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KAIETEUR NEWS Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: ADAM HARRIS Tel: 225-8491, 225-8458, 225-8465 Fax: 225-8473 or 226-8210
Editorial A VISIONARY BUDGET NEEDED The passage of the last Budget in Parliament halted the trend of irrational spending. Now the people are hoping that the 2017 budget expected on December 5 will resuscitate the economy, create jobs, reduce the national debt and improve their lives. They are optimistic that the Minister of Finance will bring forth a budget with a vision that will chart a new course for the country and hopefully lead the nation to better economic times. The economy is struggling and the major challenge of the government and the private sector is to get it back on the right track. A high level of public confidence in the government is needed to grow the economy. In this regard, Budget 2017 should address the needs of the people and improve the economy. It should focus on diversifying the economy by establishing a robust financial services sector. Export income and investment are on a steadily downward trend while import costs and borrowing. But then again, the view is that more government spending will push the economy. There has not been any serious policy articulated by the government to diversify the economy. Initiatives aimed at expanding the agricultural sector are few. Ecotourism and mining are the two sectors routinely suggested. The country has been attracting investment with most going in the oil exploration sector in recent times. Yet as we call for a boost to the economy we must realise that the country is facing a shortfall in revenue due to lower prices for its commodities, including bauxite, rice and sugar. This is why more emphasis should be placed on diversifying the economy. The government should lower the tax rate to attract not just local investors, but also foreign investors. The Minister of Finance should have the necessary foresight and imagination to present a budget with a vision that will address these issues so that all can share in the country’s resources and development plans. If the budget falls short of the expectations of the people, many, especially the poor and the lower working class will continue to suffer. The country’s present economic and financial circumstances require a clever approach that should incorporate the ideas of most if not all stakeholders in a significant way. Having an all-inclusive vision to develop the economy is perhaps one of the best ways to inspire trust and confidence of the people and move the country forward. During the election, the APNU+AFC coalition assured the people that if elected to office, it would develop the economy, create jobs, reduce the national debt and provide a better life for all. This was the vision that it is still offering to the people. The government has been forced to take pivotal steps to stabilise the economy and reduce the nation’s import food bill. Further, the $12 billion annual subsidy to the sugar industry has taken its toll on the country’s economy. While the message of not having as much as before is echoed loud and clear, the people need to know when the subsidy will end. The consensus is that the country needs an effective budget with benefits for every segment of the population. It must provide the means to develop the economy, reduce the national debt, create jobs and help the poor who are the most vulnerable in society. Additionally, the budget must have specific allocations for youth development and empowerment.
Kaieteur News
Sunday October 16, 2016
Kaieteur M@ilbox Send your letters to Kaieteur News 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown or email us kaieteurnews@yahoo.com
Stabroek Market Clock; is time running in or out? Dear Editor, Lately, there has been so much brouhaha about the Stabroek Market Clock, its restoration and seeming negative implications that time has struck me out. Yes, I am somewhat taken aback and at a loss for words as I try to grapple with the thinking or level of mental cognition of some of the key players and sayers. Speaking from an angle of political correctness, the iconic Stabroek Market Clock is not just your ordinary time piece. It takes pride of place alongside the likes of Big Ben in London, the Saviour Tower in Moscow, the Zytglogge Tower in Switzerland, the Rajabai Clock Tower in Mumbai , India, and the Peace Tower Ottawa just to name a few. Surely the rehabilitation of such a historical masterpiece, that qualifies as a cultural heritage should have been a top priority of the Guyana Government, and not a gratuitous gesture through the Ambassador’s Fund
for Cultural Preservation following Ambassador Perry Holloway’s proposal to his U.S affiliates. Did the idea of restoration not cross the mind of the Guyana Government during the cleanup, make pretty, look nice pre-Jubilee activities? Let us not forget that Ambassador Perry only took office in Guyana on September 24, 2015. The clock was there even before he was conceived let alone be received. Apparently the clock situated so strategically in the heart of the nation’s capital had made its last tick eons ago, and has stood still ever since. Such is symbolic of present day Guyana, as the clock represents time and parallels the current non-progressive way of life Stabroek clock was not ticking, at City Hall brains were not clicking, and common folks were taking a plain ole licking. From my vantage point, there certainly appears to be more in the
mortar than the pestle, for the very act shows that there is absolutely no regard whatsoever for history or heritage. Fancy, even after fifty years we are still behind the eight ball. The Stabroek Market and the clock were built somewhere around 1880 and 1881, and today the market remains one of the oldest structure still in use in the country. What have we as a nation not learnt? When will the Rip van Winkles of Guyana, namely The National Trust of Guyana and the Guyana Historical and Research Society awaken from their slumber, spring into action and take control of things. After all, better late than never. I wish to juxtapose an age old Guyanese adage alongside another proverb of the Western society—in Guyana the saying runs thus “nothing for nothing and very little for a sixpence”, and the Western society (Continued on page 5)
Sunday October 16, 2016
Kaieteur M@ilbox What is meant by “blood on the carpet?” DEAR EDITOR; The theme which ran through my last article was the systematic undermining of independent institutions of the State. As a result of recent developments, I feel compelled to continue this theme. Mr. Carvil Duncan is a member and the Chairman of the Public Service Commission. By virtue of provisions of the constitution, the Chairman of the Public Service Commission is ex officio, a member of the Police Service Commission and the Judicial Service Commission. The Public Service Commission, like the other service Commissions, are institutions created by the Constitution and endowed with the fundamental role and function of guarding against executive abuses. In fact, these Commissions are a significant component of the most critical array of constitutional mechanisms created to protect the citizenry against executive and other excesses. The appointment, discipline and removal from office of some of the most significant officials in the apparatus of the State, are the functional responsi-
bilities of these Commissions. They insulate these officers from the reach of the Executives, as part of an elaborate and carefully orchestrated schematic tapestry that cloaks these office holders with security of tenure—all designed to ensure their functional autonomy and independence in the discharge of their duties. More particularly, to protect them from executive influence and interference. As a result and in turn, those who constitute these Commissions are themselves clothed with even greater security of tenure and institutional independence. To these persons, the Constitution accords the highest regime of protection and functional independence. The express language of Article 226(1) of the Constitution is symptomatic of the type of protection which the Constitution confers upon these office holders. It provides as follows: 226. (1) “Save as otherwise provided in this Constitution, in the exercise of its functions under this Constitution a Commission shall not be subject to the direction or control of any person or authority.” As Chairman of the PSC, Mr. Carvil Duncan enjoys all
these constitutional protections. Constitutional purists in Guyana and across the Region must have been deeply shocked about certain disclosures Mr. Duncan made a few days ago. In a public statement, Mr. Duncan related thathe was invited to meet with the head of the Executive, the President, and the President’s Chief Aide,Mr. Joseph Harmon, Minister of State, whereof the President requested Mr. Duncan’s resignation and Mr. Harmon offered him a suitable financial package for his exit. During the course of the meeting, Duncan reports that the President said, “no less than 3 times, I do not want more blood on my carpet.” So, the nature, purport and intent of that sophisticated network of mechanism which the framers of the Westminster-styled constitutions conceived and architectured to guard constitutional office holders like Mr. Duncan, was simply shoved aside by the leading executive officers of this land and arrogantly disregarded and indeed violated. This constitutional heresy was compounded by “the blood on the carpet” reference - whatever that (Continued on page 6)
Stabroek Market Clock; is time... From page 4 claims; “he who pays the piper calls the tune”. Of course he who dispenses the money should determine how it is spent. The U. S government is paying for the rehabilitation/ restoration of the clock and as such seemingly has the final say on the clock, which will no longer be mechanically operated as previously, but instead electronically with a solar powered system. This is neither restoration nor rehabilitation but instead alteration and improvisation. Regarding this change, it is fitting to ask who at the governmental level was consulted prior to such a decision being taken. Was accountability and transparency once again denied the citizens? According to the Mayor Patricia Chase Green the
change in systems is designed to coincide with the greening of the country. Undoubtedly, while the clock failed to tick the country remained green with hardly anything moving forward. Now it
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is imperative that the clock be restored to its former known state, and as it ticks towards progress, we will soon find that all the green would be left behind. Yvonne Sam.
Kaieteur M@ilbox The GPHC Board has brought stability to the Corporation DEAR EDITOR; Over the past year we have had to work under extremely poor leadership at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). It had demotivated us and even affected how patients were managed. We were fearful for the corporation and our patients. When the Board of Directors was sworn in, it gave us hope. Under the leadership of Dr Hanoman, the board of directors kept meetings with all levels of staff and listened to our concerns. Plans were put in place, but there seemed to be a rift between the acting CEO and the board and tasks were not carried out. Luckily for us the board of directors persevered and managed to
get tasks done albeit at a slower rate. Things are slowly coming back to normal. Medication and equipment shortages are now minimised. The rift that was being created between doctors and nurses is slowly disappearing. Concerns aired by staff are being addressed more fairly. We are beginning to see the tide turning and positive developments are now occurring again at GPHC.
These positive developments could not have been possible without the committed management shown by the Board of Directors at GPHC. We thank the Chairman and his team for being there for us. We hope that a change in leadership does not come soon again. We have seen what the previous changes did to the Corporation and wish to not experience it again. Staff Member, GPHC
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Kaieteur M@ilbox
Kaieteur M@ilbox
Quoting John F. Kennedy in defence of Duncan’s suspension DEAR EDITOR, With the stroke of a pen, the power of the Presidency is executed. Finally, President Granger has used his powers vested under Article 225(6) of the Guyana Constitution to suspend Carvil Duncan from the position of Chairman, Public Service Commission, and consequently as a sitting member of the Judicial Service Commission, Police Service Commission, and Teaching Service Commission. By this simple act, there is renewed confidence that the Presidency is alive and well. The recent report on Carvil Duncan’s, with his lawyer Anil Nandlall, withdrawal from the constitutionally appointed tribunal is not surprising. It seems aimed at challenging the tribunal legitimacy, which is no surprise given the opposition’s noncooperative attitude in the transition after they lost the May, 2015 elections. Mr. Duncan’s disregard for President’s Granger’s offer of a graceful exit while his case
is heard and his arrogant withdrawal from participating in the tribunal, constitute contempt and ample justification for the tribunal to proceed with its deliberations and findings in his absence. The Duncan saga is not simply another opposition strategy to frustrate the coalition government in any meaningful reform and fight corruption, but it is calculated to keep its Freedom House loyalists in strategic positions of influence regardless of conflict of interest. The Commissioner of Information Mr. Charles Ramson Sr and Director of Public Prosecution Ms. Shalimar Ali-Hack are classic examples of the protection of vested interests. Many of these departmental heads and heads of commissions whom the President is constitutionally empowered to appoint should have been transferred, seconded, or asked to resign by the end of 2015. At least, the pack should have been reshuffled knowing the level of
conspiracies in every sector, according to the findings of the forensic audits. The coalition government appears sensitive to cries of witch-hunting from the opposition and flinches. Lest we forget, I implore every Guyanese to re-visit President Cheddi Jagan’s pragmatism when he assumes office I 1992. He called for the resignation of key office holders in the diplomatic service, boards, and commissions. He was building an effective government that he could rely on to execute his change policies. He did not only dispense with the services of political appointees but over-reached to remove many top civil servants such as Ambassador Ronald Austin and Comptroller of Customs Clarence Chu, among many others, who were properly appointed by the Public Service Commission. Ultimately, the courts ruled in their favor but the Jagdeo and Ramotar governments did not re-instate nor compensate them.
What is meant by “blood on the... From page 5 means. In short, the President has flagrantly violated the letter, spirit and intent of some of the most sacrosanct constitutional provisions and indeed his actions strike at the very heart of our constitutional democracy. Presidents (or Prime Ministers, as the case may be) have been impeached for far less in democratic countries. In Guyana, this is barely front page news. And life goes on. Not a murmur from the Associations representing lawyers in the country. But then again, the implications may be beyond them. Not a word from the organizations representing human
rights. Today it is the Chairman of the Public Service Commission. Tomorrow it can be the Chancellor of the Judiciary or the Director of Public Prosecutions or indeed any other constitutional office holder. That the President has violated the Constitution in such a contemptuous fashion which can catalyze his removal from office by virtue of Article 94 of the Constitution seemed to have bothered no one. Article 94 provides “The President may be removed from office if he or she commits any violation of this Constitution or any gross misconduct. The procedure for
removing him or her is prescribed by article 180.” But the travesty does not end there. Mr. Duncan having rejected their offer, the Government has embarked upon a manifestly unlawful course of action to remove him from office. While certain criminal charges are pending before a Magistrate at Georgetown’s Magistrate’s Court against Mr. Duncan, the Government decides to trigger a constitutional process to remove him from office on the ground that the pendency of those charges can interfere with the discharge of his constitutional functions. To begin with, the engagement between Mr. Duncan and the President to which I have made reference above, alone and without more, renders this constitutional process farcical. Anil Nandlall
If we visit (on line) the Cheddi Jagan Research Center and go to the section titled President 1992 – 1997, we will understand how Jagan was able to plan and remove key government functionaries. First, his “We the People have Won” speech on October 9, 1992 appealed for us to move forward and make into reality our motto: “One People, One Nation, One Destiny” and do so without racism, victimization, or trying to cast blame. On the contrary, his Address to the Nation on October 26, 1992, set the tone for house cleaning. He promised that there would be no witch-hunting but would rid the government of political appointees. He emphasized that conventions of Commonwealth Caribbean Countries dictate that with a change of government, resig-
nations are tendered by those who hold key positions in the diplomatic service, boards, and commissions. He promised that “the PPP/Civic government would pursue a humane compassionate and principled employment policy. While it is not interested in discriminating against anyone, it reserves the right to request transfers if needed.” He further promised to ensure that “there are no super-salaried free-riders on the backs of the working Guyanese taxpayers.” When Jagan delivered his “The New Beginning and Way Forward” speech to the Guyana Public Service on June 24, 1993, he had already started “sanitizing the Public Service” and replacing key functionaries with contract workers who were handpicked by Freedom House
and whose credentials and qualifications were known only to them. The same is true for the award of construction and vendor contracts. So, the Duncan-Nandlall saga is a reminder of Freedom House’s entitlement mindset and the struggle to keep their operatives in key positions. Can the coalition government afford this risk? How can they retain these heads of departments and commissioners in the very positions and expect a different result if it aims to put a lid on corruption and build a government based on the principles of fairness and equity? The words of President John F. Kennedy ring true: “There are risks and costs to action, but they are far less than the long range risks of comfortable in-action.” Max Wallerson
The dangerous obsession with material things DEAR EDITOR; Re-feeding syndrome occurs when some of the underfed are introduced to food and their systems cannot handle it. Upon getting food after starving, some take more than their body needs to have. However, this trait of overindulgence is not confined to the starving. Many who lack independence, freedom, material possessions, recognition and power cannot handle the responsibilities that are attached to these rights and privileges. As a result, these rights and privileges are abused. We can see this by
looking at ourselves. Our once humble civil servants self-inflate with their proxy power or recognition and become arrogant. We cannot handle the wealth with which we are blessed. We overindulge by becoming adulterers or the ironically praiseworthy “sweet-man”. We cannot control how much we consume – food and alcohol. We buy material things that we do not need – defining ourselves through material objects, looking like over-weighted vanity cases. We buy or build houses that exceed our needs – houses that are too big for two wives
or even one very big one. We emulate vulgar people and their vices and forsake our forefathers’ teachings of selfrespect and self-reliance. We must, as E. M. Forster says, learn how to handle our materialism, carnality, freedom, independence and power. We need to recognise our deficit because Guyana is on the cusp of becoming a model of success or failure in how we handle our resources – our people, land, water, forest and minerals. Will we be but a worthless flash or a beacon for our future generations and the world? Stanley Niamatali
High praise for Minister Joe Harmon DEAR EDITOR; On October 8, 2016 in the newspapers, I was deeply moved to read that the AFC was fruitful in a request to relinquish the powers and responsibilities of Minister Harmon. The rhetoric of the General Secretary of the AFC moved me because I am well aware that he knows how generous, kind-hearted, and hardworking Minister Harmon is and further that he does not give up on any task assigned to him. At no time
has he ever refused to assist another Minister in getting things done to move the country forward. I believe honestly that Minister David Patterson did not mean what he said in the newspaper or it was seriously misconstrued. The coalition of six parties has a lot on their hands since this new Government took Office. Many of the Ministries that this Government inherited were in a deplorable state; for e.g. roads, hospitals, edu-
cational institutions, agriculture projects/drainage just to mention a few. We cannot lose focus on what is important to all; a strong coalition. Although the responsibilities assigned to Mr. Harmon may not be fully understood by others, eventually all the pieces will fall into place. It is a team that is working together to make Guyana a better place for all Guyanese. Beni Rayman
Sunday October 16, 2016
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Kaieteur M@ilbox
Kaieteur M@ilbox
Region 6 Government is controlled off than the 2 which are serious damage to our crops by the PPP worse in the RDC’s Proposal. If we resulting in more than 3000
How funding was secured for the Under 15 Basketball Team
DEAR EDITOR, The Lancaster/Hogstye NDC has been the victim of neglect for decades under the PPP/C Government and this plight is now continuing under this current Coalition Government which is supposed to change things and more specifically empower NDCs to reflect the will of the people in order to foster socio/economic development if the various NDCs and by extension the Regions. Why is this happening under this new Government? Everyone in the NDC is asking this question. The answer dawned on me when I began reading letters by various writers about the corruption in Region 6 and why it is caused. The APNU/ AFC Coalition have won the government but Region 6 is still tightly controlled by the PPP and this has been the problem and this continues to be the problem since our NDC is the only NDC in Region 6 which is controlled by the Coalition. What is more revealing is that the Regional Vice Chairman, Mr Dennis Deroop is the Chairman of the Regional Works Committee and is also a high profile official of the PPP and probably this is why our NDC is being targeted in such a blatant and hostile manner. Another factor to be considered is the fact that it seems that both the APNU/AFC and PPP officials are in collusion in Region 6 to make money. I will now provide the evidence to support this line of reasoning. Our NDC was totally disregarded in the consultation process which should have taken place in the formulation of the Regional 2017 Estimates. We prepared our proposal which had 7 streets but when we inspected the RDC Budget proposal we found that there were 2 streets which we never submitted. What is revealing is that we were never consulted about the inclusion of these 2 roads and what is more horrifying is that we have 2 roads among a few others which are
were consulted then we would have recommended these 2 roads be done as a matter of priority. A few of the roads which are worse off are: the Middle Walk Dam South Half of Public Road (Ulverston); Manchester Secondary School Street South Half of Public Road (Manchester) and First Street North Half of Public Road (Lancaster). The Regional Vice Chairman cannot simply pull 2 roads out of a hat. This is not a game and serious and meaningful consultation must be done. Then we have found that Item 2 under ‘Roads and Bridges’ in the RDC 2017 Proposal, there is a proposal to construct a heavy duty bridge at Second Street, North Half of Liverpool Village which was constructed just a few months ago. Why this duplication? Is it a deliberate and money-making act? Is it negligence because on non-consultation? We are certain that if the RDC 2017 proposal is carefully evaluated it will be seen that there are many such anomalies or deliberate acts of money-making. We feel that the Regional Vice Chairman is not even qualified to prepare such an Estimate. Again we must conclude that if the necessary consultation was done then this would have been avoided. The fact that this NDC has been neglected can be concluded from the fact that for over 22 years we have been requesting an excavator to dig and clean our drainage and irrigation canals located in our backlands where our farmlands are located but to no avail. This has resulted is
acres of farmlands being abandoned. Currently, some youths in the area are trying to do some farming but are affected by lack of water or flooding so at the moment they are considering quitting. Next, a sluice which controls the flow of excess water from Black Bush Polder has been in disrepair for a long time causing the entire area to be flooded when water is released from the Black Bush Area. This sluice is urgently needed but our appeals have fallen on deaf ears. This is compounded by the fact that a tubing was removed by the Regional Vice Chairman without consulting with the residents or the NDC and this has caused the Whim/Lancaster areas to suffer from lack of water while facilitating other areas. Are we going to be referred to as, ‘cry babies’ by some members of the RDC because we are complaining about the issues affecting us and the Region? We have fought a long time for Local Government Elections and we must not have our right trampled upon. We are calling on this Government to fix these wrongs and we know that the Regional Chairman is a fair and just person with no political bias so we would like for him to address these issues since the Region’s affairs is his main responsibility. It is time for the Regional Vice Chairman to go. Robin Thom Chairman of the Works Committee Lancaster/Hogstye NDC Anthony Leitch –Councilor, Works Committee Member
DEAR EDITOR; Recent articles appearing in the Kaieteur News (August 28, October 8 and 9) suggest that the President of the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) Nigel Hinds, who at the time was also Chairman of Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), leveraged his positions to obtain sponsorship for the Guyana U15 Basketball Team from New GPC Inc. in return for granting favours to the New GPC parent company Queens Atlantic Investments Incorporated (QAII). As Manager of the Guyana Under 15 Basketball Team which recently participated in the Centrobasket U15 Championship for Men in Patillas, Puerto Rico, August 24-28, I wish to provide some context on the funding received by Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) for the team’s participation in the aforementioned Championship. The primary sponsor of the Guyana Under 15 Basketball Te a m to Centrobasket was New GPC by donating $1.5M towards the participation of the Guyana U15 team in the Tournament. The major media outlets Stabroek News, Kaieteur News, Guyana Times and Guyana Chronicle all received the GABF Press Release and published articles on Sunday, August 21, 2016 an-
nouncing Guyana’s participation in the CentroBasket U15 Championship, with at least two of the media outlets including the fact that New GPC was the flagship sponsor. The Under 15 Centrobasket Championship came quickly on the heels Guyana’s hosting of the CBC U16 Championships. Without the New GPC’s sponsorship, coming when it did, Guyana would not have participated in U15 Centrobasket. After the Government of Guyana contributed $40M towards Guyana hosting the Caribbean Basketball Confederation U16 Championships for Young Men and Young Women; Mr. Nigel Hinds, President of the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation took a firm stand that no outreach for donation should be made to the Government of Guyana for the U15 tour - as it would be asking for too much in such a short time. I promised the President of the Federation that funds will only be sourced from the Private Sector. As Chairman of the Local Organising Committee for the Caribbean Basketball Confederation U16 Championships for Men a n d Wo m e n h o s t e d b y Guyana in July; I had approached New GPC in June 2016 for basketball sponsorship, however with the CPL taking place the dona-
tion was deferred and a commitment of $1.5M was made by NGPC, just prior to Guyana departing for Puerto Rico on August 21, 2016. New GPC over the years has supported cricket and many other sport disciplines including football, badminton, and bodybuilding to name a few. So the financial support provided by New GPC was no surprise to me. Also, I have a longstanding relationship with the principal of New GPC. The U15 Championships was the first time that a Guyana youth basketball team competed on United States soil and represented a major move forward in basketball development and enthusiasm for Guyanese youths to play basketball. Twelve US visas were obtained for members of the touring party that participated in the CentroBasket games in Puerto Rico. Finally, the initial communication received from the Vice-President of Caribbean Basketball Confederation was that airfare would be fully covered by FIBA for teams attending CentroBasket, unfortunately the reality was that participating teams had to source funds for airfare. Mr. Alex Graham Manager, Guyana U15 Team - 2016
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Guyana elected to PAHO’s Directing Contractors owe Govt $300M Council General Committee - and counting -AG Report
Caribbean member states have committed to developing National Polio Preparedness and Response Plans in order to achieve the required 80 percent target coverage for all the surveillance indicators for Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP). Countries were advised to integrate the surveillance for polio with the neurological manifestation of Zika. This development occurred at the 55th Directing Council where Guyana was
elected as a member of the Directing Council General Committee of the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO). Also elected to the Committee were Jamaica, Grenada and Honduras. Guyana was represented by Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton, who was on the panel of Health Ministers and other officials who met during the last week of September at PAHO, Washington DC to discuss
ways in which public health challenges can be tackled across the region. The Minister was accompanied by Dr. Karen Boyle, Deputy Chief Medical Officer of the Ministry of Public Health. The Regional Health representatives attended the Thirtieth Meeting of the Council on Human and Social Development (COHSOD) which focused on matters such as, chemical risk and thermo-nuclear risk management and infectious diseases. Discussions were also held on the Caribbean Cooperation in Health Priorities and Regional Public Goods, Management, Governance and Resourcing and the Regional Health Strategy. Countries were encouraged to take local ownership of moving the COHSOD agenda forward by ensuring support at the highest policy level. Following the recently commemorated Caribbean Wellness Week, during which Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) was topical, discussions over the past few years have continued along this path. New initiatives for preventing NCDs and treatment methods were explored. Countries were (Continued on page 63)
Incomplete works along the northern side of the Beterverwagting to Triumph highway A number of contractors reportedly owe the government in excess of $300M in overpayments for works done on the East Coast Demerara highway improvement project. This is according to the Auditor General’s Report on the public accounts of Guyana for the fiscal year which ended December 31, 2015. For Lot One – Better Hope to Montrose, a contract valued at $468.215M was awarded for preparatory works. The contract was ter-
minated by then Ministry of Public Works, now Ministry of Public Infrastructure on July 31, 2012. This was done after a breach in the contractual obligations by the contractor. As of September last, the audit stated that there was no evidence to confirm that the Ministry was able to recover the sum of $81.570M which represents the contractor’s indebtedness. This amount was arrived at after a valuation was done at the time of the contract being terminated in accordance with Clause
15.3 of the contract. According to the audit, the contractor had sued the government for wrongful termination and the matter is still before the court. Overpayments were also found to be outstanding for work done in Lot three – La Bonne Intention to Beterverwagting. The report said that upon doing a physical verification of the area, works remained incomplete and that there were changes to the original scope of works. The contract for Lot three (Continued on page 63)
Sunday October 16, 2016
Popular automobile dealer caught in multimillion-dollar tax evasion case During his annual review of state agencies, Auditor General, Deodat Sharma has found a case where a city, automobile dealer has violated the regulations governing the operation of private warehouses. The popular importer has also landed himself in a case of tax evasion due to the infringement of the said regulations. Sharma in his latest report said there were 34 private warehouses in operation during the period under review, 2015. He said that an examination of the warehouse registers and physical inspections of 17 warehouses conducted in April and July 2016 revealed a number of things. He said that in one case, 36 pieces of equipment and 17 vehicles valued at a $370.859M were not found in five warehouses operated by an importer who is a popular automobile dealer. In addition, Sharma said that there was no evidence that duties and taxes totaling approximately $89.691M were paid.
Auditor General, Deodat Sharma Sharma said it should be noted that Section 100 of the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01 prohibits a warehouse owner or keeper or any person in his employ from opening or gaining access to a warehouse except in the presence or with the knowledge and consent of an officer of the Administration. The Auditor General also found that 44 pieces of equipment valued at $312.006M and with estimated taxes payable
totaling $49.921M were removed from four warehouses in which they were deposited and transferred to others without the permission of the Commissioner-General of the Guyana Revenue Authority. He said that the removal of warehoused goods from one warehouse to another without the permission or knowledge of the Commissioner-General represents a breach of Section 115 of the Customs Act 82:01. Sharma also noted in his report that 10 pieces of equipment and five vehicles physically verified in three warehouses were not traced to the warehouse registers maintained by the Administration. ‘ Sharma said that efforts to ascertain the value of those equipment and vehicles proved futile since it could not be determined the year the items were warehoused and the Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF) of each piece of equipment and vehicle. Sharma said that the Customs Regulations prohibit a warehouse-keeper from (Continued on page 10)
Dem boys seh...
New govt mek Babbie tun li’l boy All good things must come to an end. That is de truth. Jagdeo was president fuh so long that he think he was god and he mek other people believe that dem is god, too. He best friend, Babbie, was one of dem. When he was there dem boys never see Babbie in no line or going to an office to justify or rectify or modify anything. He use to have de officers marching to he office and he telling dem what to do and how to do it. Dem boys did always know that even that would come to an end. Yesterday, dem boys smile when dem see Babbie walking in de GWI compound like pity poe boy. He was summoned just like how he use to summon
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officials. Van, dem boys ain’t certain if he is West or East, was de man that summon Babbie. He tell him don’t send no manager. “Come youself.” It had to do wid de money he owe GWI fuh de well in de Sanata compound. When Van, West or East, done wid him he wee wee. Babbie life mek dem boys remember a story when a wife and she husband were having a serious quarrel, and de husband seh—”Pack you things and…” Same time de telephone ring. Dem stop de quarrelling and de wife answer de phone. It was she father. De phone was on speaker suh de husband could hear everything he was saying. After de usual greeting
between father and daughter, de father seh, “My daughter, I have transferred $500 million into an account. Give you husband $300 million, and you can have de remainder.” De man continue, “I sending a 570 Lexus like wha Donald does drive, to you and you husband fuh family use. After de old man hang up, she tun to she husband and ask, “You seh I should pack my things and do what?” De husband seh, “Pack you things and give dem to me to wash… I will iron dem when GPL lights come back.” Talk half and watch how things can change in a flash and in some cases overnight.
BaiShanLin trying to re-enter through the back door Chu Hongbo linked to companies seeking lands in Region Seven The Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman has confirmed that Managing Director of BaiShanLin Forest Development Inc, Chu Hongbo, has close ties to a new company that has made an application to have access to prime lands in Batavia , Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni). Trotman made this disclosure during a press conference on Friday last. There, the Natural Resources Minister said that the company’s application has not been granted as he is of the belief that it does not meet the necessary requirements. Trotman said, “When I became minister, I met it there (the company’s application) and I was asked to grant it on the basis of national need. I am still to be satisfied that there is national need for such a thing.” He added, “The Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs is involved in the pro-
Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman
Managing Director of BaiShanLin , Chu Hongbo
cess and I have asked that if there are negotiations that they be transparent, above board and in the interest of the people there. I would not say that the company is being held up but I don’t believe that it meets the requirements.” Chu Hongbo has been sitting at the helm of the contro-
versial Chinese logging company, BaiShanLin. Since its ten years of being in Guyana, the company has been accused of raping the nation of its forest wealth while benefitting from billions of dollars worth in concessions. It has also been accused of being involved in various cases of tax evasion.
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NY court convicts Lusignan fish exporter in $1.6B frozen shrimp coke bust New York (New York Daily News) -The jury didn’t buy this guy’s fish story. The owner of a company that imports fish from Guyana was convicted Friday in Brooklyn Federal Court of smuggling 250 kilos of cocaine in a frozen shrimp-laden shipping container. Heeralall Sukdeo, said to
be from Lusignan, East Coast Demerara, claimed he was duped by a relative who is in the fish business, too, and was left holding the bag after the feds found the bricks hidden inside blocks of ice. “The defendant is a drug smuggler,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Harris told the jury, “and he was caught red
handed.” The cocaine, valued at over US$8M, was shipped from Georgetown, Guyana, and arrived at the Red Hook pier in June 2015. The agents were unable to repack the frozen shrimp in the 20-foot container and substituted a 40-foot container which they placed under surveillance. The much larger shipping container apparently did not arouse Sukdeo’s suspicion when he flew in from Guyana to pick up the load. Sukdeo’s US$500,000 bail was revoked after the verdict.
Convicted: Heeralall Sukdeo
Sunday October 16, 2016
Popular automobile dealer caught in multimillion-dollar... From page 9 making any alteration or addition to a warehouse without first obtaining the written permission of the Commissioner-General. In response to the situation, the Customs and Trade Administration said that it has taken note of the findings of the Auditor General. It noted that the said warehouse owner operates five warehouses: two in Berbice, two in Georgetown and one at Eccles. The administration said that an audit of these ware-
houses by the Warehouse Section commenced in January 2016. Prior to this intervention, it said that these were ‘open’ warehouses - the warehouse keeper had the keys. The officials assured that all these warehouses are now secured with locks under the control of the Warehouse Section of the Administration (CTA). The officials said that notices to produce stock not located during the audit by the Warehouse Section were served on the warehouse operator in March 2016, prior to the commencement of activities by the State Auditors. They said that the warehouse operator was served several ‘Notices to Produce’ and upon default, demands for the outstanding duties and taxes were served. The matter has since been deferred to the Legal Division for attention.
Sunday October 16, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Sunday October 16, 2016
AG unhappy with Chancellor’s … accuses PPP of creating powers dictatorship in judiciary Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, on Friday during a press conference at the Ministry’s chambers, blamed the former People’s Progressive Party Civic government for creating the only dictatorship in a judiciary within the Commonwealth Caribbean. The AG said that the PPP/C had abused its power by virtue of the party’s majority in the National Assembly in 2005, when it amended the High Court Act and transferred administrative powers from the office of the Chief Justice to the Chancellor’s office. The amendment was assented to by then President Bharrat Jagdeo and passed into law. Williams listed five effects which the amendment had on the judiciary. The first was that the Chancellor would have absolute control of matters from the Magistrates’ Court to the Court of Appeal. Secondly, the Chancellor was allowed to sit on a case in which he had influenced the appointment of Magistrate or Judge. Also, the Chancellor, being the head of the Judicial Service Commission, has an influential role in the appointment of magistrates and judges except the Chief Justice. The Attorney General said that it may be apposite that the Chief Justice is in no relationship with her Puisne Judges but was perfectly placed as a buffer, or check and balance to the power and influence of the Chancellor on judges of the High Court, before the amendment. As a result of these changes, Williams said that Article 127 of the Constitution would be effectively dealing with only one office; that of the Chancellor with respect to that appointment. He said that the amendments made to the High Court Act resulted in the removal of the division of the administrative powers between the offices of Chief Justice and Chancellor and the consolidation of all powers in the office of the Chancellor. In effect, Williams said that the PPP/C created the only dictatorship in the judiciary in the Commonwealth Caribbean. Williams said that bringing this issue to light relates to the contention of the previous government that the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change coalition government is abusing power. “This is an outrage and when they were prompted to do that, we debated it in parliament and we warned them about going that route.
Attorney-General, Basil Williams But they pushed it through with their majority. What do you have? There is no check and balance.” The AG said that the office of Chief Justice had all its powers removed from it. He said that the amendment affects the question when leaders have to discuss under Article 127 as to who will be Chancellor and who would be Chief Justice. “Because the PPP had concentrated all the powers in the office of the Chancellor, whenever that office came up for discussion, whether under Mr. Corbin who was the leader previously and Mr. Granger who took over, the PPP always insisted on having its candidate pushed forward for Chancellor.” Williams said that when Robert Corbin was leader of the opposition, there was a push by his party for former Chief Justice (ag) Ian Chang to be chancellor. The then President Bharrat Jagdeo did not support the move. When asked if Guyana can expect an amendment now to restore the checks and balance to the judiciary, Williams said, “My own belief is, for agreements to be reached under Article 127 of our constitution in respect of these offices, you need to restore that balance.” He told this publication that all that is needed to fix the problem is for a simple majority in parliament to vote in favour of restoring the balance of administrative powers between the two judicial positions. He said that when the right time comes his government will go ahead and follow the requisite procedures to have the High Court Act restored to what it was before.
Sunday October 16, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Political fallout, mismanagement of forest among reasons for greenheart ban
- Govt. devises strategy to reverse restriction By Abena RockcliffeCampbell Daily, the APNU+AFC government has to deal with the consequences of actions taken by the previous administration. The current ban on the exportation of greenheart woods from Guyana to the United Kingdom is one such example of unwanted inheritance. At a press conference he hosted on Friday, Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman said that the ban on greenheart is a matter of serious concern to the government. He said that the Cabinet has been apprised and several ministers are working assiduously to resolve the matter. The inter-ministerial team is made up of the Ministries of Business and Foreign Affairs and of course Trotman. The Natural Resource Minister said, “Greenheart is literally at the heart and soul of Guyana’s timber industry. It represents; in a sense, the strength of Guyana. To us we have a reputation to protect and we have to ensure that those who produce logs for
Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman use in marine construction (wharves) and, for lumber that we give them what they desire and that is, markets in the United Kingdom.” Trotman said that the government is concerned that this ban, if left, could “like a virus, spread itself into other parts of Europe and elsewhere.” Trotman continued, “We are very close in terms of working with the European Union and the European Union forest law governance system. (The ban) is a national
issue and will receive a national response.” The Minister indicated that early next year, a ministerial delegation will travel to the United Kingdom to press Guyana’s case. “We’re very interested in restoring the smooth trade and lifting the ban. We’ve had communication with the British High Commission,” Trotman said. He told the media, “I believe it was a culmination of many events, including the sense that our forests were being managed, or mismanaged, in a perilous manner.” Further, the Minister said that he also believes that “it may have had some political aspects attending to it and also there is international lobbying by other countries that produce not greenheart but a species that could be used for some of the same on purposes and so it is a combination of us being outmaneuvered.” Trotman himself noted that “the ban came quite coincidentally in May 2015 when relations between Great Britain and Guyana were at an all time low, just before
Witness Protection, Whistleblower legislations to be enacted within one year - Attorney-General Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams reported that the Witness Protection and Whistle-blower Bills will be finalised within a year. He said that the Bills are certain to be tabled before Parliament by December 2017. The AG reported to media operatives on Friday that the recent consultations have been successful since meaningful input was given by relevant stakeholders. “I was very happy with
the quality of the interventions at those consultations. They were piercing, they were to the point, they showed that a lot of thought was put into the questions and they made useful suggestions, too.” The Minister said that one of the important recommendations was whether the legislations should apply to cases that occurred within three years prior to its enactment, or whether the period should be
extended to cater to matters which occurred in the 2000s. He said that people may want to whistle-blow on killings which occurred during that crime spree. When asked if the nation can expect additional consultations on (continued on page 57)
Government changed. I believe (that is) when the High Commissioner of Great Britain was asked or told that he was free to leave or something like that. All of these things seemed to have culminated at a particular point in time but as I said they are quite
anecdotal and right now we are very interested in restoring the smooth trade and lifting the ban.” In a statement issued last year, Environmental Agency stated, “A decision has been made that we will apply the timber procurement policy rigorously and that we will
only buy timber from legal and sustainable sources. “This currently prohibits the purchase of new Greenheart’ (from Guyana) as it does not have sufficient evidence (based on UK Government requirements) that the forests of origin are sustainably managed.”
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Sunday October 16, 2016
Kaieteur News
Allegations of fraud, corruption…
GECOM’s Chairman dodges questions from PPP Commissioners on 2015 spending A number of Commissioners within the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) have crossed swords with Chairman, Dr. Steve Surujbally, over allegations of fraud at the entity. A major investigation of fraud is currently underway by state auditors at GECOM. The auditors will be investigating several instances of inflated prices, sole sourcing and forged quotations from known businesses. Yesterday, Commissioner Robeson Benn said that a meeting on Thursday saw a defiant Chairman unwilling to entertain questions about the allegations. Rather, said Benn, Dr Surujbally opted not to discuss the issue, saying that he will await the report of the Audit Office. “He said that he is chomping at the bit to replying to the reports in the press and other media. However, he has been barred by his lawyers from replying,” Benn said yesterday. It is all a delaying tactic by the Chairman to block the
Commissioners from investigating what really went on last year, Benn said. “In essence, he blocked proper oversight to have an inquiry into GECOM and he blocked legitimate questions from Commissioners who have a right to ask and are entitled to know what is going on. Our perception is that the refusal to have a discussion on the allegations is a delaying tactic.” Surujbally is due to retire in another month after more than a decade and half at GECOM. According to Benn, a former Minister of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), he and two other commissionersBibi Shadick and Sase Gunrajrecently wrote Dr Surujbally for a meeting of the Commission. “We wrote a letter requesting a meeting for an update on continuous registration and to discuss the issue on the question of electronic voting…electronic registration preparation and for a possible consultant to guide on the way forward. However, we were not getting any meeting.”
According to Benn, the GECOM Chairman recently emailed them asking for them to commit via a round robin vote on the registration exercise. Meeting The three PPP Commissioners did not respond, so Dr Surujbally called a meeting for last Thursday. According to Benn, the GECOM Chairman said he wanted to discuss the registration exercises but the PPP Commissioners were insistent on discussing other urgent issues, “especially ones relating to the spending that were carried in the press.” “We have several questions regarding the press reports of the revelations, including the reported inflated prices for nippers and pliers, procurement of radios, photo papers, toners. The fact is we have been facing a stone wall when it comes to getting information from GECOM.” The GECOM Chairman also faced objections when he raised his possible participation in an overseas trip to the Organisation
GECOM’s Commissioner, Robeson Benn of American States (OAS). “He said he had an invitation to an OAS country as a farewell tour for, from his words, the longest serving elections chairman in OAS countries.” However, the PPP Commissioners reportedly objected to an overseas trip at a time when GECOM is under pressure on a number of issues. “This issue here goes along with a number of others including a petition filed in the
GECOM’s Chairman, Steve Surujbally courts over the 2015 elections. There is a continuing pattern of blocking information both internally and outside. Surujbally is not the Commission…He is merely the Chairman. The Chairman is supposed to bring together the Commission to deliberate the issues to find the best approach in arriving at solutions,” Benn pointed out. Audit expanded Last week, Auditor General, Deodat Sharma, said that his office has expanded a current probe to look at other
spending at GECOM. There were early general elections on May 11, 2015 with figures coming out of GECOM indicating worrying procurement breaches. Several weeks ago, the Audit Off ice launched a probe into a $99.5M purchase of communication radios for the elections. Collusion The payments of millions of dollars in inventory and services have a pattern of not only collusion within GECOM but with contractors too. Documents indicated that staffers, in all likelihood, colluded to deliberately split contracts to avoid Cabinet’s scrutiny. Payments included for the radios, Duracell batteries, photo paper, pliers, toners and a host of other items. Of an estimated $700M in contracts last year, GECOM doled out almost 40 percent to the businesses of two brothers- Michael and Mahendra Brasse. From all indications, the proper procurement procedures were not followed.
Sunday October 16, 2016
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Kaieteur News
12 cops on bail for attempted murder, bribery, other offences Recently, Commissioner of Police (a g) David Ramnarine, revealed that 24 police ranks are currently before the court for offences ranging from attempted murder to assault. For the year, Kaieteur News recorded 12 policemen appearing in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts and being placed on bail. One of them was indicted for attempted murder; six for robbery; four for corrupt transactions and another for causing death by dangerous driving. ATTEMPTED MURDER After reportedly gunbutting and shooting a man who had assaulted his reputed wife, Police Constable Lyndon Thompson was indicted on an attempted murder charge on August 10, last. It is alleged that Constable Thompson, 25, of Kaneville, East Bank Demerara, discharged a loaded firearm at Shawn Williams with intent to commit murder on August 8, at Itabali Landing, Region Seven. The father of one was not required to plead to the indictable charge and was granted $150,000 bail. It was reported that Constable Thompson fled after transporting the injured man to the hospital. He was captured a few days after at Teperu Crossing by ranks that were on the hunt for him. Police in a release said that the subordinate officer in charge sent a Constable with a service revolver, to accompany the woman who made the report. On arrival, the assailant was contacted and during the intervention an argument ensued between the Constable and the assailant. Eyewitnesses claimed that the policeman struck the virtual complainant (VC) to the head with the firearm, causing him to fall, after which it is further alleged that the cop discharged a round at the VC, hitting him in the upper chest. ROBBERY On August 8, five policemen accused of robbing three gold miners of 15 pennyweights of gold while on patrol were ordered to post $600,000 bail each and report to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown. The cops, Constable Kosi Arthur, 25, of Linden, Region 10; Constable Raphael Lowenfield, 25, of Lot 486 Section ‘D’ Block ‘X’ Diamond, Housing Scheme,
Kosi Arthur
Delroy Duncan
Dwayne Marshall
Lyndon Thompson
According to reports, the Constable, and a part time minibus driver was racing another minibus at around 20:00hrs on the day in question, when he tried to avoid hitting a motorcyclist, who was heading in the opposite direction. He was however unable to avoid the collision and ended up losing control of the vehicle. The minibus reportedly toppled several times before smashing into a utility pole and finally coming to a stop at the wall of Regent Street store, ‘Curtains and Draperies.’ Linton reportedly sustained multiple injuries and died hours later while receiving treatment at the Georgetown Public Hospital
Corporation (GPHC). He was reportedly sitting in the back seat of the minibus when it crashed. A total of 15 ranks have been dismissed by the Guyana Police Force this year, six of them for corrupt transaction, two for rape, three for narcotics related offences and four for simple larceny. The previous year, 12 ranks were dismissed - seven for corrupt transactions, two for firearm related offences, two for narcotics related offences and another for assault. Twenty-one ranks were interdicted for offences ranging from conspiracy to commit murder and assault, last year.
Mark Fernandes East Bank Demerara; Lance Corporal Mark Fernandes, 34, of Annandale, Railway Embankment, East Coast Demerara; Constable Delroy Duncan of Lot 71 Sisters Village, West Bank Demerara; and Constable Akeem Thompson, 21, of Lot 65 Bel Air Village, Georgetown; were all arraigned before City Magistrate Judy Latchman. It is alleged that on July 25, last, at Timehri, East Bank Demerara, they robbed Sherman Noel of five pennyweights of raw gold. It is also alleged that on July 25, at the same location, they robbed Heeralall Girdhari of four pennyweights of raw gold. They are also accused of robbing Euri Samuels of six pennyweights of raw gold. The lawmen were each instructed to post $200,000 bail on each count. The complainants were robbed at around 14:20hrs on the day in question at Army Base Camp Stephenson, Timehri. It was reported that the police ranks visited the area after receiving information that the miners were allegedly involved in illegal activities and relieved them of the gold. Constable Fernandes has been a serving member of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) for the past 14 years. Constable Thompson and Constable Duncan have four years of service and Constable Arthur has two years. Attorney Patrice Henry who is representing the ranks had argued that there was no substantial evidence against the officers to charge them. He had said that none of the alleged stolen gold was found in their possession. Police Officer Eulin Carthe, 33, of Plum Park, Sophia, appeared in court on July 18, last, after it was alleged he robbed Michael Elliot, on January 1, of $1,600 and two silver chains valued $60,000, and at the time, before or after the robbery, made use of personal violence. The police rank who denied knowing the VC was released on self-bail. Officer
Raphael Lowenfield
Akeem Thompson
Carthe had denied knowing the VC and said that his mother had compensated the man in his presence for the articles he claimed were stolen. CORRUPT TRANSACTIONS On October 4, Police Corporal Selvin Elkana, 38, and Constable Dwayne Marshall, 37, both stationed at the Alberttown Police Station, Georgetown were accused of obtaining $60,000 as bribe from Deonarine Dowlatram to forgo an assault case. They were each ordered to post $50,000 bail by the Chief Magistrate Ann Mc Lennan after denying the allegation. Police Corporal Ronald Fraser, 43, of Supenaam Creek, Pomeroon, was accused of accepting an ounce of raw gold; three pennyweights of raw gold and two pennyweights of raw gold from Mark Williamson to forbear to investigate him for the offence of narcotic (cannabis sativa) possession which occurred between February 1 and February 20 at Ekereku Police Station. Corporal Fraser denied the allegation on July 16, before the Chief Magistrate. He was granted $75,000 bail. In June, Police Constable Colin Rodney, 33, of Lot 17 Joseph Pollydore Street, Lodge, Georgetown, was charged with two counts of accepting bribes. He was accused of engaging in corrupt transactions as an agent of the state by accepting inducement from Hushaam Mana and Saeed Gopie on June 15, at Kingston Seawalls, Georgetown. The cop was placed on $30,000 bail after his lawyer argued that he was wrongfully accused. CAUSING DEATH BY DANGEROUS DRIVING An allegation of causing death by dangerous driving was read to Police Constable
Timothy Horatio Timothy Horatio on September 15, by Magistrate Leron Daly. Horatio, 26, of Stone Avenue, Campbellville, Georgetown is accused of driving minibus BPP 7944 in a manner dangerous to the public thereby causing the death of Dillon Linton, 21, also of Stone Avenue, Campbellville, by dangerous driving. The accident occurred on August 28. He has pleaded not guilty to the charge. The cop spent two weeks on remand before he was granted bail in the sum of $300,000.
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Sunday October 16, 2016
Kaieteur News
UG students raise awareness on Digital Eye Strain for World Sight Day 2016 World Sight Day (WSD) is an annual day of awareness held on the second Thursday of October, to focus global attention on blindness and vision impairment. This year is the fourth year of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Action Plan which is coordinated by International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), under the VISION 2020 Global Initiative. In Guyana, students of the Optometry programme at the University of Guyana offered free screening and eye testing to interested persons on campus. They were also tasked with bringing awareness to the general public about ocular ailments. Four students, Chhandanie Khairu, Francine Barker, Rodella Summer and Hema Persaud, were
assigned the responsibility of raising public awareness on digital Eye Strain. The group during an interview with Kaieteur News discussed the signs and symptoms and some precautionary measures persons can take against digital eye strain. Khairu explained that Digital Eye Strain is the physical discomfort felt after prolonged exposure to digital screens. She added that it is associated with the close to mid-range distance of digital screens, including desktop and laptop computers, tablets, e-readers and cell phones. Khairu noted that it is not uncommon to start experiencing symptoms after spending two or more hours staring at one or multiple
digital devices. Barker said that nearly nine out of 10 adults, roughly 88 percent, spend more than two hours each day using a digital device, with one in 10 people spending at least three-fourths of their waking hours on a digital device. The Optometry student said that this constant exposure to technology is a shock to the human eyes with 65 percent of persons reporting symptoms of digital eye strain. Barker said that symptoms of digital eye strain can range from dry/ irritated eyes, blurred vision, eye fatigue, neck and back pain and headaches. Barker added that on average, 75% of persons who use two or more devices simultaneously report experiencing symptoms of eye strain. However, she explained, when compared to people who use just one device at a time, reports of symptoms of eye strain dropped to 53 %. Summer, who focused on preventative measures said persons can fix digital eye strain in a straightforward way, by modifying their habits. Enlarge text: she noted
Second year Optometry students. From left to right: Rondella Summer, Francine Barker and Chandanie Khairu that eyes have to strain to read small text, so persons should keep text large to give their eyes a break. When working in text editors or viewing online materials, use the keyboard shortcut to magnify text (ctrl “+”) as needed. Always magnify to a size that feels comfortable. If you have to move your head closer to the screen, squint, or don’t feel relaxed while reading — the text is still too small. Read offline: Summer explained that intense reading on computer monitors is not ideal for productivity because eventually your eyes will tire out. When you come across a long article or document, print it out in large-enough
print. Then read it at your own pace and in the right lighting. A survey was conducted at the University of Guyana among 50 students to investigate the average population affected by digital eyestrain. The study showed that students spend an estimate of nine hours using digital devices to browse the internet, social media activities, entertainment and research. Approximately 285 million
people worldwide live with low vision and blindness, of these, 39 million people are blind and 246 million have moderate or severe visual impairment. Most of the blind people live in lowincome countries, yet 80% of visual impairment is avoidable. Restorations of sight and blindness prevention strategies are among the most cost-effective interventions in health care.
Brazilian shot dead during robbery The body of a Brazilian national was found at 10 Miles, Port Kaituma on Friday morning with gunshot wounds to the body. The victim has been identified as 43-year-old Mario Cozzer. According to information received, passersby spotted Cozzer’s body near his bike and immediately notified the police. Upon examining the body, investigators found gunshot wounds. They believed that the miner was shot and killed during a robbery since a quantity of gold with which
he had left the backdam was missing. Investigators reportedly found the miner’s firearm in his camp and suspected that he might have been murdered by one of his colleagues, who used his (Cozzer) gun to kill him and then take it back to the camp where ranks found it. This newspaper was told that detectives have come to this conclusion since the miner usually took his gun with him whenever he left the camp. The weapon will be examined.
Sunday October 16, 2016
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Kaieteur News
An uphill battle to live with a costly condition
A section of the GPHC’s Dialysis Centre By Sharmain Grainger While it is particularly hard to lose a family member suddenly, it could be just as difficult to watch that next of kin or even a close friend suffer until the end. Some people are plagued with conditions that can claim their lives. What could be even more heart-rending is if there is a solution to that dying person’s condition, but it is inaccessible because of a lack of finance. But this is in fact the life of many people living right here in Guyana. Sometimes the condition is a chronic Non-Communicable Disease (NCD). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), although NCDs, also known as chronic diseases, are not contagious, that is they do not pass from person to person, they are of long duration and generally slow progression. They have the potential of leading to death. The four main types of NCDs are cardiovascular diseases (like heart attacks and stroke), cancers, chronic respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma) and diabetes. But one of the outcomes of NCDs that is said to be the mostly costly to the local health sector is kidney failure. Diabetes and high blood pressure are among the
known conditions that trigger kidney failure. Kidney failure is essentially the end stage of chronic kidney disease. Symptoms of kidney failure include: reduced ability to urine, tiredness, swelling of feet, shortness of breath, poor appetite, puffy face and eyes, among others. There are reportedly many people suffering from chronic kidney failure who are unable to access needful treatment. According to information out of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), Guyana’s premier health institution, this condition is in fact the most costly disease that the public health sector is tasked with treating. While a kidney transplant could help to prolong the life of a victim of kidney failure, complete with a good quality of life, the other option for most patients is dialysis. Dialysis is a process whereby the blood of a person suffering from kidney failure is clinically purified. The inability of the kidney to work causes toxins such as urea, potassium and creatinine to build up in the blood. Although GPHC is able to offer transplants to kidney failure patients at no cost, patients are, however, expected to fund cross matching tests. The cross matching tests are done to
ensure that the potential kidney donor is compatible with the patient in need of a new kidney. The GPHC is currently unable to do those tests and therefore relies on a facility in the United States to conduct these tests. The cost is G$1million. But many patients can ill-afford to meet this cost on their own. Now think about how much more costly it would be for such patients to afford dialysis for the rest of their lives instead. You see, just last week, Kidney Transplant Surgeon attached to the GPHC, Dr. Kishore Persaud, revealed that the hospital has limited capacity to offer dialysis to patients. Patients upon being diagnosed are given a period of free treatment, then they are asked to seek this treatment at a private facility. While patients are afforded a one-off cheque of $360,000 to cover the cost of their dialysis elsewhere in order to make space for new patients, they are usually left hanging in the balance after the sponsored-treatment has ended. According to Dr. Persaud, “some of them choose to not do dialysis because they know they can’t afford it after the cheque runs out and so they just wait to die.” An increasing number of persons have been dying as a result,
The Baccoo Speaks The hinterland, particularly the North West District has attracted the criminals, many of who were content at one time with a lowly life. Murders will be the order of the day because these people will become so greedy that human life will be of little value. Two murders will rock the N orth West communities as bandits go after the gold the miners would accrue. Suddenly peaceful communities will know fear. ** A case in which some
men were sent to jail to serve long prison sentences will once more reopen because the intellectual authors or the masterminds were never brought to justice. Of interest will be the manner in which this case will
proceed against the persons who continue to pursue their self-interest despite the high profile this case adopted. ** Guyana’s reputation as a drug source will be further highlighted with the arrest and conviction of two other people from foreign countries. The drug mules would be local but the recipients would live in the foreign country. This will have a serious effect on the government which is trying to clean up the image of the country.
Dr. Persaud has confided. Currently the hospital is tasked with catering to about 120 patients. But the cost of dialysis has essentially been a burden on the health sector, Dr. Persaud intimated. According to him, the cost for dialysis has been steadily rising. The cheapest dialysis treatment offered to patients currently is pegged at $12,000 per session. Patients are expected to undergo at least three sessions per week if they are to maintain a reasonable quality of life. Now imagine the plight of a kidney failure patient who is the breadwinner of his or her home, but is too sick to work. The family must eat! The reality in our world is that some people don’t even see $12,000 during a single week much less the $36,000 required for three sessions or the $180,000 or so required to
cover sessions in some months. Some patients have no choice but to constantly check themselves into the GPHC for emergency medical care if they are to overcome the resulting complications of not receiving dialysis. According to Dr. Persaud, the hospital currently has about 10 “resident” patients. Patients accessing service at the GPHC cannot be turned away. But, Dr. Persaud says, it puts a further strain on the service, since the capacity is so limited. The hospital, as at the end of last week, had in place five functioning dialysis machines and two additional machines on standby for emergency purposes. But Dr. Persaud revealed that the hospital needs as much as 40 units in order to meet the increasing demand for this service. Officials of the hospital are worried that dialysis
could consume too much of the hospital’s financial allocation. They have therefore started to appeal for support from the private sector. Dr. Persaud says that while chronic kidney failure is not reversible, what persons must bear in mind is that it could be prevented altogether in some cases. As such, he noted that moves are already apace to educate the public about ways to safeguard their health. Safeguarding yourself from kidney failure could be as simple as: drinking eight to 10 glasses of good quality water every day, avoid overdosing on drugs, taking appropriate treatment of kidney stones, avoiding a sedentary lifestyle, avoiding too many alcoholic drinks, and of course, by controlling high blood pressure and diabetes.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday October 16, 2016
Death stalks the 106th batch They were best friends embarking on a career to save lives. Did some psychopath take theirs? By Michael Jordan Fitzroy Dublin doesn’t trust in coincidences. But back in 1989 a case chockfull of coincidences came his way. Two young, vibrant women, two best friends from the same class, suddenly fell ill. Within the space of six months, they were both dead. After eleven years, this case still torments him. It’s a case that he has a personal interest in solving. After all, one of the young women is Mr. Dublin’s daughter. Others may call it a case of ill luck. He calls it murder. When Dormayne Dublin was attending school, the former Bygeval Multilateral student displayed artistic talent and her parents envisaged enrolling her in the Burrowes School of Art. But in 1995, three months after graduating from school, Dormayne indicated that she was interested in a career of nursing. She enrolled in the Georgetown School of Nursing and put everything into her career. Enrolled in the 106th batch, she became close friends with another young nurse trainee, Jacqueline Langford. The two, along with a male student nurse, soon became almost insepa-
Were they murdered? From left, Dormayne Dublin, their male colleague and Jacqueline Langford rable. Then, in March, 1998, while they were preparing for their final exams, things went scarily awry. The healthy 22-year-old Dormayne Dublin suddenly fell ill. It seemed like nothing serious at first, just a fever and chills. But the fever was not abat-
ing, and she was eventually admitted to hospital. She underwent a battery of laboratory tests which failed to unearth the reason for the nurse’s illness. Dormayne’s mother would visit her in the mornings, and the woman became concerned when she realized that her daughter was beginning to have hallucinations.
Once, the trainee nurse imagined that she was on television receiving several awards. On another occasion, she spoke about seeing a sister at the hospital, even though the sister was not there. Eventually, Dormayne became so weak that she had to be assisted to the hospital washroom. And yet, no one could tell the Dublins what was wrong with their daughter. Fitzroy Dublin had his suspicions, though. On March 23, about 13 days after she was hospitalized, he enquired from her whether she had ever eaten anything from anyone. She said no. But Dormayne did recall that about a week before she fell ill, she was at a gathering with other student nurses when someone brought a tumbler with a beverage which they all drank. He never found out
who gave his daughter the beverage. Ten minutes later, Dormayne passed away. According to Mr. Dublin, who witnessed the autopsy, the late forensic pathologist Dr. Leslie Mootoo concluded that his daughter had succumbed from a stomach ulcer. But Mr. Dublin is adamant that his daughter had no stomach ulcer, though that is what he says was written on her death certificate. Then in August, 1998, Dormayne’s best friends, 23year-old Jacqueline Langford, and the male trainee nurse who was their ‘batch mate’ also fell ill under mysterious circumstances. The male nurse trainee survived, but, like her friend, Dormayne, Langford died. Mr. Dublin also viewed that autopsy, and he became further convinced that his daughter was the victim of foul play, although it was suggested that Langford had succumbed from pulmonary thrombosis, an ailment that affects the lungs. According to him, a senior medical official who also witnessed Langford’s autopsy reportedly muttered: “something wrong here.” He says that the official expressed the view that someone administered a poison, which gives a delayed reaction, to the two young women and their male colleague. (That male colleague would die some time later from an unrelated illness). At the time, a relative of Langford had stated that she was informed by Dr, Mootoo that poisoning was
suspected. In a brief interview with me, the same medical official confirmed that there were indeed suspicions of foul play in the deaths of Dublin and Langford. According to the official, the overriding feeling was that someone had poisoned them. The suspicion, he says, was that someone in the medical profession, had a grudge against the two young women and their male friend, someone who was perhaps mentally unbalanced, had committed the act. ”It is deeper than you think,” he says. He says that an investigation was launched, but the culprit was never found. Tissue samples were reportedly taken from the victims and sent to a Trinidad laboratory. Nothing was reportedly found in the samples to confirm suspicions of foul play. However, some local experts suggested that the diagnosis may have been affected because of the lengthy delay in sending them overseas and the way they were stored. Reports at the time indicate that the samples were stored for several weeks in a cupboard. The official says that following the investigation, recommendations were made that nurses be given their own cupboards, and that they be fitted with locks. If you have any information on this unusual case, please contact us at our Lot 24 Saffon Street Charlestown office or by telephone. We can be reached on telephone numbers 22-58465, 2258491, or 22-58458. You need not disclose your identity. You can also contact Michael Jordan at his email a d d r e s s mjdragon@hotmail.com.
Sunday October 16, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Deluge of unimaginable, incredible tales I have not published my numbers in the telephone directory, nor have I ever listed them and my e-mail address in my columns for the 28 years I have been a published and public commentator. In last Sunday’s column I did just that. The response was and still is immense. I have received endless calls and copious e-mails from people in Guyana and far places in the world asking me about all sorts of things and they are all related to the totality of life in Guyana and the future of Guyana. A huge amount of correspondence relates to the wrongs people of the low income classes continue to suffer. I didn’t want to publish my personal details, because I anticipated the results. First, I simply cannot cope with the replies and I do not have the time or resources to right the wrongs the poor and powerless suffer in this land. Secondly, at my age, after decades of political and social activism, I think it is best if my psyche is not bombarded by these sad, tragic, unimaginable, incredible tales. As an activist, one of the frequent questions I am asked is about the future of this place. My encounters on the streets, supermarkets, and restaurants with young people are that they do not see a future for this country. But I do admit, recently people have been asking if oil will not at long last bring a
future. It is natural for any government to heap praise on itself. But the reality on the ground tells a different story. I will discuss two aspects for now of the contents of that deluge since I published my numbers and e-mail address. One is most definite – the poorer classes have not identified anyone in the power structure of the Coalition arrangement that they feel they can trust to listen to their plight and bring redress to them. I listened to these people over the phone and I read their emails and it is like I am shellshocked. This cannot be happening. We are not living with a PPP Government that is completely uninterested in human rights violations. We are in a new dispensation where there is a President that appears in the eyes of the world to be an honest, decent human. We live in a country where the Prime Minister has a fifty-year-old track record of struggle for betterment. Yet in discourse with me, Guyanese feel that there is no one in government that they can identify to be a crusader against injustice. Most shockingly, they feel that from the President to the Prime Minister, right down to the Ministers and to the bottom of the party apparatchik, they are not interested in correcting the injustices that freely haunt this land. I cannot reveal the identities of many of the
complainants, but there would be permanent consternation on your face if I tell you who some of these people are. These are persons who belong to the parties that make up the government, gave their little campaign money during the 2015 election, and gave their energy and time to get the Coalition elected. But it is not only about violations. Some of them would ask me to get coverage for their activities in the Kaieteur News. When I point them to the Chronicle, it is if the Chronicle is still a PPP rag for them. I move on to the other
dimension of the deluge. People ask all the time; “Freddie, I need your honest opinion, I want to come back, should I?” Since last Sunday’s column where I published my numbers and email address, I have received several such questions. This isn’t new. People have been asking that question for years now, because some of them got my number and address from Kaieteur News. I have no particular nationalist commitment to any country or organization or human being that would force me to deny my conscience. I started out my
academic career as a historian, went on to study complex philosophy, and in the end I see myself as being committed to history and philosophy. I don’t want to say the truth, because the obvious response will be; “Freddie, what is the truth? My truth is I do not see a bright future for Guyana, because I think the leadership to ensure that is nowhere on the horizon. I think we lost such leadership after President Hoyte openly embraced a cruel, sadistic, neo-liberal economic blueprint, and that was taken to its climax under all the PPP
Frederick Kissoon Governments since 1992. From Hoyte to Jagdeo, we lost a generation that could have given this country an assured future.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday October 16, 2016
Top of Form Bottom of Form
Govt. proactively and responsibly preparing for oil production The Ministry of Natural Resources has noted the perspectives and opinions expressed by members of the public on how the country should be preparing for the oil and gas sector. The Minister and staff, indeed the entire Government of Guyana welcome healthy discourse and we will stay committed to continuing these conversations in an inclusive and consultative manner. However, we also recognize that there is need for a bit more accuracy, so we take this opportunity to fill in a few gaps and at the same time, remind you of the progress the Ministry has made since we started on this long and meandering road towards oil and gas production. International financial and industry experts have given us the assurance that despite low current oil market trends, Guyana will benefit when production commences around 2020, provided that the well(s) perform as projected. They have also assured us that no international oil company
would sanction a project if the break-even price is higher than its forecast. Further, they pointed out, despite the global push for renewable sources of energy, demand for oil – now at 94.1 million barrels per day worldwide – is still very high and growing. We ask you to consider the following points raised at the 2015 OPEC World Oil Outlook (WOO):§ Global energy demand should increase by almost 50% in the approach to the year 2040 § The overall energy mix will continue to be led by fossil fuels at almost 78% § Combined, oil and gas are expected to supply around 53% of the global energy demand by 2040 § In the medium-term, demand projections are revised upward from WOO 2014, rising above 97 (mb/d) by 2020 § Oil demand is projected to be at 110 mb/d by 2040 The oil industry is fraught with uncertainty, but we
believe that industry experts’ projections do show us the direction in which the industry is headed. In Guyana’s case, there are many variables that may affect production plus the revenue that the country might earn through production sharing, taxes and other arrangements. As such, we would be doing ourselves a disservice if we did not do everything possible well in advance to ensure that there is transparency, honesty in our dealings with international partners, sincerity and fulfilment of promises, now and in the future. To this end, the Government led by the Ministry of Natural Resources is in an accelerated process of developing the new industry and building internal capacity for it. This approach includes building appropriate and enforceable legislative, financial and institutional capacity; drafting action plans for the short, medium and long term; and developing a robust communications strategy to keep every stakeholder
informed of these developments. Here are some of our main achievements: TECHNICAL SUPPORT The Government of Guyana (GoG) will soon sign an MOU with the Government of Trinidad and Tobago for technical support and cooperation. There is also a visit scheduled to Trinidad and Tobago to further cooperation which will continue with exchange visits and university scholarships. Other scholarship opportunities are being pursued with the Mexican Petroleum Institute (IMP). Capacity building initiatives and assistance to develop the Sovereign Wealth Fund were also received from the University of Calgary and the Government of Canada. DEVELOPING LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK With the support of external expertise, the Ministry is creating a Local Content Policy to guide local services and skills to participate in the sector in lucrative ways. GoG is also receiving support from the Commonwealth to prepare legislation and very shortly, Minister Trotman will table eight pieces of legislation, all
of which are geared to strengthen the regulatory and fiscal policy frameworks. FISCAL MANAGEMENT The Cabinet subcommittee on Oil and Gas met in September with representatives of the Bank of Montreal upon the institution’s invitation. This bank focuses on the global natural resources sector. The parties discussed financial investments, sovereign wealth funds, pitfalls to avoid, and managing risk and uncertainty in the industry. In addition, Guyana is receiving support from the United States Government through the Energy Governance and Capacity Initiative (EGCI). This is intended to build capacity to responsibly manage oil and gas revenues. TRANSPARENCY Guyana will soon sign on to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) to ensure that fiscal transparency is entrenched in the sector, which also includes every extractive subsector along with oil and gas. MNRE will remain responsive to our citizens’ requests for information and we invite you, wherever you are, to reach out. TOP FLIGHT
WATCHDOGS The Guyana Oil and Gas Association (GOGA) was established last week with some specific objectives among which is a mandate to keep the industry honest. It has set its sights on ensuring transparency and accountability of all transactions, and adequate provision for Guyanese to be directly or indirectly employed in the sector. The Associations is led by its President Bobby Gossai Jr., Director Nigel Hughes, Resident Representative of the IDB, Sophie Makonnen, and Canada’s Ambassador to Guyana, Pierre Giroux. According to the AFC’s Chairman, Attorney-at-Law Hughes, “GOGA will support all efforts which will lead to the fullest possible disclosure of all information on all transactions related to the exploitation of this national resource, and encourage the widest possible discussion on the development of this asset”. The Guyana Oil and Gas Association has committed to ensuring that the growth of Guyana’s anticipated hydrocarbon industry is well managed in such a manner that all Guyanese will enjoy the maximum benefits from this national natural treasure.
Sunday October 16, 2016
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Kaieteur News
My column
Political opposition parties are stuck in one gear. They all refuse to accept the good that the other party is doing, but they are fast to mount protests, even if those protests are for the wrong reason. I remember the then President Donald Ramotar complaining about the noncooperation of his opposition. He would often say that they refused his invitation for dialogue. Donald Ramotar is no longer in office, but the situation remains the same. His party is refusing to cooperate with the government. General Secretary Clement Rohee has been saying as much. He refuses to acknowledge that in cases where the government is doing the same things that his government did, his reaction has been akin to the adage, “Do as I say and not as I do.” A few years ago, when his government was in the opposition and the late Cheddi Jagan was at the helm, there was an issue with the then Vice President Robert Corbin. The din for his resignation was so loud that even people overseas heard it. The campaign was intense. And Corbin resigned. Fast forward to today. Carvil Duncan is before the courts for a perceived indiscretion. Duncan is head of the Public Service Commission and as a result, a member of the Police Service Commission and the Judicial Service Commission. He has a say in the affairs of senior police officers and magistrates and judges.
I cannot see it being ethical to have this man appear before a magistrate whose fate rests in his hands, so the call was for him to resign until his matter is resolved. People in other societies have resigned for less. No one likes his name to be smeared. There was the case of Justice Rabi Sukul who was sitting in the Guyana Court of Appeal. A British court found him implicit in a wrongdoing. Immediately Justice Sukul gave up his position on the Guyana Court of Appeal and went to England to clear his name. He has done so, but he has not indicated an interest to return to serve in the local courts. Kellawan Lall was implicated in raucous behaviour outside a rural bar. He reportedly discharged his firearm, and all because of some scrap over a woman. The matter hit the news media, but such was his political position that the investigation was lukewarm. The then President Bharrat Jagdeo set about to shield him and later, under intense pressure, shipped him off to a diplomatic posting. But this was only done after the very Kellawan Lall was embroiled in another incident that left an officer of the court crippled. To this day the man has not received the necessary compensation from either his employer or the state. In that incident Kellawan Lall claimed that he was not the driver; that his son was. Even if that was the case, his son was never prosecuted
and President Jagdeo was happy with the status quo. And so we return to Carvil Duncan. He is accused of taking some $984,000 from the public treasury without the requisite authorization. He is also accused of helping the then Deputy General Manager of Guyana Power and Light, Aeshwar Deonarine, of salting away some $28 million. He is placed before the courts, but Jagdeo does not see the need for Duncan to resign. When President David Granger takes the necessary action under the constitution, Jagdeo and his People’s Progressive Party make a noise about dictatorship. They then go about making it an issue by refusing to sit in the Parliament when President David Granger addressed the forum. I can understand a political party seeking to make its supporters see that it is an advocate, either for right or wrong. The party has to seek relevance and that I can understand. What I can’t understand is promoting illegality. How can a president act within the constitution and be a dictator? It is the same constitution that Jagdeo used. There are other areas that cause me worry. I happen to move around the city and I am surprised at the vast improvement being done to the road surfaces, something that had not been done in the last two decades. That programme alone created a lot of employment. Many
people are working, but the opposition keeps talking about the absence of jobs. I am tempted to ask whether jobs disappeared when the new government came into office. This government inherited the situation of a lack of jobs and is doing something about it. These things are happening in less than two years, but such is the political noise that they pass unnoticed. There is talk about crime. Of course there is crime in every society, but I can see a vast reduction in the violent crimes. Many are domestic in nature, something that a government cannot control but the opposition, which faced the same situation and worse, is complaining.
Clement Rohee said to me that criticising is the job of the opposition; that it is not his job or that of his party to say anything good about the government. I can live with that. What I can’t live with are the comments that business is bad. People say that if they go into a store and they see something when they don’t have money, when they go back that thing is gone. People are shopping. If that was not the case, why are these businesses still in operation? I had cause to direct attention to the Chinese-run businesses which are booming. The opposition now complains that the government has closed the criminal loopholes. It is
Adam Harris saying that the government should allow corruption so that people can thrive. If that is to be the recipe as proposed by the opposition, I want none of it. But who am I to talk. The government has its own public relations people who must earn their keep.
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(Excerpt from His Excellency President David Granger’s Address to the National Assembly, October 13, 2016) ‘Quality of life’ is a measure of citizens’ satisfaction with their lives. People’s personal values and life experiences determine their level of satisfaction. This includes health, independence, participation in community and civic activities, personal development, physical and material well-being, recreation, relationships with other people and social support. Citizens, usually, are uncomfortable with high levels of crime; insanitary conditions in the countryside and city and incivility by officials, all of which contribute to lowering the ‘quality of life.’ These conditions should not be regarded as a permanent state, but as temporary problems to be solved. The State, regional administrations, the media, municipalities, trade unions and civil society can do much to enhance the quality of life, to give citizens the feeling of satisfaction and to solve the problems that affect them. Public services are essential to citizens’ ‘quality of life.’ Public services involve public trust. Citizens expect public servants to serve the public interest with integrity and reliability in order to manage public resources efficiently. Public trust encourages
Kaieteur News
active citizen participation in society and the economy. It makes public agencies more accessible and more accountable. Reliable public services inspire public trust and create a favourable environment for human safety and for the functioning of businesses, thereby contributing to wellfunctioning markets, economic growth and, consequently, a high ‘quality of life.’ PUBLIC TRUST Dreams of a ‘good life’ turned into a horrible nightmare at the dawn of the new millennium. The most unforgettable experiences and most frightening evidence of our descent into chaos were the bloody, drugdriven, decade-long ‘Troubles.’ The ‘Troubles’ will be remembered as the darkest hour in our history. It was a time of the un-investigated assassination of a Minister; of the investigation into the alleged implication of another Minister in the direction of a ‘death squad’; of the alleged implication of yet another Minister in the acquisition of a computer to track the telephone communication and location of adversaries targeted for assassination. It was a time of arbitrary arrests; of disappearances and of torture of young men; of the surge in armed robberies, narco-trafficking and gun-running. During that first, deadly decade, there were 1,317 murders and 7, 865
President, David Granger
armed robberies. It was a time of deception and the cynical rejection of £4.9 million UK Security Sector Reform Action Plan for which a memorandum of understanding was signed in August 2007; of the rejection of recommendations of numerous security reform reports and total disregard for the implementation of the National Drug Strategy Master Plan. The evidence of the
impact of the man-made criminal crisis is still visible. The damage is most manifest in the demoralisation of the public and security services, the erosion of public trust and the lowering of the ‘quality of life.’ The grisly security situation was accompanied by a parlous economic situation. The undermining of public infrastructure by the encouragement of cronyism led to serious, costly, serial
Sunday October 16, 2016
scandals as seen in the construction of the Kato Secondary School; the Hope Canal bridge; the river-front revetment at Kumaka, Barabina road and Moruca bridge; Supenaam stelling and the unusable Ministry of Social Protection building in Georgetown. The paralysis of public telecommunications became evident in the incompetent or corrupt implementation of the US$70 million Fibre Optic Cable Project and the misapplication of computers under the ‘One Laptop per Family’ Project. The environmental policy will be remembered, forever, but not fondly, by the administration’s responsibility for the most destructive environmental disaster in Guyana’s history — the catastrophic 2005 flood. This was an event of incalculable damage, disease, discomfort and, in some cases, death. The exaggerated emphasis on narrow elements of the Low Carbon Development Strategy obscured the absence of strategic thought and action. Guyana’s rich biodiversity, wildlife, wetlands, coastal zone, rivers were not adequately protected against the ravages of lawless logging, mining and solid waste mismanagement. ECONOMIC POLICY Your Government entered a depressing financial landscape in May 2015. The economic legacy that this nation inherited was characterised by a lack of strategic planning and whimsical decision-making. The absence of a policy to provide employment opportunities for youth and to reduce extreme poverty and the failure to energise the ma n u facturing sector weakened the economy. E c o n o m i c mismanagement was accompanied by huge debts for unpaid international obligations and court judgements. The most grave financial problem was the bankruptcy of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), which owed $89 billion in debts. Your Government was forced to divert money from economic development and social projects to rescue the ailing corporation with an immediate injection of $12 billion. An additional $11 billion had to be provided the next year, 2016, making a total of $23 billion bailout in 18 months. These transfers exclude the servicing of GuySuCo’s debts in respect of the Skeldon Estate
Modernisation Project – a monstrous and monumental US$200 million mistake and, probably, Guyana’s single most costly industrial catastrophe of all time. Paddy farmers in the rice industry were not spared the previous administration’s reckless mismanagement. The PetroCaribe Fund – used to meet payments to farmers for rice and paddy shipped to Venezuela – contained less than US$1 million in May 2015. Your Government was forced to make available nearly $4 billion immediately, so that poor paddy farmers could be paid. Your Government inherited a large number of liabilities, including judgements in excess of US$34 million (or G$7 billion) in favour of NH Elias, in respect of the East Bank Demerara Road; judgement for $1.3 billion in favour of Rudisa Beverages; judgement in favour of Trinidad Cement Limited; settlement for$1.4 billion with B.K. Tiwarie on Haags Bosch Project and several other judgements that will cost the State over $1 billion. Your Government, also, was obliged to provide another $5.4 billion bailout the National Insurance Scheme as a consequence of the previous administration’s irresponsible CLICO investment. Your Government, despite encountering this immense mountain of debt, was able to meet commitments to the nation’s hard-working public servants. The minimum wage grew from $39,520 in May 2015, to $55,000 in January 2016, an increase of 39.2 per cent in 7 months. Public servants have benefitted, in addition, from the raising of the tax threshold, from $600,000 in May 2015 to 660,000 in January 2016; the removal of income tax from workers’ contributions to the National Insurance Scheme and a tax-free payment of $50,000 to all workers earning less than $500,000, in December 2015. These benefits, taken together, augmented workers disposable income significantly. Collective bargaining with public servants’ unions could result in additional benefits in the form of increased increments, allowances and adjustments made for ‘de-bunching’. Oldage-pensions have been increased from $13,120 to $18,200 or by 38.7 per cent, and Public Assistance increased by 24 per cent during the same period, May 2015 to April 2016.
Sunday October 16, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Anxiety Disorder: The missed illness By Dr Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine Our mind can be our greatest friend and yet it can become our biggest enemy. Persons who suffer with anxiety disorders tend to be fighting their minds more often than anything else in their lives. The reality is that we all get anxious from time to time; when speaking in public for instance or during a personal financial difficulty. We tend to worry and become stressed and depressed. Then we get over our worries and move on with our lives. U n f o r t u n a t e l y, for persons with anxiety it’s not that easy. Their minds worry so often that it begins to take over their lives. How common is anxiety? We may think that it’s not a big deal and it’s not something we have to worry about. Anxiety is a true medical condition and affects 40 million adults in the U.S.
That’s 18% of their population. I am quite certain that we are not that far off here in Guyana either. As common as it is in the U.S, only one third of those suffering receive treatment. My worry is that quite a number of persons in Guyana are not even sure that they have an anxiety disorder. Either they are not sure of what’s going on with them and blame another medical condition, or they are bewildered by their anxiety and abuse medications, drugs, alcohol, others, or sometimes become so overwhelmed and commit suicide. SYMPTOMS/SIGNS OF ANXIETY Persons suffering from anxiety may have one or more of the following signs/ symptoms: . Excessive worrying – this is the hallmark of anxiety. Persons with anxiety disorder tend to worry about everyday things, large and small, for most days of their lives. . Sleep problems – persons with anxiety tend to
take their worries to bed regularly. They end up having difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. . Muscle tension – anxiety sufferers tend to have near constant muscle aches and stiffness and are prone to muscle and ligament injuries during activity. . Chronic indigestionanxiety sufferers are at risk of having irritable bowel syndrome, a condition characterized by stomach aches, cramping, bloating, gas, constipation, and/or diarrhea. . Stage fright – The fear of addressing a group of persons is so strong in some anxiety sufferers that it overwhelms them. Even if they end up addressing the group, they worry about the event constantly after. . Self consciousness – persons with anxiety disorder tend to feel like all eyes are on them, and they often experience blushing, trembling, nausea, profuse sweating, or difficulty talking. . Constant panic attacks –
a panic attack is a sudden, gripping feeling of fear and helplessness that can last for several minutes, accompanied by scary physical symptoms such as breathing problems, a pounding or racing heart, tingling or numb hands, sweating, weakness or dizziness, chest pain, stomach pain, and feeling hot or cold. Persons with anxiety tend to have repeated panic attacks. . Recurrent flashbacks – someone with anxiety may constantly relive traumatic moments of their life and get depressed over it. . Self-doubt – Persistent
self-doubt and secondguessing is a common feature of anxiety disorders. . Feeling of not belonging – a person with anxiety disorder often feels they are different from everyone and can isolate themselves. Over time they may develop suicidal thoughts which if not addressed, can lead to them taking their lives during a stressful situation. We all may have one or more of the mentioned signs and symptoms from time to time. A person with an anxiety disorder has to repeatedly experience these episodes, which often overwhelms
Dr. Zulfikar Bux them. If left untreated, anxiety sufferers can become a victim of their mind and it can lead to catastrophic consequences for them and their loved ones.
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Kaieteur News
How Often Should You Wash Your Natural Hair?
It’s Magic
By Sointocurls via BlackNaps.org
S
ometimes we end up limiting how often we wash our hair thinking that it will prevent dryness when we should actually be washing more frequently than we do. The signs that our hair is dying for a wash are not always so obvious, especially for the natural newbie. How often natural hair needs to be washed varies from person to person. It depends on these factors: -The amount of oil your scalp produces -Your hair density and texture -Hair porosity -The styles you like to wear -The length of your hair (shorter hair is no doubt easier to wash more frequently) -The amount of hair products that you use and the way that your hair reacts to products (if you use lots of styling products you will definitely need to wash your hair more frequently than someone who uses hair styling products minimally). The above factors contribute to the decision as to how often washing is best for you. Aside from your usual schedule there may be some indicators that you are not aware of that are signals that a wash day is in order: -Your hair doesn’t seem to get moisturized no matter what you do or put on it. -In the above case more than likely you have product buildup which is creating a barrier so that your hair cannot receive the moisture you are attempting to put into it. Try
Sunday October 16, 2016
1. ARTISTS 2. COSTUME 3. DISAPPEAR 4. DOVES 5. ESCAPE 6. FLOWERS 7. FOILS 8. GAMES 9. GESTURE 10. GIMMICK 11. HANDS 12. HIDDEN 13. ILLUSION 14. LEVITATE 15. LOCKS 16. MIRAGE 17. NESTED 18. POCKET 19. RABBIT 20. RINGS 21. SCARVES 22. SHIFT 23. SIDES 24. SILKS 25. SLOTTED 26. SMOKE 27. SPRING 28. STAGE 29. VESTS 30. WAND using a clarifying shampoo. -Tangles in your hair are getting out of control. -Difficulty managing and manipulating your hair (water helps in the elasticity department). -Weighed down hair -Your curl definition is lack luster My personal experience I will say that, in my personal experience, for me at least once a week is absolutely necessary. This is true because my hair tangles more and more as time goes by without washing it. So, in essence, the drier that my 3c hair gets, the more difficult it is to manage. In order to decrease tangles, believe it or not, the best thing to do is to increase the hair’s moisture level by completely immersing it with water and washing it. Notice that I recommend complete immersion and thorough washing. To explain, when I began to stretch the time between washings by employing twist outs which require lightly misting hair with water for moisture I noticed an increase in the number of split ends that occurred. My hair’s moisture level was too low for my hair to be manipulated. Translation? The lack of moisture contributed to dry hair that was disposed to tangling and that meant more knots than usual. That, in turn, meant more knotty and split ends being cut off with the scissors. For all curly hair types, they DESPERATELY need moisture and lots of it. So if you are experiencing lots of problems with managing your curls, consider washing your hair more frequently. The answer just might be as simple as that!
Solution to last week Flowers All Around
Sunday October 16, 2016
SUNDAY SPECIAL THE SANATA WELL BELONGS TO US… GWI MOVES TO RECOVER OVER $200M OWED BY RAMROOP Weeks after several back and forth exchanges, Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) is moving to recoup an estimated $200M that it says is owed by Queens Atlantic Investments Inc. (QAII), a group of companies under the direction of Dr. Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop. According to GWI officials, the stateowned entity is convinced, based on several documents, that the well, located at QAII compound, Ruimveldt, was never transferred to QAII. The well serves over 9,000 customers in the Ruimveldt, Meadow Bank and Alexander Village area. Recently, the nation heard that the well was transferred to QAII when the Bharrat Jagdeo administration leased and then sold the Sanata complex in a privatization deal that was described as a sweetheart one. According to documents seen by Kaieteur News, in 2002, former Minister of Housing and Water, Shaik Baksh, signed an order under the Water and Sewerage Act vesting several properties into GWI. GWI’s Schedule of Fixed Assets lists the Sanata well as belonging to the state entity. There is other evidence too that suggests that the well is GWI’s. For example, in the records of the Privatisation Unit/National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), the state entity that handled the deal, there are several references to the well. In one case, it speaks of a Memorandum of Understanding between G&C Sanata, the Georgetown Sewerage and Water Commissioners (GS&WC) and NICIL. GS&WC is the predecessor of GWI. According to the NICIL documents, GS&WC took possession of the well in 1996, starting to manage its operations from then. The water from the well was for public consumption. There is no evidence of the well being privatized to Sanata. GWI recently said that it has been spending $3M monthly on electricity bills for the well. GWI technicians had to access the well through QAII’s compound. While GWI’s Managing Director, Dr. Richard Van West Charles had initially signaled intentions to go after QAII for outstanding monies, his board had issued a statement stating the well belongs to QAII and that GWI will continue to pay the electricity bill with the complex to continue receiving free water.
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GRANGER, HARMON OFFERED ME MONEY TO RESIGN FROM COMMISSIONS – CARVIL DUNCAN Carvil Duncan has painted a picture to the effect that the APNU+AFC government is out to get rid of him. He claims that President David Granger, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, are out to do so. Duncan released a missive Saturday breaking his silence ever since a Tribunal was set up to decide whether he is fit to remain on three Commissions. Duncan said that in February, he received a telephone invite from Harmon’s secretary for a meeting the following Monday at the Ministry of the Presidency. He said that he accepted the invitation. Duncan said that, at the meeting, Harmon told him that he was instructed by President David Granger “to have me resign as Chairman of the Public Service Commission which would automatically be followed by my resignation from the other Constitutional Service Commissions, namely, the Judicial Service Commission and the Police Service Commission.” Duncan said that Harmon also requested that he consider a “financial package that would accompany my resignation.” The Commissioner claims that he did not give Harmon a direct response to his proposal but told the Minister, “I had preferred to speak with the President on this matter and I then exited his office.” Duncan said that about 10:30hrs the same day, he received another telephone call from Harmon’s Secretary informing him of a request to attend a meeting with the President, a half of an hour later — at 11:00hrs. Duncan said that he was able to attend that meeting even at the short notice. “I turned up for the meeting at which there was the President, Mr. Harmon and an individual unknown to me.” Duncan said that during the course of the meeting, President Granger insisted that he resign as Chairman of the Public Service Commission to be followed by the other Constitutional Service Commissions. GECOM DOLED OUT $14M FOR PHOTO PAPER VALUED $6M Tender documents from Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for the May 11, 2015 polls continue to show a total disregard when it comes to managing taxpayers’ dollars. The payments of millions of dollars in inventory and services have a pattern of not only collusion within GECOM but with contractors too.
According to one set of tender documents, dated February 18, 2015, GECOM wrote the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) asking for approval to purchase stationery. Not only does the price appear to be highly inflated, but the actual tender documents are highly questionable. In the first instance, GECOM in its letter to NPTAB sought approval for “stationery” to be used in various departments to ensure work in done in a “timely manner”. There was no explanation of what stationery meant. However, additional documents said that the stationery was photo paper. The photo paper is essential for GECOM registration workers who carry a mobile photo printer around when visiting homes. GECOM said that it received quotations from a number of “reputable suppliers”. The quotations include from Supply Depot, for $9.1M; Computers and Controls Limited for $5.24M and M-Tech Business Solutions for $13.91M. GECOM insisted that it wanted the “stationery” within three days, but both Supply Depot and Computer and Controls were unable to make the delivery in time. The only business that could make it happen was MTech Business Solutions, the highest bidder. It was unclear why GECOM wanted the photo paper in three days. What was even stranger in the case of the quotations from Supply Depot and Computer and Controls Limited was that they were almost the same. MONDAY EDITION RAMSON ACCUSED OF THWARTING PUBLIC ACCESS TO INFORMATION …DESPITE $24M ANNUAL SALARY AS COMMISSIONER OF INFORMATION Every month, Charles Ramson Snr. collects an attractive $2M package to ensure that citizens have easy access to information. But the former Chief Justice is being accused of thwarting the process. For this reason and others, former Auditor General, Anand Goolsarran is convinced that taxpayers are not getting value for money when it comes to the Commissioner of Information. Goolsarran said that every month, citizens are saddled with supporting an approximately $2M salary for Ramson when his efforts deny citizens’ right to access to information. ”Mr. Ramson’s basic salary is at least $1.5 million per month. Along with other benefits and allowances, it would exceed $2 million. Also, one recalls his ‘no money, no love’ reaction to Transparency Institute Guyana Inc.
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(TIGI) when it requested certain information. In this regard, Ramson cited the then Opposition-controlled National Assembly’s cutting off of funds for the then Office of the President under which he operated. The Commissioner should have been held accountable for denying TIGI access to the requested information.” Speaking to another worrying observation, Goolsarran said that he checked the Access to Information Act and found that there is no provision in terms of limit in the tenure of office of the Commissioner. In this regard, the former Auditor General said, “For how long more will this imposition continue? No one knows. Meanwhile, the taxpaying public continues to be burdened with a monthly $2 million-dollar bill for which little or no value for money is being received.” The Chartered Accountant stated that what compounds the issue is the fact that Parliament is yet to receive a report on the application of the Access to Information Act as well as the operations of Ramson’s office. According to the Act governing Ramson’s office, the responsible Minister, should, “as soon as practicable but not later than nine months, after the end of each year lay a report on the operation of this (Access to Information) Act in the National Assembly.” The Act also states that the said report should include the number of requests made to the Commissioner of Information; the number of applications for judicial review of decisions and the outcome of those applications; the number of complaints made to the Commissioner of Information with respect to the operation of the Act and the nature of those complaints; the number of notices served upon the Commissioner of Information and the number of decisions by the Commissioner which were adverse to the person’s claim. HARMON DENIES OFFERING DUNCAN MONEY FOR HIS RESIGNATION Minister of State, Joseph Harmon has denied that he or President David Granger offered Commissioner Carvil Duncan money in exchange for his resignation from various Commissions. The Minister admitted that indeed there was a meeting at which Duncan was invited to “gracefully vacate the positions he currently holds on several commissions, given that he is currently on trial for allegedly stealing the $984,000 from GPL and conspiring with another to steal over 27M from the said entity.” Harmon said that Duncan indicated that he would discuss the offer with his family and (Continued on page 42)
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stages of the initiative, the temporary magistrates employed would be qualified attorneysat-law to serve with the already sitting magistrates.
(From page 41) return with a decision. However, according to Harmon, the nonresponse of Duncan led the APNU+AFC Administration to go in the direction of a Tribunal, appointed by President Granger to inquire, investigate and recommend whether Duncan, Chairman and appointed member of the Public Service Commission, ought to be removed from office for the inability to discharge the functions of the said office. Harmon noted that the tribunal would have heard its first witness on Monday.
PROBE INTO GECOM’S SPENDING HAS BEEN WIDENED-AUDITOR GENERAL
NIS DEVELOPS STRATEGY TO RECOVER OUTSTANDING DEBTS – TIGHT-LIPPED ON PUBLIC FIGURES WHO OWE MILLIONS Even as they develop a strategy to recover billions in outstanding debts, officials of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) are tightlipped about the many public figures that still owe the scheme. In April, government released the report of the forensic audit conducted into the operations of NIS. The report was prepared by auditor Ramesh Seebaran. Seebaran said that over $2.5B remained outstanding by contributors who have not paid their dues but have been submitting monthly returns. The report stated that several companies and businesses, many of which are no longer in existence, have not been making the payments. The report also revealed that several public figures have over a lengthy period, remained indebted to the scheme. Among those highlighted were Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, former Attorney General Anil Nandlall, former Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai and another former Attorney General, Charles Ramson Snr. It is hard to figure out why there is secrecy with NIS as it relates to how much it has received since that outstanding sum was made public. In fact, several NIS officials declined to comment. Even Board members refused to comment saying that they do not “have the facts.” However, an official confirmed to Kaieteur News that a chunk of the $2.5B remains outstanding and “prominent figures in society are still in arrears.” The official said that management has prepared a list of all those who are in arrears, including companies and persons who are self-employed. This list has reportedly been presented to the Board, but needed some modifications. The member confirmed that the board is currently awaiting an updated list. The list needed to be updated as NIS has been able to meet “settlement agreements” with a few companies and officials. Kaieteur News understands that Nandlall is among those who have reached a settlement. NIS has cut the interest attached to the sum he owed. TUESDAY EDITION GOVT. TO END PACT WITH WÄRTSILÄ …SPECIAL STATE-OWNED COMPANY TO TAKE OVER MAINTENANCE, STAFFING After more than two decades managing some of the country’s biggest power plants, it appears that Wärtsilä’s contract will not be renewed. The decision by the administration would be one of the most significant taken for the power sector since the coalition government came to power last year May. According to sources within the Guyana
Sunday October 16, 2016
Power and Light Inc. (GPL) and Government, the decision not to renew the Wärtsilä contract has strictly to do with a holistic plan to cut costs for the state-owned entity. The Finnish company came here in the early 1990s when Guyana was struggling with widespread power outages because of a number of aging engines. It established the first Government-owned plant at Garden of Eden, East Bank Demerara and since then, the country has installed at least 18 engines in the Demerara area. The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) also has Wärtsilä engines at the Skeldon factory and there are more at Anna Regina, Essequibo coast. According to a senior Government official, Wärtsilä has the contract to manage those 18 engines which all belong to GPL. Under the arrangements, GPL would provide the fuel for the engines while Wärtsilä through its local subsidiary, Demerara Power Limited, conducts the maintenance. Demerara Power has around 100 staff members currently. It is being paid hundreds of millions of dollars annually to maintain and manage the Wärtsilä engines. Under new arrangements, a company owned jointly by GPL and the Government of Guyana, will be established to manage the Wärtsilä engines. It is the plan for the new company to take over the staffers of Demerara Power and for them to continue maintaining the engines, the Government official said. It is likely that the staffers will be rehired under the same conditions that Wärtsilä enjoys. AFTER ONE DECADE OF TALKING…NIGHT COURT FINALLY COMMENCES …FIVE MAGISTRATES ATTACK BACKLOG The first sitting of the Night Court commenced last evening at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, with at least five Magistrates
presiding over summary offences. Magistrate Beverly Bishop-Cheddie, Magistrate Brendon Glasford, Magistrate Madan Kissoon, Magistrate Leslie Benjamin and Magistrate Liza Hanoman were assigned temporally, to preside over these matters. The magistrates will occupy Courts 8, 9, 6, 10, 11 and 12. The night court hearings commenced at 3:00 pm Monday. Night courts are scheduled to be heard from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm every day. It is part of a new approach by the administration, to tackle the judicial backlog. As such, six courts sat for the first hearing. Monday, Magistrate Kissoon heard two in camera matters. In one of the cases, Akasie Primo was charged with stealing a Samsung cellular phone valued at $59,900 from a schoolboy. He pleaded guilty to the offence. He was therefore remanded to prison to facilitate a probation report scheduled to be presented today. Other summary matters heard Monday included those for assault and wandering. The idea for the night court was amplified after the March 3, 2013 prison unrest at the Georgetown Prison at Camp and D’Urban Streets where 17 inmates, most of whom were on remand, lost their lives. Out of a Commission of Inquiry into the unrest, one of the solutions highlighted was for Government to undertake initiatives to reduce the quantum of backlogged cases. The Night Court is expected to improve the rate at which cases are heard in the Magistracy. A high level meeting between representatives of Government and the judiciary was held and it was announced that night courts will be established. The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan; and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams. Representing the judiciary were Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag) Carl Singh, Chief Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, Director of Public Prosecutions, Shalimar Ali-Hack and Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. It was suggested that during the initial
A state audit into a $100M purchase of several communication radio sets by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for the May 11, 2015 polls has been expanded to include other transactions. According to Auditor General, Deodat Sharma, his investigators will be looking at transactions dating back to a few months before and after the elections. While Sharma declined to delve into details Monday, he made it clear that a number of other questionable payments have now come to the attention of his office. Several weeks ago, the Audit Office launched a probe into a $99.5M purchase of communication radios for the elections. GECOM, shortly before the elections, argued that radios were urgently needed to help staffers working in remote offices communicate on election days. Shockingly, from all indications, the radios came too late. They were never deployed. Tender documents indicated clearly that what was asked for, in terms of specifications, was not what was delivered. The radios appeared to be from a model that was disconnected in 2009 by the manufacturer. At least one major company, Massy Technologies, has denied submitting a quote for the radios. The disclosures of the probe sparked shocking revelations by GECOM insiders which pointed to hundreds of millions of dollars of other questionable spending last year. Tender documents from GECOM show evidence of trail of a total disregard when it comes to managing taxpayers’ dollars. The payments of millions of dollars in inventory and services have a pattern of not only collusion within GECOM but with contractors too. Documents indicated that staffers, in all likelihood, colluded to deliberately split contracts to avoid Cabinet’s scrutiny. Payments included for the radios, Duracell batteries, photo paper, pliers, toners and host of other things. Of an estimated $700M in contracts last year, GECOM doled out almost 40 percent to the businesses of two brothers - Michael and Mahendra Brasse. From all indications, the proper procurement procedures were not followed. ‘UNNATURAL’FIRE STRIKES GAFOORS …SECOND DISASTER IN SIX MONTHS For the second time in about six months, business tycoon, Abdool Sattaur Gafoor, stood on the sideline and watched his assets go up in flames. Fortunately, last Monday’s fire was contained and caused far less damage than the blaze that occurred in May. ”Unfair, very unfair; this cannot be happening; I just cannot believe this,” were the words repeated by the head of the business, Gafoor. The stoic appearance that he maintained a few months ago, during the first fire, disappeared as the blaze was in full swing. That stoic composure was replaced by expressions of exhaustion and self pity. The fire reportedly started in bond six and was contained to that area. Bond six was stocked with tiles and white cement. Gafoor could not have told reporters (Continued on page 43)
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(From page 42) anything about what may have started the fire. He said that in the aftermath of the first fire, the company was advised by the fire department to put necessary precautionary measures in place. “And we did.” The businessman said that there was no electricity in the affected area and no combustibles were stored there. “So I am at a complete loss how this fire would have started, it is unnatural.” Gafoor said that investigators will have to pronounce on whether it could have been the work of an arsonist. “I cannot say definitely whether it was sabotage but I know that we put prevention measures in place, I know there was no electricity and there were no combustibles,” said Gafoor. Gafoor praised firemen whom he said, “did an excellent job.” He mentioned specifically “Sparman and McGregor. They were very supportive and professional.” WEDNESDAY EDITION GOVT. SECURES 10% MORE SHARES IN BERBICE BRIDGE …NIS IS LARGEST SHAREHOLDER A sale agreement has been concluded between the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) and the government. The government is now in possession of the 40 million shares DDL once had in the Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI). Kaieteur News understands that the transfer of shares, which was long in the making, was made final about a month ago. However, Government made no official announcement and there is no word on what was the price settled at. The company had an asking price of some $45M, but government was optimistic that, through negotiations, a more convenient price could have been arrived at. The additional shares acquired by government represent 10 per cent of the shares in BBCI. Last year, government announced that it wanted badly to “ease the pressures and burdens of the people who use the bridge.” Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo told the media that government wanted to place itself in a better negotiating position, by attracting shares so that it could have a stronger voice in the governing body of this company. The Prime Minister said, “We are trying to ensure that our voice is not a feeble one and that the dominant partners in the Berbice Bridge would recognize that we are serious.” Recently, Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson said government remained committed to providing significant financial relief for those persons traversing the Berbice Bridge and in order to guarantee low fares, government would have to gain majority control of the company. Government had also hoped to engage with the other stakeholders about selling their shares in order to influence the decision to reduce the bridge tolls since the Bridge Company was initially refusing to lower them. But after intense negotiations, government finally brokered an agreement with the company to reduce the tolls, which took effect this year. The toll on passenger cars and minibuses was reduced from $2,200 to $1,900, while there was a 10 per cent reduction for the other classes of vehicles. Government is also providing subsidies to the river taxis, which were introduced after the BBCI maintained that it was not reducing its tolls. The New Guyana Pharmaceutical Company (GPC) which is owned by Dr. Ranjisinghi
‘Bobby’ Ramroop, has 80M in share stock in the Berbice Bridge. MINISTRY OF EDUCATION BEGINS DISTRIBUTING RUDISA JUICES …DESPITE DDL’S COMPLAINT TO BID PROTEST COMMITTEE The Ministry of Education has begun distributing the juices sourced from Caribbean International Distributors Inc. a subsidiary of Surinamese Rudisa Beverage and Juices N.V. Company. This was confirmed by Public Relations Officer of the Education Ministry, Suelle Findlay. She said that the distribution began earlier this month, mostly in the hinterland regions. She said that classes one and two of nursery schools in Regions One to Six, Eight and Ten have received juices as part of the National School Feeding Programme. Generally, according to procurement procedures, when there is a protest of a contract award before the Bid Protest Committee, the final award is suspended. However, according to the Ministry of Finance, a suspension shall not apply if a procuring entity certifies that public interest considerations require the procurement to proceed. This certification is expected to state the grounds for the finding that such considerations exist and which shall be made part of the record of the procurement proceedings. This aspect of the agreement is not open to complaint and review. Public Relations Consultant for Demerara Distillers Limited, Alex Graham, when asked to ascertain whether the entity was aware of the distribution, said that DDL would be surprised if the government of Guyana would have proceeded with the award of the contract while there is a protest pending before the Bid Protest Committee. He said that DDL has not received a response from the BPC as yet and will reserve further comment until being officially notified about the status of the protest. DDL had filed a formal protest to the BPC after they would have lost the bid to supply boxed juices for the school feeding programme which was awarded to Rudisa. Tropical Orchard Products (TOPCO), a
subsidiary of DDL, bid $506M and CIDI, the Rudisa subsidiary offered a bid for $545M. The contract award was tainted with controversy when it was revealed that the Government Analyst Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD) did not test a sample for Topco so as to make a comparison. Additionally, the department lacked the necessary equipment to properly conduct testing. Head of the GA-FDD Marlan Cole had come out saying that had there been a sample from TOPCO, the company would have come out on top of the other samples tested due to the product’s juice content. In addition to Topco, Guyana Beverages Inc. which manufactures Kool Kidz boxed juice has also protested the contract award. The protesting companies have argued that their products are compliant with the technical and administrative requirements of the contract.
Elaborating further on the issue, the auditors said that in the course of their reviews, they were presented with a letter bearing the signature of the former Board Chairman, Dr. Gobind Ganga addressed to Balram. The forensic auditors said that the letter allowed the General Manager to proceed on his remaining annual leave for 2014 which amounted to 49 days. The Chartered Accountants said that Balram was required to resume full duties with the Gold Board on November 4, 2014 and was therefore on leave since May 2014. Acting on information provided to them, the auditors were able to confirm that the signature of the former Board Chairman was lifted from another document.
THURSDAY EDITION NEW OILAND GAS ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT ACCUSED OF CORRUPTION AT GOLD BOARD
Days after fraud accused, Carvil Duncan, alleged that he was offered monies by top Government officials to step down from a number of constitutional bodies, he has been ordered suspended. Duncan, a prominent trade unionist and a voice in the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), is currently facing investigations by a President-appointed tribunal to determine whether he is fit to sit as Chairman of the Public Service Commission (PSC). With regards to the suspensions, according to the Ministry of the Presidency Wednesday, President David Granger, acting in accordance with Article 225 (6) of the Constitution of Guyana, has suspended Duncan from the Chairmanship of the PSC with immediate effect, pending the outcome of the proceedings of the tribunal. The tribunal, which comprises Justice Roxanne George-Wiltshire, Justice (retd) Winston Patterson, and Attorney-at-Law, Robert Ramcharran, is expected to present the report to the President on or before Monday, October 31, 2016. ”In a letter dated October 10, 2016, the Head of State informed Mr. Duncan that in addition to his role as PSC Chairman, he is also suspended from performing the Constitutional functions as ex-officio member of the Judicial Service Commission, the Police Service Commission and other functions as (Continued on page 44)
Citizens recently witnessed the establishment of the Guyana Oil and Gas Association (GOGA). The body is one which intends to ensure transparency and accountability when it comes to the disclosure of all information and transactions related to the exploitation of the oil sector. Leading the anticipated transparency and accountability drive in this regard is the Association’s President and CEO, Bobby Gossai Jr. However, a damning forensic audit report on the Gold Boar prepared by Ram and McRae, Chartered Accountants, fingers Gossai in several corrupt acts. In one instance, Gossai is accused of being involved in a clear case of forgery. The auditors said that during the course of their engagement, they were advised that the Board Secretary (who was Gossai), improperly lifted the signature of the former Chairman, Dr. Gobind Ganga, from one document and improperly used it in a letter purportedly from the former Chairman to the then General Manager. This information was confirmed by the Chairman and the then General Manager, Anataram Balram.
SWEEPING MOVE…PRESIDENT ORDERS CARVIL DUNCAN SUSPENDED FROM CONSTITUTIONAL BODIES
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(From page 43) ex-officio member of the Commissions of the Board of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF),” the Ministry of the Presidency said in its statement Wednesday. The ministry quoted Article 225 (6) of the Constitution which states that, “If the question of removing the officer from office has been referred to a tribunal under this article, the President, acting in accordance with the advice of the prescribed authority, may suspend the officer from performing the functions of his office, and any such suspension may at any time be revoked by the President, acting in accordance with such advice as aforesaid, and shall in any case cease to have effect if the tribunal recommends to the President that the officer should not be removed from office.” This week, Duncan reportedly challenged the legality of the tribunal, saying through his lawyers, Anil Nandlall and Satesh Satram that he will move to the courts. On September 15, last, President Granger in accordance with Article 225 (4) of the Constitution, appointed the tribunal to inquire, investigate and recommend whether Duncan ought to be removed from office for inability to discharge the functions of his Constitutional posts. Prior to that, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo had written Duncan calling on him to explain why a tribunal should not be appointed but this letter went unanswered. Duncan reportedly claimed he did not receive any letter. SHAKEUP IN LINDEN AS POLICE COMMANDER, OTHERS TRANSFERRED Over the past nine months there were repeated calls for the removal of the Commander Snr. Superintendent Calvin Brutus, Inspector Chabinauth Singh of CID and other ranks from E Division, but those calls went unheeded. As recent as two Thursdays ago, there was another call specifically for the Commander’s removal. This time he received a call from headquarters, last Tuesday afternoon informing him that he was being transferred with immediate effect and to report to Brickdam on Wednesday morning. Those transferred are Commander Brutus, Inspector Singh, Sergeant George and Corporal Kendall. According to Snr. Superintendent Brutus, Regional Chairman, Renis Morian, and other councillors visited his office last week Thursday over the arrest of a councillor. The Chairman later confirmed that he wrote letters to President David Granger, Minister
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of State Joseph Harmon and to the Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan asking for the officers’ removal. While some residents, especially those parents whose sons have been charged with various crimes and some leaders in the community are happy, others are not so happy. There were those in support of the transferred Divisional Commander. “This man came to Linden and I saw a decrease in serious crimes.” The transfer does not find favour with some of the ranks because according to them “Commander Brutus and Inspector Singh are our motivators. We need strong people at the top and that is what we had, now with them gone we will have to work extra hard and no strong one at the top to lead us.” Inspector Singh will now be in charge of CID D Division West Demerara. Singh whose car, an AT212 PKK 5689 was destroyed by fire in the wee hours of last Wednesday morning believes it is the work of an arsonist. Singh claimed that he was asleep at his Moraballi Street, Retrieve home when he heard an explosion about 01:00 hrs. “When I got up I saw my car on fire.” Commander Brutus is replaced by Snr. Superintendent Fazil Karimbaksh and Singh will be replaced by W/Sgt. Scotland. OPPOSITION NOT INTERESTED IN 2017 BUDGET TALKS WITH GOVERNMENT For the time being, the political opposition is not interested in budget talks with the Government given that its initial requests for “pertinent” information was not honoured by the Finance Minister, Winston Jordan. This is according to PPP’s Executive Member, Irfaan Ali. In an interview with this newspaper Wednesday, Ali pointed out that on several occasions, the People’s Progressive Party made requests to the office of the Finance Minister for significant pieces of Government documents so as to inform their talks. To date, he said that these documents are yet to be submitted. He said, “Since 2015, we wrote to the Finance Minister asking him for certain documents regarding the Public Sector Investment Programme. We also presented nine recommendations to help the farmers boost the industry and safeguard their livelihood. To date, we have heard nothing in relation to these recommendations from the Government.” The politician added, “We even called on the government to implement all the projects we negotiated with the Indian Government in the US$50 million line of credit inclusive of the IT Centre of Excellence negotiated by the
(former) PPP/C Government. ”The Government must realise by now that they also blundered badly on the Amaila Falls Hydro project and we are convinced that they will have to implement this project if we want to expand our economy.” The Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee reminded that the PPP also pushed during the 2015 consultation process for Government to aggressively back on stream, the Low Carbon Development Strategy and implement the projects and programmes conceptualised under this program. Ali, who shadows the finance sector, said that he even lobbied the government to ensure that the Amerindian livelihood programme be reinstated immediately as well as the reinstatement of the almost 2000 Amerindian youths fired by the coalition Government. He added, “The hinterland airstrips that were cut out by this government must be completed and implemented immediately.” FRIDAY EDITION AUDITOR GENERAL DECRIES “WORRYING” ABUSE OF CONTINGENCY FUND TO MEET “ROUTINE” EXPENSES After years of bashing the former regime for the abuse of the Contingency Fund, the coalition administration has found itself guilty of the same transgression. This is according to Auditor General (AG), Deodat Sharma, who in his latest report criticized the Government’s advances from the Fund. Sharma said that during the period under review, amou n t s t o t a l i n g $ 7 9 9 M were drawn from the Fund, by way of 24 advances. He said that it was disappointing to note that the advances continued to be granted, even though they did not meet the required criteria. Kaieteur News was informed by the AG that he was left in a state of concern having learnt that eleven advances totaling $604M were granted from the Fund to meet “routine expenditure” for the year 2015. Over the years, the abuse of the Fund was a topical issue for A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance For Change when the parties served as the Parliamentary opposition. In fact, it was AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan who had emphasized on several occasions that the National Assembly is the first device or mechanism for which emergency advances can be protected from abuse. The politician had asserted, “The (PPP) has been abusing its understanding of the criteria of an emergency under the Fiscal Man-
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agement and Accountability Act. When we run to the Fund it is only to be used for emergency cases, like if there is a serious flood in Mahaicony and we need to remove citizens. Money would be used in that case.” The Public Security Minister was also one who constantly called for sanctions to be imposed against former Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh for his abuse of the Contingency Fund. Today, the Government now finds itself in the same boat as the former regime. THOSE WHO STOLE STATE PROPERTY WILL BE BROUGHT TO JUSTICE – GRANGER In the interest of restoring transparency and accountability, President David Granger emphasised that his Government is committed to promoting standards of probity in public office. The Head of State made this comment, among others, during his address to the Parliament yesterday. In this regard, he said that the administration will ensure that those who stole state property are brought to justice. He added, “We will pursue the recovery of all stolen State assets.” The President also stated that the State Assets Recovery Bill will establish a State Asset Recovery Agency to recover State property that has been unlawfully acquired, through civil proceedings. A series of consultations led by the Ministry of Legal Affairs and the State Asset Recovery Unit have already been held. The Bill, according to several stakeholders, has been deemed to be an extremely comprehensive document. Among other things, the crucial draft legislation contains provisions covering the nature and availability of legal assistance arrangements that may be concluded between Guyana and a foreign state or territory, in relation to matters concerning civil recovery. The Bill says that the Minister of Legal Affairs may enter into reciprocal recovered property-sharing agreements. The Bill also sets out that the Director may enter into agreements to collect and share information with a relevant foreign authority. The Court or Director, in acting upon a foreign request for assistance, may take any action including where appropriate, a civil recovery investigation, restraint and civil recovery proceedings (section 95). The Director may make a direct request for overseas assistance, or may issue a letter of request, if he/ she believes that there is relevant evidence in a country or territory outside (Continued on page 45)
Sunday October 16, 2016
Kaieteur News
(From page 44) Guyana. The request may be sent to any authority recognized by the Government of the country or territory concerned as being appropriate for receiving requests, or the court or tribunal specified within the request. AUDITOR GENERAL FINDS “SIGNIFICANT BREACHES” OF FMAA, PROCUREMENT ACT DURING 2015 The Auditor General’s Report of 2015 is riddled with cited instances of malpractice. Among those boldly highlighted were actions that violate what is stipulated in various pieces of legislation. Specifically, Auditor General Deodat Sharma said that there were “significant breaches of legislation, especially as it relates to the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act (FMAA), the Stores Regulations and the Procurement Act.” It was noted that the expenditure of the government was overstated by $2.5B in respect of 16 ministries, departments and regions due to breaches of Section 43 of the FMAA. Section 43 of the FMAA states, “Except as otherwise provided in this Act or in any other law, at the end of each fiscal year, any unexpended balance of public moneys issued out of the Consolidated Fund shall be returned and surrendered to the Consolidated Fund.” Sharma said that included in the overstated sum of $2.5B is the sum of $1.6B related to 1,784 cheques on hand at 31 December 2015. The report stated that of the cheques on hand, 946 amounting to $1.2B were in respect of the Ministry of Public Health, the overstatement also included the sum of $885.2M, representing unspent balances on 11 Inter-Departmental Warrants issued to the Ministry of Public Health by the 10 Administrative Regions which were not credited to the respected Regions’ Appropriation Accounts. The Audit report noted that the Procurement Act was breached by 11 Ministries, departments and regions including the appointment of tender boards and basis of award of contracts among others. Further, there were several breaches of the stores regulations. The Auditor General said that this occurred especially as it relates to the maintenance of stipulated records including shores ledgers, historical records for vehicles/equipment, and master and sectional inventories, among others. Moreover, the Auditor General said that some records were poorly maintained, in that, pertinent information was not recorded and in other cases, some were not even kept. SATURDAY EDITION GOVT. MINISTRIES, AGENCIES SHOW LITTLE RESPECT FOR AG OFFICE …ONLY 15 PERCENT OF RECOMMENDATIONS IMPLEMENTED- REPORT Auditor General, Deodat Sharma has expressed concern over nonchalant treatment being given to the recommendations he makes yearly to improve the financial landscape of Guyana. Recently, Sharma handed over his 2015 Audit Report to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland. Then on Thursday last, the report was laid in the House. In the executive summary, Sharma bemoaned the fact that most of his recommendations over the years have been ignored. Specifically, Sharma pointed out that only a small percentage of that which was recom-
mended in 2014 was fully implemented. He said, “Each year, my office issues recommendations to Ministries, Departments and Regions that are designed at improving systems and practices at these entities and improving the government’s governance and accountability mechanisms.” Sharma said that 379 recommendations were made in his 2014 Audit Report. He said that he and his team reviewed each recommendation to determine what action, if any, was taken by the respective Accounting Officers. To his disappointment, Sharma said that at the time of reporting, 115 recommendations which represent 29 percent of his overall recommendations were partially implemented, while 223 representing 56 percent were not implemented. Therefore, only 15 percent of the recommendations were implemented. Sharma said, “Overall, I am concerned with the lack of action towards the implementation of these recommendations; since, 56 percent of the recommendations have not yet been implemented.” In addition, Sharma said that in many instances, recommendations are repeated each year without appropriate action and as a result, weaknesses and issues that impacted negatively on Government’s governance and accountability mechanisms continue to occur. BARRY DATARAM, WIFE NABBED IN SURINAME Police in Suriname on Friday afternoon nabbed self-confessed Guyanese drug kingpin Barry Dataram in a home in Latour, police sources here confirmed. Dataram’s wife, Anjanie Boodnarine, was also detained. Late last month, the two fled Guyana several weeks earlier pending a court decision regarding their alleged involvement in cocaine trafficking. They were on bail. They were arrested by the Special SWAT Team. According to one source, Dataram who was caught around 4.00 P.M., local time, wet himself when the heavily armed police squad confronted him. Dataram was sentenced to a five-year jail term by City Magistrate Judy Latchman while his wife and two co-defendants, Trevor Gouveia and Komal Charran, were freed. They were caught with 129.23kg of cocaine at a home in Diamond, East Bank Demerara on April 16, 2015. Dataram and his wife had moved to the
High Court and were granted pre-trial bail. Dataram, in addition to the five years jail, was also fined $164M for cocaine possession. Dataram, a Guyana-born American, had successfully fought off previous efforts to extradite him to the United States of America to face drug smuggling charges. It was believed that for the past weeks, Dataram and his wife were hiding in Suriname. Authorities there had vowed to be on the lookout for him. There were little details as to how Suriname authorities were able to zero in on the two. Local law enforcement authorities had confirmed that the man had travelled out of Guyana on false documents. He had somehow got wind that he would be found guilty and jailed. The authorities were, however, unsure whether his reputed wife had travelled with him. A wanted bulletin was issued for both Dataram and his wife, although she had been freed. On the day of their arrest last year at Diamond, ranks from the Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU) swooped down on the house and conducted a search in the presence of the defendants. During the search they unearthed the illicit drug. It was reported that some of the cocaine was stuffed in frozen seafood, while the remainder was found to be bricks of raw coke. Dataram is the second Guyanese fugitive drug lord to be apprehended by Suriname police after they fled to the neighbouring country. In 2006 Shaheed ‘Roger’ Khan was arrested in Paramaribo and subsequently handed over to the US authorities. In 2009 Khan was sentenced to a total of 40 years jailterm for drug trafficking and illegal arms possession by a federal judge in the US. NEW OILAND GAS ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT FINGERED IN MULTIMILLION-DOLLAR VAT FRAUD The forensic audit report into the Guyana Gold Board has placed the head of the newly established Guyana Oil and Gas Association, Bobby Gossai Jr., in another major case of corrupt and unethical behaviour. In this instance, Gossai is fingered in a multimilliondollar VAT fraud. The forensic auditors attached to Ram and McRae, Chartered Accountants, said that periodically, the Guyana Gold Board was involved in the award of several contacts. And during its review of these contracts, they made some startling discoveries regarding a com-
PAGE 45
pany called Safewatch. The auditors found that one of the major suppliers to the Gold Board during the years 2014 and 2015 was Safewatch Inc. The auditors said that payments to Safewatch Inc. in 2014 and 2015 amounted to $35,535,956 and $10,852,143 respectively. These payments included monthly expenses for service contracts, purchasing and installing a server, security cameras and telephone equipment. But the contract arrangements governing the payments to Safewatch were far from being above board. The auditors said that of 12 payments made to Safewatch Inc. during 2014, three of these amounting to $16,021,120, were made on quotations. Ram and McRae made it clear that a quotation is not an invoice and no payment should be made on such a document. What was also alarming was the fact that VAT was included on the total invoice value of all invoices and quotations submitted by Safewatch Inc., including that for the supply of computer items. The forensic auditors said that computer equipment such as the server purchased is zero rated for VAT purposes but VAT was still applied. The auditors found that one payment of $4.3M for the purchase and installation of a Dell server was even approved for payment by the former Board Secretary, Bobby Gossai Jr. “In any case, our enquiries confirmed that Safewatch Inc. is not registered for VAT in Guyana and cannot charge VAT on any goods/ services provided, regardless whether goods or services would otherwise be subject to VAT,” the auditors said. The auditors said that the amounts charged as VAT by Safewatch to the Gold Board in 2014 and 2015 were $4,962,903 and $1,496,847 respectively. Additionally, it was found that two invoices and two quotations in 2014 stated that shipping and customs fees were charged but no details were provided. The shipping and customs fees on two of the invoices and one quotation amounted to $1,388,235. Ram and McRae said that the excluded quotation did not provide a breakdown of cost. “It is apparent that these transactions contained elements of VAT fraud for which the Value-Added Tax Act imposes serious penalties. We therefore recommend that the transactions be referred to the Guyana Revenue Authority and the Police for full investigations into this Company,” the auditors said. Significantly, Ram and McRae said that according to correspondence with the former Board Secretary, a three-quote method was used to select Safewatch for the supply of the security camera system costing $11,732,126. Mr. Gossai indicated that the evaluation of the quotes and eventual awarding of the contract was done by former Directors Paul Geer and Patricia Bacchus. However, the auditors said that Geer denied that he was involved in any such tender evaluation. What was also troubling was the fact that there was no contract with Safewatch for the supply of the camera system. In these circumstances, the auditors are of the opinion that disciplinary action should be taken against Gossai for negligence in fulfilling his duty as Board Secretary. Ram and McRae also recommended that all contracts with Safewatch be cancelled immediately and independent reviews be conducted on the camera and server systems which are serviced by Safewatch. They said, too, that all passwords to the systems should be changed with immediate effect.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday October 16, 2016
Sunday October 16, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
COUNTRY PROFILE
Salman's special gesture for
Thailand T
hailand is the only country in south-east Asia to have escaped colonial rule. Buddhist religion, the monarchy and the military have helped to shape its society and politics. The military has ruled for most of the period since 1947, with a few interludes in which the country had a democratically elected government. Since 2001, Thai politics have been dominated by the irreconcilable split between supporters and detractors of Thaksin Shinawatra, who served as prime minister until he was ousted by the military in 2006. Thaksin's sister Yingluck became prime minister following the 2011 election but was in her turn ousted by a military coup in 2014.
Deepika
There will be a double treat for all the fans of Salman Khan and Deepika Padukone. During the opening episode of this next season of Bigg Boss, hosted by Salman Khan , he will also be launching the much awaited trailer of Deepika Padukone's big Hollywood debut film, xXx : Return of Xander Cage where she is starred opposite Vin Diesel. It is for the first time that a trailer which has not been seen by the audience on any other platform will be showcased on Salman Khan's reality show. There have been big films releasing around the airing of this show but no other trailer has been launched on the show. In fact Salman has not even done it for his own big releases. However, this time around he does it for Deepika Padukone who he considers very dear to him. While we are yet to see them come together on the big screen, the small screen
experience of the two of them sounds like a lot of fun too. Expect solid chemistry, a lot of fun and hoots and cheers for our two superstars. There is a lot of excitement and anticipation among the audience taking Deepika's big Hollywood debut and the news of the trailer being launched by none other than Salman Khan only adds fuel to the levels of excitement.
Is Ranveer insecure of Shahid?
R
umour mill has it, ever since Shahid Kapoor has been roped in to play an integral part of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Padmavati', Ranveer Singh has been insecure about the same. The actor has been meeting Sanjay Leela Bhansali and advising him against not having Shahid Kapoor on the poster and reducing his role in the film. This was proved once again when the producers announced the movie's final star cast. The production house that is making t h e f i l m , t w e e t e d , ` @ Vi a c o m 1 8 #BhansaliProductions come together #SanjayLeelaBhansali's #Padmavati. Starring @RanveerOfficial @deepikapadukone @shahidkapoor.` Which brings us to the question, why is
Shahid's name mentioned last? The talented actor Shahid Kapoor has nothing to prove his class and has given number of hits. In almost all the films the credits are always given according to seniority, so shouldn't his name be mentioned first? Or at least Deepika's name should come first, no? After all, she she is playing title role! Why Ranveer? Certain egos and insecurity at play, it looks like.
Anushka juggling between projects Anushka Sharma has been juggling various projects simultaneously even as she shoots for Imtiaz Ali's film. The super busy actor, who is ruling the roost with her successful run including the mega blockbuster Sultan, has just wrapped up shooting for a new commercial with a leading Indian brand in Budapest. Anushka fit in this shoot amidst a hectic schedule of her next film with Shah Rukh Khan, tentatively titled The Ring.
Sunday October 16, 2016
Having shot across different European countries, Anushka has had to balance her current film with her commitments towards promoting Ae Dil Hain Mushkil. In fact, she has regularly been in touch with the Ae Dil Hain Mushkil marketing team to ensure that she can participate adequately in the film's promotions. Amidst her shoot and other commitments, Anushka dubbed for a portion of Karan Johar's mega Diwali flick.
policies, and cover instances of corruption and human rights abuses, but journalists tend to exercise self-censorship regarding the military, the monarchy, the judiciary and other sensitive issues. Some key dates in Thailand's history: 1932 - Absolute monarchy gives way to constitutional monarchy with parliamentary government. 1947 - First post-WWII military coup. The
FACTS Kingdom of Thailand Capital: Bangkok Population 69.9 million Area 513,115 sq km (198,115 sq miles) Major language Thai Major religion The revered king died on 13 October, Buddhism 2016 after 70 years on the throne Life expectancy Life expectancy: 71 years (men), 78 years (women) Currency baht UN, World Bank Thailand is a constitutional monarchy. King Bhumibol Adulyadej assumed the throne in June 1946 and was the world's longest-reigning monarch until his death on 13 October Prime Minister: Prayuth Chan-ocha 2016 at the age of 88. Prime minister: Prayuth Chan-ocha General Prayuth Chan-ocha seized power military retains power continuously until in a coup in May 2014 and was named as prime 1973. 2001 - Thaksin Shinawatra becomes prime minister by the military-appointed parliament minister for first time. a few months later. 2006 - Military leaders stage a bloodless Thailand's military has a history of intervening in politics and has seized power 12 coup while Thaksin Shinawatra is at the UN times since the end of the absolute monarchy General Assembly. 2011 - Pro-Thaksin Pheu Thai party wins a in 1932. The government and military control landslide victory in elections. Thaksin's sister nearly all the national terrestrial television Yingluck becomes prime minister. 2014 - Army again seizes power. networks and operate many of Thailand's 2016 - King Bhumibol Adulyadej dies radio networks. The media are free to criticise government after 70 years on the throne. Thailand is known for its flavourful cuisine
Sunday October 16, 2016
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Kaieteur News
CHIPPED TOOTH dentine layer below, more vulnerable to chips later. Chewing on bones is another habit enjoyed by many. But be careful however, as that sought after marrow could come at a high price.
By Dr. Neromini Fagu The culprit could be a plantain chip or a chicken bone. It is not always easy to predict if you are going to harm your teeth when eating. Accidents happen, and when they happen to your teeth it can be quite alarming. A chipped tooth is a big deal, and depending on the size of the chip, it may be detrimental to your tooth. Chips that extend beyond the enamel layer can make the tooth sensitive - if the chip has reached the nerve of the tooth then the treatment option is more complicated and involved. CAUSES OF CHIPS · High-impact sports are one of the leading causes of chipping. Certain sports are known for player contact and increase the athletes’ chances of damaging their teeth. Players may fall or collide with
Dr. Neromini Fagu one another or may accidentally hit each other with a ball or bat, chipping one or more teeth. · If you grind your teeth you will eventually weaken the enamel and make your teeth more susceptible to chipping. According to the American Academy of General Dentistry, one in three people grind their teeth. Most
STANDARDS IN FOCUS On Friday October 14, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) joined the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), the International Electrotechnical Committee (IEC) and International Telecommunications Union (ITU) to celebrate World Standards Day under the theme ‘Standards Build Trust’. Usually, this day is used to pay tribute to the collaborative efforts of the thousands of experts worldwide that develop the voluntary technical agreements that are published as International Standards. On reflection, this theme can affect all of us since without standards life will become very difficult for everyone. Without standards there will be chaos, imagine; our credit cards not working at the ATM locally or abroad, the videos we watch online every day on our computers, televisions or tablets not being accessible, the signs used for hospitals, road safety, restrooms, safety and public places such as car parks are different wherever we go, the size of clothing and shoes are different for every manufacturer, lack of trust that the imported and locally manufactured foods and beverages are safe and there will be no agreed measure of quality. So standards do play an important role in our lives since consumers are able to make decisions whether to
purchase an item, to dine at a particular restaurant, to purchase a pair of shoes, to select food items from the shelves of the supermarket, to purchase a car of choice, to select a hotel for vacation or even an airline to travel and so much more. Everyone uses standards to make decisions every day without realising it. However, it should be noted that because standards exist these subconscious decisions are made. ‘Trust’ is what allows us to make decisions. Consumers generally believe that someone is responsible for a particular product or service available to them whether it is free or at a cost; that is consumers have expectations and in order for us to meet those expectations standards must be applied and followed. Standards in everyday life instill trust and create a uniform experience that gives us confidence in the products and services used. For example, when a tin of sardine, a packet of rice, a bottle of milk or meat and meat products are selected, we are unknowingly placing trust in the owners of the supermarket to have purchased quality products that are safe for consumption from reliable suppliers and the Regulators would have verified the quality, safety and suitability of these products through their inspections. Likewise, when we select fresh fruits and vegetables we expect them to be safe for consumption.
people grind their teeth at night, but grinding can also take place during the day and under stressful situations. Also, when grinding is combined with persistent clenching, the cusps on chewing surfaces may become eroded. · Tooth decay is a result of bacteria in the mouth producing acids that weakens the tooth. In its initial stages, tooth decay can be arrested, but if it is left to progress - it may compromise the tooth. Undermined enamel caused by tooth decay may chip off even at the slightest pressure. · Poor nutrition may
increase the risk for tooth chipping. The types of foods you eat affect your teeth and may predispose your teeth to chipping. It is important to eat food rich in calcium for strong teeth and bones. Also, what you don’t eat is equally important. Avoiding sugary foods and drinks will decrease your chances of tooth erosion and decay. · Eating Habits – Some people like to chew on ice. This is bad for your teeth as you may suffer a chipped tooth. Also, constantly putting your teeth under such pressure can weaken the enamel and make it, and the
TREATMENT OPTIONS If the chip is small your dentist may be able to smooth it downwith dental instruments to remove rough edges. These types of chip are usually found near the biting surfaces of the front teeth. Small to moderate chips may be repaired via dental bonding. In this process, a composite resin material that matches your tooth colour is bonded in place to repair the tooth. Another treatment option is veneers. Veneers are made of porcelain or other materials and cover the tooth to provide a realistic result of the whole tooth. It is a waferthin material that is bonded to the entire front surface of the tooth.
If a large part of the tooth has chipped off, the chip should be kept if possible. Sometimes, your dentist may be able to bond it back into position. If part of a tooth’s cusp has broken off, but the roots are intact, it can often be restored with an onlay (type of filling) or a full crown. A crown is a cap that covers and protects the tooth enabling it to withstand the pressures of chewing. For chips that extend to the pulp, pain and discomfort will be noticeable and the tooth would be in need of prompt attention. This type of situation usually requires root canal treatment and depending on the location of the damage, the tooth may be restored with filling material or a crown. Prevention is important and knowing why your teeth might chip can help you avoid dental damage and maintain a beautiful smile. For more information contact OMNI DENTAL at 295 Quamina Street, Georgetown Tel: 227-0025, Parika Tel: 260-3133 or send emails to nerominifagu@hotmail.com.
World Standards Day Message A framework which is called the National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) is implemented in each country to protect its population from unscrupulous manufacturers and service providers. Without a recognised NQI, the expectations of consumers will not be met and that trust and uniform experience will be absent. Standards are developed to protect consumers, suppliers, retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers and producers. Standards also help Regulators to make reliable and accurate decisions of the acceptability and non-acceptability of products and services accessible to consumers. It should be noted that standards are not used in isolation but there must be evidence to demonstrate that a particular product or service is or will consistently meet the expectations of consumers. Inspection and testing services are usually used to determine the conformance of products and services to applicable standards which provide objective evidence that quality, safety and performance requirements have met the stipulated requirements. Products conforming to standards through independent verification can be certified using a certification mark which communicates to the consumer that a particular product can be trusted. When all of these systems are applied, there is also need
for confidence in the inspection, testing and certification procedures applied to these products. So inspection, testing and certification bodies must also conform to standards which provide confidence in the procedures that they apply to make decisions. Accuracy of measurements used in the market place is another component of the NQI that should not be forgotten, since using reliable measures will instill trust and confidence. I have just explained how the NQI works in any country which relies on standards. Please be reminded that the GNBS is a statutory Body established under the Standards Act of 1984 and the Weights and Measures Act of 1981. It is the authoritative body in Guyana responsible for the development of standards through a consultative and transparent process which conforms to the World Trade Organization (WTO) requirements and the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO). The GNBS also participates in the Regional Standards development process through the CARICOM Regional Organization for Standards and Quality (CROSQ) and is affiliated with other standards setting bodies such as Codex Alimentarius Commission and Pan- American Standards Setting Organisaton (COPANT). The GNBS is the
custodian of standards in Guyana. Regulators, manufacturers, producers, agro-processors, service providers and consumers can visit the GNBS to find out more about the standards available. Please note that the GNBS does not monitor the implementation of all standards in Guyana. The standards catalogue can be found on our website at www.gnbsgy.org. The GNBS has standards for cassava bread, jams and jellies, fruit juices, fruit purees, coconut water, fresh fruits and vegetables, honey, rum, packaged bottled water, street vended, bread and roll, wooden furniture, indigenous
furniture such as nibbi, PVC pipes, gold articles, building codes for example septic tanks, fire safety, foundation and excavation, high rise buildings, structural steel, use of Guyanese hardwood in construction, bed and breakfast facilities, cell phone dealers and may more. Generic management system standards that are applicable to all types and sizes of businesses and Government Agencies include the ISO 9001 Quality Management System, ISO 14001 Environmental Management System, ISO 50001 Energy Management System and ISO 22000 Food Safety Management System and many more to come.
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CONSUMER CONCERNS By Pat Dial Mental Health is a branch of Medicine to which greater attention is being paid today than formerly. This is not surprising as it is only from the 19th century with the development of Psychology and Psychiatry that Mental Health began to be seriously accepted as a discipline comparable to other disciplines of Medicine. In former times, mentally ill persons usually became the responsibility of religion or individual healers such as
Sunday October 16, 2016
Kaieteur News
Success of mental health programmes depends on mental health education of society
shamans. The treatments ranged from beating the devil out of the patient, exorcism, herbal medicines and exercises, to having the patients attend special religious sessions. The Biblical story of the Gadarene swine is an example of successful exorcism. In Guyana, there still exists some churches where Faith Healing of mental illness is practised and among the most wellknown are the Kali Mai temples which attract multireligious, multi-racial mental health sufferers.
In Guyana, the first “asylum” for the mentally ill was established in the 1850s and long remained a place where only basic treatment was given. There was one doctor and a few nurses. The administering of tranquilizers was one of the main treatments. The fact is that the Society as a whole regarded mental illness as a curse. Mental sufferers were locked away or merely abandoned and families felt intense shame in having a mentally ill
relative. All mentally ill persons were termed “mad”, which term implied an intense degree of schizophrenia and they were ignored or marginalised by the family. Even older members of families who may have been professionals like teachers or lawyers and have begun to suffer from memoryloss (Alzheimer) are termed “dotish” and are ignored. Families are completely uninformed about mental illness and its symptoms and do not know what to do if a member of the family is afflicted. They become distraught and unable to act and no help is rendered to the mentally ill person who would accordingly deteriorate. In addition, this ignorance of what mental illness is or what characterises it has led to the ostracism and intense stigmatization and discrimination against sufferers which in turn result in sufferers and their families avoid seeking treatment. October is regarded as the month when special focus is
given to mental health since it is associated with the World Health Organization designation of 10th October as World Mental Health Day. The theme of this year’s Mental Health Day is “Dignity in Mental Health Psychological and Mental Health First-aid for all.” The Ministry of Public Health has been taking some appropriate and valuable action in addressing the problem. They have published a Mental Health Plan 2015 2020 and among the chief programmes in it are the Integration of Mental Health into Primary Care, Psycho Geriatric clinic, Drug and Alchohol Prevention programme, Suicide Prevention programme, and extending the service to all Regions. Most important, a Mental Health Institute will be established to provide training and clinical experience. To avoid these programmes from becoming a mere wish list, sufficient nurses and doctors trained in
Pedal cyclist killed in WBD accident
A member of the Guyana Fire Service was taken into police custody after he struck and killed a 60-year-old pedal cyclist as he was crossing the Bagotville, West Bank Demerara (WBD) Public Road on Friday. The accident occurred shortly after 19:30 hrs. The victim has been identified as Clement Skeete, of Bagotville. In a release, the Guyana Police Force said that the pensioner was crossing the public road when he was struck down. He died while receiving treatment at the West Demerara Regional Hospital. Kaieteur News understands Skeete was riding across the public road from west to east when a vehicle proceeding south along the eastern driveway struck him off his bicycle. The driver of the vehicle was given a breathalyzer test but no trace of alcohol was recorded. He remains in police custody.
the discipline must be recruited and integrated in the programmes. One of the most important factors in any mental health thrust is the education of Guyanese Society and the family in particular as to what is mental health and mental ailment, its clinical treatment and how could the family deal with a member who may be afflicted. Guyanese Society is almost completely ignorant of what are mental ailments and that there are modern treatments for them. This ignorance leads to fear, prejudice, and intense stigmatization and discrimination which if not tempered or exorcised could defeat all efforts and mental health programmes of the Public Health Ministry. It is therefore important to develop an effective programme of Education. The successful AIDS educational programme could provide something of a template. Education of the family as to mental ailments and treatments will have to begin in the schools. Families should be taught how to recognise the symptoms of mental illness and how to deal with them. If a member of a family is attacked by mental illness, the other members of the family are puzzled and do not know what to do and feel entirely helpless. Education would prevent such a scenario. The theme of this year’s Mental Health Day is “Psychological and Mental Health First-aid for All” and such First-aid could be in the form of Education and could immediately be given to a number of families in the various Regions as a pilot project.
Sunday October 16, 2016
PAGE 59
Kaieteur News
CHIPPED TOOTH dentine layer below, more vulnerable to chips later. Chewing on bones is another habit enjoyed by many. But be careful however, as that sought after marrow could come at a high price.
By Dr. Neromini Fagu The culprit could be a plantain chip or a chicken bone. It is not always easy to predict if you are going to harm your teeth when eating. Accidents happen, and when they happen to your teeth it can be quite alarming. A chipped tooth is a big deal, and depending on the size of the chip, it may be detrimental to your tooth. Chips that extend beyond the enamel layer can make the tooth sensitive - if the chip has reached the nerve of the tooth then the treatment option is more complicated and involved. CAUSES OF CHIPS · High-impact sports are one of the leading causes of chipping. Certain sports are known for player contact and increase the athletes’ chances of damaging their teeth. Players may fall or collide with
Dr. Neromini Fagu one another or may accidentally hit each other with a ball or bat, chipping one or more teeth. · If you grind your teeth you will eventually weaken the enamel and make your teeth more susceptible to chipping. According to the American Academy of General Dentistry, one in three people grind their teeth. Most
STANDARDS IN FOCUS On Friday October 14, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) joined the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), the International Electrotechnical Committee (IEC) and International Telecommunications Union (ITU) to celebrate World Standards Day under the theme ‘Standards Build Trust’. Usually, this day is used to pay tribute to the collaborative efforts of the thousands of experts worldwide that develop the voluntary technical agreements that are published as International Standards. On reflection, this theme can affect all of us since without standards life will become very difficult for everyone. Without standards there will be chaos, imagine; our credit cards not working at the ATM locally or abroad, the videos we watch online every day on our computers, televisions or tablets not being accessible, the signs used for hospitals, road safety, restrooms, safety and public places such as car parks are different wherever we go, the size of clothing and shoes are different for every manufacturer, lack of trust that the imported and locally manufactured foods and beverages are safe and there will be no agreed measure of quality. So standards do play an important role in our lives since consumers are able to make decisions whether to
purchase an item, to dine at a particular restaurant, to purchase a pair of shoes, to select food items from the shelves of the supermarket, to purchase a car of choice, to select a hotel for vacation or even an airline to travel and so much more. Everyone uses standards to make decisions every day without realising it. However, it should be noted that because standards exist these subconscious decisions are made. ‘Trust’ is what allows us to make decisions. Consumers generally believe that someone is responsible for a particular product or service available to them whether it is free or at a cost; that is consumers have expectations and in order for us to meet those expectations standards must be applied and followed. Standards in everyday life instill trust and create a uniform experience that gives us confidence in the products and services used. For example, when a tin of sardine, a packet of rice, a bottle of milk or meat and meat products are selected, we are unknowingly placing trust in the owners of the supermarket to have purchased quality products that are safe for consumption from reliable suppliers and the Regulators would have verified the quality, safety and suitability of these products through their inspections. Likewise, when we select fresh fruits and vegetables we expect them to be safe for consumption.
people grind their teeth at night, but grinding can also take place during the day and under stressful situations. Also, when grinding is combined with persistent clenching, the cusps on chewing surfaces may become eroded. · Tooth decay is a result of bacteria in the mouth producing acids that weakens the tooth. In its initial stages, tooth decay can be arrested, but if it is left to progress - it may compromise the tooth. Undermined enamel caused by tooth decay may chip off even at the slightest pressure. · Poor nutrition may
increase the risk for tooth chipping. The types of foods you eat affect your teeth and may predispose your teeth to chipping. It is important to eat food rich in calcium for strong teeth and bones. Also, what you don’t eat is equally important. Avoiding sugary foods and drinks will decrease your chances of tooth erosion and decay. · Eating Habits – Some people like to chew on ice. This is bad for your teeth as you may suffer a chipped tooth. Also, constantly putting your teeth under such pressure can weaken the enamel and make it, and the
TREATMENT OPTIONS If the chip is small your dentist may be able to smooth it downwith dental instruments to remove rough edges. These types of chip are usually found near the biting surfaces of the front teeth. Small to moderate chips may be repaired via dental bonding. In this process, a composite resin material that matches your tooth colour is bonded in place to repair the tooth. Another treatment option is veneers. Veneers are made of porcelain or other materials and cover the tooth to provide a realistic result of the whole tooth. It is a waferthin material that is bonded to the entire front surface of the tooth.
If a large part of the tooth has chipped off, the chip should be kept if possible. Sometimes, your dentist may be able to bond it back into position. If part of a tooth’s cusp has broken off, but the roots are intact, it can often be restored with an onlay (type of filling) or a full crown. A crown is a cap that covers and protects the tooth enabling it to withstand the pressures of chewing. For chips that extend to the pulp, pain and discomfort will be noticeable and the tooth would be in need of prompt attention. This type of situation usually requires root canal treatment and depending on the location of the damage, the tooth may be restored with filling material or a crown. Prevention is important and knowing why your teeth might chip can help you avoid dental damage and maintain a beautiful smile. For more information contact OMNI DENTAL at 295 Quamina Street, Georgetown Tel: 227-0025, Parika Tel: 260-3133 or send emails to nerominifagu@hotmail.com.
World Standards Day Message A framework which is called the National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) is implemented in each country to protect its population from unscrupulous manufacturers and service providers. Without a recognised NQI, the expectations of consumers will not be met and that trust and uniform experience will be absent. Standards are developed to protect consumers, suppliers, retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers and producers. Standards also help Regulators to make reliable and accurate decisions of the acceptability and non-acceptability of products and services accessible to consumers. It should be noted that standards are not used in isolation but there must be evidence to demonstrate that a particular product or service is or will consistently meet the expectations of consumers. Inspection and testing services are usually used to determine the conformance of products and services to applicable standards which provide objective evidence that quality, safety and performance requirements have met the stipulated requirements. Products conforming to standards through independent verification can be certified using a certification mark which communicates to the consumer that a particular product can be trusted. When all of these systems are applied, there is also need
for confidence in the inspection, testing and certification procedures applied to these products. So inspection, testing and certification bodies must also conform to standards which provide confidence in the procedures that they apply to make decisions. Accuracy of measurements used in the market place is another component of the NQI that should not be forgotten, since using reliable measures will instill trust and confidence. I have just explained how the NQI works in any country which relies on standards. Please be reminded that the GNBS is a statutory Body established under the Standards Act of 1984 and the Weights and Measures Act of 1981. It is the authoritative body in Guyana responsible for the development of standards through a consultative and transparent process which conforms to the World Trade Organization (WTO) requirements and the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO). The GNBS also participates in the Regional Standards development process through the CARICOM Regional Organization for Standards and Quality (CROSQ) and is affiliated with other standards setting bodies such as Codex Alimentarius Commission and Pan- American Standards Setting Organisaton (COPANT). The GNBS is the
custodian of standards in Guyana. Regulators, manufacturers, producers, agro-processors, service providers and consumers can visit the GNBS to find out more about the standards available. Please note that the GNBS does not monitor the implementation of all standards in Guyana. The standards catalogue can be found on our website at www.gnbsgy.org. The GNBS has standards for cassava bread, jams and jellies, fruit juices, fruit purees, coconut water, fresh fruits and vegetables, honey, rum, packaged bottled water, street vended, bread and roll, wooden furniture, indigenous
furniture such as nibbi, PVC pipes, gold articles, building codes for example septic tanks, fire safety, foundation and excavation, high rise buildings, structural steel, use of Guyanese hardwood in construction, bed and breakfast facilities, cell phone dealers and may more. Generic management system standards that are applicable to all types and sizes of businesses and Government Agencies include the ISO 9001 Quality Management System, ISO 14001 Environmental Management System, ISO 50001 Energy Management System and ISO 22000 Food Safety Management System and many more to come.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday October 16, 2016
Bermuda cleans up after After turbulent week, Trump Hurricane Nicole revisits talk of ‘rigged election’
The storm surge damaged coastal roads and sunk boats
HAMILTON, Bermuda — Bermuda residents started damage assessment and cleanup after Hurricane Nicole tore across the island last Thursday, with gust of wind exceeding 120 mph ripping roofs off buildings, flooding homes and damaging roads and leaving more than 27,000 without
power. “We can breathe a sigh of relief. It could have been much worse,” Premier Michael Dunkley said. “We were not lucky, but prepared,” national security minister, Senator Jeff Baron, added as he paid tribute to the high level of preparedness across the British territory.
“We will aim to have schools reopen tomorrow, although a final confirmation will be made early today,” Baron said. The airport reopened at midday on Friday, allowing the first flights to arrive in Bermuda since before the hurricane. (Caribbean News)
Reuters - U.S. Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, fighting to overcome setbacks and polls showing a tough path to the White House, yesterday doubled down on his claim that the U.S. election is rigged against him. Trump challenged accusations from several women that he made unwanted sexual advances toward them. Trump spokesman Jason Miller denied a new allegation that surfaced yesterday, saying there was “no way” Trump had kissed a woman without permission 20 years ago at his Florida resort. Trump told an outdoor rally in New Hampshire yesterday that the media was sharing the accusations against him to boost Democrat Hillary Clinton and damage his own White House hopes. Trump has presented no evidence for claims he has made for months that the election could be fixed to prevent him from reaching the Oval Office. Leaders on both sides of the political spectrum worry that this rhetoric, which supporters sometimes repeat in interviews, undermines the democratic process.
“It looks to me like a rigged election,” Trump said in New Hampshire. “The election is being rigged by corrupt media pushing completely false allegations and outright lies in an effort to elect her president.” He started the day tweeting several times that the election was being swayed by a media conspiracy. “This election is being rigged by the media pushing false and unsubstantiated charges, and outright lies, in order to elect Crooked Hillary!” he said in one Twitter post. He reiterated similar claims at a later rally in Bangor, Maine. Clinton, a former U.S. secretary of state, led Trump by seven percentage points in the most recent Reuters/ Ipsos national opinion poll of voters. A new analysis found she was heavily favoured to reach the 270 Electoral College votes needed to secure the presidency. Trump’s campaign said yesterday it had raised a total of $100 million in September, mostly from small donors but also including a $2 million monthly contribution from Trump.
At the same time, the campaign squabbled with the Republican party in Ohio, a key swing state in the Nov. 8 election, whose Republican leaders have not been shy about concerns with Trump. Yesterday, Trump’s Ohio state director released a letter saying that Ohio Republican Party Chairman Matt Borges “no longer has any affiliation” with the campaign. Borges responded that the state party had been actively helping Trump there. Trump’s speech in New Hampshire was intended to focus on a plan to end deaths caused by opioid overdoses, something he often mentions on the campaign trail. But he deviated from policy proposals to air his allegations of election-rigging and his response to new groping accusations, 24 days before the election. Trump has been fending off the accusations since the release of a 2005 video in which he was recorded bragging about making unwanted sexual advances toward women. Trump has said the boasts were merely words and he has denied each of the allegations.
Syria talks in Lausanne end without breakthrough Reuters - Syria talks convened by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry in the Swiss city of Lausanne yesterday evening failed to agree on a common strategy with Russia to end the conflict in Syria, now in its sixth year. Kerry was seeking a new path to peace after failing to secure a ceasefire in direct talks with Moscow, one of Syria’s key backers, amid mounting international out-
rage over the Russian and Syrian bombardment of rebelheld eastern Aleppo. Kerry hosted Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and seven foreign ministers from the region from Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, Jordan and Egypt - weeks after the collapse of a painstakingly crafted U.S.-Russian ceasefire plan that many saw as the last hope for peace this year.
Kerry told reporters there was consensus on a number of options that could lead to a ceasefire, but conceded that there had been some tense moments during yesterday’s talks. “I would characterize this as an example of what we wanted, which was a brainstorming and a very candid first-time discussion,” he said. “A number of ideas came from the number of different ministers as we hoped that might be able to shape some different approaches.” But the meeting failed to come up with a joint statement or a shared vision on how to move forward. Lavrov, who had said he had “no special expectations” for yesterday’s meeting, said ministers had discussed several “interesting ideas”, without elaborating.
Sunday October 16, 2016
Kaieteur News
AG rubbishes Moonilal’s calls to quit over gun issue …No reason to go Trinidad Guardian - Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi says he isn’t the subject of any police probe—concerning pictures of youngsters holding high-powered weapons—and he’s not resigning. The AG made that clear Friday, following renewed Opposition calls for his resignation after it was confirmed police are now probing the issue of the pictures of youngsters, alleged to be Al-Rawi’s children, holding the weapons. United National Congress MP Roodal Moonilal, who revealed the pictures in Parliament on Tuesday, had written the acting Police Commissioner, Defence Force head and Director of Public Prosecutions calling for the probe. In his defence, Al-Rawi had said his family was invited by the Defence Force for a “threat assessment” after he received death threats last year. The Defence Force also confirmed it had invited Al-Rawi and his family to Camp Cumuto for training. But Moonilal has countered
that it is illegal for weapons to be in minors’ possession and “someone” had to be accountable. However, legal sources Friday pointed the T&T Guardian to Section 5 of the Firearm Act on people deemed to be in possession of such weapons “in the absence of any lawful excuse.” They said the latter clause was the end of the matter concerning the pictures. They said the act’s sections would explain why pictures of children holding guns have appeared on the pages of local newspapers. Friday, after the police confirmed a probe was being done on the pictures, Moonilal called on Al-Rawi to resign, or for the Prime Minister to remove him in the same way the PM removed the People’s National Movement’s Marlene McDonald as a minister in March when she became the subject of police and Integrity Commission probes on several issues. Moonilal added, “I’m satisfied the Commissioner has acted on my request. In the
Faris Al-Rawi circumstances, the Prime Minister has little choice but to remove the AG pending outcome of the probe, as he set this precedent with McDonald. There’s no fundamental difference between both ministers. “The AG has to resign since he’s titular head of the Bar and a law enforcement minister who deals with the police, army and similar agencies. Conflict of interest will arise between h i s position and the Defence Force and police probes.”
Suriname’s foreign minister to push economic diplomacy in Uzbekistan PA R A M A R I B O , Suriname — The foreign minister of Suriname, Niermala Badrising, will attend the 43rd Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) meeting, which will take place on Tuesday to Wednesday in Tashkent under the chairmanship of Uzbekistan. In Uzbekistan, Badrising will use the OIC forum to advance what she terms ‘soft diplomacy” to market Suriname in order to attract foreign direct investment in her government’s effort to diversify Suriname’s economy, which is going through a recession. Badrising will deliver a statement on behalf of Suriname to the gathering of 57 foreign ministers, mostly from Africa and Asia. The theme of the meeting, “The education and enlightenment – path towards peace and creativity,” resonates with Uzbekistan’s glorious past in such fields as architecture, science and math, which is why Tashkent wants to use its chairmanship of the
Niermala Badrising group to focus on strengthening the education, scientific and cultural-humanitarian potential of the OIC. It will be the first visit of a Surinamese foreign minister to Uzbekistan and the first Surinamese foreign minister to attend an annual OIC foreign ministers gathering. Suriname’s participation at the highest level sends a message to the OIC of its seriousness in engaging, expanding and diversifying ties with the 57member bloc. Badrising earlier this year attended the OIC heads of government summit in
Istanbul. Suriname is being encouraged by the OIC to host a meeting of this level in the near future to raise the country’s global profile to investors and tourists. The OIC is also willing to help Suriname foot the bill for such an event. This will help to promote Suriname, which is still unknown to much of the world. Suriname is keen to end its dependence on commodity exports and, in this light, the government is aggressively looking to diversify the economy. Meanwhile, the foreign minister of neighbouring Guyana, Carl Greenidge, will also attend the Tashkent meeting. Guyana is also a member of the OIC. Greenidge heading a high level delegation to the meeting is intended to signal to the OIC his government’s commitment to advance and expand ties with the OIC. The prime minister of Guyana, Moses Nagamootoo, said he supports “greater involvement” by his government in the OIC. (Caribbean News)
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Antigua To Host Three-Day Regional Conference On Services In Trade ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) - A three-day conference aimed at developing regional strategies and action plans to boost investments, output, employment and trade in the services sector gets underway in Antigua tomorrow. The conference will bring together the various stakeholders in the services sector from the private and public sectors from throughout the Caribbean Forum (CARIFORUM) region and will focus on increasing business in several priority areas including professional services, information and communication technologies (ICT), financial services, health and wellness services and education services. Head of Services at the Guyana-based Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat, Timothy Odle, said the proposed action plans will set a benchmark to increase exports in these services by up to four percent per annum to help drive much
needed energy in Regional economies. The plans are expected to target increased business and exports within the CARICOM Single Market and Economy; between CARICOM and the Dominican Republi c w h i c h t o gether make up CARIFORUM; between the CARIFORUM Member States and the European Union which has provided
financial support to boost the Region’s trade opportunities with it; and between the Region and the rest of the world. The Symposium will be chaired by Prime Minister Gaston Browne, who has lead responsibility for Services in CARICOM. The Secretariat said that he will receive the Strategies and Plans and also share his vision for the Sector.
PAGE 62
SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, C a n a da & UK; Guyana p assport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535. INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigrant Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496; 662-6045 RAMDASS VISA APPLICATION & immigration services, room A-4, Maraj Building, Georgetown. Call Samantha: 227-0295; 6159295 Eagle’s: Re-gas -$8,000, Washing machine repairs, Gas Stove, Plasma flat Screen & more. Call: 6972969/646-0966
SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 647-1773/660-5257
Repairs at low cost: Fridges, air- conditioners, washing machines, TVs, microwaves, freezers- Call:629-4946 or 225-4822
WANTED
VACANCY
Experienced taxi drivers (hire car) and dispatcher at Princess Ramada Hotel. Call: 265-7076/ 616-5419
One experienced dispatcher – Call: 231-5784/ 231-4000
Male sales assistant /porters with sound secondary education & recommendation @ KeyFood Trading, Mc Doom Village. 1 Driver for office in Eccles. Call: 233-2745 Live in waitresses to work in bar– Call:692-4649/604-6606 General workers, handyman to work at Hotel, apply in person @ 12 Henry Street, Werk- en-Rust. Call: 223-6284
EDUCATIONAL Classes for slow learners in Reading, Spelling, Mathematics, and much more for children all ages. Call: 675-4379
Entertainment Manager to work in the Essequibo Coast: must have experienced in promotions, events & hotel managements. Call: 226-9768
IAE – CXC Jan/June 2017 – full time school; lessons/ classes for students, adults, repeaters & beginners. Call Mr. Roberts: 683-5742
Driver with minibus license living in Georgetown for job with company. Call: 664-0802
Career Training: care for the elderly/care for children/first aid & CPR. Guyana Training College. Call: 227-4881 International Opportunity: support worker/caregiver Training to live & work in Canada. Guyana Training College. Call: 227-4881
Driver for taxi- Call: 646- 8748
Sales Clerk, must be able bodied ages 18-30yrs. Call: 643-7193 1 Male or female shop assistant to work in the Interior, salary depends on experienced. Call: 678-0565 1 Male to work on vehicle in the interior. Call: 678-0565 One Arc/Acetylene welder, Live in couple, husband – driving, wife- domestic, very good rates. Call: 227-1813/ 227-1830
Hello the doctor is back! Have your gas stove service and repairs. Call: 601-0595 Guytec Repairs Services & Spares to washing machines, pressure washer, dryer, stoves, refrigerator, treadmill, vacuum, etc –Call: 680-2377
Laptop Repairs & unlocking of cell phones, etc. Call: 6839251
Store sales/customer assistant. Call: 624-0033/6803863
Unregistered Bluebird 2011 Model, Tiida Latio 2010 model, Rush 2006 model( TV, Reverse Camera). Call: 655-3400
LORRY DRIVER, MINIMUM 3 YEARS EXPERIENCE, FACTORY ASSISTANT 266 5569
Not working Vehicles: 1 Surf, 2 Pathfinders, 1 Bobcat, 3 Toyota Cars, 1 Canter, 1 Fiber glass boat. Call: 227-4377/ 624-6013
H o u s e k e e p e r / c l e a n e r, vacancy @ Aagman Indian Restaurant, 28-A Sheriff Street. Call: 219-0158
1 Toyota AT192, Carina and 1 Mitsubishi Dingo for sale, excellentcondition.Call:695-0704
One efficient legal computer clerk. Call: 6247087/258-0213
2005 Tacoma -$2.4M, Massey Tractor from Canada: MF 165 $1.7M, MF 135 $1.2M –MF 265 $2.2M, 165 Loader -$2.3M – Call: 682-5230; 628-9596
Popular East Coast Gas Station (Non-Pareil) Day/ Night: pump attendants, sales clerk & office assistant. Contact: 695-9880/670-8893 1 Female Kitchen Assistant, 1 Male person to grill meat, must be able to work weekends. Call Mr.Khan: 695-6550; 656-9313 One experienced cook also required to do light house work, between ages 35yrs45yrs. Please Call: 617-9883 RESTURANT WORK: 9AM-3PM, NO EXPERIENCED NEEDED, G/ TOWN AREA, GOOD SALARY. CALL: 672-4532 SECRETARIAL/OFFICE WORK: 9AM-5PM, G/ TOWN AREA, GOOD SALARY, NO EXPERIENCED NEEDED. CALL: 672-4532
Blowout Car Sale!!! IST$2.1M, Spacio-$2.1M, Fielder-$2.1M, Audi A4$3.7M. Contact#650-0402/ 260-4988 Toyota Avensis, PRR Series -$2.650M negotiable. Call: 641-7474 1 Pitbull, BVV series, never worked hire, 1 RZ BHH series, 1 Honda, Generator. Call: 678-1511 Oswin J’s Auto Imports: New Arrivals: Premio, Allion, Fielder, Axio, Rush, X-Trail. Free full coverage insurance. Call: 609-2815 1 Isuzu truck,6 cylinder engine. Contact # 650-0402 1 RX8 Mazda -$1,000,000 negotiable. Call: 602-6024 Toyota Raum -$800,000 – Call: 697-2550/ 613-1810
Your health can improve. Contact Hazel’s Herbal Store. Call: 226-9136
1RZ Bus, PLL series in excellent condition with A/C, etc. Price$1.2M. Call: 617-6781
TAXI SERVICE
LEARN TO DRIVE
GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 2257878 (24HRS)
C. Persaud & N. Outar Driving School formerly Soman & Sons Driving School @ Maraj BuildingCall: 644-5166; 622-2872; 615-0964; 689-5997 (affordable packages).
Need water on your agriculture land? Contact: 676-0455
Brian Moe @ 642-3543: Computer Technician: FB/ Brian.Moe.165: Home and Office visits at your comfort!!
Driver for water truck $5,000 per day plus commission. Call: 680-3863
VEHICLE FOR SALE RZ, Pit Bull, 212 Carina, IST, Verossa, Suzuki Vitaera, Premio, Allion, Fielder Wagon, Spacio- Call: 6507501/ 616-2577
HEALTH
Need a fast & reliable delivery service? Delivery of meals, documents, groceries & more. SmartCart Delivery. Call: 225-9727/679-7575/6196218
Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158
Sunday October 16, 2016
Kaieteur News
CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 6560087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO. COM WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP R E AT E S , S P E C I A L OFFERFOR THE SUMMER. CALL: 690-6494
CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL: 4WD PICKUP,. CHEAPEST RATE & SPECIAL RATE FOR LONG TERM . CALL: 698-7807
LAND FOR SALE La Parfaite Harmonie $1.3M, prices are negotiable. Call: 690-9645 Diamond -$2.5M, La Parfaite Harmonie $950,000, 50X100 -$3M; Cummings Lodge -$7M, Enterprise Public Road 157X200 -$30M, Schoonard 1st Street. Call: 231-2199/ 618-7483 Land 50ftX175ft located in Friendship, E.B.DPrice$5M negotiable. Call: 645-6498 Land for sale at Herstelling. Call: 699-9926/ 677-8311 1 Farm Land for sale @ Kuru Kururu. Call: 626-4476/2238331
Special Sale: 2009 Belta $2.1M, 2009 Airwave -$2.4M. Call: 617-2891 2009 Raum- $2.4M, 2009 Sienta -$2.4M, 2009 Axio $2.8M, 2009 Fielder -$2.6M. Call: 617-2891 2 Model M trucks in excellent condition, price $3M/$4M each – Call: 6216056/622-2620/226-0022
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Upper flat for rent 3 bedrooms in Atlantic Gardens- Call: 227-4377/2270613/624-6013 Business bottom flat for rent in New Road, Vreed-enHoop. Call: 227-4377/ 2270613/ 624-6013 Self-contained rooms in Prashad Nagar. Tel: 227-2993 Business apartment for rent: 1 snackette include glass cases, warmer & stove, grocery & beer garden @ 7 Durban Street, Lodge. Call: 690-5796 One fully furnished two bedrooms house @ Bougainveillea Park, E.B.D, gated community with security guards. Call: 2261234/ 678-1234 One two bedrooms flat concrete house. Call: 6430782 One 2 Bedrooms house located at Timehri, E.B.D $50,000. Call: 672-0470 Three bedrooms bottom flat at 116 Cane View Avenue, South Ruimvedlt Gardens. Call: 218-1688/ 615-0392/6097826 One exclusive three bedrooms apartment @ First Bridge Diamond, E.B.D $70,000. Call: 225-5258/6152622 One bedroom bottom flat, fully furnished house $65,000. Call: 641-0959 2 Bedroom fully furnished house with hot & cold shower, Wi-Fi, security cameras, A/C, all amenities $850USD. Call: 641-0959 FOR SALE/RENT House for rent/ sale @ Lot 107 Durbana Square Lamaha Gardens with 5 bedrooms large parking. Call: 661-8908
One Toyota Verossa $2.5M negotiable. Call: 614-0694 Prestige Auto Sale: Unregistered Axela 2011, Fielder 2009, Fielder 2002 $1.950M all dark interior. Call: 617-5536 ACCOMMODATION Harmony Inn: furnished air conditioned apartments & rooms, from $30USD. Call: 218-1400/668-0306/ 694-7817
DRESSMAKING Jean offers courses in dressmaking, curtains, floral arrangement, and cake decoration @ 153 Barr Street Kitty. Call: 670-2653/ 638-8449 Continued on page 63
Sunday October 16, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Contractors owe Govt $300M... From page 8 saw the company receiving three advance payments totalling $264.123M which represents 76 per cent of the total contract sum. However, the audit noted that the contract only allowed for a 50 per cent advance payment. This was a severe breach of contract. The audit office’s physical valuation revealed that the work done was worth $157.663M. However, the contractor received $278.346M for the project. Hence, the contractor received excess payment of $120.683M. According to the report, the contractor submitted Bonds for the respective advance payments and they expired in 2014. As a result of
Guyana elected to... From page 8 encouraged to implement health finance reform inclusive of increased taxation on harmful products such as foods high in sugars, salt, fat, alcohol and cigarettes. In relation to HIV/AIDS, the Region’s achievements in relation to the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV were addressed. It was recommended that countries strengthen the data collection for HIV and Syphilis and integrate available data sources to provide timely monitoring of Maternal Child Health programme performance within the context of existing national information systems. At the conclusion of the meeting, Director G e n e r a l o f t h e Wo r l d Health Organisation, Dr. Margaret Chan, declared Latin America and the Caribbean measles free.
the expiration of the Bond, the Ministry is now dependent on the contractor to repay the outstanding amounts. To this date, the contractor has not repaid the money to the state. In Lot four – Beterverwagting to Triumph, the audit reported that works in the area were incomplete and the site appeared abandoned. The contractor received three advance payments of $209.603M which is 65 per cent of the contract sum. Similar to the other contracts, only a 50 per cent advance payment was permitted. Added to that, the contractor, Compustruct Engi-
neering, only submitted one advance Bond for the first payment of $174.504M. This Bond expired in 2014 and no Bond was seen by the auditors for the second advance payments issued to the contractor. At the time of reporting, the completed work was valued at $76.954M. The total payments made to the company amounted to $209.603M. Thus, the overpayment totalled $132.649M. The Audit Office has recommended that the Head of the Budget Agency should continue to pursue these matters in order to recover the amounts overpaid.
From page 62
TO LET Apartments for rent preferably working professionals -$70,000. Call: 227-5194 1-3 Bedrooms apartment at Better Hope, Back Street, East Coast Demerara. Call: 220-1583 1-3 Bedrooms upper flat with master bedroom. 1-2 Bedroom bottom flat, fenced yard @ Tuschen Housing Scheme. Call: 692-5525/ 2663973 Newly constructed building having three kitchenettes for single persons on West Side. Call:617-0055/689-9898 One bottom flat to rent in Diamond Housing Scheme. Call: 678-3388 Two bedrooms bottom flat to let @ Eccles. Call: 662-3837/ 670-0878/ 233-5365 Stylish comfortable 2 bedrooms apartment for vocation rental. Web: Airbnb Georgetown, FB: Prestige Property Vocational Rental. Call: 592-678-6690 1- Two bedrooms house located in Triumph E.C.D, preferably working couple $50,000 negotiable. Call: 6154178/220-4194 2 Bedrooms apartment at Industry – Call: 679-0749 for details. KITTY APARTMENTS: FURNISHED, GRILLED, 2 BEDROOMS, NEW, GRANITE, SECURE. $120,000 MONTHLY (NO AGENTS). CALL: 672-4532
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.
PROPERTY FOR SALE Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461
Cargo Trawler. Call: 682-8724; 616-5954
House & land for sale $22.5M @ La Parfaite Harmonie, W.B.D. Call: Alex: 630-9479
Taxi service for sale, prime location, serious inquiries only. Call: 695-0704
Property @ Lot 172 Zohora Street, Better Hope, East Coast Demerara. Call: 220-1583
GE Gas Range/Stove, stand up freezer, supermarket mirror, hot dog machine, 2 Stihl Brush Cutters. Call: 680-3863
Property with extra large land well built with 2 storey house, good neighborhood. Won’t last. Call: 220-1583
Empty 20’ container in excellent condition, please call: 225-7352/690-3575 Items for sale panel doors (36" x 83"), living room set, used clothing. Call 231-1284 Pools table cloth, balls, cue stick, coins, coinshute, pocket, rubber, chalk, springs, tips, spots. Call:669-9927 1 45" Complete cabin Cruiser, trout seine, excellent condition. Call: 654-2817/ 6570044/625-8522 Organic Potting Soil -$900, Lawn Grass -$1,400, Ficus 4 @$1,000, Exora 4 @ $1,000, also Palms & Flowers. Call: 626-1044 1- CAT 320 BL Excavators, 1 CAT 930 Front End Loader. 155 Leyland DAF Truck, 1 CAT D4H Bulldozer. Call: 275-0538/ 683-7225 Double Steel Wheeled Roller, 1 Mack Concrete mixer truck. Call: 275-0538/ 683-7225 Sale on foxtail palms, silver palms, red palms, Christmas trees, hibiscus, etc. Call:6875631/216-2199 Evergreen Plantshop.
One Roadside, 2 storey building @ V/Hoop (ideally business/residence). Call: 614-0107 Lot 704 House & Land at Zeelugt, Brother Dam W.C.D -$7M negotiable. Call: 616-5606/ 277-0281 1 Church building in front and 2 story building at the back (W30X6120) @ 180 Charolotte Street Bourda. Call:624-7341/ 227-6817/2265183 House & Land available for sale. Contact Pacific Development Inc: 223-6035/ 227-8274 One two bedrooms house $14M and one lot $3.5M (both at Kuru Kururu). Call: 643-0895; 261-5276 Business/Residential: house & land @ LBI Road Side, prime location, price $60,000,000 negotiable. Contact 669-5820/647-8786 3 7 0 / e m a i l : loveshanaz82@gmail.com 2 Storey 3 Bedrooms concrete house for rent in Diamond New Scheme E.B.D -$50,000. Call: 609-9909
Clean Garden Earth, Deliver to spot, also excavating /grading & leveling done. Call: 6160617/ 663-3285 PSP FIFA 2013 & Pro evolution soccer 2013 - $6,000 each. Contact: 616-1759/2750283 PS2 Pro Evolution Soccer 2013 $4,000, PS3 –Pro Evolution Soccer 2015 -$7,500. Call: 6161759 or 275-0283 Sale October 21st 2016: Playstation3 Station with 2 controls -$65,000. Call: 6161759/ 275-0283 1 Mobile Food Caravan for sale. Call: 626-4476/223-8331
FOR SALE Fridge $60,000 and washing machine -$60,000 both negotiable like brand new. Call: 698-1688/231-6672 Arriving Soon! Oct 21st 2016: Pro – Evolution Soccer 2017 $10,500. Call: 616-1759/675-0283 ADOPTION Mix bred dogs & puppies for adoption, owner not well enough to care for them. Call: 220-2156
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Sunday October 16, 2016
Kaieteur News
Over $66 million in payment vouchers still to be audited at GPHC Vouchers valued at more than $66 million are yet to be presented by the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) to be audited. This is according to the Auditor General Report of the fiscal year ended 2015. According to the Report which was recently laid in Parliament, 31 payment vouchers valued at $66.169M for 2014 were not
presented for audit examination. “In the circumstance, the completeness, accuracy and validity of the payments could not be determined. In addition, it could not be determined whether all items paid for were received and properly brought to account in the records of the Corporation,” the Report outlined. The hospital in response to this discovery of
the Audit Office said that 29 vouchers totalling $56.851 million have since been located and efforts are continuing to locate two remaining vouchers valued at $9.319 million. But the Audit Office has recommended that the Corporation properly secure its records and present same for audit when requested and make efforts to locate the remaining two vouchers. During the audit of the hospital it was also revealed that 21 expense vouchers valued at $5.565 million were presented for audit examination for the year 2014. Here, again it was noted by the Audit Office that the completeness, accuracy and validity of the payment could not be determined. While the hospital has assured that efforts are ongoing to locate the missing vouchers in this instance also, the Audit Officer has recommended that the Corporation renew its efforts to locate these vouchers and have them presented for all audit
examination. There were financial infractions detected at the GPHC. Among these was the breach of the provisions of sections 43 of the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act (2003). The Audit Officer revealed that this occurred when the Corporation failed to refund to the Consolidated Fund, 13 cheques valued at $19.941 million that were drawn on the Appropriation Account for 2015. As such, the Appropriation Account would have been overstated by the said amount. The Report noted
that at the time of audit inspection the cheques in questions were still on hand at the Corporation. Meanwhile, it was revealed in the report that after more than three years a case of misappropriation of funds at the Public Hospital remains unsolved. According to the Report, during 2013 there was an apparent misappropriation of sums amounting to $5.115 million. In this case a cashier acting alone and/or with persons unknown was considered a suspect. It was pointed out that the facility where
employees’ personal cheques were en-cashed had contributed to the loss of cash. The matter in question was referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) through the Guyana Police Force. According to the Audit Report, the DPP advised that a thorough investigation be conducted into the matter by a Fraud Investigator. In light of the fact that the matter remains unresolved, the Audit Office has recommended that the Corporation follow up with the DPP as it relates to the status of the matter.
PetroCaribe arrangement…
Guyana owes Venezuela over $24B Despite the fact that there was only $1.9B in the PetroCaribe fund to show for all the money the PPP/C government collected over the years, Guyana still has a whopping $24B outstanding for Venezuela. The management of the lucrative rice-for-oil deal with neighbouring Venezuela has been under fire by the new administration which said it found little in the bank accounts when it took office in
May. The fund was established almost a decade ago when Venezuela introduced an oil sale arrangement where Guyana and a number of CARICOM and Latin America countries take oil at concessionary rates, pay a percentage in advance and the balance over a 20-year period. The PetroCaribe Fund was supposed to hold millions of US dollars. Auditor General, Deodat Sharma, noted in his recent report that last year, there were cancellations in relation to the 2013 and 2014 shipments totaling US$88.6M. This reduced the balance of money Guyana owes Venezuela to $24.9B as at December 31, 2015 compared to a bal-
ance of $37.990 billion as at December 31, 2014. Sharma also noted that $1.9B was transferred from the PetroCaribe Bank Account to the Consolidated Fund in 2015 as well. Sharma also highlighted the $5.7B that has to be taken from the Consolidated Fund by the Ministry of Finance to be given to the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) for rice shipment to Venezuela. This was because there was not enough money in the PetroCaribe fund to make the payment. But because $1.9B was transferred from the PetroCaribe fund to the Consolidated Fund, this was deducted from the $5.7B, only $3.807 was actually charged.
Sunday October 16, 2016
Kaieteur News
Jamaica government and IMF agree on new three-year programme KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — The government of Jamaica has reached a stafflevel agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a US$1.7 billion three-year successor standby programme. This will replace the existing extended fund facility (EFF) that ends in March 2017, once approved by the IMF’s executive board during its meeting, scheduled for November. This was announced by Prime Minister Andrew Holness and director of the IMF’s Western Hemisphere Department, Dr Alejandro Werner, during a joint government of Jamaica/IMF press conference in Kingston last week. Holness said the new facility is a “precautionary” agreement that was negotiated with members of the IMF’s mission team who were in Jamaica for the discussions. The prime minister explained that the request was made, consequent on the country’s robust foreign exchange reserves. He described the US$1.7 billion provision as an “insurance policy” against unforeseen economic shocks that are beyond Jamaica’s control, and that it is a “dividend” that the country has reaped, as a result of its policy credibility and discipline. “Our request to move to a precautionary arrangement is a sign of strength and reflects the policy credibility and strong macroeconomic management of the Jamaican Government,” he said. Noting that Jamaica has
Andrew Holness “made strides” in fiscal and monetary management under the EFF, Holness said the new programme emphasizes the need for reorientation and transformation of the public sector to an “efficient performance-focused facilitator of growth, social well-being and rule of law.” In this regard, the prime minister said the administration’s goals and direction would include: reorienting public resource allocation towards infrastructure, social protection and security related spending, while transforming the public sector to be more efficient and delivery-focused; modernising the monetary policy framework and building the foundation for an eventual move
to inflation targeting; bolstering the resilience of Jamaica’s financial system; and implementing initiatives that unlock Jamaica’s growth potential and promote private sector job creation. He added that the proposed new programme and the “large and important” commitment of IMF resources is a “firm vote of confidence in Jamaica.” “I want to say how happy I am that we have been able to reach this stage. This is merely the beginning of the journey, but an important milestone to mark. The government of Jamaica looks forward to a continued and productive collaborative relationship with the (IMF),” Holness added. (Caribbean News)
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Kaieteur News
Sunday October 16, 2016
Regional discussion to focus on adequate pay for nurses Daily Observer - Threehundred nurses from 22 countries will converge in Antigua & Barbuda beginning this weekend for the Caribbean Nurses Organisation 30th Biennial Conference, and President of the Caribbean Nurses Organisation, Antoinette Paterson Bartley said along with the many challenges nurses face, the issue of proper remuneration will be among the topics discussed. “The governments have said, in all its documents, that they are unable to pay us what we deserve. We recognize a speech was made by Director General [of the World Health
Organization (WHO)], Margaret Chang, and we support that speech that ‘until nurses becomes a priority it will not be given the attention it so desires.’ We support that statement,” Paterson Bartley told OBSERVER media. Speaking ahead of the conference that will runs from October 16-22, the CNO president said Caribbean governments can do more to address the low remuneration for members. “The work and worth of our nurses is under recognized, and we strongly believe that the time has come for
nurses to be remunerated appropriately. We know there are financial challenges, however we believe that the government –-the powers that be –-can do better in terms of remuneration,” she said. Nurses are classified as essential workers, however Paterson Bartley said the challenge is convincing the policy- makers to pay the nurses their worth. The conference seeks to give nurse an opportunity to continue with their professional education while they interact with Caribbean and North American colleagues.
Sunday October 16, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Sunday October 16, 2016
Sunday October 16, 2016
Kaieteur News
Over 50 entered for Rising Sun and Jumbo Jet race meet Banks DIH Limited Trophy Stall on board With the horseracing season in full swing and the Rising Sun and Jumbo Jet horserace meet just one week away, over 50 horses have been entered already for the day of action set for Sunday 23rd October at the Club’s entity Arima Park, Rising Sun, West Coast, Berbice. Eight races are listed for the day with over $4M in prize monies and trophies at stake. Closing date for entries has also being extended to Wednesday 19th and no late entries will be accepted after then. The Jumbo Jet Enterprise, which includes the Jumbo Jet Auto Sale and Stable, is one of the main sponsors. Other main guarantors so far are Banks DIH Limited, Trophy Stall, Chester Fried Chicken of Bush Lot, West Cost, Berbice and the Rising Sun Cattle Ranch.
With most of the bigger horses being rested, the feature event is for horses classified E and lower over 1600M for a total prize package of $1.2M and trophy. The G1 and lower race has prize monies totaling over $800,000 and trophy over 1400M. There is a race for animals classified H maiden and I and lower over 1100M for a winning package of $500,000 and trophy. The two years old Guyana bred animals will continue to show their mettle over 1100M as they compete for the $500,000 and trophy at stake. The J class race has a winning package of $350,000 and trophy over in another 1100M match up. The K class event is for a winner’s pocket of $350, 000 and trophy over 1100M and the horses classified L and
lower will be galloping over 1100M for the prize package of $300,000 and trophy. Apart from the riveting day of horseracing that is expected to unfold the organisers has also put forward a number of other attractions on the day including trampoline and bouncy castle for the benefit of the entire family. The champion jockey, champion stable and champion trainer will all receive trophies and other accolades compliments of Trophy Stall and the organizers. Interested persons can contact Fazal Habibulla at Chester Fry Bush Lot West Coast Berbice on Telephone No 232-0232 or 657-7010 or Chandu 624-9063 or 608-9063, Sancho on 602-1567 or Jin Jo on 618-7278 for any details or entry. Race time is 13:00 hrs. (Samuel Whyte)
Sunday October 16, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Be diplomatic when dealing with in-law. Take time to do something nice for yourself. Work on legitimate financial deals that may enable you to bring in some extra cash. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You will benefit through hidden assets and property investments. You will enjoy interaction with others today. You will attract potential lovers, but be sure that they're unattached. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Do not force your opinions on others the connections will be short lived. CANCER (June 21–July 22) You can make reasonable bids on real estate or large items for your home. Don't let someone try to bully you into doing things their way. Be prepared for an active but rewarding day. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Your emotional stability may influence the changes taking place in your personal life. Emotional matters may not be easy for you to handle. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Don't let situations get out of control. Don't spend too much on products that promise amazing cosmetic results. Your dedication and fortitude when dealing with humanitar-
ian groups will enhance your reputation. LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You could find yourself having problems with coworkers and employers. Changes involving your domestic scene may be unpleasant. Payoff all your debts before you go out and celebrate. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Deal with in-laws today. Upgrading at this point is not a bad plan. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Don't rely on others to handle the workload. Broaden your horizons and look into programs that will teach you awareness and relaxation. CAPRI (Dec.22–Jan.19) You may be emotional and quick to judge others. Sit tight. Things aren't as bad as they appear. You will have the getup and go to contribute a great deal to groups of interest. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You'd be wise to control your spending so your debts don't get out of hand. Do not get involved in joint financial ventures. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You might be a tad overindulgent today. Things have been moving so quickly that you need to do something physical to release your tension.
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Top teams registering for Bel Air Lions... (From page 69) which was held at the Lions Den and had in attendance Lions Fazal Hamid, SMV Naseer, Yogeshwar Ragbeer, Orlando James and Ramchand Ragbeer, while the GDA representatives included President Faye Joseph and Rodwell Philips, Lion Naseer reminded those present about the primary endeavors of the Lions which is to extend kindness to communities in need in addition to the organisation of sports and games as a specific project to generate rev-
GFA/STAG Premier... (From page 70) evening were Western Tigers FC, Santos FC, Riddim Squad FC, Camptown FC, Northern Rangers FC, Flamingo FC, and Beacon FC. Individual prices were received by: Job Caesar- Most promising player of Santos FC Rommel Legal- Best goal keeper of Western Tigers FC Samuel Hunt- Best defender of Santos FC Randolph Wagner- Highest goal scorer of Western Tigers FC Philip Rowley- Most valuable Player of western tigers FC
enue to give back. “Every penny we earn after expenses we are bound to give back to members of the public,” Naseer said. Joseph speaking at the occasion said they were grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Lions fund raising activity and at the same time seize the chance to further spread the sport, adding that since she became the President of the organisation she has always sought ways and means to advance the sport and take it to a higher level. In highlighting how far the sport has cpme, she disclosed that the World Body usually hosts an international tournament every two years and Guyana is always represented. “The sport of Domino has certainly emerged over the years and has gained tremendous popularity in Guyana,” Joseph asserted. Lion James whose responsibility it is to organise the tournament, in his remarks thanked the GDA for its suport to the cause and extended gratitude to all the sponsors on ioard for seeing
the need to offer their assistance in an effort to generate funds to give back to the needy. The sponsors on board are: Clear Waters, Colin Talbert Contracting Services, ART Sawmilling Enterprise, Hamid’s Hardware, N. James Consultancy, Creative Jewellery & Pawn Shop, Trophy Stall and others. The winning team will receive $100,000 and a trophy, while second and third placed finishers take away $60,000 and $40,000 respectively, while a special prize will be given to the Most Valuable Player. Registration forms could be collected from Faye Joseph’s residence at 1223 Gaulding Place, South Ruimveldt, Ramchand Auto Spares on Sheriff Street and Ray’s One Stop Auto Spares on Sheriff Street. The closing date for registration is October 23 and contact could be made to Orlando Jmaes on tele#665-1235 or Rodwell Phillips on tele#686-0632. The proceeds of the Tournament will be used to support the poor and needy.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday October 16, 2016
E’bo Franchise team not supported by ECB-Forbes Daniels
E’bo needs more cricket for the team to improve
By Sean Devers When pacer Courtney Gonsalves bowled Essequibo to an upset win against Demerara in the final to win the 1980 Inter-County First-Class title it raised hopes that the County’s cricket was coming of age. Bu t t h a t v i c t o r y r e m a i n s E s s e q u i b o ’s only National Senior title since and Forbes Daniels, Manager of this year ’s Essequibo Franchise team in the
G C B ’ s L e ague, feels Essequibo will continue to struggle at the senior level because of a lack cricket in Essequibo and support from the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB). Daniels, a qualified Coach from Suddie, lamented that the team was short of practice but got better as the League progressed. “We wanted to travel early to get some practice before our first match but the
Board said they could not provide Lunch. But we still decided to come early anyway and organised a practice game at Tuschen but rain spoiled our plans.” According to Daniels there is no cricket played in Essequibo and the players only get together on the day before the match and when they played at Tuschen the team does not stay together. “The Marketing department of the Essequibo Board is not doing enough to get sponsors for Tournaments,” Daniels said. He says if Essequibo’s Cricket is to improve ‘outside’ Coaches have to be sent by the GCB and more school cricket played in the County and not in only small areas. Daniels informed that a Hostel is controlled by the ECB but the facility is underused and not maintained properly. He disclosed that the team was selected with any input from the Coach or Manager. Head Coach Michael
Franco Hyles, an experienced Berbician who works with the Academy and Guyana First-Class players, explained that a Coach needs time to work with the players before a tournament commences and since no Camp is organised for the team, this was not possible. “Shiv (Chanderpaul) played three games with us was the best thing that could have happened for our team, He has a wealth of knowledge and made a big difference in the dressing room. We need more people like him to go to Essequibo to Coach,” Hyles noted. Despite having Kemo Paul, the best U-19 player in the West Indies, in addition to players like Kevin Boodie, Ricardo Adams, Ronsford Beaton and the Adams sibling (Anthony & Akenie), Hyles feels that while there is talent the problem is more mental and tactical which is a reason why Camps are important. Hyles said he was surprised when a Berbice Businessman agreed to
provide the entire Essequibo team training attire and an ECB Official asked who does the donor support? The Imam Bacchus ground on the Essequibo Coast and the Tuschen ground on the East Bank of Essequibo have the best pitches and grounds used in the just concluded Franchise League, but unfortunately both areas are starved of even regular club Cricket. Essequibo is the largest of Guyana’s three Counties but the least populated and most neglected despite being rich in Gold, Rice and possibly Oil. This is mainly due to its massive terrain and geographical location. Only recently a trip was organised by Mitzy Campbell for a group of National Cricketers and the Media to go to Mabaruma to spread cricket in that Community. In the 1990s, the GCB, under President Chetram Singh, built a pitch in an Amerindian settlement and last year Guyana-born England International Monty Lynch tried to organize a League in a
Hinterland Community. But there was no real follow-up to these initiatives and structured cricket is only played in Region two (the Coast) and Region three (the Islands and East Bank E’bo). Unlike Berbice where the BCB runs an inter SubAssociation competition and in Demerara where t e a m s f r o m We s t Demerara, East Coast, East Bank and Georgetown participate, no such competition is played in Essequibo. Some of the prohibitive factors are that teams are separated by water over long distances, the expense of Boat travels, lack of proper accommodation and most importantly lack of sponsorship to provide funds to run tournaments. The only ECB competition involving all the area teams is the Busta tournament but since the return to his homeland of Trinidadian Robert Selman, a long serving Busta Soft Drinks executive, the competition has stopped.
Sunday October 16, 2016
Kaieteur News
PAGE 71
Courts Pee Wee Schools Football Championship
Defending champs St. Agnes joined by six teams on maximum points
Players from J.E. Burnham and West Ruimveldt battle for possession in their clash which the latter won at Thirst Park yesterday. Defending champion of the Courts Pee Wee Schools Football Championship, St. Angela’s, made it two wins from as many matches as play in the competition continued yesterday at the Banks DIH ground, Thirst Park. Also, in victory row to gain the maximum points from their allotment of m a t c h e s w e r e We s t Ruimveldt, Tucville, North Georgetown, Marian Academy, Stella Maris and South Ruimveldt. Yesterday’s full results
are seen below: Game-1 S t . S t e p h e n ’s - 3 v s Comenius Primary-1 St. Stephens’s scorers Omali Xavier-14th and 26th Jequan Cole-28th Comenius scorer Own Goal-29th Game-2 South Ruimveldt-4 vs F.E. Pollard-0 Antonio Leitch-1st and 2nd John Simon-7th Treyvon Duncan-14th Game-3
St. Agnes-4 vs Rama Krishna-0 Nikhail Carter-13th and 22nd David Xavier-1st Antawn McKay-27th Game-4 Stella Maris-1 vs Redeemer-0 Dakari Douglas-15th Game-5 North Georgetown-5 vs School of the Nation’s-0 Shaquan Walters-11th and 24th Nigel Lowe-17th Aken DeSantos-21st Kellon King-33rd
Game-6 Marian Academy-1 vs Success Elementary-0 Malik Darker-22nd Game-7 Tucville Primary-1 vs St. Ambrose-0 Jamal Embrack-14th Game-8 St. Angela’s-2 vs St. Gabriel’s-0 Antwoine Vincent-1st Seon Cato-14th Game-9 Enterprise-2 vs St. Margaret’s-3 St. Margaret’s scorers Mickelle Andrews-1st
and 28th Joshua Abel-29th Enterprise scorers Shamar Richardson-3rd Own Goal-17th Game-10 West Ruimveldt-4 vs J.E. Burnham-0 Tyrese John-8th Jermaine Park-10th Tafrel McAllister-15th Kenneth Gordon-19th
Game-11 St. Pius-1 vs Winfer Gardens-1 Winfer Scorer Calvin Bowling-9th St. Pius Scorer Kaden Wellington-13th Game-12 Mae’s Primary-2 vs Smith Memorial-0 Joshua Bentick-22nd Own Goal-26th
Floodlights overcome Bush Lot United SC in T20 fixture Led by a fine half century by Yunnis Yusuf, Floodlights defeated Bush Lot United Sports Club of West Berbice by five wickets in a T20 fixture played on Saturday night at Demerara Cricket Club. Yunnis struck six fours and fours sixes before he was caught off Rajbance Hemraj for 53 as Floodlights successfully chased 143, ending on 1445 off the last ball of the innings. Floodlights reply got off to a slow start with Yusuf and Ramo Malone managing 45 in eight overs mainly due to some steady bowling by the visitors. But as the asking rate continued to increased the duo took their chances to keep their team in the hunt; Malone struck four fours and one six before he was lbw to Joel Dilchand for 31, while
Yusuf clobbered six fours and four maximums before he was dismissed. Christopher Barnwell was then run out for eight, while Patrick Khan (03) and Khalid Baksh (06) fell cheaply, however Toolsie Sahadeo remained unbeaten on 15 to see Floodlight home. Hemraj claimed 3-34 and Dilchand 1-34. Earlier, Asgar Matabheek struck four fours and two sixes in a top score of 40 and added 56 with Kris Ramnarine after opener Yuvindra Boodhoo was taken off Patrick Khan for seven. Ramnarine was bowled by Surendra Nauth for 21 (2x6), while Hemraj made 29 (2x4,1x6) and Dilchand 12 not out. Barnwell, Khan, Nauth, Baksh and Malone took one wicket each. Hemraj was given the player-of the-game award
The victorious Floodlights team. for Bush Lot United SC who was sponsored by Jumbo Jet
Auto Sales, while Yusuf took the said prize for the
winners. Floodlight received a trophy. The game was
sponsorsed by Trophy Stall. (Zaheer Mohamed)
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Sunday October 16, 2016
Kaieteur News
Bravo, Samuels shine as Windies frustrate Pakistan DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, CMC – Lefthander Darren Bravo and veteran Marlon Samuels missed out on hundreds but their contrasting halfcenturies proved the catalyst, as West Indies batted the entire third day to thwart Pakistan’s victory bid in the historic day/night opening Test here Saturday. The Caribbean side produced a sterling effort to reach 315 for six at the close, on the backs of Bravo’s top score of 87 and Samuels’s classy 76, to be 264 runs behind on first innings heading into the penultimate day of the contest at the Dubai International Stadium. West Indies’ recent ill fortunes looked set to continue when overnight batsman Kraigg Brathwaite perished for 32 in the day’s second over without any addition to the overnight score of 69 for one. But Bravo and Samuels – the visitors’ two most accomplished batsmen – set about stitching up the innings in a 113-run third wicket stand Jermaine Blackwood chipped in with 37 while wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich was unbeaten on 27 at the close, partnered by captain Jason Holder on ten. Left-arm seamer Wahab
Kraigg Brathwaite is bowled by Yasir Shah, 1st Test, Dubai, 3rd day, ©AFP
Riaz (2-53) and leg-spinner Yasir Shah (2-97) were the two most successful bowlers for Pakistan picking up two wickets apiece. Facing a huge task at the start to get near to Pakistan’s 579 for three declared, West Indies’ mission became even more complicated with Brathwaite’s early demise, missing one from Yasir which drifted past a defensive prod to hit offstump. Samuels then joined Bravo to frustrate Pakistan and steer West Indies to the safety of the first interval on 138 for two. The right-handed Samuels was typically forthright in his approach, striking 13 fours off 139
deliveries in just under 3-¼ hours at the crease, while Bravo was unusually phlegmatic, requiring 258 balls and nearly 6-¾ hours for a knock that included nine fours and a six. Unbeaten on 14 overnight, Bravo managed just 16 runs in the first session and further 26 in the second, to register his 16th Test century. Samuels, however, had no such challenges. He was off the mark stylishly, cutting Yasir behind square for four and following up with a sweetly-timed punch to the extra cover boundary. He took another pair of boundaries off Yasir a few overs later and twice also stroked seamer Sohail Khan
to the boundary in the same over – the first a deft cut behind square and the second a full-blooded drive through extra cover. The Jamaican raised his 24th Test half-century in the fourth over before the break, when he steered left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz through point for a single. Unbeaten on exactly 50 at the interval, Samuels continued in similar vein afterward and seemed poised for a hundred when he was caught on the crease and lbw to seamer Sohail Khan, 40 minutes before tea. Unruffled, Bravo moved to his half-century 25 minutes before the interval as he combined with
Blackwood to add 77 for the fourth wicket, as West Indies reached 211 for three at the start of the final session. The right-handed Blackwood had faced 74 balls and counted six fours when he gloved a leg-side catch to wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed, pulling at an innocuous delivery from Wahab with the score on 259. Twelve balls later with seven runs added, Roston Chase fended off a short one from Wahab to be caught around the corner by Babar Azam for six.
Any hopes of a collapse were quickly extinguished, however, as Bravo and Dowrich put on 34 for sixth wicket. Dowrich shook off a blow to the helmet from Wahab to played positively, notching five fours in his 53ball knock. At the other end, Bravo looked a sure bet for his eighth Test hundred when he perished 20 minutes from the close, caught at short leg by Azhar Ali off one that spun sharply from debutant leftarm spinner Mohammad Nawaz.
GCB National Secondary School Cricket League (NSSCL)
Defending Champions Chase Academy make successful start to 2016/17 tournament Sachin Singh registers tournament’s first century The GCB/NSSCL which was launched on Wednesday 12 October, commenced with its usual hype, as keen and interested schools began their quest for championship honours. The NSSCL defending champions Chase Academy made a successful start to their 2016/17 campaign as National under-15 Captain Sachin Singh registered the first century of the competition. Playing at GCC, Bourda, Chase Academy, who were sent into bat first by St Rose’s High School amassed 242/3 off 30 overs. National under-15 Captain Sachin Singh scored a classy
101, stroking 10 fours and 2 sixes. Also among the runs were Lester Lepidare who made 44 before he was forced to retire hurt suffering from cramps and national under-17 left arm spinner Asmead Nedd made an entertaining 34 not out. Bowling for St Rose’s High school, Alex Ramotar took 2/39. St Rose’s High were then dismissed for 59/9 in 12.4 overs with one batsman unable to bat because of an injury. Bowling for Chase Academy, Dwain Dick had 2/10, Shem Persaud 2/12 and Tyrese Trescott 2/16. At DCC, St John’s
Sachin Singh in action during his hundred.
College got the better of St George’s. St John’s College won the toss and asked St George’s to take first strike. Their decision worked well as they routed St George’s for a paltry 49 all out in 15 overs. Bowling for St John’s College, Johan Blair took 5/9. In Reply, St John’s College raced to 50/2 in just
6 overs with Darian Dickson scoring 24. In another game played at GCC, Bishop’s High School registered an easy victory when the defeated The Business School by 111 runs. Batting first, Bishop’s High made 146/5 in their 30 overs. Troy Persaud was the main scorer with 74 not out
including 9 fours and 1 six. Bowling for The Business School, Teelack Baliram had 2/14. In reply, The Business School could only muster 37 all out in 12.5 overs. Arian Persaud took 4/10, Daniel Singh took 3/7 and Kanpta Seepersaud had 3/1. The competition continues Tuesday 18
October with Queen’s College playing Richard Ishmael Secondary at DCC, Kingston High School coming up against School of Nations at GCC, Marian Academy will play St Mary’s High at Muslim Youth Organisation ground (MYO) and Chase Academy face Bishop’s High at GNIC.
Kaieteur News
Sunday October 16, 2016
PAGE 73
Twins (Bayo) Beer Garden/UCCA U-19 Top teams registering for Bel Skeldon into final against Air Lions Domino Tournament No. 72 Cut and Load
President of the Georgetown Dominoes Association Faye Joseph officially declares the tournament launched in association with Lion Orlando James recently. The Lions Club of Bel Air in collaboration with the Georgetown Dominoes Association (GDA) will be staging a massive Competition on Sunday, October 30, at the Lions Civic Centre, Enachu Street, Section ‘N’ Campbellville, starting at 12:00hrs. The Competition which
is being dubbed the ‘Lions Clash of the Champions’ To u r n a m e n t w i l l s e e eighteen teams battle for top honours and they include mixed teams from the Lions fraternity going up against teams affiliated to the GDA as well as those from the corporate community. The teams that were
invited include: Killers,Upper Level, Masters, Scramblers, All Seasons, GGMC, Thunder, Strikers, F&H Supremes, Impressers, Frankies, Lions ‘A’, Spartans, Lions ‘B’, Transport, Freddie’s 6, Police and NIS. Recently at a launch (Continued on page 65)
The Twins (Bayo) Beer Garden/UCCA under 19 cricket competition for teams in the Upper Corentyne area has reached the final stage with Skeldon qualifying to play No. 72 Cut and Load in a repeat of the 2015 final. At the Skeldon ground: Skeldon defeated No. 64 fighting marines by 4 wickets. Batting first No. 64 fighting Marines were bowled out for 102 in 26.5 o v e r s w i t h Va d a n a n d Sugrim 24, Thakurdeo Persaud 20 and Lakram Chunilall 18 being the top scorers. Bowling for Skeldon Afseer Hussain bagged 5 for 30 and Antonio February 4 for 19. I n r e p l y, S k e l d o n reached 104 for 6 off 20 overs with February returning to blast an unbeaten 52 not out, while Zeikeal Gordon was 19 not out. Mahendra Chaitnarine made 15. Bowling for No. 64 Fighting Marines, Vadanand Sugrim took 3 for 21 and Stephon Newland 3 for 39 were the top bowlers. At No. 64: No. 72 All
Besham Tulsi
Antonio February
Star defeated No. 64 Fighting Marines by a massive 229 runs in a match reduced to 40 overs per side but failed to qualify for the final. Batting first No. 72 All Star scored 325 runs for 5 off 40 overs with Besham Tulsi hitting his first century at this level with 107 (10x4, 3x6), Khameshwar Chatterpaul 34, Gavin Chaterpal 27 with extras being a healthy 84. Bowling for No. 64 Stephon Newland took 2 for 46. In reply, No. 64 Fighting Marines were bowled out for 96 in 15 overs. Tameshwar Persaud 34 and
Harrynauth Chand 10 were the only batsmen to reach double figures. Extras were 36. Bowling for No. 72 All Star Gavin Chaterpal with 4 for 8 and Tom Baichan 3 for 22 did the damage. The final is set for October 23 at the No. 72 Cut and Load ground. Lots to eat and drink will be on sale. Admission is free. This competition is being sponsored by Mr. B o d h n a r i n e Ramlakhan, proprietor of TWINS (Bayo) Beer Garden of Corriverton and is being organized by the UCCA. (Samuel Whyte)
NBS 2nd division 40-over cricket
Perez (100), Rutherford (81) lead DCC to record 376-4 By Sean Devers Yesterday at the small GYO ground Raymond scored a responsible ton but the day belonged to Sherfane Rutherford who clobbered a brutal 31-ball 81 to lead DCC to the highest total as action in the New Building Society (NBS) Second Division 40-overs cricket competition organised by the GCA, continued at three venues. DCC demolished Third Class by 235 runs, GNIC beat GYO 143 runs and Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) hammered Ace Warriors by eight wickets. Perez, whose 100 included 10 fours and four sixes, added 125 with schoolboy Sachin Singh (46) before the left-handed Rutherford launched a murderous attack on the bowlers during his 126 second wicket stand with Perez.
Rutherford, who scored a ton in the GCB’s three-day Franchise League, showed no mercy; hitting left arm spinner Trevor Hussein for 18 in his sixth over before Lenny Panchan was clobbered for four sixes and a four by Rutherford in an over which cost 29 as DCC reached 376-4 off 40 overs. Rutherford’s innings was decorated with seven fours and eight sixes, while Cleon McQueen (44) and Larry Smith (37) chipped in as pacer Keon Bailey took three wickets for Third Class, who fell for 141 in 32 overs. Bailey (36), Adrian Persaud (32) Panchan, who smashed two sixes and two fours in a cameo 24, offered fight. Dexter George had 431, while Rutherford and Ashmead Nedd picked up three wickets each to give DCC victory. At MSC, pacer Shaquille Mosley (5-31) and part time spinner Marcus Watkins (2-
DCC, MSC & GNIC in winner’s row
Sherfane Rutherford destroyed the Third Class bowling during 31-ball 81 at GYO yesterday. (Sean Devers photo) 19) dismissed Ace Warriors for 157 despite 61 with five fours and four sixes from Clayon Halley. The hosts, led by a 110run second wicket partnership between Floyd Rollins and Joseph Cupidore, romped to victory in 28 overs to register their first win in the competition.
The left-handed Cupidore stroked five fours from 68 balls in his unbeaten 50 after Rollins, who stroked Jonathon Jeffery elegantly through cover, flicked him disdainfully off his legs and magnificently square drove him for three boundaries in the same over, fell for 53 from 76 balls with seven
fours. At GNIC, a classy 67 with 11 fours from Joshua Persaud and 5-30 from offspinner Gajanan Suknanan, who impressed in the GCB League with the second most wickets (34), spearheaded GNIC to victory. David Dick (30), Jermaine Grovesnor (32)
and Pramchan Sookdeo (23) who put together 63 for the sixth wicket with Persaud saw GNIC to 247-9. Shiv Parmanand had 455 for GYO who fell for 104 despite 31 from skipper Trevon France as the talented Suknanan did the bulk of the damage with the ball.
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Sunday October 16, 2016
Kaieteur News
Garrett, Marcus for tryouts in Portugal A mere nine months after he first arrived in Guyana and stated his intention to open an Academy for young sportsmen and women, Guyana born Alex Bunbury through the Alex Bunbury Sports and Academics Academy (ABSAA) is already making his presence felt. On Friday, during a Press Briefing at the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, Bunbury announced to the media that local football stars Jeremy Garrett and Shemika Marcus will be attending tryouts at the world famous football club Sporting Lisbon of Portugal in November. B u n b u r y, w h o s e brainchild it is to open an Academy right here in Guyana told the gathering of media operatives, family members, relatives of the two selectees and well wishers that, “Sporting will be giving two of our players, one female and a male the opportunity to experience
-Jaguars’ Bobb and Agard for Deportivo Alves
Golden Jaguars Trayon Bobb (left) and Alex Bunbury hug for a photo op on Friday at the Pegasus Hotel. what it’s like to be in a professional environment.” He said 16 years old Jeremy Garrett will be going to Sporting Academy, the number one Academy in the world currently, adding that he would like young men like him to be the future of
the sport in Guyana. According to Bunbury, who is a Canadian Football Hall of Fame inductee, Garrett is a young man who not only excels on the field, but off the field academically as well. “This is crucial for us,
Alex Bunbury poses with Sporting Lisbon bound duo Jerem Garrett and Shemika Marcus on Friday. this is our future. When we find young people like this we are going to give them opportunities, ABSAA is going to give them opportunities. I am going to use my name and my recognition to open those doors for these young
GFA/STAG Premier League 2015 /2016 winners receive prizes
GFA President, Commander Clifton Hicken (centre) with the outstanding performers and their accolades. (GFA facebook) On Friday evening last the Georgetown Football Association presented clubs and players of the GFA/STAG Premier League 2015/2016 with their trophies. This will be followed by the issuance
cheques to the clubs and individuals at a simple handing over ceremony which is slated for tomorrow Monday at the Police Officers Mess, Eve Leary. In attendance were President of the Guyana
Football Association Wayne Forde, Technical Director of the Guyana Football Federation Ian Greenwood, President of the Georgetown Football Association Commander Clifton Hicken, representative of ANSA
McAl Stag brand and executives from the GFF and GFA as well as clubs and players who participated in the tournament. Among the clubs presented with trophies last (Continued on page 65)
people. I have been blessed to have that opportunity and that is a responsibility I take seriously and that’s why in Portugal I knocked on the door and said we have talent here,” Bunbury told those in attendance. The Canadian football legend said Sporting is willing to work with ABSAA to provide more opportunities for young people so the two now have a responsibility to go there and showcase their God given abilities, not only what they can do on the field, but what they can do off the field and from that it can open the flood gates. Bunbury noted that the selection of Marcus shows that they are willing to provide the same opportunity for her. “Shemika is 19 years of age and exhibits the same qualities so we want to showcase that we are not only doing this for boys, but doing it for young ladies as well”. Garrett in a brief address thanked the entity for securing a golden opportunity for him, declaring that while his parents did not want him to participate in the sport, he doesn’t regret the path he took to get to this point. He further stated that he
gave up his ambition to pursue athletics due to his deep love for the sport. Marcus in her remarks expressed similar sentiments to that of Garrett and thanked ABSAA for the once in a lifetime opportunity as well as the persons involved in fostering her ability in the sport. Additionally, Bunbury revealed that Golden Jaguars internationals Trayon Bobb and Shaquille Agard will also be attending tryouts with European outfit Deportivo Alves. He further disclosed, “We want to bring two of my former teams here in Guyana, West Ham United and Marítimo to play in July 2017 we are working on that as we speak and we are going to try to put together an allstar team so we will have three teams playing.” “We came here to do the deeds and we need your support. We a r e n o t always going to get things 100 % right, but our intentions are good and we want to see Guyana flourish”. He believed the chance of having the teams play in Guyana will create the opportunity for the country to be showcased to the world, especially through the visiting fans experience.
Kaieteur News
Sunday October 16, 2016
PAGE 75
NSC, GOA support Ninvalle for World Hopes Training Camp
Wu confirmed for December C/bean visit –Ninvalle
Steve Ninvalle
Boxing in the Caribbean is about to get a shot in the arm as it has been confirmed that AIBA president Dr. Ching Kuo Wu will visit the region in early December. AIBA Executive Committee Member and President of the Guyana Boxing Association Steve Ninvalle revealed that Dr. Wu and a high level team from AIBA will visit Barbados on December 11 and 12 to meet with regional administrators. The AIBA team would also use the occasion to attend the Caribbean Development Tournament. “I received the confirmation last week and it is my belief that the entire Caribbean is elated by the news. I personally see it as a step towards major recovery of the sport in this hemisphere,” Ninvalle said. While in Barbados Wu is also expected to detail a plan for the development of Caribbean boxing. Back in
Dr. Ching Kuo Wu
July, Ninvalle, CARICOM’s first elected EC Member, met with the AIBA president in Ta s h k e n t , U z b e k i s t a n where the latter promised to visit the Caribbean later in the year. Ninvalle stated that Dr. Wu, who will turn 70 on Tuesday, was concerned about the Caribbean and wanted to hold discussions with administrators to see how best AIBA can assist in the development of the sport in the region. “This visit gives us a chance to take off our gloves and have a free and frank discussion with Dr. Wu.” Meanwhile, Guyana is scheduled to send a team of 13 boxers, three coaches and three referee/judges to the Caribbean Development Tournament. The boxers would be selected after the Terrence Alli National Open this month end and encamped soon after.
Director of Sport, Christopher Jones (second, left) hands over the contribution to the ‘Baby faced assassin’ Kaysan Ninvalle, while GTTA President, Godfrey Munroe (right) and Coach, Linden Johnson (left) also share the moment. The National Sports Commission (NSC) and Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) supported the 11 years and under Caribbean table tennis cadet champion, Kaysan ‘Baby faced assassin’ Ninvalle to facilitate his participation at the World Hopes Training and Selection Camp, October 1723, 2016, Lima Peru. In a Guyana Table Tennis
Association (GTTA) Press Release, Director of Sports, Christopher Jones indicated that his organisation and Government are committed to developing sports and giving its support to young talent like Ninvalle. Jones indicated that upon reception of the request for support for Ninvalle from GTTA, he felt compelled and happy to have his entity support. Jones extended best
wishes to Ninvalle and his Coach, Linden Johnson in their quest at the World Hopes Selection and Training Camp. GOA also made a presentation to Ninvalle and Johnson. President and Treasurer of the GOA, K. A. Juman Yassin and Garfield Wiltshire, respectively, handed over a cheque to assist Ninvalle on his sojourn to Lima, Peru. According to the GTTA Press Release that the association President, Godfrey Munroe submitted, Yassin indicated that he was happy to support Ninvalle since he felt this is the direction he would love to see sports organisations go. Ya s s i n r e p o r t e d l y praised the GTTA when he said that this direction is positive because it allows the GTTA to synchronise programmes with international federations and put forward programmes for development of young talent. He touched on the implementation of the National Athlete Development Programme Table Tennis for Schools Project, which is a collaborative project that
will soon be implemented and piloted by the GOA and Government of Guyana. The release said that this will be done through Government agencies, NSC, GTTA and Guyana Teachers’ Union. The World Hopes is one of the new projects of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) E d u c a t i o n & Tr a i n i n g Programmes for young talented players in the U-11 age group that have already showcased their abilities and skills in the international arenas and are aspiring candidates Enroute to excellence. The aim of the project is to promote and work with young talented Players for future success and growth and to bridge the gap in the ITTF Athletes Development Model for the selected age category. Munroe thanked Jones a n d Ya s s i n f o r t h e i r organisation’s consideration in responding positively to the GTTA’s request for support.
t r o Sp
Bravo, Samuels shine as Windies frustrate Pakistan Marlon Samuels cuts the ball behind point, 1st Test, Dubai, 3rd day, ŠGetty Images
Darren Bravo works the ball into the leg side, 1st Test, Dubai, 3rd day, ŠGetty Images
Courts Pee Wee Schools Football Championship
Defending champs St. Agnes joined by six teams on maximum points
Part of the action between St. Pius and Winfer Gardens yesterday at Thirst Park. Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210