Kaieteur News
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Tuesday October 18, 2016
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
AFTER-EFFECTS Hurricane Matthew was the most devastating hurricane to hit the Caribbean in some time. Several Caribbean Islands for the most part, escaped its fury. It could have been worse for those countries. The raging storm took its toll on Jamaica, Cuba, the Bahamas, Haiti and the Dominican Republic, with maximum sustained winds of 140 miles per hour. It was the most powerful storm in the region since Hurricane Felix in 2007. Matthew damaged houses, uprooted trees, toppled utility poles, scattered debris and flooded many areas in those countries. There were no deaths in Cuba, the Bahamas, Jamaica or Barbados. Four deaths were reported in the Dominican Republic. Haiti was less fortunate. Over 1000 people perished. Haiti is too poor to weather such a powerful storm. Matthew devastated the territory which never had the resources needed to invest in disaster preparedness mechanisms. In the hours leading up to the storm there were warnings, but many Haitians continued with their daily chores. In a country already so ravaged, there were not too many places for some people to seek shelter. In the aftermath, bodies were seen everywhere; the government struggled to provide food, water and shelter to the living. Many will succumb to starvation and cholera in the coming days. In Haiti, over 7000 homes were destroyed with more than 350,000 homeless and in need of assistance. With a population of 10.3 million people, Haiti is the poorest country in the hemisphere, with almost four million people living in extreme poverty. Its shoddy buildings in the shanty towns where most of the urban residents live, certainly are not constructed under proper building codes. Engineers often use codes established for other countries that do not necessarily account for the country’s risks. Matthew came just six years after an earthquake that measured 7 on the Richter scale killed more than 100,000 people and destroyed three quarters of Port-au-Prince’s buildings, including the Presidential Palace. Matthew plunged half of the Caribbean’s oldest nation into darkness, despair and uncertainty. Haiti is ill-prepared to deal with such disasters. Its soil already holds the lives of far too many of its citizens taken by extreme natural disasters. While highlighting the misery of underdevelopment in Haiti, which is still recovering from the devastating earthquake in 2010, it seems that the recent storm will rekindle the debate about the international community helping Haiti to erect stronger structures to withstand the full impact of natural disasters. Matthew comes at an especially tense moment for Haiti. Haitians were expected to go to the polls on Sunday to cast their vote for a new president of the republic. However, Matthew has postponed the elections indefinitely. This is just one of the after-effects. Rarely has a disaster occurred in such close proximity to a scheduled major political event as it has with this election. However, a global outpouring of sympathy similar to the 2010 earthquake disaster drew support from around the world with pledges of hundreds of millions of dollars to help the people of Haiti. Haiti is broken and is urgently in need of help. After storming through Haiti and the other Caribbean countries, Matthew sideswiped the East coast of Florida, but did not make landfall in the state. With high winds and torrential rainfall, the storm killed four people, damaged houses and toppled trees and utility poles and left more than one million without power. As Hurricane Matthew ploughed northward through Georgia and into South Carolina and North Carolina, it triggered mass evacuations along the East coast of the US. All told, Matthew has left 40 dead, including 26 in South Carolina and more than $10 billion in damage to properties in the U.S. It was the worse hurricane to hit the U.S in more than a decade.
Editor’s Note; If your sent letter was not published and you felt its contents were valid and devoid of libel or personal attacks, please contact us by phone or email.
Guyana has high beam drivers that pose a definite danger Dear Editor; Recently there seems to be a dangerously disturbing trend among many vehicle owners in Guyana. This strange and hazardous phenomenon is to install off-road LED light bars on their vehicles. These lights are not only extremely bright, but they are blinding when switched on at night and pose a very serious risk to night drivers. Already
many drivers in Guyana are impulsive high-beam users who drive with little or no regard for the visibility or lack thereof of oncoming drivers. The addition of these off-road LED lights on vehicles emitting blinding white light certainly present a clear and present danger to road users. The LED lights of which I speak are for off-road use and should definitely not be used on urban roads. Something
definitive must be done by the authorities to eradicate this dangerous practice of vehicle owners installing additional off-road LED lights on their vehicles and using them on our roadways. Vehicle owners must not be allowed to install and use additional lighting on their vehicles that have the potential to be harmful and dangerous to other road users. Richard Francois
GuySuco says that GAWU is losing its relevance Dear Editor; GuySuCo wishes to respond to letters published in the Stabroek and Kaieteur newspapers dated 14 October, 2016 and written by M r. A b e l S e e t a r a m . GuySuCo would be the first to admit that a lot went wrong in the Corporation and it was not managed with the business acumen that was required nor was the environment conducive for serious application of business acumen. No doubt there is an abundance of e v i d e n c e t h a t mismanagement and the absence of a business approach and foresight which would have done much needed reorganisation and investment to secure the viability and sustainability of the business. The industrial relations climate over the years and currently is not enabling the
Corporation to grow as a business. The basis upon which some of the Unions exist does not create an environment for the Corporation to successfully navigate a way out of the challenging course in which it has found itself. For example, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) is losing its relevance as a stakeholder, due to its seeming inability to change its ideology and practices to be considered a 21st Century industrial relations body and more specifically, in the case of GuySuCo; to become a stakeholder that is creative, innovative and solutionoriented; instead the Union prefers to remain as part of the problem rather than to evolve as part of the solution. The Government of Guyana having recognized that there was urgent need to
strengthen the governance and management of the Corporation, took immediate action in 2015, to appoint a new Board of Directors and an Interim Management Committee (IMC) both of which consist of highly qualified and experienced individuals. .Since the installation of these two bodies, a number of strategic plans and programmes were developed on remedial measures to be undertaken and the new direction in which the Corporation should proceed. As it relates to the implementation of these strategic plans, programmes and measures, the Board of Directors and Executive Management have been implementing them in a detail, systematic and professional manner. In many instances the Corporation tries to capture
and relate the processes for which these plans and programmes are implemented but practically, it is impossible to provide the public with a ball –by- ball commentary of all of the remedial actions which are being implemented. Hence, a realistic expectation from the Governance body and Interim Management Committee, is for them to be given the time and space to implement measures for the turn -around of the Corporation. Nevertheless, a key approach of this new management is to create the environment for growth and learning, where employees feel respected and are treated as professionals and the Corporation expects no less from them. For example, since the new IMC was appointed, a number of (Continued on page 6)
There are ranks that do a disservice to the police force D ear Ed itor; I have been travelling acros s this country over the years and have had reas on to vis it s everal police s tations and obs erve the behaviour of police ranks . Very often I s hake my head in despair: most of our policemen and women are underperforming and are doing a disservice to the Force and to the citizens of this country. They see peoples’ matters as humbug to their reverie. Dale Andrews had done a thorough analysis of the Police Reform Strategy. It was the hope that Policymakers (both Politicians and the Force Administration) would have been galvanised, not only to fast-forward reforms but to put mechanisms in place to enforce the reforms. After all, the reforms are intended to change certain processes and types of behaviour within the Force, much of which are ugly, still prevail and are very noticeable. While Acting Commissioner Ramnarine is taking the bull by the horns, I am hopeful that his efforts are not shortlived, because the cancer of graft is still very much alive. As a citizen of this
country, I would like to see the reintroduction and/or re-enforcement of regular drills at stations by ranks. We have lots of police ranks who are lazy, indisciplined and do not fit the bill for active policing. Additionally, regular drills serve to remind the Police of the psychological face they show to the public. Further, young people are always impressed by these drills and, hopefully would be encouraged to join the Force. Secondly, I am seeing ranks, from Commanders down, being on duty in civilian attire. Members of the public are unable to distinguish between who are on duty and who are not, or who is a Police rank or not. On top of that, many ranks do not wear their regulation badges on their attire. This contributes to the nonchalant outlook of many members of the Force. I have spoken to many retired officers of the Force and they do not hesitate to use the expression: “we have a disappointment for a Police Force.” Thirdly, Dark clothes ranks and TSU ranks stop vehicles and ask for documents in many cases which cannot be regarded as
suspicious circumstances. Also, ad hoc two-man road blocks are set up and mostly young drivers are targeted. I am told that very often money ends up changing hands. Fourthly, I am in receipt of regular reports of Police not going on the ground to investigate reports. They prefer to pull in both parties to the incident and charge them. Or both parties “pay up”. I can go on. But I think I have raised enough glaring lapses on the part of Police ranks to merit investigation and correction and I am requesting the Administration of the Guyana Police Force to make whistle stops at police stations and start taking off stripes from ranks and “mannersing” ranks for dereliction of duty and breach of Force Orders: improper record-keeping, etc. etc. Nothing less will help to solve the problem. It is the popular feeling that when some ranks are disciplined they run to their “godparents” in the Force or at the political level. I am optimistic that this will be discouraged. I am aware of the several initiatives put in place by the current Commissioner, but I am also aware that (Continued on page 6)
Tuesday October 18, 2016
These investigators are wrongly assigned by the police force DEAR EDITOR Earlier this year after four investigators were employed by the Police Complaints Authority, I questioned whether or not they were legally empowered to investigate breaches of discipline under section 4 (a-z) of the Police ( Discipline) Act Chapter 17:01. I felt that section 5(1) of the Act debars them from doing so. This Act stipulates the rank a person must hold in order for him or her to conduct investigations into breaches of discipline. The investigators did not fall within that ambit. Section 5(1) states,” Every alleged commission of an offence against discipline under this Act shall be investigated as soon as practicable by a member of the Force not below the rank of sergeant and of a higher rank than the member of the Force who is alleged to have committed the offence”. From a layman’s point of view the section is very pellucid. There is no legal morass. The person conducting the investigation must be a member of the Force holding the rank of sergeant and of a higher rank than the rank who has committed the alleged offence. Those employed by the Authority held the ranks of senior superintendent, chief inspector, inspector and captain in the police and a r m y r e s p e c t i v e l y, prior to their retirement. Their appointments ceased when they exited the Force and Army. I know them well. They are all excellent investigators. Frederick Caesar is dogged investigator. He is a graduate from the Federal Bureau of Investigation N a t i o n a l A c a d e m y. H e graduated the same time with Mr. Winston Felix MP Minister of Citizenship. They cannot walk into the Authority with the ranks
they previously held. The Commissioner of Police or the Police Service Commission must first appoint / promote them to the requisite rank in order for them to legally perform the task as investigating officers in accordance with section 5(1) of the Act. Section 5, (2)-(11) also gives clear directions as to what must be done in relation to investigation of offences against discipline. The investigators may also be breaching sections (2) and (3) However, due to constraint of space l will confine my argument to section 5(1) of the Act. Please permit me to backtrack a bit. During this year the Authority and I exchanged letters to the editor. The Authority did not address my specific fact in the issue. Instead, he posited that the investigators were not investigating. They were gathering information as a result of complaints made to the PCA. Reports are then sent to the Commissioner of Police and the Police Service Commission with recommendation for disciplina r y a c t i o n a g a i n st defaulting ranks wherever applicable. If interviewing complainants and witnesses, interrogating alleged defaulters; visiting scenes of offences; collecting and seizing materials to be tendered as exhibits at a disciplinary inquiry as is the modus of the investigators is not investigating well then Hurricane Matthew did not batter Haiti and Florida’s East Coast recently. The Chairman recommended that for my edification l read the Disciplined Forces Commission Report and the Police Complaints Authority Act. I perused both documents. In relation to Inquiry Into Complaints Of
Misconduct By Members of the Force, Section 7(1) of the Police Complaints Authority Act states,” The provision of this Part shall be in addition to, and not in derogation of, the provisions of the Police (Discipline) Act.” The Act is very clear on the procedure on receipt of complaints. Section 9 (b) informs “where the Authority does not reject a complaint under paragraph (a), he shall refer it to the Commissioner for investigation and inquiry, under the Police (Discipline) Act.” Section 9 (2) of the Act states,” When a complaint is referred to the Commissioner under subsection (1) by the Authority, the Commissioner shall cause the complaint to be investigated expeditiously under section 5 of the Police (Discipline) Act and a copy of the report of the investigating officer referred in section 5(4) of that Act shall be forwarded by the Commissioner, as soon as possible after the report is submitted, to the Authority for his comments.” For the sake of emphasis let me repeat that the investigating officer must be a sergeant and of a rank higher than the rank that is alleged to have committed the offence in accordance with Section 5(1) of the Police (Discipline) Act alluded to earlier. Apparently the investigators employed by the Authority who are not members of the Force and have no rank are breaching section 5(1) by investigating alleged breaches of discipline committed by members of the Force and submitting reports to the Commissioner for action to be taken. Clinton Conway Assistant Commissioner of Police (rtd) Editor’s note; because of the length, this letter will conclude in tomorrow’s edition
This sawmill needs to be investigated DEAR EDITOR; For almost 2 years I have been complaining about a sawmill on the East Bank being allowed to operate in a residential community. This is even worse since there is a dispute regarding the ownership of the land, and I was told by Mr Halls of the Ministry of Environment and senior people at the EPA that if there is a dispute as
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to who owns the property, then no business can operate there. This is important because in the event of injury or loss of life, we need to know who is liable. I was raking the grass up in front of my bridge and a truck turned out of the sawmill. I was a mere 6 feet away from death after all the greenheart planks came tumbling down. Abdool Gafoor
Plea to President Granger to help school children in Kwakwani DEAR EDITOR; Please publish this letter that has been sent to the President. We the residents of Kwakwani are hereby requesting an audience with you to address the following concerns in relation to the Kwakwani Primary School: 1. Relocation of trained teachers. 2. Conditions of the current teachers’ hostel. 3. Unsanitary conditions within the school compound. 4. Shortage of trained teachers. 5. Shortage of furniture. 6. Overcrowding of school. 7. A bus to transport school children from the waterfront area. From days of old, trained teachers who resided in Kwakwani were relocated to riverain areas causing them to have to uproot their entire families and leaving the safety of their homes to go and live and work in remote areas without proper housing facilities and security. This is still happening to date, as a young teacher and her family from the community is being relocated to the river. Our question to you sir, is why only the Kwakwani teachers can be relocated to
riverain areas and not teachers from Linden and elsewhere? We are asking for the immediate renovation of the present teachers’ hostel so as to encourage teachers coming from areas outside of here to educate our future leaders to be comfortable. To date, the toilet facilities within the school are in a terrible state which can lead to the spread of diseases due mainly to plumbing problems to flush the lavatories. The school compound which is supposed to be cleared of grass on a regular basis currently has an abundance of bush for quite a while, and school reopened since the 5th September, 2016. Students are constantly being sent home because there is a shortage of teachers and this is unacceptable. Our school needs a full complement of trained teachers for all levels at the earliest opportunity and there is also need to address the issue of the number of pupils per class which would result in the realisation of the need for the extension of the present primary school. Last but not least, the quality of furniture being sent to our schools is of a poor quality and we are in need of
a number of furniture for all schools within the community. As such we would like to use this opportunity to request that contracts be awarded to skilled joiners within the community who have the ability to make quality furniture. As you may know, our community is highly recognised as producers of a large quantity of lumber and are currently experiencing a terrible financial crisis within the forestry sector to be awarded contracts for the supply of furniture for the schools within our community would be highly appreciated at this time. It is our hope that you can understand our plight from the brief explanation given within this letter and realise the need for immediate action to be taken to address these issues. The contact person for our group is Mr. Lyndon McAlmont who can be contacted at any time on telephone number # 659-7336. Thanking you in advance for granting us an immediate hearing which we are requesting so that we can all work to the best of our abilities for the progress of our future leaders and our country. Trevor Johnson
A historic niche in Linden has been roundings were given a face north/south of the Mackenzie lift. High School. Also its activirestored Mr. Hinds, in the capacity ties are of minimal distraction DEAR EDITOR; Friday September 30th, saw the launching of the reopening of the Senior Supervisors’ Club in Linden, which also coincided with the birth anniversary and celebration of Mr. Howell “Yellow Man” Hinds and former executive member Ronald Knights. This re-opening which was initiated by “Yellow Man” and had been in the making for some time now is finally set in motion. In a “full house” attendance were former CEO of Linmine and present head of NICIL, Mr. Horace James and popular businessman Mr. Joe Barnes. The atmosphere was delightfully charged, the decorations and arrangements of tables were splendid – aesthetic – the club was transformed. It came alive, reminiscent of bygone days. For good measure there was a red carpet welcome which lent an air of sophistication that all in attendance basked in and felt special. Not to mention that the club’s exterior and sur-
as president, in his short presentation gave a background on the Senior Supervisors’ Club, an insight into what himself and team have in store and thanked those who have rendered assistance. The SSC, a members club – was opened in October 1954, built by the then Demerara Bauxite Company – DEMBA. It was exactly as the name says: a recreational facility exclusively for its managers, confidential payroll staff (CPR), top functionaries within the community and other distinguished and reputable personalities. Its architecture is simple and unique: sturdy, flat and rectangle in shape, it is ringed with louvers ten inches apart and about four feet from the floor to the ceiling which allows for sprawling ventilation that keeps the club invariably cool. Aptly situated also, it is located northwest of the MSC ground bordered by its great walls and a safe distance
to residents who live around and about because of the layout of the inner area where activities take place. This club once had a much talked about reputation for high standards, older folks still talk proudly about its once glossy polished floor and high society outings – of course those were the days! Managed by a committee of 10, of which 9 were elected through elections and one, the steward an ex officio member who was selected by the company and reported to the company. The company took full responsibility for its entire operations. It paid the wages/ salaries of the workers – bar, attendants, kitchen staff, “char” women. It took care of (Continued on page 6)
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Tuesday October 18, 2016
Memorandum between Guyana and Trinidad on oil and gas DEAR EDITOR; In the month of September ,2016 I read in one of the dailies of Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago that the Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago Governments were planning to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) as it relates to the Trinidad and Tobago Government providing technical assistance ,support and cooperation to help with the development of Guyana’s Oil and Gas sector. It was also stated in the articles that there were plans to sign a MOU in November 2016 or by the end of 2016 and that the Government of Trinidad and Tobago will provide guidance to ensure that the Guyana Government does not make mistakes that the Trinidad and Tobago Govern-
ment would have made in developing its own Oil and Gas sector; in addition it was proposed that a delegation representing Guyana’s private and public sectors would visit Trinidad and Tobago with the aim of observing and discussing the following . 1. The operations available to support the Oil and Gas sector in Trinidad and Tobago. 2. Examine the options available for monetizing Natural Gas 3. Examine the commercial and fiscal arrangements in place to support the Oil and Gas sector. As we approach the month of November and the end of the year2016 I would like to highlight and remind everyone of the role the fol-
lowing entities play as it relates to the development of the Oil and Gas sector of Trinidad and Tobago. 1. Petroleum Company of Trinidad and Tobago Ltd. (PETROTRIN ) It is an integrated oil and gas company engaged in the full range of petroleum operations; exploration, development and production of hydrocarbons; manufacturing and marketing of a wide range of petroleum products in addition PETROTRIN utilises Joint Ventures to increase reserves and expand participation in upstream business operations. The company was incorporated in 1993; wholly owned state enterprise 100%owned by the GOTT. 2. The National Gas Com-
GuySuco says that GAWU is losing... From page 4 sound management approaches were implemented and practices are being observed. These approaches have pave the way for better monitoring and evaluation of performance and practices and to ensure that necessary reviews and revisions are done where and when necessary. Examples of this are the monthly Management Committee meetings which recommenced in 2015 and the daily interaction between corporate and the Estate Management. Additionally, training programmes are being implemented to improve the capacity and capability of staff members in various departments. Several consultations are being carried out to examine current systems with an aim of closing loop holes, bridging gaps and removing hindrances which prevent the Corporation from performing with greater efficiency. For example, on Saturday 8 October, 2016, a workshop was held with all Health and Safety Officers and other management
staff from across the Corporation, to review and make recommendations to revise the Health, Safety and Environment Policy for the Corporation. On the point Mr. Seetaram made suggesting that benefits to Estate Managers should be trimmed, GuySuCo wishes to state that the Estate Managers are the real Heroes in the Corporation. Due to the rigorous nature of sugar production, Estate Managers are required to be available twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. The number of employees on Estates range from 3,000 plus as in the case of Albion, to over 1,000 in the case of Wales. It therefore means that Estate Managers are in charge of a large workforce on all of the estates. Further, GuySuCo is a target-driven Corporation; the detail and precision required from the cultivations all the way to the production of the sugar crystals, demands proper supervision, and management. Further, there is a science that must be applied in the
restructuring programme for production based businesses such as GuySuCo. This entails the design of a strategy to enable the Corporation to become profitable, resilient and sustainable while at the same time increase the efficiencies in its current core business which is sugar. Going hand –in- hand with this is the introduction of new ventures of non-sugar nature to strengthen the viability of the business. The Board of Directors and Management wishes to assure members of the public, that the Corporation has recruited some of the best minds in organizational development and in the sugar business and has no doubt that with the support from stakeholders for the corporate strategy which lays out the direction for the New GuySuCo, and if given reasonable time and space to implement this recovery programme, positive growth will be seen over time. Audreyanna Thomas Senior Communications Officer
pany of Trinidad and Tobago Ltd(NGC) It was established to purchase, compress ,transport and distribute natural gas to industrial users; there is a heavy focus on the development of the local gas industry of Trinidad and Tobago. The company was incorporated in 1975; 100% owned by the GOTT. 3. The Natural Energy Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago Ltd (NEL) It was established to develop and manage the Marine Assets of Point Lisas as well as managing the LaBrea Estate ,which provides marine and infrastructure facilities The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of The National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago(NGC) 4. Phoenix Park Gas Processors Ltd (PPGPL): major natural gas processing company and it was majority owned 90% by the National Gas Company Ltd of Trinidad and Tobago(NGC) and 5. Trinidad and Tobago National Petroleum Marketing Company Ltd(NP) It is a diversified company involved in the marketing of petroleum fuels, LPG and CNG, manufacturing of its own line of lubricants, oils and greases and blends oils for foreign brands as well as
provides aviation and marine fuels inclusive of bunkering facilities. In 2015, PETROTRIN made a loss of approximately ($1.7B)TT; Foreign exchange Contribution $434ml TT. In2015 National Gas Company Ltd. of Trinidad and Tobago (NGC) made a profit of $1.228 B TT; corporate tax of $562 ml TT ; Foreign exchange contribution of $677ml TT. In 2015 Natural Energy Corporation Ltd of Trinidad and Tobago (NEL) made a profit of $493ml TT; no information on corporate taxes or foreign exchange contribution was provided. In 2015 NP made a loss of ($16.6ml) TT; corporate tax of $6.6 ml TT; foreign exchange contribution of $185ml TT. In 2015 the Government of Trinidad and Tobago launched the country’s largest Initial Public Offering (IPO) offering shares of 75.8ml of Phoenix Park Gas Processors Ltd (PPGPL ) to the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago ,the offer was fully subscribed .In September 2016 it was reported in Loop News Trinidad and TobagoLooptt.com That the Government of Trinidad and Tobago were interested in developing a partnership that will be mutually beneficial with the Government of Guyana as it re-
lates to the Gas and Oil sector, they reasoned that they had spent large sums of money in upgrading the refinery with expectation that they would have been able to be refining more crude and to the extent that they have refining capacity in Trinidad and Tobago. Guyana has crude especially crude found by a company Exxon whose core business is not refining; it may very well be that the possibility might exist for Guyana’s crude to be refined by Trinidad and Tobago. I wanted to highlight the above points which I am certain that the main actors in the framing of the Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) would have taken into consideration but I am not certain whether the issues surrounding Oil and Gas are fully appreciated in some other quarters. I believe that the Government of Guyana has to play the most important role as it relates to the development of the Oil and Gas Sector because I believe and I can substantiate it that it is only the Government that would have a serious interest in promoting a public, private partnership and make available a Public Offering facility for the benefit of all Guyanese in and out of Guyana. Dunstan Barrow
An historic niche in Linden has... From page 5 all repairs and utility bills, etc. Facing a crisis the company was privatized and thus reprogrammed. It experienced changing of the guards involving new foreign management, thus the SSC was divested from the company and left to fend for itself, not even a parting gesture in any form was given, hence the club struggled along until it finally went under. It was unfortunate that this facility which is still a wonder place with potentials fell on hard times, but there is much hope. This rebirth with new endeavours is a challenge and a bold move by Mr. Howell “Yellow Man” Hinds and team, which ought to be welcomed with open arms by folks of Linden. Making this club attractive once again,
restoring some semblance of what it used to be – even a shadow of its once reputation is a tall order, but not impossible. This new committee has got its work cut out, vision and being creative are two vital ingredients that must be factored into their game plan in getting this club up and moving. As patron of the club, Mr. Horace James implored members what to do in his brief remarks. He charged them to be businesslike, ensure that members pay their dues, embark on membership drive, work to realise a profit, among other things, since accomplishing these small but meaningful victories will go a long way in not only ensuring the stability of the club, but also position it as a creditable can-
There are ranks that do a disservice to the... From page 4 many ranks fail, even refuse, to support these initiatives. We simply cannot continue to have a Police Force with the Motto “SERVE AND PROTECT” but what is actually seen is the total opposite. My contribution does not gainsay some decent and professional policemen and women in the Force, but there are many, many rotten apples in the barrel. The barrel must be sanitized. Taajnauth Jadunauth
didate in the eyes of potential donors. And this is the task before the committee which has promised to put back in place what used to be and more. Rental for various occasions/ functions; weddings, engagement, women’s organisations, groups, clubs are invited. People are advised to make use of this facility, to this end it is reaching out to disciplined and responsible individuals, both young and adults to become members. Also it is very heartening to hear that former overseas members who are planning on returning home are excited about efforts being made to have the club back in action. Observing that the landmark clubs in the town – Watooka, MSC,– once a hive of activities are all in slumber and wanting, it is hoped that this rebirth of the SSC can fill some of the void. Many are of the opinion that with “Yellow Man”, given his disposition and determination, the club will once again stand tall. A chess and dominoes competition over the weekend kickstarted the action to set things moving. The chairperson for the evening’s occasion was former parliamentarian Vanessa Kissoon. Frank Fyffe
Tuesday October 18, 2016
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AG’s views on abuse of Contingency Fund do not count “I don’t owe him any explanation” - Finance Minister By Kiana Wilburg The use of the Contingency Fund by Finance Ministers over the years has been an issue of much contention. In fact, Auditor General, Deodat Sharma had criticised the former Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh on numerous occasions for what he perceived to be the abuse of a Fund that is only to be used in a case of extreme emergency, national importance, and when there has been no prior monetary allocation for the unforeseen circumstance. Sharma said that he found the current Government guilty of continued abuse of the Fund as it ac-
cessed over $600M for “routine” expenses. The Auditor Sharma said that it was disappointing to note that the money was granted, even though it did not meet the required criteria. Even though Auditor General (AG) is designated the role of being the prot e c t o r o f t h e n a t i o n ’s purse, Finance Minister Winston Jordan said that he does not owe Sharma an explanation. In fact, he went as far as to say that Sharma’s views on the “abuse’ of the Fund do not matter. The Finance Minister made this comment during a
press conference yesterday. There, he emphasised that the Constitution deems the Minister of Finance as the sole individual who will determine the emergency for which he can dip his hand into the Contingency Fund. “In this, he does not have to consult with the Auditor General. Being a member of Cabinet, he consults with the Members of Cabinet...Whether the AG wishes to determine what I have done, whether it was an emergency or not, that is his interpretation. It doesn’t count under the law,” the Finance Minister said. He continued, “It is the Minister of Finance who de-
Auditor General, Deodat Sharma
Finance Minister, Winston Jordan
termines that...so you can’t come six months afterwards and tell me that the motor car that I bought with money from
the Contingency Fund is not an emergency.” The Finance Minister said, “You don’t know the circumstances that gave rise to the situation. He never came to me and asked me. I am the only person he can ask seeking
Alleged murder weapon tendered in Pouderoyen murder trial Police constable Alex Solomon yesterday tendered a brown-handled stainless steel knife, said to be the weapon used in the killing of Plantain Walk resident, Curtis McKinnon. It is alleged that McKinnon, a father of five, was fatally stabbed to the neck by his reputed wife, Nicola Joseph during a heated argument at his Lot 12 Plantain Walk, Klein Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara home. Joseph is currently on trial before Justice JoAnn Barlow and a 12-member mixed jury in the Georgetown High Court for the capital offence. She is being represented by Attorney Sonia Parag Reports had indicated that the Guyana Water Incorporated supervisor and the mother of two of his children were involved in an argument over the phone. It was reported that Joseph told police that the man told her she was disrespectful before ending the call. She reportedly told police that Joseph slapped her thrice and she went into the kitchen, picked up a knife and stabbed him to the neck. Yesterday, Constable Solomon tendered along with the knife, a blood-stained sheet and mosquito net as part of the evidence. Additionally Trevona Joseph and Joshua Peroune also testified in the case. The two lat-
ter witnesses are the children of the accused Nicola Joseph. Both Joseph and Peroune testified that they were at home when the fight between their mother and stepfather took place. Last week, police Inspector Lalbachan Dyal testified that he had taken photographs of a bloodied bedroom in which the body of Curtis McKinnon was found, after he was allegedly stabbed by his reputed wife on July 20, 2014. Inspector Dyal also told the court that he visited the scene of the murder on the day in question, in the company of other police ranks. He recalled entering a wooden building and observing it ransacked. The police witness said that he went into a bedroom and observed some reddish spots that appeared to be blood on a pillow and a mosquito net. Dyal stated that he took several photographic exposures of the articles and room with a
Curtis McKinnon digital camera. He added that after taking the photographs, he went to the Vreed-en-Hoop Police Station, where he observed Sergeant Singh talking with the accused. According to the witness, he heard when Sergeant Singh put a murder allegation to the accused to which she replied, “Officer I didn’t mean to do that. I wish I could turn back the hands
of times. I do it because he hit me.” However, Inspector Dyal said that despite making the oral statement, Joseph refused to give police a statement in the absence of her attorney. He said that while in custody, the accused appeared remorseful. The following day, the witness said he went to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown, where he printed the photographs he took at the scene. After printing the photos, he recalled placing police photographic stamps behind each along with his signature. The police witness stated that he later returned to the Vreed-en-Hoop Police Station where he handed over the photographs to the investigating rank. During a Preliminary Inquiry (PI) into the murder in the Magistrate’s Court, the witness said that the photos were tendered and marked as evidence.
an explanation on it, but I don’t have to explain anything to the Auditor General. I have to explain to the Parliament. So going around saying that the government can’t account for $600M or $500M or $400M is just playing to the gallery as far as I am concerned.” The economist stressed that for last year, there was one request by the Government to access the Contingency Fund for the May to December period. He said that the request only represented 0.36 percent of its budget last year. For similar periods in 2011, he said that requests and advances made, represented 4.8 percent of the budget; 2.77 percent in 2012; 1.13 percent in 2013; and 1.2 percent in 2014. “For this year, there has been one request and so shall it remain,” the Finance Minister said.
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday October 18, 2016
Illegal aircraft originated from Colombia - preliminary report says residents knew but failed to tell security forces
Commissioner of the COI, Brigadier (Retd) Edward Collins (right), yesterday handing over the Preliminary Report to Minister of State, Joseph Harmon.
The seized aircraft which investigators have determined came from Colombia.
A preliminary report into the discovery of an illegal plane at Yupukari, Upper Essequibo-Upper Takutu, in Region Nine, has found that the plane originated from Colombia and may have been here since August. However, while nearby residents may have known about the plane’s presence, they did not immediately share the information with security forces. Colombia is known as a major producer of cocaine, with Guyana being a known transshipment point to the US and
Europe. Yesterday, the preliminary report was received by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, from Commissioner of the Inquiry, Brigadier (Retd) Edward Collins. The handing over took place at the Ministry of the Presidency. The inquiry into the September 13th discovery of the plane, suspected to have links to the drug trade, was launched to determine how it ended up in Guyana. It was found near the village of Yupukari. According to the Min-
istry of the Presidency, Brigadier Collins, who was commissioned to investigate, examine, advise and report on the circumstances under which the foreign aircraft ended up here, said that investigations, up to this point, have revealed that the aircraft originated from Colombia, with its destination being Guyana. “The aircraft was discovered by the Joint Services on September [13] but it was in that location long before that. There is enough evidence to suggest that the air-
craft came from Colombia and was on its way to Guyana.” From all indications, the Cessna twin engine aircraft developed engine problems and “the pilots had a requirement to conduct a certain manoeuvre in order not to lose consciousness and when they got to Guyana, because the aircraft could not start, it remained there for a while. We have evidence to suggest that the residents found that site by August 18, 2016,” Collins noted. The Commissioner said that during the investigations, it was also discovered that the residents were not forthcoming with the provision of information to security forces and that it is likely that recommendations will include the development of better relations and communication between the security sector and members of communities in those areas. “All of the Toshaos were interviewed and I do not know why they were unwilling to pro-
vide the information they had to the security forces. I can only assume that based on the evidence that I have received so far, that the relationship between the villages and the security forces is not as [we would have] expected,” he said. Concurrent to the COI, a Joint Services team, headed by Superintendent Hugh Denhert of the Guyana Police Force, is conducting investigations and will pursue and probe the areas beyond the scope of the Terms of Reference of the Commission, the ministry said. The final report of the Commission will be presented on November 16, 2016. Minister Harmon, who received the report, expressed Government’s gratitude for the work, which has been completed so far. He noted that the administration looks forward to the final document and its findings and recommendations. “I expect that within the time left for the completion of the final report that we would be able to present it to His
Excellency (President David Granger) so I want to thank you for this report and to urge you to continue at the same pace at which you have gone ahead in producing this Preliminary Report. We look forward to the final report when its gets here, as well as the recommendations to improving the communication in the hinterland and our borders and the timeliness of that information [being transmitted] to the centre where the decisions have to be made,” Minister Harmon said. The plane, bearing registration number N767Z, was first brought to the attention of officials on Tuesday, September 13, 2016 by a resident of the area. The following day, Wednesday, September 14, a Joint Army and Police team, inclusive of CANU, was dispatched to the location to conduct investigations. It was later repaired, flown to Lethem, Region Nine, and then to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, where it is currently impounded.
Islamic Bank to fund US$20M Psychosocial Rehab project The Islamic Bank is prepared to plug some US$20 million into the construction of a psychosocial rehabilitation project. This is according to information disseminated by the Ministry of Public Health yesterday. It was revealed that representatives from the Islamic Bank met with Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton, last Friday, to discuss funding of the proposed project which is being dubbed the National Psychosocial Rehabilitation Complex (NPRC). The project is slated for 2017. This project is expected to cost approximately US$20 mil-
lion and the complexes will be erected in Regions Two and Six, along with an upgrade to the Ministry’s Mental Health Unit to provide emergency clinical services to persons needing diagnosis, care and treatment. Also engaged in the recent meeting were Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings, and other technical officers from the Ministry, along with Mr. Sayed Aqa, Vice President Cooperation and Capacity Development of the Islamic Bank and his technical team. According to reports from the Ministry, the institution will be designed to reduce
the role of the National Psychiatric Hospital in the mental health system in Guyana. This will be aligned with the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation recommendations to improve quality services and standards in mental health through the provision of better and specialised services in psychosocial rehabilitation, forensic psychiatry, drug abuse rehabilitation and psycho geriatric care. This involves a careful reintegration of patients into family and society, reducing psychiatric beds and transforming the functions of the (Continued on page 23)
Tuesday October 18, 2016
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Kaieteur News
The Ministry of Finance is not an editing house The Ministry of Finance is attempting, in the most ridiculous manner, to discredit the Report of the Auditor General for the year 2015. The report is an opinion on the conduct of financial affairs of the various government Ministries and departments. The Report has not suggested any improvement in public accountability since the new government took office. In fact, there may be persons who would not be wrong to argue that the state of public accountability, judging from the 2015 reports, seems to be a worse state than it was in 2014. The Ministry of Finance can do much better than the approach it is taking
to discredit the report. The many failings, identified in the report, are not necessarily a case of corruption. They can, in the main, be problems with the accounting systems, problems which no one expected the new government to fix overnight. What must have upset the government, however, are the many revelations which indicate that the APNU+AFC coalition has been doing some of the very things which they criticized the PPPC administration of doing. NICIL has been holding on to its collections. It has not transferred, as APNU and the AFC had once suggested was part of the law, its rev-
enues into the Consolidated Fund. It has only transferred a part of its total earnings. A number of bank books which APNU and the AFC, when in opposition, had said constituted a parallel treasury, are still in existence. The very things that were deemed to be wrong under the PPPC have, seemingly, now become right. The government is obviously embarrassed and instead of specifically addressing individually each adverse finding, it has now adopted the PPPC tactic of discrediting the messenger, in this case the Audit Report. It could not have done worse at this task than what is being reported. The Minis-
Public servants to receive 10% increase by month end - Finance Minister Public servants should expect the 10% increase in their pay packages by the end of the month. This disclosure was made by Minister of Finance Winston Jordan at a press briefing, yesterday. Back in August, the Government had announced a 10% wage increase for public servants. The initial proposal of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) was for a 40% across-the-board increase for public servants. The union had also requested that allowances be included in the negotiations. However following negotiations with the (GPSU), President David Granger announced that based on the country’s current indebtedness, the 10% offer is the most feasible. “It is not unjust. It is perhaps what can be afforded at the moment.” He admitted that when APNU–AFC Government went into office “we did not anticipate the volume of indebtedness of the Guyana
Sugar Corporation and the fall in prices of other national commodities such as bauxite, gold and timber. The government had made a final offer of a 10 percent increase in salaries for public servants working earning below $99,000, and has made an offer of 1-6% for other categories of workers. According to a statement issued, the Government of Guyana (GoG) and the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) concluded discussions on Wages and Salaries for Public Servants within the Bargaining Unit for 2016. The negotiations were conducted in the spirit of cordiality and mutual respect, and were consistent with the obligations of the Memorandum of Agreement between the Guyana Public Service Union and the Public Service Ministry for the Avoidance and Settlement of Disputes. The negotiations were conducted within a twomonth period from June 22, 2016 to August 24, 2016, during which period both the
GoG and the GPSU presented proposals. The GoG’s proposal took into consideration the fundamental need for a restructured Public Service which included the adjustment of scales for wages and salaries; the implementation of a merit increment system; and a resolution of the issue of de-bunching. It was pointed out to the union, that each of these would entail an additional cost to Government and result in increased earnings for Public Servants. However the GOG’s proposal was rejected by the union. It was pointed out to the GPSU that the GoG’s final offer for wage and salary increases for Public Servants had taken into consideration the current socio-economic environment; the difficulty in agreeing to increases that would entail having to raise additional revenue and the unsustainability of any further addition to its offer with regard to the current and future budgets.
Dem boys seh
Moses is a waste De world full of mad people but if you had to ask everybody, nobody believe that deh mad. Uncle Adam got an uncle who believe he does spin de sun but when you ask him he would tell you that he ain’t mad. Dem boys read de statistics on sanity. It says one out of every four person is suffering from some sort of mental illness. Think of you three best friends—if they are okay then you is de mad one. Craig nearly run mad and is Vieira, Vic and Moses cause that. Dem boys hear Craig write nuff letters to beg Moses to intervene and protect him from Vieira and Vic. It look like Moses get bad
eye because ee didn’t read none of dem letters. Dem boys want to know if he did read Vieira half resignation bluff letter. Craig plead till he cry, then he resign. Wha hurt him was when Moses tell him to deal wid Vieira pun ee own. De man seh Moses is a waste and disgrace. That is why he can’t deal wid dem licence wha Jagdeo give he friends. Craig seh Moses pussyfooting wid de revocation. Dem boys believe he get a sutten just like Dr Nutten. De way how Moses behave give Jagdeo spunks to talk fat and fart. He tell dem reporters that he don’t have no regret to share out de ra-
dio licence to ee friends and family. He seh Ramroop does support him, just like Mirror and Robert Persaud. That is why he give dem five channel each to broadcast all over Guyana. Who does talk oneone nice thing bout him get one licence fuh broadcast in small villages. And de real media houses that does criticize him ain’t get none and like Moses ain’t mean to give dem none. In fact the coalition gun come out of office and dem would never regularize de issue or put de broadcasting on a level playing field. Talk half and watch how Moses ah pussyfoot.
try of Finance is reported to have said that it was usual for the draft report to be sent to them for editing before being published. What poppycock! There is nothing in the law which requires that the Audit Office, which is a constitutional and independent body, should send the draft report to the Ministry for editing. There is a provision in the Audit Act which requires that at the conclusion of any audit, the Auditor General shall provide the relevant Head of a budget agency, or the governing body in the case of other public entities, with a draft report including findings and recommendations, and the Head of the budget agency or the governing body shall provide a written response to the Auditor General within thirty days, which response the Auditor General shall include in his report to be submitted for laying before the National Assembly. If the wording of the Act is examined closely, it does not imply that any draft report
should go to any ministry. It indicates that the draft report in respect to any Budget agency or governing body shall have the right of response to any finding and recommendation. There is no provision which states that a draft of the entire Report should go to the Ministry of Finance. It places the onus on the Heads of the Budget agencies and governing bodies to respond to the draft findings and recommendations. The Audit of Public Accounts is not the only type of audit which the Auditor General is authorized to conduct. He is authorized to carry out other types of audits. The provision of right of response covers all draft audit reports in respect to agencies of the government. If the lawmakers wanted the draft of the entire Audit of the Public Accounts to go for editing or comments by the Ministry of Finance, it would have explicitly spelt this out. What the Auditor General is required to do is to
give the respective Budget agencies and governing bodies the opportunity to respond to his findings and recommendations with respect to their agencies. He has done this. If the report of the accounts of 2015 is examined, following any finding is a section which gives the various responses provided by the various agencies. The Ministry of Finance is not an editing house. It should deal with the individual charges made in the report relating to its work. It should not, as it has incompetently attempted to do, discredit the work of the entire Report into the Public Accounts of Guyana for 2015.
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday October 18, 2016
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
Bharrat Jagdeo and my vertiginous life We live with a paroxysm of angst cascading down the rivulets of our minds each day we pick up the newspapers. Is Guyana an imaginary island where Greek mythological monsters chain you to the trees and brutally tantalize you as they did to Prometheus? Or are we living in a society that is real but in which everyone is perma-
nently dizzy, drowning in a vortex of incredible ironies? The answer is that Guyana is real. Bharrat Jagdeo’s twelve years of autocracy did happen. And Donald Ramotar made the most ill-treated field slave look like a powerfully passionate form of Spartacus. It is not what is occurring in Guyana that is driving vertigo
into your brain, it is what you read about the sagas in Brazilian and American politics. We start with Trump. If we ever thought that Trump had a chance of pipping Mrs. Clinton for the presidency that idea is dead. The sexual scandals have killed his presidential potential. Only paid campaigners and fanatical followers of Trump will accept that he can still become the president. Trump is swimming in a destructive sea of sexual scandals. Things he did twenty, fifteen, ten years ago have come back to devour his political career. Here in Guyana, the Opposition Leader is on the rampage accusing the Coalition regime of favoured appointments, illegal dismissals; the works. Is the society sleeping? One of the most damning accusations against a sitting president anywhere in the world is contained in a press statement by Varshnie Singh against Bharrat Jagdeo. Ms. Singh’s dossier on mistreatment by Jagdeo is hell-raising. With the anti-women tirades of Trump making headlines around the globe, it is not inappropriate to ask if Jagdeo should hold the title of Opposition Leader.
Strangely, our “bold,” “no-nonsense,” “feminist,” women groups in Guyana are still dizzy from the confusion the PPP is creating; mental straightforwardness is dormant. They are yet to pronounce on Jagdeo’s eligibility to lead exactly one half of the Parliament’s representatives. Only one group has been brave to declare Jagdeo unfit to be a Parliamentarian. It is the Coalition for the 1823 Monument. See the August 10 edition of the Kaieteur News with the caption, “Speaker to consider proposed changes for Code of Conduct by Civil Society members.” As a social activist for all my life, I am in the throes of vertigo each day since the PPP lost power in 2015. You have to be mentally lacerated when you tune into the local news on television or pick up the newspapers. Two wrongs do not and cannot make a right. When the PPP accuses the Coalition Government of special appointees, it doesn’t mean because the PPP did it when Jagdeo and Ramotar were autocratically in overdrive that the Coalition is right to practice the same thing. But there is a huge but. But the PPP won’t even ac-
knowledge they did it and assure us they will not do it again. In other words, the PPP wants to obfuscate history. They do not want the Guyanese people to know about the evil they perpetuated. It is never easy to bring family members in politics, whether writing as a journalist or as an activist in the political battlefield. But little reminders may not be irreverent and irrelevant. President Ramotar’s son and daughter held very lucrative public jobs when Ramotar was president. Lisa Ramotar is still the CEO of the Gold Board. Cousins, aunts, nephews and uncles and nieces of the PPP’s pyramid held prominent positions in the public sector. Sons and daughters, nieces and nephews were given scholarships to western universities while other Guyanese children were assigned to Cuba. Mr. Jagdeo, in 2016, has conveniently forgotten his twelve years of power when incestuousness emanated from Freedom House as when a tsunami devastates a little boat adrift on a little island. Walter Rodney must be quoted for a beautiful statement he once made about undemocratic rulers. He said
Frederick Kissoon if they were not afraid that the words would stick in their throats. When Gail Teixeira complained about disparaging Facebook comments against her by certain APNU-AFC officials, wasn’t she afraid that she may have choked on her own words? When Jagdeo addressed his press conference and said that the Government has assailed Parliament and referred to Parliament as the place of “our democracy,” wasn’t he afraid that God may have struck him down? When Donald Ramotar wrote his letter about the Coalition’s destruction of the sugar industry, wasn’t he afraid that as his lying fingers move on the keyboard, fate may have paralyzed him? By the way, there are charges of corruption against PPP officers in Region Six. Bad habits don’t die.
Tuesday October 18, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Leaked letters and emails reveal…
PM pussyfooted on serious matters that plagued GNBA Board Correspondence between Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and former Chairman of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA), Leonard Craig, has indicated that the Prime Minister stood on the sidelines and watched the Board slide along a slippery slope. Frustrated to the brink, Craig has thrown in the towel. The former Chairman has taken up a scholarship to pursue a doctorate in China. About two months ago, Nagamootoo, who has direct responsibility for the Board, told Kaieteur News that he was ignorant about the social problems facing the Board. He said, “I am not aware of any discord on the Board.” However, leaked documents prove that since February, Nagamootoo was informed about the Board’s ineffectiveness as well as the discord. On February 10, last, Craig wrote Nagamootoo a letter with the subject, “Matter concerning the GNBA, the continuous strife that hampers progress on the Board.” By way of that letter, Craig told Nagamootoo, “The governing of the GNBA has been
tumultuous from the very first meeting due mainly to a breakdown in relationship between certain members who have openly declared their unwillingness to cooperate with this chairman. This has hampered the progress of the Board.” The former Chairman spoke about the abusive language that was spoken to him by Board member Anthony Vieira, and about the “temper tantrums.” He said, “Seeing that broadcasting in Guyana is at such a delicate stage and on the brink of a national crisis, a change beckons. A firm stand has to be taken; hard decisions have to be made sooner rather than later.” But nothing happened. His petitions fell on deaf ears. Meanwhile, chaos prevailed on the Board. In another letter, Craig told Nagamootoo about Vieira’s rants to the effect that Craig was unsuited to be Chairman of the Board. Craig spoke about Vieira’s acts to undermine him. In this regard, Craig pointed to the fact that Vieira, who was Chairman of a subcommittee
Former GNBA Chairman, Leonard Craig of three, from the Board of six, invited other members at the subcommittee meetings and made decisions which he was adamant, “cannot be overturned.” Craig told Nagamootoo of another run in he had with Vieira when Vieira spoke to the media about matters that were still engaging the attention of the Board. Subsequent to Vieira’s statements in the me-
GWI insists it has not switched from chlorine - criticizes Food and Drug head for “irresponsible” comments The Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has insisted that it has not replaced chlorine for the decontamination of water. The statement by GWI comes after a weekend of news reports that the stateowned company would be using a questionable chemical that is replacing chlorine. The reports had referred to Director of the Government Analyst Food and Drug Department, Marlan Cole, who warned against the use of the product Antinfek. GWI’s Managing Director, Dr. Richard Van West-Charles, explained that “Antinfek is an organic chemical being researched by GWI for effective disinfection prior to distribution to the public. “ ”Similarly, GWI is dispelling reports that the use of Antinfek has replaced that of chlorine for the decontamination of water. GWI also wishes to categorically state that chlorine is being used as the sole disinfecting agent in all the treatment plants, while laboratory studies are being done on the use of other treatment alternatives.” GWI said that for the period of September –
Food and Drug head, Marlan Cole
GWI’s chief, Dr. Richard Van West Charles
October, 2016, it purchased 342 cylinders of chlorine gas from JCI Jones Chemicals and Ansa McAl Group of Companies to treat water. GWI’s statement comes on the heels of recent reports in the media that the company has disregarded warnings of an alleged negative effect of Antinfek. “In this vein, GWI, as the nation’s sole water utility, would like to caution media outlets to thoroughly research and investigate their findings before publishing articles that seek to cause
public panic.” Van West-Charles stressed that there was inadequate attention placed on disinfection and filtration, when he took over the helm of the organisation. “Thus, the decision was made to research the use of Antinfek as a means of boosting the treatment of water to ensure an overall better quality for distribution. With quality as a top priority, GWI is constantly finding new solutions to reduce the prevalence of water borne (Continued on page 12)
GNBA Board Member, Anthony Vieira
Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo
dia, Craig told the media that the member was premature in his pronouncements. Vieira became incensed by this. He told Craig, “Do you know who I am? Do you know my name? I am (Anthony) Vieira and Vieira always gets his way...” Craig told Nagamootoo that several members spoke to Vieira about his inappropriateness, including Jocelyn Josiah, Ameena Gafoor and Vic Insanally, Vieira’s very close friend. Craig quoted Gafoor who said, “GNBA needs to appoint one Director as a PR person who is authorised to interface with the media and the public. The Chairman was in order to rebut the press piece. Will GNBA be a theatre of war because of the personalities that comprise it?” Vieira responded, “I agree that I was angry. I was in fact very angry. How dare he, a
non-entity, dare tell the public that I did not know what I was talking about?” Craig told Nagamootoo that following that episode, the disdain and disrespect continued and worsened with time. Vieira then resigned, saying that he could not take “stupidity.’ Craig subsequently wrote Nagamootoo yet another time saying that, “although he (Vieira) brings a wealth of practical knowledge to the Board, his personal antics have denuded the applicability of that experience for meaningful contribution to the Board. His perpetual disruptive disposition outweighs the quality of his actual contributions; as such he can no longer be considered a credit to the Authority.” Nagamootoo remained silent; Craig wrote yet another letter.
This one stated, “Honorable Prime Minister, you are fully aware and as was reported to you by me much of these developments and you remained silent. I do not know what to make of it.” He continued, “The deafening silence from you, the Prime Minister and subject Minister, has further emboldened Mr. Vieira…Unfortunately Prime Minister, this will not end. The verbal tirade will continue; the Board will continue to be unproductive. As such you cannot remain unmoved and a silent bystander. Mr. Vieira has presented his own head on a platter via a resignation you have not accepted; it begs the question, why?” Craig even offered Nagamootoo his resignation, so that the work of the Board could move on. He said, “If you have lost confidence in this appointment, I implore you to tell me like it is. I will be a gentleman and resign; because I do not think I have a birthright to be chair of GNBA. In August, Craig again wrote Nagamootoo with the subject, “Request for a formal investigation into the conduct of the members of the Board of GNBA”. In that letter he repeated similar concerns. Finally, Nagamootoo responded, saying that Craig’s previous letters were placed on file but he was unable to read them. Only then he encouraged Craig to deal with the matter on his own. He told the then Chairman to summon a meeting and raise the issue of replacing Vieira.
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Tuesday October 18, 2016
Kaieteur News
Finance Minister defends Bid Protest Committee members - tells Anand Goolsarran “give them a chance” After noting the criticisms made by Chartered Accountant Anand Goolsarran, Finance Minister Winston Jordan came out yesterday in defence of the competence and professionalism of the persons recently appointed to the Bid Protest Committee. Goolsarran had said that the Bid Protest Committee is by no means any ordinary body. According to the Public Procurement Act, the body is one that is supposed to review protests from dissatisfied suppliers and contractors. The decision of the Bid Protest Committee is also said to be considered final and immediately binding upon the procuring entity. This means that there is no recourse to
the Courts if a supplier or contractor is dissatisfied with the decision of the Committee. It is for this reason that the Chartered Accountant had said that the members of the Committee should be highly skilled and experienced in public procurement matters. The three-member committee was established in July last and comprises Joann Bond as the Chairman and former GTT Manager Archibald Clifton and Insurance Broker Ewart Adams as the other two members. Goolsarran said that the members of the Bid Protest Committee are to be appointed from among professionals who are particularly competent in the field of procurement.
In this regard he stated, “It is not clear whether the members of the recently appointed Committee have the necessary backgrounds to discharge their responsibilities as adjudicators and final arbiters in a procurement dispute.” With the aforementioned in mind, Jordan said that instead of Goolsarran denigrating the members of the Committee, he should give them encouragement. Jordan then equated the Bid Protest Committee with that of a jury. He said that when members of a jury are being put together, they are not appointed based on their qualifications. “Invariably, most of the times, jurors don’t have the slightest clue about the law,
but they are guided by the judge. Most of the times, they arrive at the correct decision,” the Finance Minister said. He added, “The point is, Goolsarran is talking about the members’ qualifications, but has anyone seen the first report by the committee? It is one of the most scholarly reports I have seen coming out of this system.” The report Jordan refers to, speaks to a ruling by the Bid Protest Committee on the appeal by Mr Morris Archer and Ivor Allen of Cevons Waste Management Inc. against the decision to award a contract to Puran Brothers Disposal Inc. for the management of the Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill. Jordan said that the report zeroes in and details what is the case, and came to a decision that was rational, reasonable and fair. The Finance Minister said that he understands the com-
Finance Minister, Winston Jordan
Chartered Accountant, Anand Goolsarran
plainant is satisfied with the ruling and has withdrawn his claim. “These people who are not ‘so-called qualified’ were able to produce a fine report. I say give the people a chance, because prior to that, we had no committee and
now we have one. Instead of giving them encouragement, all we seem to be doing is nitpicking,” the Finance Minister stated. The economist said that the Committee members should be judged on their performance.
GWI insists it has not switched... From page 11 diseases, especially in hinterland and riverain areas.”GWI explained that one such method for improved quality is the use of filters which have been subject to robust analysis and have been proven to effectively and consistently remove microbial contamination. “Additionally, GWI has implemented a 24-hour laboratory at its Shelter Belt location to test water for any contamination, even as it moves to establish mini labs at all of its water treatment plants countrywide,” the statement said. Meanwhile, it was found that the residual concentration of chlorine has a short life, and does not protect the water from recontamination during prolonged storage. The residual is also consumed by organic and inorganic substances which may become present during distribution. “Therefore, when the water goes into a black tank, the effectiveness of the protection that chlorine offers is reduced. GWI’s aim is
therefore to boost the pressure of its distribution system, coupled with 24-hour supply, thereby allowing customers not to become dependent on storing water in black tanks and to resort to direct use from their taps. Chlorine is also known to cause disinfection by products (DBP’s) which are carcinogenic.” Water distributed to the nation must be safe for consumption, and delivering water of compromised quality is not an option for the utility, Van West-Charles said. “To date, research shows that Antinfek was tested by a number of other laboratories in countries such as Hong Kong, China, Thailand, Switzerland, Ghana, Nigeria, India, Pakistan, Kenya, Trinidad & Tobago and Germany, all showing favorable results in its use. Among the uses for the active ingredient in Antinfek are disinfection of fruits and vegetables, wound dressings, eye drops, baby wipes and disinfection of pools and spas etc. The reference made in the local newspapers regarding its rejection in Haiti is based on a study done by one
university, which is insufficient to disregard its advantages altogether.” GWI insisted that the use of Antinfek was not introduced to Guyana by GWI as it is currently being utilized by other organizations in the country for disinfection of water for human consumption. “GWI also wishes to make clear that the comments made by Director of the Government Analyst Food and Drug Department, Mr. Marlan Cole, were inaccurate and irresponsible as a senior government functionary. Instead of contacting GWI to gain clarity on the thinking behind the use of Antinfek and whether or not chlorine was still being used, Mr. Cole added to an unnecessary cause for public alarm.” The company made it clear that all of the water treatment plants are using chlorine as their sole disinfecting agent (some using chlorine gas, calcium hypochlorite powder and sodium hypochlorite produced from brine). “These plants include: Shelter Belt; Central; Sophia; Eccles; Lima; Bartica; Pouderoyen; Fellowship, Vergenoegen; Amelia’s Ward; LPC; Mackenzie; West Watooka; Wisroc; Better Hope; Mon Repos; Cotton Tree; New Amsterdam; Port Mourant; No. 56 and Queenstown. All customers can rest assure that GWI is committed to distributing safe and uncontaminated water at all times. “We cannot knowingly distribute water that is contaminated by pathogens, our first call is to ensure that whatever water distributed is safe for consumption”, Dr. Van West-Charles said.
Tuesday October 18, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Bandits escape with businessman’s car after assaulting family
The car that was recovered. A businessman is counting his losses after three masked men forced their way into his Bee Hive, East Coast Demerara home and assaulted his family before escaping with money, jewellery and other items last Thursday around 18:00 hrs.
The car was subsequently recovered a short distance from the Cove and John Police Station the following day. The robbery occurred while the businessman, Amar Shiwnath, whose wood moulding business is located in the same compound as his home, was out
The house that the men broke into. of the country. According to information received, the man’s wife, Su Ying Wong and her s i s t er, along with the businessman’s two children had just gotten home and were about to enter the house when they were accosted by the men.
Ecuador cuts WikiLeaks founder’s internet By Mark Hosenbal (Reuter) Anti-secrecy group WikiLeaks said on Monday that its founder Julian Assange’s internet was shut down by the government of Ecuador, deflecting blame from the U.S. or British governments who have sparred with Assange for releasing sensitive material. “We can confirm Ecuador cut off Assange’s internet access Saturday, 5pm GMT, shortly after publication of (Hillary) Clinton’s Goldman Sachs speechs (sic),” the statement from WikiLeaks said. Assange has lived and worked in Ecuador’s London embassy since June 2012, having been granted asylum there after a British court ordered him extradited to Sweden to face questioning in a sexual molestation case involving two female WikiLeaks supporters. WikiLeaks said Assange lost internet connectivity on
Sunday night. “We have activated the appropriate contingency plans,” added the Twitter message on Monday. People close to WikiLeaks say that Assange himself is the principal operator of the website’s Twitter feed. Over the last two weeks, Democratic Party officials and U.S. government agencies have accused the Russian government, including the country’s “senior-most officials,” of pursuing a campaign of cyber attacks against Democratic Party organizations ahead of the Nov. 8 U.S. presidential election. Wi k i L e a k s h a s b e e n one of the most prominent internet outlets to post and promote hacked Democratic Party materials. While denying any connection with a Russian hacking campaign, Assange has refused to disclose WikiLeaks’ sources for hacked Democratic Party messages.
Sources close to both the Democratic Party and WikiLeaks say they believe WikiLeaks has acquired as many as 50,000 emails hacked from the personal accounts of John Podesta, the former White House advisor who now chairs of Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign. Also In World News Despite Assange’s complaint that his internet connection was cut, WikiLeaks posted on Monday afternoon what it said was a fresh batch of Podesta’s emails. Accordi n g t o a s u m mary of the latest emails posted on Russia Today, a media outlet with close links to the Russian government, highlights include campaign staff discussions about “galvanizing Latino support” and about how to handle m e d ia queries about Clinton’s “flip-flopping” on gay marriage.
Hospital fire kills 23 in India (BBC) At least 23 people have died after a fire broke out in a hospital in eastern India, local officials say. They say the fire started in the dialysis ward of the SUM hospital, a private facility in the city of Bhubaneswar, Odisha state. Dozens of patients were taken to other medical facilities in the city. About 120 firefighters
were mobilised to tackle the blaze, which was later brought under control. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “anguished” by the fire. “We suspect the fire occurred due to an electric short circuit in the dialysis ward”, Binoy Behera, a local fire services official, was quoted by the Times of India website as saying.
Most of the victims reportedly died from smoke inhalation. Some frightened patients and hospital employees tried to jump out of the windows but were prevented from doing so by police, reports said In 2011, 89 people died in a fire that broke out in a hospital in the eastern city of Kolkata.
The men were reportedly hiding in the compound, waiting on the family. Once they gained entry into the premises, the men assaulted the family and escaped with valu-
ables. They collected the family’s house and car keys. Kaieteur News understands that the men threatened the businessman’s wife and told her that they
would return once the businessman arrives in the country. The matter is being investigated by the Cove and John police station.
Trump’s wife says his comments unacceptable (BBC) Melania Trump has said obscene comments caught on videotape by her husband were unacceptable but did not represent the Donald Trump she knows. She said the Republican presidential nominee was guilty of “boy talk” but was egged on by host Billy Bush. In the video, Mr Trump tells Mr Bush, who was then host of NBC’s Access Hollywood, that he can force himself on women because he’s a star. The tape prompted dozens of Republicans to drop their support for him. Several women have since come forward and accused Mr Trump of sexual assault, which he denies. In an interview with CNN,
Melania Trump her first since the scandal began, Mrs Trump defended her husband’s conduct with women, saying he had never behaved inappropriately over the years. Women commonly approach him to give him their phone numbers, she said.
And on the 2005 videotape leaked to the media 10 days ago, she said: “”I said to my husband that, you know, the language was inappropriate. It’s not acceptable. “And I was surprised, because that is not the man that I know.”
Russia challenges Iran to supply oil to India Iran has some tough new competition in the race to capitalize on India’s booming demand for oil. State-owned Russian energy giant Rosneft is the lead investor in a $12.9 billion buyout of India’s Essar Oil that was announced over the weekend. Russian investment group United Capital Partners (UCP) has also snapped up a stake. The purchase of the oil refiner gives Russia more muscle in India at a time when its demand for energy is booming. India is already the world’s third-largest oil importer, and its demand will jump by more than 300,000 barrels per day this year, according to the International Energy Agency. That’s more
than any other nation. It’s a trend that has attracted other top crude producers — especially Iran. Iran has been upping its oil production since it was freed from sanctions in January. Much of the crude has been sold to India, which maintained close ties with Tehran while the trade restrictions were in place. India is well positioned as a buyer because many of its refineries were built to process Iranian-grade crude. But Rosneft’s purchase of Essar Oil will complicate Iran’s play.
Roughly 40% of the crude imported from Iran was refined at Essar Oil’s massive refinery in the state of Gujarat. Now that the refinery is under new ownership, it’s likely to be processing more shipments from Russia. Lalit Kumar Gupta, Essar Oil’s chief executive officer, told Bloomberg in August that shipments from Iran would decline if Rosneft bought a stake in the Indian firm. Now, Iran might need to find new buyers in a global market already saturated with supply.
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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 passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535. INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional 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
- Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 647-1773/660-5257
Experienced taxi drivers (hire car) and dispatcher at Princess Ramada Hotel. Call: 265-7076/ 616-5419
One experienced dispatcher – Call: 231-5784/ 231-4000
General workers, handyman to work at Hotel, apply in person @ 12 Henry Street, Werk- en-Rust. Call: 223-6284 Entertainment Manager to work in the Essequibo Coast: must have experienced in promotions, events & hotel managements. Call: 226-9768
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 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
Sales Clerk, must be able bodied ages 18-30yrs. Call: 643-7193 EDUCATIONAL Classes for slow learners in Reading, Spelling, Mathematics, and much more for children all ages. Call: 675-4379 IAE – CXC Jan/June 2017 – full time school; lessons/ classes for students, adults, repeaters & beginners. Call Mr. Roberts: 683-5742
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 Live in waitress. Call: 6439007
Career Training: care for the elderly/care for children/first aid & CPR. Guyana Training College. Call: 227-4881
Need a fast & reliable delivery service? Delivery of meals, documents, groceries & more. SmartCart Delivery. Call: 225-9727/679-7575/6196218
Qualify yourself in computers; register now, 9 Course Diploma, Computerized Accounting @ Cybertron, Parika. Call: 2604850
Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158
Advanced computer classes, 9 course Diploma, Computerized Accounting, PC repairs, special deals, register now @ MicroGraphics, Vreed-enHoop. Call: 264-3057
FOR SALE/RENT House for rent/ sale @ Lot 107 Durbana Square Lamaha Gardens with 5 bedrooms large parking. Call: 661-8908
VACANCY
SALON
Hello the doctor is back! Have your gas stove service and repairs. Call: 601-0595
ACCOMMODATION Harmony Inn: furnished air conditioned apartments & rooms, from $30USD. Call: 218-1400/668-0306/ 694-7817
WANTED
Live in waitresses to work in bar– Call:692-4649/604-6606
International Opportunity: support worker/caregiver Training to live & work in Canada. Guyana Training College. Call: 227-4881
Laptop Repairs & unlocking of cell phones, etc. Call: 6839251
Tuesday October 18, 2016
Kaieteur News
Study/live/work in Canada or USA, visitor’s visas. Call 2604850 Visa Processing Center, Parika
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Cargo Trawler. Call: 682-8724; 616-5954
DRESSMAKING
1 45" Complete cabin Cruiser, trout seine, excellent condition. Call: 654-2817/ 6570044/625-8522
Jean offers courses in dressmaking, curtains, floral arrangement, and cake decoration @ 153 Barr Street Kitty. Call: 670-2653/ 638-8449
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. 1-55 Leyland DAF Truck, 1 CAT D4H Bulldozer. Call: 2750538/ 683-7225
LEARN TO DRIVE C. Persaud & N. Outar Driving School formerly Soman & Sons Driving School @ Maraj BuildingCall: 644-5166; 622-2872; 615-0964; 689-5997 (affordable packages).
Double Steel Wheeled Roller, 1 Mack Concrete mixer truck. Call: 275-0538/ 683-7225 1- 5L Hilux pickup for sale & 1 transported property @ Covent Garden Island, E.B.DCall: 265-3586 Pine cupboard doors, bed set spindles, stair case spindles, moldings, handrails. Call: 6676223/621-1278 600 Amps automatic transfer switch and more items. Call: 627-7835
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
Household Items: Music systems -$45,000, 2 Door fridge -$45,000, blender $5,000, etc. Call: 665-4944
VEHICLE FOR SALE RZ, Pit Bull, 212 Carina, IST, Verossa, Suzuki Vitaera, Premio, Allion, Fielder Wagon, Spacio- Call: 6507501/ 616-2577 Unregistered Bluebird 2011 Model, Tiida Latio 2010 model, Rush 2006 model( TV, Reverse Camera). Call: 655-3400 Blowout Car Sale!!! IST$2.1M, Spacio-$2.1M, Fielder-$2.1M, Audi A4$3.7M. Contact#650-0402/ 260-4988 Oswin J’s Auto Imports: New Arrivals: Premio, Allion, Fielder, Axio, Rush, X-Trail. Free full coverage insurance. Call: 609-2815
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Business apartment for rent: 1 snackette include glass cases, warmer & stove, grocery & beer garden @ 7 Durban Street, Lodge. Call: 690-5796 Three bedrooms bottom flat at 116 Cane View Avenue, South Ruimvedlt Gardens. Call: 2181688/ 615-0392/609-7826
1 Isuzu truck,6 cylinder engine. Contact # 650-0402
One exclusive three bedrooms apartment @ First Bridge Diamond, E.B.D $70,000. Call: 225-5258/6152622
1RZ Bus, PLL series in excellent condition with A/C, etc. Price$1.2M. Call: 617-6781
One bedroom bottom flat, fully furnished house $65,000. Call: 641-0959
Special Sale: 2009 Belta $2.1M, 2009 Airwave -$2.4M. Call: 617-2891
2 Bedroom fully furnished house with hot & cold shower, Wi-Fi, security cameras, A/C, all amenities $850USD. Call: 641-0959
2009 Raum- $2.4M, 2009 Sienta -$2.4M, 2009 Axio $2.8M, 2009 Fielder -$2.6M. Call: 617-2891 Prestige Auto Sale: Unregistered Axela 2011, Fielder 2009, Fielder 2002 $1.950M all dark interior. Call: 617-5536
Space for rent at Ashmin’s Building. 50% off first month’s rent. Call today: 6837954 Spacious 2 bedrooms lower flat at Herstelling E.B.D. Call: 265-0204/6010223/676-5824 New Structure – Eccles highway -2,400 sq.ft ground floor with 30 plus car parking, showroom, office, etc. Call:227-1813/227-1830
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/ 6187483 Land at Tuschen -$2.5M, La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.4M, $1.2M, Zeelugt, Herstelling, All price reduced & terms available. Call: 604-6724 Zeelugt -$1.8M neg, La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.5M neg, $1.2M neg, Zeeburg $4.5M neg. Call: 642-1252
HEALTH Your health can improve. Contact Hazel’s Herbal Store. Call: 226-9136
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 Two bedrooms bottom flat to let @ Eccles. Call: 662-3837/ 670-0878/ 233-5365
TOURS October 30th 2016: Santa Mission. Call Joy: 649-9059/ 621-1088
TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 2257878 (24HRS)
Detached two bedrooms house with overhead tank & parking space. Call Joy: 6499059/621-1088 Continued on page 23
Tuesday October 18, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Major project to speed up Customs transactions to start next year The implementation and full usage of the Single Windows System or Single Windows Automated Processi n g S y s t e m ( S WA P S ) stands to benefit the business community and country as a whole, according to the Ministry of Business. These benefits include reduced transaction costs and time; enhanced trade compliance; greater cargo through-put (movement of goods through the production process); improved levels of security; increased revenue collection and better risk management.
It is also seen as a mechanism to reduce corruption as it limits human intervention in certain trade transactions. Over the years, there have been numerous complaints about sloth and corruption at Customs. At his first budget presentation in 2015, Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin had signaled his intention to move ahead with this project. In 2012, an international development company, Crown Agents, was contracted to undertake preparatory work for the introduction of a Single Window System
to enhance trade. The final report was presented to the then government in June 2013. However, the recommendations were not implemented, a statement from the Ministry of Business indicated yesterday “The Ministry of Business is championing this project and has appointed a steering committee comprising Kim Stephen (Ministry of Business), Komal Singh (Private Sector), Sese Jones (Guyana Revenue Authority), Andrew Astwood (Shipping Association of Guyana) and Francis
Simmons (Ministry of Public Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s ) , Sheranne Isaacs (Ministry of Finance), and Nicola Namdeo (Ministry of Business) to oversee the implementation of SWAPS in Guyana.” Funding for the project is being sought from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). In August of this year, the bank hired a consultant to conduct a review of all documents and reports associated with the project as well as to evaluate the cost of the project. The CDB is currently reviewing the consultant’s
draft report. Meanwhile, another appraisal mission is planned for this week. “The Ministry of Business views this project as one that will improve Guyana’s competitiveness and contribute to improvement in its ranking on the World Bank’s ease of doing business index and is keen to see it realised.” Once funding has been approved, the project is expected to begin in 2017. However, according to the ministry, the benefits will only be realised after full implementation - about two years after.
Dialysis patients get mammoth service with little resources – GPHC boasts The Dialysis Centre at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) is perhaps the only Unit that offers patients a cache of services that is intended to help cater to their all-round wellbeing. This is according to Head of the Centre, Dr. Kishore Persaud, who related that the hospital affords patients services ranging from the expected treatment to address their ailment to counselling. These are offered in spite of the fact that the hospital has limitations in terms of finances, physical capacity and even staff. In addition to Dr. Persaud, there are five General Medical Officers attached to the Centre. However, Dr. Persaud related that he would mostly have the support of four of the doctors, since one of them might be on leave. The Dialysis Centre also benefits from the expertise of a Chinese Nephrologist in addition to about six haemodialysis nurses. The Unit also has on board a pharmacist, social worker, dietician and a fulltime secretary. “It is the only team in the hospital with all these personnel attached to it,” said Dr. Persaud recently. “Our dietician teaches the patients about what and how much they should eat; our pharmacist teaches them how to take their drugs and the social worker counsels them,” Dr. Persaud explained, as he spoke of the potential of patients becoming depressed because of their condition. Counselling is an important part of a dialysis patient’s life, since research suggests that they are more likely to experience depression than the normal population. It has been speculated that the impact of depression on the progression of chronic
kidney disease is continuous and evident at any stage of the disease. “The reason for this connection may be because depression increases inflammation in the body and inflammation promotes progression of kidney disease. Additionally, chronic kidney failure disease patients with depression may not be compliant with medical treatment and may engage in unhealthy behaviours that cause poor medical outcomes,” one researcher concluded. But the help offered is not only extended to patients alone, Dr. Persaud assured. “We speak to the relatives every morning once they come around...they too get an opportunity to learn how to take care of the kidneys in terms of diet and taking medication,” the doctor disclosed. The Dialysis Centre is outfitted with a television set which broadcasts educational programmes about kidney disease. According to Chairman of the public hospital, Dr. Carl ‘Max’ Hanoman, “we are doing the best that we can.” He disclosed that while the hospital also offers a transplant service, the majority of kidney failure victims undergo dialysis treatment. In fact, during the past year close to 2,000 dialysis treatment sessions were conducted, while up to September of this year there were 1,404. “This Centre has been utilised to its maximum...we have to give credit to our staff here who work diligently day and night to give a service to the patients,” Dr. Hanoman highlighted. The Dialysis Centre conducts two out-patient clinics per week during which an average of 30 patients are at-
From page 22
PROPERTY FOR SALE Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461 Property @ Lot 172 Zohora Street, Better Hope, East Coast Demerara. Call: 2201583 Property with extra large land well built with 2 storey house, good neighborhood. Won’t last. Call: 220-1583 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 Property @ New Rd Vreeden-Hoop, 3 Houses on lot 50ftX300ft, asking $55M. Call Sunil: (310) 982-8199; Cecil: 630-9455 East Ruimveldt 40X80 flat $12M, Diamond 8th Avenue incomplete top -$12M & 21st Avenue $17M, South 18M. Call: 231-2199/618-7483
The GPHC Dialysis Centre
tended to. According to Dr. Persaud, dialysis is conducted six days per week with an average of
nine patients per day. There are currently about 24 in-patient patients on dialysis, and Dr. Persaud disclosed that
“we have approximately 120 patients total, both in inpatient and outpatient, who are on dialysis.”
Islamic Bank to fund US$20M... From page 8 former institution. The National Psychosocial Rehabilitation Complex is expected to provide diagnosis, management and treatment to persons with suicidal behaviour and attempts, affected disorders, general anxiety disorder, panic attacks, post-traumatic disorder, psychosis and violent behaviour, acute onset psychosis and chronic psychosis. The institution is also expected to provide care and treatment to persons suffering from psychosis due to medical condition (HIV, Non
Communicable Diseases), substance abuse, hazardous drug reactions and interactions, personality disorders, epilepsy and dementia (Alzheimer’s). Regional Health Facilities are expected to be equipped and better able to manage mental health patients in various regions who are required to be in-patients for a period of time. The Minister of Public Health has commenced consultations with the PAHO, which has thus far opted to give full technical support,
especially in the area of training to improve mental health services. Statistics have showed that there are 10 to 15 percent of Guyanese with a mental disorder at any one time. This means that 78,000 to 114,500 Guyanese are suffering from a mental disorder and require some level of mental health care service. Suicide is a leading cause of death among Guyanese, hence the Ministry of Public Health says it will continue to work closely with its technical partners to eliminate this epidemic.
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Tuesday October 18, 2016
US lifts ban on Cuban cigars Caribbean Hotels reach out WASHINGTON,– The Cuba Libre has been liberated and the ban on Cuban cigars has gone up in smoke. The Obama Administration, in a new round of executive actions aimed at increasing trade with the communist country, today lifted the restrictions on how much of Cuba’s famed rum and cigars tourists can bring home with them. Starting Monday, tourists who had to limit themselves to $100-worth of rum and/or cigars can now stuff their suitcases with as much of either — as long as it’s for personal use. And it’s not just Cuban booze and stogies that will be crossing the border.
to Hurricane-ravaged Haiti
“The Treasury Department has worked to break down economic barriers in areas such as travel, trade and commerce, banking, and telecommunications,” Treasury
Secretary Jacob Lew said in a statement. “Today’s action builds on this progress by enabling more scientific collaboration, grants and scholarships, people-to-people contract, and private sector growth. These steps have the potential to accelerate constructive change and unlock greater economic opportunity for Cubans and Americans.” It will also make it easier for Cubans to get their hands of much sought-after American consumer item — everything from blue jeans and bed sheets to toothbrushes and hair products. (NBC News)
FLORIDA, United States, – The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) is urging the region’s tourism industry stakeholders to assist with both immediate and sustained relief efforts to support the people of Haiti and parts of The Bahamas which were hardest hit by Hurricane Matthew this month. “Our neighbours in Haiti and The Bahamas have borne the brunt of this powerful storm and the recovery and restoration process will be long and difficult,” said Karolin Troubetzkoy, president of the regional trade association. Working with the national hotel and tourism associations in Haiti and The Bahamas, CHTA is directing tourism industry stakeholders to local organizations which are coordinating on-the-ground relief, accepting and directing donations of cash, equipment and supplies. According to Troubetzkoy, a two-step approach is important for the destinations to rebound as quickly as possible. “First, we
Karolin Troubetzkoy must meet the immediate needs of people. Beyond that, we need to support long-term efforts which are essential to sustained recovery”. To do this, CHTA is developing a fundraising initiative through the online auction channel CharityBuzz.com with which CHTA previously
collaborated on a relief and recovery project for Dominica. Regional hoteliers are invited to donate room nights for the auction to benefit residents in Haiti and The Bahamas who are struggling to put their lives back in order. Room nights can be contributed by contacting CHTA’s dedicated auction email atch4haiti@gmail.com.
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Kaieteur News
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Anthem-protesting Kaepernick jeered by Buffalo fans (Reuters) San Francisco 49er Colin Kaepernick was lustily booed by many Buffalo fans on Sunday as he continued his national anthem protest before turning in an inauspicious performance against the Bills. Kaepernick arrived at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York paying “homage” to Muhammad Ali by wearing a T-shirt with a picture of the boxing legend and leading civil rights campaigner who died in June. As he has done all season, the quarterback kneeled during the United States national anthem, along with two team mates, as a police officer stood immediately behind the
trio. Several other San Francisco players raised their right fists in another form of protest. Before the anthem, sections of the crowd began chanting “USA, USA.” But Kaepernick took issue afterwards at any implication that his stance was unpatriotic. “I don’t understand what’s un-American about fighting for liberty and justice for everybody, for the equality this country says it stands for,” Kaepernick told reporters after being jeered before the game and out on field. “To me, I see it as very
patriotic and American to uphold the United States to the standards that it says it lives by.” Kaepernick has polarised opinion amongst National Football League fans since pre-season for the silent protest he says is against social injustice and police brutality. After five weeks on the bench, he was called up to start for the struggling 49ers against the Bills. In the second quarter he threw a first touchdown pass in 364 days when he found wide receiver Torrey Smith, connecting with a pass for a 53-yard catch-and-run touchdown. But highlights were oth-
Tuesday October 18, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Matters pertaining to work must be completed before you leave. Don't be too eager to spend money that you really don't have. Don't shy away from potential mates they want to introduce you to. TAURUS (Apr. 21- may 21) Don't try to hide your true feelings from your mate. You may experience setbacks due to additional responsibilities with loved ones. Your emotional state will vacillate GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Be discreet with private information. Pleasure trips will promote romance. Deception is evident around you. If you're looking to do something worthwhile, consider volunteer work.
take on too much if you aren't careful. Stick to basics. LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Large organizations may try to talk you out of your hardearned cash. Your added discipline will help you complete the impossible at work. You will find that social activities will lead you into passionate meetings. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Your dramatic approach to life has probably gotten to your mate. You need to get out and have some fun to reduce tension. Put your energy into moneymaking ventures. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Get involved in volunteer work that will bring you satisfaction, not an empty wallet.
CANCER (June 21–July 22) Give everyone in the house a physical chore that will help burn off some of the excess energy. New relationships will surface through work related events.
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Your stubborn nature will backfire if you give your mate an ultimatum. Your willingness to help others can and will lead to fatigue if you don't learn to say no. You will need to finalize important deals today.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Don't let your jealousy be the reason for a decaying relationship. Some situations may be blown out of proportion. Be aware of any deception on the part of those you deal with.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Communications with loved ones may be strained. You can expect changes in your living arrangements. Someone envious of your popularity may challenge you to a debate.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Be sure not to burn any bridges. Don't expect others to live up to their promises and you won't be disappointed or find yourself stuck with delays. You will
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) tDo not get into uncertain financial deals. Pleasure trips will be most enjoyable and should lead to new and lasting friendships. Don't let your personal partner hold you back or slow you down.
erwise few and far between in a game when he connected with 13-of-29 passes, for 187 yards, as the Bills whipped the 49ers 45-16. Local media reported antiKaepernick T-shirts and other items were being sold outside the stadium. Video posted on social
media showed a variety of anti-Kaepernick sentiment, though there also were signs of support. “I had some Bills fans before the game come up and say they are supporting me so I think it all depends on who the person is,” he said. “At the end of the day,
I’m going to continue to fight for what I’m fighting for.” He said he was unfazed by the hostility of parts of the crowd. “To be honest, I was focused on football so I wasn’t really listening to what was going on in the stands.”
Pele’s US Alumni awards scholarships... (From page 28) Education. Little Miss Mariel Barrow recited a wonderful poem about balancing Academics and Sports while Smith said that he wished that he was born in this generation which has many more opportunities and informed that Government plans to build modern Sports Stadiums in each County, while in next five years UG should have courses in Sports Management, Sports Administration, Sports Medicine and such other subjects which means that mixing Academics with Sports is necessary. According to Pele Alumni officials, the club was formed in July 18, 1971, when the Brazilian soccer legend, ‘King Pele’ announced his retirement. Lennox Arthur, a Guyana National Footballer, decided to honour King Pele by naming the local Albouystown YMCA team “Pele F.C. Arthur’s vision was to elevate the level of soccer played in Guyana through this youth team now called Pele F.C. The dream became a reality with more than 50 kids from Albouystown YMCA focusing on the criteria of being in school with excellent football skills. In order to achieve this vision it required Arthur to sacrifice his Football career. Lennox had a “keen eye” to recognize hidden talent and
the ability to develop their skills. These young players became a beacon in their community as outstanding citizens and soccer players. This accomplishment elevated Guyanese soccer in the Caribbean which all Guyanese soccer fans can be proud this achievement. “Perhaps our greatest accomplishment is that many of the young players from that era have gone on to be college graduates and contributing as outstanding citizens due to the exposure and experience as members of Pele
F.C. Many of the professions from our alumni group include dentist, lawyers, several business executives, a professional engineer, and other outstanding professionals Pele F.C. today is an organization where the youth of Guyana can still say, I am proud of who I am, I am proud to be Guyanese and I am proud to be a member of Pele F.C.,” Carrington concluded. Mrs. Ogle stressed the importance of playing sports to keep a healthy body and academics to make well rounded individuals.
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Tuesday October 18, 2016
GAPF / Fitness Express Barbell Wars
Marino Jeffrey and Tiniesha Toney are inaugural male and female champs By Franklin Wilson They battled all the way to the respective first places in the male and female divisions from among 19 and 5 athletes at the inaugural Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation / Fitness Express, Barbell Wars which took place before a fair sized crowd at the Queens College Auditorium on Sunday last. Tons of weights were thrown about the competition area as all the athletes sought to outdo each other during the opening round which saw the top 9 males and all 5 females going through. The intensity of the competition which required athletes completing the 3 first round exercises, squat, military press and power cleans - 20 repetitions each in quick time given the fact that only fastest would advance, tested the endurance levels of all.
Many lay winded on their backs after completing the 3 exercises while others were applauded for showing admirable grit and determination in completing the exercises, including internationally renowned powerlifters, ‘Big’ John Edwards and Winston ‘Little Master’ Stoby both of whom did not make the cut for the finals. The Wilks formula as used in powerlifting was used to determine the athletes weights they were required to lift based on the weight division they entered. The body weight of each athlete was also done using a similar Wilks coefficient for each athlete. The upper limit of each weight class was used to determine each coefficient. Additionally, times amassed for the first round were not utilized in the second round except in the case of Paul Adams and
Mariano Jeffrey (backing camera) and Tinesha Toney during the deadlift segment of the finals. (Franklin Wilson photo) Daniel Sooklall who tied in the second and final round. Sooklall’s time from round one was totaled with his second round time which proved better than Adams’ total time, hence him being given second place and Adams 3rd, overall.
Tiniesha Toney continues to shine in weights sports proving her dedication and commitment yet again with the top spot on the distaff side. Second was Krystal Chanderban, while S h a w n e l l Wa r n e r o f bodybuilding fame, placed
3rd. The final round saw the athletes battling in the Deadlift and Benchpress where they were required to do 15 reps each and suitcase hold for 30 seconds with both hands. The intensity was no different from the
first round and a few could not complete the Benchpress as it tested their mental and physical endurance. Meanwhile, in the novelty Deadlift competition, sponsored by Fitness Express, Erwyn Smith emerged as the male winner, while Ms Nessa Bhagwandin was the female champion. They both had the most reps in the 60 seconds that was allotted to each competitor. The organisers, Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation and Fitness Express is expressing gratitude to sponsors, De Sinco Trading, Trophy Stall and Pizza Hut as well as all the spectators and athletes for participating in this first event to make it a success. They said that despite some hiccups, they plan to make Barbel Wars an annual event and will be meeting shortly to review same with a view to improving for the second edition.
CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship Bahamas 2017
Guyana drawn in Group A along with host Guyana has been drawn in Group A of the CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship Bahamas 2017 following the draw which took place at the Intercontinental Hotel in Doral, Florida, USA, yesterday. Guyana was represented at the Draw by Guyana Beach Football Association (GBFA) President Rollin Tappin and Head Coach Abdullah Hamid who will also attend the CONCACAF Beach Soccer Workshop which would take place today and tomorrow. T h e d r a w, w h i c h determined the groups and match schedule for the tournament that kicks off on February 20, in Nassau, was opened with welcoming remarks from Philippe Moggio, CONCACAF General Secretary and Anton Sealey, President of the Bahamas Football Association. The event was conducted
with the assistance of Bahamas National Team players Gavin Christie and Leslie St. Fleur. The Golden Jaguars will face host Bahamas, Jamaica and Belize. In Group B, defending CONCACAF Beach Soccer champion Mexico was joined by Guatemala, Canada and Guadeloupe, while United States, T r i n i d a d & To b a g o , Antigua & Barbuda and US Virgin Islands make up Group C. El Salvador will be in Group D with Costa Rica, Panama and Turks & Caicos Islands. The Malcom Beach Soccer Facility will host all group,
quarter-final, semifinals, third place and final matches. The champion and the runner-up of the competition will join host Bahamas as the three CONCACAF representatives in the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2017. In case Bahamas (host of the World Cup) and/or Guadeloupe (Non-FIFA Member) reach the final match, the World Cup spot(s) will be allocated to the next best placed team(s). In an effort to further develop Beach Soccer, each one of the sixteen participating Member Associations are guaranteed
to play six games, with all competing for final tournament placement, until the last match date. F o r t h e d r a w, t h e Participating Member Associations were separated into pots of four balls according to the Beach S o c c e r Wo r l d W i d e Ranking dated September 2016. The draw started by selecting from a separate pot, which contained the five teams with the same exact ranking (38). These teams were drawn and placed into Pots 3 and 4 respectively to complete the distribution of the teams into those Pots. The teams were
GBFA President Rollin Tappin (right) and Head Coach Abdullah Hamid in Miami. then drawn into the four groups, from those final pots of four teams each. GBSA President Rollin Tappin in commenting on the drawn believes that Guyana is in with an excellent chance of doing well. ”Guyana stands a chance of coming out of the group into the knock-out rounds
once we play to our potential. We believe that we can get past the countries in our group and are very excited by the draw. The coaching staff will pull out all the stops in getting the players ready for the tournament and we are looking forward to competing for the first time at the Beach Soccer level.”
Kaieteur News
Tuesday October 18, 2016
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Bravo hundred unable to save Windies from defeat DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, CMC – Darren Bravo’s attritional eighth Test hundred carried West Indies close but the Caribbean side lost the plot in the final hour, to collapse to a 56-run defeat to Pakistan, late on a tense final day of the historic day/night Test on Monday. The elegant left-hander carved out a composed 116 as West Indies, chasing an improbable 346 for victory at the Dubai International Stadium, were dismissed for 289 in their second innings with 12 overs left in the contest. Captain Jason Holder finished on 40 not out while Roston Chase made 35 but with tension building in the Pakistani camp, West Indies suddenly lost their last four wickets for 26 runs to watch their challenge dissipate. Purposeful focussed batting saw them start the final session on 232 for six – requiring 134 runs for victory – but the turning point came with Bravo’s dismissal, 50 minutes before the scheduled close. The 27-year-old, unbeaten on 26 at the start, had played flawlessly up that point when he mis-timed one of his trademark booming drives for leg-spinner Yasir Shah to leap to his left and snaffle a sharp return catch, and breathe new life into Pakistan’s victory bid. All told, Bravo faced 249
Misbah-ul-Haq leads his team off after the victory, Pakistan v West Indies, 1st Test, Dubai, ©AFP balls in a marathon 6-¾ hours at the crease, and struck ten fours and a six. His dismissal at 263 for seven was the break Pakistan needed as West Indies quickly disintegrated thereafter. Seven overs later with 13 runs added, the left-hander Devendra Bishoo was plumb lbw for three playing back to left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz and two needless run outs then ensured a farcical end to the innings. Miguel Cummins perished for one in a mix-up with Holder over a single and five overs later, Shannon Gabriel desperate dive failed to secure him after he and Holder attempted another suicide single. Seamer Mohammad
Amir claimed three for 63 while left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz (2-32) and Yasir (2-113) finished with two wickets apiece. A victory or even saving the game looked farfetched at the start when batsman Marlon Samuels departed off the day’s first delivery for four, caught at the wicket edging an uncertain defensive push at one from seamer Mohammad Amir, with West Indies on their overnight 95 for two. Jermaine Blackwood batted through the first hour for his 15 before falling lbw to left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz on review, after initially gaining favour with the on-field umpire, to further enhance the odds of a quick Windies
defeat. But with West Indies stuttering on 116 for four, Bravo then anchored the first of two half-century partnerships in adding 77 for the fifth wicket with Chase, to steady the innings. With Bravo unbeaten on 46 and Chase, 21, West Indies eased to lunch on 154 for four and frustrated Pakistan for an hour afterward before losing another wicket. The right-handed Chase faced 83 balls in 127 minutes and struck three fours before he was bowled by Yasir on the stroke of the drinks break at 193 for five and West Indies stumbled again in the following over with just one run added, when wicketkeeper Shane
Dowrich was yorked by seamer Wahab Riaz for a first ball ‘duck’. Bravo was unruffled t h r o u g h o u t , h o w e v e r, playing the dangerous Yasir with ease and proving a thorn in Pakistan’s side. He reached his half-century off 139 balls in the third over after the resumption but quickened his scoring to reach his second fifty off just 72 balls. He brought up triple figures three overs before the interval when he slashed seamer Mohammad Amir to the backward point boundary, to be unbeaten on
102 at the break. Finding an ally in Holder, Bravo helped add a further 69 for the seventh wicket, which proved to be West Indies’ last stand. The right-handed Holder counted three fours off 127 balls in just over three hours at the crease, and he and Bravo put on 30 runs inside the first hour of the final session, to keep the Windies challenge alive. But once Bravo paid the price for his solitary indiscretion, the result was never really in doubt.
Adams leaves Kent amidst link to vacant Windies role LONDON, CMC – Jamaican Jimmy Adams has quit as head coach of English County Kent after five years in charge, further fuelling speculation he will take over the vacant role as West Indies head coach. Only last month, the 48year-old former West Indies captain was linked to the post after Trinidadian Phil Simmons was suddenly sacked by the West Indies Cricket Board, on the eve of the ongoing tour of Pakistan. Simmons spent a turbulent 18 months in charge of the Caribbean
side, during which time he oversaw the capture of the Twenty20 World Cup in India last April. Adams, who played 54 Tests for West Indies between 1992 and 2001, took over the reins at Kent ahead of the 2012 season and led them to a third place finish in Division Two that year. He enjoyed perhaps his best season in the southeast in the recently concluded campaign when Kent finished second, narrowly missing out promotion. “I’ve enjoyed my time at Kent which has been a great
learning experience for me. I wanted to be involved in a club that was seeking to grow and I am fortunate to have found that here at Kent over the past five seasons,” Adams said. “It’s been a delight being involved with all our players as they have developed during the period and especially watching the younger players who have made the step up to first class level.” He continued: “Working with the club to develop a stronger support team to back up our players has also been a highlight for me.
“I’m extremely grateful for the members and supporters who have consistently backed me, the team and the club’s overall vision.” In his time at Kent, Adams became a popular figure and club chairman, George Kennedy, hailed the former Test batsman’s contribution. “We thank Jimmy for his fine service of the club and wish him all the best for the future,” Kennedy said. “His commitment to developing Kentish cricket talent is shown by the core of homegrown players now at
the heart of our professional squad.” Adams led West Indies in 15 Tests, winning four, losing eight and drawing
three. As a left-hander, he made 3012 runs at an average of 41 with six hundreds.
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Tuesday October 18, 2016
Cyclists sign petition calling for resignation of GCF’s principal officers -sites dissatisfaction with way the sport is administered While it has been one of the most active sports in Guyana for a number of years, it has been continually plagued by poor administration which has now reached a breaking point with a petition for the principal officers to tender their resignation. Kaieteur Sport is in receipt of a copy of a petition that has been signed by 40 of the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) licensed riders that is calling for its president (Horace Burrowes), secretary (Maria Leung), Vice President in charge of Finance (Jerome Allicock) and Treasurer (Rosanna Sukhoo) to resign with immediate effect. According to the disgruntled riders, among the reasons for their drastic yet needed call for the back of this quartet is the fact that they have shown little regard for the oath that they have taken to serve and
take the sport to another level. The stated reasons are as f o l l o w s : - Failure to hold meetings and or attend which shows disrespect of their commitment to cyclists; - The failure of the president and most of his executive to attend the 2016 National championships races; - The failure of the federation to publish the results of the WADA drug tests of November 2015; - The incompetence of the president in publishing inaccurate information on social media resulting in the GCF being embarrassed and threatened with legal action; - The president is nonresident and access to him is at best difficult is not downright impossible; - The president without informing the Racing Committee of the federation selecting himself and a
Flashback! GFC President Horace Burrowes (left) seen addressing cyclists prior to the start of the National Road Race championship in 2015. veteran category 3 cyclist to represent Guyana at the just concluded 2016 Pan American Elite Track Cycling Championships in M e x i c o ;
- The president is aware that himself nor the selectee were of the required standard for that level of competition and neither of them can be ranked in the top 10 of the
GCF Cat. 1 / Elite; - No future plans for improvement of the sport; The riders further contend that the current president and named executive members
are not showing the interest to move the sport forward in Guyana, thus their stance in asking them to demit office. They were elected on June 20, 2015.
Pele’s US Alumni awards scholarships to St Stanislaus pair By Sean Devers The Saints Stanislaus pair of Josiah King and Isaiah Layne was yesterday awarded four-year scholarships by the United States Pele Football Club’s Alumni at the NCERD building in Kingston. This brings the number of scholarship recipients to five after the trio of Sara Matthias of the Institute of Academic Excellence, Lodge Secondary’s Joshua Denny and Reshana Bishop of St Margaret’s Primary were awarded scholarships six months ago. This opportunity will be open to all students who meet the initial Scholarship criteria. P e l e A l u m n i Corporation, a nonprofitable organization which is based in New York and has satellite locations in Atlanta and California, recently made a contribution to several youth teams and has an agreement with the Education Ministry to award Scholarships to youths who meet certain criteria. The Education M i n i s t r y ’s s t e e r i n g committee will oversee and administer the scholarships and selection process. Once
The Scholarship Awardees with Ministry and Pele Alumni officials. all criteria have been met each student with a scholarship receives an advance of $15,000 per month and yesterday Denny’s request for a Lap top was approved, while Bishop was presented with a bicycle. The entity was founded in 2012 in memory of Frank Watson, the first President of Pele FC who died tragically on December 3, 1973 at the age of 23. The scholarships will provide educational
opportunities for youth Football players who are in need of non-cash support to pursue their academic endeavors. The fusion of academics with sports enables individuals to benefit from scholarships, with the relevant benchmarks being set. United States based former Guyana U-17 and U19 Goalkeeper Denis Carrington explained that there is a criterion for selection for scholarships.
He said that the students have to write the National Grade six Assessment, Awarded a list ‘A’ School, obtaining a score between 475-500, must be between the ages of 11 and 12 years old, maintain a place on the school, club or national team and that the Head teacher/ Club Leader must endorse each applicant. There are also criteria for maintaining the scholarships, which are that the awardees must maintain a place in on school, club or
National team, maintain a term average of at least 70%, maintains an attendance record of 85% or better and participate in three hours Community or four annual extra credit school assignments. The first three students were reminded that they were the first Pele Alumni Scholarships just like Ex National mid-fielder Patrick ‘Labba’ Barton who was the first player from Pele to play at the senior level at age 15, while Carrington was the
first person from Pele to gain a four-year scholarship on July 3, 1974. David Chan along with David Gomes who plays the role of Guyana Liaison were all present yesterday as were Pele President Robbie Rambarran, Brian Smith (NSC), Leslyn EdwardsCharles Assistant Chief Education Officer (Secondary) Ministry of Education and Desiree Wyles-Olge, Administrator Ailed Arts Ministry of (Continued on page 25)
Kaieteur News
Tuesday October 18, 2016
Banks provides support for Inter-Guiana Goodwill Games
GABF names final team for IGG Goodwill Series against Suriname
Jamol Gilkes
Assistant Director of Sport Brian Smith (2nd right) receives the sponsorship package from Banks DIH Water Beverage Manager Clive Pellew, while Errol Nelson (left) and Ms. Sooklall of the NSC look on. Banks DIH Limited has continued its support for the Inter Guiana Games when officials of the company presented a sponsorship package to the National Sports Commission ahead of this weekend’s Games in Guyana. Banks DIH will be providing Rainforest Water and Powerade, a sports drink with electrolytes for the a t h l e t e s a n d o ff i c i a l s
participating in the Games set for Friday to Sunday. Water Beverage Brand Manager Clive Pellew made the presentation to Assistant Director of Sport Brian Smith during a simple ceremony at the NSC Office on Homestretch Avenue. Also present were Errol Nelson Band Manager of Banks DIH and R. Sooklall, Accountant of the NSC. Student athletes from
Guyana, French Guiana and Suriname will compete at basketball, volleyball, badminton, futsal football, table tennis, swimming and track and field. Smith thanked Banks DIH for supporting the annual Games which started back in 1967 and involved the three neighbouring territories that comprise the Guianas.
Changes made to Rising Sun Jumbo Jet Horse race meet With less than a week to go and over 55 horses already entered for the Rising Sun Jumbo Jet Horserace meet, the organisers have decided to make a few changes to the day’s event in an effort to accommodate as much animals as possible. The event which is organised by the Rising Sun Turf Club in collaboration with the Jumbo Jet Businesses is set for Sunday 23rd October at the Club’s entity Arima Park, Rising Sun, West Coast, Berbice. Eight races are still listed for the day, but there are changes made to three of the events with over $4M in prize monies and trophies at stake. The feature E and lower event will now be racing over 1400M instead of 1600M for the same total prize package of $1.2M and trophy. The event for animals
classified H Maiden and I and lower will now be for H2 and lower animals over 1100M for a winning package of $500,000 and trophy. The G1 and lower race has prize monies totaling over $800,000 and trophy over 1400M. 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 event for animals classified J and lower has been reorganized and will now be for three year old West Indies Maidens that have not earned over $100,000, three year old Guyana Bred Horses and those classified “I” and lower. The prize package is $375,000 and trophy and will also be over 1 1 0 0 M . The K class event is for a winner’s pocket of $350,000 and trophy over 1100M. The final event is for
horses classified L and lower 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 o f t h e e n t i r e f a m i l y. The champion jockey, champion stable and champion trainer will all receive trophies and other accolades compliments of the 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 6089063, Sancho on 602-1567 or Jin Jo on 618-7278 for any details or entry. Race time is 13:00 hrs. (Samuel Whyte)
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After weeks of preparation and shortlists, Guyana’s Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) has finally named the 12 male players, who will represent the country at this weekend’s Inter-Guiana Goodwill Games (IGG) scheduled for the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. D i r e c t o r o f Yo u t h Basketball Guyana (YBG),
Nathan Saul Chris Bowman, who works closely with the GABF to organise the sport at the youth level, released the team yesterday, less than a week before they head into competition against Suriname. The two-nation IGG Goodwill Games will be hosted here among several disciplines and venues. French Guiana will not be
Stanton Rose competing in the Games this year. The final 12 for the male basketball team are as follows: Nathan Saul, Timothy Thompson, Stanton Rose, Jaleel Duke, Neil Wills, Tafawa Daly, Ramone Fogenay, Roger John, Jamol Gilkes, Travis Belgrave, Troy David and Tahquille Johnson. Coach: Andrew Hercules.
GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power Nat. U-17 League
Beavers needle Wales in lone match Beavers romped to back to back wins as play in the West Demerara Football Association leg of the G F F / N A M I L C O Thunderbolt Flour Power National Intra Association Under-17 league continued on Saturday last at the Dem Amstel Community Centre g r o u n d . Following on their come from behind win one week earlier over Eagles, Beavers defeated 7-man Wales United 1-0. They had erased a 2-goal deficit to trounce Eagles 3-2 but against Wales with a 4-man advantage found the going tough to put away their opponents easily. Thanks to a Telbert Baptiste 21st minute goal, Beavers were able to take full points against tough opponents.
After taking the lead, Beavers had fancied their chances of pummeling their opponents but that was not to be as Wales stood firm in defence to keep their opponents at bay in limiting them to just the single goal. Sunday’s match that should have been between Eagles United and Slingerz was not played as a result of the noshow of referees. Two more matches are slated for this weekend, one each
Telbert Baptiste on Saturday and Sunday. Slingerz will come up against Wales on Saturday with Den Amstel set to face Eagles on Sunday, both matches will kick off at 12:00hrs.
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Tuesday October 18, 2016
Why Clarkston never benefitted from World Hopes Training Camp? By Rawle Welch Let me immediately open this missive by saying that while I commend the respective entities that have come forward and supported young Caribbean table tennis champion Kaysan Ninvalle’s journey to Peru to attend a World Hopes Training Camp, I personally extended congratulations to his father Steve, who is a very good friend of mine and a former colleague in the media. This preamble is to eliminate any mistaken belief that could arise in relation to his selection to benefit from the high level training that he will be exposed to while in Peru. Young Ninvalle rightly deserves the opportunity to improve his skills in the game, especially after his outstanding performance at the recent Caribbean PreCadet Championships which was held in Jamaica where he won the Under-11 category. I’ve known this young racquet wielder from the time he started so no one should believe that there is the slightest insinuation of resentment, but rather delight since his improvement could only serve as a positive for the sport here in Guyana. However, my motivation for writing this article is to highlight the difficulty that some athletes face during their quest to be the best. I would like to put
forward the case of Naveah Clarkston, one of our most talented young table tennis players, who have performed with distinction over the years in her short career, but never seems to be recognised for her outstanding efforts. Perhaps, because of her unfortunate circumstances, coming from a poor background might have been one of the reasons for her constant neglect of defensible recognition. This young player’s achievements is so exceptional that she remains the only Guyanese to win three gold medals at the same championships which was achieved at the 2013 event that was staged right here in Guyana. Clarkston won her medals in the Singles, Girls Doubles and Girls Team categories, but little was said about her marvelous performance. That championship saw Guyana sweep the Girls Singles with Selenas Jackman and Abigail Martin occupying the remaining spots in that order. This is a player who is not afraid to compete out of her age group, repeatedly doing so with a large measure of success. Many are asking what was the difference between Ninvalle’s achievement and hers and I can tell you, they are finding it rather difficult to come up with the answers. Why wasn’t she given a similar chance to benefit
f r o m a Wo r l d H o p e s Training Camp just as Ninvalle was recommended for, maybe the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) and more directly its President Godfrey Munroe has the answers? Is it because she comes from a single parent home and has no big vioce to represent her? Overlooking the performances of Clarkston and others is a massive disservice to the sport because it simply means that Guyana will only be able to win one or two medals due to the lack of exposure afforded the other players. There was a period not so long ago when it appeared as though Guyana only had one or two players due to the concentrated focus on them and that defect might be the reason for the poor results we are witnessing now. Munroe has been very prominent in helping to secure corporate and the Guyana Olympic Association support for Ninvalle, at least his consistent presence in the media seems to suggest that, so why was the same energy not exerted to solicit similar assistance for Clarkston. Clarkston returned at the championships this year and lost a titanic battle to top seeded Trinidadian Shreya Maragh in five close sets, but again her performance was largely ignored. Perhaps on this occasion, the media will have to share some of the blame for the
Godfrey Munroe low-keyed coverage of this promising racquet wielder who by now must have become frustrated by the unfair treatment. It is very upsetting to get athletes, especially the young ones embroiled in discussions of this nature; they usually don’t understand the reason for the focus and might be inclined to accept the elucidations of those who resent being in the spotlight for their unhelpful actions, but sometimes it is unavoidable. Many administrators profess to have their respective associations and athletes’ best interest at heart, but when their actions
Naveah Clarkston challenge those declarations then it is an act of duplicity. The facts are sketchy as to why Clarkston was never presented with the opportunity to participate in a Word Hopes Training Camp, but the obligation is the GTTA to let the public know why it never materialized.
Clarkston, judging from her results, must be rated as one of the most promising junior players in the country so why isn’t she benefitting from similar programmes. What more does she has to prove to the GTTA to win their support, her advancement could increase our chances of doing well in the future.
Correction
Jason ‘AK 47’ Barker (right) and Deputy Director of Prisons Gladwin Samuels celebrate Barber’s golden effort. I n o u r y e s t e r d a y ’s edition (Monday October 17, 2016) Kaieteur Sport carried a story and photo captions on the back page and page 29 (‘AK’ fires in Barbados, Gibson takes Best boxer) stating that
Director of Prisons Carl Graham was the person in the photo that accompanied the boxers when in actuality it was Deputy Director of Prisons Gladwin Samuels. For this error we
apologise to Deputy Director Samuels and in the p r o c e s s o f f e r congratulations to you Sir and team (Claremont ‘Kartel’ Gibson and Jason ‘AK 47’ Barker) on your recent success in Barbados.
Tuesday October 18, 2016
Kaieteur News
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St. Joseph High successfully defends East Georgetown athletics title
The successful St. Joseph High School pose for a photo opportunity yesterday at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary after winning the East Georgetown athletics title. St. Joseph High School successfully defended the East Georgetown District track and field title yesterday at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary with a 29-point win against nearest rival, Tutorial High School in the ‘Champions of Champions’ clash. The Woolford Avenue titans battled in excellent weather for more than six hours of competition with St. Joseph’s High taking home the title with 517 points. Tutorial High was second with 488 points,
while North Georgetown finished third on 415 points. New Campbellville Secondary School was fourth on 411 points while St. Winifred Secondary School rounded out the top five in East Georgetown with 286 points. Mae’s Secondary finished sixth on 247 points with Queenstown Secondary (185 points) seventh. Mercy Wings Vocational and Day Care Centre was eighth with 176 points, while Sophia Special School ended ninth on 77 points. Josel Educational Institute
completed the day in the tenth place on 52 points with Nehemiah Comprehensive School in 11th on 22 points. Government Industrial Training Centre was 12th on 20 points. The event was the benchmark for East Georgetown to select its team for the upcoming National Schools’ Cycling, Swimming and Track and Field Championships in November. Similar contests are ongoing across Guyana.
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Marino Jeffrey and Tiniesha Toney are inaugural male and female champs
The respective female and male winners, Ms Tiniesha Toney (left) and Mariano Jeffrey performing the 30-second suitcase hold during the final. (Franklin Wilson photo)
Adams leaves Kent amidst link to vacant Windies role
Former West Indies captain Jimmy Adams … has quit Kent after five seasons in charge.
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