Monday October 24, 2016
I don't normally reply to the utterances of this gentleman Dear Editor; Please refer to a news item which appeared in your Kaieteur News issue of Wednesday, October 19, 2016 "The Town Clerk should be removed immediately — Deputy Mayor" p8. Usually, I do not respond to the utterances of the Deputy Mayor, even when such utterances are glaringly inaccurate like the one where, on a public television newscast, he accused me of running up a bill on council's account for food and drinks with colleagues at Pegasus. The records show that the event to which he referred was one which the council agreed to on the occasion of Nurses' Day to honour our hard working nurses' He alleged corruption, on the part of some councillors, including the Chairman of Council's Finance Committee, and the Town Clerk, with the contract for the installation of parking meters in the city. Also, there were many posts, riddled with inaccuracies, on social media by Mr. Duncan. He has not found the grace to apologise or even withdraw those inaccurate statements. Disturbingly, I have noticed a certain pattern of misinformation, which, if not addressed, could mislead unsuspecting citizens and negatively affect the development and progress of the council and city. As a result, and given my responsibilities as Town Clerk, I feel obliged to reply to any
and all inaccuracies in letters and/ or statements, by Mr. Sherod Duncan, particularly those in the public media. Speaking specifically to the issues raised by Mr. Duncan in the Kaieteur News, I have to say that after many months at the Mayor and City Council, Mr. Duncan continues to demonstrate a woeful lack of knowledge of municipal systems, the duties and responsibilities of the Town Clerk and other Statutory Officers and the general and specific operations of the Georgetown Municipality. I say that respectfully but worryingly because, notwithstanding efforts at the level of the council, the Deputy Mayor continues to make inaccurate utterances. Let us examine three matters raised in this report in Kaieteur News. First, I wish to touch on the Auditor General's Report. An audit of the council's financial records revealed certain shortcomings and weaknesses in the system. This, as I understand it, is one objective of any audit. And we are happy that, the audit did flag those areas of weaknesses. And we welcome any discussion, audit or findings that would facilitate improvement of our systems. However, the discrepancies found are largely due to carelessness and lack of diligence on the part of the department with direct responsibilities for such
matters. Nevertheless, since that report, administration has taken a new approach with a view to securing the integrity of its financial procedures, processes and systems and to ensuring strict adherence to the relevant bylaws and policies. This includes a comprehensive training programme particularly in the area of good corporate governance. It is not necessary for me to mention that the Mayor and City Council is a local government body; the government for the national capital at the local level that provides a plethora of vital municipal services to its citizens. Also, it receives subventions from the national purse. Therefore, it must be subjected to audits to continually strengthen and improve its ability to account for its resources and to be more efficient and effective in its specific and general responsibilities to local communities and the city. Second, Mr. Duncan continues to mislead the public, through inaccurate information, on the parking meter contract. I have said ad nausea that, the project was negotiated by the previous council under the Mayoralty of Hamilton Green since 1995. It was a decision of the council. All decisions of council are legal and binding on all councillors, officers and the council. Again, a new contract was not negotiated but the original (continued on page 6)
Dr. Janette Bulkan is wrong ... From page 4 controls. There are about 500 plus forest operators to manage while there are about 15,000 plus known mining operators to manage. G. Only natural resources sector in Guyana where approximately 70% of the allocated area has to undergo 100% enumeration of the natural resources followed by an approval process prior to any entry for harvesting. Enumeration of the standing visible resource allows for responsible forest management. Long term investment in a renewable natural resource coupled with the need to comply with the guidelines for SFM speak of a sector that offers stability, job security, strategic national planning and an earner for the national accounts etc. H. The largest allocated natural resources sector with less than 2% impact on deforestation and degradation rate. I. Only natural resources in Guyana with an active
extraction Code of Practice since 1998 with several revisions and it has been recognized internationally e.g. ITTO, FAO. - New Code of Practice for Wood Processing maybe the first worldwide. K. Only natural resources sector with a built-in traceability system (back to source) since 2000 on a national scale. L. Direct employment of approximately 26,000 which impacts approximately 17% (130,000) of the population. Indirect employment includes officers of the Government, suppliers of spares, consumables, fuel, oil, lubricant, transportation, export handling, agents, services and so on. M. Only natural resources sector where approximately 70% of the allocated area is monitored by resident Guyana Forestry Commission officers. The remaining 30% of allocated area is monitored by strategic forestry stations and mobile patrols. N. The sector has the
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highest number of communities (approximately 73 groups with over 3,000 members) with access to the natural resources (approximately 480,000 hectares) for their livelihood needs through forestry practices. It is estimated that approximately 70% of the value derived from the resources are spent in the communities. O. The sector probably has the highest level of monetary penalties imposed (since court is too expensive in terms of time and cost) for operational breaches. P. The sector receives amongst the lowest across the board assistance or support from the Government despite being the biggest contributor to the LCDS with net zero benefit from LCDS funding. To the Western World, we are working within the confines of the European Union Timber Regulation; the LACEY ACT; and we are now negotiating an EU-FLEGTVPA which will cover sustainability. Charles Thom
GAWU says sugar industry continues to be hamstrung Dear Editor; The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) was indeed surprised and, also, not acquainted with some of the assertions and revelations made by Mr Abel Seetaram in his letter about the need for GuySuCo's benefits to estate managers to be trimmed” that appeared in the Kaieteur News and Stabroek News. At the outset, we must express our strong disagreement with Mr Seetaram's view that the industry is no longer viable. We wish to draw to the author's attention that the sugar industry's viability and future is secured by pursuing certain diversification which has been publicly distilled on several occasions. These endeavours, we must remind, were reflected in the report of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the sugar. While, indeed, the European Union's (EU) price cut posed challenges to the industry it cannot be ignored that the industry's production has fallen deleteriously in recent years. For 2016, sugar production is expected to reach about 194,000 tonnes, according to GuySuCo. It is a dramatic fall from the target of 242,000 tonnes declared in the 2016 Budget. It is agreed that the industry's productive capacity is far in excess of the Budget target but the industry continues to be hamstrung by various agronomic maladies. Careful attention to this important aspect of the industry's
operations is required most urgently. The author also makes reference to the denial of “several packages”. This is indeed a startling revelation and he may want to share with the Union and/or the public the details of these “packages.” From GAWU's point-ofview we have always sought to ensure that sugar workers and all workers the union represents get the maximum possible benefits and that their rights and conditions are safeguarded and promoted. We have never and will never engage in action/s which are inimical to such positions and we find Mr Seetram's assertions most disturbing and untrue. We are pleased, however, to note the author's support for workers to enjoy improved pay and benefits. It is noted that he seeks to juxtapose the denial of such improvements in 2015 and 2016 to profitability. This raises the question and to ask if “profitability” is the only criterion used in determine improvements for workers' wages in the state sectors? Moreover, isn't it discriminatory for sugar workers to be the only group of state employees to not benefit from any
improvements especially in view of the rising cost-ofliving? It may also be interesting for the author to know that many sugar industries in the world to our knowledge, in one way or another, receive some form of state-support in these times. Such support takes account of the very important economic and social contributions the industry makes to the country. Furthermore, Mr Seetaram may also find it of interest to learn that the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) in assessing a request for financial assistance to aid the industry's mechanisation, said: “…it is economically viable for GOGY to continue subsidising and protecting the cultivation and harvesting of sugar cane and processing of sugar for export and local consumption.” The CDB further said; “Projects and programmes that enhance sugar cane cultivation and sugar manufacturing have the potential to earn foreign exchange, but may not be always financially profitable. Consequently, given the importance of foreign exchange to the economy, such operations may, at times, (continued on page 6)
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Monday October 24, 2016
Sherod Duncan is a small fish that will be eaten up Dear Editor; Spare me a small space in your newspaper to express my concern. It seems that politics is the order of the day at the Mayor and City Council, with AFC representative Sherod Duncan believing that he is an anointed force sent to keep the “corrupt” likes of Mayor Patricia Green, Town Clerk Royston King, and other APNU members, in check. Duncan has taken it upon himself to wage war against the longstanding members of the Council who he believes are functioning outside the rules of the agency. This was highlighted in his latest demand to have King fired over the AG's report. This in my view is a poor strategy on the part of Mr. Duncan who seems to be loving the media attention he is getting and the hype created, especially as the reshuffling of the city - for example vendor movement - is not going so well with some persons.
It seemed only fair that with a coalition government in a city dominated by APNU supporters, that the mayor would have represented the majority party (APNU) and the deputy the next largest, which is AFC. Outside of this, the AFC has brought nothing to Georgetown and basically holds power in City Hall as a representation of the APNU/ AFC partnership. In that vein, I can understand Mr. Duncan's frustration. He probably feels, like the Council's stepchild since he is not a part of the 'clique'. Everything is done with the Town Clerk, Mayor and other selected persons, who again, have relations with APNU. Instead of creating a platform for demanding his respect or demanding that he be taken seriously, Mr. Duncan goes on the defensive. He is forever in the media complaining, sparking reactions from various sides.
He starts public debates and discussion campaigns that actually work against the government. He then complains to Minister Bulkan, who at one point had no choice but to come out against Royston King (in the Robb Street vendors eviction issue), without ever speaking with the Town Clerk or giving him a chance to defend himself -or at least nothing to that effect was reported in the media. Mr. Duncan continues to place the government in tight and embarrassing positions. That was depicted when Bulkan had to do what seemed to be the soothing and correct thing, and that was slamming King over the vendors when everyone else seemed to be doing that. This is despite the law giving the Town Clerk's office jurisdiction over such traders, demanding that they are all registered with his office - to which none are. The bottom line is that unlike the last administration,
I don't normally reply to the ... From page 5 contract was amended to account for concerns, clarifications and recommendations by the government. I wish to make this point that we respect and honour our government; we are prepared to listen and consider any and all recommendations coming from the government, at all times. The Parking Meter project is intended to ease the traffic congestion and bring some semblance of order on the city streets. Many modern cities
are using parking meters. It is the norm around the world; even some of our very own sister Caribbean states have this system in place and they function exceptionally well. This is why its implementation in Guyana should not be a foreign concept as some may want to make it seem. It is not to keep up with 'the trend' by any means but it will be used as a starting point to re-organise parking in the City area. Though it is known that Georgetown was never
intended to accommodate the population it currently boasts, new structures and/or expansions are continuously being erected and more vehicles are on the city streets every day. Over the years, this expansion has been accompanied by the violation, and in many instances, blatant disregard of a number of building code regulations. The consequences amongst many others have been encumbrances on our pavements, lack of parking facilities and compromised drainage systems; with numerous potentials for far reaching environmental and public health negatives Royston King Town Clerk
the current government is staying away from municipal affairs, but want to stop the infighting between the member of a party (AFC) that brought nothing to local elections and the members of a party (APNU) that not only dominate the location, but have been a part of Georgetown's growth and destruction for a very long time. It's like a child trying to have their way with an elder, and it just can't work. Duncan needs to re-strategise. He needs to stop complaining to the media
about everything therefore bringing unnecessary attention and condemnation to the council. Why can't there be less public display and more internal settling of matters. If a project or idea is brought forward by the council, especially a good one, it will not get the deserved support if it's about the deputy verses the mayor and town clerk. Duncan needs to earn his voice. He can't expect to be chosen by his party, placed in a position they never really
earned and wish to make demands. This is politics and that is not how it works. Small fishes usually get eaten in big ponds and that is what Duncan is, a small fish. I would hate to think that he actually believes that after he makes his grand displays and utterances, that at the next local government election his party would win, or that he would become mayor or even retain his position. It is highly unlikely. Akeem Bennons
GAWU says sugar industry ... From page 5 need government's protection and/or support in meeting operating and capital costs”. Apart from the almost 17,000 direct employees, the sugar company also facilitates close to 2,000 small to large cane farmers. It is estimated that tens of thousands of other Guyanese are indirectly employed due to the sugar industry. Additionally, one cannot ignore the services the industry provides to various communities and employees of the sugar estates. Given the direct and indirect employment of the sugar industry, the economic importance of GuySuCo cannot be understated. Following the rebasing of the
GDP in 2006, the industry's yearly contribution is about 5 per cent of national GDP and about 19 per cent of agricultural GDP. Importantly, too, it is still among the largest sources of foreign exchange, and it's probably the largest net foreign exchange earner. Should the industry be minimised or be gotten rid of altogether, as is being promoted in some quarters, there will be severe repercussions for all Guyanese. For instance, in the areas of its operation, it is the single most important economic activity and source of employment. The industry also supports the rice, cashcrop farming and other agriculture sub-sectors in
We need tangerine plants in Regions 1 and 2 Dear Editor; The Ministry of Agriculture's nursery at Charity has been without tangerine plants for the longest while. It is the only source of supplies for the Regions I and 2 districts. It stifles the productive drive not having more of this fruit on the market. With its land line service being out of order, too much precious time along with travelling money is just being wasted to go there in vain. A return trip is as much as three
thousand dollars. From enquiries made, it could not have been ascertained when these plants would be put on sale again. Unavailability for such plants for an inordinate period of time in a predominantly agricultural area leaves much to be desired. There seems to be some neglect with regard to the fact that the entire Region depends on the nursery for supplies with the ugly situation being most unacceptable when better needs to be done for the farming community. My main concern is to get only six more of these plants for my orchard with an appeal for help from anyone as to where it could be obtained. B Persaud
several areas, and helps to manage the anti-flood control systems with its vast network of drainage and irrigation. If the multiplier effect is considered, the economic impact is extended directly and indirectly to commercial banks, insurers, suppliers and service providers. Clearly, the letter appearing in Abel Seetaram's name consists of rather selective information and, unfortunately, excludes important data that could have provided a far better understanding of the industry at this time. Seepaul Narine General Secretary
The factors that drive suicide ... From page 4 hopeless – inflicted on the Guyanese people by their successive Governments – is not playing a major part on our high levels of depression. In addressing the growing and pervasive suicide problem in Guyana, President Granger once said, “Happy people don't commit suicide.” The United Republican Party has concluded that the members of his government will therefore never commit suicide. The President has fattened the purses of his Minister to guarantee that they remain happy for a long time. However, thanks to their policies, coupled with their incompetence, they can expect the suicide numbers to remain high among the rest of us. Dr. Vishnu Bandhu Leader, URP
Monday October 24, 2016
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AG has power to take Finance Minister to court over abuse of Contingency Fund If the Auditor General (AG) believes that there was an abuse or breach of the nation’s financial laws, then he has the authority to pursue avenues for prosecution of the offender. And this includes ministers of the Government, says Chartered Accountant, Anand Goolsarran. He said that according to the Audit Act, there is no provision which provides immunity for any minister. With this in mind, Goolsarran said that if Auditor General Deodat Sharma believes that there was an abuse of the Contingency Fund then he is empowered to access the means to take the issue before the court. According to the Audit Act, “If the Auditor General has reason to believe that an offence was committed, he shall request the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Commissioner of Police to take appropriate action and prosecute the offender if necessary.” The Act also states that a person who is convicted of an offence under section 38 is liable, on summary conviction, to a fine not to exceed two hundred thousand dollars and to imprisonment for a term not to exceed five years; an entity or body of persons which is convicted of such an offence is liable, on summary conviction, to a fine not to exceed one million dollars. However, this is a course of action that has never been taken against a Finance Minister by the Auditor General. However, in recent times, the abuse of the Fund which is only to be used in the event of an emergency, has been a source of much contention.
- Goolsarran In fact, Sharma in his latest report criticized the Government’s advances from the Fund. Sharma said that during the period under review, amounts totaling $799M were drawn from the Fund, by way of 24 advances. He said that it was disappointing to note that the advances continued to be granted, even though they did not meet the required criteria. Kaieteur News was informed by the AG that he was left in a state of concern having learnt that eleven advances totaling $604M were granted from the Fund to meet “routine expenditure” for the year 2015. His comments in this regard attracted nothing but criticisms from Finance Minister, Winston Jordan. Jordan had said that Sharma’s comments in this regard do not count. The economist even went further to state that he has to account to Cabinet and Parliament and owes the Auditor General no explanation on the issue. Speaking also to the quarrel between the Auditor General and the Minister over the use of the Contingency Fund was WPA Executive Member, Dr. David Hinds. Dr. Hinds said that the argument is one that strikes at two things—the relationship between the two offices and the question of who has the final determination of what constitutes “emergency”. The political activist said, “I think the Minister is correct in saying that what constitutes an emergency is a matter of interpretation and as such he does not owe the
Chartered Accountant, Anand Goolsarran
Finance Minister, Winston Jordan
WPA Executive Member, Dr. David Hinds
Auditor General, Deodat Sharma
AG any explanation. He is also correct in saying that as Minister he is answerable to Cabinet and Parliament, specifically to the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) which referees such matters in the legislature. But in our divided politics, the PAC’s decision may be coloured by partisan considerations and therein lack legitimacy.’’ In that regard, Dr. Hinds said that Jordan is also subjected to the Courts which under the Judicial Review doctrine has the power to rule on whether the Minister’s action constituted an “emergency.” In so doing, he said that the court would be simultaneously setting down markers for future action. “So I would urge that the matter be taken to court for Judicial Review. This is an issue that has been plaguing governance and accountability for too long. Both sides feel very strongly
about their respective interpretations but neither side can impose its interpretation on the other, so let the court decide,” expressed the WPA Executive Member. Dr. Hinds said that while the AG may be immune from court action, there is nothing stopping him from taking matters to court. He emphasized that there is also nothing stopping the Minister of Finance from testing his interpretation in court. Over the years, the abuse of the Fund was a topical
issue for A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance For Change when the parties served as the Parliamentary opposition. In fact, it was AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan who had emphasized on several occasions that the National Assembly is the first device or mechanism for which emergency advances can be protected from abuse. The politician had asserted, “The (PPP) has been abusing its understanding of the criteria of an emergency under the Fiscal Management and
Accountability Act. When we run to the Fund it is only to be used for emergency cases, like if there is a serious flood in Mahaicony and we need to remove citizens. Money would be used in that case.” The Public Security Minister was also one who constantly called for sanctions to be imposed against former Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh for his abuse of the Contingency Fund. Today, the Government now finds itself in the same boat as the former regime.
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Monday October 24, 2016
Kaieteur News
Man pleads for return Contractors cry out for of stolen minibus monies owed by CH&PA
The stolen minibus
Just imagine parking your minibus in front of your yard and waking up one morning to find it gone. This is the plight of Rohan Gocool of Lot 623 Thirteenth Street, Diamond New Scheme, East Bank Demerara. Last Tuesday, the 43year-old father of one parked
his vehicle in front of his yard and retired to bed. However, he is still in a state of shock after discovering the vehicle missing the following day. He quickly hopped on to a motorcycle and searched the area for the vehicle. But his efforts were to no avail. Gocool said he bought the bus three years ago and
would normally use it to go shopping or run errands. Stolen is a green, burgundy and white Route 42 Toyota RZ minibus. It bears registration number BLL 8619. “I feeling cripple right now. I feel down and out. When I ketch sick I use to jump in the bus and go to the hospital,” Gocool lamented. Gocool related that the bus has no alarm systems. The matter has since been reported to police. Persons with information on the vehicle’s whereabouts can call Gocool on (592) 687-6036 or 699-9178 or the nearest police station.
Several small contractors are crying out in frustration as the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) continues to withhold payment for works completed several months ago. Over the past three weeks, contractors have been flooding Kaieteur News in an effort to highlight their plight. A common thread seems to be the desire to remain anonymous, as many of the contractors surmise that if they openly complain to the media the punishment would be that they would not be hired in the future. However, frustration continues to grow. The contactors are saying that the Authority has put them in a “tight spot” because they have bank loan repayments to satisfy and “we have men to pay. This is our livelihood and these men have their families depending on them.” Different contractors have related different stories told to them by the Authority as to why they are not being paid. One contractor said that he completed his project since February and “every day you are hearing a different story from housing, one day you hear is (Hamilton) Green fault, next day is some problem with the engineer.” Contacted earlier this week, CH&PA Chairman, Hamilton Green said, “I have asked for a report on this matter because apparently we got an engineer’s report on it and some of the contractors have not completed works satisfactorily. We have discovered some poor work…everything is being reexamined, we inherited a lot
of lawlessness.” However, the works done by most of the contractors who are complaining have been completed this year and not under the previous administration as Green suggested. Contractors are claiming they did the work on par with contract specification and were given a clean bill after inspection. When told this, Green said, “If they got a clean bill they will be paid, I haven’t seen that.” Some contractors even presented pictures of their work as it was being inspected by engineers attached to the Authority. “Now I do not know what Green is trying to say here, if that was the case wouldn’t they have either penalized us or made us do repairs, it is nothing of the sort,” lamented a frustrated contractor. Another contractor said, “Housing never told me anything about inadequate works.” Many of the contractors say that they have been told that the cheques could not have been signed because Green was out of the country for a while and there is no one to sign their cheques. “Weeks ago, they told us that Hammy (Green) is out of the country for surgery and that is causing the hold up.” But Green had denied that his absence can be a factor in the hold up. Green said that he knew he was going to be out for a while so he ensured that the necessary measures were in place for the smooth running of the Authority. Green said that there was an acting Chairman in place and persons have been authorised to sign on his
CH&PA Chairman, Hamilton Green behalf. He said that he is in constant communication with Authority and was not made aware of any such issue. Two weeks ago, Board Member Mark Jacobs said that “we are experiencing internal sabotage.” He said that there are certain politically aligned employees attached to CH&PA who are trying to “frustrate some contractors.” He said that this is supposed to be a case of hitting two birds with one stone as he feels that the aim is also to “make the Board look bad.” Jacobs said that the truth of the matter is that cheques for small contractors do not even have to pass through the Board. He said that once these works are inspected and certified as being up to standard, payments are supposed to be made. However, some documents “are being ducked.” “They are just out to frustrate the process.” Jacobs said that the Board has found it necessary to do some performance evaluation and “some shuffling is needed.”
Top Cop feels short-changed... (From page 3) instances are things to be alarmed about. “How can we be so insensitive in the granting of bail?” he said. Moreover, he stated that it is clear that the criminal elements did not surrender their firearms during the gun amnesty. “Here are our actions with total disregard to people being found with firearms well after a gun amnesty when they had an opportunity to surrender their firearms and we are very careless in the granting of bail in these cases.” To solidify his case, Ramnarine said that the police force is but a microcosmic entity in the criminal justice system. “We are one element of the criminal justice system.” According to Ramnarine, the force does its best to fight criminal elements. However, he went further, saying that he will not answer nor accept responsibility for the behaviour of other people who constitute and have a role to play in other elements in the criminal justice system. “I can only defend our actions in the police force and lay our side of the story in the public domain.” He said that in October so far,
the police force has been able to seize 10 illegal guns. NIGHTCLUB RAIDS On the issue of the night club raids, Ramnarine said that the Force will continue to carry out random searches of patrons at nightclubs in and around Georgetown. He said that recently in ‘A’ Division, there has been success, whereby during three raids, firearms were found. Earlier this month, ranks raided a nightspot in West Ruimveldt and found two firearms, several rounds of ammunition and a small quantity of cannabis in the possession of four males and a female. Similarly, on October 8, 2016 around 23:00hrs officers swept down on the popular night spot Palm Court on Main Street and seized an unlicensed .38 Special Revolver with four matching rounds from a male patron. The decision to conduct these raids came after the recent gunning down of 18 year-old Ryan Sargeant in-front the Rio Night Club at Forshaw and Oronoque Streets which stemmed from a heated argument inside the night club.
Monday October 24, 2016
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Behind the green curtains Political ambition is ignited whenever elderly leaders assume office. Those below them, who may be young or younger, visualize the time when those leaders will depart the political scene. In other words, there are visualizations of succession. Some even go as far as beginning to prepare themselves for the day when they will assume the leadership. Some begin to plot their own ascension. It is suspected that the Leader of the Opposition may have been attempting to refer to this phenomenon at his last press conference when he said that certain things would soon be revealed about what was taking place in the government. The PPP would know. Soon after it was returned to power, after 28 years of the Guyanese people being denied democratic elections, there were obvious displays of political ambition within the PPP. Cheddi and his wife saw it and it was clear to them that some of their colleagues had ambitions to succeed them. There is nothing
inherently wrong with this. What causes consternation is when this is done openly and at the expense of doing the work of government. In other words, instead of trying to make the government more effective, there were individuals within the PPP/C who were more concerned with positioning themselves for succession at the expense of making the government more effective. Daggers were being pulled behind screens. There was a tussle behind the scenes between those who were politically ambitious. Persons tried to make others look bad so that they could look good. There were victims of the power struggle which took place behind the scenes. Some resigned; others were let go. It happens all the time whenever there is a possibility of political succession. It is no doubt happening within the APNU. There must be persons who are seeing themselves as successors of the incumbent. There must be persons who are prepping and preparing themselves for that eventuality.
Cyclist dies in Goed Fortuin accident Police are investigating a fatal accident which occurred on Saturday night at Goed Fortuin Public Road West Bank Demerara (WBD), which resulted in the death of 58year-old Albert Shivdyal. Shivdyal, also of Goed Fortuin was at the time riding a bicycle when the accident occurred. Investigations have so far revealed that motor car PNN 7289 was proceeding north along the western driveway at a fast rate, while the cyclist was proceeding in the same direction, but on the eastern side of the road. It is alleged that the cyclist then crossed the road and was struck down. He was picked up by ranks on police patrol and rushed to the West
Demerara Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead. A breathalyzer test was conducted on the driver of the car; no trace of blood alcohol was recorded. The driver has since been taken into custody. A distance of 126 feet from the point of impact was documented by the investigator.
The fact that Guyana has presidential term limits only tends to fertilise political ambitions. The politically ambitious are not worried about the fact that there is a ruling which deems existing term limits as unconstitutional and undemocratic. Within the PNC/R there will be persons who will be preparing for political succession. Those persons, however, face a number of critical challenges. The first is that they have to overcome the stigma of a party which was associated with rigging of elections and whose own internal elections, save and expect for the last elections held this year, were marred by controversies and narrow victories. There are obvious political divisions within the PNCR. There are, as in any party, factions within the PNCR. The second challenge is how to garner the necessary support inside and outside of the party to become popular enough to assume leadership when the time comes. Alliances and links have to be made. Those who are smart enough know that they must court the support of powerful business interests because it is the financial support of the business community which is required to help finance a party’s bid for government. One therefore in trying to identify those who are political ambitious, examines whether such linkages are being forged. The third challenge is that those persons need state power to advance their
ambitions. You are not likely to find in the Guyanese political culture, persons from outside of the government vying to succeed the president. In the end it comes down to who will have the greatest support within the PNC/R, but that support is better advanced through the use of the state machinery. Political succession within the PNC/R will come from inside of the government. The Leader of the Opposition knows that all too well. He would have seen the futile attempt of those
outside of the government but in the party, trying to rival for political succession. Politics in Guyana can be depressing if you are looking only at the surface. The politics of Guyana becomes more intriguing if you look at what is taking place behind the scenes - if you look at the battle for political succession that is silently taking place within the PNC/R. Make no mistake about it, the PPP has no such battle. The leadership of the PPP/C has been seized unmistakably by Bharrat Jagdeo. There are no successors in place.
The same cannot be said about the PNC/R. The leaders of that party who are in government know that, within the next ten years, there will be a contest among them to see who succeeds the incumbent leader. The plots and schemes are taking place, behind the green curtains. Whoever wins must have the support of powerful financial interests.
Monday October 24, 2016
Kaieteur News
Slow work of contractors may delay Nov. 1, reopening of Kitty Market - vendors
The eastern side of the Kitty Market
A section of the lower flat of the market
Loose wires hanging in the lower flat It seems as though the Kitty Market will not meet the November 1, reopening deadline set by the Georgetown Mayor and City Council. This is according to vendors who ply their trade at the site. They complained that renovation at the municipal market is behind schedule due to the sloth of construction workers. Vendors said that it is not possible for the market to be completed by next week Tuesday, criticizing construction works for “stalling the job”. “I ain’t see no sort of work done here in the past two weeks. Them (workers) is just come here sometimes and deh liming. If you pass here you would see some of them drinking rum and playing dominoes and tennis on the job. Is like they collecting money under false pretense,” one seller vented. In August, Town Clerk Royston King had announced that works on the market, which was stalled for months due to a lack of finance, will be completed in time for a November 1 reopening. But some vendors are also expressing concerns about inadequate ventilation in the lower flat of the market, even after M&CC had insisted that it will be the country’s first air conditioned shopping venue. They have raised concerns that the design of the building does not allow for natural airflow and ventilation, as compared to the old design, especially on the lower flat. Some of the vendors questioned why the M&CC wanted to scrap the initial plan. When Kaieteur News visited the market yesterday,
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it was evident that a lot more work needed to be done. While the exterior of the upper flat has already been painted and roofing work seems to have been completed; the interior is in an atrocious state. Sections of the floor are still to be completed along with the installation of a few more windows. From observations, no electrical works have commenced since there were a number of electrical wires dangling from the ceiling on the lower flat. There were also no visible bulbs or light switches inside the two-storey building. While vendors are still hopeful that the market will be fully air conditioned, they are also hoping that there will be no increase in stall rates. An inspection of the lower flat of the market revealed about 20 eight feet concrete stalls; the majority of them minus ventilation. It appears that no windows will be placed on this section. However, it was reported that the Town Clerk had announced that air conditioning will be restricted to the meat and seafood sections; while extractor fans, among other things will be used to ensure that the complex is properly ventilated. A visit to the ‘Pond’ where seafood was once sold showed that it was in a deplorable state. However, it is apparent that renovation work has started. This section is just a wooden framework with no roof or walls. The floors and walls in this area were also incomplete. Pieces of wood, hollow blocks and crushed cement blocks were scattered throughout the building. An elderly woman who
sells vegetables in front of the market also agreed that the market will not be reopened on time. Despite the market being under renovation, she complained of not having access to washroom facilities. “I deh out here since one (13.00 hrs) and I ain’t use no toilet yet. Them lock up the toilet because them saying they ain’t want people use it.” Efforts made to view the washroom area situated to the western side of the market proved futile because they were all secured by padlocks. Clothes vendors are currently occupying stalls in this section. The remodeled Kitty Market is to feature a traditional health centre, offices for payment of rates and taxes and a space for community councillors. The upper flat of the market is also expected to accommodate new vendors. The M&CC had said that it had received over 170 applications from citizens who wished to occupy new stalls in the market, the ground floor of which is costing the council roughly $35M. Rehabilitation works on the Kitty Market, once described as a fire hazard commenced in February. The Council had embarked on a $250M restoration exercise, which Kaieteur News understands is being supervised by the City Engineer’s Department. Repairs on the building were said to be done in phases to accommodate the relocation of some vendors. The City Council had hoped to finish works on the market in time for the Golden Jubilee celebrations. The Kitty Market was established in 1882, two years after the Bourda Market came into being.
‘The Pond’ where seafood was formerly sold
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Monday October 24, 2016
Kaieteur News
New govt. continues PPP’s trend…
Money taken from lottery fund without approval By Abena Rockcliffe-Campbell Last year, when the APNU+AFC government announced that it will be transferring the monies of the lottery fund into the Consolidated Fund; former Auditor General Anand Goolsarran dubbed this, “a victory for public accountability.” But, this “victory” appears to be short lived. Auditor General, Deodat Sharma, in his most recent report, revealed that the APNU+AFC’s dealing with the Accounts of the Guyana Lotteries Commission is not much different from the PPP/ C’s. According to Sharma, the APNU+AFC has done
better than the PPP in that it has placed some of the money within the lottery fund into the Consolidated Fund. But the government continues to use the remaining monies in the lottery fund without Parliamentary approval. The Government of Guyana and Canadian Bank Note Ltd (CBN) entered into an agreement establishing a Government Lottery which was organized and conducted under the provisions of the Government Lotteries Act, Chapter 80:07 of the Laws of Guyana. Under this agreement, CBN is to pay Licence fees equivalent to 24 percent of its gross revenue. The Guyana Lotteries Commission,
established in August 1996 by a Cabinet Decision, manages the Licence fees receivable and ensures that amounts expended are within the National Sector and in accordance with the guidelines for access to the lottery funding. Sharma said that over the years, the Lotteries Commission received proceeds from the National Lottery which were used to make payments approved by Cabinet. “These proceeds were retained in a separate bank account and no amounts were paid over to the Consolidated Fund.” Sharma said that in 2015, under the new Government, the Ministry of Finance transferred $1.069B from the lotteries fund to the Consolidated Fund. Nonetheless, Sharma said that while the Ministry of Finance has been budgeting for Lottery Receipts, expenditure continues to be met without parliamentary approval. The Auditor General stressed that expenditure
from the proceeds of the National Lottery should be accounted for by having a supplementary estimate passed in the National Assembly and recorded in the Public Accounts. Sharma reported that “aside from the amount of $1.069 billion which was transferred to the Consolidated Fund, significant sums which include prior year balances of $369.294M and the proceeds of $421.754M received for 2015 still remain in the bank account and were used to meet expenditure.” The Auditor General said that according to the bank statements for 2015, amounts totaling $305.826M were expended. However, Sharma said that the cash book and payment vouchers for 2015 to verify the details of the amounts spent were not presented for audit and the Deputy Accountant General explained that these were with the Forensic Auditor and had not been returned up to the time of the audit.
Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan
Auditor General, Deodat Sharma
“Notwithstanding, the Ministry provided a listing of the amounts expended according to activities and these were verified with the bank statement.” Monies were used to cover expenses for Carifesta, Mashramani, Amerindian Heritage, Rehabilitation of Durban Park and Emancipation. Kaieteur News contacted Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan who said that he will not be responding to the findings of
the Auditor General in this regard. The Minister refused to offer an explanation and said that all questions will be answered at the level of the Public Accounts Committee. The Lotteries Commission is subject to separate financial reporting and auditing. Sharma has noted that the last set of audited accounts was for the year 2013. He said that at the time of his report, the audit for the year ended 31December 2014 is being finalized.
Driver allegedly flees scene after slamming into former principal
Rampersaud’s overturned vehicle Former Principal of the Academy of Professional Studies, Vishnu Rampersaud, is fortunate to have escaped unhurt after a speeding driver slammed into his car, causing him to overturn on the East Bank Demerara Public Road, yesterday. But he was left alone to speak with traffic ranks, after the driver who hit his vehicle allegedly fled the scene, leaving his wife and children behind. Rampersaud related that he was proceeding south on the East Bank Demerara public road near Herstelling when he noticed a silver car in his rearview mirror approaching at a high rate of speed. Rampersaud said he gave way for the driver to overtake, but that car began to sway. The car then hit his vehicle causing him to veer off the road and hit the culvert. Rampersaud added that his vehicle then overturned and ended up in the drain that runs alongside the roadway. The
man said when he exited his car, a passersby said to him “look the other driver running away”. When Kaieteur News approached the occupants of the other automobile involved, it was alleged that the car had sustained a blow out of the left side rear tyre. However, checks revealed no such damage. When asked about the driver’s whereabouts, a female occupant said the driver had been transported to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre (DDC), since he was injured. Another witness said that he too saw the driver fleeing through Herstelling after the accident. “It shocked me because the woman with the children just left standing there, how a man could do something like that.” Staff at the Diagnostic Centre said that they had not treated anyone in relation to an accident.
Monday October 24, 2016
Kaieteur News
Venezuela congress presses for Maduro trial, escalating standoff
Women shout slogans against President Nicolas Maduro’s government, during a demonstration in Caracas Saturday. (AFP Photo/Juan Barreto) CARACAS (Reuters) Venezuela’s opposition-led National Assembly yesterday vowed to put Nicolas Maduro on trial for violating democracy, days after authorities nixed a recall referendum against the unpopular leftist president. The measure is unlikely to get traction given the government and a compliant Supreme Court have systematically undermined the legislature, but it marked a further escalation of political tensions in the crisishit OPEC nation. “It is a political and legal trial against President Nicolas Maduro to see what responsibility he has in the constitutional rupture that has broken democracy, human rights, and the future of the country,” said
opposition majority leader Julio Borges during a special congressional session. The opposition coalition, seeking to end 17 years of socialism in the South American nation, says Thursday’s suspension of its drive for a plebiscite against Maduro shows Venezuela has abandoned democracy. Ruling party officials accuse the opposition of fraud in their signature drive and say the coalition is seeking a coup to gain control of Venezuela’s vast crude reserves, the world’s largest. Despite that oil wealth, Venezuela has plunged into an unprecedented economic crisis, with many people skipping meals due to shortages and soaring prices. Many Venezuelans fear preventing the referendum
increases chances of social unrest in the already volatile and violent country. The opposition coalition has called for a major peaceful protest on Wednesday, dubbed “The takeover of Venezuela”. In day’s raucous session, lawmakers traded barbs, with ruling party politicians showing up in t-shirts adorned with late leader Hugo Chavez’s eyes while opposition congressmen chanted “The people are hungry and want a recall!” Likening Maduro to former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet and Peru’s authoritarian ex-president Alberto Fujimori, opposition lawmakers also vowed to replace deans at the electoral council and judges on the Supreme Court, though that too is unlikely to see the light.
Trinidad Express - Three pieces of proposed legislation, if put into effect, could impact upon press freedom and signal an end to investigative journalism. This was among the concerns raised during a panel discussion hosted by the Media Association of Trinidad and Tobago (MATT), Saturday. The panel consisted of members of The University of the West Indies (The UWI) Faculty of Law Ria Davidson, Dr Jewel Amoah and John Knechtle. The event was held at the Ken Gordon School of Journalism and Communication Studies in Port of Spain. Davidson said press freedom could be threatened by clauses within the Data
Protection Act, which seeks to protect a person’s right to privacy. She said there has always been tension between the concept of privacy and the concept of press freedom, but added that freedom of expression and freedom of the press are widely recognized as universal human rights. And the press has played a crucial role in holding those in power accountable, she said. Under the Act, she explained, journalists could face sanctions for gathering and reporting information deemed to be in the public interest. She said this was extremely troubling. She noted that the legislation made exemptions for healthcare professionals, law enforcement etc. who may
need access to a person’s personal data without their consent. She said media workers should be exempted as well since collecting and publicising information is the “bread and butter” of a journalist. Davidson questioned whether the non-exemption of journalists was a deliberate move by the State. She added that other countries around the world with data protection legislation on the books, do make exemptions for media workers. “Somebody needs to take urgent action to challenge the constitutionality of the Data Protection Act and they need to do it now before the Act comes into full effect,” she said. “Because this Act is going to sound the death knell of investigative journalism.”
Freedom of press may be under threat
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SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 6471773/660-5257
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 Eagle’s: Re-gas -$8,000, Washing machine repairs, Gas Stove, Plasma flat Screen & more @ New Market Street. Call: 697-2969/646-0966 Austin Powers Repairs & Services: repairs done on all domestic appliances, house wiring, etc, located in Bagotstown. Call: 685-2588/ 613-1711
VEHICLE FOR SALE
One experienced dispatcher – Call: 231-5784/ 231-4000
Lot 704 House & Land at Zeelugt, Brother Dam W.C.D -$7M negotiable. Call: 616-5606/ 277-0281
Blowout Car Sale!!! IST$2.1M, Spacio-$2.1M, Fielder-$2.1M, Audi A4$3.7M. Contact#650-0402/ 260-4988
WANTED Entertainment Manager to work in the Essequibo Coast: must have experienced in promotions, events & hotel managements. Call: 226-9768
Oswin J’s Auto Imports: New Arrivals: Premio, Allion, Fielder, Axio, Rush, X-Trail. Free full coverage insurance. Call: 609-2815
Sales Clerk, must be able bodied ages 18-30yrs. Call: 643-7193
IAE – CXC Jan/June 2017 – full time school; lessons/ classes for students, adults, repeaters & beginners. Call Mr. Roberts: 683-5742
Experienced pharmacy assistant to work in reputable pharmacy, interested persons can call: 227-0630
International Opportunity: support worker/caregiver Training to live & work in Canada. Guyana Training College. Call: 227-4881 Spanish lessons for CXC students & beginners (Form 1, 2, 3) on Saturdays, location at Croal & Light Street. Call: 611-5562
Truck Driver must have lorry licence contact 223-5273/4 Accounts clerk to work in Charity Essequibo contact 223-5273/4 Supervisor/Manager for Xenon hotel in Charity Essequibo contact 223-5273/4 One Nanny for young child contact 223-5273/4 Bartender, Security, DJ, waitress to work nights & secretary 18-25yrs, Cleaners. Call: 638-5303 Work from home; earn $5,000$20, 000 daily. Call: 643-8212/ 6 2 2 - 1 9 5 7 / email:jobfairworldwide.com
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 One bedroom bottom flat, fully furnished house $65,000. Call: 641-0959 2 Bedroom fully furnished house with hot & cold shower, Wi-Fi, security cameras, A/C, all amenities $850USD. Call: 641-0959 Space for rent at Ashmin’s Building- Ideal for commercial and office useCall: 683-7954 One bedrooms apartment @ Middle Road, La Penetence $28,000 monthly. Call: 2266374/ 666-9534
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 Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461 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 Property @ Lot 172 Zohora Street, Market Street Better Hope, East Coast Demerara. Call: 220-1583/667-6066
Waiters, waitresses, cooks, cashier to work in Trinidad. Call: 643-8212/ 622-1957/ email:jobfairworldwide.com
Property with extra large land well built with 2 storey house @ Back Street BetterHope, E.C.D Won’t last. Call: 2201583/667-6066
Marketing Reps -$300,000 monthly. Call: 643-8212/ 6221957
Property at Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara. Call: 695-1737
One legal computer clerk. Call: 226-4283/ 258-0213/ 624-7087, email: husainsaphier@yahoo.com
Super Deal: 3 apartments, 7 bedrooms, upper flat, fully furnished @ Eccles, includes Mazda Tribute Vehicle. $29.5M. Call: 6182603 ( owner migrating)
Exist for 1 P.O.B , O.A and Accounts teacher at I.P.E, Grove. Call: 643-0777/ 2653996 Experienced salesgirls ages 20-35, apply at Christine’s Fashion & Variety Store, 25 Lombard Street, Werk-enRust. Call: 227-8529/ 2337356
2 Storey concrete house @ 55 Section B, Non Pariel (first street from main road)- $14M negotiable. Call: 657-8561 immediately. 3 Bedrooms house located in Kitty, price $26M negotiable. Call: 645-6498 2 Bedrooms house located at Werk-en-Rust, land size 30X126, building is collecting $90,000 rent also. -$28M negotiable. Call: 645-6498 LAND FOR SALE
CAR RENTAL
Jean offers courses in dressmaking, curtains, floral arrangement, and cake decoration @ 153 Barr Street Kitty. Call: 670-2653/ 638-8449
PROPERTY FOR SALE
EDUCATIONAL
Repairs at low cost: Fridges, air- conditioners, washing machines, TVs, microwaves, freezers- Call:629-4946 or 225-4822
DRESSMAKING
VACANCY
Popular East Coast Gas Station (Non-Pareil) Day/ Night: pump attendants, sales clerk & office assistant. Contact: 695-9880/670-8893
Career Training: care for the elderly/care for children/first aid & CPR. Guyana Training College. Call: 227-4881 SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620
Monday October 24, 2016
Kaieteur News
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
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
Diamond -$2.5M, La Parfaite Harmonie $950,000, 50X100 -$3M; Cummings Lodge -$7M, Enterprise Public Road 157X200 -$30M, Schoonard 1st Street. Call: 231-2199/ 618-7483 La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.3M negotiable. Call: 690-9645 50ftX198ft located in Friendship, E.B.D – price $5M. Call: 645-6498
1 Isuzu truck,6 cylinder engine. Contact # 650-0402
1 Male or female shop assistant to work in the Interior, salary depends on experienced. Call: 678-0565
Special Sale: 2009 Belta $2.1M, 2009 Airwave -$2.4M. Call: 617-2891
1 Male to work on vehicle in the interior. Call: 678-0565
2009 Raum- $2.4M, 2009 Sienta -$2.4M, 2009 Axio $2.8M, 2009 Fielder -$2.6M. Call: 617-2891
Live in waitress. Call: 6439007 Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665
One jaguar XJ6 Motor Car Sedan, four doors, executive blue, very good condition, must be seen, prices to sell. Call: 227-8448/ 612-8319
Carpenters, masons, labourer, preferably from Georgetown area. Call: 6907316 between 9:00am-4:00pm
Yamaha R1 CG609, Toyota AT212, AT192, L-Touring Wagon, Tundra, Tacoma, Nissan Pickup. Call: 6445096; 697-1453
Salesgirls & porters, apply with written application @ 1E Dennis & Middleton Street, Campbellvile (Best Buy Food Supplies)
1 New unregistered Toyota Allion 2004 Model, low mileage, TV, navigation, music, remote start with alarm system, etc. Call: 649-0956
1 Live in domestic. Call: 6741767/ 659-2708
Unregistered Axela 2011, dark interior, Corolla Fielder 2002 rims, dark interior $1.950M @ Prestige Auto Sale. Call: 617-5536
One domestic to work in Trinidad. Call 1868- 683-1528
1 Toyota Verossa, excellent condition, PTT series. Call: 618-1395/ 220-6380 Auto pitbull bus in good working condition, BTT series, fully alarm, -$2.7M negotiable. Call: 609-2159/ 612-3456/691-8272 Pitbull bus, BPP 8496. Call: 691-0789/ 649-1952 Model M truck GTT series $3.9M negotiable- Call: 6667380, 603-7090
TO LET 1-3 Bedrooms bottom flat apartment, semi-furnished, full bathroom, good neighbourhood at Better Hope, East Coast Demerara. Call: 220-1583/ 667-6066 1-2 Bedrooms apartment fully furnished; 1-2 Bedrooms apartment unfurnished. Call: 667-2536 2 Bedroom Apartment in exclusive residential Airport, close to Ogle Airport , with all modern amenities. Call for appointment 622-5725.
1 Truck Driver, 1 Welder. Call: 218-1455
Live in maid wanted ages 45 & older @ Robb Street. Call: 226-0450 or 627-3205 Need one trainee to do electrical work, ages 16-17, must have interest in electrical field- $7,000 weekly. Call: 685-2588 One maid needed. Call: 6399449 Experienced welders, must be able to weld ships and barges. Call: 226-1100, 2265380 Live in domestic, must know to cook, boarding & lodging free, salary $80,000 monthly. Call: 610-3974 Live in waitress with secondary education, boarding & lodging free, salary $70,000 monthly. Call: 610-5043 One live in housekeeper. Call: 223-0654/ 225-0605 Female bartender, live in/out, attractive waitresses needed at Eden’s Bar (East Bank). Call: 678-3616
Continued on page 23
Monday October 24, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Iraqi Kurds claim capture of town in advance on Mosul Reuters - Kurdish fighters said they had taken the town of Bashiqa near Mosul from Islamic State yesterday as coalition forces pressed their offensive against the jihadists’ last stronghold in Iraq. Masoud Barzani, President of the Iraqi Kurdish region, told U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter that the Kurds had succeeded in liberating Bashiqa from Islamic State. Kurdish Peshmerga fighters told reporters at the scene that they had entered Bashiqa. Journalists were not being allowed into the town, which lies 12 km (8 miles) northeast of Mosul. The offensive to take Mosul, by Iraqi and Kurdish forces backed by a U.S.-led coalition, is expected to become the biggest battle in the country since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003. The capture of Bashiqa, if confirmed, would mark the removal of one more obstacle on the road to the northern city.
The top U.S. commander in Iraq, Army Lieutenant General Stephen Townsend, said his own information while limited - “suggests that President Barzani is right, that there has been a considerable success at Bashiqa”. But he added: “I have not received a report that says every house has been cleared, every Daesh (Islamic State fighter) has been killed and every IED (roadside bomb) has been removed.” Townsend told journalists that Bashiqa was one of the villages outside Mosul that Islamic State had emptied of civilians and fortified over the past two years. Reuters television footage from Nawran, a town near Bashiqa, showed Kurdish fighters using a heavy mortar, a machine gun and small arms as smoke rose over the area. As Peshmerga forces moved though the area, armoured vehicles moved along a road and a helicopter flew overhead. The Peshmerga are also
Senior politician in South Africa’s ANC urges party leaders to quit Reuters - A senior member of South Africa’s ruling ANC urged its top leaders including President Jacob Zuma to quit yesterday, saying fraud charges against Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan reflected an abuse of power to settle political scores within the party. ANC parliamentary chief whip Jackson Mthembu’s comments come a week after Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa publicly expressed support for Gordhan, saying the case against him should not be allowed to undermine his efforts to revive the economy. Prosecutors have ordered Gordhan to appear in court on Nov. 2, in what his supporters and analysts say is an attempt to muzzle the Treasury over its criticism of the undue political influence exerted by a wealthy family close to Zuma. “In my view, a minister is being pursued for political reasons, and then charged with fraud. That’s why I’ve then said, perhaps we are not the leadership that can take the ANC forward under these conditions,” Mthembu said on ENCA television. “President Jacob Zuma is the president of the ANC. When I said the entire ANC leadership that has already taken collective responsibility must take the fall,
I meant everybody, myself included, including President Zuma,” he said. South African media has reported growing rifts within the African National Congress since the liberation movement of Nelson Mandela, which has been in power since 1994, suffered its worst electoral performance in August. Unemployment, economic stagnation and scandals around Zuma led voters to punish the ANC in the local government vote, changing the outlook for national elections in 2019. Publicly, Gordhan has said that he still enjoys a good relationship with Zuma, and that he is hard at work preparing a budget policy speech to be delivered next week. But investors fear his prosecution on charges of committing fraud while running the tax agency could see Gordhan removed as finance minister, opening South Africa to possibly losing its investment grade credit rating. Business leaders and rights groups have also voiced their support for Gordhan, and on Sunday the think-tanks Freedom Under Law and the Helen Suzman Foundation said they had filed an urgent court application to have the charges against him set aside.
From page 22
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. 1 45" Complete cabin Cruiser, trout seine, excellent condition. Call: 654-2817/ 6570044/625-8522
Peshmerga forces prepare to launch a mortar during an operation to attack Islamic State militants in the town of Naweran near Mosul, yesterday. REUTERS/Azad Lashkari using tanks, rocket launchers and snipers. A Reuters photographer saw the fighters destroy at least three
suicide car bombs dispatched against their forces. Turkish artillery is supporting the Peshmerga,
Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim was quoted as saying by CNN Turk and other media outlets.
Trump uses policy speech to attack media, promises to sue accusers Reuters - U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump promised on Saturday to foil a proposed deal for AT&T to buy Time Warner if he wins the Nov. 8 election, arguing it was an example of a “power structure” rigged against both him and voters. Trump, whose candidacy has caused ruptures in his party, listed his policy plans for the first 100 days of his presidency in a campaign speech in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, near the site of a Civil War battlefield and a celebrated address by President Abraham Lincoln. But he also defiantly raised personal grievances, describing how, if elected, he would address them from the White House in a way he said would benefit Americans. The speech was billed by his campaign as a major
outlining of his policies and principles. Many of the policy ideas Trump listed on Saturday were familiar, not least his promise to build a wall on the border with Mexico to deter illegal immigration and to renegotiate trade deals and to scrap the Obamacare health policy. Moments after promising Americans that he represented a hopeful break from the status quo, he promised to sue nearly a dozen women who have come forward in the last two weeks to accuse him of sexual assault, calling them liars. And he added a new threat to his repeated castigation of U.S. media corporations, which he says cover his campaign unfairly to help Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton. “They’re trying
desperately to suppress my vote and the voice of the American people,” Trump, who often rails against media outlets and journalists covering his events, told supporters in his speech. Trump has not provided evidence for his assertion that the election would be rigged. “As an example of the power structure I’m fighting, AT&T is buying Time Warner and thus CNN, a deal we will not approve in my administration because it’s too much concentration of power in the hands of too few,” Trump said. Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s company AT&T Inc (T.N) has agreed in principle to buy Time Warner Inc (TWX.N), one of the country’s largest film and television companies, for about $85 billion and an announcement could be made as early as Saturday.
Fate of child migrants uncertain before France demolishes Jungle camp Reuters - Aid workers accused France and Britain yesterday of failing more than 1,300 unaccompanied child migrants whose future remained uncertain just a day before the French government begins dismantling the filthy camp where they are holed up. Charities operating in the makeshift camp dubbed the “Jungle” near Calais have criticized the slow pace at which British and French officials have processed the
papers of children fleeing countries such as Syria, Afghanistan and Eritrea. The U.K. government has prioritised children and youths who can claim family ties in Britain and on Friday a French Interior Ministry official said they were still negotiating over hundreds more with no such connections. “All this should have been done a long time ago,” Francois Guennoc from the
charity Auberge des Migrants told Reuters. Allaodil, a Sudanese boy who says he is 14, was wandering yesterday through the Jungle’s garbage-strewn mud alleyways, shivering underneath a blanket. “My brother has been in the United Kingdom, in Glasgow, for three years and has a job there,” said Allaodil in faltering English, adding that he wanted to join his elder sibling.
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 1- 5L Hilux pickup for sale & 1 transported property @ Covent Garden Island, E.B.DCall: 265-3586 600 Amps automatic transfer switch and more items. Call: 627-7835 Muscovy Ducklings and eggs (white & brown). Call: 602-7203 Cheap! Cheap! CCTV Security Surveillance Kit, 8 Channels DVR with built in Hard Drive, 8 bullet cameras – Tel: 621-4740 Double Steel Wheeled Roller, 1 Mack Concrete mixer truck. Call: 275-0538/ 683-7225 1 Nisssan X-Trail, PMM series -$1.2M. Call: 653-8754 Mixed Breed puppies, eight (8) weeks old. Breed: Pekingese and Dachshund. Call: 644-1972 Land @ Zeelugt -$1.8M, La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.5M, $1.2M & (1) 2 Bedrooms flat concrete house located @ Tuschen -$3.5M. Call: 6421252
Monday October 24, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Monday October 24, 2016
Kaieteur News
Antiguans marginal on CCJ ST JOHN’S – CMC - The majority of people in Antigua and Barbuda supports the country replacing the London-based Privy Council with the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) as its final court, but the figure “marginally achieves the margin necessary for this measure to pass,” according to the findings an opinion poll. The poll conducted by the Barbados-based Caribbean Development Research Services (CADRES) in September and obtained by the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) showed that 65 per cent of those questioned “will vote “For” the CCJ, while 35 per cent will vote “Against”. Last week, Prime Minister Gaston Browne hinted at the possibility of “calling off” the national referendum to determine whether or not the island should replace the Privy Council with the Trinidad-based CCJ as its final court. “We have always taken the position that we reserve the right to call off the referendum. So if per chance we do a poll later in the year and we are not up to the 67 per cent, we may just decide to call it off, I am not saying any such decision has been taken,” Prime Minister Browne said. In August, Browne said he
Gaston Browne had agreed to an opposition request to extend the timeframe for public discussions on the issue indicating that a referendum on the matter would now take place by March next year for the latest. Winding up debate on the Constitutional Referendum Bill 2016, which he piloted in Parliament Prime Minister Browne, said he hoped the extension is not being utilised to frustrate the process. He said the referendum vote, which had originally been announced for October 27, would be extended “to early next year, January, February, perhaps no later than March of 2017”. CADRES said that the poll was conducted as the
ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) administration celebrated its second anniversary in June 2016. “At this time the political environment seems to have been complicated by a looming referendum which both political parties support, along with well-publicised instability in the opposition United Progressive Party (UPP),” the pollsters said. CADRES said the methodology used to conduct the survey is consistent with others it has conducted in Antigua and Barbuda, and would be expected to achieve a margin of error of minus or plus five per cent with respect to the mainland of Antigua. It said that 800 people were questioned in all 16 constituencies across Antigua based on a standard interview schedule that sought information on major national and political issues.
Monday October 24, 2016
Banks preparing to leave UK over Brexit, says banking body chief executive Reuters Big international banks are preparing to move some of their operations out of Britain in early 2017 due to the uncertainty over the country’s future relationship with the European Union, a top banking official said. Writing in the Observer newspaper, Anthony Browne, the chief executive of lobby group the British Bankers’ Association, said the public and political debate was “taking us in the wrong direction” and businesses could not wait until the last minute. “Most international banks now have project teams working out which operations they need to move to ensure they can continue serving customers, the date by which this must happen, and how best to do it,” said Browne. “Their hands are quivering over the relocate button. Many smaller banks plan to start relocations before Christmas; bigger
banks are expected to start in the first quarter of next year.” Many of the world’s major banks have their European headquarters in Britain, where the financial sector employs more than two million people and makes up almost 12 percent of the economy. Banks in London depend on a European “passport” to serve clients across the 28country European Union from one base and lenders worry that this right will end after Brexit. Browne said while finance minister Philip Hammond and Brexit minister David Davis were “making the right noises”, he was concerned that some high-profile Brexit supporters believed banks did not need passporting and could rely on so-called equivalence, under which the EU can allow access to its markets for countries whose regulations are similar to the bloc’s. “The EU’s equivalence regime is a poor shadow of
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Kaieteur News
Anthony Browne passporting, it only covers a narrow range of services, can be withdrawn at virtually no notice, and will probably mean the UK will have to accept rules it has no influence over,” he said. “For most banks, equivalence won’t prevent them from relocating their operations.” Banks have already said they are making contingency plans to move some of their operations to continental Europe if Britain does not negotiate access to the EU single market after Brexit.
Saudi King, Venezuelan president discuss oil market stability Reuters - The king of Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest oil exporter, met Venezuela’s president yesterday in Riyadh and discussed ways to stabilise global oil prices, state news SPA reported. King Salman and President Maduro “reviewed areas of bilateral cooperation... and the latest developments including cooperation for the stability of oil markets,” SPA said. Saudi Arabian Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih said earlier yesterday that the views of the kingdom and Russia, the world’s top oil producer, on the need to stabilise the market “are getting closer”. “We have managed today... through a common meeting to reach a common notion to what we can reach in November,” Falih said, referring to an OPEC meeting in Vienna on Nov. 30, when the exporting group is set to finalise a production cut agreement. Novak, who is in Saudi Arabia on his first official visit
King Salman as minister, earlier met the energy ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) which included key Gulf OPEC producers Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates and Qatar. President Maduro was quoted on Saturday as saying that OPEC and nonOPEC nations were “very close” to an agreement on oil production curbs, Azerbaijan’s state news agency Azertag reported. The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting
Countries (OPEC) agreed in Algiers on Sept. 28 to reduce production to a range of 32.5 million to 33.0 million barrels per day, which would be its first output cut since 2008.
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Kaieteur News
Bahamas opts Haiti Authorities Nab Some 1 Dozen Of 172 out of regional Escaped Inmates insurance facility
ARCAHAIE, Haiti (AP) — Police officers were searching cars and boats for escaped prisoners yesterday after recapturing at least a dozen of the 172 inmates who overpowered guards and escaped from a lockup in central Haiti, the prison’s director said. The prison break occurred Saturday in Arcahaie, a coastal town about 30 miles north of Haiti’s capital. The community is far from the southwest area that was slammed by Hurricane
Matthew’s eye earlier this month. One guard was reported killed and others were injured. An inmate reportedly died following a bad fall while trying to scale a prison wall. Haitian National Police officers set up numerous checkpoints along roads to search vehicles. Small boats in fishing towns around Arcahaie were also being checked. Heurtelou Paul Colson, director of the Arcahaie Prison, said the lockup housed 266 inmates.
NASSAU, Bahamas — The Bahamas has opted out of the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF), and will instead put the $900,000 annual premium in the Disaster Relief Fund, beginning this year. The insurance facility has been around for nearly ten years, meaning that after paying $9 million in premiums, The Bahamas walks away from the fund with nary a dime in payout. Opposition leader Dr Hubert Minnis raised the issue in the House of Assembly Saturday, demanding answers on the relationship between The Bahamas and the insurance facility, and the status of payment of premiums. In response to Minnis’ probing, the administration revealed that The Bahamas has stopped paying premiums to CCRIF. That facility was founded in 2007 and has since made 21 payouts for hurricanes, earthquakes and excess rainfall to 10 member governments totalling approximately US$38.8 million. The Bahamas, a
member since the founding along with the other Caribbean Community (CARICOM) states, has never had a payout. In f a c t , w h i l e t h a t facility has announced millions in payouts to c o u n tries affected by Hurricane Matthew, The Bahamas is absent from the list yet again. State Minister for Finance Michael Halkitis explained that a category five storm would have to hit New Providence directly before The Bahamas would get a payout. The CCRIF announced last before week that payouts to Haiti from CCRIF will total US$23.4 million, and that Barbados was due a total payment of US$1.7 million as a result of Matthew. In fact, payouts will be made to Haiti, Barbados, Saint Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines as a result of the heavy rains from Hurricane Matthew. These payments would be made through tropical cyclone and excess rainfall policies — two of the types of insurance facility available under the CCRIF.
Monday October 24, 2016
CARIFESTA can be showcase for entrepreneurs Daily Nation CARIFESTA is an opportunity for Caribbean cultural entrepreneurs to showcase their services and their goods to the world. This view was expressed by Culture Minister, Stephen Lashley, who implored entrepreneurs to make use of the upcoming Caribbean Arts Festival as a platform to further their brands. He was delivering the feature address at the media launch of the Global Entrepreneurship Week, held at the Cave Hill School of Business under the theme Building Sustainable Businesses. Lashley urged entrepreneurs to consider the benefits of developing a strategy to promote their products and services during the ten-day festival. “I hope you’ve thought a lot about the creative sector. There are many opportunities, within the CARIFESTA experience ... I want you to factor in how business and entrepreneurs will respond to the opportunity of CARIFESTA,” he said. Lashley also advised
entrepreneurs that such creative ventures should be leveraged for international visibility, as their success will soon become a more mainstream source of economic development. “This event is not just another CARIFESTA, it focuses on the empowerment of men and women through the creation of business ideas that can be transformed into products and services the rest of the world wants,” the Culture Minister noted. According to the Lashley, the country now has to “rely even more on creative [sectors] to drive economic development”. One way persons may market their goods and services during the regional arts festival, is by taking part in the CARIFESTA XIII Grand Market and Buyers’ Shopping Mall. For more information, interested persons may contact the Cultural Industries Development Authority’s Senior Business Development Officer, André Hoyte, at 621-2700. CARIFESTA XIII will be held in Barbados from August 17 to 27, 2017. (BGIS)
Monday October 24, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Suriname win overall IGG ‘Goodwill’ title
IGG ‘Goodwill’ Runner-up, Team Guyana, pose for a photo opportunity last night at the Closing Ceremony at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall Suriname won the InterGuiana Games (IGG) overall ‘Goodwill’ title last weekend, claiming four of the seven disciplines that were contested and dividing the spoils in Volleyball to outdo hosts Guyana at the three Georgetown venues. Suriname amassed a total of 91 points after winning Badminton, Basketball (Male and Female), Futsal (Male), Swimming (Male and Female), and Volleyball (Female). Guyana won Athletics (Male and Female), Table Tennis (Male and Female) and Volleyball (Male) to finish second on 85 points. French Guiana did not participate in the Games. Director of Sport,
Christopher Jones told Kaieteur Sport after last night’s Closing Ceremony at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall that he and his Surinamese counterpart will be travelling to French Guiana soon to ascertain their status as it relates to participating in the Games. Jones said that the Local Organising Committee for the Games must be applauded for executing at “85 percent” efficiency. “We lifted the standard in accommodation, transportation and feeding that shows Government commitment to the development of sports,” he noted. According to the Director of Sport, Suriname’s
Windies up against ... From page 33 break. The left-handed Bishoo had faced 66 balls and struck one four when he fell five overs following the drinks break, playing down the wrong line to Sohail Khan and losing his offstump at 144 for six. Unbeaten on 11 at lunch with West Indies on 151 for six, Chase added only 11 runs before departing in the eighth over following the resumption when he edged a drive at a wide leg-break from Yasir and was taken by Asad Shafiq at second slip. He faced 80 balls and hit three fours. With West Indies sliding at 169 for seven, West Indies were in need of a hero but none came to their rescue. Shai Hope, a late inclusion for injured wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich, spent 60 balls over 11 but missed a pull at Yasir and was bowled off-stump. And the Caribbean side were in danger of being dismissed under 200 when Miguel Cummins was also bowled off-stump by Sohail for three, as he too mis-judged the line. Holder, who was fluent in stroking four fours off 36 balls, then found an ally in Gabriel, who made 13, and they ensured the tail wagged by adding 27 for the last wicket. Gabriel overcame a blow to the helmet from Sohail when he had scored one to lash two boundaries down the ground while Holder also capitalized on scoring opportunities with two back-to-back fours off Yasir. However, Gabriel's cameo came to end when he holed out to long-on in Yasir's next over, to leave West Indies with a mountain to climb.
dominance was a direct result of them having sports on their schools’ curriculum. He informed that the Government of Guyana is now heading in that direction and it is hoped that better results will be forthcoming. “Our athletes had some shortcomings, but until we get sports back on schools’ curriculum we will continue to lag. These Games showed us which direction we should be heading in, and we hope that with that we will get better results,” Jones posited. He commended the various heads of sport associations for their “outstanding work” in making the Games here a success and the athletes for
the “discipline” they demonstrated throughout the various competitions of the Games. The curtains officially
came down on the event last night at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall with respective teams receiving their awards
amid a festive atmosphere. The teams also exchanged memorabilia in an exchange of culture.
Inter-Guianas Games ...
Guyana blank Suriname in Boys & Girls table tennis Guyanese racquet wielders totally dominated their Surinamese counterparts in the table tennis segment of the Inter-Guianas Games Competition which continued yesterday, at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue. In the Boys and Girls competition, Guyana blanked Suriname 5-0 to come out clear cut winners. In the full results: Guyana males 5-0 Suriname Shemar Britton 3-0 Adesh Jawir (11-5, 113, 11-1) Elishaba Johnson 3-0 Jared Joogea (11-2, 11-4, 11-7) Nicklous Romain/Elishaba Johnson 3-1
Jared Joogea/ Adesh Jawir (11-8, 11-3, 8-11, 11-7) Britton 3-0 Joogea (11-6, 11-4, 11-1) Romain 3-1 Kono Abas (11-7, 11-3, 10-12, 12-10) Guyana females 5-0 Suriname Priscilla Greaves 3-0 Kristel Wijntuin (112, 11-4, 11-3) Naveah Clarkston 3-1 Sharifa Hooghart (11-6, 11-6, 7-11, 11-4) Selenas Jackman,/Aneka Phillips 3-0 Hooghart/wijntuin 3-0 (11-5, 11-5, 11-5) Jackman 3-0 Janily Tamrin (11-4, 11-2, 1311) Greaves 3-0 Hooghart (11-6, 11-5, 11-2)
Majestic Kohli guides India to seven-wicket victory (Reuters) Virat Kohli hit an unbeaten 154 to make short work of a seemingly steep target as India beat New Zealand by seven wickets in the third one-day international in Mohali to take a 2-1 lead in the fivematch series yesterday. New Zealand, who won the last match in Delhi to tie the series at 1-1, were all out for 285 in the 50th over after India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni won the toss and opted to field. India chased down the target with 10 balls to spare, riding on Kohli’s 26th century in the 50-over format. The hosts lost both their openers Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane inside nine overs and, with the required run rate climbing, needed a solid partnership to get back on track. Kohli, who was dropped
on six by Ross Taylor off Matt Henry, and Dhoni (80), who promoted himself up the batting order to number four, provided just that with a brisk third-wicket stand of 151 runs. India’s test captain Kohli, who will turn 28 next month, finished things off with an unbroken fourth-wicket stand of 97 with Manish Pandey (28 not out). With India needing 23 from 18 balls, the stylish righthanded batsman, who scored an unbeaten 85 in the first ODI, tore into paceman Trent Boult, hitting three fours and a six in his over to plunder 22 runs. Earlier, James Neesham (57) and Matt Henry (39 not out) added 84 for the ninth wicket to prop up New Zealand after the touring side had been reduced to 199 for eight following a middle-order collapse.
Opener Tom Latham topscored for New Zealand with a 61 and the side were comfortably placed at 153 for two in the 29th over with a promising stand of 73 between Latham and Taylor (44). But they lost their next six wickets for 46 runs needing some rearguard action from Neesham and Henry. Paceman Umesh Yadav and off-spinner Kedar Jadhav each picked up three wickets for the hosts though the former proved expensive, giving away 75 runs in his 10 overs. The fourth ODI will be played in Ranchi on Wednesday. Scores: India 289 for 3 (Kohli 154*, Dhoni 80) beat New Zealand 285 (Latham 61, Neesham 57, Jadhav 3-29) by seven wickets.
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Monday October 24, 2016
Kaieteur News
Young Warriors CC secures sponsorship to host Canje Day of Sports The Young Warriors Cricket Club of Cumberland, East Canje, Berbice will be the host of the East Canje Day of Sports on November 6, 2016 at the Cumberland Ground. The day’s events will be cricket, football and will see villages competing against each other. The event was boosted with the sponsorship of Mara and Sons, Chinnick Supermarket and Universal DVD. Mara and Sons donated a bicycle which will be used as a gate prize, while Chinnick Supermarket and Universal DVD made cash donations towards the event. Steve Ramdatt of Mara and Sons said he is happy to assist and hopes that more talents like Shimron Hetmyer who is currently with the West Indies ‘A’ team in Sri Lanka will be unearthed. He also emphasized that sports can help
to keep youths off the streets and get them involved in positive activities. Vick Seubaran of Universal DVD said he will always assist in the development of sports, cricket in particular. Leonard Baichan was the first and only test cricketer coming out of the area. Seon Hetymer, Gajanand Singh, Damodar Daesarat, Richard and Kevin Ramdeen, Balram Samaroo, Kwesi Maltay, Linden Austin, Boodnarine Sumair and Kassim Khan are among many others that represented Guyana at the various levels. Even though most of the players came through The Young Warriors Cricket Club programme, they live in different villages in the Canje district. This leads to fierce competition among the village teams.
Some of the teams expected to take part are Canefield, Gangaram, Canje Pathfinders, Betsy Ground, Goed Bananen Land and Rose Hall Estate. The cricket competition will be of five-over aside and will involve second division players. However, the teams are allowed to buy the first division players in the area with the starting bid being two thousand dollars with the exception of Shimron Hetymer whose starting bid will be $10,000. In addition, there will be a feature football game involving players from #2, Palmyra, Sheet Anchor and Cumberland versus the other villages in East Canje. Attractive prizes up for grabs. Proceeds from this event will go towards the host for the development of cricket in the area. The first cricket match bowls off at 9.30hrs.
Letter to the Sports Editor ...
I will not allow Mr Daniels to besmirch my character Dear Editor, I respond to a letter published on October 22 in the Kaieteur News by Mr Forbes Daniels, Manager of Essequibo’s Franchise team in response to a story I wrote on October 16. I will not allow Mr Daniels to besmirch my character and reputation as a journalist and I clarify what transpired at Tuschen. Mr Hyles, the Essequibo Head Coach told me I could quote him on the non-support of the ECB. Mr Hyles is a Berbician and the person in charge of the technical aspects of the cricket so I asked the Manager, (who speaks about off the field matters) if he was like Joel Garner (West Indies Manager) knowing the truth and not speaking about it? He said he was not scared to talk and I could write what he said, which I did. But Daniels now has a problem with me attributing the comments to him. Daniels called to say he was told that he should not speak against his employers (the ECB) and wanted to retract the article. I told him that the story will remain as it is because there was nothing the Editor or I could do because it had already been published. He asked if I recorded what he said and I said I just wrote it on my pad. Daniels informed he was the only Coach in Essequibo and it would look like he was disrespectful to the board and would say he never spoke to me about anything. I said I stood by the story and advised him to write a letter
or call my Editor. If he had told me not to mention his name, I could have written the same things and attributed them to ‘sources close to the team’ or don’t do the story. Daniels asks, “What is so special about me Forbes Daniels that I’m the one Mr. Devers chose to be the base for his article?” Nothing is special about Mr Daniels. If he was famous, using his name would have strengthened the story. If I said a source told me about the issues with the team and I mentioned what Mr Hyles said, the story would have been just as impacting. Why would I put my reputation at stake by pretending that Daniels said what he said? “It is astonishing how our country’s leading Sports Journalist has written an article where he claims to quote me and said that a group of men including Mr. Devers (were) having a discussion and I was the only person he chose to quote,” Daniels says in his letter. “Where is his quote from the others? And more so, why did he not quote Mr. Michael F. Hyles head coach of the Essequibo Franchise team who told him to quote him about the non support from the board. Why did he not quote the umpire who spoke about the condition of the Hostel? Why didn’t he quote the former Executive of the Guyana Cricket Board who spoke about the level of cricket being played?” he continued. I quoted Mr Daniels because he said I could do so and now he is implicating others so that if he
is penalized for standing up for his players and did what is right, he will have company going down with him. I did not quote the Umpire because he asked me not to but Daniels had to let the public know that he told me about the Hostel. Maybe out of fear of being removed as Manger he is now saying he never said those things. He is exactly like Garner. A Manager and Coach are supposed to protect the players. I also quoted Coach Hyles talking about the ‘cricket’. I did a story on Mr Alvin Johnson the ‘former Executive of the Guyana Cricket Board’ and quoted him on the level of cricket being played in an interview for another story. He is not afraid to talk and use his name and he ‘Managed’ several Guyana teams. I wrote a story about those who want to speak the truth but quickly get muzzled, and when put under pressure, retreat, claiming they never said the things they did, leaving the people who are fighting for them, on their own. Don’t flatter yourself Daniels the story was 715 words and not many of those words were about what you told me. I stand by my story and will put it on my facebook page (Sean Devers) so that the public can see what Daniels is fearful of saying publically. Bad things continue when good men do nothing. Sean Devers International Radio Cricket Commentator and Sports Journalist
Terrence Alli National Open ...
Policemen ‘Menace’, Lampkin to lock up victories While all eyes are on the Guyana Defence Force and the Republican Gym at this weekend’s TerrenceAlli National Open boxing tournament, the Guyana Police Force Gym stands ready to lock up two major victories. Included in the police team would be stern lawmen in the name of Dennis ‘Menace’ Thomas and Diwani Lampkin. The two are most feared in their respective divisions and should provide the Force with its first double win at the National Open in a while. Thomas is arguably the most experienced Open (formerly amateur) boxer in Guyana having represented this country at the World Championships, Commonwealth Games, Pan American Qualifiers, South American Games and the Caribbean Development tournament to name a few. He reached the quarter final of the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland and won Best Boxer earlier that year at a four-nation Goodwill Games held in Guyana Last year the fast starting middleweight was on the verge on winning a gold medal and being named Best Boxer of the Caribbean Development tournament when he received a dubious decision in the final. At the Pan American Qualifiers held in Tijuana, Mexico last year June the gangly Thomas upset Trinidadian Aaron Prince in his first fight but then
Dennis ‘Menace’ Thomas lost a close encounter to Raul Sanchez of Dominican Republic. In March of this year Thomas suffered injuries after being involved in a motor cycle accident but recovered fully and is set to retain the national middleweight title with his strongest challenge expected from Joshua Fraser of the Guyana Defence Force. Lampkin on the other hand, has fluctuated between lightweight and light welterweight and would be having his first competitive fight in almost a year. Fighting out of the Forgotten Youth Foundation Gym in last year’s Lennox Blackmoore National Intermediate competition, the wiry Lampkin was adjudged Best Boxer after
Diwani Lampkin he secured a unanimous pointsdecision victory over GDF’s Jamal Brisport on the opening night in the lightweight division, then returned two days later to defeat another soldier, Akeem Henry in like manner. This week will mark the first time that Lampkin would be representing Police. The Terrence Alli National Open punches off on Friday at the National Gymnasium. Over 50 of Guyana’s best boxers from 10 gyms will battle for honours over three days. Following the conclusion of the tournament the Guyana Boxing Association will select a 16-man squad to go into training for possible selection for the Caribbean Development Tournament scheduled for Barbados in December.
Overseas Vaqueros begin to arrive for West Berbice Rodeo at Rising Sun With Rodeo day set for Sunday, most of the visiting Vaqueros from overseas and hinterland Guyana will be arriving over the next few days to get acclimatize to the venue. Preparations have almost been completed for the only coastland Rodeo activity in Guyana at the Rising Sun Turf Club, Arima Park, West Coast, Berbice, beginning 11:00 hrs. With this gearing up to be one of the biggest Rodeo’s held at the venue so far, a number of companies have come on board for the big day including Banks DIH Limited, Trophy Stall, Hablaw Meat Centre, Chester Fry Bush Lot West Coast, Rising Sun Cattle ranch among others. According to organiser Fazal Habibulla there are a number of new events and features this year, but he does not want to let everything out of the bag too early.
Habibulla stated that he is pleased with the way things are progressing so far. The venue has been given a sprucing up with more rails added and the old ones replaced. The ground has also been graded and prepared for the day’s action. Over 12 different activities in the various categories are slated to be staged and millions of dollars in prizes including cash, trophies and other memorabilia are up for grabs. Among the events listed on the agenda are steer roping, bare back bronco, male and female barrel race, wild cow milking, calf roping, wild bull riding, saddle bronco along with the Rodeo King competition and the popular Tug o War events. A number of other novelty events are also carded for the days programme included the Beer drinking competition. The numbers of participants have increased significantly with the
overseas contingent expected from Brazil, S u r i n a m e and Venezuela along with those from the far flung areas including Lethem, the Rupununi Savannahs and the Corentyne River areas. The local posse will once again be led by Fazal Habibulla and his West Berbice brigade which makes up the bulk of the local entourage from the Abary, Mahaica and Mahaicony River areas and will be looking to defend their turf. Prizes will be presented to o u t s t a n d i n g performers, compliment of Trophy Stall Bourda market. Persons can still contact Fazal Habibulla at Chester Fry Bush Lot West Coast Berbice on Telephone No 232-0232 or 6577010, 6486522 or Donald or Zaleena Lawrie on telephone no 2254530, 225-4565 for any information on the event. (Samuel Whyte)
Monday October 24, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Guyana Karate College holds successful Grading Examination Karatekas who underwent Grading Examinations at the Guyana Karate College
The Guyana Karate College (GKC) on Saturday last held the third of its triannual grading examinations for the year 2016, for students belonging to its dojos on the Patio of the St. Joseph High School on Woolford Avenue, Thomas Lands, Georgetown. The grading examinations which began at 1.00 p.m. sharp on a breezy afternoon saw Karatekas of all ages undertake testing for the various belt ranks from 9thkyu (white belts with yellow stripes) all the way to 1stkyu (brown belt). This year is the 10th anniversary of its
establishment of the Guyana Karate College, and the grading capped off a number of activities that were held this year to coincide with this significant milestone including a recently held Grand Bingo. The Judging team was led by Shuseki Shihan Frank Woon-a-Tai, the Guyanese born Chairman and Chief Instructor of the IKD who is a 9th degree black belt with over fifty years experience in karate-do, and also included Sensei Jeffrey Wong a 6th Dan, who is the Senior Instructor and Vice Chairman of the College along with Sensei Dr.
Guy Low 5th Dan, Sensei Lavern Jones a 5th Dan and Sensei Aubrey Bettencourt also a 5th Dan Black Belt. Leading the list of promotions for these grading examinations for the GKC was the attainment of a Sandan rank or third degree black belt by Tashana Wong, a Caribbean and World Champion who has successfully represented the GKC and Guyana at many regional and international tournaments. Ms. Wong showed poise and grace as she went through her katas whilst displaying true grit,
IGG Female Basketball ...
Guyanese suffer 2nd game defeat to Suriname, lose the 3-match series By Sean Devers Urged on by a large Suriname contingent comprising most of their teams participating in the 2016 IGG three-day competition, Suriname’s girls Basketball team registered their second win in two days against their Guyanese counterparts on Saturday night at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH). On Friday evening the Suriname lasses inflicted a blowout 69-25 win against the host but the Guyanese girls, who had to win Saturday night to keep the series alive, showed some improvement in their second game but were still not good enough to prevent their Dutch neighbours from securing a 53-42 win. Shiwani Van ijzendorn demonstrated speed and skill and on several occasions dribbled past the Guyanese to pass the ball to Stephanie Hubard, Joleen Nyum or
Mirelva Marica as Guyana again exhibited poor ball control as the visitors enjoyed the better possession. When the Guyanese did get the ball it was quickly stolen by the alert opposition who scored regularly off turnovers and at half time Suriname were leading 24-19. In the third stanza the visitors extended their lead by 10 points before Makeda Rogers scored from the free throw line to give Guyana its first point in the second half. By this time the raucous Suriname supporters, who outnumbered local fans, were dancing in the stands and singing ‘Wy zyn Suriname! We winnen, we Kunnen niet meeri verliezen’ which means Suriname! We are winning, we can’t lose again. Two females in the opposite stand waved the Golden Arrow Head lustily whenever a Guyanese got within shooting range. Seemingly inspired by the
wonderful atmosphere inside the Sports Hall the Guyanese scored five unanswered points to reduce the lead and by the end of the third period the electronic scoreboard read Suriname 36, Guyana 29. For a brief period in the last quarter both teams ‘upped the tempo’ and played a fast paced game but the late surge from the home team was too little too late and when the final whistle was blown, the Dutch were in celebratory mood. Suriname again got contributions from almost everyone with Nyum scoring a game high 14 and Cheneler Lougflre (7) Hubard (5), Marcia (5) and Amore De Mis (5) all doing their bit. In contrast, Jada Mohan (11) and Tandika Bouyea (6) were the only Guyanese to score more than four points. But Guyana, although still looking underprepared, had showed improvement from their 69-25 defeat on Friday evening.
stamina and determination as she faced and defended herself against multiple attackers, predominantly males who were physically sturdier and stouter than her and who were experienced martial artists. The other successful karatatas attained the following belt ranks: Moving from 10thKyu to 9thKyu (White to White with Yellow Stripe) - Eli Jordan,Ameer Shariff, Daniel Amos, Prosper Jacobus, Josiah Ramnarine. David Persaud, Skipping from 10thKyu to 8thKyu (Yellow) are Chinelo Enekwechi, Anusha Jodhan; and skipping from 10thKyu (White) all the way to 5thKyu (Blue) were Najuma Gibbs and Jermain Holder.
Moving from 9thkyu to (White with Yellow Stripe) to 8thKyu was Rizwan Mahadeo. Moving from 7thKyu (Orange) to 6th Kyu (Green) were Rishabh Ramessar, MicaiahDePeazer,Omar Shariff, Joshua Aaron and Adisa Congreaves. Whilst skipping from 7thKyu (Orange) to 5thKyu (Blue) were Jared Bird, Daniel Gonsalves, Jadon Lee, Laurie Baptiste, Aretha Trisho Persaud, Esha Fredericks. Moving from 6thkyu (Green) to 5thKyu (Blue) were Laurence Baptiste, Angelina Campayne, Amber De Goeas, whist skipping from 6thKyu (Green) to 4thKyu (Purple) was Jose Rodrigues. Moving from 5thKyu (Blue) to 4thKyu (Purple) was Sherlock Scott whilst Somlata
Bispat, Sophia Mittelholzer, Joshua Gibbs William Grant (Sr) skipped from 5thKyu to 3rdKyu. Daniel Denny moved from 4th (Purple) Kyu to 3rdKyu (Brown), whilst Brandon Yong jumped from 4thKyu (Purple) to 2nd (Brown). Moving from 3rdKyu (Brown) to 2ndKyu Brown were Paula Louis-Grant, Jayden Jettoo-Sewnarine, Nathanael Archer, Nalini Rampersaud, whilst Javed Nurhausain skipped from 3rd Kyu (Brown) to 1st Kyu (Brown. Moving from 2nd Kyu (Brown) to 1stKyu (Brown) were Diego De Nobrega, Zaine Bispat, Jonathan Ng-AFook, Taissa De Nobrega, Josiah Dyall.
Suriname take swimming championships
Guyanese Hannibal Gaskin (foreground) caught gliding to victory in the boys 100m Freestyle. (Franklin Wilson photo) Suriname amassed 268 points to win the Inter Guiana Games swimming championship which was held yesterday at the National
Aquatic Centre. Suriname chalked up 133 points, while Guyana managed 92 in the female category.
In the male division Suriname marked 135 points and Guyana 103. Guyana finished with 195 points overall.
PAGE 32
Monday October 24, 2016
Kaieteur News
Apostle Ragnauth wins Demerara IGG Futsal ... Guyana lose series Life annual Golf Tournament 2-0; hammered 2-12 in game 2
In picture from left: Gavin Todd, Aleem Hussain, Kalyan Tiwari, Avinash Persaud, Balgobin Ragnauth, Mr. Clarence Perry of Dem Mutual, Parmanand Persaud and Club President Oncar Ramroop after the presentation. Very keen competition marked the Demerara Mutual Life Assurance annual golf tournament on Saturday last at Lusignan Golf Club. But it was Apostle Balgobin Ragnauth of the Life Spring Ministries, also former East Coast Demerara representative national sprinter in his youth (1980/81), and now an avid golfer for just about three years, who excelled. Club President Mr. Oncar Ramroop expressed gratitude for the nearly 25 years of unwavering support that Demerara Mutual had given to the Lusignan Golf Club. He noted that Dem Mutual, in existence for some 125 years, serving the peoples in Guyana, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, and Grenada, is one of the main providers of Life, Health, Loss and other financial indemnities. He noted, it is also their faithful, consistent, and remarkably long standing support of golfing in Guyana that makes them dear to the Lusignan Golf Club. Responding to Mr. Ramroop, Mr. Clarence Perry, Marketing Manager of the Demerara Mutual Group of Companies indicated, “We are very appreciative of the gracious
words of President Ramroop concerning Demerara Mutual. We can assure you that Dem Mutual will continue to support golfing in Guyana and is likely to even increase this support in the future. In fact, we look forward to the time when members of Dem Mutual will have a permanent membership relation with the Club, and not only be here for tournament occasions.” This tournament in the usual good flare of Dem Mutual, and played on the open Medal Play format, produced fine competition for the Best Net scores. At the end of the day, 1st and 2nd place winners, as well as 3rd and 4th place winners tied on their net scores. It was the performance on the back-9 that determined the final places. Winners were:- 1st Balgobin Ragnauth 69/27; 2nd Aleem Hussain 69/17; 3rd Parmanand ‘Max’ Persaud 70/14; 4th Kalyan Tiwari 70/15. Meanwhile, other golfers who must be honorably mentioned in that they did well and were close to the final 4 included;- Avinash Persaud 71/ 2; Assrodeen Shaw 71/18; Deanand Bissessar 71/18; Gavin Todd 72/19; Hilbert Shields 72/ 16; and Patrick Prashad 72/9.
Other winners were:- Best Gross – Avinash Persaud (73); Nearest to The Pin (7’) – Gavin Todd; Most Honest Golfer – Guy Griffith. Winner Apostle Ragnauth, styling himself as ‘a preacher who plays golf’, said, “My life as a preacher helps me in this game, because I am able to apply mental discipline to the sport just as I need to do in my ministry. In addition the camaraderie at the Lusignan Golf Club is very refreshing and encourages me to play regularly. Moreover, my wife, Pauline is also a big support and encouragement for me to play and do well.” This is Apostle Ragnauth’s third time in the winning circle in a little over a month, as he placed 1st in the Household Plus tournament of Saturday, September 10th and placed 3rd in the Trophy Stall tournament of Saturday, October 15th. President Ramroop also expressed appreciation to members Hilbert Shields, Deanand Bissessar and Mike Gayadin, who have undertaken to improve the golf course and its environs, and have so far done a very good job with the preparation of the course.
A near miss by Suriname’s Gillaume Strooker in the second half of the first match Suriname comfortably won the Inter Guiana Games Futsal series against Guyana 2-0 following their second consecutive win by a 12-2 margin yesterday morning at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. There was supposed to be a third match as per programme but due to a number of other disciplines that were not played on Saturday evening and had to be pushed to yesterday, the two countries agreed that once a nation would have won two consecutive matches in the 3-games series, a third match would not be needed.
Having lost the first match on Saturday 11-1, Guyanese fans were hoping to see their team put up stiffer resistance in game two but the Surinamese, the more experienced side once again, showed their class in this format by running out 4-1 leaders by the end of the first half (20 minutes). They visitors got goals from Stefano Mac-Donald (6th), Nazario Doesburg (9th), Terence Aroeman (13th) and Elyah Pengel in the 15th minute. Guyana got their lone first half goal from Kendal Lewis in the 18th minute. Like they did in the first
match, the young Dutch boys were relentless in the second half as they fired in eight goals to Guyana’s one which came off the boot of Collyer Daniels in the 35th minute. Suriname blasted back to back goals within the first minute of the second half through Pengel and Aroeman, the second for both players in the match as Suriname raced to a 6-1 lead. Thereafter, goals were scored by Mac-Donald (25th, 30th) to complete his hat-trick, Renaldo Teloud (26th), Denilson Joekoe (27th), Gelton Alphons (28th) and Gillaume Strooker in the 36th minute.
Guyana retain male IGG volleyball title, Suriname rule female division
The victorious Guyana male team Guyana retained its male title, while Suriname won the female crown when the Inter Guiana Games (IGG) volleyball tournament concluded at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. Guyana’s male team clearly dominated their Surinamese counterparts winning the
first two games 25-14, 25-17, 25-10 and 2513,25-14,25-7. And as a result the organisers decided to call off the remaining game handing Guyana the title. Suriname won the female crown after winning the first game 25-12, 25-12, 25-13 and the second 25-5, 25-21, 25-8 .