Hyper-inflation took over; the government struggled to keep supplying its cash transfers, its free housing programme and its countrywide feeding programme for students.Basic goods began to disappear, and Venezuelans rioted in the streets and created chaos, blaming the government and Maduro for not keeping their promises and for the economic downturn of the country.According to an Economic times article written in August 2019, “Few if any women still get cash transfers except for occasional bonuses equivalent to a dollar or two. Maternal death rates rose over 65% between 2015 and 2016.” It went on to describe the dilemma of Maduro and the cash transfers like this: “President Nicolas Maduro has struggled to advance his predecessor’s agenda amidst a crippling economic contraction worse than the U.S. Great Depression.”
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Sunday October 13, 2019
Kaieteur News
Guyanas oil industry will not increase its carbon footprint By Kemol King The impact of Guyanas imminent status as an oil producer on the global environment and, by extension, the climate crisis, is a conversation that lurks on the outskirts of every discussion about production. Thats because, as far as certain officials are concerned, the operations will not leave a footprint here. Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, and Foreign Secretary, Carl Greenidge, were both asked about their thoughts on the impact of oil production on climate and they both said that they are not worried because Guyanas
carbon footprint will not be impacted. Thats for sure, because Guyana will not be using the oil it produces here, but selling it to the international community. It was an environmentalist, Melinda Janki, who had raised the matter of the environmental impact of oil production on the environment. Even if there isnt a spill, Janki had said that the threat to the environment is catastrophic. It should be noted that ExxonMobil will start producing oil from its Liza I project on the Stabroek Block in a matter of months, starting out at about 120,000 barrels per
Environmentalist, Melinda Janki day. In making a case for her stance on Petroleum operations, Janki brought to the attention of this publication, a global fossil fuel divestment movement, seeking to strip away the wealth from oil companies. Campaigners have been calling on investors and businesses to withhold investments from and to sever their connections to the fossil fuel industry. A joint report from 350.org and Divest Invest has found that that movement has reached US$11 trillion, noting that more than 1,000 companies have made commitments worldwide. The fossil fuel divestment
Activist, Ramon Gaskin
movement kicked up in 2011, and its implications, for a budding oil-producer like Guyana, are important to consider. This country has, even recently, felt the effect of the imminent climate crisis, when the high tides flooded communities all across the coast. Its Caribbean sister-nations in the Caribbean have been devastated by the hurricanes worsened by the rapid warming of the earth. Janki had made a compelling case for her position that, maybe, the oil should be left in the ground. But another activist, Ramon Gaskin, disagrees with her position. During a special segment of Guyanas Oil & You last
Monday, Gaskin said he understands Jankis position as an environmentalist, but that his difference of opinion had an equally different perspective. “I think the planet should be saved but I dont think Guyana could save the planet. Were too small to save the planet, to begin with.” He also said that the climate crisis wasnt created by Guyana; but by bigger, developed nations. According to the World Economic Forum, the Industrial Revolution started in the mid-1700s, driven by fossil fuels. The UK had pioneered the beginning of that, but then the United States and major Eu-
ropean powers followed suit. For almost 200 years, the US was responsible for an overwhelming proportion of those emissions. It was only until half a century ago that China, India and Russia started to produce significant emissions as well. In the early 2000s, China overtook the US in carbon emissions. In 2017, those four countries all with Petroleum reserves were responsible for over 50 percent of all carbon emissions globally. According to the UN data, greenhouse gas emissions in 2030 would need to be 55 percent lower than current levels to keep the global temperature increase within the 1.5°C goal set by the Paris Climate Agreement. Those countries have significant sway in how successful that climate pact is. Gaskin said that, while Guyana tries to save the world by leaving its oil in the ground (in the unlikely event that it does), “the big, developed countries… theyll continue to destroy the planet.” “So, to come now to Guyana who, for the first time, has an opportunity to make some money out of this thing that is our resource to say we must save the planet and leave it alone it doesnt make sense to me.” Gaskin told Kaieteur Radio.
Sunday October 13, 2019
Kaieteur News
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Sunday October 13, 2019
Kaieteur News
Work begins to bury GPL’s submarine cable in Demerara River
The ongoing repairs More than four months after the country’s critical power cable across the Demerara River was damaged, repairs have begun. According to the Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL), it has sourced the repair kit from China National Machinery Import and Export Corporation (CMC), the same contractor which has laid the cable in the first place and which had been engaged in conducting the repairs on the last four occasions it was damaged. The damaged 69 kV submarine cable links the Vreeden-Hoop, West Demerara, and Kingston sub-stations, in Georgetown. The armour and insulation protection of the cable, which extends to the conductors was damaged at two locations in June and August by vessels traversing the Demerara River. According to
GPL, due to the extent of the damage, two repair kits had to be sourced from CMC. “Repairs to the cable were delayed due to the discovery of the second damage in August, which required additional diagnosis and testing. Consequently, both kits were manufactured and shipped to Guyana. “Following the arrival of the kits, the contractor, CMC immediately commenced work to retrieve and repair the compromised sections of the cable, approximately 0.7 and 0.8 km offshore the Kingston Power Plant.” GPL said that upon completion, the cable will be re-energised to transfer power generated by the Vreed-enHoop Plant to supply the eastern section of the DemeraraBerbice Interconnected System (DBIS). “Additionally, as a preventative measure, the cable will be reburied in the
Demerara River to a depth of approximately 15 feet. “As part of GPL’s contingency response to the damaged cable, a smaller 13.8 kV submarine cable was laid across the Demerara River in June, to transfer 5.5 Megawatt of power from the VEH Power Plant.” The downing of that submarine cable had left the inter-connected Demerara and Berbice system shaky as almost 15 megawatts of power available in the West Demerara area unable to be shared to East Demerara and Berbice systems. It had left thousands of consumers without power after scheduled blackouts were implemented. Critics had blamed the poor laying of the cable on the river for the troubles. Passing vessels with their anchors were said to have caused the damage.’
Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture, Valerie Adams-Yearwood, yesterday, led a tree planting exercise, at Richmond Hill, Mackenzie, Linden. The Minister and her team planted coconuts, cherries and passion fruit on the grounds of the newly built women’s shelter, on Richmond Hill. Reiterating the exhortations made by President Granger, on Friday, at a similar exercise in Berbice, Minister Yearwood declared, “Continue to plant trees, and you will see the benefits that will
come to us, as individuals, families, communities and the Nation.” Later, the Minister and her team distributed free plants to several persons on the Linden Enterprise Network (LEN) tarmac, on Republic Avenue, Mackenzie. Minister Yearwood noted, “Today, we decided to have the tree planting exercise in Linden, because yesterday, the Ministry of Agriculture celebrated National Tree Day, at Number 53 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, where the President planted a tree.
“We had a short ceremony and planting of trees, with several persons from within the Region and outside of the Region participating.” She said that a decision was made to continue the exercise in Linden yesterday. Residents were encouraged to continue the activity, over the weekend and into next week. Other groups engaged in tree planting activities yesterday, included the Management and Staff of Linden’s lone radio station, 104.3 Power FM.
Minister Yearwood takes tree planting exercise to Linden
Sunday October 13, 2019
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Kaieteur News
Abandonment forces Palms to strengthen entry requirements In an effort to clamp down on the number of persons abandoning their relatives at the Palms Geriatric Home, the institution has strengthened its entry requirements so as to ensure that overcrowding will not be an issue. This is according to Dr. Melissa DeHaarte, Coordinator of the Mental Health Unit within the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH). In an interview with Kaieteur News, she stated that for the past years, there have been instances of persons taking their relatives to the Palms for them to be admitted without following the correct procedures and entry process. “People tend to think that since the Palms was established as a home for elderly persons, anyone can just bring their relatives and leave them here. “However, that is not true because to be accepted into the Palms Geriatric Home there are several processes you are subjected to.”
She further stated, “When the Ministry of Social Protection or any other department receives a call about an elderly person being abused; the first step is to inform a social worker who will then go to the location to
verify the report. “If it was found that indeed there is an elderly person at the location that is being abused, the matter will then be reported to the police station.” The Ministry will try to contact other family members of the individual, Dr. DeHaarte revealed. “If that step proves to be futile, the person will then have to go through a screening process and medical examination so as to ensure that he/she is within the physical entry requirements.” According to Dr. DeHaarte, after undergoing the physical test and medical examinations it will then be determined if that person is fit for Palms environment or whether they have to be admitted to the hospital or some other medical facility. Dr. DeHaarte said that at the Palms, there are wheelchair bound persons; persons that use walking aid; persons with hearing disability; persons with vi-
(Reuters) - Ten companies on Thursday agreed to pay more than $2 billion for the exploration and production rights in 12 offshore oil blocks in Brazil, in what could be a promising sign for even bigger upcoming oil auctions. The most heavily sought after areas in the Thursday auction directly border Brazil’s so-called pre-salt area, a coveted zone in which billions of barrels of oil are trapped under a thick layer of salt beneath the ocean floor. Pre-salt blocks will be up for grabs in two much larger auctions scheduled for Nov. 6 and Nov. 7, including the socalled transfer-of-rights auction, which is expected to fetch around $25 billion for the government. Other significant winning bids included a bid of 1.116 billion reals by Petronas for a block in the Campos Basin,
and a 2.045 billion reals bid from Brazil’s Petrobras (PETR4.SA) and BP Plc (BP.L) for a separate block. Petronas made another significant move into Brazil in April, when it purchased two oilfields from state-run Petrobras for $1.29 billion. Royal Dutch Shell Plc (RDSa.L), Wintershall Dea GmbH, Chevron Corp (CVX.N), Exxon Mobil Corp (XOM.N) and Repsol SA (REP.MC) also won at least minority stakes in exploration blocks. Twenty-four blocks, many in more marginal oil producing areas, failed to attract a bidder and will be placed in a new program the Brazilian government calls “permanent offer.” Seven blocks near the ecologically sensitive Abrolhos archipelago in northeastern Brazil received no bids, after environmental
litigation involving federal prosecutors was disclosed on Wednesday. In a statement following results, Total said that while it was committed to pursuing deepwater opportunities in Brazil, it would not join other oil majors in participating in the transfer-of-rights round as the competitive process was geared toward non-operating stakes. In addition to the 10 companies that made successful bids in oil blocks, Norway’s Equinor ASA (EQNR.OL) made one unsuccessful bid. Six companies - Murphy Oil Corp (MUR.N), Enauta Partipacoes SA ENAT3.SA, Karoon Energy Ltd (KAR.AX), Petrogal, Ecopetrol SA (ECO.CN) and China National Offshore Oil Corp Ltd (0883.HK) - registered for the auction but did not place offers.
Coordinator at the mental health unit, Melissa DeHaarte
Brazil raises US$2.2 billion in oil auction
sual impairment and other disabilities. At the Palms, there is also a rehabilitation programme for the residents that would assist with
different issues such as depression and desolation. Also, there is an outpatient and inpatient clinic at the Palms Geriatric Home that is fully equipped with medi-
cations that can treat common illnesses and infections. The outpatient clinic is open to the public whereas the inpatient clinic is only for the residents at the homes.
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Sunday October 13, 2019
Kaieteur News
Police fail to charge rogue cop in brutality case The Guyana Police Force, Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) at Eve Leary, Georgetown, are still to initiate action against the East La Penitence Outpost rank who allegedly brutalised a city businessman, fracturing
his left hand in the process. The matter which occurred on July 19, last, had seen much prolonged delay for investigation by police ranks who were unable to explain the reason for such action. The businessman,
Jermaine Wilson, of Lot 50 East Front Road, Georgetown was reportedly beaten with a wooden club by an officer at the outpost even though he was hand cuffed. Wilson assailant had also cuffed his child mother, Jewel
Bearam, in her abdomen twice, as she attempted to video the incident, even though she was well advanced in her pregnancy. The couple had visited the police outpost to check on a male relative who was held for another matter, when the incident occurred. Reports indicate that the rank who abused the couple acted out of jealously since Wilson had a past intimate relationship with the mother of his children. Videos of the beating of the businessmen became viral, sparking outrage in many communities around Georgetown, especially so, since the rank was allowed to remain on the job or was never indicted. A reporter visited the Police Complaints Authority in the presence of the businessman, but had concealed his identification card, and was mistakenly
taken for a relative of Wilson. A rank (name provided) was openly rude to the reporter as he made enquiries, but the table turned when the reporter supplied his work identification card. The rank then readily provided information and attempted to divulge that the businessman’s file was sent to DDP even though it was quite visible on his desk. At the OPR office, the investigative rank tasked to look at the case had assured that the officer would have been tried departmentally and in the court of law within a week, but almost three weeks have elapsed, with no such action taken. Officials at the Police Complaints authority had also informed this publication that the matter would have been concluded within a week, but on Friday refused to comment further on the issue. Same was the case at the
Office of the Professional Responsibility where the investigating rank rudely refused to comment further on the matter. It was this rank who had begged our reporter to use his affiliations at the GPHC to ensure an extent of injuries report was collected for the businessman to close the investigations. Officials at the GPHC yesterday indicated that they had prepared the report a long while now, and that it was the OPR ranks responsibility to collect it.Credible PCA sources indicated that the accused rank can face charges of assault and causing actual bodily harm to the businessman, as well as for assaulting his pregnant child mother.They explained, also, that the rank can also be tried departmentally and if found guilty can face charges for breaching laws that surround the police code of conduct and SOP’s
The city businessman Jermaine Wilson who reportedly beaten by ranks at the East La Penitence Police Outpost, in the company of his pregnant child mother, Jewel Bearam
Sunday October 13, 2019
Kaieteur News
E’bo Islamic community claims Town Council biased in alleged land allocation Over the past 18 years, the Al-Madinah Islamic Academy on the Essequibo Coast, has been aggressively pursuing the acquisition of a plot of land, which runs parallel to the Academy, and the Islamic Burial Ground. Kaieteur News understands that within just one month, a private individual has occupied the said plot of land, claiming that he received permission from the Anna Regina Town Council. The recent turn of events, according to the Islamic institution, sheds light on the Council’s partiality, especially since the institution made multiple applications to the said Council over the past years.When Kaieteur News visited the area yesterday, it was observed that the plot of land was already landfilled, and was being prepped for construction. A recent letter to the Anna Regina Town Council stated that the Institution is not seeking ownership of the land.
Rather it is seeking permission to utilise it for the benefit of its students and the community. “An officer from the Ministry of the Presidency examined and gave assurance that the school will receive the land. They sent to Guyana Lands and Surveys in Georgetown. Georgetown forwarded to Anna Regina early this year. In one month, he got the land and full up.” In highlighting the importance in acquiring the land, the Institution pointed out, “The institution is making a kind request to utilise a portion of reserve located along our playground, TRACT ‘A’, which is located in Anna Regina along the Caricom Road, to extend our playground which has inadequate land space… “Children of the school and members of the wider communities—some belonging to other religious denominations— could benefit.” The School’s Principal,
Rice yield records growth locally -MIN. HOLDER Rice yields in Guyana has recorded significant growth according to Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder, at Guyana Rice Development Board’s (GRDB) Rice Research Station Annual ‘Open Day’ ceremony recently. Minister Holder noted that in 2018 farmers recorded some six tonnes of paddy per hectare in rice yields, depicting a 5% increase over 2015, at which it was 5.5 tonnes per hectare. This would have shown a 37% increase from 10 years ago, at which 4.2 tonnes per hectare was recorded. The Minister noted that such increases in the average national rice yields remarkably demonstrate the government’s dedication to the rice sector. He said that it is the government’s commitment to the overall expansion of the industry and to their investments in research and development. He explained that another contributing factor is the improved agronomic practices for rice cultivation being transferred to farmers by the extension programme that works closely with the researchers. The Minister indicated that within the last twentyfive years, the Rice Research Station has produced 14 new high yielding varieties for commercial cultivation, which came about as a result of massive financial investments in a well-conceived and executed initiative. He added that some
Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder $372M is being spent annually by the GRDB Board to execute initiatives at the Rice Research Station. He stated that rice research is the avenue through which new techniques and technology are made available to the rice industry continuously to enhance its competitiveness in an environment that experiences financial and social environment. Commenting on the flooding in Regions Two, Three, Four and Five and how it affected farmers, the Minister urged farmers to be on the alert for climate changes, citing that the sea defence structures will have to be enhanced , and the rice industry expanded to higher ground. He noted that Government is committed to organising its research efforts to be better able to serve the needs of farmers and rice stakeholders.
Mr. Thakechand Ramnauth, said than it is unfair for the Masjid community to maintain the reserve for a number of years, only for it to now be occupied by the private individual. “The individual should be halted by what he is doing by way of an injunction, and then we [the academy] proceed, because we are not asking to take the reserve what we are asking is that we have a chance to use it for a decent purpose for us to have our sports and games taking place there. “We don’t want to take it away from Government, we understand that reserve is government property,” said Ramnauth. Ramnauth added that the institution is prepared to use several facets of actions where necessary, in its pursuit of justice.
PAGE 15 The plot of land that the Institution made application for.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday October 13, 2019
NIS struggles to maintain financial sustainability ...blames arrears and unpaid Berbice Bridge Investment Income Chairman of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) John Seeram revealed a dark but real tale as he addressed the General Assembly to mark the
entitys 50th Anniversary. “I am cognizant of the challenges the NIS is facing to maintain its financial sustainability which is now a
priority issue.” Financial Sustainability, according to Korean Research Institute, is defined as a condition in which the finan-
cial system is not unstable. However, Seeram indicated that it is a major challenge of the NIS to maintain a stable financial system. This clearly implies that NIS is at a risk of running out of money. The Chairman said this issue is as a result of owed arrears and returns from investments. Firstly, he dealt with the problem of the arrears owed. He said that by the end of August 2019, arrears owed by the Government, public entities, Private Entities, and the self employed have amounted to approximately $2.3B. In order to deal with this, Seeram says that NIS is currently relooking its income portfolio with a view to collecting all its arrears contributions, some of which have been long outstanding. Seeram added that during 2018 the management of NIS had installed a Debt Management Department which is now fully staffed. The purpose of this Department is to collect all outstanding arrears which are very much vital to the financial sustainability of NIS. The Chairman also highlighted that their investment
portfolio has not been earning the rates of return on some of its bonds and shares in keeping with global returns. To remedy this, he says that NIS will have to consider purchasing more attractive bonds and shares which are being traded on the Global Stock Markets, as against renewing the terms of the securities. To take this route which is highly recommended, approval will be needed from the relevant authorities. Leaving the “biggest” problem for last Seeram said that in order to eradicate the risk of running out of money, NIS needs to be paid its returns from its investment income. One such investment was the investment made in Berbice Bridge. The Berbice River Bridge was built through a publicprivate partnership between former president Bharrat Jagdeo-led government and sections of the private sector. During the National Assembly in the Year 2006, a Bill was passed and assented to by the then president Jagdeo to facilitate the arrangement of the deal. NIS, along with the New Building Society (NBS), was made to heavily invest in the construction and the operation of the Bridge which has yielded little or no returns. In the year 2017, the current Coalition Government -
A Partnership for National Unity +Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) undertook to pay NIS some $5B, which it was owed and so badly needed to sustain its operations. According to a 2018 statement on NISs financial position, it was revealed that in its asset portfolio of $34B, NISs Investment Portfolio comprised of $29B or 87% of its asset portfolio. The NIS Chairman highlighted that the income return on the investments in the year 2017 was 3.7% which declined to 3.2% in the year 2018. This, he implied, is because of an “unpaid investment income” of $810M at the end of 2018.This investment income owed according to Seeram is an accumulated interest on a subordinated loan stock and preference shares due from the Berbice Bridge Company Inc. (BBCI). The Chairman told the assembly that this accumulated interest is presently being addressed with that Company. He also did not forget to mention that the decline experienced, indicates that this entire Portfolio needs to be addressed with a view of obtaining more lucrative returns. Seeram also said that the NIS Board has so far approved the hiring of a consultant within the coming months to address the major priority area with regards to significant dollar investments.
Sunday October 13, 2019
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Kaieteur News
Local printers again ignored as National Printers turns to Trinidad Personnel from the Education Ministry’s Book Distribution Unit unloading the container of books at its Charlestown location last week. There has been secrecy surrounding the multi-million dollar order.
Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry
GNPL’s General Manager, Trevor Bassoo
Local printers are once again crying foul after being sidelined for a large order of books. A number of printers complained this past week that they were not informed about a contract or contracts for books.However, late last week, the Book Distribution Unit, received a 40-foot container of books from Trinidad. It would be worth millions of dollars.The Unit was tightlipped and there was silence on the shipment. What is known is that none of the printers has been approached for any contracts. “No, no, we have not been approached by the Guyana National Printers (Limited) and we definitely have not been told anything by the Ministry of Education,” a local printer said. A Ministry of Education spokesperson last week had this to say: “Earlier in the year, both the Ministry of Education and Guyana National Printers Limited addressed this issue. The Ministry’s position remains the same as at the last point, we addressed this issue.” Earlier this year, printers complained that the Ministry of Education and the GNPL had reduced the number of book contracts that they were benefitting from. It was later disclosed that
books, including exercise books, were being ordered from Trinidad when the printing could be done cheaper in Guyana.There was little evidence that printers were aware of the contracts. The Ministry of Education later said it had contracted the GNPL, a state company, when it comes to order exercise and text books. Annually, more than half a billion dollars in contracts are being awarded. The awarding of contracts to a state-owned company bypassing local operators is a clear breach of the National Procurement Laws, they say.The issue had engaged the attention of the
Audit Office of Guyana which is carrying out a major investigation now.Since then, a number of persons have come forward fingering top officials in what they say is a multimillion-dollar scam involving the ordering of both text and exercise books. The Ministry in the past had explained that under copyright rules, they could only order certain textbooks from the producers. However, Guyana also has
its own textbooks. “If it is found that these local books are being ordered from outside of Guyana while we could produce them here; and if it is found we were not informed, then the people will be the judge. It will be obvious that we are consistently being bypassed that can mean only one thing- corruption.” GNPL which had been suffering equipment problems was granted funding for
equipment after President David Granger visited the La Penitence operations in 2016. However, despite new equipment, GNPL continued to face internal problems and was forced to sub-contract its orders.
“This is the other problem. GNPL is acting as a middle man and we the people of Guyana is paying more when we should be getting value for our money. This is what happens when you dont disrespect your own people.”
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Sunday October 13, 2019
Kaieteur News
One dead, four fishermen missing, boat found after leaving for sea
T
he police in Guyana, Region Six (B’ Division) are currently in collaboration with Surinamese authorities to investigate the incident where five fishermen are missing and feared dead.
Kaieteur News was informed by the Commander Calvin Brutus that his ranks are in communication with Dutch authorities. He disclosed, that a fishing vessel used by the now missing fishermen, was found Friday
evening between Cromarty and Wellington Park, Corentyne, Berbice shore. It is understood that the men departed a private wharf situated at Number 65 Village for what was expected to be a two-week journey. However,
Missing: Marvin Tamasar
Dead: Ajai Kissoon
it is believed that the men never moored at their intended destination since the boat was found on Guyana’s shores. Missing are Marvin Tamesar, 20; Vishnu Seeram called ‘Kevin’, 20; Ajai Kissoon, Lamar Petrie and another still to be identified. The owner of the fishing vessel was identified as Ramesh Hardial, a businessman from Skeldon. Brutus confirmed that clothing for the men and food items were found in the fishing vessel but the boat engine was missing and men were nowhere to be found. Meanwhile, relatives of the missing men are worried but still hopeful after hearing the news that their loved ones were missing.
At the home of Tamesar in Port Mourant, a relative told reporters that he left home on Saturday around 7:00 am. On Friday morning, around 08:00 hours, the police showed up at their home and informed them that the boat Tamesar was employed on, was found but Tameswar was nowhere to be seen. “After dem police come and dem ask some questions and so me and meh husband leff and go where dem seh dem find the boat. When we go, we see blood in the boat and on the fishing net”, the relative said. A tearful Keisha Seeram, sister of Vishnu Seeram (Captain of the vessel), relayed to reporters that they too were informed by the police on Friday night that a fishing boat
Missing: Lamar Petrie
Missing: Vishnu Seeram was found and that their relative was missing. “When dem police come, dem ask for my brother and me tell dem he gone out to (Continued on page 63 )
Sunday October 13, 2019
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Kaieteur News
---Hinds’ Sight by Dr. David Hinds---
We cannot agree on anything: Are we facing a repeat of history? Guyana is at a critical historical juncture. It has to be. Despite all the gloom and doom talk from those who highlight the inadequate oil contracts agreed to by the current government, Guyana’s economic fortunes would drastically change over the next decade. I have contended that those bad contracts resulted from a convergence of three major factors. First, countries such as Guyana lack the necessary leverage needed to make the kinds of demands that would result in more equitable contracts. Second, our deeply divided politics is a major impediment to the nationalist outlook that is needed to confront the might of oil giants like Exxon. Third, lack of consultation even within the government meant that negotiators went to the table without all of the expertise that was available to it. I allude to the above in order to make the point that we should not allow ourselves to be imprisoned by the bad contracts and the criticisms that flow from them. Those structural obstacles I cited will not go away tomorrow. We have equally if not more important challenges ahead. Our divisive politics have facilitated a very fragile political architecture and a poisonous and sometimes frightening political culture. The experience since the passage of the No Confidence Motion bears this observation out. After five decades and more of political independence, we cannot agree on anything including the meaning of our constitution. And we don’t help ourselves when we hold our partisan truths up as the national truth. This has been the most frustrating thing these past ten months. Never before have I heard so much selfserving nonsense about the rule of law and the constitution. We talk past one another. We ignore one another. We demonize one another. Twice recently I have had cause to scream at people in public fora. One young lady who appeared on a TV show that I participated said she
didn’t see race, but ten minutes later repeated as truth a narrative that was steeped in an ethnic interpretation of political reality. Then on another show a certain man opposed Direct Cash Transfers not because of its failings, but because it was initiated by Clive Thomas whom he falsely accused of firing 10,000 sugar workers. One of the things that I have become fed up with is the subject of Walter Rodney. People who ran away from Rodney when he was alive and left him to be murdered now seek to lecture those of us who stood with him. Many of us put our bodies on the line with him—that should mean something. Many who love him in death had no time for him when he was alive. Some tolerated him because he was fighting to bring down a government which they hated for ethnic reasons. They and their leaders called him an adventurer in life and now seek to claim him in death. If Walter Rodney is turning in his grave, it is because of the “hypocrites and parasites” who left him to the wolves when he needed support. There is another gentleman who said his polling tells him that the WPA would get the least votes of all the parties in Guyana. Yet a few days later when he was giving solidarity to Stabroek News over the withdrawal of State advertisements, he asked where the voices of David Hinds, Nigel Westmaas and Tacuma Ogunseye were. My God, why do you want to hear WPA voices when we have no political support? You can’t have it both ways —if we have no support leave us alone. But these people are just plain dishonest. The tabling of the Direct Cash Transfers proposal by the WPA has brought out the worst in us. Is the ensuing debate a metaphor for how we intend to conduct ourselves as an Oil and Gas powerhouse? We have people pronouncing on it without reading a single line about it. One columnist started a column by saying he would spell out why he opposes it but spent
the rest of the column cussing out the WPA and praising the president. Some Black people on Facebook carry on every day about how the previous government killed 400 poor Black men, but in the next breath they say government should not give Cash Transfers to poor Black people because it will feed their laziness. What kind of selective self-love is that? Jagdeo agrees that Cash Transfer is a good poverty alleviation policy, but spends more time talking about his “technical” disagreement with the WPA’s proposal than about where there is agreement. Another PPP leader says the technical disagreements over how many citizens should benefit is a fundamental difference—the man gives new meaning to the word. The PPP wants to suck cane and blow whistle at the same time. They just cannot stand the fact that they have to acknowledge the wisdom of a proposal that comes from the WPA which they love to demean as non-existent—pettiness of the highest order. Jagdeo says the WPA makes the proposal to win votes. Really? Can the WPA win votes, Mr. Jagdeo? Mouth open, story jump out! On the other side of the fence, education is pitted against Cash Transfers. Some say spend on health care. Others say spend on agriculture and infrastructure. There is scant care that they are encouraging their supporters to repeat a narrative of “onetrack” economics. They know that Guyana needs all of the above, but like Jagdeo they do not intend to cede no political ground to the WPA. Forty odd years ago, the PPP, PNC and WPA couldn’t agree on which socialism was best for Guyana. These three Marxist parties agreed that nationalization was good but couldn’t agree on how it should be operationalized. Back then they couldn’t agree on what a post-independence political economy should look like. Now four decades later these same parties are essentially arguing over what an Oil and Gas political economy should look
The Baccoo Speaks Some radical changes will be made in the aviation sector. Of course, Guyana is seen as the next oil oasis and perhaps the Saudi Arabia of the Caribbean. The result is that investors are pouring in among them the airline industry. The effect would be immediate. Suddenly airfares would become so cheap. **
A murder is never far away. Another individual would be killed in a home invasion. The police would
catch the killers and society would be shocked at the identity of one of the suspects. ** There will be another drowning. A man would be fished out of a canal and initially foul play would be suspected. Post mortem would reveal that the man suffered a seizure before falling into the canal.
like. Are we facing a repeat of history? Have we not matured? Part of the problem is that we believe our myths. At the end of the day ideas matter. The truth of the matter is that in our post-colonial experience, the parties which have generated defining ideas about politics, economics and society have been the PPP, PNC and WPA. I am prepared to back that assertion with evidence. So, it should not be surprising that the newest policy proposal has come from one of them. We have had novel ideas about educa-
tion, agriculture, infrastructure, housing, constitution. And governance in the past. Cash Transfers is new to Guyana. It comes from Clive Thomas and the WPA, not by accident. Let us get over our petty differences and move on. If we cannot agree on how to manage this new oil dispensation, we would devour ourselves. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.) More of Dr. Hinds’ writings and commentaries can
Dr David Hinds be found on his YouTube Channel Hinds’ Sight: Dr. David Hinds’ Guyana-Caribbean Politics and on his website www.guyanacaribb eanpolitics.news. Send comm e n t s to dhinds6106@aol.com
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Kaieteur News
Sunday October 13, 2019
The ‘House of Horror’ murders By Michael Jordan Many years ago when you took a trek up the West Bank Demerara Public Road to Goed Intent, you would have seen a large, empty lot, overgrown with weeds and with a solitary mango tree on the western side. That empty lot had a gruesome history. Blood was spilled on that land, and to this day, no one knows for sure who did it or why. Back in 1997, there was a two-bedroom house on that property. In it lived 67-yearold Alice Persaud, her mentally handicapped son, 35year-old Joseph Allen, and a
daughter, Rita. The elderly woman eked out a living by begging in the community. She would often share a bottle of high-wine with her few female friends and cook for them on her firewood stove. Two of those close friends were 45-year-old Caroline Moore and Joyce Walker, a neighbour who operated a roadside stall. From all accounts, Mrs. Persaud was last seen alive on Saturday, March 1, 1997, when she told her friend, Joyce Walker, that she was going out to raise some money. The next day, Mrs. Walker observed that the
door of the property was closed and that there was no sign of the occupants. The following day, at around three o’clock in the afternoon, Joyce Walker again observed that her friend’s door was still shut and that the occupants were nowhere in sight. This time, Mrs. Walker became certain that something was amiss and decided to check on her friend. She instructed her 13-yearold daughter to peep through a crease by the front door to see if the family was alright. Standing nearby, Joyce Walker saw her daughter peep into the silent house and then recoil in horror. The teen
then burst into tears and ran from the yard without telling her mother what had upset her. A perplexed Mrs. Walker then decided to look in the house. She too was shocked by what she saw. Lying on the hallway floor was the naked and bloated body of Alice Persaud. Her son, Joseph Allen, lay on his side by the door. He too, was clearly dead. Mrs. Persaud’s friend Caroline Moore, also lay naked, bloated and dead by one of the doorways. Mrs. Walker immediately called the police. It didn’t take the detectives long to conclude that someone had bashed in the skulls of the three victims. Two bloodstained lengths of wood near Allen’s body appeared to be the murder weapons. Police believe that the killer sexually assaulted the two women before clubbing them to death. Rita, the daughter who had lived on the premises, had escaped a similar fate, because she had been away from the premises for a few days. From the state of the bodies, it was estimated that the victims had been dead for about three days. None of the neighbours could recall hearing any unusual sounds coming from Persaud’s house or noticing any strangers entering the property. Robbery did not appear to be a motive. For one thing, the
occupants were poor. Secondly, according to another daughter, the killers had left $5,000 untouched in the house. Detectives now had to find a theory and a suspect. After questioning some neighbours, they arrested a canecutter and his son. According to Joyce Walker, the canecutter would occasionally visit Persaud’s home to see the woman’s daughter, Rita. He was married. He was a quiet person who would “take his little drinks”. Rosaline Bagot, another daughter, confirmed that her mother and the suitor were not on good terms. From all reports, the boyfriend had a habit of dropping in when the daughter was not at home. When he did, the elderly woman would sometimes chase him from the property. On the morning of Thursday, February 27, 1997, the canecutter allegedly went to Alice Persaud’s house. He reportedly left after Mrs. Walker and Mrs. Persaud “cussed him out”. According to Mrs. Walker, the labourer then went to a nearby shop where he pawned his cutlass for a bottle of liquor. It is believed that he then returned to Mrs. Persaud’s house, since an empty liquor bottle, similar to the one that the suspect had
purchased, was found near the bodies. Mrs. Walker is convinced that the suspect bludgeoned the three victims. Persaud’s daughter, though, thinks otherwise. “I don’t think any one man could kill three people at one time,” she told me. However, some villagers surmised that the killings might have been the work of drug addicts who lived in the neighbourhood. But the investigators were unable to link the canecutter and his son to the triple murder and had no option but to release them. Twenty-one years has passed since Alice Persaud, Joseph Allen and Caroline Moore were bludgeoned to death. To this day, it is still the most brutal crime to have occurred in the community. To this day, also, the ‘House of Horror’ murders remain unsolved. If you have any information about this or any other unusual case, please contact Kaieteur News by letter or telephone at our Lot 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown. Our numbers are 592-2258465, 592-225-6458 and 592225-8458. You need not disclose your identity. You can also contact Michael Jordan at his email a d d r e s s : kamarangnight@gmail.com
Sunday October 13, 2019
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Kaieteur News
==THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN==
Cyril Belgrave, Harold Snagg and one of life’s fault lines Cyril Belgrave, one of the finest politicians the PPP produced, died this week. His death coincided with information I stumbled on about Belgrave’s friend - Harold Snagg. I live at Turkeyen off the UG Road. I didn’t know across the street in Cummings Lodge, the district directly opposite Turkeyen, there dwells Harold Snagg. Very few Guyanese today would know the name Harold Snagg and Cyril Belgrave. Both belonged to the sixties. Snagg faded out in the eighties but Belgrave became a parliamentarian when the PPP won the 1992 election. I met Snagg and Belgrave when I was a sixteen year old youth, working in the Michael Forde Bookstore under Freedom House. My sister Gwennie knew Belgrave closely. Snagg and Belgrave watched me grew up in politics. Belgrave belonged to a great political genre that is long dead in Guyana. Long after I became a critic of President Jagan and his government after 1992, Belgrave never showed even an ounce of resentment of my perspectives. One morning at the junction of Wellington and Regent Streets, Cyril shouted; “Freddie like you doan talk to me anymore.” I didn’t hear him when he initially said hello. Here was a big name in the ruling party, a Member of Parliament but modest enough to want to reach out. At that time, I was a weekly columnist with the Stabroek News. They don’t come like Belgrave anymore. He never showed me any instinct except appreciation. My criti-
cism of his leader and government didn’t bother him. Cyril judged people by the contribution they made towards the long struggle for a free, democratic Guyana. He never failed to show his respect for me and I admired him deeply for that attitude. He was the quintessential working class fighter that knew no other life except modesty. It is a pity such an experienced fighter left Guyana and failed to pass on their experience to younger Guyanese. I knew Harold closely because he was always in the bookstore where he would hide his marijuana. Only I knew that. He was Cheddi Jagan’s dedicated chief security detail. On many occasions, he jeopardised his life trying to save Jagan. I saw Harold shielded Jagan when thugs attacked a PPP meeting at Parade Ground, taking the full force of a coconut in his abdomen. At a Kitty public meeting, thugs went on a rampage and Harold pushed Jagan aside and instead received a dose of acid in his face. At the junction of D’Urban Street and Louisa Row, goons descended on a PPP campaign meeting. They chopped my brother, Harold (AKA “Lightweight”) on his head with a cutlass. He was guarding Jagan. When my brother fell, Snagg pushed Jagan away and went after the men who rode off on a motorcycle. Snagg dedicated his life to protecting Cheddi Jagan but for people like Snagg, old habits die hard. Snagg came from the class Karl Marx named the lumpen proletariat. This is the indiscipline, unem-
ployed stratum who finds an ordinary life too boring. I am not going to publish some of the “lumpen” things Snagg did but his expulsion from the PPP by a meeting presided over by Jagan himself was harsh. Jagan was in uncontrollable rage on the alleged accusations against Snagg, accusations that since 1992 many high PPP leaders in government were guilty of themselves. As I was driving through First Street in Cummings Lodge last week, I had to stop because a taxi had parked in the middle of the road. The passenger had a difficult time
getting out. It was Harold. He couldn’t walk properly. He suffered a stroke at age 79. Snagg was disrespected by the entire PPP leadership in the seventies and eighties because in political parties, especially in Guyana, people like bodyguards and security personnel are seen as low level humans. They are seen as dispensable rags. I can tell you some tragic and sad stories of how the PPP, PNC, WPA and AFC treated their security personnel. Some of these people could not and cannot sustain a living and they were and are turned down when they ap-
proach those who they once served and protected. I implored a current minister of government to give one of his former guards a house lot. He said yes but never followed through. This is the fault line of life. In politics, certain humans are used as chicken feed then are thrown away in the dustbin of obscurity. I hope the elders in the PPP, like Gail Teixeira, Clement Rohee and Ralph Ramkarran who knew Snagg personally would try to assist him. “He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother” as the Hollies sang in their famous song of the sixties.
Frederick Kissoon (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper)
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Kaieteur News
Sunday October 13, 2019
Guyana is entering its future with a brand new legacy Every time Guyana holds National and Regional elections, a new government is sworn in whether it is made up of members of the incumbent party or another. Either way, it is considered a new government. But it was no surprise that the PPP tried to gain political mileage from the recent tweet by US Senator, Marco Rubio who said: “I look forward to the democratic electoral process of our important regional ally, Guyana. It’s in our strong interest to stand in support of the Guyanese people as they seek to elect a new government that can advance their security and prosperity”. The take-away from the Senator’s comment is his wish for the advancement of Guyana’s security and pros-
perity. This APNU+AFC government has started this country down that road, and with the electorate’s vote next March, we will continue to clean up the institutions and messy political situations we found in 2015. We will continue to implement new programmes, build new infrastructure, donate/ present computers to our children to prepare them and their parents for the brave new world of high technology. With heavy investments in Education, Guyana is on its way back to the top tier of the CXC where we used to be before 2000. The PPP is demonstrating an appalling ignorance of their country’s history, but this is not the forum for a lesson on the PPP’s reliance on our pre-independence legacy of social divisions, bitterness and distrust. Guyana is now entering its future with a brand new legacy, and we urge all citizens to keep your eyes on the prize. This Coalition Government is more determined than ever to strengthen our national pride through unity among communities. No division of any kind will do Guyana any good, and we are very certain that none of our foreign partners in
trade or in diplomacy is advocating for this nation to lose the momentum we have gained. They all have a vested interest in seeing Guyana peaceful, stable and prosperous; in seeing our citizens and their business interests safe from piracy, banditry, governmental and institutional corruption. They want what we want, to see us unite to fight our common enemy like Venezuela which is still hell bent on stealing three-quarters of Guyana’s land – the entire Essequibo region – and all of our Exclusive Maritime Economic Zone where the undersea oil fields are located, and where a number of internationally renowned oil and gas producers are preparing for first oil. We have a common enemy outside our border so this is the time for us to band together to fight this enemy and keep the proceeds from OUR resources, our oil, gold, diamonds, and forests for our people. Guyana stands on the threshold of wealth, possibly greatness, but the PPP’s constant harping is robbing us of the excitement we all should be feeling, that anticipation of great things coming to us.
They are confusing you, and distracting you, preventing you from concentrating on the new businesses you should be preparing for. While the government is doing its job of passing new legislations to protect the income from all our natural resources in order to distribute it evenly among the entire population from Region One (Barima-Waini) to Region 10 (Upper Demerara – Upper Berbice where even more natural resources like bauxite and kaolin are in bountiful supply, you have to grab the new job opportunities and openings for new business. You cannot allow yourself to be distracted or you can lose those opportunities to expatriates who want them badly. This land is your land, so step up! Our foreign partners are aware that the Guyana economy is developing (already at 4.5 % for 2019). They have participated in the crafting of Guyana’s long-term sustainable development plans and the Green State Development Strategy: Vision 2040, as well as the Guyana Natural Resources Fund and other new legislations to make sure that our oil resources are prudently managed. They have witnessed
Guyana’s efforts to change our financial/banking systems in adherence to the global anti-money laundering and financing of terrorism requirements. Our country is now stable and safe, and it will remain so once the Coalition Government is allowed to continue our transformation. A point to note – every promise that the PPP is making in their election campaign is mirroring the Coalition’s programmes already in place. We notice that they are promising to re-open the same sugar estates they had run bankrupt and had put up for divestment in 2010. They are promising to reduce the same 16% Value Added Tax they had imposed. The Coalition Government has since reduced it to 14% with a further reduction to come. The PPP is promising everything that they failed to deliver in the 23 years when they ruled this nation. Compelling facts and stats Numbers are easily verifiable. Here are a few compelling stats and facts that map some improvements since 2015:1. Minimum wage increased by over 60% which frees thousands of workers from paying Income Tax 2. Increase in old age pension by 56% to $20,500 3. Corporate tax reduced from 40% to 25% with amnesty on arrears 4. VAT exemption for small businesses earning less than $15M per year 5. Revolving Fund to assist small entrepreneurs 6. Duty-free concessions for machine/spare parts imports 7. Over 5,000 new jobs, some by self-employment helped by micro-financing 8. Youths in sugar and bauxite belts receiving training from Youth Skills Development projects, specially
targeted for oil and gas industry 9. Youth population, schools and other educational institutions have free Wi-fi Internet 10. Teachers have received free laptop computers, and students free computer tablets 11. A new Centre of Excellence in IT is now open and teaching advanced technology 12. Campus Radio at UG is on the air, along with 7 new Community Radio Stations in Hinterland and inland regions 13. Thousands more have joined new mining syndicates, and hundreds of mining blocks distributed to small miners 14. Gold production jumped to 700,000 oz. 15. New agricultural lands opened on the Coast and hinterland 16. New overseas markets for paddy and rice in Mexico, Panama, Cuba and over 35 other countries 17. New housing communities created with reduced costs per house lot (no VAT, w/ water treatment plants, etc.) 18. Innovative Home Improvement subsidies granted 19. Three new water treatment plants constructed and 8 new wells in the Rupununi 20. Nearly 200 Information Technology hubs opened in community centers, benabs, post offices in towns and inland communities esp. for students and entrepreneurs Guyana is moving up with programmes already in place for you and your children when you elect APNU+AFC as the new government for the 2020-2025 term. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper)
Sunday October 13, 2019
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Kaieteur News
My column
The Linden-Lethem road: foolishness or an investment? For decades, a road linking coastal Guyana and Lethem has been on the cards. Way back in the 1950s, Henry Ford of Ford Motors talked about building the road on the condition that only Ford cars would drive on it. At the time Guyana was a British colony, the British rulers never accepted the offer so the road never materialised. Many years would pass before the Guyana Government would carve a trail linking the coast to Lethem. There were criticisms as environmentalists began to talk about disturbing the habitat of some wildlife. There are jaguars and other wild animals living in that part of the jungle. People contended that the steady passage of vehicles would drive them away and perhaps force their demise. As time progressed, traffic along the trail became increasingly more. People with money decided to move along the trail to invest in Lethem. The government set up industrial sites for businesses. Soon Lethem became a booming town. With its development came an influx of Chinese. The laws stipulated that the Chinese could not own property in the industrial estate. But that did not stop them from renting real estate. It is said that many used Guyanese as fronts to set up their businesses. Even before that, Brazil kept offering to build the road, which it saw as a gateway to the Atlantic. Brazil, sixth largest economy in the world is an industrialised country. It produces and exports a lot. At present, most of its exports
must go through some 28 ports located along the country’s 8,500-kilometer coast.The inland cities must rely on rail network and roads spanning hundreds of miles. Today, the country is finding that the railroads and even the roads in the vicinity of the ports are insufficient. Port Georgetown is an attractive option being closer to some of Brazil’s large cities than those ports which must be used. The travel distance makes Brazilian goods costly, far too costly for the country’s liking. That is why it has even offered to build the road link to Port Georgetown. This offer was repeated during the tenure of the then President Bharrat Jagdeo. It is said that Jagdeo looked at the logistics but concluded that Guyana was not ready to cope with the influx of Brazilian traffic. It is also said that he was concerned about the possible inflow of drugs into the country.Recently, the present government placed an advertisement in the news media seeking international contractors to build the road. Funding has been sought. In some quarters, there is the view that the money could be better spent developing the coastal facilities where the bulk of the taxpayers live. They point to the need for more coastal roads to accommodate the growing traffic, the need for a new Demerara Harbour Bridge, better public transport, medical facilities, schools and other infrastructure. They see the LindenLethem road as benefiting the few Chinese who are capital-
ising on the weak border with Brazil to get their goods into the neighbouring country. If the truth be told, the Chinese recognise the importance of trading with Brazil. Some Guyanese had also recognised the importance. Banks DIH tried to get its beer into the neighbouring Brazilian towns but logistics forced it to abandon that venture. At present, there are a few who use the current trail to ship goods to Lethem. Their efforts have been such that each day hundreds of Brazilians come to Lethem to make purchases since they find the goods on the Guyana side so much cheaper. But for Brazil the need to access Port Georgetown is so much greater. That country ships sugar, soy, containerised cargo, coffee, corn, wheat, salt, citrus pulp, orange juice, paper, automobiles and alcohol. Its ports are overwhelmed because of infrastructure and labour problems. I can see hundreds of trucks coming down the road and using the Soesdyke-Linden Highway to access Port Georgetown. Immediately, I see a logistical nightmare. For starters, there is going to be the need for many more roads in Georgetown, larger port facilities, hundreds of port workers and untold numbers of Customs staff. The planners of the Linden-Lethem road know these things and they see the economic spin-off. The containers from Brazil will bring tons of money for the economy but given the apparent lack of labour at the Guyana end, the Brazilians may find their goods sitting at Port
Georgetown for a long time. Perhaps this could spur the Brazilians to help fund feeder roads to the coast. President Donald Ramotar at one time considered passing the Linden-Lethem road through Bartica and across the Essequibo River to follow the Del Conte Road along the eastern shore of the Essequibo River. There would also be the need for a road on the western shore of the Demerara River to ports that would spring up on the west side. The very coastal development could spring from the Linden-Lethem road but would Guyana be in a position to take advantage of the developments. Money would be flowing into Guyana and there would be thousands of jobs on of-
fer. But as some of us are witnessing, there are Guyanese who simply do not want to work. Just this week, I noticed that the Guyana Police Force is 600 short. Someone is advertising for masons, carpenters and labourers. It does not take much skill to be a labourer but there are still vacancies because people are simply not going to work. Perhaps Guyana could become like the Middle East, having to hire foreign labour. This seems to be the trend already. We have many foreign nationals in the country and they are taking up jobs even as some Guyanese say that there are no jobs. Trinidadians abound in the oil sector. The Linden-Lethem road would cost a pretty penny.
Adam Harris Must Guyana put in the supporting infrastructure along the coast ahead of its construction? Perhaps, there is a plan for massive road works all along the major rivers all leading to Port Georgetown. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
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Kaieteur News
Sunday October 13, 2019
Human development and hinterland advancement (Excerpts from an address by H.E David Granger, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, to the National Toshaos’ Council Conference, 2019.10.07)
D
evelopment would be mean ingless unless peoples’ lives improve. Human development is at the core to ensuring a ‘good life’. It recognises the importance of improving people’s lives – especially in the four fields of education, health, livelihood and social protection. The United Nations Development Programme’s Human Development Report 1990 noted that: “People are the real wealth of a nation. The basic objective of development is to create an enabling environment for people to enjoy long, healthy and creative lives. “The ‘Report’ emphasised that education, health and decent standards of living are essential to the ‘good life.’ I add a fourth essential element – social protection. Human development aims at ensuring the ‘good life’ for all. Indigenous people inhabit all 10 administrative regions, mainly in the hinterland. Human development must mean, therefore, hinterland development. Never before has a Government driven such a sustained thrust in hinterland development. We believe in equal opportunities for all. We believe that, if Guyana is to become a more inclusive and equal society, hinterland human development is imperative – especially in education, health, livelihood and social protection – the four essential fields of endeavour. Hinterland human development has improved appre-
ciably over the past four years. Indigenous peoples are enjoying better access to education, public health, public information, public infrastructure, public security, public telecommunications and social security. Progress in the four essential areas of human development – education, health, livelihood and social protection – is measurable but the persistence and gravity of social ills such as alcoholism, child labour, drug abuse, sexual abuse and teenage pregnancies – should not be allowed to derail progress on the path of development. The eradication of these social ills and the elimination of extreme poverty require intensified cooperation among Regional Democratic Councils, the National Toshaos’ Council, Indigenous Village Councils and Central Government, particularly though the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ affairs. Education Education is a pillar of national development. Your Government has invested $170 B in public education with a further $52.2 B committed to 2019. Hinterland education has benefitted from its share of these investments. Hinterland education is being improved and expanded: . Learning resource centres have been established in several regions – at Aishalton, Annai, Bartica, Kato, Lethem, Mabaruma, Monkey Mountain, Paramakatoi, Kamarang, Waramadong and Wauna. Smart classrooms have been installed at Bartica, Mabaruma, Lethem, Paramakatoi, Three-Miles and Santa Rosa. . School-feeding programmes benefit more than 20,000 students, in some form, in 216 hinterland nursery and primary schools
and annexes. . The Public Education Transport Service is providing bicycles, boats and buses to transport hinterland children to school, including at Annai, Baracara, Coomacka, Mabaruma, Mahdia; Kwakwani, MainstayWhyaka, Queenstown, Riversview and for communities in the Lower and Upper Pomeroon River. . Scholarships will be awarded to thirteen of this year’s top performers of the National Grade Six Assessment from the Rupununi Region by the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs. The number of hinterland scholarships has increased from 110 in 2014 t0 187 in 2018. Hinterland students, also, have been among the beneficiaries of the 1,599 tertiary-level scholarships offered by the Department of the Public Service since 2015. . Residential services benefit two thousand, two hundred and forty secondary school students in four hinterland regions – the Barima-Waini, CuyuniMazaruni, Potaro-Siparuni and the Rupununi. I commissioned a G$186M Hinterland Student Dormitory, on 15th July 2019 at Liliendaal, to provide accommodation for 120 hinterland students pursuing tertiary education. Health Hinterland health services have been upgraded over the past four years and are being expanded further. Health clinics, which provide medical services to indigenous people, have been rehabilitated and upgraded. Health professionals have been deployed to hinterland regions to boost health care delivery. Emergency health-care services have been improved with the addition of new water ambulances in
riverine areas – at Baracara, Karawab, Kwakwani, Moruca, Orealla and St. Monica. Hinterland communities have benefitted from increased vaccination and immunisation against preventable diseases. We have achieved a 90 per cent vaccination coverage to help fight preventable diseases. Malaria cases – most prevalent in the hinterland – have reduced from 17,599 reported cases from 2014 to 11,000 cases in 2018. Improvements in potable water supply are helping to improve health by reducing the risk of water-borne diseases and enhancing sanitation. Water systems were, or are in the process of being, improved at Kamwata, Kanuku, Mabaruma, Matthew’s Ridge, Moco Moco, Port Kaituma, Quiko, Rupunau, Sand Creek, Shiriri, Shulinab, St Ignatius and White Water. Livelihood A good quality of life and decent standards of living for indigenous people can be assured by improved access to public services – such as public infrastructure, public telecommunications and public security. Your government has continued to narrow development gaps in the provision of these services. The Hinterland Sustainable Agriculture Development Programme has improved food security through the expansion of hinterland agriculture and agro-processing in the Barima-Waini, CuyuniMazaruni, Potaro-Siparuni and in the Rupununi. Hinterland farmers have benefitted from the services provided by the programme. The Hinterland Employment Youth Service (HEYS) and the Youth Entrepreneurship and Skills Training (YEST) programme have been stimulating jobs and entrepreneurship within indigenous communities. Jobs are important in providing incomes for households and in diversifying and stimulating village economies. Hinterland infrastructure has been transformed over the past four years. More than 30 hinterland aerodromes have been rehabilitated to improve air transport links. A total of 350 km of hinterland roads have been rehabilitated and maintained. Roads have been upgraded in the four new capital towns – at Bartica, Mabaruma, Mahdia and Lethem. Works have been
done to major roads linking Rockstone to Mabura, Kurupukari to Annai, and Linden to Mabura. A new bridge was constructed across the Moruca River to replace the dilapidated structure. Other bridges have been built or repaired at areas including Papaya, Cassandra Crossing, Sand Creek, Aishalton, Paruima, Hosororo, Surama, Wakapao and Kwatamang. Telecommunication connectivity has been improved in hinterland communities. ICT hubs have been established in 171 communities – including in Aishalton, Annai, Baramita, Bartica, Iwokrama, Kato, Karasabai, Masakenari, Port Kaituma, Mabaruma, Matthew’s Ridge, Mahdia, Paramakatoi, Sand Creek, Santa Rosa, St. Ignatius and Waramadong. ICT hubs are scheduled to be established at Kaikan, Jawalla, Phillipai, Paruima, Kako, Rewa, Surama, Toka and Wiruni this year. Birth and death registration services have been extended by the Department of Citizenship. Legal services, including the registration of businesses have been extended through the creation of new magisterial districts in Upper Demerara and Rupununi, the commissioning of courts at Karasabai and Aishalton and the construction of a new magistrates court at Mahdia. Business development will offer greater opportunities, including employment for people. Your government is working to expand business within our hinterland regions. It is establishing new business registration hubs in six of our Regions to make it easier to establish companies. Industrial estates are being developed at Lethem in the Rupununi and at Belvedere in the East BerbiceCorentyne Region. A Frontier Villages’ Policy was unveiled in 2018 to counter the special vulnerabilities of border communities. The ‘Policy’ is helping to make hinterland border communities safe from attacks from ‘sindicatos’ and incursions by illegal miners and contraband smugglers. New police divisions have been established for the BarimaWaini, Cuyuni-Mazaruni, Potaro-Siparuni and the Rupununi. Social protection Social protection is integral to human development. It is necessary to safeguard citizens and to ensure
that they enjoy decent and dignified lives, free from abuse and deprivation. The Ministry of Social Protection has been making interventions to improve hinterland social protection services, in collaboration with other government Ministries. The situation which we inherited in May 2015, was quite disturbing. The Ministry of Social Protection in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) undertook a survey of women and children in Guyana in the period 20152016. I highlight some of the Report’s findings as they relate to indigenous women and children. The Report of the Study, entitled, A Situational Analysis of Children and Women in Guyana disclosed the following distressing facts: . children living in indigenous communities have three times more chance of having diarrhoea than children from other parts of the country; . children living in indigenous communities have the highest rate of acute respiratory infection and stunting of all ethnicities; . four out of 10 indigenous children are believed to be involved in some form of child labour; . six out every 10 indigenous children were not attending nursery school in 2014; . one in every five indigenous boys and girls were not attending secondary school; and . the highest incidence of poverty is to be found in the hinterland. These and other social maladies could hamper the development of indigenous communities. The situation is serious and suggests urgent action and cooperation among all the stakeholders, including government and the National Toshaos’ Council. The Ministry of Social Protection has: . intensified its antihuman trafficking campaign and taken steps to reduce labour violations in the mining sector; . increased training and awareness education programmes to combat sexual offences and domestic abuse; and . installed Child Advocacy Centres in six regions and will expand this to help combat child abuse. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper)
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Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke: Do something before its too late By Dr Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine As we are in the dry season, I am beginning to see more patients who are sick because of excess exposure to the heat. I suspect that this will become a more common phenomenon as global temperatures continue to increase. Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are the two most common complications that occur from overexposing to heat. Today we will discuss these two conditions as they are often ignored and can lead to serious life threatening consequences. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU GET HEAT EXHAUSTION AND HEATSTROKE? Whenever you are exposed to too much heat, your body works hard to keep your temperature constant. This can lead to you feeling generally unwell, lacking in energy and feeling dizzy or sick and are early signs that your body is beginning to overheat. In this phase, you are showing early signs of heat exhaustion. If you do not take preventative measures, you will progress to getting heatstroke. Heatstroke happens when your body’s normal mechanisms for regulating your temperature break down, and your temperature rises to more than 40°C. It is a medical emergency and can kill you if you do not receive treatment. WHO IS AT RISK OF HEAT EXHAUSTION AND HEATSTROKE? Anyone can experience the physical effects of excess heat, but people at highest risk include: · Babies and toddlers. · Elderly people. · People who are physically active. · People who are exposed to sun for prolonged periods · People with chronic health conditions like diabetes or heart, lung or kidney
disease. · People taking ‘water tablets’ (diuretics - usually used for high blood pressure or heart failure), antipsychotic medication or recreational drugs like ecstasy · People with tummy troubles like gastroenteritis or inflammatory bowel conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis that can cause diarrhea. WHATARE SYMPTOMS OF HEAT EXHAUSTION? Key signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion include: · Passing less urine which is often dark. · Dizziness and feeling faint. · Tiredness. · Headache. · Feeling sick, lack of appetite, and cramping stomach pain. · Muscle cramps in legs and arms. · Rapid pulse. · Clammy, pale skin and profuse sweating. HOW IS HEAT EXHAUSTION TREATED? Fluid and a cool environment are key to treating heat exhaustion. If you think you’re showing signs, immediately: · Move to a cool room. · Take off as much clothing as possible, particularly tight clothes. · Take a cool bath or shower. · If there are no bathing facilities, sponge down with cool water. · Put on a fan if possible. · Lie down if possible. · Drink as much non-alcoholic fluid as you can. · Seek medical help if you’re not feeling better within about half an hour. WHATARE THE SYMPTOMS OF HEATSTROKE? In heatstroke, your body can no longer cope. This is a progression from heat exhaustion and is a life threatening emergency. The normal mechanisms to keep your
body cool give up, and your temperature soars to over 40°C. Other symptoms include: ·Severe, throbbing headache. · Feeling very sick and being sick (vomiting). · Fast pulse (heart rate) · Shallow, rapid breathing. · Very hot, flushed skin. · Weak or cramping muscles. · No sweating despite being very hot. · Dizziness, feeling faint or fainting. · Confusion and agitation. · Seizures. · Sometimes collapse and loss of consciousness. If left untreated, heatstroke can lead to swelling of your vital organs, including your brain. HOW IS HEATSTROKE TREATED? Heatstroke is a medical emergency and can cause serious damage to kidneys and other vital organs if not treated promptly. Someone experiencing heatstroke will most likely be unable to administer self-treatment. If you think someone has heatstroke, immediately: · Make arrangements to get them to the nearest emergency room · Move them to a cool place and lay them down. · Stay with them at all times. · Remove as much of their clothing as possible. · Wet their skin with cool water; then fan them. · If possible, put them in a cool bath or shower. · For a young, healthy person who has developed heatstroke from vigorous exercise in hot weather, consider applying ice packs to their armpits, neck and back. · Put them in the recovery position if they lose consciousness. HOW CAN HEAT EXHAUSTION AND HEATSTROKE BE PREVENTED?
Heat exhaustion often occurs as a result of direct sun exposure. However, it is important to remember that it is possible to develop heat exhaustion even when you are not in direct sunlight. To avoid damage from heat as well as sun: · Keep your fluid intake up. · Do not drink alcohol or too much caffeine. These dehydrate you and reduces your awareness of the warning symptoms. · Avoid strenuous exercise in hot weather. · Wear loose clothes made from natural fibers such as cotton or linen, which allow
your body to evaporate heat readily by sweating. · Keep your home cool by pulling curtains in daytime. If the weather outside is hotter than inside, keep windows closed and use a fan. When the weather outside cools down, particularly at night, keep windows open. · Take regular cool showers or baths. · If you are feeling hot, put a damp cloth on the back of your neck and keep changing it. As the water evaporates from your skin, it will cool you down. · Remember that southfacing rooms with windows in direct sunlight are hotter than
Dr Zulfikar Bux north-facing ones. · Keep indoor plants which help cool the air as they evaporate water. The cooler and calmer you are, the better your chances of avoiding heatstroke or heat exhaustion.
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SUNDAY US DOLLAR JUMPS TO $233 There is a shortage of US dollars in the streets and it has sent the selling price to over $230. Saturday, the different cambios were selling for as high as $233 for one US dollar. It would be highest in years with knowledgeable persons predicting that the situation will only get worse. At the banks, the exchange rate for wire transfers was $218. In fact, the commercial banks had significant funds to conduct and make payments for businesses. It was on the road that the problems existed. Bank of Guyana’s Governor, Dr. Gobind Ganga, had been contacted over a week ago when complaints were made to Kaieteur News that there is a shortage of US cash. According to the Governor, the Central Bank as the regulator was monitoring the situation. He insisted that there is no shortage of funds for wire transfers. However, while Ganga was reassuring that, the demand for US cash has been pushing the exchange rates up. Kaieteur News was told that cross-border trade with Venezuela and the presence
Kaieteur News
of regional companies including from Trinidad and Tobago have contributed to the problem. In recent times, despite coldness between Venezuela and Guyana, there has been trade in rice and other commodities. Venezuela, in the throes of runway inflation, internal conflicts and little foreign currency, has been depending on Guyana. With regards to especially companies from Trinidad, they have been holding on to the cash they trade in. These have been making it back to that Twin-Island Republic. Then there are the issues of the telephone companies. They have been making large, steady purchases of US cash from cambios and the streets. The Chinese, reportedly, have also been making significant purchases.
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The selling price for US notes has reached $233 for one US dollar in the city.
GGMC CANCELS 24 MINING CONCESSIONS FOR NON-PAYMENT, OTHERS TO FOLLOW The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) , through an order by Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, has cancelled 24 medium scale mining concessions due to outstanding rental fee payments. Cited as the Prospecting Permit Medium Scale (PPMS)
Exemption Order, the document is published in The Official Gazette on October 5, 2019. The Order came into effect on September 15 last. With respect to the 24 concessions cancelled, the Order states that they will be reserved for disposal by the bidding and lottery process. Further, those miners/ companies listed as
defaulters are Metallica CC (Guyana) Inc.; Wyette Amsterdam; Carl Baldie & Stephen Edwards; Troy Broomes & Searomance Parasram trading in the name of Central Mahdia Mining Association; Michael Daniels; Erlene Francis; Dana Maria Jones, Youlanda Charles & Marvin Layne trading in the name of LCJ Ikeraku Mining Syndicate; Dalgleish Joseph & Deon Stoll; and Qukice Nelson. In an advertisement published in Kaieteur News by GGMC Commissioner Newell Dennison, the mining authority has called on current medium scale concession holders who still owe the Commission to make their payments with haste, noting that it has already made numerous requests for the payments to be settled. The GGMC has provided a grace period commencing October 1, 2019 for all medium scale property holders who are in arrears and whose properties have not already been published as cancelled in The Official Gazette. There is a penalty accrued on those arrears will attract a waiver of 50 percent, according to the ad. It noted that the grace period ending December 31, 2019 will not be extended. All other property holders who fail to complete their payments by that date, the ad states, will have their properties cancelled. EXECUTION GOES WRONG; – INTENDED TARGET SHOOTS ONE What would have otherwise been an execution
Saturday at the East La Penitence Georgetown Market, took a sudden turn when the victim escaped and returned fire, injuring one of the three men who were out to kill him. The injured, John Lewis, 22, of East Ruimveldt, Georgetown is currently under police guard at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), nursing a gunshot wound to the abdomen and the left arm. Around 11:40 hrs, the somewhat calm market scene erupted into one of chaos and terror as three men jumped out from a black Toyota Primio car and fired shots at an unnamed, somewhat stoutly built man. Our reporter was standing at a food stall just a few yards away. The car which was driving slowly along the East La Penitence Public Road, stopped a short distance from the Twins Drug Store and three men hurriedly existed. They headed in the direction of a fruit stall on the southern side of the road, from which a man suddenly began to run. The three men gave chase, one of them firing shots wildly from a handgun. Vendors scattered in all directions, abandoning cash and sales items, while pedestrians dashed for cover inside stores, restaurants and bars. But it was the spectacle that was unfolding that was more chilling. The man continued to fire shots as the group gave chase, but their intended victim was fast on his feet, sprinting in a ‘zig zag fashion’, in a desperate bid to evade the bullets.
MONDAY OIL SPILL FROM EXXON’S PAYARA FIELD WOULD SIGNIFICANTLY AFFECT VENEZUELA, TRINIDAD, OTHER ISLANDS – EIA ExxonMobil and its partners, Hess Corporation and CNOOC/NEXEN, have stepped up the pace for securing a permit from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to start developing the oil rich Payara field in the Stabroek Block. As a prerequisite for the environmental permit, ExxonMobil’s subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) had to submit an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). This document explains to what extent the proposed operations could affect the marine life, ecosystems and communities that surround it. In this regard, EEPG’s EIA states that while it would be taking all precautions, there is a possibility for an oil spill to occur. Many scenarios were considered, one of which indicated that an oil spill from the Payara field could affect many of Guyana’s neighbours such as Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao; the southern Lesser Antilles; and the Greater Antilles. The EIA in particular notes that an unmitigated oil spill from a loss-of-wellcontrol during the DecemberMay season would take a west-northwesterly route through the Gulf of Paria and across the southern edge of (Continued on page 33)
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From page 32 the Caribbean Sea. Comparatively strong easterly winds in the December”May season would expose the northern coast of South America and the southern Lesser Antilles to the bulk of shoreline oiling risk. It was further noted that an equivalent spill during the June–November season would be exposed to lower wind speeds, allowing the surface oil to be transported to the north of Trinidad and Tobago and swept into the Caribbean Sea. The EIA states that the plume would track slightly more to the north, across the central Caribbean Sea and the central and southern portions of the Lesser Antilles, to the Greater Antilles. CRUDE LIFTING AGREEMENT TO REMOVE OPPORTUNITIES FOR ABUSE – ENERGY DEPT. HEAD Energy Department Head, Dr. Mark Bynoe, has indicated to this newspaper, that the Crude Lifting Agreement still has a few issues to be ironed out but it is close to completion. During an interview on Kaieteur Radio’s “Guyana’s Oil and You” programme, Dr. Bynoe said that the agreement came out of a template which was designed by the Association of International Petroleum Negotiators (AIPN) in 2001. The Director noted that modifications were done to suit the needs of the country. Dr. Bynoe said, “Now what the agreement speaks to is that the four investors (Government, Hess, ExxonMobil and CNOOC/ Nexen) are entitled to specific lifts. “If the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) fills up at peak production every eight to 10 days then we call that an entitlement.” The Director added, “So each of the investors would be entitled to a lift and that goes around so Hess takes the first, Exxon takes second, Guyana takes a third … and so it goes on and that is what the agreement outlines. Then when you are ready for your lift, you have to advertise two months in advance.” Further to this, the Energy Department Head said that the agreement outlines various costs if an investor is to miss a lift without proper warning. He noted, however, that the rules of the agreement are not that inflexible since they allow an investor to cede his turn to someone else if it is recognised that taking the entitlement at that time would
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not be possible. He said, “So nothing prevents you from saying, ‘Hey Hess or Exxon, why don’t you go take the lift.’ So it is not regimented in saying Exxon takes a lift every four days etc. You can cede to someone else. However, we have to be careful that you aren’t just missing a lift because you are speculating oil prices.” JAGDEO WARNS INT’L AGENCIESABOUT DISBURSING FUNDS TO AN “ILLEGAL” GOVT. Leader of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/ C), Bharrat Jagdeo, has issued a call to international agencies to desist from further funding the projects of the “illegal” government. During his weekly Thursday press conference, Jagdeo stated that the Caretaker A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) government has “accelerated the illegalities” during this period and the monies that have been disbursed to them might not be repaid if the PPP/ C wins the upcoming General and Regional Elections. Jagdeo said, “The InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) who insists on disbursing funds, or a few others who insist on disbursing funds and approving contracts, are… in contravention of our laws. “They can’t claim they’ve not been warned. They have a court ruling. It will have implications for the funds in the future; repayment of the funds.” The Opposition Leader made specific reference to the recently awarded Kato Hydropower project, which attracted $495 million. The contract, which awarded to BJ’s Civil Works was signed for the design, supply, and installation of a 150kW hydropower plant at Kato Village in Region Eight, Potaro-Siparuni. He further told reporters that he is not in disapproval of the hydropower project; however, he does have issues with the Government “abusing the process and doing it in an unconstitutional way.” “The expenditure that is inconsistent with the routine function of the government will be illegal, even in this period. They should not have even done that, even for smaller contracts, much less a contract like that.” However, during a meeting that was held between the President of the IDB, Mr. Luis Alberto Moreno, Jagdeo recounted that the disbursing of funds to his attention.
TUESDAY GUYANA’S OIL COULD BE FINISHED IN LESS THAN 40 YEARS –T&T GEOLOGIST Guyana’s offshore basin holds over six billion barrels of oil. This impressive find which follows from extensive exploratory work by ExxonMobil is expected to place the nation shoulder to shoulder with some of the world’s biggest producers. But for how long will this last? To answer this question, there are two areas Trinidadian geologist, Anthony Paul states one must look at—Geology and Policy. Speaking to the former, Paul explained that Guyana’s basin features Cretaceous and Tertiary plays. Cretaceous sands were formed over 65 million years ago and in very deep waters. The Tertiary in comparison, was formed more recently, and is therefore quite young. Also, for the Cretaceous sands, these are very clean and permeable or porous
therefore allowing it to be drained faster than the Tertiary which has less porosity. In simpler terms, Paul said, “Think of it as having two buckets filled with marbles and water. One has 200 marbles, the other has 3000, smaller ones. It will be much easier for you to drain the bucket with 200 marbles with a straw, because there are fewer obstacles for it to move around and for the water to cling to. This is how porosity works with those rocks. The Cretaceous rock is the one with the 200 marbles while the Tertiary is the bucket with the 3000 smaller ones.” Interestingly, 11 out of the 14 discoveries made by ExxonMobil thus far are in the Cretaceous play. When compared to Trinidad and Tobago’s basin, Paul told Kaieteur News that Guyana’s is obviously more superior. he Geologist said, “TT rocks are very fractured and that has pushed the oil all over the basin. Also, the reservoirs holding the oil are very small so when we have to drill 20 wells to drain a small surface area, Guyana would
have to drill two or four which would drain it.” US BANKRUPTCY COURT APPROVES RESTRUCTURING FOR BRISTOW Houston-based Bristow Group Inc. Monday announced that on Friday, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas confirmed the company’s amended Plan of Reorganization and indicated that it will enter a written order to this effect. The company expects to consummate its financial restructuring process and successfully emerged from Chapter 11 by October 31, 2019. The company has operations in Guyana lending helicopter support to ExxonMobil as it continues to prepare for oil production in a few months’ time, according to GuruFocus.com. Upon emergence as a privately held company, Bristow’s largest owners are expected to be affiliates of Solus Alternative Asset Management LP, South Dakota Investment Council,
Empyrean Capital Partners, LP, Bain Capital Credit and Oak Hill Advisors, who are expected to own in excess of 50% of Bristow’s equity collectively, with the remaining equity held by other secured creditors and unsecured note holders. Under the terms of the approved Plan, at emergence the Company will receive $535 million of new capital from a majority of Bristow’s secured and unsecured note holders: (i) $385 million through an equity rights offering, and (ii) Bristow’s $150 million debtor-inpossession loan, which was funded in August 2019 and will convert into new equity of the reorganized Company at emergence. WEEPING MAN TO SERVE 21 YEARS IN JAIL FOR FATALLY BEATING BEDRIDDEN MOM Confessing his undying love for his 76-year-old mother, Cecelia Madray, Terrence Madray was Monday sentenced to 21 years’ imprisonment after he (Continued on page 34)
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From page 33 admitted to beating the elderly woman to death with a piece of wood on August 21, 2016 at their Good Faith, Mahaicony home. Madray, now 53, who was initially, indicted for murder, opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter during his appearance before Justice Jo Ann Barlow at the High Court in Demerara. According to State Prosecutor, Sarah Martin, on April 18, 2016, Terrence Madray called ‘Throw Back’ was heard by neighbours cursing out his elderly mother using a series of expletives. Soon after, Prosecutor Martin said, someone heard a trampling sound coming from their home and soon after heard the pensioner groaning. Community Policing ranks were summoned to the home where they called out for the elderly woman but were told by her son that she was asleep. The woman was discovered lying on her blood-covered floor with a wound on her head by members of the area’s Community Policing Group (CPG) on April 21, 2016. The prosecutor in relating the facts of the case, said that Terrence Madray confessed to police that he lashed his mother in her head with a piece of wood and she fainted. The prosecutor related that
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the man further confessed that he made attempts to revive his mother by giving her a bath and some food, which she did not eat. WEDNESDAY GASKIN SAYS… EXXONMOBIL, OTHER OILCOMPANIES WILL HEAVILYINFLUENCE ELECTIONS RESULTS ExxonMobil and the other major oil companies operating offshore Guyana will heavily influence the result of the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections. They may even definitively be the ones to decide who assumes the presidency. This was the view shared by Activist, Ramon Gaskin, when he appeared on a special segment of Kaieteur Radio’s Guyana’s Oil & You, last Monday. Due to the incidents following the No Confidence Motion of December 21, 2018, Guyana faced months of political uncertainty about when elections will be held and about Government’s respect for the Constitution. Though elections will be held in March, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has assessed that Guyana is likely to receive its 1,000,000 barrels of oil a month earlier. But the Activist also said
that Guyana is just not ready for Production. That has been echoed by several other commentators. Asked whether he believes that the political uncertainty has affected preparations for First Oil, Gaskin said that the real question that should be asked is whether preparations for First Oil have affected the political system; and he believes that it does. He explained that the political situation has not affected ExxonMobil at all. The company will push forward with production. And it can’t be stopped. A provision of Government’s agreement with the oil major would require Guyana to compensate it for any losses caused by a suspension of its operations by Government. Gaskin pointed to other oil producing nations that have done business with ExxonMobil and other oil majors. He believes that, because Petroleum operations tends to amount to a significant portion of a country’s yearly revenues, they tend to use their influence to ensure that the country’s politics play out in their favour. “And it wouldn’t be any different in Guyana,” he said.
preparing a report for public scrutiny. As for cross-matching, the first of two batches of fingerprints have been sent to the international supplier, and the Commission is expected to receive those before the week is out. The data will be used as a comparator during the Claims and Objections period, which started on October 1, 2019. Gunraj told reporters Tuesday that 2,127 Claims have been made so far, and two objections. Statutory Meetings of the Commission are likely to become bi-weekly, said Commissioner Vincent Alexander, who explained that the Commission and the Secretariat are both ramping up work to be prepared for the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections. The second meeting of each week will occur on Friday. He revealed that the Administrative Committee will be reactivated, meeting on Tuesday, to fill up several vacancies for which the empty posts have been affecting the work of the Secretariat, including a Logistics Manager, an Assistant Chief Elections Officer, and a Research Officer.
HOUSE-TO-HOUSE DATA ENCODING TO BE COMPLETED BY OCTOBER 15 – COMMISSIONERS
MINISTER PATTERSON ADMITS TO FAULTY OVERPASS LIFTS – OPERATORS WERE GIVEN HALF HOUR TRAINING
The data collected from the House-to-House registration is expected to be fully encoded by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Secretariat by October 15, 2019, according to Commissioner Sase Gunraj. The Commission held its weekly statutory meeting at the GECOM Kingston Headquarters, Tuesday. After last Tuesday’s meeting, Commissioner Bibi Shadick had said that after the encoding and cross-matching of the data are over, Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, has committed to
More than one year after their installation, Minister of Infrastructure, David Patterson has finally admitted that the overpass lifts at five locations along the East Bank of Demerara are faulty and have several issues. In a statement issued on Monday the Ministry of Public Infrastructure said that the international contracting firm responsible for the installation of overpasses in Guyana has signaled its willingness to rectify the faults encountered within the defects and liability period of
the project. The statement dictated that in addition to the elevators not functioning, the Ministry is aware that water has been accumulating in the bottom of the lifts, although the lifts were marketed by the company as ‘weather resistant’ among other things. The statement noted that the firm has received reports that a glass pane was shattered on the Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD) lift and that there is a lack of ventilation at the other overpasses situated at Diamond, Houston, Eccles and Peter’s Hall, East Bank Demerara. The Ministry reported that in a letter to the Chief Executive Officer of the contracting firm, dated September 27, 2019, the Chief of Works attached to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure highlighted the discomfort being encountered by pedestrians due to these issues. THURSDAY ASSETS DECLARED TO INTEGRITY COMMISSION SHOULD BE MADE PUBLIC – IMF The International Monetary Fund (IMF) urged Government, during its latest Article IV Consultation in Guyana, to make asset declarations to the Integrity Commission public. In a report, the IMF noted that the re-establishment of the Integrity Commission by the coalition government, having received submissions from over 50 percent of the people required to declare assets in the 2018-2019 cycle, is a sign that efforts to ensure transparency have been reinvigorated. The anti-corruption body urged government, in addition to making declarations public, to develop the methodology used by the Integrity Commission to verify asset declarations, stating that that will improve governance,
support investor confidence and promote growth. The Commission is already developing a framework for verification of declarations across time and against other sources of information. It should be noted that the Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, rejected the prospect of having his filings to the Integrity Commission made public when he was questioned about it, in May last. The IMF noted that, presently, Government is reviewing regulations to allow more access to information, developing management information systems, and operationalising the whistleblower policy. The Integrity Commission requires certain categories of public officials to declare their assets and liabilities by June 30th of each year. The IMF noted that Government is also working to expand coverage of those people required to declare assets. Government and IMF have found common ground that strengthening transparency and anticorruption frameworks is a key priority. It noted that sanctions for nondeclaration or false declarations range from fines to prosecution. GOVT. INVITES BIDS FOR SECURITY CAMERASAT CJIA – CHINESE CONTRACTOR GETS PAID $80M FOR SAME PROJECT he Government has released an invitation for seal bids from companies for the supply of CCTV IP Network Cameras to be installed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). Kaieteur News understands that such cameras were already paid for, based on the contract signed by the People’s Progressive Party’s (PPP) when it was in government and China (Continued on page 35)
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From page 34 Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC). According to page 56 of the contract in relation to Bills and Quantities (See PHOTO), it shows that in terms of communication and engineering of the terminal, such cameras were already catered for. The contract shows that 280 cameras at US$1, 145.59 a piece were catered for which totals to a cost of US$320,866. A total of 24, 24 inch monitors were also included in the bill at unit cost of US$982.55 which totals US$23,581.20. A total of three CCTV System Software were also billed for a total cost of US$19,646.70. When calculated the total cost is US$364,102.90 which is equivalent to roughly GYD$80M. The question is left to be answered as to why the government is now tendering for bids for security cameras that have already been catered or paid for. In the Year 2011 a few weeks before former President Bharrat Jadeo left office, the agreement between CHEC and the PPP was signed for the Expansion of the CJIA at the cost of US$150M. This publication also learnt that the signing of the contract was done secretly and was only made known to the public by the Jamaican press. 21 ARMY ENSIGNS RECEIVE PARATROOPER’S WINGS Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Patrick West, Wednesday presented 21 ensigns of the Standard Officer Course 51 with their Certificates of Completion and Paratrooper’s Wings, after they successfully completed their final jump at Air Station London. During his congratulatory remarks, Brigadier West observed that the history of the GDF and the Colonel Ulric Pilgrim Officer Cadet School was being written with “indelible ink”. The ensigns of SOC 51 are the second cohort to have completed the paratrooper course during their formative training. Speaking to the inclusion of the course as a component of officer cadet training, Brigadier West emphasised that the model will continue to be used, as it will ultimately provide (the GDF) with an officer who is more operationally ready to face the challenges of the contemporary operating environment. “You have overcome your fears and challenged yourselves to become qualified airborne operators
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within the GDF…You will grow more proficient as you practice your new-found skills and move from basic to advanced training and operations in this area,” he said. “As officers, you must be prepared to be launched into any operation, by any means, in any terrain, and under any condition,” he added. The Chief-of-Staff explained that the inclusion of the paratrooper course is aimed at ensuring that junior leaders in the force attain the skills necessary to enable them to transition easily in any operational theatre. Following the award of their certificates and the paratrooper wings, the ensigns were congratulated by an assemblage of officers which included the Commanding Officers of the Air Corps, the Training Corps, the 31 Special Forces Squadron, the Sixth Infantry Batallion, and the Staff Officer General Three, among others. FRIDAY TWO FISHERMEN SHOT, CHOPPED TO DEATHAT SHELLBEACH Police in the North West District are investigating the murders of two brothers who were allegedly shot and killed while fishing off the Waini
Coast in the vicinity of Shell Beach on Wednesday last. Police reports, Thursday, indicated that residents close to Fathers Beach related that the victims, Ian and Rakesh Matthias, were fishing at the location around 14:00 hrs when the incident occurred. Residents told police that rapid gunfire was overheard in the area for over half of a hour then everything became silent. It is said the stepfather of the boys raised an alarm and the Coast Guard and Police ranks from that area were summoned, but upon arrival could not locate the two men or the boat they had used to travel to the fishing location. Police reports indicated that around 10:48 the following morning, residents reported that the bodies had mysteriously turned up at the said area where the incident occurred riddled with bullets. One of the bodies was said to have several chop wounds as well. One resident said that he was close by and overheard screaming as the gunshots were fired. It is said that they men had left their home to go fishing which is a customary thing they would two do at least twice per week. Both men are said to be in their late forties according to one resident. Police are investigating the incident.
POLICE FORCE NEEDS 600 MORE RANKS In an interview on Kaieteur Radio, Khemraj Ramjattan, Minister of Public Security disclosed that approximately 600 police ranks are needed in the GPF. He explained that the target is around 4,800 police ranks whereas the Force only has approximately 4,300. Ramjattan said that some challenges faced in training police officers arise, as people in the Amerindian community are hesitant when it came to culture, language difference and the academy being too far from their homes. Ramjattan added that police officers who graduated are also reluctant to provide service in other areas. He urged that there should be more patrols and community policing groups. The Minister explained that immense efforts are placed on training where various areas of training were implemented with major programmes including training on domestic violence. He added that he attended the closing ceremony for the course where more than 100 police ranks were trained on handling domestic violence. The Minister added that the salary structure poses a difficulty in this concern. He claimed that there is a
constraint to meet the salary needs, as there are also other public servants that need to be catered for. He also said that due to the poor salary structure, police officers were found to be involved in crimes and as a result were suspended and put to face other penalties. He explained that his ministry has worked on the realignment of police divisions in accordance with the administrative regions. He noted that “F” Division was significant. He highlighted that because of the heavy population of Region Four, it features sub-divisions, while each administrative region has its own division. WPA’S CASH TRANSFER PROPOSAL IS “TECHNICALLY UNSOUND” – OPPOSITION LEADER Bharrat Jagdeo, General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), told the press, Thursday, that the Working People Alliance (WPA) proposal is “technically unsound” or unachievable at this time. He was hosting a press conference in his Church Street Office, Georgetown. Jagdeo explained that oil proceeds are one variable and since the prices fluctuate, any model that entails universal
transfer and the basic income approach has to be carefully calibrated. He said that it has to be variable and sustainable in that it should not destroy the rest of the economy. The PPP Leader claimed, “What WPA wants is to go in the communities and say to people vote APNU because if you do this, next year you’re going to get US$5000 in every household.” He iterated that the WPA itself said that it is not possible unless 1.5 M barrels of oil are being produced per day. He explained, “And we are going to start produce 120,000 barrels a day, then why make it a hot issue at this time, when we are not able to do this until a another decade from now?” He added that Granger had the “right instinct” to study the matter of cash transfers. Jagdeo questioned where the money will come from if only US$300M will be received per year. The Opposition Leader stated, “This issue should be discussed, it should be debated.” He added that Clive Thomas’s proposal is wholly unsustainable at this point in time. He noted, “There is simply no money. [Clive Thomas]’s proposal would lead to the distribution of (Continued on page 36)
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From page 35 US$1.1B a year and we are only gonna get US$300M for the next few years.” It was reported by Kaieteur News on Monday, that the PPP leader is keeping an “open eye” on the issue of cash transfers. He claimed that any method that would reduce poverty, generate jobs, promote admittance of children to school and allow for quality education and healthcare. SATURDAY BRAZIL RAISES US$2.2 BILLION IN OILAUCTION (Reuters) – Ten companies on Thursday agreed to pay more than $2 billion for the exploration and production rights in 12 offshore oil blocks in Brazil, in what could be a promising sign for even bigger upcoming oil auctions. The most heavily sought after areas in the Thursday auction directly border
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Brazil’s so-called pre-salt area, a coveted zone in which billions of barrels of oil are trapped under a thick layer of salt beneath the
ocean floor. Pre-salt blocks will be up for grabs in two much larger auctions scheduled for Nov. 6 and Nov. 7, including the
so-called transfer-of-rights auction, which is expected to fetch around $25 billion for the government. Other significant winning bids included a bid of 1.116 billion reals by Petronas for a block in the Campos Basin, and a 2.045 billion reals bid from Brazil’s Petrobras (PETR4.SA) and BP Plc (BP.L) for a separate block. Petronas made another significant move into Brazil in April, when it purchased two oilfields from state-run Petrobras for $1.29 billion. Royal Dutch Shell Plc (RDSa.L), Wintershall Dea GmbH, Chevron Corp (CVX.N), Exxon Mobil Corp (XOM.N) and Repsol SA (REP.MC) also won at least minority stakes in exploration blocks. Twenty-four blocks, many in more marginal oil producing areas, failed to attract a bidder and will be placed in a new program the Brazilian government calls “permanent offer.” Seven blocks near the ecologically sensitive Abrolhos archipelago in northeastern Brazil received no bids, after environmental litigation involving federal prosecutors was disclosed on Wednesday. In a statement following results, Total said that while it was committed to pursuing deepwater opportunities in Brazil, it would not join other oil majors in participating in the transfer-of-rights round as the competitive process was geared toward nonoperating stakes. STREET BUYING US FOR $236… CENTRAL BANK CONFIRMS UNAVAILABILITY OF US NOTES CREATED SITUATION There is more confirmation that there is a shortage of US dollar notes
on the market. Friday, a worried Private Sector Commission (PSC) met with the Governor of the Bank of Guyana, Dr. Gobind Ganga to discuss the matter. Representing the PSC was Captain Gerry Gouveia. According to the commission, it has been taking note of the publicly expressed concerns about the rising exchange rate of the US dollars to discuss the potential negative impact on the business community and the economy. PSC said that the meeting was a constructive engagement. “The PSC was briefed on the situation and the mitigating measures being taken by the Bank of Guyana. The PSC was advised that the matter is mostly due to the unavailability of U.S dollar notes and not access to US currency to facilitate transactions such as payment for USD debit/credit cards and wire transfers.” PSC said that the Bank, as regulator of the finance systems, assured that it is pursuing prudent measures to ensure exchange rate stability. Kaieteur News, after more than a week of complaint, broke a story on Sunday where money changers on the street said that there is a huge demand for US notes and that this has helped drive the exchange rates to over $230 for US$1. While the banks had US dollars to effect wire transfers, it was the cash that was short. On the road, the cambios were providing, but one had to pay over $230. A combination of factors has been fueling the situation. Not only from Trinidad and Tobago and the US sapping up the cash, but lately, an increase in trade with Venezuela, which is struggling for foreign exchange, has nudged the rate further up. In addition to the telephone companies, Suriname, Barbados and Venezuela have all been demanding cash. MORE FUNDS SET ASIDE FOR RIGOUROUS AUDIT OF EXXONMOBIL’S COST RECOVERY BILLS -DR. BYNOE While the finishing touches are still being applied to the contract, the Energy Department will sign with UK based IHS Markit Limited for the audit of ExxonMobil’s US$900M pre-co n t r a c t costs, more funds have been set aside to execute rigourous audits of the cost recovery bills
submitted by the American oil giant. Confirming this recently was Energy Department Head, Dr. Mark Bynoe. The official noted that just a few clauses had to be finetuned for the contract to audit the pre-contract costs. “We have reached a position where we are waiting on them to sign on,” the Director stated while noting that this audit would be led by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). This was agreed to since GRA has already undergone significant technical training for costoil auditing. F u r t h e r t o t h i s , D r. Bynoe said that funds have been aside from a loan that was received from the World Bank so that two more audits can be executed. The funds will be used to hire outside firms which are versed in detecting inflated costs. He noted, however, that the firms selected for the job would be working alongside Guyana’s teams to ensure there is a transfer of knowledge. Kaieteur News had also asked Dr. Bynoe to state whether he is worried about time running out for these audits since the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) Guyana signed with ExxonMobil’s s u b s i d i a r y, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), and its two other partners, specifically states that the Minister Responsible for Petroleum has only two years in which the costs incurred by the operator can be audited. Once that time has passed, the costs reported by the trio are assumed to be correct. It was also pointed out to Dr. Bynoe that the same PSA makes provision for the Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to have seven years to raise an assessment for Corporate Income Tax (CIT), after the expiration of the year of assessment. In this regard, Dr. Bynoe emphatically states that he is not the least bit worried. He said, “We just need to provide a notice of intent to audit and that would have triggered the proprietary process. Once the audit starts, there is no end date…” The Director also pointed out that while GRA has scope for the audit of taxes, the intention is to join forces with the foreign team being hired for the cost oil audits and do one comprehensive assessment to avoid much disruption to the operator.
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Region 10 RDC gives attention to deplorable Moblissa roads
Several teachers of the Moblissa Primary School pose for a photo with Regional Chairman, Renis Morian; Chairperson of the Regional Education Committee, Denis Belgrave and other Regional Councillors. The condition of roads at Moblissa has been a major concern for many. However the intervention of the Region 10 Regional Democratic Council (RDC) has helped to address this dilemma. Moreover, acting head teacher of Moblissa primary school, Ms Yonette Amsterdam, has been in high praised for the RDC. Speak on behalf of herself and other teachers recently Amsterdam said that the efforts of the RDC to fix the roads in the Moblissa community was timely and important. The acting HM pointed out that the roads were in a deplorable state and it was recently graded thus ensuring that it is in a far better shape, thus allowing vehicles to access the community easily. She said that the state of the roads had not only affected teachers but also residents and many students and teachers were unable to get to school in a timely manner owing to the challenges faced with the roads.”On behalf of my teachers and the residents
Acting head teacher of Moblissa primary school, Ms Yonette Amsterdam of Moblissa we are saying thank you, to you Regional Chairman and your entire council for the work that was done in grading the road as it was in such a deplorable state...we are truly thankful for the work done,” the acting HM said. She said that because of the condition that the roads were in, it took them much longer to get to and from school, stressing that it cre-
“Alternate facts” must not be ... From page 39 community and all to understand. However given the gargantuan lies and misrepresentations being spread by the PPP and overwhelming society, facts are virtually made incomprehensible to discern. The PPP influenced by Mr. Jagdeo refutes this ruling by throwing out “alternate facts” about the judgment and the need for his party to return to the National Assembly. The people of Guyana owe it to themselves, their children and future generations to demonstrate a strong affinity to truth and not a willingness to uphold ‘high class deception and blatant lies’. We must demand hard evidence from primary sources not just opinion and propaganda pieces from political leaders, sections of the media and those who shape public opinions whilst engaged in the game of continu-
ous deception of the masses. We must listen carefully to both sides, question the stories they tell and do our own research. The era of “alternate facts” must not become a cloak for the Opposition to hide its obligatory role of returning to the National Assembly even as it denies and seeks to avoid its own responsibilities, kerfuffles the nation in its frequent attacks denigrating and propagandising against any and every legal means utilised by the “caretaker” government which is the authorised administrator to “restore constitutional rule” and regain sanity. The era of “alternate facts” must not be allowed to shape Guyana’s destiny. We deserve better! (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper)
ated numerous inconveniences. She, however, noted that this has certainly changed as with the grading of the roads there are more efficiency in executing one’s duties and getting around much faster. “We were afraid of having to buy parts for our vehicles, however it’s good to know that this would no longer be a reality thanks to the region and we trust that such works would be done more frequently so as to ensure that residents can be comfortable with their roads,” she requested. Meanwhile, Morian said that he was very pleased to know that the works done in Moblissa is greatly appreciated. He disclosed that more will be done stressing that his administration continues to address a number of roads within the region. “Last year the region did a significant number of roads and this year we intend to increase that number significantly so I can assure you and the residents of Moblissa that the RDC has not forgotten them and we intend to enhance and improve their roads and that is a commitment that I am giving to you,” Morian said. He said that the regional administration continues to place significant emphasis and attention to roads within the region, noting that the region will continue to aggressively pursue holistic development, declaring that the residents’ welfare and comfort continues to be a top priority for all. “”The RDC focus is on developing the region in a significant way and we have been doing that and will continue to do so as we continue to enhance the lives and livelihood of our residents so I would like to assure the residents and teachers of Moblissa that more is in store and this administration will ensure that all works and projects planned for the community is executed in a timely manner,” Morian assured.
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Moves apace to eliminate challenges to education in Region 10
Chairperson of the Regional Education Committee, Ms. Denise Belgrave
Several months ago Region 10 Regional Chairman, Mr. Renis Morian, and members of the Regions Regional Education Committee had expressed publicly their displeasure with regards to how a number of education related matters were being handled in the region. However, yesterday Chairperson of the Regional Education Committee, Denise Belgrave, said that her committee along with other senior regional officials are satisfied that progress is being made so as to further advance educational development within the region.Belgrave disclosed that among some of the grave issues that her committee looked at included insufficient furniture at several schools, leaking and incomplete roofs of some buildings, materials and text books remaining in the bond for undue long periods, inadequate visits to schools by education officers and several issues regarding the performance and attendance of teachers. However, she said that while there are some remaining issues, she is pleased that most of the critically important issues have been successfully addressed. “As Chairperson of the Education Committee I am very happy that progress has been made and that the Education Department understands that this education committee backed by the Regional Chairman will not sit by while they fail to deliver, as they know that if they cannot deliver effectively and effi-
ciently then moving out of Region 10 is a natural decision. Our Regional Chairman is clear and firm on his position that the students within this region will not suffer unduly because of incompetence of some but ratherthat they must and will have to deliver as it is our mandate as a Council to hold them accountable and we continue to remind the Regional Education Officer (REdO) of this,” Belgrave stressed. She pointed out that together with her committee they had sought to address a number of issues. “At Harmony Secondary we had a thorough review of what was happening there and we made some documentation in terms of furniture, equipment and other things that they needed. Further, we also documented several works that they started and we recognised that some of the works have not been completed. We are presently preparing a detailed report for the REO to act upon,” she said. She said that discussions have been held with teachers and head teachers with the view of setting timelines in relation to having a number of matters addressed. She disclosed that the bus at Kwakwani, which is used to transport children to school, is not working and needs fixing. “At our visit there we learnt about this problem and we spoke to REO who informed us that the bus has not been working. However we are in the process of having it fixed, the driver has been
looking into it so that the bus can be operational as soon as possible so that the students who benefits daily from it can be available to do so,” Belgrave noted. The Education Committee Chairperson, however, noted that they are extremely happy that finally the bond which had been a sore point in relation to having it cleared, has been finally cleared. She said that for months the committee has been taking the REdO, Rabindra Singh, and his officers to task for not complying with the wishes of the committee in having it clear of the numerous items that have been stored there for s long time. “We are very happy to state that the bond which was a major challenge to us has been finally cleared and I take this opportunity to express thanks to the REdO, Mr Singh, for his department finally getting on top of things as it shows that once all hands are on deck, achieving success is evitable. We are really happy that the items that were in the bonds have been finally distributed to the schools and dorms,” Belgrave declared. She said that the juices and biscuits that are usually stored in the bond are also being distributed in a timely manner. Belgrave went on to urge her fellow councillors to appreciate the efforts and work being done presently by the education officers, stressing that they are recognising the importance of collaborative and unified work so as to bring about complete success. “I would like to state on record that the department is certainly stepping up their game in education and that is an indication that education is progressing from all fronts,” Belgrave said. She said that the committee will continue to work assiduously to ensure that conditions and situations at schools are enhanced significantly.
Association of Haitian Nationals launched in Guyana On September 29, the Association of Haitian Nationals launched its operations. AHNIG is a non-profit organisation, designed to help Haitian nationals to better contribute to the Guyanese society and to facilitate interactions with the authorities. The idea of the association stemmed from a group of Haitian migrants and expats who issued on April 7, the Declaration of Pegasus capturing the essence of the initiative. Several Guyanese figures, alongside scores of Haitian
migrants and expats participated in the launch. Expressing his appreciation for the establishment of the association, Expat Jean Ricot Dormeus stated that the Community was making history by launching the Association of Haitian Nationals in Guyana (AHNIG) and stressed the importance of mutual service, continuing education and hard work to prosper in Guyana and to contribute to society. Pastor UlrickThibaud encouraged the participants to stick to love and unity as a
way to achieve lasting success. Expat Jhonson Alexandre retraced the journey that has led to the formation of AHNIG and Expat Jean Alexandre moderated the launch as MC while promoting fraternity and common good.The Plenary of the Haitian Association adopted its bylaws and selected an acting executive council chaired by Mr. Pierre Eric Jean who expressed gratitude to the Guyanese people, which have showed empathy and appreciation for the Haitian nationals in Guyana.
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New Attorney-at-Law admitted to the Bar Ms. Gina Jonel MacedoSingh was admitted to practice law at the Bar of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, by the Honourable Chief-Justice Madame Roxane George-Wiltshire, SC, C.C.H. on Tuesday October 8, 2019. Ms. Macedo-Singh is the daughter of local Attorney-atLaw Andrew M.F. Pollard, SC, and prominent businesswoman Mrs. Gigi Kay Pollard. She attended Mae’s Primary School, and then the Bishops’
High School before returning to Mae’s for her CXC examinations. After CXC, Ms. Macedo-Singh attended Florida State University in the U.S.A. where she read for several degrees in history (concentration in European and Caribbean History), Social Science (concentration in Public Administration) and Criminology (concentration in Criminal Justice Systems). She then enrolled in the L.L.B. Part I at the University of Guyana, and subsequently
completed the L.L.B. Degree at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Barbados. Ms. Macedo-Singh graduated from the Hugh Wooding Law School, St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad, two Saturdays ago. She joins the prominent commercial Chambers of Messrs. Hughes, Fields and Stoby, 62 Hadfield and Cross Streets, Georgetown. Ms. Macedo-Singh’s Petition for admission to the Bar was presented by leading At-
Ms. Gina Jonel Macedo-Singh is flanked by family members and Attorney-at-Law Nigel Hughes (extreme left) and Chief Justice Roxane George (second from left)
A Timely Discourse on Black Unity From page 42 reputedly assertive and aggressive; and they “would find a way of beating back lynch mobs. How this affected relations between the two groups is inconclusive. Despite attitudinal and phenotypic differences, Jamaicans did identify with the systemic oppression of black America. “They knew themselves to be black; they laid claim to kinship with African Americas icons such as Muhammad Ali, Jesse Owens and Martin Luther King Jr; and they rushed to buy and wear their Malcolm X shirts.” Still, “nationality trumped race.” The brain drain in the West Indies at the turn of the 20th century led to emigration to the United States at a time when New York’s melting pot image was taking shape. Not unlike the Irish and other
groups seeking fortune abroad, Jamaicans emerged as a distinct group within the black paradigm. Throughout the black experience, the Mosaic totem emerged, i.e., the charismatic figure around which the oppressed rallied. Leaders jockeyed for preeminence. It is within this culture of hope that Marcus Garvey and W.E.B. Du Bois found meaning.As academic as ‘Moments of Cooperation and Incorporation’ appears, its appeal is broadly inclusive due to Brodber’s imaginative narrative and her ability to capture today’s cultural zeitgeist.This is a treatise of overarching importance. It offers an unfailing insight into the black dynamic and the socio-cultural forces that could potentially derail the black collective. With exclusivist rhetoric
gaining traction on social media and threatening Pan Africanism in the process, Brodber’s meticulous thesis on the historical nexus between black America and the West Indies guards against those determined to spew division for their own sake. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.) Feedb a c k : glenvilleashby@gmail.comMoments of Cooperation and Incorporation - African American and African Jamaican Connections by Erna Brodber ©2019 Erna Brodber ISBN: 978-976-640-708-7 Publisher: The University of the West Indies of Press, Kingston, Jamaica www.uwipress.com Available at Amazon Ratings: Essential
torney-at-Law Mr. C.A. Nigel Hughes, Esq. Mr. Hughes observed that it gave him personal satisfaction to see three generations of Attorneys-atLaw who are the offspring of eminent Attorneys-at-Law
Mr. Clarence A.F. Hughes, SC, and Mr. Brynmor T.I. Pollard, SC, O.R., becoming members of the firm Hughes, Fields & Stoby. During her address to the young Attorney-at-Law, the Honourable Chief Justice
admonished her to be studious, diligent, courteous to the Court and her fellow colleagues, and reassured her that with her pedigree, she was sure she would be successful in practice.
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How Gwen Stefani, Jennifer Lopez and Jennifer Aniston Have Made 50 the New 30
Gwen Stefani has turned 50. We know, we knowit seems as though the current The Voice coach either hasn’t aged a day since bursting onto the scene as the iconic frontwoman of No Doubt some 25 years ago or is somehow aging in reverse, but it’s true: On October 3, Gwen Renee Stefani reached the milestone age and is celebrating five decades on this rock. And much like fellow 1969 babies Jennifer Aniston and Jennifer Lopez before her, she’s not just surviving, but flat-out thriving at an age that, historically, hasn’t elicited much kindness from her chosen industry. And while it’s easy to say they look great for their age, the simple truth is that they look great, full stop. With their careers firing on all cylinders
and their flawless looks, they are living lives that most people in their 20s and 30s would kill for. We’re not sure what deals with the devil these ladies have made, but we just have one thing to say: Where can we sign up? There are few people having better years than Gwen and the Jens. Not only has Gwen returned to The Voice to replace former mainstay Adam Levine, marking her first season back in that iconic red chair on the hit NBC singing competition since 2017, but she’s about to begin the final leg of a successful Las Vegas residency that kicked off in June 2018 and remains absolutely loved-up with boo Blake Shelton, whom she’s been dating since September 2015 following her divorce
from Gavin Rossdale. And though the two are duking it out over talent for their teams on The Voice, things couldn’t be better between the couple. “I am so obsessed with Blake Shelton that I went back and I watched old interviews between you guys because I’m so fascinated that he was alive back then; I didn’t know him,” she told Today’s Hoda Kotb last month. “I just never thought in my wildest dreams, on paper, a cowboy and a skalike girl from Anaheim would be hanging out, but it works perfect and we’re just having so much fun, and we just feel so blessed to be at this point in our lives.” It’s a sentiment that both Jen and J.Lo, who turned the big 5-0 in February and July of this year, respectively, share. Jen is making his big return to the small screen next month with The Morning Show, a meaty drama about, well, morning shows, debuting when the Apple TV+ streaming service launches on November 1. Serving as executive producer on the project alongside her costar Reese Witherspoon, Jen is reveling in the sense of power she’s only just now discovering. “Women were never allowed to have power,” she told InStyle last month.
Wine of the week Zolo Rosé: A taste of berry-heaven In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Management at the Wine Vault has selected the Zolo Rosé as the wine of the week. This selection features fresh and juicy flavours of strawberries, cherries, and rosewater. It is a blend of red varietals from the signature Mendoza vineyards in the foothills of the Andes. Zolo is one of the most technologically advanced wineries in Argentina. Zolo selects grapes from estate vineyards in Agrelo and Alto Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza. Located at various altitudes, each of these terroirs provides a different expression of fruit and varietal concentration. The winemakers are Fabian Valenzuela and Jean Claude Berrouet (former Petrus winemaker), the vineyard manager is Carlos Correas, and the President and
owner is Patricia Ortiz. The purpose of the winery’s Zolo classic line is to create a family of fruit-forward, great value wines, which can be enjoyed with a wide range of food or by themselves. The Zolo Reserves and Zolo Blacks, with their ultra-high concentration, long ageing in new French oak, and aromatic complexity are made for those special occasions when one needs a wine to “blow your hat off.” Furthermore, Zolo has been a leading Argentine brand since 2004, and is estate-grown and sustainablyfarmed. This masterpiece can be found at the Wine Vault located at the Marriott Hotel. It is being sold for $6600 VAT inclusive. You can also find it at the Hibiscus Restaurant, Nice Restaurant and Bar, Palm Court and other leading hotels and bars.
“Power feels sexy to me today, as does women’s intelligence and how capable and creative they are.” While the milestone birthday did give her momentary pause”Fifty was the first time I thought, ‘Well, that number,’” she told the magazineit was but a moment. ”I don’t know what it is because I don’t feel any different,” she added. “Things aren’t shutting down in any way. I feel physically incredible. So it’s weird that it’s all of a sudden getting telegraphed in a way that’s like, ‘You look amazing for your age.’ I think we need to establish some etiquette around that dialogue and verbiage.” And J.Lowhere do we begin? This year alone, the powerhouse has embarked in her first concert tour in seven years to celebrate her birthday, gotten engaged to boyfriend of two years Alex Rodriguez, sparked Oscar chatter with her stunning performance in Hustlers (we’ll never again listen to Fiona Apple’s “Criminal” and not think of that epic pole dance routine that serves as her introduction in the film), returned to her iconic Versace dress to rock the runaway 20 years after originally blowing our minds with it, and landed a little gig as co-headliners of the Super Bowl LIV halftime show in February 2020 alongside Shakira. No big deal. “Women get more confident as they get older,” she told W Magazine of aging. “Men in their 20s are very confident and cocky, and women are super insecure.
And then it flips: Men get super insecure, and women get comfortable in their own skin, in a way that makes them more beautiful.” Naturally, turning 50 didn’t faze her one bit. “I just don’t think of myself as an age,” she said on the Today show. “I just think of myself as me and I’m still doing what I’ve always done and this is what I do and I just keep doing it.” It’s a motto all three women have put into action during this, their 50th year. But how do they look so good while doing it? Well, aside from a devotion to skin careeach of them swears by SPF, hydration, and minimal time in the sun, so take noteit just might be an inner peace that’s doing the work for them. “Emotionally and mentally, I would say it’s just about loving yourself and loving what you’ve been given to really appreciate it and take care of it,” Jen told Vogue in 2016. “Because this is the only body we’re given, we need to be really good and mindful of what we eat and how we take care of our skin getting a good night’s sleep is extremely important, as is hydrating with water, water, water. It’s so important to getting that extra glow.” J.Lo seconded that emotion with InStyle in 2016, saying, “I also definitely think beauty comes from within you have to have keep your mind, soul, body and spirit in sync. I am a firm believer in meditating and when you are happy and feel joy and love,
you radiate beauty.” Not surprisingly, Gwen had the same to say when asked about her ageless appearance during a Carpool Karaoke appearance on The Late Late Show with James Corden that same year. ”What happened was, my life blew up. After that, I kind of started falling in love,” she told the late-night host. “Then I wrote a whole record about that. That’s what the face lift is, I think!” “I’m writing music that’s about happiness and truth,” she continued. So, there you have it the secret to youth is falling in love and writing lots of songs about it!” As a source close to Gwen told HollywoodLife last month, ”Gwen has everything she wants in life. She has healthy kids, the love of her life in Blake, an amazing career with The Voice and her returning Vegas tour. Turning fifty in about a month isn’t something that is concerning her so much because life is pretty good. “She looks at women like J.Lo and Jennifer Aniston and how they look and feel and how they are enjoying life at fifty and it inspires her.” “It is no way a bad thing, to Gwen it is a beautiful thing,” the insider added. “Turning fifty soon is actually quite the gift and she is enjoying it every step of the way.” May we all be so lucky. (https:// www.eonline.com/news/ 1079450/how-gwen-stefanijennifer-lopez-and-jenniferaniston-have-made-50-thenew-30)
Lana Del Rey Totally Understands Why You’re Interested In Her New Boyfriend The secret is out!Just last month, Lana Del Rey sparked romance rumors with Sean “Sticks” Larkin after they were photographed enjoying a casual walk in New York City’s Central Park. While the pair stayed mum on their status, Lana is clearing the air in a new interview with the Los Angeles Times. “I didn’t know we were being photographed,” she confessed when supporting her sixth album Norman F— king Rockwell. “I wouldn’t worn something different.” In her defense, she looked totally on trend in her denim jeans, blue headband and floral top. But when asked if she was caught off guard by the photos, Lana confessed that
it was unexpected. “Yeah. It’s funny because I was with someone for years and we never had that problem,” she shared. “The thing is, he’s a good cop. He gets it. He sees both sides of things.” Sean, also known as Sergeant Larkin, is an analyst on A&E’s Live PD. He also serves as the host of Live PD Presents PD CAM. The documentary series follows police officers on duty and broadcasts their encounters. When asked if fans shouldn’t care about her personal life, Lana gave a surprising reaction. “Hell no,” the “Summertime Sadness” singer shared. “I care about what Bob Dylan is doing right now. I’m curious to know
if he’s wearing a hoodie or a blazer. I get it.” Besides, Lana is also focused on her music career that continues to grow. Last month, she collaborated with Ariana Grande and Miley Cyrus on a girl power anthem called “Don’t Call Me Angel.” And when she’s not making impressive new music, you may just find her watching some romantic television. “I watch a lot of reality TV,” she confessed to the Los Angeles Times. “I’m obsessed with The Bachelor.” Stars, they’re just like us! (https://www.eonline.com/ news/1079509/lana-del-reytotally-understands-whyyou-re-interested-in-hernew-boyfriend)
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Kaieteur News
BENEFITS OF DRINKING APPLE CIDER VINEGAR + HOW TO DRINK IT Apple cider vinegar is everywhere. Everybody talks about it and everybody seems to love it. Is this just a new hype or is apple cider vinegar actually amazing? Are there actual health benefits of apple cider vinegar? First of all, theres nothing new here. Apple cider vinegar was used as a natural remedy for health problems for a very long period of time. In fact, its an ancient remedy. It seems that were becoming more aware of those benefits these days, but they were always there. Its a rediscovery, if you will. More people are trying to improve their life by making healthier and more natural choices these days and thats why youll see apple cider vinegar pretty much anywhere theres a conversation about health, food, and natural remedies. And most of the health benefits of apple cider vinegar are endorsed by science so nope, not just a hype. However, despite being so amazing, apple cider vinegar wont work miracles. And it wont replace a balanced diet and exercise. It promotes health and it helps you maintain it, but drinking apple cider vinegar wont have a major impact unless youre making other steps towards your health. No remedy can do that. Moderation is always key. WHAT IS APPLE CIDER VINEGAR? Apple cider vinegar is a type of vinegar made from apples. Duh, right? More specifically, its fermented apple juice. To make apple cider vinegar, apples are crushed and exposed to yeast. By doing this, the natural sugar from the apple is fermented over time and turned into alcohol (like you would do with wine). Sounds like making apple cider, right? Yeah, because the process is similar. The difference is the apple cider vinegar is fermented twice once to make alcoholic cider and a second time to make it vinegar. WHY DRINKAPPLE CIDER VINEGAR? As crazy as it may sound at first, drinking apple cider vinegar will bring you many health benefits which will be discussed in detail in just a sec. Aside from health benefits, apple cider vinegar also reduces cravings by inducing satiety which means apple cider vinegar is great for weight loss or for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Not only that, but apple cider vinegar is filled with beneficial nutrients. HEALTH BENEFITS OF APPLE CIDER VINEGAR So what about those health benefits of apple cider vinegar? This almost-magical vinegar can do many things for your health. Lets start with a list and then get into more details with the ones that will help you to live a healthier life, ok? Apple cider vinegar… · is a natural laxative and it can improve digestion; · lowers blood sugar levels; · improves insulin sensitivity; · increases satiety and helps people to lose weight; · reduces belly fat;
· lowers cholesterol; · lowers blood pressure and improves heart health; · prevents and decreases the risk of getting cancer and slows down the growth of cancer cells. HELPFULNUTRIENTS INAPPLE CIDER VINEGAR Impressive, right? But wait… there s more. Apple cider vinegar is also a nutritional powerhouse. That would explain some of the health benefits! Lets take a closer look at apple cider vinegars nutritional composition to see what makes it so special. Apple cider vinegar contains: · magnesium; · iron; · phosphorus; · manganese; · amino acids; · antioxidants; · only 3 calories per tablespoon. DRINKINGAPPLE CIDER VINEGAR FOR WEIGHT LOSS Most people use apple cider vinegar for weight loss, but they dont know the rest of the health benefits of apple cider vinegar. Thats because apple cider vinegar was used as an aid in weight loss for ages. There are several studies that have concluded using apple cider vinegar for weight loss actually works. They also found it works even without dietary changes. However, when drinking apple cider combined with a healthy lifestyle, the results are truly impressive. So…how does this happen? Most people overeat because they dont feel full. Apple cider vinegar increases satiety (your feeling of fullness) and thats very helpful for staying on track with your healthy diet. Especially at the beginning of your weight loss journey when you need a little bit of help to start and to stay on track. APPLE CIDER VINEGAR AND DIABETES When it comes to apple cider vinegar and diabetes, there are a few things you should know. Apple cider vinegar is great in diabetes prevention. So, if you have a family history of diabetes, you should consider drinking apple cider vinegar to decrease the risk. Apple cider vinegar has been shown to reduce blood sugar levels when one is fasting (not eating), which is incredibly beneficial for people who have difficulty regulating their own blood sugar levels, like those who have diabetes. However, this wont replace medication. A healthy diet and exercise are always recommended for people with diabetes. If you have diabetes and take insulin or prescription drugs, you should talk to your doctor before drinking apple cider vinegar because your potassium levels can drop too much. CHOLESTEROL, BLOOD PRESSURE, AND APPLE CIDER VINEGAR Other common uses for apple cider vinegar are to lower blood pressure and reduce cholesterol levels. Whats the deal with apple cider vinegar cholesterol and apple
cider vinegar blood pressure? Apple cider vinegar helps in controlling renin, a hormone produces by your kidneys that is responsible for constricting and dilating the blood vessels. When the blood vessels are constricting, the blood pressure rises. Apple cider vinegar keeps the vessels relax, and that means blood pressure wont rise. As for apple cider vinegar helping with choles-
E-coli, from spoiling food so thats why its so often used as a food preservative. Its also natural and better than artificial preservatives. So awesome! APPLE CIDER VINEGAR AND CANCER When it comes to apple cider vinegar and cancer, it has been shown that apple cider vinegar can help in cancer prevention be-
terol drinking apple cider vinegar before a meal lowers cholesterol. Basically, studies have shown that apple cider vinegar reduces LDL (bad cholesterol) and increases HDL (good cholesterol) due to its natural antioxidants. HOW APPLE CIDER VINEGAR HELPS WITH DIGESTION As I already mentioned, apple cider vinegar improves digestion. Drinking apple cider vinegar for digestion can… · get rid of heartburn; · reduce bloating; · improve digestion overall. Let me just say that discomfort and pain are not normal. When we experience pain and discomfort after a meal, we should listen to our bodies and realize that something is not exactly right. Maybe we ate too much or maybe our digestive system doesnt work properly. Proper digestion means proper acid levels in the stomach so the nutrients in our food can be absorbed. When theres not enough acid, food is not properly broken down and the nutrients are not assimilated which can lead to digestive issues like the ones I mentioned. Or more serious ones. Drinking apple cider vinegar for digestion means increasing acid production. And that leads to proper digestion. Simple, right? APPLE CIDER VINEGAR KILLS BACTERIA Did you know apple cider vinegar kills bacteria? In fact, apple cider vinegar was used for disinfecting wounds and treating fungus back in the day. It was and still is a great way to treat and prevent infection because apple cider vinegar can kill bacteria easily. It also inhibits bacteria, like
cause it promotes health. There are many factors and causes for cancer and we still have a long way to go in terms of prevention and treatment but, what we do know is apple cider vinegar can reduce the risk of cancer and can slow down the cancer cell (tumor) growth. That being said, apple cider vinegar shouldnt replace treatment for someone diagnosed with cancer or a healthy lifestyle for those who want to reduce the risk of developing different types of cancer. USING APPLE CIDER VINEGAR FOR SKIN AND HAIR Aside from the health benefits of apple cider vinegar, using apple cider vinegar can also improve skin appearance and hair health. Woot! See? Apple cider vinegar is indeed amazing. Told ya! Why apple cider vinegar is great for skin and hair: · treats and reduces the prevalence of acne; · t reats and soothes sunburn; · has anti-aging properties;
· improves hair health; · combats hair tangles; · reduces hair frizz; · seals the hair cuticles and help the hair to retain moisture; · treats dandruff. Seriously, is there anything apple cider vinegar cannot do? I dont think so! However, its important to note it is not recommended to apply apple cider vinegar to the skin without diluting it in water first. POPULAR WAYS TO DRINK APPLE CIDER VINEGAR Since there are so many health benefits apple of cider vinegar, youre probably considering drinking apple cider vinegar right out of the bottle to benefit from its amazing properties. But… lets first discuss how to drink apple cider vinegar. First off, look for the unfiltered and organic type cuz thats the best type. The Braggs Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar I have pictured in this post is my fave, but there are many other options as well. How to drink apple cider vinegar Well, you dont really have to drink it. Especially if you dont like the taste. There are other ways to consume apple cider vinegar. You can incorporate apple cider vinegar into your diet by… · using it in various recipes including salad dressing recipes and marinade recipes. · making an apple cider vinegar tonic by mixing apple cider vinegar with lemon juice 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar added to a glass of fruit juice. Drinking apple cider vinegar is easier this way. You wont notice the taste as much but youll get all the health benefits of apple cider. Plus the benefits of fruit juice. Make your own fruit juice at home for a fresh and yummy tonic. You can spice it up with a little ground cinnamon or cayenne pepper or sweeten it with a little raw honey. Good stuff. If you dont mind the taste of apple cider vinegar, you can add it to a glass of water and drink it. Its as simple as that. ( h t t p s : / / w w w. g o o g l e . c o m / search?q=Ben efits+of+apple+cider +vuinegar&rlz=1C1GCEU_en G Y 8 2 1 G Y 8 2 1 & o q = Benefits+of+apple+cider+ vuinegar+&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l5. 1 5 8 4 0 j 0 j 8 & s o u r c eid=chrome&ie=UTF-8)
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SUPER MEDAILAUJY
O
nce upon a time, lived a very kind girl called Zaguer. Zaguer was 18 years old and lived in the middle of the countryside in the biggest house in the whole region. One day, whilst Zaguer was walking in the forest, she came across a house. The house was made of wood and, through the open front door, Zaguer could see light shining. She entered into the house where she found the enchanter Merlin, who showed her a cube and said: «If you touch this cube, you will become Super Medailaujy. You mission will be to save the earth, but beware! The monsters you must fight are dangerous and armed with a fearful weapon - an amazingly long and sticky tongue. They were sent to earth by Lobos, a horrible slimy one-eyed monster who you must fight in his ice cave.” Zaguer touched the cube and suddenly a blinding l i g h t s h o n e o n h e r. . . BOOM!! Zaguer was now Super Medailaujy. She had a golden helmet, a shining red
Super Medailaujy continued along the path and after 3 hours walking, she met another monster. This time she used one of her super powers: Super Speed. She punched the monster who vanished into thin air. 15 hours later, Super Medailaujy arrived at the ice cave. Inside, she found Lobos. “I’ve been waiting for you. Come and fight”, he said. Super Medailaujy drew her sword but Lobos snatched it from her hands and threw it to the floor. Lobos stamped on the gem stones and in doing so left Super Medailaujy without her super powers. Super Medailaujy held up the shield that the earthworm had given her. A laser beam shot out of the shield onto Lobos, sending him falling into the depths of death. The shell which imprisoned the earth shattered, sending a beam of light to carry Super Medailaujy back home. Super Medailaujy was welcomed home with great cheers and the celebrations continued all night long.
costume and very importantly, she now had super powers, including “Super Strength”. “Your mission to save the earth begins now” said Merlin. Super Medailaujy set off from Merlins house and after walking for about an hour, she came across an earthworm. “Are you Super Medailaujy?” asked the earthworm. “Yes, I am” she replied. “Here, take this shield of gem stones, it will help you in your fight against the monsters”. Super Medailaujy took the shield and continued along the path. Suddenly 2 wicked monsters appeared b ef o r e h er. S u p er Medailaujy pulled out her sword but the 2 monsters stuck out their long tongues which coiled themselves around the sword. Super Medailaujy stabbed with her sword and cut herself loose, slicing through the tongues. 2 hours later down the path, Super Medailaujy decided to stop and set up camp for the night. The next morning,
Sunday October 13, 2019
Junior page Skull pillow
Time: 30-40 minutes Supplies: · 1/2 yard light colored felt ·Variety of colored felt sheets · 8 1/2 x 11 inch sugar skull printout · Scissors ·Aleenes Fabric Glue ·Tulip Dimensional Paint ·Pillow stuffing ·Needles ·Hand sewing needle and thread ·Sewing machine Step 1: Cut out the printout of the sugar skull. Step 2: Fold 1/2 yard of felt in half and use the sugar skull printout as a stencil to
draw a skull shape that is at least 1 inch wider than the template. Note, drawing it larger is important to allow for seams and create a slightly larger pillow. Step 3: Cut the traced felt to create two equal-sized pieces. Step 4: Pin sides of the felt together and leave a small section at the bottom open/unpinned. Step 5: Sew all the way around the felt, leaving the designated section at the bottom open. Back stitch at each end and trim loose threads. Step 6: Stuff the pillow with stuffing until full. Step 7: Use the hand stitching needle and matching thread to sew up the opening with an invisible stitch. Step 8: Cut out several of embellishments on the sugar skull to use as templates, such as a nose, eyes and mouth and other decorations. Trace on
various colors of felt (with a little space around them) and cut. Step 9: Use Aleenes Fabric Glue to glue the felt pieces onto the sewn pillow. Repeat with all embellishments, and feel free to overlap pieces on top of each other. Step 10: Use Tulip Dimensional Paint to add other, smaller details on the pillow, such as dots and swirls that would be too detailed to make with felt. Let dry for several hours.
The Canterville Ghost
(Continued from last edition) not find her. Then at midnight, a panel at the top of the stairs flew open. Virginia came out looking very pale and tired. She was holding a small white box.
“My child!” cried Mr. Otis. “Where have you been?”“Papa,” said Virginia quietly, “I have been with the ghost. He is dead now.” Virginia led them down a secret corridor. Finally they came to a great oak door. Virginia opened it. They found themselves in a small room. A huge iron ring was attached to the wall. A chain led from the ring to a skeleton. Virginia explained that Sir Simon was locked in this room long ago. “Now he can
rest,” she said. Four days later, the Otis family had a proper funeral for Sir Simon. After the funeral, Virginia remembered the white box the ghost had given her. She brought it to her father. Slowly, Mr. Otis opened the box.Virginia gasped. “Look at those beautiful jewels,” she cried. Virginia’s father handed them to her. “You must take t h e m , ” h e s a i d . “ We certainly want Sir Simon to rest in peace.”
FUN WITH POETRY
My Family
The people who share my home with me Are the ones I most respect and love; My life is so happy because of them, They must be given by the Lord above. I know I owe them all so much That I must support them in all they do; I must also try to keep close to them, For now and my whole life through. So I must always do my part To fulfil the goals of my family, To try to work, have fun and pray together ,And do everything to keep us all happy.
by Uncle Roy
Each 5-square partition must contain all five pictures. Identical picturesmay not touch horizontally, vertically nor diagonally. The puzzle has only one solution.
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Sunday October 13, 2019
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Improving yourself Emotionally will build a Foundation for your Personal Stability Here are some pointers to keep on the path of self-improvement on the emotional level:1. Be content with what you have. Each of us at any given time must have what is needed to make us happy if we only appreciate it and do not lust over what other people possess. Your own health and talents, the love of your family, how you are being successful at what you are doing, all these can make you feel contented. Happiness is a choice, and you can be happy in any circumstances if you have a contented mind, as long as you know you are trying to do your best. This also involves not looking at others in a jealous manner when you feel that they have more than you do. Each of us has to build our live on what we have, so keep working with what you have and your happiness will be assured. 2. Choose to enjoy the life you have. People often feel that, because there is nothing really exciting happening to them, then they cannot enjoy life. The fact is that real enjoyment of life does not come from thrills or extraordinary events. One can derive the greatest pleasures from the simple things around at any time a walk in ones neighbourhood, observing the trees, the birds and animals, even the people going about their everyday tasks. A lively conversation about what is in the news, or about what is happening in ones own life can be just as uplifting. The list can be endless if you tax your own mind to come up with enjoyable things to do.
3. Have a vision for your life, and be passionate about pursuing the goals that will make it possible. Most teenagers do not take the trouble to look ahead and determine
wrong direction and doing things that get them into trouble. Take some time and assess your special skills and talents, what you really need from life, and determine
Solutions to last week’s
Ripple effect
Kakuro
what they need to do to be successful, both on a long-term and short-term basis. As a result they go through life drifting along, and most times not only waste energy and time in activities not beneficial, but can end up moving in the
Family First by Roy Paul (Uncle Roy) (from the book “Shape up Your Personality� soon to be published locally) While each person living on this earth Owes some commitment to all humanity, It remains an individual's foremost obligation To give priority to his own family. So that all members fulfil this sacred duty, Each need have respect, trust and patience, Being also open-minded, loving and kind, Willing to appreciate what others experience. They must together strive to create a community of support, In all aspects of their development, Each being sensitive to what the others feel and need, Providing for their special flaws as well as talents. They should have fun, eat and pray together, Love one another and express this regularly, Celebrate the significant occasions each hold dear, Building memories to sustain them through difficulty. They will need to share the responsibilities In building a home of solace and happiness, Never hesitating to go the extra mile, In making up for any member's weakness. Relationships must take a leading place In all aspects of our family affairs, Ensuring we nurture and maintain our bonds, Creating a harmonious haven against all fears. Most imperative is the need for formation of goals, Both for each and the whole, Planning together for the short and long term, Working together to achieve these for all.
your goals, both for the short time ahead, and for the long term. You will find that when you do this, even when you are not deliberately working to achieve your goals, your subconscious mind will be always keeping you on the path to your dreams.
Our emotions play a great part in our personality, so we need to take good care to keep them under control. THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
GALAXIES Connect the dots to make edges so that each circle is surrounded by a symmetrical galaxy shape, and the puzzle is completely tiled with galaxies. Each galaxy shape must be rotationally symmetric, having an identical appearance when rotated 180 degrees.
PAGE 54
Simple changes can soothe dry skin
Following the same skin care routine year round may not work so well when the humidity drops. Without a change in your skin care, dry air can make fine lines and wrinkles more noticeable. Dry skin can itch, flake, crack, and even bleed. To help heal dry skin and prevent its return, dermatologists recommend the following. Prevent baths and showers from making dry skin worse. When your skin is dry, be sure to: Close the bathroom door Limit your time in the shower or bath to 5 or 10 minutes Use warm rather than hot water Wash with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser Apply enough cleanser to remove dirt and oil, but avoid using so much that you see a thick lather Blot your skin gently dry with a towel Slather on the moisturizer immediately after drying your skin Dry skin is a common issue that can affect anyone. To help, dermatologists recommend following these bathing tips to get dry skin relief. Click the image above to download a PDF. Apply moisturizer immediately after washing. Ointments, creams, and lotions (moisturizers) work by trapping existing moisture in your skin. To trap this much-needed moisture, you need to apply a moisturizer within few minutes of: Drying off after a shower or bath Washing your face or hands Use an ointment or cream rather than a lotion. Ointments and creams are more effective and less irritating than lotions. Look for a cream or ointment that contains an oil such as olive oil or jojoba oil. Shea butter also works well. Other ingredients that help to soothe dry skin include lactic acid, urea, hyaluronic acid, dimethicone, glycerin, lanolin, mineral oil, and petrolatum. Tip -Carry a non-greasy hand cream with you, and apply it after each hand washing. This will greatly help relieve dry skin. Wear lip balm. Choose a lip balm that feels good on your lips. Some healing lip balms can irritate your lips. If your lips sting or tingle after you apply the lip balm, switch to one that does not cause this reaction. Use only gentle, unscented skin care products. Some skin care products are too harsh for dry, sensitive skin. When your skin is dry, stop using: Deodorant soaps Skin care products that contain alcohol, fragrance, retinoids, or alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) Avoiding these products will help your skin retain its natural oils. Choose non-irritating clothes and laundry detergent. When our skin is dry and raw even clothes and laundry detergent can be irritating. To avoid this: Wear cotton or silk under your clothing made of wool or another material that feels rough.https://www.aad.org/skin-carebasics/dermatologists-tips-relieve-dryskinhttps://www.aad.org/skin-care-basics/dermatologists-tipsrelieve-dry-skin
SOLUTION TO LAST WEEK’S WORD SEARCH
Kaieteur News
Sunday October 13, 2019
Sunday October 13, 2019
1.drill sergeant ran his platoon of recruits all over the camp in the hot sun with heavy packs on. As they stood there, exhausted, he put his face up to one of the recruit’s face and said, “I’ll bet you’re wishing I would die so you could come and urinate on my grave, aren’t you?” 2.And the recruit says, “No, sir! When I get out of the army I’m never gonna stand in another line again!” 3.Do you know what it’s called when you see the sun, the moon and the stars all at the same time? Really good acid 4.“Dad, have you seen my sun glasses?” No son, have you seen my dad glasses? 5.“Dad, can you tell me what a solar eclipse is?” No sun. 6.I stayed up all night wondering where the sun had gone. And then it dawned on me. 7.A politician dies... And ends up standing in front of the pearly gates. Saint Peter looks at him for a second, flicks through his book, and finds his name. 8.“So, you’re a politician...” “Well, yes, is that a problem?” “Oh no, no problem. But we’ve recently adopted a new system for people in your line of work, and ... 9.What’s the suns favourite clothes brand? Kelvin Klein 10.I was scared to move to Alaska after I heard that the sun doesn’t shine. And then, it dawned on me. 11.Bread is like the sun It rises in the yeast and sets in the waist 12.I completed another lap around the Sun, but I only get half a minute to celebrate today. It’s my thirty-second birthday. 13.Why didn’t the sun go back to school? Because it already has a million degrees 14.Hey, dictators! Moving the Earth further from the sun will keep you in power. Why? Because it will take longer to make one full revolution. 15.There’s this vampire who’s more powerful than any other, because he can’t be hurt by the sun All other vampires pale in comparison 16.Yo Mama so fat The sun refuses to go down on her 17.The weatherman said that it could be dangerous being in the sun today I don’t know how he thinks I’m going to get there. 18.A day without Sun is like Night 19.Why does the sun never sets in the British Empire? Because even God doesn’t trust the English in the dark. 20.A few days ago, a team of 200 scientists released the first ever image of a cosmic body with a mass 7 billion times that of the sun’s, also known as yo mama lmao 21.Warning!!! Don’t look at the sun through a colander. You’ll strain your eyes. 22. As the animals left the ark, Noah told them to go forth and multiply. After some time, Noah came upon two snakes who were just lying there sunning themselves... So Noah asked them, “Why aren’t you multiplying?” The snakes replied, “We can’t, we’re adders.” 23.I couldn’t sleep one night because I was wondering what happened to the sun after dark... ...then it dawned on me. 24.The review of the sun One star. 25.Why wouldn’t the Moon come to the Sun’s funeral? He isn’t a mourning person 26.NSFW A penguin is driving in the desert... ...when steam and smoke start pouring out from under the hood of his car. The car has just enough life in it to roll into the service station in the next town. The repairman says it will take a while to figure out what’s wrong, so the penguin goes for a walk around town. The sun is beating do... 27.A Russian, an American, and a Canadian A Russian, an American, and a Canadian were at a bar. The Russian says,”We were the first in space!” The American says, “We were the first on the moon!” The Canadian is silent for a while, and then exclaims confidently, “Then we shall be the first on the sun!” Both give h...
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Guyana exhibits at Florida Trade Conference draw int’l markets for local products
During the recent 2019 Florida International Trade Conference and Expo (FITCE), participants showed significant interest in the products which were displayed by the 21 companies from Guyana. According to the Guyanese American Chamber of Commerce Inc. (GACC), the interested participants have indicated follow up action to ensure sustainable markets for these products. Additionally, there were also enquiries about other products not on display to be sourced from Guyana; these included lumber, fresh fruits and vegetables, shrimp, gold and diamond jewellery.
There was also interest on the part of potential investors in housing construction, telecommunications, infrastructure development, agribusiness and mining. A number of companies also expressed interest in identifying distributors in Guyana for a range of products. It was noted that some of the interested companies are seeking a continuous supply of products. Some of the products already meet the standards required for import into the US and other major markets while other products need work done on their packaging and labeling and in the case of the US certification by the Food and Drug Adminis-
tration. The Expo, which was very much in favour of Guyanese exhibitors, saw that they were able to sell some of their products at the event. Moreover, GACC said it will share these business “leads” with the Chambers of Commerce, the Guyana Manufacturers and Services Association (GM&SA) and the Private Sector Commission (PSC) as well as relevant private companies and government agencies. Secretary of the GACC, Melinda Gordon, said, “Guyana was certainly the country with the highest interest on the part of participants in the event with its
Govt not contemplating legalising marijuana at this time Minister of Public Security, Vice President, Khemraj Ramjattan, has said that at this time, he is against the decriminalisation of marijuana since it is important that they fully understand all the possible risk factors such decision might have before making a policy for a legislative change. This information came during an interview with Minister Ramjattan Wednesday night, last, on the Political Show hosted by Kaieteur News. He spoke about the fact that its a bit embarrassing that they didnt get to pass the legislation for No jail time for people found with small amounts of marijuana. “Thats the way we have to go more bail for first time offenders and even when they are convicted, give them community service.” Minister Ramjattan further stated that he is against jailing people and some might view his leniency as being too liberal.Minister Ramjattan stated that whenever there are events like Mashramani, Easter or Christmas the President uses his power under the constitution to release persons from jail especially those charged with possession of narcotics. Minister Ramjattan further mentioned that being convicted for the possession of small quantities of narcotics, the penalty must not be custodial sentences or incarceration penalties but community service, “I wont go the whole gamut of decriminalising marijuana.” What was highlighted during the interview is the number of persons who are being sent to prison for possession of narcotics. Minister Ramjattan stated that he
Minister of Public Security/Vice President, Khemraj Ramjattan strongly believe that persons charged should also be given treatment. A drug treatment court in Georgetown is scheduled to open during this week. Instead of jailing persons charged for possession of
narcotics, the Magistrates now has the power to order persons to undergo treatment and if they refuse they can be jailed if found guilty after the trial. Minister Ramjattan was asked about a legislation that will allow persons to use small amounts of marijuana for leisure. He stated that they received a report from PAHO, WHO and CARICOM, which stated that for certain usage it might be beneficial. According to Minister Ramjattan, the state wouldnt have so much expense for maintaining persons who are sent to jail and that he can allow the use of marijuana for specific health purposes but when it comes to leisure he strongly disagree. “I have read some articles stating that using marijuana for leisure can create an addiction. Imagine people using marijuana for leisure and two to three years later they become addicted to the substance.”
One dead, four fishermen... From page 18 sea and work and dem ask how long now and I told them since Saturday. But then dem tell we the boat get hijack and dem na find nobody”, she disclosed. Trying to fight her emotions as she spoke of her brother, Keisha said that her sibling was at home for a while but “was going through a lot of problems” so he decided that he wanted to go back out to sea. She added that her brother told them that he owed someone and wanted to work to repay the individual. “Me mommy tell he na go work, she gon give he the money to pay back the man” but young Seeram was adamant to head out to sea. Keisha said her brother
located the four other men to head out with him and she never heard from him again. At the home of Lamar Petrie, at Miss Pheobe, Port Mourant, his mother sat on a bench with another son but she appeared lost as Kaieteur News attempted to speak with her. She told reporters that her son is the eldest of eight children and left home on Saturday to work with four others at sea but she has not heard from him. She was also informed by the police. Meanwhile, late last evening, it was reported that a bound body found at the Abary foreshore on Friday, was identified as that of Kissoon.Investigations are ongoing.
Some Guyanese products at the Expo range of products displayed as well as the rum tasting reception for its world famous El Dorado rums and the international designs fashion show which featured the work mainly of Guyanese designer, Sonia Noel.” Among the participants from Guyana was Denmor Garments Manufacturers Inc.
which has previously supplied garments to Walmart, Victorias Secret, Russell Athletics and Dicks Sporting Goods. Denmor director, Serojinee Mudlier-Persaud, says she will have follow-up discussions with California based Apparel Textile Sourcing with which she had initial
discussions at the Expo. The Guyana delegation also participated in a number of workshop sessions including one, which included presenters from the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA), the US Consumer Safety Commission and the US Customs & Border Protection (CBP).
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Region Two REO denies barring Press Last Tuesday, media personnel were denied access to the monthly statutory meeting of the Regional Democratic Council [RDC] in Region Two. During a community meeting in Charity yesterday, the REO, Denis Jaikaran, denied the issue, saying that the entire story was fabricated and that the media ‘Wants the Government to look bad.’ Last Tuesday, the reporter representing Kaieteur News on the Essequibo Coast, showed up at the RDC building to attend the statutory monthly meeting. The reporter was asked by the security guard to wait at the compound’s guard hut. The guard then went up the stairs into the building. He returned within two minutes, with the news that the Press is not allowed into the boardroom, as was directed by the REO. Three phone calls were then made to the REO’s personal number, all of which went unanswered. The REO denied the entire story yesterday. Jaikaran publicly pointed out the
-says Press “wants to make Government look bad
Denies barring: REO Denis Jaikaran media representative, saying media from the statutory that the media has twisted the meeting, it was taken by the entire story, and that there Clerk, Jaikaran. was no meeting on last Jaikaran’s decision has Tuesday. since been deemed as During a telephone dictatorial, and his recent interview with the Chairman attacks on the press at public of the Regional Democratic forums have come under Council, Devenand Ramdatt, scrutiny, even from members it was revealed that a decision of the Coalition Government, was never taken by the RDC which he represents. to have the press barred from This publication had an attending the statutory opportunity last Tuesday to meetings. speak with two members of Ramdatt who is head of the Coalition Government, the RDC pointed out that if a both of whom abhorred decision was taken to bar the Jaikaran’s decision.
No kickback, no contract…
Woman tells harrowing tale how GuyOil terminated contracts A Trinidadian company is preparing to file legal actions to recoup losses after what it alleges is a clear attempt to force it to pay a bribe. The transactions involved the state-owned Guyana Oil Company (GuyOil). Earlier this year, between May and July, the company, Commissiong and Company Limited of San Fernando, Trinidad, signed three contracts with GuyOil. Signing on behalf of the Trinidad company was Managing Director, Nirmala Rambharat, while representing GuyOil was Stephen Nascimento, Facilities Manager. The contract was for the construction and erection of two 10,000 barrel storage tanks at GuyOil’s Providence terminal. The other two contracts involved the supply and delivery of a rigid tank wagon and a light truck. According to Rambharat, her company tendered for the projects as it was open for international bidders. The price for the storage
tanks was for $110M. The woman said that she submitted an international bid bond that was accepted by GuyOil. Her nearest competitor had placed a bid for $194M. GuyOil appeared to be happy with the tenders and went ahead and issued letters of award to the Trinidad company. “Commissiong presented to GuyOil an international performance bond which they accepted upon and then they signed the contract with GuyOil. It meant that they were happy with the documents.” The woman said shortly after the contracts were signed, a woman who claimed she was the Chief of GuyOil called her cell. The woman said that Commissiong is required to pay upfront money if it wanted an advance. “I told the woman that we working on a small profit margin and we cannot afford that. The woman said it is for the Minister... (Minister’s portfolio named).” The woman, Rambharat
said, cut the call soon after. Shortly after, the woman said that GuyOil sent an email stating that her advance payment bonds were rejected and she would need to provide local bonds. “I then responded to them that local Guyanese advance payment bonds are impossible because I’m an international company; my assets and bank accounts are in Trinidad.” She later received the termination letters. The woman claimed that by then her company invested thousands of US dollars and had started to mobilise.“You have to understand that we were asked to submit documents to back our tender. We did that. We then were awarded. They then said not everything was well with our documents. We signed a contract.”The business executive believed that her refusal to entertain paying a bribe was linked to the termination of her contract. The company’s lawyers have written GuyOil on the matter.
Several companies awarded in seafood fishing initiative
Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder (center) flanked by awardees at a special cocktail reception held in their honour
C
ertificates were handed over to the industrial companies who participate in seabob fishing activities. Among them were the Pritipaul Singh Investments Inc, Noble House Seafoods, and Gopie Investment Inc. The monitoring of the seabob fishing activity was conducted over a seven-year period in a public private collaboration
between the Fisheries Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Guyana Association of Trawler Owners and Seafood Processors (GATOSP). Technical work for the certification was conducted by the Seabob Working Group (SWG) which is a committee comprising Fisheries Department officials and industry’s representatives, with oversight from the Chief Fisheries Officer, Mr. Denzil
Roberts, President of GATOSP, Mr. Ruben Charles, and the industry’s project manager, Mrs. Dawn Maison. Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Certification is an important step in demonstrating sustainable practices when harvesting marine resources. Guyana was officially certified on the August 9, last and will be reviewed in 2022. It will provide unparalleled access to export markets for the certified companies.
Sunday October 13, 2019
STANDARDS IN FOCUS
GNBS PREPARES TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL QUALITY WEEK 2019 The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) has designated October 14 to October 18, 2019 as National Quality Week. World Standards Day, which is commemorated annually on October 14, is part of the week’s celebrations. The theme chosen for the 2019 observances by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), International Electro-technical Commission (IEC) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is “VIDEO STANDARDS CREATE A GLOBAL STAGE”. The following is a combined message by the ISO, IEC and ITU: Advances in video technology have changed our world, revolutionizing entertainment, connecting friends and families across the globe, enriching our
communications experiences and enabling major improvements in medical care and education. The innovation of recent decades has driven a huge leap forward in video quality. And video has also become more accessible, helping people worldwide to share their stories in vivid, moving pictures. These gains in both the sophistication and accessibility of video are built on International Standards. The video compression algorithms standardized in collaboration by IEC, ISO and ITU have been honoured with two Primetime Emmy Awards, recognising that these standards are central to industry’s ability to meet rising demand for video, one of the most bandwidth-intensive applications running over global networks.
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International Standards meet industry demand for powerful compression capabilities. They also enable smooth transitions to the next generation of video compression technology, helping industry to maximise return on each wave of investment. Having standards recognised and respected all over the world means that video encoded on one device can be decoded by another, regardless of the device being used. This introduces economies of scale that help to grow the market, giving innovators the confidence to invest in new video applications and services. The GNBS has planned a number of activities in celebration of National Quality Week, 2019. These include radio programmes, Lectures for Public and Private Secondary
Schools, a video competition and its Long Service Awards and Staff Appreciation Day. In addition, on the evening of Thursday October 17, the GNBS will host its second National Quality Awards where a number of local companies will be awarded for being outstanding in the implementation of standards to en-
sure quality. By celebrating World Standards Day/National Quality Week, tribute is paid to those in the field of Standardisation nationally and globally. These celebrations are also aimed at increasing awareness of the importance of implementing standards in the world
economy. Further, international standards, which help to fulfill the needs of consumers, government, industry and businesses worldwide, are promoted. For further information and daily updates, please visit the GNBS website: www.gnbsgy.org or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.
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SERVICES
FOR SALE
Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisements, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040 ICONIC MARKETING & PRINTING –TEL: 6006887: We create A/works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included.
1 Display Fridge $80,000 2 Hair dryers $20,000 2 Nail tables $60,000 each 7 Salon chairs $25,000 each # 638-1106, 6151872
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Eagle’s re-gas AC, Fridge, Washing machine & computer repairs, Gas stove, Plasma flatscreen, Electrical installation & more. Call: 6972969/646-0966 Installation, Repairs and parts for AC, Fridge, Washing Machine, Stove etc. Call Nick 630-1600, 627-3206 For all your Electrical Maintenance and Installation Call Fraser Electrical Service 6170532/662-5921. Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezer-Call: 610-5846 or 661-8158
1 Facial steamer, 1 Facial/ Massage bed $40,000 each 1 50 acre coconut farm 50m, 500 plants Laluni # 638-1106, 6151872 2 Spa & Massage chairs $230,000 each 2 Fiat 110 tractors 4M 1 BMV 320i (black) 2.5M female driven 638-1106, 615-1872 Bourda Green Stall.Call#6100227/691-3467/219-3435
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, G R A D U AT I O N , W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Fully Furnished one bedroom, 2 bedroom, 3 bedroom Apts for rent Providence & Diamond. Call:672-1906/2162299. One apartment with two room for rent at first street, Mon Repos, Market, ECD Tel#6720477/602-4105 1 Bedroom unfurnished, Grilled Apartment at Blygezight Gardens.AC and Wifi included.Call#673-3100.
Nissan Sylphy 2014, 2016 Low Mileage, fog lamps, backup camera.$3.75M.Call:614-6948. Mazda Truck, Mitsubishi Engine 4D33 10 1/2 FT Tray $950K.Tel#693-3003. Massey Ferguson Tractor 283 $2.5M (Foreign Used) MF 165 $1.5M, MF 135 $1M,MF 165 Loader Tractor $2.1M.6825230/615-4414. Pick-up from Truck Canada Extra-Cab, 2005 Tacoma $1.750M, Ford-F 150 Sport $1.1 M, Ford Ranger Sport $1M.682-5230/615-4414.
Medical Laboratory/ Technician, needed to work in Trinidad, must be experienced and qualified. Tel # 18686836492 Salesman.Must know to write bills, Calculate & Stocktaking.Apply Keyfood Trading McDoom with A p p l i c a t i o n / Recommendation.
Waitress for Bar.Call#6122522. Domestic.Contact#223-5273/ 223-5274 Heavy Duty Mechanic (Excavator) $500,000 Monthly.Bulldozer Operator. W.Rambarran Transport Service,28 Meadow Bank E.B.D.226-1100/226-5380.
LAND FOR SALE
VEHICLE FOR SALE
Vacancies- Nirva Superstore for Cashiers/Supermarket helpers, Apply in person with written application at 49 Sheriff & Craig St. Tel#2275771
Sales Representative. Knowlege of Caterpillar Parts & SYS Programme. Send Application to:Agri Parts Machinery, 202 Mandela Ave.
N. Outar Driving School, Learn to Drive the right way @ Cuffy Square. Affordable package. Call: 644-5166/691-2561/6812808
2 acre V/Hoop WCD Housing #621-6918/697-7731
Female Cleaner Office/home 642-9823.
1 Maid to cook and clean for East Bank area Call:615-9132.
LEARN TO DRIVE
Need a land surveyor? We do surveys for: Boundaries, Leases, engineering, cadastral, topo etc. Call: 662-2677
Care for elderly, care for children. First Aid & CPR. #227-4881
Driver.Must have a Sound Secondary Education.For More Information.Please Call:223-0090.
Farm Machinery,Tractors Trailers Ploughs.Call#2266229/615-6796.
65x80 House lot Plaisance over the Railway Embankment $8 Million Non-Negotiable #6876072.
EDUCATION
Two 1 bedroom apartment at 2043 Block C Herstelling. Tel#696-1680
Used Household Articles for Sale.Contact 614-6253.
Need a caregiver/cook? For 3-4 days a week. Person lives in West Dem. Call#6220653/646-3444
1- (2) storey house 3 1/2 bedroom 3 x 1/2 bedroom $37M2 washroom, 2 verendah, Land 120x45 sq ft, Cummings Lodge. #686-5180 Negotiable
VACANCY
1 Honda CRV Black PSS 6416.Contact#624-5650
Sarah Johanna Public Road, East Bank Demerara. #2615072/667-8870
(1) 3 bedroom house located at Middle St, Stewartville. Tel#625-3299/268-3129
FOR RENT
Parfaite Harmony-$1.8M. 1 Flat Unfurnished concrete house in Tuschen-$3.5M. Tel#697-6311
Mason- Experienced in casting, block work and plastering. Available on call/ Tel# 619-3296/231-2060
PROPERTY FOR SALE
Sunday October 13, 2019
Kaieteur News
Vacancy exists for one (1) Accounts Clerk/Book keeper. Send Application to innovationsamericamng @gmail.com.
CAR RENTAL AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MINI BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPORT & FAMILY OUTINGS, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807 DOLLYS AUTO RENTAL CALL: 225-7126 & 2263693 -DOLLYS AUTO RENTAL @ YAHOO.COM/ W W W . D O L L Y SAUTORENTAL.COM PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS FROM $4000 & UP, SUV’S PER DAY- CALL: 656-0087 / 6435122 ,EMAIL:PRO_ A U T O R E N T A L @YAHOO.COM
Immediate Vacancy exists for 1 Female Cashier to work @ “Del-Ice” Comp. Must have Maths & English. Call 2311408/642-9191. Licensed boat captain. Metro Construction Ltd in the British Virgin Islands. Call for more info #674-6585. Email: i n f o @ metroconstructionbvi.com Doosan Mechanic.Contact #223-5273/223-5274. 1 Experienced 6 forward Canter driver to do water delivery. Must be living on the W.C.D.Call#693-0388. Security Guard.Male or Female.Tel#266-4427. 1 music teacher (piano & guitar) to do at home teaching for two boys. Perferably from East Bank. #698-4432
VACANCY
WANTED
1 A c c o u n t s Clerk.Requirements: 5 Yrs experience & computer literate. Apply @ J’s Machining & Hardware,161 Charlotte St.Tel#501-3777.
Female Domestic wanted for light housekeeping $3000 Daily, Male skill labourer $4000 daily Vreed-EnHoop 682-5230/6154414.
WANTED
1 Live in Family.HusbandDriving.Car/Van Vehicle Repairs Body work.Tel#2271830.
Miners.Call#653-6265.
1 Cook for Interior.Mahdia. Cosmetologist/Beautician Call# 686-8996. and Receptionist with great Live in Domestic. Must know personality for the beauty to cook.25-45 Yrs.Salary Industry.Call#226-4573. $100,000 Monthly.Call#610Domestic one year 3974 Domonican Republic execuLive in Waitress/Bartender tive home experience Age 30with Secondary Education.18- 50 Spanish 25 Yrs.Salary $100,000 Speaker.miket767@gmail.com Monthly.Call#610-3974 1-809-604-0804. 1 Body Work Technician.Call NOTICE #227-1717. Wanted- Boys & Girls to work in shop & Labours also in the Interior.Tel#660-9093/6741767/687-7638.
Luk’s has moved to 34 Bagotstown. Contact us for all your Rollup Shutters & Aluminium Awning needs #656-1045/677-4695.
Experienced Driver, Cashier, Handy boy, Kitchen VACANCY Assistant, Apply Hack’s Halaal Restaurant with HandVacancy exists for one qualiwritten application 5 fied Supervisor for food esCommerce St tablishment in Wanted one wheel repair Georgetown.Call#231-8737. Technician.Call#227-1717. General domestic. 3 Days Wanted Land in Parfaite Har- work. Must know to cook. mony or anywhere else. Apply with 2 references. T el #681-8746. KeyFood McDoom village 1 Part Time Cook required. One (1) Clerk for TSI Eccles Call#653-4537. Industrial site office English1 Male Cook to work in Inte- 1 Mathematics -2 rior. $100,000 Monthly. Quickbooks. Call: 615-9132 Tel#672-3359. Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665/6493750
DRESSMAKING
Classes in Designing and sewingbeginners, IntermediHauler Driver needed to work ate and advance levels. CaPrivate Truck at City nadian trained teacher. Call: wharf.Call#611-7088. 657-4578
Sunday October 13, 2019
CONSUMER CONCERNS
INVESTMENT OF OIL REVENUES COULD ACHIEVE THE GUYANA AGRICULTURAL REVOLUTION By PAT DIAL In Guyana’s history, there have been two pervading myths or traditions - Guyana being the City of Gold or El Dorado- and the other, Guyana being the Food Basket of the Caribbean. The first myth has materialised not merely because Guyana produces El Dorado, the unchallenged best golden rum in the world, but more seriously, because Guyana has been producing large quantities of gold with large deposits awaiting exploitation. The other tradition or myth of Guyana being the Food Basket of the Caribbean gave a brief indication of its reality when, during World War II Guyana’s rice and ground provisions held off famine from the Caribbean islands. The time has now come for Guyana to become the Food Basket of the Caribbean and supply its US$5 billion food imports. Becoming the Food Basket of the Caribbean would provide Guyana with complete food security and would give food security to the Caribbean as well. The Caribbean has always been a region, which lacked food security and two historical examples will illustrate this: The Caribbean islands, and in particular the British islands, depended on food imports from the British colonies in North America. When the American War of Independence erupted, the American colonies’ food exports to the Caribbean were almost ended and the Caribbean
suffered great distress. Second example:After Emancipation and the emigration of a large proportion of the plantation owners and managers, food imports to Guyana were gravely curtailed. The freedmen had to fend for themselves and were forced to live on ground provisions and breadfruit. Even this monotonous and slender food supply was sometimes affected by lack of rainfall and drought conditions. Now, with the Oil Revenues, the Agricultural Revolution could be clearly seen on the horizon. The great investments which Agriculture required to modernize, expand, increase production and productivity are now becoming available. Guyana is at the threshold of becoming the Food Basket of the Caribbean and satisfying the region’s food imports of US $5 billion. In April last, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)’s Assistant Director General, Dr Julio Berdegue visited Guyana because “FAO wished to strengthen ties and collaborate with Guyana, given the unique role Guyana can play in Agriculture development”. The “unique role” to which Dr Berdegue was referring was explained as: “The Caribbean faces the enormous problem of a food import bill which is growing every year for the past 30 to 35 years. Right now the Caribbean is spending US4.5 billion per year to buy food that can be grown in the subregion . This will address the huge problem of food security and safety in the Caribbean Region”.
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To take advantage of this US$5 billion Caribbean Agricultural market, an Agricultural improvement plan has to be formulated to encompass introducing modern agricultural methods, different varieties, modern agricultural technologies and training. This investment in Agriculture would derive from oil revenues. The new profitability, wealth and prestige which would be generated by Agriculture would once again encourage young people to again enter the industry. Sugar and rice which have been the agricultural, and indeed the economic backbone of the country for the last two centuries, will also be revived into a new prosperity. A burgeoning and profitable Agriculture Sector will inevitably birth value added industries, some of the basic ones, being, for example, rice wines, cereals and confections, various types of flours and oils. Many of these products could be exported to the niche markets of the Developed Countries. The large off-shore petroleum mining industry will certainly be disturbing the fish habitats as happened in Trinidad but this may be remedied in a number of ways such as inshore fish farming or relocating stocks. Successful efforts to preserve and save the fishing industry will depend on oil revenues being early invested in the industry. The issue of Climate Change should never be placed on the backburner but must be addressed since the Caribbean Region, by 2030, will move to 1.5 degrees in
higher temperature. This may imply relocating or growingcrops elsewhere in the country. The new petroleum industry should not be allowed to dominate the thinking of policy makers to the disadvantage of Agriculture. The petroleum industry is a finite one and will diminish as deposits become exhausted as
happened in Trinidad. Agriculture, on the other hand, is self-generating and would always be providing food and employment. Dr Berdegue’s advice is timely and relevant: “Oil and gas and Agriculture can live together. . . We need modern regularisation and modern technologies to manage the space in
order to make these different economic activities coexist in a less stressful and more mutually reinforcing situation”. If Agriculture captures the Caribbean import food market, provides the Region with food security and at the same time expands its exports to other countries, Guyana’s prosperity will be ensured.
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Kaieteur News
Botanical Gardens to include specimens of local trees - President Granger
The Botanical Gardens will start to include specimens of local trees, President David Granger has announced. President David Granger on Friday afternoon, told residents of the East BerbiceCorentyne (Region Six) that the national Botanical Gardens will be modified to contain varieties of every tree found anywhere in Guyana. “I am going to change the National Botanical Gardens. That Botanical Gardens must be the home of a specimen of every tree in Guyana. It must obtain, it must contain, it must maintain several specimens of all species of trees in Guyana. Children must be able to go and see what a greenheart tree is, what a crabwood tree is, what a purpleheart tree is…not just mango and guava [trees]. They have a thousand species of trees to learn about,” said President Granger. The Head of State, at this years National Tree Planting
Day held at Union Village (No. 53), East Berbice-Corentyne (Region Six), said “the Botanical Gardens must become a schoolhouse for our children to learn the wonders of Guyana’s trees.” Meanwhile, the President noted that Guyana will commemorate the 50th anniversary of its Republican status next year, which will coincide with petroleum development and the launch a Decade of Development: 2020-2029. The Decade is aimed at ensuring that every section, sector and segment of our society will benefit from economic development. The President said objectives of the Decade of Development are aligned to the Green State Development Strategy (GSDS): Vision 2040. “The Strategy has identified the production of fruits and vegetables as a growth pole. Government will support the shift to organic practices in the cultivation of fruits and vegetables so as to take advantage of niche organic markets, including markets in agro-industry. It will promote the development of fruits and vegetables and the addition of value to these products,” President Granger said, noting that Guyanese can look forward to a Decade which will lay the foundation for sustained progress and prosperity, including through the diversification and industrialisation of agriculture. The President assured that agriculture will not be neglected during the Decade and that food products, not petroleum, will
Promises galore from Kamla Trinidad Express - Lower PAYE (pay as you earn) and corporation tax. No Revenue Authority. These were some of the campaign promises made by Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar as she delivered her budget reply in the House of Representatives - yesterday. “There is light at the end of the tunnel, with or without LED light bulbs,” she satirised. The prime minister’s announcement of the local government election via news release one hour and 45 minutes into PersadBissessar’s contribution gave the Opposition Leader’s po-
Kamla PersadBissessar litical pitch added rele-vance and turned yesterday’s debate into a rowdy session, in which both sides pulled no punches, -hitting each other sometimes below the belt.
remain a mainstay of the economy. “Agro-processing will intensify during the Decade. Guyanas petroleum revenues, inter alia, will be deployed to modernise the agricultural sector, including by adding value to primary, locally-produced fruits and vegetables, in accordance with the Strategy,” the Head of State said. Further, President Granger said investment is the muscle of production and G o v e r n m e n t , notwithstanding the advances made over the past four years, recognises the need to catalyse the agroindustrial sector. “It will offer fiscal incentives for investors interested in promoting export-oriented agroprocessing,” he said. President Granger iterated that trees are essential to developing the agroindustrial sector. He reminded that the East BerbiceCorentyne has the land, the expertise and the experience to accelerate the development of tree-based, agroprocessing which can provide economic and environmental benefits. The President said the agro-processing of fruits will allow everyone to benefit from trees without having to cut them down, adding that the Regions should encourage the generation of gardens, greenhouses and orchards to grow more trees. Additionally, the Head of State said the Decade will place emphasis also on the protection and preservation of the forests. The Decade will see the implementation of policies, programmes and projects aimed at ensuring that miners and loggers contribute to land reclamation and reforestation as part of their permits to log and mine; expanding the use of mangrove forests in the protection of our sea defences and increasing value-added in the timber industry; and establishing green spaces and parks in every region and, where possible, in every community, neighbourhood and village. Agro-processing is a key element of Guyanas Green State Development Strategy: Vision 2040. The Strategy is Guyanas roadmap towards becoming a green state and one which emphasises the commodification of agricultural production. (MoTP)
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Woman fails in bid to acquire dead father’s property -Judge finds she obtained transport fraudulently High Court Judge Jo Ann Barlow recently ordered the Registrar of Deeds to cancel Transport No. 823 of 2007 dated August 23, 2007 in relation to property situated on parcel of lands I and J parts of front lands of plantation Zeelandia situated in the island of Wakenaam in the country of Essequibo and colony of British Guiana, and block numbered 3 being a piece or parcel of land also part of plantation Zeelandia situated in the island of Wakenaam. The Judge found that the transport was obtained fraudulently by Nandani Persaud, one of the children of the late Adjudiah Persaud, who had made a Will dated August 16, 1977 for which he appointed another daughter, Mehendi Chapelle, Executrix of his estate. Chapelle, had however, migrated to Canada and appointed Nandani as her Power of Attorney to apply for Probate. Nandani acting as Power of Attorney for Chapelle applied for Probate in May 2000 and on the 2nd of August, 2000, Probate of the Estate of her late father was granted to her. However, on February 14,
2000, Nandani filed an application in the High Court in which she prayed for the following Order: “That the Honourable Court under the provisions of Section 35 of the Deeds Registry Act, Chapter 5:01 instruct the Registrar of Deeds to have Title for the said properties described in the said Transports Nos. 1245 of 1954 and 1246 of 1954 passed to her as donated to her under the Deed of Gift dated 26th August, 1976, which has been lost.” Nandani had sworn to an Affidavit in Support of an application that her father had given her a Deed of Gift on 26th August, 1976 of the property. She further swore that the Deed of Gift was lost. The Court had granted her application and as a result transport of the property was transported to her on the 23rd of August 2007. Nandani had not in her application stated that her father left a Will, nor that she had been appointed the Power of Attorney of the Executrix of the Will and that she had also applied for Probate for her fathers estate. Further, on November 30, 1995, Nandani acting on the Power
of Attorney submitted to the Guyana Revenue Authority a Statement of the Assets and Liabilities of her late father in which two properties which were devised to her siblings, Mangal and Dineash Persaud, were contained as part of the Assets. In the circumstances, Mangal and Dineash, hereinafter referred to as the Claimants, took Nandani to court where they contended that they only became aware that the property has been transferred from their late father to Nandani in October 2016, when a check was made for the payment of rates and taxes and that within a year of that discovery, the claim was filed for an Order, that the transport was obtained by fraud and that it be cancelled. According to K.A. JumanYassin, S.C., attorney-at-law for the claimants, “The court in its judgment found that Nandani indeed had committed a fraud in that she had failed to inform the court in her application for the property to be transferred to her as a result of the purported gift by her father by not informing the court that she had been appointed the Executrix
of the estate of her father and that she had applied for Probate for the said estate which include the transports of the land, which she claimed was given to her as a gift by her father and for which she obtained Transport.” The Court held that as she had been appointed Power of Attorney by the Executrix and had obtained probate of the estate, Nandani had committed a fraud. As a consequence, Justice Barlow ordered the Registrar of Deed to cancel the Transport ob-
Justice Jo Ann Barlow
tained by her and awarded costs against her to the claimants in the sum of $150,000.
Nandani was represented by attorney-at-law Nigel Hughes.
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Eliud Kipchoge breaks two-hour marathon mark by 20 seconds
Eliud Kipchoge crosses the finish line during his successful attempt to run a marathon in under two hours in Vienna. (Reuters Photo)
Sunday September 13, 2019 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) A surge of passion could dominate your day unless you find an outlet for it, Aries. Romantic passion is high, so an intimate evening with a lover is a good idea. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) A romantic evening at home with your partner could bring you two closer together, Taurus. Your emotions are intense right now. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Information received from far away could compel you to learn more about the subject, Gemini. You might be inspired to use your new knowledge in a project that includes a partner. CANCER(June21–July22) Money matters may be advanced through using your intuition and inner power today, Cancer. You might have a hunch that your idea for making extra money might just work. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) A surge of inner power could make you feel like you can move mountains, Leo. If you've been contemplating actions that others believe impossible, this is the day to get them going. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Memories from your distant past could resurface t o d a y, Vi rg o . Yo u m a y wonder why you're suddenly thinking about them, but they probably represent a release of old emotional hang-ups that have been holding you back.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Today represents a new beginning in many ways. An old friend could reappear in your life and bring up memories that are both pleasant and disconcerting. Don't worry too much about this. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Emotions could be running high, Scorpio. Someone in your entourage may have a problem with an authority figure and political issues could come up. You're likely to feel especially powerful now. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Heightened mental powers might make you spend a lot of time reading or doing research of some kind, Sagittarius. Your curiosity is especially sharp right now. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Your intuition might increase today to the point where you feel like you could deduce the thoughts and motives of people you've never met before. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You should be feeling especially passionate now, Aquarius, especially regarding partnerships. Romantic partnerships definitely call for an evening alone together. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) If you haven't been feeling like yourself lately, Pisces, a surge of inner power could push you over the top and make you feel strong and healthy again.
Eliud Kipchoge has become the first athlete to run a marathon in under two hours, beating the mark by 20 seconds. The Kenyan, 34, covered the 26.2 miles (42.2km) in one hour 59 minutes 40 seconds in the Ineos 1:59 Challenge in Vienna, Austria yesterday. It will not be recognised as the official marathon world record because it was not in open competition and he used a team of rotating pacemakers. “This shows noone is limited,” said Kipchoge. “Now I’ve done it, I am expecting more people to do it after me.” The Olympic champion who holds the official marathon world record of 2:01:39, set in Berlin, Germany in 2018 - missed out by 25 seconds in a previous attempt at the Italian Grand Prix circuit at Monza in 2017. Knowing he was about to make history on the home straight, the pacemakers dropped back to let Kipchoge
Region 6 communities... From page 75 training, recreation and education. In Berbice, 12 groups are benefitting – six each in Region 5 and 6. Angoy’s Avenue received sports gear, stationery and farming tools. The donation was made at the Angoy’s Avenue Adolescence Youth Space. The items will be used by young people who utilise the facility. Kilcoy/Chesney also received sport gear and a brush cutter. The community will shortly benefit from a basketball court. Meanwhile, at Kildonan Community Centre several kitchen appliances and utensils were handed over to boost a catering class targeting young single mothers. The equipment will enhance programmes already ongoing in the area. A baking and cake decorating class recently commenced in the area. The Kildonan community will also receive donations for the completion of a multi-purpose court that will further engage youths in other recreational activities. Before the gear and equipment were handed over, a needs assessment was conducted in each community which helped to identify the projects that best suit the area. This was followed by the submission of a proposal to the IDB. Upon approval, funding is released and the items needed are procured for the initiatives.
sprint over the line alone, roared on by a large crowd in the Austrian capital. The fourtime London Marathon winner embraced his wife Grace, grabbed a Kenyan flag and was mobbed by his pacemakers, including many of the world’s best middle and long-distance runners. Kipchoge, who compared the feat to being the first man on the moon in build-up to the event, said he had made history just as Britain’s Sir Roger Bannister did in running the first sub fourminute mile in 1954. With a leading pace car beaming green lasers on to the road to indicate the required pace of 2:50 per kilometre, Kipchoge never went slower than 2:52. To break the mark, he had to run 100m in 17.08 seconds 422 times in a row at a speed of 21.1kph (13.1 mph). He was 10 seconds ahead of schedule at the halfway mark, before appearing to slow with a few 2:52
kilometres, only to regain the pace and kick on in the final stages. Kipchoge was assisted by a team of 42 pacemakers, including Olympic 1500m champion Matthew Centrowitz, Olympic 5,000m silver medallist Paul Chelimo and the Ingebrigtsen brothers Jakob, Filip and Henrik. They rotated in and out, running in formation around Kipchoge, with former 1500m and 5,000m world champion Bernard Lagat anchoring the final leg. Kipchoge’s coaches delivered him water and energy gels by bike over 4.4 laps of a 5.97-mile course in the city’s Prater park, instead of having to pick refreshments up from a table as in normal competition marathons. These aids are not allowed under the rules of the IAAF, athletics’ world governing body, which is why it will not recognise this feat as the official marathon world record.
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Mexico enjoys successful start to Nations League with 5-1 win Hamilton, Bermudas.With a pair of goals from Jose Juan Macias and additional goals from Uriel Antuna, Hirving Lozano and Hector Herrera, Mexico rolled past Bermuda 5-1 to start its Concacaf Nations League history off on the right foot in the Bermuda Sports Centre in Hamilton. Just before the half-hour mark, Lozano’s pass for Antuna snuck through and the LA Galaxy attacker made no mistake to open the scoring for Mexico. The lead was doubled by Macias just before the halftime break, with a firsttime finish after Cristian Calderon headed down a ball over the top into the forward’s path. And Macias struck again on the other side of the half, putting in a rebound on a quick counter-attack in the 53rd minute.
Jaylon Bather of Bermudas and Jose Juan Macias of Mexico seeks for the ball in their Group B CNL game at the Bermuda National Sport Center, in Hamilton, Bermuda (Photo: Mexsport) Nahki Wells made sure Bermuda didn’t leave with nothing, smashing home a rolling ball sent in from a corner kick to cut things to 3-
1. However, Mexico had more goals in it, with Lozano bringing down a ball and firing it in off the bounce to make it four and Herrera finishing
India v South Africa
Ravichandran Ashwin haul maintains hosts’ dominance BBCsport - Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin took four wickets as India dismissed South Africa for 275 to continue their dominance of the second Test in Pune. Resuming on 363 in reply to India’s mammoth 601-4 orchestrated by Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 254, the tourists lost three wickets before lunch. Skipper Faf du Plessis made a defiant 64, while number 10 Keshav Maharaj struck 12 fours in a careerbest 72. Ashwin took the final
three wickets to secure a lead of 326 for the hosts. World number one side India, who lead the three-match series 10 following a 203-run victory in Visakhapatnam, have yet to decide whether to enforce the follow-on. Maharaj, whose previous highest score was 45, came to the crease in the 59th over when Du Plessis was caught at slip. Batting with a bruised shoulder, the 29-year-old was dropped off his own bowling by Ashwin on 44 but compiled a stand of 109 for
the ninth wicket with Vernon Philander before falling at leg slip in the 102nd over. Ashwin dismissed last man Kagiso Rabada, a decision up h e l d a f t e r review, to record his 354th Te s t w i c k e t a n d I n d i a , unbeaten in a home Test series since 2012, will look to complete a sixth win in their last eight matches. Scores: India 601-4d: Kohli 254*, Rabada 3-93. South Africa 275: Maharaj 72, Ashwin 4-69. India lead by 326 runs.
Italy seal qualification for Euro 2020 Italy secured their place at next year’s Euro 2020 finals by beating Greece 2-0 in Rome. After a goalless first half, Chelsea midfielder Jorginho opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Andreas Bouchalakis’ handball. Substitute Federico Bernardeschi added a late second with a dipping effort from distance. The win means Italy top Group J with 21 points, an unassailable 11 points clear of third-placed Armenia. Greece needed to win to keep their own qualification hopes alive but they rarely threatened. Italy had been booed off at half-time after failing to manage a single shot on target but they were much improved after the break, with Jorginho’s opener visibly relaxing his team-mates. Results from other matches: Georgia 0 R. of
Jorginho has scored all three penalties he has taken for Italy. (Getty Images) Ireland 0; Bos-Herze 4 Finland 1; Denmark 1 Switzerland 0; Faroe Islands 0 Romania 3;
Liechtenstein 1 Armenia 1; Malta 0 Sweden 4; Norway 1 Spain 1.
from a nearly impossible angle after being set up from a free kick. El Tri now head to Mexico City where they’ll meet Panama in their second CNL match. The US opened with a hattrick by McKennie in victory over Cuba Washington, DC.- A hat trick from Weston McKennie and three assists from Jordan Morris helped the United States open Concacaf Nations League play with an emphatic victory over Cuba, winning 7-0 Friday at Audi Field in Washington D.C., United States.
McKennie set the tone just 30 seconds in, with a cross in the box getting past everyone and falling to the Schalke midfielder for him to finish past Cuba goalkeeper Nelson Johnston. McKennie struck again in the fifth minute, with Morris putting in a cross for him at the back post and McKennie using his first touch with his right foot to finish off the move. And in the 13th minute, the hat trick was complete, though Jordan Morris had added a third in the 9th minute. Josh Sargent scored his debut Nations League goal in the 40th minute, and Christian Pulisic put the bow on the victory with a 62nd-minute penalty kick, with the Americans coasting the rest of the match after the overwhelming start. They also benefited from a 37thminute own goal from Dario Ramos. The United States now travels to Toronto to face Canada next week in a match that may decide who finishes atop Group A. Stewart, Vlijter trade braces as Saint Vincent and the Grendadines draw with Suriname Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Suriname remain unbeaten after a dramatic 2-2
draw in Concacaf Nations League action at the Arnos Vale Stadium in Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The encounter was a matchup between the top two sides in Group D of League B. Gleofilo Vlijter, the top scorer in CNL with six goals through the September fixtures, took the lead for Suriname with an individual play in the 26th minute. Vlijter then doubled the lead for the visitors in the 53rd minute of the match, attaining a brace for the third consecutive time in the CNL group stage. Cornelius Stewart pulled one back for the Vincy Heat in the 58th minute to get the hosts on the board. Oalex Anderson appeared to have the tying goal in the 86th minute but was denied by Suriname goalkeeper Claidel Kohinor. Kohinor would make an uncharacteristic mistake by conceding a penalty attempt in second half stoppage time. Stewart converted from the spot in the 90+5th minute to salvage a point at home and keep the top of the group in reach. The two sides meet again on Tuesday, this time in Paramaribo, Suriname, for their fourth fixture of the CNL group stage.
592 Beer, I Cool Water 10/10 softball concludes today at QC ground - Trophy Stall on board The 592 Beer and I Cool Water inaugural T10 softball competition will conclude today at the Queen’s College ground. Teams will battle in the playoffs followed by the semi finals and final with the champion team taking home a trophy and $100,000 while the runner-up will pocket a trophy and $30,000; the manof-the-match in the final will receive a trophy and $5,000. Trophy Stall Bourda of Market has thrown their support behind the competition. The entity’s proprietor Ramesh Sunich presented the winning trophies to organiser Samuel Kingston. Sunich said he is pleased to be given an opportunity to be part of the competition and wished the teams well. Kingston stated that the tournament is expected to be keenly contested since a number of top local teams are in the playoffs. He expressed gratitude to Sunich. Additionally there will be a Masters Over-45 and Over-
Organiser Samuel Kingston (left) accepts one of the prizes from Ramesh Sunich. 50 competition playing simultaneously. The 15-overs Over-50 competition will feature Regal Masters, Savage Masters and Parika Defenders with the winning team taking home the 592 Beer trophy, while the teams competing in the Over45 category are Regal Masters, Fisherman Masters and Wellman Masters. They will battle for I Cool Water trophy.
Both competitions will be played on a round-robin basis and the runner-ups will each receive a prize. The teams that will contest the playoffs are Avengers XI, Farm XI, Up Setters, Success Youths, East Coast All Star, Omesh XI, Speed Boat, LBI All Star, Lowland XI, SVC Grill Masters, Booths XI and Ariel Enterprise All Star. Action starts at 09:00hrs.
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Ansa McAl Trading Lucozade Handicap Squash
Dias, Verwey among Friday night winners By Sean Devers A determined Deje Dias and the talented Nicholas Verwey were among those that demonstrated a high brand of squash when the curtains came down on night three of the Ansa McAl Trading Lucozade Handicap at the Georgetown Club on Friday night. In strangely hot conditions inside the main Court and spectator area, Dias (-15) with a determined brand of squash which left him soaked in perspiration and near exhaustion was pushed hard by the vastly improved Mohryan Baksh (0) as he had to register 30 points to win. Baksh matched Dias shot for shot in a high intensity encounter and rallies ended with both lads panting for breath as Baksh’s execution of his drop shots and drives showed his improvement. In the first game Baksh made a consorted effort and reached 14 points but failed to close off the game as the long rallies took its toll on the fitness of the players. The experience and determination of Dias contributed to him being able to dominate the second game finishing 15/5 to advance to the semi-finals
Deje Dias (left) defeated Mohryan Baksh.
which were scheduled for yesterday. The 13-year-old Nicholas Verwey is quickly growing in reputation as one to look at as he continued his winning streak against Jonathan DeGroot in a very competitive affair. Verwey displayed outstanding skill and against the flamboyance of DeGroot produced entertaining game. The pair of youngster’s demonstrated good speed and court coverage and hit tight shots, but in the end, Verwey closed off both games 15/14, 15/13. Abosaide Cadogan (0), the only female still in the
open category, came up against Gianni Carpenter (-2) in a three game thriller that went down to the wire and a good sized crowd on their feet. Cadogan came from behind at 9/6 to win the first 15/13, but faltered in the next game 15/8. The decider came point for point down to the wire at 14/14 when Cadogan put a low drop into the tin and the elated Carpenter was the winner. The final match for the evening between Nicholas Narain (-15) and Samuel InceCarvalhal (-11) was another close one with a tight first game of 15/14 to Narain.
Both players were patient, hit the target consistently and showed tremendous fitness but Narain squeezed the younger Ince-Carvalhal to the post in the first before winning the second 15/9. In the Category ‘A’ Plate, Joshua Verwey, the younger sibling of Nicholas, played an elegant game to beat Teija 15/7, 15/9 while Lajuan Munroe (5) outplayed Angel Rahim (9) 15/10/15/6 to ensure their shot at today’s finals which begin at 11.30hrs. Friday Results: Open Deje Dias (-15) defeated Mohryan Baksh (0) 15/14, 15/ 5; Nicholas Verwey (-10)
Nicholas Verwey (foreground) defeated Jonathan DeGroot on Friday night. defeated Johnathan DeGroot (6) 15/14, 15/13; Gianni Carpenter (-4) Abosaide Cadogan (-2) 13/15, 15/8, 15/ 14; Nicholas Narain (-15) defeated Samuel Ince-
Carvalhal (-11) 15/14, 15/9. Category ‘A’ Plate Joshua Verwey (3) defeated Teja Edwards (7) 15/7, 15/9; Lajuan Munroe (5) Angel Rahim (9) 15/10/15/6.
Region 6 communities benefit KMPA Foundation thanks stakeholders from over $2M in sports gear and other equipment
Some of the winners from the KMPA Junior Olympic Games and Road Race pose with their trophies and medals.
Kilcoy Chesney beneficiaries receive their items inclusive of sports gear. A number of communities in Region 6 including Angoy’s Avenue, Kilcoy/ Chesney and Bush Lot/ Adventure recently received sports gear and other items that will benefit residents in the respective communities. The donations were made possible through a
partnership between the International Development Bank (IDB) and the Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Public Security under the Citizen Security Strengthening Programme’s (CSSP) Rapid Impact Project.The CSSP programme
is a countrywide one that seeks to enhance communities to make them safer with short and long-term solutions that seek among other things to reduce crime by engaging at-risk population in meaningful activities such as vocational (Continued on page 73)
In a release to the media, the King Medas P a n s y - A d o n i s ( K M PA ) Foundation has expressed thanks to everyone who contributed towards the success of the just concluded Road Rrace and Junior Olympic Game. The four-day event that concluded at the Lusignan Community Center Ground on the East Coast of Demerara last Sunday saw over 600 athletes participating over the four
days and had many great performances inclusive of Kunusasha Medas-King who swept all four events for the Girls 8 & Under c a t e g o r y, s h e w o n t h e 1500m, 800m, 400m and the 2K Road Race. The 6 & Under category saw a marvelous performance by the lads running the 1K event which was full of excitement. The Junior Olympic Games and Road Race featured athletes
competing from 6 & Under all the way to Masters with a total of over $2million in cash and prizes doled out to the top and other outstanding performers.
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Tridents beat the unbeatable Warriors to take the Hero CPL 2019 title Barbados Tridents won their second Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) title as Guyana Amazon Warriors’ perfect season unraveled at the worst possible moment. The Warriors had won all 11 matches – including three against the Tridents – before the final, but came off second best in the face of an inspired performance from the Barbados outfit. After Jonathan Carter’s unbeaten 50 off 27 balls led a recovery from 108/6 in the 15th over to an imposing 171/ 6 from 20 overs, the Tridents bowled and fielded for their lives to defend the target by 27 runs and break the Warriors’ hearts at the last, Raymon Reifer leading the way with remarkable figures of 4/24 from his four overs. While the Tridents celebrate a well-deserved and comprehensive victory, the Warriors are left to reflect on a fifth Hero CPL final defeat in seven years. This will perhaps be the toughest to take of all given the flawless season that had preceded it. Chandrapaul Hemraj, apparently struggling with a hamstring injury, could have been run out twice before he was caught at short third-man off Reifer for just a single and
Jonathan Carter got his second CPL fifty on the biggest stage Getty Images things got worse for the Warriors when Shimron Hetmyer holed out to long-on for just 9 to give Reifer a second wicket. Shoaib Malik then smashed a long-hop from leading 2019 Hero CPL wickettaker straight to Reifer on the midwicket boundary to leave his side in real trouble at 53/3. When Brandon King yorked himself and was smartly stumped by Shai Hope off Ashley Nurse for 43, the game had swung decisively the Tridents’ way. Nicholas Pooran raced out of the blocks with two fours and a six, but Nurse and
death-bowling specialist Harry Gurney strangled the life out of the Warriors’ runchase. Just eight runs came from three overs after the loss of King, and it felt like something simply had to give as the required rate spiraled north of 14 per over. Sure enough, Pooran went after Nurse but only managed to pick out Alex Hales at longon to leave the Warriors needing a miracle. Sherfane Rutherford hit back-to-back boundaries off Gurney but then failed in the daunting task of trying to clear Jason Holder at long-off. Reifer returned to take his
third wicket when Romario Shepherd cue-ended a full, wide delivery through to Hope, and Keemo Paul’s 14ball 25 was entertaining but futile. He, like Rutherford, fell to the hugely impressive Gurney having failed to get the ball over Holder. Reifer finished things off in the final over, having Chris Green caught behind for his fourth wicket and getting out of the over without any bother as the Tridents’ celebrations began. Hales and Johnson Charles had earlier got the Tridents innings off to a fine start before the England opener skied one high to midwicket where King steadied himself and made a tough catch look easy as Shepherd struck in his first over. Phil Salt, the England prospect who flew in at the last minute as an injury replacement for JP Duminy, fell soon after, given out caught behind attempting to pull a Ben Laughlin slower ball. Charles took up the charge and was absolutely flying when he became Imran Tahir’s 16th victim of the tournament. It was a wicket the Warriors desperately needed, Charles having plundered four fours and a six in his previous eight balls
before Tahir’s extra bounce induced a top edge. The Tridents then wobbled for the only time in the match. Shai Hope was smartly caught by Hemraj at midwicket off Paul before the vastly experienced duo Jason Holder and Shakib Al Hasan were both run out in the space of three overs. Paul’s rocket arm from the deep was key to both dismissals as Holder attempted a bold second run and Shakib was sent back having considered the same. It was the Jonathan Carter show from there on in,
though, as his second Hero CPL 50 propelled the score to a total beyond the Warriors. From 108/6, Carter led the Tridents’ charge as 63 were added without loss from the final 31 balls of the innings. His four Hero Maximums were all sweetly struck, the first three of them straight back down the ground and the fourth high over midwicket. Ashley Nurse – so integral to the Tridents’ win over Trinbago Knight Riders in Qualifier 2 – joined in late in the piece with a six and a four of his own as 45 runs came from the last three overs.
Ashley Nurse celebrates an Amazon Warriors wicket @ CPL T20 via Getty Images
Fans flock to Durban Park Gladiators edge out Revellers in Courts Invitational for CPL final viewing party Yesterday, at the Durban Park, the Ministry of Social Cohesion hosted a watch party for the CPL final that was contested between Guyana Amazon Warriors and Barbados Tridents at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad & Tobago in a bid to help build the social cohesion among the masses. As the fans began to flock into the venue yesterday
afternoon, Kaieteur Sport spoke briefly with the Director of Sports Christopher Jones, and he explained that, “Guyanese have been rallying around the Warriors for the last couple of weeks and we saw it fit to create an atmosphere where all can come and view the game on the big screens.” Jones further noted that, “We recognise that you can
foster social cohesion through sports and it was not by a mistake that H.E. President (David) Granger in 2015 established a department to deal specifically with social Cohesion.” Five large screens, well stocked bars and food vendors along with heavy police presence to ensure the safety of the fans were present at the venue.
Some of the fans at Durban Park yesterday waiting for the commencement of the 2019 CPL final.
CPL - The Courts Gladiators gained revenge for Thursday’s eight-wicket defeat to the NLCB Revellers with a three-run victory in yesterday’s CPL Women’s T10 Courts Invitational. The Revellers had prevailed by eight wickets in the NLCB Challenge and it looked like being a similar story two days on when the Gladiators were restricted to 66/6 from their 10 overs at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy. But in the absence of star player Stafanie Taylor, the Revellers came up short on 63/6 despite Chinelle Henry’s unbeaten 17 and 11 off five balls from Stacy-Ann King to go with her three wickets in the first half of the game. The Revellers were always behind the rate after a tidy opening over from Shakera Selman. Hayley Matthews and Shabika Gajnabi then struck with successive deliveries to remove both openers Jodian Morgan, smartly stumped by Kycia Knight, and Britney Cooper cheaply. That left the Revellers 7/2
and up against it. Natasha McLean hit two boundaries before holing out to Kyshona Knight at deep cover for 14. When Afy Fletcher bowled Chedean Nation to leave the Revellers 33/4 with just 20 balls remaining, the game appeared to be heading decisively the Gladiators’ way. King and Henry had other ideas, though, adding 22 in the next 12 balls to leave the equation at 12 from nine balls. King was then run out, though, and that would prove decisive as the Gladiators held on to leave both sides with a win apiece from the two matches. Kycia Knight and Matthews had earlier impressed once again for the Gladiators at the top of the order. They shared a 54-run partnership for the Gladiators in Thursday’s NLCB Challenge defeat and this time, with Kycia moved up to open alongside Matthews, they put on 41 for the first wicket. Matthews (26 from 23) picked up a couple of boundaries with trademark cut shots and another with a
fine leg glance, while Kycia pulled one four in her 15 from 13 balls. But the two fell in successive balls in identical fashion, caught by Mclean when attempting big hits down the ground off King. The Gladiators never recovered their momentum. King added a third wicket, Sheneta Grimmond slicing to Felicia Walters at backward point for just 2. Kyshona Knight looked to get things moving again and picked up a one-bounce four through midwicket but was then bowled via inside edge and pad off Henry for 7. Qiana Joseph pumped the only six of the innings over wide long-on to start stand-in skipper Anisa Mohammed’s final over of the 10 but was bowled by the next ball. Mohammed was on a hat-trick when Gladiators skipper Afy Fletcher ran past the next to be stumped by a distance by Reniece Boyce. The hat-trick ball was survived as the Gladiators scrambled to 66/6 and a total that would prove just about defendable.
Sunday October 13, 2019
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Kaieteur News
Youth in focus
In a T20 era Dindyal wants to play Test Cricket By Sean Devers This is the era of the hype and glamor of the fast pace of T20 cricket but surprisingly West Indies Under-16 batsman Mavindra Dindyal loves the 50-over and twoinnings format and wants to play Test cricket. Only 14 years-old, the elegant right-hander has scored three consecutive halfcenturies since his Two-Day First-Division debut for GCC and his imperious coverdrives brings a young ‘Ronnie Sarwan to mind. His commitment to hours of batting practice with his father Gopaul, who would soak the ball in a bucket of water and bowl it short on the concrete is similar to how a young Shivnarine Chanderpaul and his dad practiced in the late 1990s. This, his dad says, makes him mentally tough and not afraid of facing bouncers from fast bowlers. And it seems to be paying off since he has been very consistent at the highest level of the GCA’s cricket. Dindyal batting belies his age and the teenager, who also bowls some off-spin, knows that he needs to convert his fifties into tons and is willing to listen to
Mavindra with his mom (left) sister and father at the old Stanford Ground in Antigua. advice. “I practice from Monday to Friday and also work on my fitness with short sprints and doing laps at Bourda,” says Mavendra. Since the resumption of the First Division season in the City, all of his fifties have been scored at Bourda. “I know that I need to stay at the crease longer and
convert good starts into hundreds. I am working hard on getting a first division century as soon as possible” Mavendra explained. He made his Regional U15 debut last year and scored 99 against Barbados and 59 versus the Leewards before making his first century (125 vs B’dos) in addition to two fifties in Antigua in April this
year. After playing 10 matches at U-15 level in two seasons, Mavindra made his U-17 Guyana debut in July this year and his highest score was 48 against T&T. In August this year he toured with the West Indies U-16 team to England. “I learnt a lot from the trip to England. I had to play later
GFF and Denmark Football Association to ink historic MoU on Wednesday
Wayne Forde
Jesper Moller
Eva Pasquier
Howard McIntosh
The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) in its ongoing efforts to set a solid and holistic platform for the sport will on Wednesday of this week sign a historic Football Development Memorandum of Understanding with the Denmark Football Association (DBU). President of the DBU, Jesper Moller, will lead a three-member delegation to Guyana, which will also include Andres Hoj Manager of the Presidential Office and Ms. Eva Pasquier
– UEFA Head of International Relations. Also making the trip on behalf of Concacaf would be Mr. Howard McIntosh Senior Project Manager of Concacaf. GFF President Wayne Forde has disclosed that he is very excited to be closer to signing this historic MoU that would further consolidate the ongoing
efforts of the GFF to streamline the sport. Forde also hailed this historic move and noted that all the details would be shared on Wednesday October 16 at a Press Conference to be held at the Pegasus Hotel. “The GFF Executive Committee has undertaken to expand its international
relationships and we believe that a partnership with one of the leading football nations can only bode well for the development of football across Guyana. We’re excited to enter into this long term partnership and look forward to a fruitful engagement with the DBU in the coming years.”
and wait for the ball longer because it swings more in English conditions” said the level headed young man who attended the Diamond Primary School and is now a student at the Diamond Secondary where he will write his CXC Exams in the next two years. The talented lad made his entry into this world on October 10, 2004 and is the youngest child of Gopaul and Jasmin Dindyal. His only sibling is his 18-year-old sister Darshanie. He grew up in the East Bank Village of Herstelling and became interested in cricket by going with his dad to watch the GYO’s first division team play. “I became fascinated by the sound of the ball hitting the bat and I joined GYO when I was seven. When I came back from England this year I moved to GCC because the Club (GYO) started to break up and the Coaches had left,” Mavindra informed. He has played for the Diamond Secondary both times they won the East Bank zone of the Secondary School’s 40-over cricket tournament for the last two years. “This is the sports term and this year’s tournament should start next month and I am looking forward to that. My favourite subject is Science. I try to balance academics and cricket but at times I miss assignments when I have to
go to cricket camps but I still get them from my friends since, although I want to make cricket my career I know that education is important,” says Mavindra who plays a bit of Table Tennis and Football at school. Not surprisingly his favourite shot is the cover drive while his favourite batsman is Indian Captain Virat Kholi. When not at school or practicing he likes spending time with his family, listening to music and watching cricket videos on YouTube with Kholi, Kane Williamson and Joe Root. Mavendra, who loves dhall puri with channa curry, is working to make the Guyana and West Indies U19 teams next year. One of the bright spots for the future of Guyana’s First-Class cricket once he remains focused, Mavindra thanked his Coaches (Yadram & Grimmond) at GYO, Reon King and Peter Persaud (GCC), Julian Moore (Guy U15) and Orin Bailey (Guy U17). He was also grateful for the support he gets in his fledging career from his family and his teammates at GYO, GCC and Rising Stars, a club on the Essequibo Coast where his parents are from. Fans will however have to wait at least two weeks before they see him in local cricket since his left arm is in a cast after he fractured his thumb during a fielding session at GCC this week.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday October 13, 2019
NBS 40-Over 2nd Division Cricket
UG, Bel Air Rubis & GCC latest victors; Arthur Duke takes 5 In sweltering heat in the City, Arthur Duke continued his good all-round performances for debutants Bel Air Rubis in only their third match in GCA’s New Building Society (NBS) 40overs Second Division Cricket tournament yesterday. Veteran all-rounder Duke with a four-wicket haul and a 70 in Bel Air Rubis previous two games against Sophia and GNIC captured the only five-wicket haul yesterday at the Queen’s College ground when he took 5-15 against Ace Warriors to give his side its first win. Mahendra Geenarine topscored with 25 while Arvin Gainda 19 and Keon Franklyn 17 chipped in with the bat. Aaron Rogers had 4-40 and Rawle Enmore took 3-16 for Ace Warriors who were bowled out for 103. Duke was adjudged LBW off the inside edge for six off Enmore, picked up 5-15, Gainda 3-24 and Geenarine 224 bowled Bel Air Rubis to a
six-run win. At the former Test venue Bourda, Jeetendra Sookdeo’s quick 39 led GCC to a five-wicket win over GYO. GYO made 192 with Neiland Cadogan (36), Joshua Ramsammy 31, Micheal Deonarine (25), Chris Deonarine (24) and Yeudisir Persaud (23) all got starts for GYO. Winston Forrester took 4-44, pacer Bernard Bailey 331 and Stephon Wilson 2-35 for GCC who reached 193-5 in 37 overs. Winston Forrester (38) and 14-year-old Mavindra Dindyal (28) supported Sookdeo as left arm spinner Trevon France had 2-23 and Seon Hopper took 2-26 in a losing cause. At Malteenoes, the hosts, led by Shaquel Moseley’s 56 with four fours and six and 22 from Nkosie Barker, reached 156 all out in 35.1 overs. UG continued their success against MSC, reached 157-6 to win by sixwickets as Melroy Stephon scored an unbeaten 52. Keon Morris took 2-19 in a losing effort for the Thomas Road unit.
Araon Roger captured 4-40 for Ace Warriors at QC yesterday.
MSC’s Shaquel Moseley hit four fours and a six in his 56.
Kaieteur News
Sunday October 13, 2019
PAGE 81
Courts Pee Wee Tournament
Defending champions march into quarterfinal North Georgetown Primary (right) defeated St. Ambrose (left) 3-1 yesterday in their round-of-16 clash in the Courts Peewee tournament.
R
ound-of-16 action in the 2019 Courts Under-12 Pee Wee football tournament got underway yesterday at the Ministry of Education (MOE) ground on Carifesta Avenue with the defending champions, St. Pius Primary registering the most emphatic win to book their place in the quarterfinal. St. Pius thrashed Uitvlugt 5-1 with Jamal Fraser netting a brace in the 18th and 39th minute while Bryan Brown, Troy Macy and Donovan Welcome each netted one goal in the win. Uitvlugt’s lone strike was an own goal. Cleon LaRose and Emmanuel Phillips scored
one goal each to fire 2017 champions West Ruimveldt into the last eight after they safely negotiated their way past Enterprise Primary. Jermaine Mitchell netted a brace while Samuel Tasher netted once to help Soesdyke to a 3-0 victory over Craig Primary. In other results of the day, St. Agnes beat Redeemer 20, North Georgetown got past St. Ambrose 3-1, Genesis edged Mae’s 2-1 and Timehri needled St. Stephens. Wayne Solomon scored in the 10th minute to take Tucville’s past Marian Academy. Ezekiel Yarde’s brace shot Genesis Primary into the next round with a 2-1 triumph over Mae’s.
Jefford sponsors medals, trophies for Upper Demerara Inter-Schools C/Ships
Edison Jefford (left) hands over one of the trophies and a few medals to District Representative, Christine Sampson at Woodpecker Products. Founder of the Jefford Track and Field Classic, Edison Jefford donated a quantity of medals and trophies to the Upper Demerara/Kwakwani District 10 for the Under-20 category at their InterSchools Track and Field Championships this week at the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground. Jefford said that he quickly accepted the request to support the defending champions at the National Schools Championships
because of his commitment to continue to contribute to the development of sports in the region and in Guyana. He congratulated the District and wished all the athletes well in their quest to represent the region. District Representative, Christine Sampson thanked Jefford for the contribution, adding that such support will help the region prepare for the upcoming challenge of defending their title at the National Schools Championships in November.
Play between Tucville Primary (left) and Marian Academy yesterday at the MOE ground.
Tridents beat the unbeatable Warriors to take the Hero CPL 2019 title
rt o p S
2019 CPL Champs! Barbados Tridents @ CPL T20 via Getty Images
Gladiators edge out Revellers in Courts Invitational
The triumphant Courts Gladiators.
GFF and Denmark Football Association to ink historic MoU on Wednesday
Courts Pee Wee Tournament
Defending champions march into quarterfinal
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