Sunday October 30, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Kaieteur M@ilbox
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I hope the 2017 budget brings improvement to the economy
79 YOUNG DOCTORS ARE YET TO FIND EMPLOYMENT
DEAR EDITOR; I would like to remind the nation of the promises made by this coalition government to fix the energy and telecommunication issues. It has now been almost seventeen months since assuming office, with little work being done to these sectors. I must heap some praise on Minister Hughes for her effort in passing the telecommunication bill, while this might be good in the long term, we the consumers are still awaiting the benefits to trickle down to us. Things seem promising on the telecommunication end but what about the power sector? For the past few weeks and even for a few years, it seems like this nation is taking a huge step backwards in the development of the energy portfolio. There was a huge promise by both the PPP/C regime and the APNU/AFC collation government lead by David Granger for hydro power. This was thought to reduce the burden on ordinary citizens’ wallet. The IDB has since concluded a study on the right energy mix for the country which was presented to Ministry of Public Infrastructure, June last according to media reports. This study was handed over to the subject Minister Mr. David Patterson with no sign of release to the public. This government in its quest for transparency is doing a very bad job of it by not releasing this report and making deals
with both foreign and local companies some of the actors are known party supporters. During the past administration’s time in office we were promised and were on course for hydro power in just a few months time, but we know how that story ended. Contracts were awarded by GPL to bring the system up to date to receive the power from Amaila Falls. While some of these projects got off the ground a lot of it was lost in transition into this new government. One of the projects was under huge scrutiny causing several letter writers and stakeholders to voice their concerns; the easiest thing to do was blame a Chinese product. Mr. Editor the problem facing these sectors was not generated overnight or some kind of sabotage by anti government supporters as claimed by some, but rather years of neglect and partisan politics. We are currently enjoying reasonably low fuel prices on the world markets which translate to GPL making a profit of late, but should these prices move up in the near future then what? In the recent past, the former administration was forced to subsidize GPL. Should we return to that in the near
future this would only compound the problem of power outages caused by line and generator failures. A simple solution one might think is to implement the lost reduction project referred to as the “Power Utility Upgrade Program” which will bring billions of dollars in savings annually. The IDB which is also financing this project seems to be dragging its feet on this since a promise of award was made but no movement on that to date. One wonders what the role of the Public Utilities Commission is. Has this body become obsolete, since consumers are suffering every day? Ministers spend millions of taxpayers’ monies to go abroad and talk about investment here in Guyana, but who in their right mind would want to do such with a limited ITC sector and failed energy system. Mr. Editor it is sad to see this beautiful country of ours being ruined by political agendas. Let’s stop the talk and get on with some real work to boost this dying economy. It is of great concern that only less that 50% of the budget was spent by this government. How can these people masquerade around talking about Continued on page 7
DEAR EDITOR; When the PPP/C took Office, in 1992, there was just over a 150 doctors practicing in Guyana. Most of them were operating out of Georgetown and the other urban centers. An overwhelming number of them were in private practice with some moonlighting in the public health care system. The cumulative result was a devastating paucity of medical personnel in the country as a whole, more particularly, in the public health care system and worst yet, in the rural communities. By the time we left office in 2015, the situation was transformed. There are now nearly 1400 registered medical practitioners operating in Guyana with, almost every community, wherever located, having access to a doctor. Therefore, although substantial progress has been made, from all my enquiries there is still a pressing need for a larger number of more trained medical personnel in almost every part of the public health care system. Historically, one of the several initiatives taken by the PPP/C to address the paucity of qualified medical personnel within the public health care system was to negotiate scholarship programmes for our students with friendly countries. The most successful of these programmes was the multi-year scholarship programme with Cuba for the training of Guyanese students, largely in the field of human medicine, as well as, in other disciplines. Over the years, this programme has graduated into medical doctors, over 600 young Guyanese from every ethnic group, emanating from every geographic part of the country, more particularly, the children of the working class, who would have never had the opportunity of becoming doctors. Upon the grant of these scholarships and prior to their departure to Cuba, these students were required to sign a contract with the
Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Public Service, which obliged them to enter into another contract upon the successful completion of their course of study to work in the public health sector for a period of 5 years on certain terms and conditions contained in the said contract. Over the years, this second contract which the newly graduated doctors have been requested to sign, pays them a Public Service salary, with a gratuity of 22.5 %, payable every six months. This monthly salary is currently approximately $230,000 (gross) or approximately $185,000(net). It is obvious that this salary is grossly inadequate. Several of these scholarship doctors, with whom I have spoken, have all indicated to me that it is the gratuity upon which they heavily depend and with which they are able to purchase a vehicle on credit, utilizing a duty free concession granted to them, as part of their contract of service with the Government. It has been drawn to my attention that the final batch of these Cuban scholars numbering 79 have returned to Guyana in 2015. They completed their one year internship, as is required, several months ago but are yet to be placed in the public health system. These young doctors are simply at home, frustratingly with nothing to do, while the public health care system continues to suffer throughout the country from a paucity of medical personnel. I raised this issue with a senior medical Administrator at Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) who was not even aware that these young doctors have not been placed into the system, but informed me, that the responsibility to do so lies with the Ministry of Public Health. Additionally, I have been informed by a representative of these doctors that the Continued on page 7
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Sunday October 30, 2016
Kaieteur News
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What is wrong with This Govt. is making too many avoidable and Regional The outcry that has company is unrelentingly Caribbean Airlines mistakes General Elections the PPP/C emerged from the public on taking every opportunity to campaign accused holding Cabinet in Camp challenge the sovereignty of DEAR EDITOR; and Trinidad Airport people Governance is about the APNU+AFC presidential Ayanganna needs to be this country is a grave and their business. candidate David Granger of addressed not with emotion indictment on the David Any decision, including all sorts of ugly things and but a high level of objectivity. Granger/Moses Nagamootoo authorities? laws, being made on the advised the society that Another issue is where the leadership. Out of any living DEAR EDITOR; It seems as though the airport authority at Piarco is either a power unto itself or they are harassing and or robbing passengers in transit there to and from Guyana. A colleague and I have just returned from a business trip to China. We travelled from Guyana through New York to China and back. On both legs we were in transit at Piarco Airport, Trinidad where we had connecting Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) flights between the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Guyana and John F. Kennedy (JFK) Airport, New York, USA. Both times when we were in transit in the Piarco airport, we were directed to an in transit desk downstairs where we were redirected through security and then back upstairs to the boarding area. Bear in mind that we would have passed through security at the CJIA and JFK and been in a secured area before boarding the CAL aircraft. Had we bought items in the secured area that are not
allowed through the security checkpoint they would have been confiscated. On our return journey, I saw, directly in front of me, another passenger’s bagged duty free items taken away from him at the CAL in transit desk, without a receipt given, and told they would be given back when he is boarding. I know of someone who had a hard time getting back his items when boarding. I then asked a CAL staff in the Club Lounge why is this necessary. She advised that this is the airport authority’s procedure and that all in transit passengers traveling to and from Guyana are processed this way. She promised to mention my complaint in her report for her shift. I am sure that I am not the first to complain about this to CAL but unfortunately this seems to be the system there unlike many other airports that I have passed through as an in transit passenger. Makes me wonder if this is a set up to rob and deprive us of items. Colin Ming
people’s behalf must factor in the culture of the society. It is being observed that the APNU+AFC government continues to walk in the path of the Bharrat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar governments in making decisions absent of positive feedback/support from the people. In doing so there will come a time when the barometer for judging performance will be who is the lesser of the two evils, rather than which government is better than the other. In fact, the judgement will be on negativity rather than positive growth in governance. The time has come for leaders who are addressing the people’s business to begin to listen to the people and act in concert with the people’s opinions within the confines of laws, international conventions, charters and time-honoured principles. Too often this government is making decisions that place it in a defensive position, and on many occasions these can be avoided. Nearly half of the electorate voted for the PPP/ C. In the run up to the 2015
should he be elected he will militarise the business of the state. The Government of Guyana is elected by the people which makes it a civilian government. In the most recent issue that disappoints people, is the government’s decision to hold its Cabinet meeting in the Guyana Defence Force compound. This issue can be looked at from three angles. First, this could be considered a non-issue but in our politics where the PPP/C campaigned and sensitised the society that a Granger administration would result in militarisation of government the administration should have avoided fuelling the perception and giving their opponent political ammunition. Secondly, previous PNC and PPP/C governments held Cabinet meetings in various locations, which this government could have reviewed and learned from those experiences. Thirdly, this is a security risk for its helps any group in the military to carry out a coup by easily being afforded the opportunity to arrest all the members of the cabinet.
laws of this land continue to be violated by the Government or companies, we the people must stoutly reject such acts of violation. Though it is noticed that the constitutional Public Procurement Commission has been established, the other constitutional bodies must too be put in place. Laws are not met to be honoured in the breach or when a government, institution or person feels like honouring them. That is not how the law operates because such will lead to widespread chaos and mayhem. The continued failure by the Government of Guyana to respect and enforce the laws threatens the orderliness of the society, and the development and security of the people. The reluctance by the government to the Russian management of the Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated (BCGI) as the
president, David Granger, based on his military background is expected to be more aware of the threats to sovereignty and territorial integrity when the laws of a country, including its constitution, are being disrespected and undermined by locals, must less foreign nationals. No Guyanese can go into Russia, establish business, and refuse to obey that country’s laws. The Russian Government intolerance to such disrespect would be consistent with preserving that nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Granger/ Nagamootoo government is making too many avoidable mistakes. It is being suggested that more time be spent in analysing issues before decisions are made, which will avoid valuable time being spent in defending what should never have occurred. Lincoln Lewis
My take on the erratic lights at Turkeyen DEAR EDITOR; I make reference to one of the columns of Freddie Kissoon. Quote “To see the primitive nature of Guyana, come to Turkeyen where I live. The GPL technicians come once each month and the technicians fix the lights on the UG Road from the Atlantic highway right to the entrance of Cyril Potter’s College. Two nights later, the lights go out. This happens all the time.” Freddie has written about this matter countless times, yet says he, there has been no change. I wonder if the editor could himself invite others to comment on Freddie’s presentation, not as questioning Freddie, but in an attempt to forcibly get the GPL to respond and at the same time to get GPL to review the work schedule for that site over the last few years and the names of the technicians who did the work.Now here is my wild creative imaginative assessment of this situation: A -There are secret connections to the feeder lines to these lights B -Those secret connections are another form of pilfering C -The ‘pilferers’ can do without lights for two days without feeling uncomfortable Are the technicians are in on this? How’s that as an addition to the Mouse Trap script? Carl Veecck Ontario, Canada
Sunday October 30, 2016
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Kaieteur News
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79 young doctors... “Turn system” for the Parika/ Wakenaam ferry service is wrong DEAR EDITOR; This letter was sent to Mrs. Claudette Rogers, Director General of the Maritime Administration Department, Ministry of Public Infrastructure. I am requesting publication in your newspaper. The letter follows. It was brought to my attention by a number of disgruntled residents from Wakenaam that the Maritime Administration will soon institute a “turn system” for the two speedboat services that are currently plying the Wakenaam to Parika and Parika to Wakenaam route. After attentively listening to my dear brothers and sisters
from that peaceful and beautiful island and having considered the positions of the two speedboat owners, I wish to present my argument opposing the anticipated “turn system.” I believe my position must be considered since the most important stakeholder in this case is the travelling public. Before I begin to advance my argument, permit me to mention that a petition was dispatched for the revocation of the proposed “turn system” months ago. To begin with, should a “turn system” be put in place it will be viewed as an imposition unto the travelling public. The fact remains that
A call for GTT to come to the rescue DEAR EDITOR; G. T. & T is lagging too much in its responsibility to rectify my defective land line phone which has been out of order for some time now despite repeated reports made at the complaints desk in Anna Regina. A more worrying and disturbing aspect is the internet which is hooked to this line becoming automatically unserviceable whenever it is not functioning to further compound the unbearable and unacceptable situation. The company needs to have an expeditious action plan to ensure that the service is restored to normalcy within the shortest possible time. The internet connection was done to benefit my 14 year old daughter who attends secondary school but she is very upset at being without its use for such a protracted period. A monthly charge of ten thousand dollars to pay for the internet service when it is not provided is unfair and unreasonable. The company needs to see it as an obligation to maintain a reliable and efficient service to its customers at all times. Latiff Falsh
in a “turn system” it means that whichever boat is loading that is the boat passengers must go in. This is simply viewed as dictatorial which is definitely what should not be condoned. Secondly, a “turn system” will inconvenience the business owners, islanders and travelling public. The current system in place is a time schedule system whereby both boat services leave Wakenaam everyday at 06:30hrs, 07:00hrs, 09:00hrs, 11:00hrs, 13:00hrs, 15:00hrs and 16:00hrs. The time schedule for departure from Parika is as follows: 08:30hrs, 10:30hrs, 12:30hrs, 14:30hrs, 15:30hrs, 17:00hrs and 17:30hrs. This time schedule is perfect since it allows for the business owners, islanders and travelling public to decide what time they wish to travel. The time schedule does not permit a long waiting time for business owners, islanders and the travelling public but a “turn system” will, since we would have to wait until a boat is full before departure and it should be noted that Wakenaam’s travelling population is not a large number that will permit a quick “turn system.” Time is money. Thirdly, the welfare of customers is very important. It would be wrong not to allow the travelling public to freely choose a boat service which we are more comfortable with and further a service that is safer in our eyes. Even
though by law only licensed drivers are allowed to ply the river it still should be noted that a customer reserves the right to freely choose who they would like to put their life and other precious belongings in care of and therefore a “turn system” will take that right away. Additionally, should this imposition materialises, would Maritime Administration be prepared to take full responsibility if any unfortunate incident occurs on the water top since it is they who would be directly forcing the travelling public to use a “turn system?” That question I believe answers itself. Notwithstanding the above, I have considered the position by the speedboat owner whom I believe is fighting for a “turn system” approval and with all due respect, I believe the way a service is provided will determine whether it is successful or not. The way workers of your service treat customers will further determine its success. In essence, the marketing of your service will determine your customer base. In conclusion, I implore the Maritime Administration to rethink its position, becuse if the “turn system” materializes; it is my opinion that there will be catastrophic implications. If I don’t want to travel with your service; I have my reasons and no one should force me to! Ganesh Mahipaul
From page 5 Government has signaled to them that the payment of gratuity from the contract which this batch of doctors will be requested to sign will be removed and that these doctors will be placed on the pensionable establishment of the Public Service by virtue of which they will receive a pension when they attain the age of 55. Most, if not all, of these young doctors are vehemently opposed to this initiative and expressed a preference for a contract similar to that which their predecessors enjoyed. Indeed, they contend that when they entered into the scholarship programme, it is that contract which they expected to be requested to sign. In short, these doctors are arguing, and I daresay quite rightly so, that they have a legitimate expectation to serve under a contract similar to that under which their predecessors served. It appears that the Government intends to request them to sign a qualitatively different
contract. Rather than serve under the pensionable establishment without a gratuity, these young professionals have expressed a preference to repay the Government the sum of money spent on them and to simply migrate. I also spoke with Cubantrained doctors currently in the system serving under their contract and the Government has also signaled to them that their contracts will be amended to remove the payment of gratuity and to place them on the permanent establishment of the Public Service by virtue of which they will receive a pension at age 55. These doctors have also expressed their non-support for this proposed unilateral change to their contracts. They also expressed a preference to exit the public health care system. If the Government obstinately pursues these proposed courses of actions the consequence on the public health care system and the people of Guyana will be calamitous. Needless to say, litigation looms as well. Anil Nandlall
I hope the 2017 budget... From page 5 investment in this country when routine maintenance is not done to the aging infrastructure which will only compound the issue of poor state services? If this trend of poor governance is to continue for the near future, God help us all since we are already seeing a mass exodus of bright people. Hear is hoping this early 2017 budget will kick start the economy and not like the last jump starter that was the grand celebration at the Durban park. Michael Persaud
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Kaieteur News
Sunday October 30, 2016
2015 marked a period of ‘radical change’ for the sugar industry--GuySuCo Board Last year certainly marked a period of “radical change” for the sugar industry. This is according to the Board members of the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc. (GuySuCo). Subsequent to the change in Government, and in recognition of the plight the sugar industry was in, the Board said that shareholders of GuySuCo appointed an Interim Management Committee (IMC) in June 2015 and a new Board of Directors thereafter. The Board and Interim Management were confronted with many challenges, which included a weakened and demoralized management team, a very adversarial Industrial Relations climate, low sugar prices, declining production levels, high operational costs, serious loss making, a huge debt burden and consequently a major liquidity crisis. The Board said, “It was evident that the sugar industry was in need of major reorganization; that it could no longer be business as usual. The Board and management team proceeded to develop u rg e n t l y, a s e r i e s o f initiatives to arrest the situation while the elements of a longer term strategy were being contemplated.” Given the gravity of the situation, the Board members reminded that the Government, in July 2015, appointed a Commission of Inquiry (COI) to look into the sugar
GuySuCo Chairman, Dr. Clive Thomas industry, and make recommendations for its return to financial and economic viability. The Commission Report was submitted to the shareholders in October 2015 outlining the C o m m i s s i o n e r s ’ evaluations of the most economical options for the sugar industry to pursue. The Board noted that the Commission’s main recommendation was that there should be no closure of any est a t e b u t t h a t t h e Corporation should be privatized within three years. It recalled that other sections of the report pointed to diversification away from the reliance on sugar as an option. Furthermore, the GuySuCo Board said that there were several initiatives identified in 2015 for implementation this year so as
to reduce the operating cost, cash deficit, and/or generate funds for the Corporation. They said that some of these initiatives included the merging of Wales and Uitvlugt Estates, transitioning the Wales cultivation from sugar cane to other crops and aquaculture, completion of the integration of the La Bonne Intention and Enmore Estates into the East Demerara Estate, relocation of the Information Systems and Head Office Departments from Ogle Estate to the former LBI Estate Compound, the sale of non / under - performing assets in particular lands, and the cost recovery of drainage and irrigation now benefiting external parties. Additionally, the Board said that it was very encouraged by some of the achievements of the Corporation during the second half of the year 2015. It said that the second crop’s production reflected a significant improvement over previous years. Members said that there was a greater sense of purpose across the industry. However, the Board noted that the underlying and deep rooted problems remained which would best be addressed through the reorganization process. The GuySuCo Board said that a new strategic direction for the Corporation is currently being developed. SKELDON
Sugar cane stacked up at the Skeldon Factory According to the Board, the main focus for 2015 was on i m p r o v i n g f a c t o r y throughput and reliability. To improve factory output, it was stated by the Board t h a t m a j or modification works were completed on Skeldon’s outboard punt dumper to convert the lifting mechanism from hydraulic rams to cables and winch.
The Board said that the modification proved successful with overall factory throughput achieving a weekly average as high as 260t/hr. Kaieteur News understands that such a level was never achieved since the factory’s commissioning in 2009. With a steady cane supply and higher factory throughput, Skeldon
recorded its highest ever overall recovery of 75.24% since commissioning. Wi t h r e g a r d t o t h e Enmore Packaging Plant, the Board said that the production of value added products continued during 2015. GuySuCo said that at least three new brands of sugar were released— Regale, Cuisine and Enmore Crystals.
Consultant threatens to expose deficiency in Agri. projects Incompetence is not something that is easily addressed. This assertion was made recently by Engineering Consultant, Charles Ceres, as he raised concerns with those tasked with evaluating projects within the Ministry of Agriculture. Ceres was forced to enunciate his concerns about the work of the Ministry after he was turned down for a contract despite having the suitable requirements. The Ministry had invited bids for consultants to supervise the reconstruction works to the north-eastern dam of the East Demerara Water Conservancy. However, it wasn’t until he decided to protest a correspondent from the Ministry that indicated that he did not qualify for the project that the Ministry offered a revised response indicating that Ceres’s company – Ground Structures Engineering Consultants Inc. – had in fact met the requirements. Ceres said that he did not alter his bid in any way to warrant the Ministry’s revision. He has chalked up the development to a situation whereby the evaluators were either biased or incompetent. Ceres is seeking answers about the state of affairs and hopes for the intervention of the World Bank too.
Charles Ceres, Engineering Consultant As if accusing those within the Ministry of being biased and incompetent was not enough, Ceres is prepared to go one step further and highlight instances of incompetence in other projects executed by the very Ministry. Ceres told media operatives that every week he intends to examine a project being done by the said Ministry and identify all of the technical deficiencies until his concerns are dealt with. He claims to already have information about two projects that he intends to highlight shortly. According to him, the situation involving his bid seems
to be a clear case of incompetence. “I want the public to know...these people must either be moved or go and develop the competence that is required,” said Ceres. He, however, said that incompetence can only be addressed if persons have the ambition to learn. Ceres noted that while the answers he seeks from the Ministry are imperative, of greater importance is the need for the incompetence of the people handling evaluations to be taken into consideration and that they be removed from the evaluation committee. “The people who they have ranked ahead of us are two consultants who collectively could not supervise the approach to the Hope canal bridges...They don’t have five percent of the technical capabilities we have. We have a comprehensive geotechnical laboratory with every single element of equipment they identified to do this project, and we have had this for in excess of five years,” Ceres asserted. He noted that he had cause to be suspicious of the evaluation process. “That must be indicative of bias. If it is not bias it is indicative of the inability to comprehend what they are doing,” the Engineer added.
Sunday October 30, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Charity Business, Vendors clash over access to shorefront Vendors occupying the sidewalk
The Charity shorefront seems to be a prime commercial spot and access to it has been causing some degree of conflict between Adamantium Holdings Inc. and farmers who sell their produce on the charity waterfront. The company, owned by Businessman Alfro Alphonso, owns a shopping mall known as A&S Complex in the area. According to Manager of the complex, Ryan Gomes, on Monday guards of the business were asked to clear the area west of the complex which is the shorefront. He said that the decision was made since the presence of the vendors has caused great hindrance to the business, its customers and residents of the area. According to Gomes the complex houses a Citizens Bank outlet and as a result persons who wish to visit the bank are prevented from freely entering and leaving the building. Additionally residents who arrive at the area are prevented from using the special sidewalk which was built on the river defence by the company. Gomes said that the company has invested a
lot to enhance the area and the sidewalk was one of those features. He said that this was done for the comfort of the residents so that when they disembark the boats, they have a safe infrastructure to reach the mainland instead of walking in the mud. However, Gomes said that the vendors have sought to encroach on the sidewalk. In spite of this restriction, businesses and residents who have to use heavy duty vehicles can utilize the back street. Gomes said that when the security guards tried to remove the vendors, Regional chairman Devanand Ramdatt, the Regional Vice-Chairman, a member of the Sea Defence Board and the chairperson of the Neighbourhood Democratic Council came on the scene. The manager said that he was told by Ramdatt that the vendors cannot be removed from the area which Gomes claims is a prohibited area for vending. This has been the status of the area for quite some time according to Gomes. He said that access to the street which separates the store from the shorefront has
been restricted to only allow light vehicular traffic, pedestrians and cyclists so as to protect the shoreline from slipping into the Pomeroon River since this erosion had begun a few years back. He said that the encouraged vending has caused an epidemic. He said that the company over the years has invested excessively into the community and Essequibo at large. He believes that the company is being politically victimized. Speaking with the Regional Chairman, Kaieteur News was told understand that the RDC’s position on the matter is very clear. According to Ramdatt, on Monday he received notification that the security guards from the company were bullying vendors off of the sidewalk and shorefront. He said that he immediately made his way down to the area and subsequently had a meeting with representatives of the business entity. Also present were the RDC Vice-Chairman, a member of the Sea Defence Board and three persons representing the vendors. Ramdatt said that initially the Manager of the Complex had said that the company
Dem boys seh...
Nuff things got people shivering All of a sudden people getting nervous. Old people always seh that de Creatah slow but sure. When dem boys talk bout de skullduggery at Pradoville Jagdeo use to tell dem to shut dem mouth and mind dem own business. When de government change he wait till it look like if de investigation would go nowhere then he holler how dem search but dem ain’t find nutten. Just like when dem li’l boys see marabunta nest and ain’t know how to lef it, Jagdeo see de investigators and ain’t know how to shut he mouth. He start to talk bout Soulja Bai and he one-term government and how he gun jail dem.
Run Jattan did always seh that he gun jail Jagdeo and all he kavakamites. Dem boys seh that when blind man seh he gun pelt he done got brick in he hand. That is how dem boys wasn’t surprise when de news come that de police gun start to dig into de story and that people gun go to jail. Some people did suspect something and that is why dem sell out de property. From de time Joe Shan talk bout de police getting involve people start mekking preparation to lef de country. De Americans and de Canadians and de EU people done plan to help Soulja Bai prosecute de criminals.
De other thing that got people talking is how Soulja Bai can use de army headquarters to keep meeting. Joe Shan seh that de aim is to keep de meeting secret and dem ain’t got too much place wheh things can be done in secret. Is de mere thought of going to de army headquarters that got Jagdeo and de others worried. Dem claim how de army gun tek over de country. That was dem election campaign. Dem boys seh that Jagdeo now got nuff things to worry about. He get caught between Pradoville and de jail. Talk half and watch how people shivering.
The A&S Building facing the waterfront
was given written approval to have exclusive access to the river. He said that during the meeting, it was revealed that there was no actual approval given to the company. The Regional Chairman also said that the vendors had informed those present that they were asked to vacate the area before but after doing so, one vendor was allowed to
set up shop. He said that what was alarming about the situation was tha t t h e s e c u r i t y guards who were asked to move the vendors had their guns with them. Ramdatt said that the kind of reported bullyism could not be tolerated. He said that the company could have contacted
him first before taking such action since he considers himself easily accessible. According to Ramdatt the issue needs to be addressed in a fair and transparent manner whereby all stakeholders can have their interests addressed. The Chairman said that the vendors only occupy the area on Mondays. They are predominantly farmers.
One dead following vehicle collision after Annai School Sports A collision which occurred on Friday around 18:45 hours claimed the life of 44-year-old Howard Williams of St. Ignatius, 94 miles south of Annai, North Rupununi.
According to reports, Williams was sitting in the tray of an open back pickup with eight others. The vehicle was proceeding south out of Annai when it and collided with similar vehicle travelling
in the opposite direction. Williams and his companions had travelled to Annai to view the Inter-Branch school sports. Williams died en route to the Annai Medical Centre.
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Ex-GNS members want memorial, housing, preservation of Kimbia Former members of the Guyana National Service (GNS) had their say yesterday before the Veterans Commission of Inquiry (COI). During the engagement at the GNS Club on Carifesta Avenue, it was Gerald Michael Pereira, a Fifth intake pioneer of Papaya and now Executive Member of the ExGNS Association, who made the call for a monument to be erected on the grounds at Carifesta Avenue in honour of those persons who would have died whilst serving within the GNS. “It is time and it is very necessary,” Pereira said, noting that similar monuments have been erected to honour other joint services members. “The police have a monument where the families of the deceased can go every year and lay wreaths; we have none,” Pereira noted. He said that the monument will not only honour those who died, like cadets from the Jaguar Centre that lost their lives in the New River Triangle area, but it will also replace an earlier one that was erected at GNS centre in Papaya in the Barima-Waini,
Sunday October 30, 2016
Kaieteur News
Region One to honour the lives lost there. Pereira recalled that on a day of sports at the Region One Centre, a tree fell and one of the branches took the lives of nine persons. He recalled that a monument was erected thereafter in the form of a tree trunk with the names, of the personnel who lost their lives. Today, that monument is “long gone,” Pereira said, “desecrated” because the “area is being mined now. It was also Pereira who made the call on behalf of the Ex-GNS Association for housing and land for its members noting that Government have granted similar concessions to the nurses, the teachers, the police and the soldiers. He observed that whilst there is a Joint Service housing scheme in Lamaha Springs that has “spots for few National Service members in there, there are still so many members outside of that do not have a home of their own”. “I am quite certain that if you make land available in an affordable manner that they would jump at the opportunity to own something of their
own,” Pereira told the COI. Meanwhile, on the issue of the preservation of the GNS training centre at Kimbia on the Berbice River, Pereira said that he took 11 people to the location in May 2015 and was shocked at what was left of the location. “It was a sad sight…there is nothing left of Kimbia; the buildings are gone,” Pereira said. He added, “It is a disgrace to know that we had cotton there, we had blackeye, all of these products coming out of there and nothing is left.” According to Pereira, the Ex-GNS Association was recently informed that the lands at Kimbia were given out to some private company to do soya planting. He suggested that part of the lands now be returned to them, “so we can do something that people can remember”. There was also calls for the reintroduction of the GNS, perhaps, excluding the military aspect of it, and for the use of Kimbia as the space to put a large training centre for all the skills training schools in Guyana. The ex-GNS members also (Continued on page 15)
Stalled teachers’ promotions...
GTU continues appeal for court ruling The promotion of public school teachers who were eligible for promotions last year and this year remains in limbo. The matter is one which was initiated by an injunction filed by the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) to halt the promotion process of the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) and the Ministry of Education’s Schools Board Secretariat for 2015. The reason for the injunction was to force the two bodies to review their process of promotion. While the Schools Board Secretariat had adhered to the injunction, the TSC decided to fight the matter in court. The matter was heard before Chief Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards in the High Court. The matter was concluded months ago and the two sides have since been awaiting a decision. Teachers have become impatient. The GTU is moreover faced with the concerns of the teachers and has been appealing to the
powers that be to hasten with the ruling. According to GTU President, Mr Mark Lyte, “We continue to wait after many months for a decision from the High Court.” Lyte noted that the Union is concerned about the slothfulness of the judicial system in treating with a matter that is of importance since it essentially puts people’s careers on hold. The GTU President lamented that a ruling has not been handed down even after efforts were made to seek help from several avenues, including ministers of government. “Letters were written to them seeking their intervention for a speedy ruling...Our calls have essentially remained unanswered,” said Lyte. “We are hoping that by the end of another year – 2016 – the Chief Justice will make her decision whichever way so that those persons whose careers would have been put on hold can move on.” It is the expectation of the GTU President that once the ruling is eventually made, it will be in favour of the GTU thus allowing the teachers whose promotions are stalled to be prompted retroactively. Teachers however have been expressing fear that some of them will be denied promotions they are eligible for. “As we wait, teachers’ lives continue to be on
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GTU President, Mark Lyte hold…” Lyte had complained earlier this year when he had started an appeal for the ruling to be fast-tracked. “We can’t fight the system, we can’t tell them how to operate but the ruling could only be for or against and we are prepared to abide by whatever it is and move on. We are worried at this point about why it is taking so long,” the GTU President had added. According to Lyte, the GTU was merely seeking to have the teachers promoting bodies review the process of promotion rather than proceed with finalising a preliminary list. But Chairman of the TSC, Ms. Leila Ramson, had disclosed that the process would have been too tedious for her staff. She had, however, committed to having all of the concerns of the GTU addressed during the promotion process this year. However, since there was no promotion last year, the process has also been stalled for this year thus resulting in no teacher being elevated for 2015 and 2016 thus far.
Sunday October 30, 2016
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Kaieteur News
GRPA raises awareness on bullying GRPA booth at bullying Awareness Street fair
Pyarg booth at bullying Awareness Street fair
The Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA) hosted a street fair to increase awareness on the subject of bullying and its resulting effects, on Main Street, on Friday. This event was in recognition of GRPA’s National Bullying Prevention Month. Several other organisations joined the street fair, among them SASOD Guyana, Voluntary Youth Platform, Child Link and the President Youth Award Republic of Guyana MS.
GRPA Youth Volunteer, Kendra Warner, told Kaieteur News that the street fair was aimed at encouraging people to send positive messages to their colleagues. She added that this was also an opportunity to inform persons about bullying, its causes, effects and prevention methods. Warner explained that bullying is a major issue in Guyana. Many people are fooled into thinking bullying is only a physical thing. Moreover Warner said some people even believe that
bullying is a way of life for Caribbean people. The Youth Volunteer said this is not the case, noting that bullying is a serious issue that could lead to suicide, which Guyana has seen much of in recent times. Warner said many persons in Guyana commit suicide because of bullying; however it is not usually portrayed in the media as such. This Warner that is something that needs to be looked at and preventative methods developed. “We can encourage
people to be kind to each other. If you have been a bully and you feel you are getting caught up in that position, we can also encourage people to seek counseling.” Warner explained The volunteer noted that persons need to look out for one another. Warner said that the GRPA has not done any surveys to ascertain which age groups, ethnicities or even genders are most affect by bullying. However it has been noticed in the many classroom sessions conducted by the
organisation, that the problem of bullying is very prevalent in the school system. It was noted that bullying is also an issue in the workplace.
Warner noted that when persons attend counselling sessions at the GRPA they would complain of bosses or colleagues at their workplaces harassing them.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday October 30, 2016
Centennial Stamps unveiled at Three Friends Mine The bauxite centennial committee in collaboration with the Guyana Post Office Corporation recently unveiled four centennial stamps in observance of the bauxite industry’s centennial anniversary. The unveiling was done at the Three Friends Mine, Region Ten, the site where bauxite was first mined in October 1916, and where the first bridge (Hope) over the Demerara River, was established.
Chief engineer of BOSAI minerals, and member of the Bauxite Century committee, Orin Barnwell, provided a breakdown of the evolution of bauxite from 1916 to 2016. Barnwell highlighted the early days of mining which involved manual labour with pick axes and shovels. In his reflections, Barnwell pointed out that in 1916 pick axes and shovels were the tools of extraction while mule carts and wooden barges or punts were used to
transport the ore. He spoke of how a nine mile long railway was established in 1920 from Three Friends Mine to Mackenzie and the how instruments of that time were steam shovels and locomotives. According to Barnwell, in 1939 during the Second World War, Guyana exported 4.6 million tons of bauxite to Canada for the production of aluminium war planes. By that time the industry was using diesel and electrical powered
machinery. Then came the 1960’s - the era of the bucket wheel excavator and the eight walking draglines. The year 2003 saw the implementation of hydraulic excavators and off highway trucks. This was largely due to the energy deficiency of 2003. The industry also stopped using explosives, that year, Barnwell said. Steve Connolly, author of “Children of Watooka”, a son of expatriates who was born in Guyana spoke about the bauxite industry from an expatriate point of view. The Guyana Post Office Corporation was represented by Postmaster General, Karen Brown, who introduced the stamps and provided background to the collaboration of the GPOC and the Bauxite Century Committee to make the stamps a reality. The Stamps were funded by R.U.S.A.L Guyana Bauxite Company Incorporated. Brown said that the stamps will be available in $80,
$140, $150, $180 denominations at post offices country wide. She reflected on the British Guiana one-cent black on magenta which was printed in Georgetown, Guyana in April 1856, and is now one of the most valuable, rare and famous stamps in the world. It was issued in limited numbers in British Guiana (now Guyana) 160 years ago. In 2014, the stamp was sold for US$9.58 million. It has broken the world record for a single stamp auction price. The stamp is now on display at the American Postal Museum in Washington DC. Brown said that the “Commemorative stamps are the perfect memorabilia to celebrate an anniversary or significant event such as this since it is circulated both locally and internationally to a wide cross section of people.” Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Public Telecommunication was her advisor, Enrico Woolford, who noted that the unveil-
ing of the stamps “serves as a reminder of our right to disseminate and receive information”. He said that the event also shows the relevance of the post office and expressed the hope to soon see post offices as information, Communication, technology (ICT) hubs in the near future as part of Guyana’s E-Governance plans. The stamps were unveiled by Enrico Woolford, aided by BC committee Chairman Horace James, Three Friends Mine’s oldest resident Leah Lorimer and a student of the Coomacka Primary School. Highlights of the ceremony included cultural presentations by four time consecutive champions of the festival of choirs competition, the Region Ten choir, and poetry by Coomacka primary student Romona Fraser and Kezia McDonald from Regma Primary School. Both poems were reflections of bauxite mining.
Sunday October 30, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Sunday October 30, 2016
FEMALE COP RECEIVES INTERNATIONAL AWARD A female cop in the Guyana Police Force (GPF) received an international recognition and scholarship award in Barcelona, Spain. The Force in a release said that Senior Superintendent of Police, Maxine Graham, DSM, was enlisted in the Guyana Police Force close to three decades ago and continues to serve with distinction and dedication. According to the release, on October 7, last, the officer left Guyana to join her 20 other female officers who departed on the previous day to Barcelona, Spain, to attend the 54th Annual Conference of International Association of Women Police (IAWP). On October 9, last, Graham was awarded a
plaque for winning the 2016 International Association of Women Police Recognition and Scholarship Award, for her vast area of work which includes key responsibilities and appointments, aimed at developing and improving the lives of members of the Force, single parents, youths, elders and the less fortunate. She was selected from a list of 45 nominees from over 70 countries. According to the release, on April 28, last, she received from President David Granger, the Good Conduct and Long Service Medal for dedication and commitment to the Guyana Police Force.
On October 6, last, Graham was bestowed the Disciplined Service Medal, a National Award for long service, dedication and hard work within the Guyana Police Force of a high order. A University of Guyana graduate in the fields of Public Safety and Security Management, and Social Work, the senior
superintendent who still has a number of years before retiring from the Force, is currently pursuing a Degree in Law, and has the possibility of being ear-marked to take up the mantle as the Guyana Police Force’s Legal Advisor, having already spent 10 years as a Court Prosecutor/Court Superintendent in central Georgetown.
Graham being presented with the award.
GPF NEEDS TO MANAGE RESOURCES BETTER — PSC The Integrated Crime Information System (ICIS) should dictate how the Guyana Police Force (GPF) deploys its assets for crime fighting. This position was taken as the Private Sector Commission voiced its concerns over the rapidly growing crime situation. Major General (Retired), Norman McLean, said the ICIS programme is very interesting, as it allows the GPF to analyse every crime that takes place across the country. McLean added that the information from the programme can even show the trends and crime hot spots. This, he added, should dictate how the GPF deploys its resources to meet the challenge of crime. However, McLean noted that how the information is applied in the various police divisions would be a matter for top brass at the GPF. Captain Gerry Gouveia said that while he
believes the police force is deploying anticrime ranks, these ranks need to be seen. “If they (GPF) say they are deploying, we are not seeing them. This is not a time for the police force to camouflage themselves. This is a point in time when we want to see them. We want to see them in our neighbourhood; we want to see them on the corridor when people are coming from the international airport.” Gouveia stressed. Gouveia added that the presence of the police will serve as a deterrent to crime. “We don’t understand the strategy they are using and the problem is that it seems not to be delivering any results. Every day more and more of the private sector are being hurt and moreover in the country the fear and paranoia qare building every day.” Gouveia said. The police force needs to restore the public’s confidence in them, Gouveia added.
Sunday October 30, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Brickdam lockup rehabilitation suffers setbacks in public tender process Even as concerns continue to rise over the stalled rehabilitation of the Brickdam Police lock ups, Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, has explained that the detention facility, which was due for corrective works under this year’s budget, has suffered due to setbacks in the public tendering process. Minister Ramjattan was at the time, responding to questions posed by media operatives at the Press conference held yesterday. According to Ramjattan, a number of projects under the Public Sector Investment Programme, also had huge allocations in the 2016 budget but they were stalled by the “bottlenecks” of the public tendering processes. The Minister explained the rehabilitation process of the lock ups has seen its fair share of troubles. There were three bidders involved in the evaluation process at the National
- Public Security Minister
Acting Police Commissioners David Ramnarine
Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan
Tender Board. At one point, the Minister said that the process was stalled because all three bidders were non-responsive. But only one bidder, he said, maintained interest in the project at the level of the National Tender Board. “That now is with the National Tender Board ... I rather suspect that they will be the only one who will be doing it. It should have
awarded before December 31, so at least the monies allocated in this year ‘s budget is going to be given to the contractor for purposes of doing that bit of work,” Ramjattan explained. The Minister said, too, that some amount of corrective work needs to be done on the lockups due to design flaws. Ramjattan’s comments come days after Acting Police Commissioner
Ex-GNS members want memorial... (From page 10) aired concerns over the use of the GNS Sports Club. They explained that they are not getting to properly use the facility built by them. According to the former ranks, the building was constructed through selfhelp, with each member donating one month’s salary. Today, they complained that to get to use the building, if they put in a late application
to book the building then they do not have a meeting place. Further if they do book the building and get it, they are likely at the bottom flat while the top is rented for other events. Launched in 1974, the GNS had its origins in an attempt to solve the problem of youth unemployment in the mid-1960s. Before its controversial dismantling in 2000, over 20,000 youths were
trained in various paramilitary and life skills. The Veterans Commission of Inquiry was set up by President David Granger and tasked with examining the conditions and circumstances facing veterans of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the Guyana People’s Militia and GNS. The COI which formally commenced interviews on August 31st, is scheduled to conclude this month.
David Ramnarine called for the works on the facility to be expedited to adequately serve the needs of A Division. Ramnarine, during a press briefing, had said that the state of the key detention facility “continues to be of grave concern to us as law enforcement officials”. “The burden of shifting serious crimes suspects to other lockups on a daily basis is one we have been bearing with tremendous patience over the years. I wish to take this opportunity to urge the officials concerned to spare no effort to realise this much needed facility in the capital city of Georgetown,”
Commissioner Ramnarine said. A Division, of which Georgetown is part, deals with close to 60 percent of the reports of serious crimes. Commissioner Ramnarine said that it is challenging for the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to find holding facilities for offenders in the division. “You have to eke out scarce mobile resources and manpower every day to traverse long distances to detain suspects at other facilities,” the Commissioner explained. According to a Government Information Agency, (GINA) report
Commissioner Ramnarine explained that there is need for an increase in the number of holding cells at the Brickdam lockups. “They need to make it more efficient; they need to make it more accommodating and they need to address human rights issues,” Ramnarine explained. The Acting Commissioner said that these concerns have been raised with the Ministry of Public Security which has oversight responsibility for the GPF. “There needs to be more effort in terms of expediting, enhancing that process. It’s a key facility it should be given the requisite attention of more attention as the case demands,” Commissioner Ramnarine said.
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Sunday October 30, 2016
Kaieteur News
Moblissa smash-up…
Mahdia in shock, second victim unidentified The Guyana Police Force is still investigating the fatal accident which occurred Friday evening on the Moblissa Highway around 19:30Hrs. According to police reports, so far one of the victims, a man, who died remains unidentified. Based on initial reports, the man has been described as having dreadlocked hair and of African descent. The other fatality was positively identified as 57-year-old Bridgette Alleyne of Goed Fortuin West Bank Demerara. The police reported that
based on enquiries Motor Lorry GMM 6461 was at the time proceeding in a southern direction transporting logs. Mini Bus BVV 3782 which was driven by Peter Alleyne also known as “Brother Peter”, husband of the deceased woman, was proceeding in the same direction. The bus then crashed into the back of the heavy duty truck. All three occupants sustained injuries and were rushed to the Mackenzie Public Hospital where Alleyne and the unidentified male were pronounced dead
on arrival. The driver of the bus was admitted and is said to be in a stable condition. Police conducted breathalyser tests on both drivers and each were found to be void of blood alcohol. The driver of the truck is assisting with the investigation. According to reports reaching this newspaper, the bus driven by Alleyne was coming from the Konawaruk Mining District. A passenger who was travelling in another minibus told this publication that Brother Peter’s minibus
Dead: Bridgette Alleyne overtook his while they were offloading a passenger. The eyewitness said that after driving further up the bridge, he noticed the bus was on the right side of the bridge on the verge of tipping over off the curb wall. The eyewitness stated that the logs being carried by the lorry
Bridgette Alleyne and her husband Peter, in happier times. were apparently extended some 15 feet from the tray of the truck. Additionally, there were no lights or reflectors attached to the vehicle. He said that the bus was badly damaged to the point of almost being ripped apart.
The news has shocked Mahdia, a Region Eight mining community where the Alleynes are said to be well known. There was an outpouring of grief in the social media over the accident.
Georgetown woman remanded for cocaine A woman who was nabbed with a quantity of cocaine on Thursday at a backtrack crossing on the Corentyne has been remanded to jail. The unemployed woman, Senimelia Alizzia Lewis, 31, of 84 Sugar Cane Street, South Ruimveldt Gardens, Georgetown appeared on Friday in the Springlands Magistrate Court before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh, on a charge of
possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking. She pleaded not guilty and was remanded to jail until December 14, 2016. The woman was nabbed with 668 grams of cocaine at the No. 78 Foreshore, Corriverton, Berbice. Information revealed that Lewis was an outgoing passenger at the No78 backtrack crossing en route to Suriname when she was observed by both police and
Guyana Revenue Authority Enforcement Officers acting in a suspicious manner. She was subsequently arrested and subjected to a search of her belongings and her person. The illegal substance was found strapped to her right leg. She was taken into custody and subsequently charged. The matter is being prosecuted by Inspector Bernard Brown.
Sunday October 30, 2016
Kaieteur News
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A cure even at an advanced stage! By Sharmain Grainger
Human beings throughout the centuries have mastered many incredible feats. Many of these are evident in the arena of health care. For instance, a pill or two could help bring an end to an overwhelming headache, and even more daring, a baby could be conceived in a test tube then placed into the womb to develop. There are many more amazing accomplishments in health such as cures for a number of diseases. A number of dreaded diseases have been known to inflict some of our people right here in Guyana. Because there is no possibility of redemption when some diseases reach a certain stage, many health professionals urge that persons seek to safeguard themselves by taking necessary precautions. But then in the case of chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) prevention may not always be possible. For example, in the case of cancer, some persons could be more predisposed to it because it is in their genes. This simply means that a woman’s mother and grandmother before her had the disease, and therefore there is a great likelihood that she will develop the disease at some point in her life too. In such cases, health professionals have urged that women as well as men take responsibility for their health by paying keen attention to their bodies and seek to undergo annual medical examinations. This is important, since once detected early, cancer for instance can be cured. Many health workers over the years have lamented the fact that far too many
people are afflicted with cancer when it is far too late. This state of affairs has been linked to the fact that cancer, during its early stages, is usually painless, and its manifesting signs and symptoms are often taken for granted. The manifestation of cancer could be very simple things that can be easily overlooked. Possible symptoms of cancer can include an unusual lump or swelling at any part of the body, a persistent cough, and of course coughing blood is a sure sign that something is wrong, as would be blood found in your urine or faeces. Other symptoms that have been associated with cancer have been unexplained weight loss, a new mole or a mole that relocates, as well as night sweats, unusual breast changes, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, persistent heartburn or indigestion. These are just a few of the known symptoms that have been associated with cancer. Certainly the manifestation of such symptoms will not always be as a result of cancer, but ensuring that you seek medical attention to dispel this is important, since early detection could help save your life. Many health professionals have over the years distressed that too many people present with advanced stages of cancer, at which point little or nothing could be done to help prevent their condition from deteriorating. Palliative care is often the only option offered at this point. However, given the fact that there continue to be advances in health care, the possibility exists today that even at the advanced stages of cancer, patients could have a fighting chance.
Well this is according to information that came to my attention recently. In fact it was an official involved in the field of oncology who spoke of plans that could see Guyana investing in a cancer treatment that could cure cancer even at an advanced stage. The official disclosed that while the treatment could be most efficient if administered at stages one and two, the possibility of patients being offered the treatment at later stages and being effective is not impossible. The treatment has reportedly been introduced in Jamaica and has yielded laudable results. But what the official intimated is that the cost for the treatment currently being discussed could be as much as $6.5 million per cycle for one patient. While there is evidence to suggest that the treatment could help and even cure patients with stage four cancer, the official noted that it would require as much as 18 cycles for it to be successful. Our health sector would undoubtedly be in a bind to make available such costly treatment, especially since there are other diseases that cost a pretty penny to cater to such as kidney failure, the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and of course, there are the other aspects of health care that require their fair share of funding in order to keep the people of this nation alive and well as far as possible. But according to the official, who has seen far too many people die from cancerrelated complications, Guyana should not shy away from this treatment, since the ability to save even one life would mean one less mortality being recorded.
The Baccoo Speaks Crime is back because young criminals are out to challenge law enforcement. A new crime will occur. Young men in a car will abduct girls walking on the streets in the dark. The panic will be understandable, because the police will be unable to curtail this new crime. None of the victims will want to report because of the stigma of rape. ** Another robbery will be executed at a home. The culprits would not get away because of the visuals that abound by way of security cameras. This is not going to be a deterrent, because while the police are investigating there will be reports of another home invasion. ** A fire will strike at a home west of the city. A lighted object will flare up. However, the homeowners will be
able to avert total disaster because of neighbours.
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Sunday October 30., 2016
Kaieteur News
Murder at the Player’s Club By Michael Jordan Brentnol Figueira was probably the last person in the Player’s Club to notice the gunmen, even though the short one with the shotgun was standing just behind him. Figueira didn’t notice because he was backing the entrance, and because he was absorbed in a domino game, and because he was slightly intoxicated. Perhaps things might have turned out differently that Friday night of June 10, 2005, had he not been drinking. But perhaps not. The gunmen who had spawned the country’s ‘crime wave’— into its fourth year at the time — sometimes seemed to kill just for the fun of it. When they weren’t targeting civilians, they were targeting the police, and when they weren’t targeting the lawmen, they were targeting each other. Maybe it was just Brentnol Figueira’s time. Now don’t let the fancy name fool you. The Player’s Club, or Nicky’s Shop, as it was also called, was just a small, roughly-built structure with a few benches and a television set. Part shop, part beer gar-
den, it was the only hangout spot in ‘E’ Field, Sophia, one of the most impoverished sections of the community. There wasn’t any electricity in the area, though the proprietor of the Player’s Club had a generator. Figueira and his wife, Dianne, a teacher by profession, lived some 300 metres away in ‘D’ Field, Sophia, in a two-storey concrete house. A regular patron of the Club, he was a jovial, free-handed individual, who seldom had to be asked twice to buy a round or two. At around 14:00 hrs on June 10, 2005, Figueira arrived home and handed his salary to his wife. He explained to her that he was going to complete some work before going for a drink with friends. Figueira returned home at around 18:00 hrs, while his wife was preparing dinner. ”You want to go to the Fish Shop?” he asked Dianne. Dianne looked at her husband and immediately realized that he had taken one drink too many. No, she replied. She didn’t want to go to the Fish Shop. “You see how you stay? I wan’ go out and I got to beg you like we still courting,”
Brentnol Figueira Brentnol teased. Dianne, a Seventh Day Adventist, pointed out that her ‘Sabbath’ was approaching. Besides, she said, it was dark. She suggested that Brentnol take an early rest. But Brentnol Figueira would have none of that. He told his wife that he was going “up the road”. Telling Dianne he would send a ‘runner’ (one of the youths in the community) with a mosquito coil and a Malta for her, Brentnol then left for the Player’s Club. On arrival, Figueira
bought a bottle of Banko wine, settled into a corner with a few friends and became engaged in a game of dominoes. Other patrons focused on a movie that was being shown on the television set. And so none of them saw when the five men suddenly appeared. Four of them had handguns. The fifth, a short individual, brandished a shotgun. Three of the gunmen remained on guard outside while the other two, including the one with the shotgun, entered the night spot. One of the men walked over to the section of the shop which the proprietor and his wife occupied. The short man with the shotgun took up position a few feet from Figueira. By now, some of the patrons had become aware of their presence. However, many assumed that the men were police ranks. After all, the cops conducted regular raids in the area. Figueira, though, backing the entrance, was still engrossed in his wine and his domino game. Some of the patrons were reacting too slowly for the bandits’ liking and the short bandit with the shotgun said: “Like y’all want I shoot.” He was within earshot of Brentnol Figueira, who now became aware of the men’s presence. Turning around in his seat, Figueira said loudly: “Is who deh talking ‘bout shooting?” ”Shut yuh mouth,” the short bandit with the shotgun said menacingly. Still unaware of the danger, the slightly intoxicated Figueira said jovially: “Y’all is police? Y’all want play? Is twenty dollar a love.” The short gunman edged closer to Figueira. “Game?” he said. “We …doan… play… games.” He pointed the shotgun at Figueira. He cocked his weapon. And still, it seemed, Figueira didn’t sense the dan-
ger. He said: “Jus suh you gun shoot me?” The gunman squeezed the trigger. The blast hurled Figueira from his seat. He was dead before he hit the ground. “IT SOUNDED LIKE A CANNON” After her husband left for the club, Dianne Figueira decided to go over to a female neighbour who was also one of her best friends. Father’s Day was two Sundays away, but the two women were already making plans. They eventually decided to buy shirts for their husbands. At around 21:00 hrs, Dianne informed the friend that she was leaving. But just as she reached the door, both women heard a loud explosion nearby. “That sound like a cannon,” Dianne said. “Girl, how they gun got cannon in Guyana?” the friend retorted. “That is a gunshot.” Dianne Figueira immediately hurried home. She was taking a bath when she heard someone calling outside. Finishing her bath, Mrs. Figueira hurried to her door. Two boys from the community were standing by her gate. She greeted them. “Yuh husband get shoot,” one of the boys said. She had heard the boom of the shotgun just minutes before, yet Dianne Figueira refused to connect that gunshot to her husband. “You mad,” she told the boys. “My husband can’t get shoot.” “Yes,” the boys replied. “He get shot and he dead.” Accompanied by the youths, Dianne Figueira rushed over to the Player’s Club. There, she saw her hus-
band lying motionless on the ground. She shook him. She tried to revive him. But, from the huge hole in his chest, she knew that he was dead. Some of the victims would later recall that after killing Figueira, the gunmen relieved the beer garden owner, Linden Headley, of $30,000 and also took his wife’s earrings. They also relieved the patrons, numbering about 20, of small sums of cash after ordering them to lie on the ground. Some claimed they were beaten. They also took coins from some children who were at the shop with their parents. The eyewitnesses said that the men also tried to cart off a generator, but eventually ditched it nearby and wended their way further into ‘E’ Field, Sophia. Word of the killing spread quickly, and a squad of ‘black clothes’ policemen, guns at the ready, made their way in pitch darkness through the backlands to the murder scene. But by then, the gunmen had vanished. They have never been identified. Within a week the Player’s Club was closed. The owners packed up and left, never to return. Some other residents also left the area, though a few have since returned. Dianne Figueira says that she still has not recovered from the trauma of her husband’s violent death. “I am not afraid,” she told me last week. “I just feel a sadness, a great loss. It affected me (tremendously). I have to do everything on my own. My husband was always there to assist me.” And she still wonders what fate has befallen the gunmen who killed him. She takes some comfort in the belief that they might have been slain over the past few years, during encounters with the Joint Services’, which has apparently wiped out many of the key players in the crime wave. “I guess that these guys might have died, the Force was working overtime (to catch the criminals). Every bad man gets his day.” If you have any further information on this case or any other, please contact us at our Lot 24 Saffon Street office or by telephone. We can be reached on telephone numbers 22-58465, 22-58491, or 22-58458. You need not disclose your identity. You can also contact Michael Jordan at his email address mjdragon@hotmail.com.
Sunday October 30, 2016
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Kaieteur News
The regrets I guess I will always live with Here is what I wrote in last Friday’s article; “I will do a column (maybe tomorrow or the next day or next week) on the things I have regrets about. And certainly Guyana’s backwardness will be all over the article. I am simply pained that I did not enjoy a modern Guyana when I spent 26 years teaching at UG. It is this kind of backwardness I regret and deeply so; it is the angst it brings that has tempted me to do a column on the things I regret in my life now that I am over sixty years of age.” Well I am doing that column right here, right now. Obviously it will take thousands of pages if I were to describe my regrets, and I guess that goes for most people. Life is not determined by our will, instincts, desires and dreams only. Life intrudes on our world and shapes and distorts it in ways we live to regret. I accept the existentialist fulcrums on which human existence rests. But our existence is always spoilt by the intrusion of bad luck, other’s people’s action and unforeseen, unpredictable forces. There is a literary phrase for it; “the vagaries and vicissitudes of life,” We don’t always enjoy the rendezvous
we enter into. That’s life Almost all human beings dead and gone had serious regrets. All of Planet Earth’s living souls live with regrets. Some are incapable of transcending those unholy moments; some of us do not let the scars determine our happiness. On the personal plain, I have my share of unfulfilled moments. They are countless, but only two are worthy of mention because of space. I painfully regretted that my mother did not live to see me work to give her a few pennies. I hate myself for not being able to even “shake a leg” much less dance. I would have loved to dance from childhood to old age. I adore music. Here is a confession you may find odd. One of my biggest regrets is that I did not dance to Barry White’s fantastic instrumental song, “Love Theme” with my wife.” This is the song I would have loved to spend countless hours dancing with my wife. It is a unique song where classical strings are fused with
pop rhythms and the crescendos in the song take you beyond imagination. That is the tune I select for a man to dance with the woman he loves. I have endless regrets about Guyana, my country, the land I belong to; the land that gave me birth, my parents, my wife and daughter. One of the permanent pains some of us live with in Guyana is that there is a daily juxtaposition of what we enjoyed in the outside world and what we endure at home. I attended two Canadian universities that were superb, philosophically gratifying and modernistically phenomenal. I came back to Guyana, spent 26 years teaching at a university that did not and does not have a bookstore. I never had a phone in my office. These are things you regret as age catches up on you. One day, I was going down the escalator at City Mall and the young people going up were so buoyant; the ambi-
ence in the mall reminded me of Canada and Europe. Those ambiences I would have loved to enjoy after a hard day’s work at UG. But in my 26 years at UG, we had to settle for a lime on the seawall. I did say in that Friday column that Guyana’s backwardness would be all over the article as I look back at my life in this country. Many persons I know, some of whom I was close to, some I had ongoing familiarity with, have died because our levels of medical science, science in general and technology are very low. I would visit a friend in the Georgetown Hospital one
day, and the next day, I would hear he/she has died. People I know got murdered and our forensic capabilities were so low, their killers were never caught. Those things pierce your psyche. When I lived abroad, my Christmas gifts normally would be books and music. I returned in 1984 and up to this day, you cannot buy an original CD or DVD in Guyana. Our economy would not support the cost of the original. You can give someone a CD through an Amazon order, but the cost of shipping from the US to Guyana would be ten times the price of the CD.
Frederick Kissoon As you grow older in Guyana, these are the regrets you have to abide with. Your children from nursery to university lived with blackouts. That one will go on forever.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday October 30., 2016
Let’s all re-commit to making this industry buoyant again (An address by Minister Raphael Trotman at the Centennial Bauxite Symposium on October 26, 2016) The year 2016 signifies an iconic landmark in the stillunfolding story of bauxite mining in Guyana as we proudly celebrate Guyana’s 100th year of bauxite mining. It commemorates one full Century of a rich history marked by numerous accomplishments, continual expansion and challenges. Bauxite was one of the leading mineral sub-sectors and accounted for a significant portion of the overall income generated from mineral export. Thanks in large measure to bauxite mining, we Guyanese have been imbued with a pride that equals our keen determination and capability to overcome. Indeed, it was in this hilly, sand and clay belt of Guyana that never-before accomplished feats of Engineering were achieved and mastered. Today, 100 years after we began however, much of that history is at risk of being lost. That pride in our prowess has retreated. Now is the time for Government and Opposition, the companies, unions, and
most especially, the workers to re-commit to making this industry buoyant again. Research has confirmed that there is still an average of 100 years worth of bauxite deposits in the region’s reserves. This calculation is excellent news for residents of Region 10 especially. As at September 30, 2016 bauxite production had increased by some 38,000 tonnes. The current total is 1,138,182.80 tonnes. However, for us to continue to reap benefits from this industry, we must learn from its successes and failures and implement measures to transform, utilizing modern technologies to increase production and develop value added products. Let us reflect on a few of the more notable milestones in the evolution of bauxite in Guyana:§ Early bauxite discoveries of the late 19th and early 20th Centuries led to the official commencement of bauxite mining in 1916 at the Three Friends Mine, Mackenzie. § Guyana was known to have a 350-million-ton bauxite reserve, one of the world’s highest concentra-
tions of this valuable mineral. § Operations were later expanded forty miles south of Mackenzie to the Ituni area. The increased demand for Aluminum, driven by World War II, raised bauxite production to record levels from the 1940s. § Brighter prospects led to the construction of several long term infrastructure including an aluminum processing plant and a ninemile long railway system with a steam-driven locomotive. § In the 1970s, Guyana had the advantage of being the world’s leading supplier of ‘A’ grade Super-Calcined bauxite, the key material used in the bricks that line steel furnaces and for other hightemperature applications. § The Alumina Plant was constructed in 1961 to add value to one of three main bauxite products, Chemical Grade Bauxite (CGB). The other two main products were Refractory ‘A’ Grade SuperCalcined (RASC) bauxite, and Metallurgical Grade Bauxite (MAZ). The plant produced the primary by-product, Alumina, a silvery-white, soft, nonmagnetic, ductile ingredient for metals.
§ The bauxite sector transitioned from being nationalized (1974) to completely privatized (2000’s). The industry benefited from more than US$180M in Capital Investment between 2005 and 2014. In terms of job creation, more than one thousand persons are currently directly employed by the two operating bauxite Companies, Bosai Minerals Group (Guyana) Inc. (545) and the Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc. (524). The Government is pleased to see that these two operators have announced that their employees will now be granted tax-free overtime. This has been a burning issue that the companies had been trying to settle for a long time. Workers were even contemplating strike action. Indirect employment has included many contractors who provided a wide range of services to the bauxite companies. Recent as well, the Canadian Company, First Bauxite Corporation, has been granted a 50-year land lease through its local subsidiary, Guyana Industrial Minerals Inc. The company has com-
pleted and submitted a Technical Report on the Feasibility Study for the Bonasika Proppant Project in Essequibo. If approved, this would be Guyana’s third Bauxite mining operation. The sector for several decades has been instrumental in the development of Guyana’s economy. It has supported many lives and livelihoods. It has created competent skills at all levels, contributed heavily to the health and well being of its workforce, and scored numerous remarkable achievements. Beginning in the late 20th Century, however, high world market prices, stiff competition from Chinese bauxite and other externalities affected bauxite trade and the industry declined. It is now in need of innovation and capital injection to improve its efficiency. It is against this background that the Ministry of Natural Resources will conduct a detailed review of the sector. An expert Bauxite Sectoral Review Committee will conduct a feasibility study for mine development and the construction of a modern alumina refinery in
Linden, forming part of a strategy to integrate the bauxite industry while transforming the economy of Region 10. This Committee should commence work in November 2016 and conclude by February 2017. Collectively, these industry experts represent several decades of combined bauxite management and leadership expertise. Mr. E. Lance Carberry and Mr. Sylvester Carmichael will be supported by the Regional Administration, the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union and the Geology and Mines Commission. Given the national significance of this industry, the Government will invite the Parliamentary Opposition to participate. We hope that on this occasion our entreaties will not be rebuffed. The Government of Guyana wishes to sincerely thank and proudly salute everyone who has worked over the past 100 years in plants, mines and offices around the bauxite operations. We also express the nation’s profound gratitude to the workers who are currently striving to keep this industry afloat.
Sunday October 30, 2016
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Kaieteur News
My column
Today is the golden jubilee of life away from home Everybody says time flies. From my young days I have been hearing this statement, so much so that at school when I was dabbling in Latin with my schoolmates, we would look at each other and say, “Tempus fugit”. For me time flew and continues to fly. Yesterday marked fifty years since I left the nest and headed to an unknown location called Bartica. It was Saturday, October 29, 1966. I had already written the General Certificate of Education examinations and had to leave school. Money was not there to continue academic studies all the way to the Advanced Levels. And besides, my mother was glad to have another breadwinner. My stepfather was a lowly pump attendant who found other things to do with his pay. The result was that food was often scarce. Out of school, I sat down and wrote some applications after scanning the newspapers for vacancies. The Education Ministry had the most, so I penned applications to some of them, one of them being St John-the Baptist Anglican School. The response came in August. I should have started out at the beginning of the school year in September, but I read the part that said I would be appointed on November 1, when I would be 18, and interpreted that to mean that I should turn out to work on November 1. Back then, I did not know that I could cross with the Georgetown ferry and take the train to Parika, so my mother and I left our Beterverwagting home shortly after three that Saturday morning for the Kingston wharf. She had to be there, because I did not know where I had to go. From where she got the ten dollars I still do not know.
What I do know was that she bought my ticket for just over three dollars and she gave me five dollars to face whatever I had to in Bartica. I always tell people that I started life with five dollars in my pocket. One week earlier, I attended my cousin, Pamela Padmore’s wedding. She was Pam Harris then. I was with her and her husband when they renewed their vows last Sunday at Bethel Congregational Church, Beterverwagting. So fifty years ago I boarded the MV Powis and got my first taste of seasickness. The boat travelled out the mouth of the Demerara, so far out that I actually saw turquoise water, a far cry from the muddy water that lashes the Guyana coast. I vomited and a sailor, Mr Carlton Joseph, offered me his bunk. I will always remember that voyage. And as fate would have it, years later Mr Joseph became my next door neighbour. He is now dead, but I established firm relationships with his children, one of whom still lives next door. The ferry reached Parika and people asked me why I didn’t take the ferry and the train. The ferry was at eight. I could have had five hours more of sleep and I would not have had to walk from Stabroek Market to Kingston in the dead of night. The saying that stranger don’t know burying ground is so apt. Fifty years ago I got my first glimpse of Bartica. Along the way I kept asking the sailors to name the places I was seeing. At Fort Island I spend fifty cents on fruits and another mite on a puri and something else. The vessel moored at Bartica that afternoon, and armed with a letter from my parish priest, I headed for the vicarage at St John the Baptist. Of course I had to seek
directions. I remember the carnival atmosphere that greeted me. The entire village had turned out to greet the steamer and that night Bartica was like Christmas. People were out everywhere. My heart lit up; this was the Bartica of which I heard. Life was going to be pleasant. The place was a little less active the Sunday night, but very dead the Monday night. The steamer had left early that morning. I learnt in a jiffy that whenever the steamer came the place would be abuzz. I moved to Ms Shirley Davis three days after I landed and paid a princely thirty dollars monthly as boarding and lodging. My salary was $92.50 a month. That was a lot of money. I was not paid at the end of November because the Ministry had to fix the pay sheet, but I got every cent the following month—all the pay for November and half month pay for December. I went to the cinema a few times, but alcohol was out of the question. I was a little boy and Shirley Davis was like my mother—no late nights, no philandering. I wasn’t being called ‘Sir’ just yet. Fifty years ago, in November, I went to a show featuring Calypso Rose, Lord Kitchener, Lord Blakie, Mighty Duke, Bill Trotman the comedian, and some others. I remembered the after party at the Barn, a famous location that is no more. When school closed I went home after collecting my pay. My sister, Evelyn, saw $100 for the first time. That Christmas was great at home. I could go to public dances and I took my sister and some friends. Ten dollars gave us a good time; got some of us drunk and I still had change in my pocket. Admission to the dance was 75 cents. Bartica helped make me
what I am. People who did not know the place labeled it as the village famous for footballers and bad women; they never understood the closeness of the community where you could go out and leave your door open. I remember travelling to the city on breaks and hastening to go back to Bartica after two or three days. Georgetown had nothing for me. Being away from Bartica was akin to a fish being out of water. The quiet, family-oriented nature of the place was the pull. I became Slick, because back then I straightened my hair. I learned Guyana because of Bartica. I got married there, fathered three of my children there, and did everything meaningful in that community. It was from Bartica
that I visited Kaieteur Falls for the first of my five times. To this day, I would tell people that while Beterverwagting and Den Amstel were blessings for me, it was Bartica that made me, and that began fifty years ago. I can’t imagine that all that time has passed. It was like yesterday that I stepped off the Powis, which is now a wreck at the mouth of the Essequibo River. It ran aground while returning to the city and was replaced by the MV Barima. Bartica has changed a lot. Houses better than some in the city have sprung up. From the days when there were two vehicles, barring the government Land Rovers, Bartica has a plethora of minibuses and taxis. People used to walk
Adam Harris to any location, now they don’t. It is not yet the fiftieth anniversary of my meeting with Dr George Norton and Dr Monica Odwin-Sagala in my classroom, but that is not too far away. And they are only two of those who passed through my hands.
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“Guyana has opened a new chapter in its development. Guyana is pursuing a green agenda that is a pathway to economic prosperity and social well-being.” Those are the assertions of His Excellency David Granger, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. If we are going to build a ‘green’ Guyana then it is imperative that at the community and individual level, we start educating ourselves to think ‘green’. The President has laid out broad guidelines for Guyana’s green development strategy and a template for the ‘greening of Guyana. This however can only become a reality if at the level of the individual citizen, lifestyle changes are made. Everyone has a responsibility to reduce their individual carbon footprint, and there are lots of ways to do so. We encourage everyone to think about their lifestyle decisions and find opportunities to reduce their climate impact. If you drive a car, make
Kaieteur News
sure that it is tuned up and running efficiently. Replace your air, oil and fuel filters according to schedule and keep your tyres properly inflated. You may be surprised, but keeping your tyres properly inflated alone, can save up to 700 pounds of CO2 per year. In the household, we should strive to change from the regular incandescent light bulbs to Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs (CFL), however it is apposite to note that LED light bulbs are even more efficient than CFL’s and just as affordable. When buying household appliances, ensure that it has an ‘energy efficient’ label. Unplug your cell phone changer when you are not using it and follow your mother’s advice - turn things off. If you are going away or not using an item unplug it. SOLID WASTE Garbage falls into one of two categories, either biode-
gradable or non-biodegradable. While biodegradable waste will eventually breakdown and become part of the Earth and soil, like food scraps, paper etc., non-biodegradable waste will not breakdown or at least not breakdown for many years. Examples of nonbiodegradables are plastics, Styrofoam, metals, glass, tyres, old appliances, plastic grocery shopping bags, plastic water bottles and other similar materials. Those of us who live in Georgetown know that non-biodegradable waste has become a public health and environmental concern. All across Guyana non-biodegradable waste, like plastics and Styrofoam can be seen littering our roadways, clogging our drainage canals and polluting our rivers. It is important for us as a nation to understand what non-biodegradable waste is, as well as
the negative effects that it has on the planet. Non-biodegradable waste that is properly discarded and taken to a landfill will only accumulate; it will not break down, it will grow, take up space and in some instances pollute the water table and endanger marine animals (especially when non-biodegradable waste is dumped into our rivers, lakes and streams). However there are ways to prevent the accumulation of non-biodegradable waste. The most common one available to everyone is to recycle and be conscious to think ‘green’. Another solution is to replace non-biodegradable material with ones specifically designed to be biodegradable. The recent restriction on the use of Styrofoam is a step in the right direction and an example of the type of action that can be taken to protect our environment. Every citizen can play a part in the Greening of Guyana and there are so many easy ways that this can be achieved. Some of the areas that must be considered are: * Solar Energy to power
Sunday October 30., 2016
residential and government buildings, and wind power where applicable to facilitate coastal and hinterland agroprocessing. * Recycling of plastics, paper, cardboard, glass bottles and building materials. We must learn to separate our waste, so that we can reuse what is reusable and only dump what cannot be reused. * Replacing old refrigerators and washing machines with new energy efficient ones. It is an established fact that old appliances use more energy. * Power DownThe majority of office power is consumed by machines that are off but still plugged into a live outlet. * Use natural light- Open the blinds and let daylight in whenever possible. Artificial lighting accounts for almost a quarter of office power costs. Don’t leave lights on at night when offices are empty. Turn off the light in rooms that not in use. * Install motion sensor light switches, especially in bathrooms and conference rooms. * Buy remanufactured ink and toner cartridges, they costs about fifteen percent less, also each reused car-
tridge saves about 2.5 pounds of metal and plastic and about half a gallon of oil, all of which is wasted in the manufacturing process. * Buy multi-purpose office machines that can do printing, scanning, faxing and copying. So instead of having, three or four machines, you have just one that is capable of doing several tasks. *Fix leaky faucets and supply pipes. * Drive at the speed limit; also combine as many errands as possible in one trip. In a recent address His Excellency the President reminded us that citizens must enjoy the good life in a safe and clean environment. He said, “We will therefore rigidly enforce laws against littering. We will promote the use of bio-degradable packaging materials. The Regional, Municipal and Neighbourhood Councils must ensure that there are adequate, properly managed and safe dumpsites and sewage processing facilities in every region.” A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) is committed to Guyana’s ‘green’ development strategy and will work to make this nation a better place for this and future generations.
Sunday October 30, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Marijuana Use: The Medical Side of the story By Dr Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine Marijuana use is on the increase in Guyana and worldwide. There is an increase in the request for legalizing its use, but there is still a division in views when it comes to this controversial drug. Marijuana is a drug that comes from the leaves and flowers of a plant. (The plant is also called marijuana.) It is usually sold in the form of leaves and buds. Today we will highlight the effects of this drug and the challenges faced when it’s misused. WHAT DOES MARIJUANA DO TO THE BRAIN AND BODY? Marijuana can make you feel happy and relaxed. It can also make you feel less anxious, tense, and depressed. But it does bad things, too. It makes it hard to focus or remember things, or to think clearly. Plus, it slows your reaction time and impairs your judgement. Marijuana can also: %Make your heart race
%Raise your blood pressure %Make you breathe faster %Make your eyes red %Make your mouth dry %Make you hungry WHO USES MARIJUANA? Marijuana use is common worldwide. About four percent of people ages 15 to 64 in the world have used it in the last year. Younger people are more likely than older people to use it, and men are more likely than women to use it. DOES MARIJUANA HAVE ANY MEDICAL BENEFITS? Maybe. Marijuana might help ease pain and other symptoms caused by cancer or cancer treatment. It might also help with the symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Some medicines are made from the same active ingredients that are in marijuana. It does not cure cancer or any illness. WHAT IS CANNABIS USE DISORDER? Cannabis use disorder is basically the medical term for marijuana addiction. People used to think that marijuana
was not addictive, but that turns out not to be true. Marijuana addiction does exist, and it can be mild to severe. People with marijuana addiction have two or more of the following problems. The more of these they have, the more severe their disorder. %They end up using more marijuana than they planned to, or they use it for longer than they planned to. %They wish they could cut down on drugs, but they can’t. %They spend a lot of time trying to get drugs, getting high, or recovering from being high. %They crave or have a strong desire or urge to use marijuana. %Because of their marijuana use, they often don’t do things that are expected of them, such as go to work or school, remember family events, and clean their home. %They keep using marijuana even if it causes or worsens problems in their relationships or interactions with other people. %They stop or cut back on important
social, work, or fun activities they used to do. %They keep using marijuana even in situations where it is dangerous to do so (such as while driving). %They keep using marijuana even when they know they have a physical or mental problem that was probably caused or made worse by their marijuana use. %They need to smoke more and more to get the same effects they used to get with less. Or they get less effect from using the amount that used to get them high. This is called “tolerance.” %They have “withdrawal symptoms” if they stop using marijuana after using it for a long time. Withdrawal symptoms can include: •Irritability, anger or aggression •Nervousness or anxiety •Trouble sleeping (sometimes because of weird dreams) •Decreased appetite or weight loss •Restlessness •Sadness or depression •At least one of the following physical symptoms: stomach pain, shaking, sweating, fever,
chills, headache HOW IS MARIJUANA ADDICTION TREATED? In general, treatment involves addiction counseling and taking part in a support group. %Addiction counseling – People with addiction work with a counselor to better understand their addiction. They learn new ways to lead their life that do not involve drugs. %Support groups – In support groups, people with addiction share their experiences with each other. Some people cannot stop using marijuana even with counseling and support groups. They might benefit from a more structured treatment programme that includes specific types of therapy, behavioral exercises, and routine drug testing. There are also a couple of medicines that might help some people who cannot stop using marijuana with the usual treatments. There is not a lot of proof that these medicines work, but some experts think it is worth trying one of them
Dr. Zulfikar Bux and should be supervised with regular doctor visits. For specific situations, there are other treatments. An example is family therapy, which can be especially helpful for children or teens with addiction, who have families willing to participate in treatment. Now that you are
aware of the effects of marijuana, you may be able to make a better decision about its use. My take is that it is not safe and has too many health hazards. It gives your body the short term pleasure with long lasting ill or sometimes even deadly effects.
Sunday October 30, 2016
SUNDAY SPECIAL GMC HEADQUARTERS CONSTRUCTION…GRDB HEAD, GOVT. ENGINEER, CONTRACTOR TO FACE CRIMINAL CHARGES Charges have been recommended against several persons, including the current chief of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) and a Government engineer over a multimillion-dollar construction of the office building of the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC). More than a week ago, the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) completed its report into the investigations of the construction of the building which was contracted out in 2011. A forensic audit report submitted back in April by auditor, Saykar Boodhoo, had flagged the construction, citing several worrying things at GMC, an agency of the Ministry of Agriculture. The forensic audit report was sent to Cabinet where it was decided that the findings of the report were serious enough to warrant a deeper investigation into not only the construction of the building but also into the handling of hundreds of millions of dollars of fertilizers. The matter was handed over to SOCU. According to senior Government officials, SOCU recommended that charges be laid against former GMC’s General Manager, Nizam Hassan; Hanniel Madramootoo, an engineer of the Ministry of Agriculture who oversaw the project; and a number of staffers of the contractor, Constantine Engineering and Construction Services of Trinidad and Tobago. The recommendations have reportedly been sent to the Ministry of Public Security and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) – the latter for advice. According to Government sources, investigations found the principals of the contracting company are close relatives of the engineer. Investigations reportedly also found that Madramootoo allegedly used a family member to conduct transactions at the Tender Board relating to the project. US$18M smart meters, new transformers project…After eight-month delay, GPL to announce winner in another week After almost eight months of “assessment”, it appears that evaluators of a major Guyana Power and Light (GPL) project may be ready to choose a company for the job. The project which will see more that 25,000 smart meters and new transformers will
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Kaieteur News
Engineer, Hanniel Madramootoo
Former GMC’s General Manager, Nizam Hassan
also include some 800 kilometers of low and medium voltage lines along the coastlands. The tenders for the project—it is estimated to cost US$18.6M– were opened since February but the announcement of a winner has been delayed with little answers coming from officials. Over a week ago, GPL’s Chairman, Robert Badal, confirmed that GPL will be making an announcement by this month-end. It is expected that evaluators will recommend a company and submit it to GPL’s board before it is handed over to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure. That Ministry will then forward the decision of the award to the Cabinet for its no-objection. Five companies tendered for the project- Sino Hydro Corporation (China)- $7.1B; Multi Electrical System N.V. (Suriname)- $6.4B; China National Machinery Import and Export (CMC)/China Sinogy Electric Engineering Co. Limited – $4.6B; Cummings Electrical Limited- $3.6B and Enrique Lourido/Fixit Depot$3.5B. There have been many questions about the delays of the award of the project with a number of letter writers raising questions about the secrecy and the time it is taking to evaluate. Sophie Makonnen, Country head of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) where part of the money is coming from, has made it clear that evaluation is at the GPL side. The evaluation is being conducted in accordance with IDB standards and regulations, she had assured. The project would be one of the biggest to be embarked on this year by the administration. It is part of a US$65M initiative known as the Power Utility Upgrade Programme (PUUP). The monies are coming from IDB which is contrib-
uting over US$37M in loans and financing from the European Union for US$27M – mainly grants. Herstelling robbery/ murder…Victim identifies one of five gunmen during ID parade Abid Subrati, an overseas-based Guyanese, Saturday identified one of five gunmen, who stormed his home on Thursday and killed his 44-year-old brother during a robbery at Herstelling, East Bank Demerara (EBD). Subrati said that he was asked to go to the Brickdam Police Station to pick out the persons who went into his home—he identified one person during the identification parade. That individual is the brother-in-law of Subrati’s tenant, who is suspected of planning the brazen attack which resulted in the death of
Abdool Ameer Subrati, a father of one. The 21-year-old tenant and his wife, who is accused of clearing the spent shells from the crime scene, remain in police custody. Ranks are hunting for four other persons. The young couple is renting the lower flat of the Herstelling property where Subrati, his wife and daughter were staying when they arrived in Guyana two Tuesdays ago. The 44-year-old man had gone to the location to visit his brother when the robbery occurred. He was shot to the neck when he put up a fight with the men. He later succumbed at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). MONDAY EDITION AG HAS POWER TO TAKE FINANCE MINISTER TO COURT OVER ABUSE OF CONTINGENCY FUND – GOOLSARRAN 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
The GMC head office which was the subject of an investigation.
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. New govt. continues PPP’s trend…Money taken from lottery fund without approval 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 (Continued on page 42)
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From page 41 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. Freak storm damages East Berbice homes Several homes sustained severe damage and one was completely flattened during after a “freak storm hit areas of east Berbice at around 02:00 hrs Sunday. Zinc sheets were blown off, PVC ceilings ripped out, concrete posts cracked and fallen trees and branches blocked one access street. The storm struck sections of the Number 19 and Warren Villages. The high winds also ripped off roofs and caused millions of dollars in losses. Neezam Khalim told Kaieteur News that his entire roof along with other parts of his home was destroyed or blown away. ”I hear noises like a hard wind blowing and I get up and go outside the house when I see all me ceiling start crash down on me”. A shed, which he said was built recently at the cost of some $400,000 was demolished. Not a single zinc sheet was in sight when the storm subsided. According to Khalim, he
Kaieteur News
Auditor General, Deodat Sharma
Finance Minister, Winston Jordan
WPA Executive Member, Dr. David Hinds
managed to save a mattress and his daughter’s passport which he took downstairs in the kitchen. With the roof gone and the rain pouring in, all his other belongings were destroyed. Another resident, Alimoon Gobin told Kaieteur News that he was not at home when the storm passed through. ”I aint went home but when I come I ain’t see no house and I deh looking for me house and there it deh flat on the ground.” He is seeking assistance since he reportedly lost everything. Another resident divulged that she awoke at just about 01:00 hrs when she felt her house shaking, she stated that before she knew it she had no roof as the catastrophic winds ripped through. The entire Number 19 and Warren Villages sustained a power outage due to the storm. When this publication visited the area the residents were seen nailing their rooftops while some were still contemplating their next move. TUESDAY EDITION PROBLEMS WITH CONTAINER SCANNERS…GUYANA
RISKS US MARITIME EXPORT BAN After spending millions of US dollars to procure “state of the art” scanners, Guyana is still susceptible to a ban from the United States on all shipments leaving by boat. A Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) source told Kaieteur News, “The US is being lenient with us for now, but if only one major bad shipment of drugs slips through and arrives at a US port they will surely enforce the ban.” In May 2010, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/ C) administration acquired an electronic container scanner for US$1M for the purpose of 100 percent container scanning. In his 2015 report, the Auditor General, Deodat Sharma, said that the scanner was placed into operation in May 2011, one year after it was procured. However the multimillion-dollar piece of equipment collapsed and became inoperable by October 2014. Sharma reported that this was due to a loss of power to the electrical cabinet. He said that another scanner was acquired in November 2013 for US$5.3M and placed into operation on January 4, 2014. This became in-
operable on June 18, 2016. Sharma said that at the time of reporting in September, the scanner remained inoperable. GRA admitted that the first scanner is unserviceable and repairs are not cost-effective. The mobile scanner malfunctioned because of its constant exposure to weather conditions. The scanner was repaired. Currently the Authority is in the process of identifying a permanent location for the scanner. Sharma has since recommended that GRA continue its efforts to identify a suitable location for the scanner that would protect it from the rigors of nature. On Monday a GRA source confirmed that the Authority is still looking for a permanent station for the scanner. The source said that for almost a year, the scanner was operating from the tarmac of the National Park. “That is where the exposure to the weather came from.” The source added that in addition to the damage caused to the equipment, the foundation of the National Park also became damaged due to the operations there. ”The container trucks and
The mobile scanner
Sunday October 30., 2016
Chartered Accountant, Anand Goolsarran the machine itself damaged the tarmac; remember the radiation from this machine is great.” ”At the moment we are trying to find a location to operate the machine, but the machine is working perfectly.” Guyana, Chile sign direct flights, visa free agreements Guyana and Chile on Monday, last, inked the Open Skies Air Services Agreement and the Reciprocal Visa Abolition Agreement at the Palacio de la Moneda, the seat of the President of the Republic of Chile. The agreements were signed by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge and Chilean Foreign Minister, Heraldo Muñoz in the presence of President David Granger and President Michelle Bachelet of Chile. The signing followed bilateral talks between the two Heads of State. The Open Skies Agreement creates the framework for current and future airlines of both Chile and Guyana to explore the option of launching commercial flights that cover the transport of passengers and cargo between the two states. According to the Ministry of the Presidency, the Visa Abolition Agreement opens the way for visa free travel between citizens of both countries. Both agreements are expected to promote improved travel between Guyana and Chile and other countries in South America in the long term. HEALTH MINISTRYTO GIVE CHI SUBVENTION FOR EMERGENCY PROCEDURES -SAYS CHI COMMENCED UTILIZING CONTROVERSIAL CATH LAB IN MAY An agreement between the Ministry of Public Health and the Caribbean Heart Institute (CHI) is currently being finalized that will allow for CHI to become eligible for a subvention. According to a
statement issued by the Ministry of Public Health last week Saturday, the subvention is intended to cover costs incurred by CHI for emergency procedures. CHI, according to information from the Ministry, has recorded an average of 15 cardiac procedures per month ever since the establishment of the Catherisation Laboratory (Cath Lab) last May. The cardiac catherisation machine, the Ministry has asserted, was procured by the Ministry of Public Health and has been fully functional thereby serving the cardiac needs of the Guyanese population. It was emphasized that the Lab is not only the largest but the most advanced of any such laboratory in all of the Caribbean. The CHI Lab has been catering to procedures such as cardiac catherisation and the insertion of cardiac stents, pacemakers, defibrillators and heart valve through the groin. All the procedures, the Ministry’s statement said, were performed by Dr. Mahendra Carpen, CHI’s Resident Cardiologist. It was also noted that the establishment of CHI has taken cardiac health care to another level since it opened its doors in 2006 at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) as a public-private partnership. WEDNESDAY EDITION INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ MINISTRY “INADVERTENTLY” PAYS SUPPLIER $2.5M INSTEAD OF $251,200 The Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs has made a major slip that cost taxpayers over $2M. The Ministry paid a dietary supplier over $2.5M for goods worth no more than $251,200. The Ministry is now trying to recover the excess sum from the supplier who readily took the money knowing full well that the pay package was supposed to be significantly less. In his latest report, Auditor General, Deodat Sharma, stated that included in the sum $47.058M expended under dietary for the Amerindian Hostel, $6.759M was paid to a supplier who supplied fruits, greens and vegetables. However, it turned out that $2M of this sum was free money. Sharma said that an examination of the payment vouchers revealed that a payment voucher was prepared in December 2015 for an amount of $251,200. However, the cheque was processed for $2.512M in January 2016. It was uplifted by the supplier “without anyone detecting the anomaly between (Continued on page 43)
Sunday October 30, 2016
From page 42 the amount on the payment voucher and the cheque.” The supplier was overpaid by $2.261M. Sharma reported that further, checks revealed that the details for the payment were entered into the IFMAS on 29 December 2015 by a staff of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and the amount of $2.512M was recorded instead of $251,200. The Auditor General said that the Accountant General’s Department explained that at year end, cheques are prepared for all transactions in the system in order to facilitate the closure of the accounting cycle for that year; hence the variance would not have been detected then. NDIA PAYS CONTRACTOR $$M YEARS AFTER CONTRACT ENDS The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) has been caught in more controversy. The Office of the Auditor General has found that the Authority continued to pay a contractor for repairs to equipment years after the contract was supposed to have ended. In his 2015 report, Auditor General Deodat Sharma highlighted a contract for the operation, servicing and monitoring of (NDIA) Hydraulic Excavators, Bulldozers and Draglines. Sharma said that the contract was signed in November 2010, and the duration for the services was two years, with a completion date of September 13, 2012. Sharma reported that the contractor was to be paid $24,700 per day. Even if the contractor worked every day for the two years straight, he was only supposed to have been paid $18M. But, the unidentified contractor was handed over $384M. Sharma said that while the contract period expired on September 13, 2012, payments were still made to the contractor in the amounts of $129.107M, $106.085M and $40.831M for the years 2013, 2014 and 2015 respectively. Sharma was keen to note that this occurred even though no extension of time was given. Sharma said that the “total payments made to the Contractor up to the time of reporting in September 2016 were $384.683M.” MPS NEED MORE TRAINING IN USE OF STANDING ORDERS – CLERK – SOME DON’T READ OR SHOW INTEREST IN LEARNING THEM Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs, agrees with critics that some Members of Parliament (MPs)
do not know how to impartially interpret the Standing Orders, let alone how to use them. Isaacs said the Constitution of Guyana empowers the National Assembly to make its own rules of procedure. These are known as Standing Orders. He said that Members of the Assembly have been operating under the same orders since 1969, with a few amendments made over the years. The Standing Orders outline procedures for sittings of the Assembly, order of business and introduction of bills, among other matters. Isaacs said that he has found in many instances that some politicians, who may be aware of a few Standing Orders, often interpret them to suit their own purpose. He added, “But the clerk, he is more objective, he gives the right interpretation. And apart from that, some Members of Parliament don’t show interest in learning the Standing Orders or they don’t even read them.” The Clerk of the National Assembly said that this is not a case that is unique to Guyana. However, to promote the effective use of the House in this regard, Isaacs said that he hopes to hold training sessions for Parliamentarians in the near future so that they can improve their use of the Standing Orders. He stated that the MPs do require more training in this regard. Isaacs said, “We have had a few MPs, including Jermaine Figueira, who has been making requests for the past year for me to organize training sessions for all Parliamentarians with regard to the use of Standing Orders and their interpretation.” The Clerk said that while he has had “a busy year” thus far, he is looking forward to having this done in 2017. Isaacs said the matter has to be discussed with House Speaker, Dr. Barton Scotland. He said that training sessions would be dependent on the funds made available for the Parliament in the new fiscal year. Teen, alleged accomplice charged with M’cony shopkeeper’s murder Shackled at both hands and feet, 24-year-old Davananad Rampersaud and his 14-year-old accomplice appeared at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court on a charge of murder Tuesday. Rampersaud, of Good Faith Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, and his teenage accomplice were implicated in the cold-blooded killing of Mahaicony businesswoman, Bibi Nesha Shairoon. Shairoon, 56, of Lot 4
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The CHI Cath Lab that was commissioned in May
Novar Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara (ECD) was engaged in a deadly confrontation with bandits at her residence on October 17, 2016. According to initial reports, the bound body of the woman was discovered in her home after neighbours reported that something was amiss. The mother of three, who operated a small shop out of the bottom flat of her house, was found lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom with her feet and hands tied together. Her head had been bashed in and her body was in a state of decomposition. A frying pan which was found at the scene of the robbery is believed to have been used to bash the woman to the head. Police investigation later led to the arrest of the woman’s 14-year-old neighbour and Rampersand. The accused appeared visibly distressed as they made their way from the courtroom of Magistrate Zamilla Ally- Seepaul, following the reading of the joint indictable charge. They were not required to plead. They were unrepresented by counsel. The facts were presented by Police Prosecutor Hattie Anthony. Following a brief in-camera hearing before Magistrate Ally Seepaul, the matter was transferred to the Mahaicony Magistrate’s Court for November 14. Until such time, Rampersaud was remanded to prison while his teenage accomplice was ordered to remain at a juvenile detention
centre. THURSDAY EDITION GRDB’S CHIEF FACES DEEP TROUBLE IN BILLION-DOLLAR FERTILIZER PROGRAMME Investigators are continuing its probe of a billion-dollar fertilizer programme that was handled under the previous administration by the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC). A forensic audit report handed in to the Coalition Government had recommended actions against former head of GMC, Nizam Hassan, for at least two sets of transactions- the fertilizer programme and the construction of the entity’s head office in Robb Street. The report had been sent to Cabinet which approved
the investigations into the two sets of transactions. The matters were handed to the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) which recently concluded investigations into the building construction and recommended charges against Hassan, an engineer at the Ministry of Agriculture and the contractor. The file has been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions for advice. With regards to the fertilizer investigations, head of SOCU, Sydney James, confirmed Tuesday that the investigations are still ongoing. Man bites off woman’s eyelid after raping her A Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) mother of four is hospitalised after she was attacked and raped by a
man, who then bit off her eyelid. Acting Crime Chief, Superintendent Hugh Jessemy, confirmed that the incident occurred around 11:00 hrs on Tuesday at Zeelugt. The 27-year-old woman had just left home and was walking through an alleyway to get to the main road where she would have then boarded a bus to get to work. According to reports, as the woman was walking though the alleyway, the suspect emerged from the thick bushes and grabbed her. He then reportedly dragged her into the bushes where he raped her. Kaieteur News was told that while the suspect was raping the woman, he bit off her eyelid in an (Continued on page 44)
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From page 44 attempt to keep her quiet and threatened to kill her if she raised an alarm. When he was done, the suspect reportedly fled, leaving the victim behind. A report was made and the matter is under investigation. PI INTO KNEWS GRENADE ATTACK…NEWSPAPER SECURITY STAFFERS TESTIFY After failing to attend a Tuesday court hearing, two Kaieteur News security staffers punctually attended court Wednesday to testify in the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) into the June 4, grenade attack on the newspaper. The PI continued before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Janeil Howard, 20, of 322 Section ‘C’ Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara; Alfie Garraway, 36, of Norton Street, Lodge, Georgetown; and Leroy Williams, 25, of 11 Durban Backlands, are accused of conspiring together with other persons to cause an explosion by way of grenade, likely to endanger lives and cause damage to property. Garraway is currently out on $300,000 High Court bail. The other accused remain on remand. Howard is unrepresented by an attorney. Alfie Garraway is being represented by Attorneys Stanley Moore and Glenn Hanoman, while Attorney Neil Bollers is defending Williams. Police Prosecutor, Neville Jeffers, called Omar Bynoe and James Baptiste, two Kaieteur News employees, to testify. Neil Bollers, a defense attorney cross-examined Baptiste. Prosecutor Jeffers declined to re-examine. The prosecution is set to call six more witnesses; two police officers and four civilians. FRIDAY EDITION INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’AFFAIRS MINISTRY FAILS TO ACCOUNT FOR OVER $111M – PRESENTS NO PROOF SOME CSOS WERE PAID The Office of the Auditor General has found quite some amount of malpractice, and has cited numerous cases of irregularities, at the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and also its predecessor, the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs. Looking only at what Auditor General, Deodat Sharma had to say about the sums expended for the Community Support Officers (CSOs) programme and the sums utilized from the Amerindian Development Fund (ADF),
Sunday October 30., 2016
Kaieteur News
Head of SOCU, Sydney James
Kaieteur News noted that the Ministry has failed to account for over $111M. This represents $44.7M utilized in the payment of stipends to CSOs and $66.5M expended from the ADF. In his 2015 report, Sharma stated that the Ministry spent $161.150M to pay out stipends to the CSOs. However, he observed that five payments to the tune of $27.470M did not have any supporting documentation attached to verify that the amounts were fully accounted for. ”Also, payments relating to the sum of $17.344M were made without any supporting documents attached to the payment vouchers.” The Ministry had no explanation for this. It responded to Sharma’s findings by saying that efforts are being made to locate the supporting documents and have same presented for audit examination. This anomaly would have occurred during the tenure of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration. Former Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai had advocated heavily for the programme. But, Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, said that the CSOs were recruited under a political scheme called Youth Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Programme (YEAP). While the new government was not too keen on going ahead with the programme, it said that it had proof that the PPP had no plans to continue the programme after the 2015 elections. Allicock said that the PPP/C had made no financial allocation for CSOs beyond April 2015, effectively shutting down the programme. He said, “It appeared that the PPP Government had shut
down the programme and left the CSOs exposed, after using them as political activists in the so-called ‘Red Shirt Brigade’ to join picket lines and campaign for the PPP.” Another issue highlighted by the Office of the Auditor General was the fact that the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs has not accounted for over $66M that it spent from the ADF. Sharma pointed out that $287.400M was budgeted for Amerindian Development and includes construction of village offices and woodworking centres, subvention to Bina Hill Institute, purchase of sports gear, musical instruments, cassava mills, fogging machines, tractors and implements as well as support to other projects and programmes including ecotourism and language revival. Sharma said that as at the end of 2015, $270.818M was expended. However, payment vouchers representing only $204.244M were presented, leaving expenditure to the tune of $66.574M still to be verified. HOUSE GREEN LIGHTS $2B SUBSIDY FOR GUYSUCO …TO MEET BILLIONDOLLAR WAGE BILL, PAY CREDITORS Despite benefitting from $9B at the start of the year, only to deliver a disappointing performance in less than eight months, the sugar industry is poised to receive yet another billion-dollar bailout. On Thursday night, members of the National Assembly approved some $2B for the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo). The stateowned entity had initially stated that it desperately needed $3.5B. Kaieteur News
understands that the approved subsidy is what the Government can afford at this time. The bailout was supported during the consideration of Financial Paper No. 3/2016 – Supplementary Estimates (Current and Capital) totaling $9,518,122,347. This paper was presented to the House by Finance Minister, Winston Jordan. Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder fielded questions on the sugar sector from the Opposition PPP. 2017 BUDGET ESTIMATES APPROVED FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AGENCIES, COMMISSIONS The 2017 current and capital estimates for constitutional agencies and commissions were passed in the National Assembly on Thursday. The motion for consideration of the estimates was moved by Finance Minister, Winston Jordan. The House subsequently resolved itself into the Committee of Supply to facilitate this process. House Speaker, Dr. Barton Scotland guided the members on how the proceedings would take place. He noted that given an agreement made in the Business Subcommittee, there would be no debate on the budget proposals. SATURDAY EDITION GOVT. ORDERS POLICE PROBE INTO PRADOVILLE 2 LAND SALE – SPECIAL PROSECUTION TEAMS TO HELP PREPARE CASES – 2007 CRICKET WORLD CUP SPENDING TO ALSO BE INVESTIGATED Acting on the findings of two forensic audits, Government has ordered that the matters be handed over to the police for further investigations. The two audits include the now infamous transfer and sale of a large plot of seaside land behind the Sparendaam police station, East Coast Demerara, which was reportedly sold below market price to former President Bharrat Jagdeo and a number of former Government ministers. The other case has to do with the 2007 spending during Cricket World Cup. Speaking Friday at a postCabinet press briefing, Minister of State Joseph Harmon disclosed that the forensic audit reports of the two sets of transactions were presented to the Cabinet of Ministers on Tuesday by Minister Winston Jordan. Harmon disclosed that Cabinet, after examining the
reports, concluded that enough evidence existed of criminal culpabilities, and it would require further investigations. Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, has been given one week to submit names of the special prosecution teams. Harmon was unsure whether the investigations will be conducted by the police or by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), an arm of the Guyana Police Force. With regards to the special prosecution teams, Harmon disclosed that it is likely international help may be sought in preparing the cases. TWO DEAD IN MOBLISSA SMASH-UP …AS BUS COLLIDES WITH LOG-LADEN TRUCK A horrific smash-up between a Route 72 (Georgetown-Mahdia) minibus and a parked, log-laden truck has claimed the lives of two persons – a man and a woman – both Mahdia residents. The bus was badly damaged to the point of almost being ripped apart. According to reports reaching this newspaper, the City-bound bus, driven by Peter Alleyne, familiarly known as “Brother Peter,” was coming from Takuba
Lodge in the Konawaruk Mining District at the time of the incident. A passenger who was travelling in another minibus told this publication that Brother Peter’s minibus overtook the one he was in, while they were offloading a passenger. The eyewitness said that after driving further up the bridge, he noticed the bus was on the right side of the structure, “on the verge of tipping over off the curb wall”. He said that the bus collided with a heavy duty truck with huge logs. The logs were apparently extended some 15 feet from the tray of the truck, and were said to not have any reflector or other means of enhancing visibility. Upon checking the bus, there were five occupants – two dreadlocked men, the driver, his wife Bridget, who was the conductor, and a male Brazilian national. According to reports, Brother Peter’s wife died instantly, along with one of the male passengers. They were first taken to the Linden Hospital Complex where they were confirmed dead, then transported to the Wismar mortuary. Two other injured individuals – Brother Peter and the Brazilian – were taken to the East Bank Regional Hospital at Diamond. Their conditions were said to (Continued on page 45)
Alfie Garraway
Wanted: Shemar Wilson
Leroy Williams
Janiel Howard
Sunday October 30, 2016
From page 44 be stable. There were no reports of the fifth person’s status. FIVE-MEMBER PUBLIC PROCUREMENT COMMISSION SWORNIN GRANGER URGES BODY TO BE INDEPENDENT, IMPARTIALAND FAIR After years of wrangling, Guyana has finally made a major breakthrough with the handling of its state contracts. On Friday, President David Granger oversaw the swearing in of five members of the Public Procurement Commission (PPC), a body that will replace Cabinet’s role in approving state contracts. When the commission kicks into gear, and with a secretariat in place, it will oversee the awards of contracts and handle complaints from peeved contractors. According to Vice President and Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Khemraj Ramjattan, the realization of the commission is a major campaign promise to overhaul the state’s procure-
ment process. Sworn-in were Emily Dodson, a lawyer by profession; Carol Corbin, wife of former Opposition Leader, Robert Corbin; Dr. Nanda Gopaul, a trade unionist and former Labour Minister under the previous administration; University of Guyana lecturer, Sukrishnalall Pasha, and Ivor English, former head of the Maritime Administration and an official of the Critchlow Labour College. The commission will now have to meet and select a Chairperson. CABINET TO MEETAT GDF H/Q FOR NEXT THREE MONTHS HARMON The Cabinet is meeting and will continue to meet at the headquarters of the Guyana Defence Force. This was confirmed on Friday by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon. Harmon said that this is being done to allow
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much needed repairs to the Ministry of the Presidency. The Minister said that Cabinet agreed that Camp Ayanganna was the fittest location at which secure and confidential meetings can be held. Harmon said that repairs will be needed to be done to many parts of the Ministry, including the fence, walkway and guard hut. The Minister said that the room in which Cabinet meetings are held will also be repaired. Harmon said that the room at which Cabinet is held also facilitates the handing over of credentials from foreign envoys “we have to ensure at all times that this country’s image is at its best”. Harmon said that the works to be done were identified very early in 2016 and became part of the ministry’s budgetary allocations for this year.
Harmon said that Cabinet carefully considered the best location to be used for the time. The Minister noted that meetings of the Cabinet have to be kept in a secure location. He acknowledged that some in the media had questioned the government’s decision not to use the Arthur
Chung Convention Centre (ACCC). In this regard, Harmon reminded that the ACCC would be closed from December 4 for about four months. He said that since the Cabinet room rehabilitation would take place over a similar period, the ACCC was ruled out. Harmon said that the gov-
ernment examined several options and the safest option was the Officers’ Club at Camp Ayanganna, which provided all the facilities needed for Cabinet to meet and to discuss matters of national importance in a secure place. He also noted that using this location will not cost the government much.
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Byer’s Senior Citizens provided with some long-awaited “pampering”
Members of Byer’s Home, (far right) receiving items donated by the Mothers’ Union Byer’s Senior Citizen Home The Byer’s Senior Citizen’s Home, located at Lot 86 Upper Robb St, Bourda Georgetown, on Friday received a number of items from the Regional Officer, Eleatrice Davenport of the Mothers’ Union of Greater Georgetown. The Byer’s Home which was established on February 5, 1975 is home for female senior citizens. There are 13
senior citizens in residence. In recent years the Mother’s Union would have embarked on many services as fulfilment of its community outreach project. This event was in observance of the Month of the Elderly 2016, under the theme: “Take a stand against ageism”. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), ageism is stereotyping and
discriminating on the basis of a person’s age. The senior ladies of Byer’s Home were treated to a day of pedicures, manicures, lunch and snacks. Many took the opportunity to interact with each other and recount their yesteryear experiences. Among the items donated by the Mothers’ Union were a water dispenser, a blender, senior citizens pampers, a
meat board, an iron and two basket hampers which included detergents and the other fruits. One of the objectives of the Mothers’ Union is to promote conditions in society favourable to stable family life and the protection of children. Their aim yesterday was to make the
residents feel special by providing beautification services. Members of the Byer’s Home committee members are chairperson, Pamela Leitch; secretary, Edith Best; Nadecia Tapping, Gertrude Scott; and treasurer Olive Williams. Further, the Byer’s Home also manages Archer’s Senior
Citizen Home on Durban Street, which is an all males home.
A mini health check is the first step to donating blood
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Two Cubans, two Dominicans, one Guyanese on separate charges of forgery and overstaying in Guyana Five individuals on Friday appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court before magistrate Judy Latchman after they found themselves on the other side of the law with Guyanese law enforcement. It was discovered that four of them have been residing in Guyana unlawfully. First up was Yuibisley Quintana. The charge against the 32-year-old read that between June 14 and July 13, last, at Georgetown, he failed to comply with the condition of a permit granting him to stay in Guyana. When given the chance to speak through an interpreter he told the court, “I thought I could have just stayed couple days more. Because I don’t understand English, I am in this predicament.” Police Prosecutor Shawn Gonsalves stated that the Cuban national entered via the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on April 13, using his Cuban
passport and was granted one month stay. During that period he was staying at the Union House on West Bank Demerara. According to the facts police acting on information went to the said address and he was asked to produce his passport and it was then that the police observed that the defendant had overstayed the one month that was granted to him. As a result he was arrested and charged. The 32-year-old told the court that he came to Guyana for tourism and ended up over staying. He was fined $60,000 or in default 30 days’ imprisonment, after which immediate deportation. Then it was Alberto Rodrigues Costas turn to take the stand. It was also alleged that between April 30 and July 29, last, at Georgetown he too overstayed. He pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him by magistrate Judy
Latchman. “I don’t feel guilty I feel cheated. I just wanted to stay and work.” Based on his explanation a guilty plea was entered. Police Prosecutor Vishnu Hunt told the court that the defendant is a Cuban national. He arrived in Guyana and his passport was stamp on April 30. He was granted to stay for a period of three months, which expired on July 29. He overstayed from that period without any explanation. The 52 year old was fined $60,000 or in default 30 days imprisonment and on completion of the fine or imprisonment he will face immediate deportation back to Cuba. Also before the court was Providencia Esperanza Guzman, who faced two charges. The first one read that between April 14 and May 13 at Georgetown, she overstayed her time in Guyana. Guzman is a Dominican Republic national. It is also alleged that between April 14 and October 26, at Georgetown she conspired with others to commit forgery. She arrived in the country on April 14 and was granted a one month stay and instead remained for three months. She forged an immigration stamp on page seven of her passport SE3374751.
Police Prosecutor Shawn Gonsalves objected to bail citing to the gravity of the charge and the penalty attached. He told the court if granted bail it’s likely that the defendant would not return to court because she is a Dominican national. The 26-year-old resides at Lot 620 East Ruimveldt pleaded not guilty to both charges. She was represented by attorney Paul Fung-a-fat. Bail was refused and the defendant was remanded to prison. She will make her next court appearance on November 4. It was also alleged that on October 26 on Camp Street, Guzman’s boyfriend, Kenrick Bourne, forged one Dominican Republic passport SE3374751 in favour of his girlfriend to show that same was granted by an immigration officer, Constable Errol Charles on the centre of the immigration stamp with a forged time granted in the country from one month to three months. Bourne was also represented by attorney Paul Fung-a-fat and he pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him. Despite the attorney’s attempt to convince the magistrate to grant bail it was refused and the 30-year-old was remanded until November 4. Finally the birthday girl, Rosaria Dileiyd, stood in the
Rosaria Dileiyd
Esperanza Guzman
magistrate court to answer to the charge of overstaying in Guyana. It is alleged that between August 8 and September 7 at Georgetown, Rosaria Dileiyd overstayed. Police Prosecutor Vishnu Hunt told the court that the defendant arrived at the (CJIA) on August 8 and was granted a one month stay; on October 22 police acting on information went to Lot 153 Lodge. When the woman presented her passport, it was then that the police discovered that she had overstayed her time in Guyana and she was arrested and charge. The 28-year-old woman who celebrated her birthday on the day in question was also represented by attorney Paul Fung-a-fat, who told the court that his client came to Guyana and fell in love with
Rawle Fraser, a Guyanese who was present in court. The court heard that the two are engaged and to be married the same day but was currently waiting on some documents from the Ministry of Home Affairs. She pleaded not guilty to the charge. Fung-a-fat pleaded for the accused since it was her birthday but bail was however refused. After a moment of reconsidering the accused charge her plea from not guilty to guilty. Her attorney told the court that his client will pay the fine and accept deportation, and her fiancé will travel to the Dominican Republic to marry her. She was then granted a fined of $60,000 or in default spend 30 days imprisonment, following which she will be deported.
Sunday October 30, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Trick or Treating Tips By Dr. Neromini Fagu Halloween is a relatively new event celebrated in Guyana and while it can be a fun-filled activity for kids, it also means lots of candy wreaking havoc on their teeth. I remember growing up and looking forward to trick or treating for the bags and bags of candies. Looking back now, I don’t remember ever eating them all out but it sure was fun going door to door, sometimes through snow, collecting them. We all know that consuming too much sugary foods and drinks is bad for our oral health. The bacteria in our mouth break down the sugars to form acid which damages our teeth. This damage depends on the amount of sugar consumed and the length of time the sugar is in contact with our teeth. Knowing which sugary treats to avoid may decrease the risk of oral disease such as dental caries. Since it is difficult to have kids avoid sugary treats entirely, it may be beneficial to identify the ones that are the worst and the ones that are the better options for their teeth. Some of the worst
options include: Chewy/sticky sweets Treats such as toffee, gummy bears, and even dried fruit are loved by both children and adults but they are fairly difficult to remove from teeth. These sticky treats are a contributing factor
consuming acidic foods before brushing their teeth to decrease the risk of enamel erosion. While no candy is actually “good” for your teeth there are some that are less bad and those should be selected whenever possible. Sugar-free lollipops and gum Sugar-free treats contain a sugar substitute which
for dental caries especially when they get stuck in the grooves of tooth surfaces and between teeth. Sour candies These treats are highly acidic and cause erosion to tooth enamel. It is usually recommended that patients wait for 30 minutes after
decreases the risk of cavities. They also stimulate the production of saliva, which can help prevent dry mouth. A person with dry mouth has a greater chance of dental decay because of the faster buildup of plaque on the teeth. Sugar-free gum increases saliva flow which helps to
STANDARDS IN FOCUS
‘Shedding Light’ on the Caribbean Renewable Energy Project In recent years, energy costs, usage and efficiency have become watch words in the Caribbean Region. Several projects have been undertaken to examine how to use energy effectively, and moreover, how to utilise the renewables in the energy sector that have not been previously tapped into and exploited to their fullest. The Quality in Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (R3E) Project is now looking at “Expanding the available quality infrastructure (QI) services in the Caribbean for the use of energy-efficient electrical devices and renewable energies”. From the standpoint of quality, the project is primarily based on the premise that the introduction of standards, testing and other quality related services into the renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors could result in significant changes to the way energy efficiency is viewed, and the focus paid by policy makers, retailers, general public and other vital stakeholders in these areas. The R3E Project, which is funded to the tune of one million Euros by the Government of Germany will also focus on improvement or development of standards and attempt to provide the kind of support services needed to ensure that these systems meet the guidelines established in the standard and are met by local manufacturers, importers and retailers. As such, the required testing and measurement infrastructure within the Region will be strengthened as well, to better serve the increasing demand for solar power components on the Caribbean market. Studies have found that “the use of
energy-efficient devices and the application of technologies for using renewable energies in the Caribbean are impeded by the lack of important QI tools and services such as standards, testing, inspection, certification and labelling. Consumer protection is insufficient, as is the information on these instruments.” One of the easiest-to-harness Renewable Energy resources in the Caribbean is solar power, be it a solar-thermal for water heating or photovoltaic for electricity generation. In addition, for the average Caribbean households, refrigerators, freezers, fans, and light bulbs are mainly the appliances that determine the electricity consumption and ultimately, the monthly electricity bill. In the public, commercial and industrial sectors, additional to the above mentioned appliances, A/C units and other systems also increase consumption. Reducing electricity bills in all these sectors will not only benefit the Caribbean households but also Government budgets for public buildings like offices, schools, hospitals as well as the tourism and manufacturing industries. Ultimately, efficient use of energy will also serve the environment and reduce the carbon foot print of Caribbean countries. The project will work through the National Standards Bodies (NSB) and Conformity Assessment Bodies (CAB) in participating Member States. For further information, please contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0065, 219-0066 or visit the GNBS website: www.gnbsgy.org or facebook/gnbsgy
neutralize acids in the mouth and the chewing action helps to dislodge food particles from between the teeth. Dark chocolate Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, contains antioxidants which, according to some studies, can be good for the heart and may even lower blood pressure. Dark chocolate also has less sugar than white or milk chocolate. However,
you should avoid chocolate containing chewy fillings. As with a lot of things, moderation is the key. Parents should monitor their children’s sugar intake while at the same time encouraging them to continue practicing good oral hygiene. Healthy Halloween Tips · Avoid Constant Snacking – Snacking should be limited to particular times Continued on page 63
Dr. Neromini Fagu
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Kaieteur News
Sunday October 30, 2016
Clinton campaign urges FBI to detail new developments in email case Reuters - Top aides to Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton yesterday insisted there is “no evidence of wrongdoing” following the FBI’s notification to the U.S. Congress on Friday that it is again looking at Clinton’s use of a private server for emails when she
was secretary of state. “There’s no evidence of wrongdoing, no charge of wrongdoing,” Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta told reporters by telephone. Podesta, following up on calls by Clinton late on Friday, urged FBI Director James Comey to make pub-
lic the details of any new developments in the case. Podesta also complained that 24 hours after Comey’s letter was transmitted to Congress, “We have no real explanation of why Director Comey” sent it. The Washington Post reported yesterday that se-
nior Justice Department officials told Comey his letter to Congress was inconsistent with FBI policy of not commenting on ongoing investigations. This latest controversy over Clinton emails has surfaced in the waning days of a bitter presidential campaign against Republican challenger Donald Trump. Election Day is on Nov. 8. In July, Comey said the FBI would not seek to prosecute Clinton after looking into whether she may have handled classified material improperly in emails. Meanwhile, the Clinton campaign worked to tamp down speculation of a voter backlash after Friday’s letter by Comey surfaced in which he said the FBI was taking “appropriate investigative steps” after learning of emails “that appear to be pertinent” to the earlier investigation. Campaign manager Robby Mook said voters had already “factored” what they knew about the email investigation into their decisionmaking. “We don’t see it changing the landscape” for undecided voters, Mook said. Sources close to the investigation on Friday said the latest emails were discovered as part of a separate probe into Anthony We i n e r, t h e e s t r a n g e d husband of top Clinton aide Huma Abedin. Weiner, a former U.S. congressman from New York, is the target of an FBI investigation into illicit text messages he is alleged to have sent to a 15-year-old girl in North Carolina. Trump, in campaign a p p e a r a n c e s o n F r i d a y, called the new development part of “the biggest political scandal since Wa t e rg a t e ” t h a t l e d t o President Richard Nixon’s resignation in 1974. Wi t h l e s s t h a n t w o weeks before the elections, both Trump and Clinton were scheduled to hold multiple campaign rallies later on Saturday. In his remarks to reporters, Podesta complained that Comey’s letter to Congress was “light on facts, heavy on innuendo” and urged him to “come forward and give those answers to the American public” about the exact nature of the FBI’s latest review of emails.
Sunday October 30, 2016
Kaieteur News
PNM party campaigner favoured contractor
Govt. Makes Another Attempt To Divest NMIA The Gleaner - The Government has approved a new Public-Private Partnership (PPP) tender for the Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) as it makes another attempt to divest the entity. The Government says it is committed to partnering with an experienced private sector investor with proven experience in the aviation sector to operate, finance, develop and
Arnold Piggott Trinidad Guardian - The State company responsible for construction and upkeep of the nation’s school is once again in the spotlight of corruption—this time under the ruling People’s National Movement administration. The new allegations have surfaced just one year into this Government’s term and involves top officials at the Education Facilities Company Ltd (EFCL) and the award of contracts to a former party campaigner. EFCL, which had been shrouded in controversy under the last administration, has been the subject of numerous criminal investigations. In October 2015, the current EFCL board led by former Agriculture Minister Arnold Piggott uncovered a mountain of evidence, which included a secret room at the company’s Maraval headquarters, where contracts were being backdated. Guardian Media has confirmed that a probe is taking place into the operations of
Faris Al-Rawi the multi-million dollar company. When pressed on the matter Friday, Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi said he was “observing some of the practices at the EFCL.” “I am in the course of deepening exploration in a few certain areas,” he said. The Attorney General said there were other matters that would be included in the scope of that probe before a report was produced with the relevant advice. He told Guardian Media the EFCL had continued employment across the change of government. He was cautious in saying that while there are many agendas afoot, he is obliged to be “thorough” and ensure due process and full inspection. A well-placed EFCL insider confirmed that Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley had instructed the Attorney General to meet with the board of directors in August to address concerns that had been brought to his attention about the conduct of the board and operations at EFCL.
In October 2015, five members of the former EFCL board appointed under the former regime were fired after a secret contract mill-house was discovered where contracts were being backdated for favoured contractors. Four months after damning revelations which saw staff being sent home, there are new questions about the conduct of the current board. Well-placed insiders said there are instances where tenders have been reopened after the deadline date and terms of reference for tenders were modified after tenders were submitted and closed. Questions are also being raised about what some believe is a conflict of interest between a senior executive member and a contractor. Sources said the executive member and the contractor were both senior members of the campaign team for a PNM MP and questions have been raised about whether proper procurement procedures were followed in the award of that contract.
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maintain the NMIA under a long term concession agreement. An invitation for prequalification applications is expected to be launched by early December 2016. The development Bank of Jamaica says the project will be presented at the Global Airport Development conference in Lisbon, Portugal, on November 30. Representatives from the
government and transaction team are expected to be available for individual meetings with investors at the conference. The government has been trying to divest the Norman Manley airport for several years but there have been no takers. The previous tender process, launched in December 2014, was terminated.
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SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, C a n a da & UK; Guyana p assport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535. INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigrant Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496; 662-6045 Austin Powers Repairs & Services: repairs done on all domestic appliances, house wiring, etc, located in Bagotstown. Call: 685-2588/ 613-1711
SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 6471773/660-5257 Looking for a qualified beautician to join our team. Must have a pleasant personality & be passionate about what they do. Call: 626-6450
VACANCY
PROPERTY FOR SALE
VEHICLE FOR SALE
WANTED
One experienced dispatcher – Call: 231-5784/ 231-4000
1 Church building in front and 2 story building at the back (W30X6120) @ 180 Charolotte Street Bourda. Call:624-7341/ 227-6817/2265183
Special Sale: 2009 Belta $2.1M, 2009 Airwave -$2.4M. Call: 617-2891
1 Male or female shop assistant to work in the Interior, salary depends on experienced. Call: 678-0565
Popular East Coast Gas Station (Non-Pareil) Day/ Night: pump attendants, sales clerk & office assistant. Contact: 695-9880/670-8893 Experienced pharmacy assistant to work in reputable pharmacy, interested persons can call: 227-0630 Cashier/salesgirls, apply in person with written application @ Nirva Supermarket, 49 Sheriff & Craig Street. Call: 227-5771 Receptionist Male 25-40yrs, room attendant. Call: 225-0198 or visit 233 South Rd, Lacytown
TO LET 1-2 Bedrooms apartment fully furnished; 1-2 Bedrooms apartment unfurnished. Call: 667-2536 3 Bedrooms bottom flat apartment, semi-furnished, full bathroom, good neighbourhood at Better Hope, East Coast Demerara. Call: 220-1583/ 667-6066
Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158
Furnished 2 bedrooms apartment in close proximity to University of Guyana, Teacher Training College $55,000 monthly. Call: 6859127
Desmond Repair Services Fridge, AC, gas stove, microwave, washer, etc on the spot repairs –Call: (592)678-8683; 613-9181
4 Bedrooms executive home in sought-after neighbourhood. Call: 2230654/225-0605/ email: gthouserental@hotmail.com
If you need a representative in Trinidad & Grenada for your products call: 1868-4833841
Stylish comfortable 2 bedrooms apartment for vocation rental. Web: Airbnb Georgetown, FB: Prestige Property Vocational Rental. Call: 592-678-6690
Brian Moe @ 642-3543: Computer Technician: FB/ Brian.Moe.165: Home and Office visits at your comfort!!
KITTY APARTMENTS: FURNISHED, GRILLED, 2 BEDROOMS, NEW, GRANITE, SECURE. $120,000 MONTHLY (NO AGENTS). CALL: 672-4532
Vacancy for a maid should be good in house care and cooking. Call: 231-0734, 6181853 Salesgirls apply @ D. Singh, 95 King Street. Call: 226-1316 2 Experience Pastry maker, apply at Humphrey’s Bakery & Farm Products. Call: 2257864 1 Canter Driver, living within East Bank Demerara. Call: 610-1111 Bartender, Security, DJ, waitress to work nights & secretary 18-25yrs,1 gardener preferably living on the E.C.D. Call: 638-5303 1 Experienced canter driver/ porter to work in Tuschen, W.C.D -$25,000 weekly. Call: 684-8231 RESTURANT WORK: 9AM-3PM, NO EXPERIENCED NEEDED, G/TOWN AREA, GOOD SALARY. CALL: 672-4532 SECRETARIAL/OFFICE WORK: 9AM-5PM, G/ TOWN AREA, GOOD SALARY, NO EXPERIENCED NEEDED. CALL: 672-4532
Furnished executive one or two bedroom furnished suite in Diamond. Ideal for foreigners. Call: 600-2466
Eccles and Diamond reasonably priced. Call: 6097766
Land at La Parfaite Harmonie 80X45ft, title available. Call: 658-5897/ 673-2692
House & Land available for sale. Contact Pacific Development Inc: 223-6035/ 227-8274 Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461
LEARN TO DRIVE C. Persaud & N. Outar Driving School formerly Soman & Sons Driving School @ Maraj BuildingCall: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997 (affordable packages).
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 REAT E S , S P E C I A L OFFERFOR THE SUMMER. CALL: 690-6494
2009 Raum- $2.4M, 2009 Sienta -$2.4M, 2009 Axio $2.8M, 2009 Fielder -$2.6M. Call: 617-2891 Yamaha R1 CG609, Toyota AT212, AT192, L-Touring Wagon, Tundra, Tacoma, Nissan Pickup. Call: 6445096; 697-1453
2 Storey concrete house @ 55 Section B, Non Pariel (first street from main road)- $14M negotiable. Call: 657-8561 immediately.
1 New unregistered Toyota Allion 2004 Model, low mileage, TV, navigation, music, remote start with alarm system, etc. Call: 649-0956
Seven bedroom property with huge land space at Ruimveldt Public Road. Call: 609-7766
1 Toyota Verossa, excellent condition, PTT series. Call: 618-1395/ 220-6380
One transported 2 flat 6 bedrooms concrete building in Strathspey, large land space -$14M. Call: 689-5103/ 231-0631 Property @ Lot 153 New Rd Vreed-en-Hoop, 3 Houses on lot 50ftX300ft, asking $55M. Call Sunil: (310) 982-8199; Cecil: 630-9455 1244 Block ‘Y’ Grove, EBD, house 45X26, $15M negotiable, owner migrating. Call: 660-1353 Property at 87 E Albert Street, Alberttown, price $38,000,000 negotiable, front lot, size 80X20. Call: 669-8701 Property @ Lot 172 Zohora Street, Market Street Better Hope, East Coast Demerara. Call: 220-1583/667-6066 Property with extra large land well built with 2 storey house @ Back Street BetterHope, E.C.D Won’t last. Call: 2201583/667-6066 2 Storey house, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths @ 87 Daisy Street, South Ruimveldt Park -$18M. Call: 232-3244/ 697-5018 WANTED Labourers for wood concession -$5,000 per dayCall: 618-0487
CAR RENTAL
LAND FOR SALE
Gold & Diamond mining blocks in Puruni , Sipraruni, Ekereku, Providence house lots. Call: 668-3100/ 615-8810
Sunday October 30, 2016
Kaieteur News
Toyota Vigo pickup, Nissan Pathfinder, Jeep. Immaculate Condition. Call: 609-7766 PRR Series, Toyota IST, PMM series Toyota Carina, TL Bedford 330, Bedford 330, 330 Space parts. Call: 2563405/ 663-2450 One Truck, excellent working condition, worked for one year, Model M. Call Lawerence: 615-7506 2007 Toyota Premio, new shape, press start, first owner, mileage 7,000 KM, PSS series, price $2.175M negotiable . Call: 622-5469 1 Toyota Fielder Wagon, in excellent condition, PPP series. Call: 630-9455 1 RD5 Honda CRV, immaculate condition, TV, reverse camera, CD, mags, alarm, etc, price -$2.850M. Call: 626-2884 Almera Nissan Car- $875,000 negotiable, very good working condition, was imported brand new – PHH series. Call: 616-1598 1 Toyota Dyna canter, excellent working condition, GPP series, price $1M negotiable. Call: 684-8231
1 Male to work on vehicle in the interior. Call: 678-0565 Live in waitress. Call: 6439007 Salesgirls & porters, apply with written application @ 1E Dennis & Middleton Street, Campbellvile (Best Buy Food Supplies) One domestic to work in Trinidad. Call 1868- 683-1528 One maid needed. Call: 6399449 One live in housekeeper. Call: 223-0654/ 225-0605 Straight Stitch & over edge machine operators, porters. Call: 222-2541 8:00am-4:00pm Mon-Fri Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic-Call: 223-7500 Monday-Saturday 8:15am4:15pm Live in general cleaner, salary $70,000-$80,000, boarding & lodging free (18-35yrs old). Call: 2224890 One experienced Driver apply @ Hack’s Halaal with Handwritten application, 5 Commerce Street. One general domestic for East Bank, must know to prepare proper meals. Call: 669-2067 Wa i t r e s s b e t w e e n 2 0 30yrs, apply with written application and photo to Chilly’s Bar. Call: 665-6162 Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665 Male workers between 2035yrs to work at Ice factory on Meadowbank Wharf. Call: 231-1408/ 6429191 8am-2pm
Nissan Bluebird Sylphy, PRR series -$2M negotiable. Call: 697-7699
1 Live in /live out maid, salary $80,000. Call: 684-0233 or 6771353
One AE81 Corolla in very good condition. Call: 6895254/ 643-0332
Cleaners to work in Tuschen Scheme. Call: 629-4236
CAR RENTAL
One Toyota Premio PNN Series. Excellent condition. Call: 649-0956.
DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM
HEALTH Avoid Side Effects, use herbal supplements. Call Hazel’s Herbal Store: 2269136
AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL: 4WD PICKUP,. CHEAPEST RATE & SPECIAL RATE FOR LONG TERM . CALL: 698-7807
Herbal Nectar Treatment for diabetics, hypertension and most internal sickness, sexual enhancers for men. Call: 651-8351
Live in maid wanted between ages 45 and older @ Robb Street home. Call: 226-0450/ 627-3205 One AB Dick Machine Operator, one printer helper. Call: 233-2439/233-2725 Qualified person to teach floral arrangements, pastries, cake decorations, cookery, fabric painting, etc. Call: 6766312/ 626-2629 Continued on page 63
Sunday October 30, 2016
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Kaieteur News
CONSUMER CONCERNS
GTT must desist from latest consumer harassment By Pat Dial The Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Co. (GTT) since its establishment in Guyana over a quarter of a century ago, has been doing better than any other company with an average profitability of 30% per annum. In this process of harvesting these massive profits, the company has exploited the Guyanese consumer. The initial assumption when it came here and acquired the Guyana Telecommunications Corp. (GTC) at a price and conditions on their terms which left Guyanese, both at home and abroad, in stunned astonishment led the company to confirm its belief that Guyana was a banana republic with complacent and ignorant people. Guyanese were not the ignorant people GTT thought, and from its establishment there was much hostility and resentment as evidenced from the media and the minutes of the PUC hearings. The Company was very litigious and went to the Courts whenever it could, knowing that it was the Guyana consumers who would ultimately have to foot the bill. Then the company seemed to have had an inspiration and for the first
time appointed a Guyanese, General Joe Singh, as Chief Executive Officer of the Company. General Singh was able to bring back some consumer trust. When he demitted office, Dr Yog Mahadeo was appointed. Dr Mahadeo was a nationalist and always ensured that the consumer and the nation were fairly treated but he was also fully committed and devoted to his corporate interest. This ability to synthesize his company’s interest with the consumer’s and national interest was a rare achievement. Under Dr Mahadeo’s watch, consumer and public confidence and trust in the company grew and even the Government became more friendly. For the first time the feeling gradually grew that the company could become the country’s national telecommunications flagship company. At this high point, Dr Mahadeo demitted office. The image of the company began a downward slide and relations with the public and government gradually declined. GTT still has the potential of becoming the flagship telecoms company of Guyana and the preferable company by consumers but it has to nurture and develop along the lines mapped out by Mahadeo.
Trick or Treating Tips From page 59 as frequent snacking increases the risk of tooth decay. · Eat a Balanced Meal Healthy meals and snacks should always come before candy and treats. · Drink More Water Drinking water can help prevent tooth decay by washing away some of the food particles, sugars, and acids from the mouth. · Brushing and Flossing Sticky candy can get stuck in between teeth and cause tooth decay. Brushing and flossing after a snack is ideal, but if that is not possible then rinsing with water will help to remove some of the cariescausing factors from the mouth.
Halloween Candies and Braces If you wear braces, you should avoid nuts, popcorn, hard candy, caramel and other chewy candies so that the braces are kept safe and intact. Of course, once you have finished enjoying your treats, you need to take the necessary steps to clean your teeth and mouth. Cavity prevention should not be an issue only around Halloween - we should strive to maintain good oral care habits throughout the year. For more information contact OMNI DENTAL at 295 Quamina Street, Georgetown Tel: 227-0025, Parika Tel: 260-3133 or send emails to nerominifagu@hotmail.com.
Instead of moving along these positive lines, GTT has started up a new debacle: Without the knowledge and permission of the consumers and the PUC, it clandestinely and stealthily inserted in the landline, recordings so as garner more money from the consumer. It seemed to be confident to be able to increase rates and change the terms of service before consumers or the PUC could be aware of it. The recording the company inserted said words to the effect that the person telephoned was not in or was unavailable. It came off after 5 rings. In many cases the person was at home and the party telephoning knew this. This misinformation by GTT caused much embarrassment. The old, the sick and the poor are the ones who subscribe to landline phones because they do not make many calls and cannot afford cell phones. When the telephone cuts off after five or six rings, old and sick people cannot get to the phone on time and so lose what could be an important call. This aimless walking up and down by persons with arthritis is a distressing burden.
After the pitfalls of the first message were known, the company changed that message to invite callers to leave a message for the person phoned. This ploy was to try to deceive consumers into giving them the impression that it was something like voicemail on cell phones. In point of fact, no messages were ever delivered. Telephone conversations are very personal things and to have third parties intervening is unacceptable. Just as this article was about to be dispatched to the newspapers, a member of the GCA telephoned to say that the recording had been removed from my phone and I assumed that it had been removed from all others. But then one cannot be sure since GTT had clouded this whole illegal affair in secrecy. The reason why it is illegal:- (1) GTT has no right to change the rates or terms of service without the imprimatur of the PUC. (2) It has no right to intrude into a consumer’s or any citizen’s privacy. (3) Their stratagem of inserting a recorder so that when a caller answers, a charge is immediately registered is trying a deceit.
From page 62
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 One bedroom apartment for rent @ Soesdyke, water, electricity, internet -$25,000. Call: 625-1177 Apartments for rent @ Nandy Park, Free Wi-Fi, recently renovated. Call: 227-5194 Fully furnished two bedrooms house @ South Ruimveldt Park Georgetown $80,000- Call: 691-1521
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. 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: 275-0538/ 683-7225
Lot 109 3 Key Drive, Enterprise Gardens, one 3 Cheap! Cheap! CCTV bedrooms upper flat - $65, 000 Security Surveillance Kit, 8 Channels DVR with built in monthly. Call: 648-7621 Hard Drive, 8 bullet cameras 2 Bedrooms bottom flat, semi- – Tel: 621-4740 furnished on W.B.D. Call: 609-2192 or 675-8787 Double Steel Wheeled Roller, 1 Mack Concrete mixer truck. Apartment for rent @ La Call: 275-0538/ 683-7225 Parfaite Harmonie, W.B.D – Land @ Zeelugt -$1.8M, La Call: 601-5058 Parfaite Harmonie -$1.5M, 2 Bedrooms apartment for $1.2M & (1) 2 Bedrooms flat rent on E.C.D- Call: 684-8906 concrete house located @ Tuschen -$3.5M. Call: 642Bachelor’s apartment. Call: 1252 613-7884/ 233-0327 from Spare for washing machine, 6pm-9pm microwaves,fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, motors, etc. Three storey 75ftX28ft Call:225-9032;647-2943;604concrete building, open 5198 floor, 2 offices & 2 washrooms, driveway @ 25B Pools table cloth, balls, cue Princes St., Charlestown. stick, coins, coinshute, pocket, rubber, chalk, springs, Call: 223-0654/ 225-0605 tips, spots. Call:669-9927 Self-contained rooms in Prashad Nagar. Tel: 227-2993 75 Yamaha Outboard engine, very good condition. Call: One bedroom apartment, self 662-1928 contained- Call: 644- 2634/ Furniture suitable for beauty 687-1966/222-0618 parlor, styling chairs, shampoo sinks, trolleys, work stations. Call: 227-3626/ 231-6972 One Technical Pro Amplifier, one 4,000 watts crest audio, power amplifier DBX, crossover, etc. Call: 2236490/ 688-4176 DRESSMAKING Classes in designing & sewing also curtains & drapes, Canadian Trained tutor. Call: 676-6312-626-2629
One AE110 XE limited sprinter, very good condition; female driver. Call: 223-0654/ 225-0605 Sale on foxtail palms, silver palms, red palms, Christmas trees, hibiscus, etc. Call:6875631/216-2199 Evergreen Plantshop. Cargo Trawler. Call: 6828724; 616-5954 EDUCATIONAL IAE – CXC Jan/June 2017 – full time school; lessons/ classes for students, adults, repeaters & beginners. Call Mr. Roberts: 683-5742
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Sunday October 30, 2016
Kaieteur News
Guyana Foundation launches skills training on Essequibo Coast On Saturday during a simple ceremony, the Guyana Foundation which was established in 2013, opened its first centre the “Sunrise Centre”, at Zorg-En-Vlygt, Essequibo Coast. The occasion also saw the first batch of graduates, ranging in age from 16 to 66, who would have completed a six-month pilot phase skills training programme in catering, electrical installation, fabric design, floral arrangement. The Guyana Foundation offers other services in professional counselling and mental health support services, holistic wellness activities and Yoga. Founder of the Guyana
Foundation, Mrs. Supriya Singh-Bodden, CCH, said that with the skills training programme, many persons would be able to acquire marketable skills. Mrs. Singh-Bodden explained that the Sunrise Center is part of the foundation’s ongoing efforts to provide urgently needed training, counselling and support to individuals and families in need across Guyana. Mrs. Singh-Boden further stated that a three-month pilot phase was successfully completed recently, and orders have already been secured from a leading fashion house in the Cayman Islands to purchase all pieces
President and First Lady with some of the recent graduates prepared by the fabric design course. Mrs. Singh-Bodden further stated that 80% percent of the focus of the Guyana Foundation will now be directed to this area of work. Mrs. Sandra Granger who accompanied her husband, President David Granger, said
that she was honoured to be named a patron of the Guyana Foundation and also to be a part of the official opening of the first centre on the Essequibo Coast. Mrs. Granger noted that such a center came at the right time when Hindus are celebrating the auspicious occasion of Diwali.
She said that the centre would therefore address issues of empowerment, joblessness and marketing. Mrs. Granger said that the centre is intended to bring about a strong community as well as bring balance to the lives of those graduates. The centre, Mrs Granger explained, has already made
its mark engaging in outreaches and workshops while partnering with the Suddie Public hospital to offer services in counseling. Regional Executive Officer, Rupert Hopkinson; Regional Chairman, Devenand Ramdatt, APNU supporters, Mr. Stanley Ming and Mrs. Doreen Duncan.
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Jamaican MP…
Caricom states should embrace all regional travelers Daily Observer Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett has described as “unfortunate” the unwillingness of Caricom territories to embrace the travel rights of Jamaicans. In an exclusive interview with OBSERVER media, Bartlett said that despite the treaties governing the free movement of people and trade throughout the region, Jamaicans are still complaining of unfair treatment at ports of entry in participating countries.”I think that one of the reasons that the Caricom experience is not succeeding is the lack of the embrace of the right to travel and the access to each other’s [country]. We have locked ourselves into a feeling that immigration is a bad thing and that when people come they demean and reduce the quality of our offering and our standards, while the countries of the world that have grown and have strong economic development are countries that have embraced immigration,” Bartlett said. Jamaicans visiting Antigua & Barbuda and other Caricom countries have com-
Edmund Bartlett plained about having to undergo additional security checks and interrogation that are not normally applied to other travellers. They also complain of poor treatment from immigration and customs officials. Bartlett said it was time for countries to embrace multi-destination tourism because it is a key component that will facilitate all visitors, and allow them seamless access to destinations. He pointed out that the world’s strongest economies are of countries that embrace
visitors and Caricom member states should operate as one, and encourage inter-regional travel. “The United States is built on immigration; the world’s most powerful country on earth is based on that, the UK and much of Europe is based on that. What we are saying is that we need to smell the coffee in the Caribbean and start looking at each other as a single block of interdependent people, rather than isolated groups with passionate nationalism that will exclude others,” Bartlett said.
Could Barbados Start Using Barged Water From Suriname? BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – Barbados may be looking outside its shores for assistance in dealing with the severe water shortage affecting the country. It has been reported that the island has already ordered a shipment of fresh water from Suriname. The shipment of a maximum of two million litres of surface water in a flextank, is expected to leave Suriname around November 25and arrive in Barbados four to five days later. Amazone Resources’ Chief Executive Officer Auke Piek broke the news last week while speaking on the sidelines of the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA) Conference and Exhibition, being held at the Hyatt Regency in Port-ofSpain, Trinidad. “We would like to have the launch of the flexbag on November 21or 22 and after that, it will be sent to Barbados with drinkable surface water from the rivers. The journey should take four to five days, using a tugboat to pull
the floating flexbag/ flextank…We will test, through our trial, how the water behaves during transportation,” Piek told members of the media. He however said he did not know what Barbados would do with the large shipment of water, since it was only a “test run”. Piek acknowledged that following a sustained period of drought in Barbados, “there was an urgent need of fresh water, both for agricultural and indus-
try but also for human beings.” However, Barbados’ two top water management officials have denied approving any such move. While not ruling out a potential move in the future, both Minister of Water Resource Management Dr David Estwick and the general manager of the Barbados Water Authority (BWA) Dr John Mwansa said they had not approved any such shipment. (Caribbean360)
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Hurricane Matthew damage tally in Haiti nearly $2 bn Port-au-Prince (AFP) Hurricane Matthew’s devastating passage over southern Haiti on October 4 caused nearly $2 billion in damage, Haitian authorities announced. Studies by the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) put the estimated cost of damage and economic losses at 124 billion Haitian gourdes ($1.89 billion), officials with the Ministry of Economy and Finance told a news conference. The southern region of
Haiti, considered the country’s breadbasket, was particularly hard hit by winds of 150 miles per hour (250 kilometers per hour) and torrential rains. The agricultural sector alone suffered losses estimated at nearly $600 million. And more than 175,000 people lost their homes, with those losses also estimated at close to $600 million, economists say. The devastation comes as the country is in the midst of an electoral crisis.
The first round of presidential elections in 2015 had been canceled because of massive fraud and rescheduled for October 9 of this year. But the hurricane’s arrival forced a new postponement, with the successive rounds now set for November 20 and January 29, 2017. The biggest challenge for election officials will be to find suitable voting sites: more than 500 schools — traditionally used on election day — were damaged or destroyed.
Appeal court issues warning to Antiguan PM, other officials ST JOHN’S, Antigua CMC — The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court of Appeal has adjourned to February next year a matter in which Prime Minister Gaston Browne and several leading members of the ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) are involved. But the adjournment to February 27 has come with a warning that the matter will be thrown out if the appellants,
who also include former Prime Minister Sir Lester Bird, are not present. Chief Justice Dame Janice Pereira said the appellants had failed to appear in court for their matter for the 10th time since filing their appeal in 2010. The appellants – Browne, Bird, legislators Molwyn Joseph and Mary Clare Hurst, the ABLP youth arm member Sharon Kentish as
well as Jim Galloway and Vere Bird Jr had filed the appeal after being convicted and fined EC$1,000 (One EC dollar =US$0.37 cents) each in December 2010. They were ordered to pay the fine within a week or serve nine months in jail after they were found guilty of disobeying the Public Order Act on May 4, 2009. Galloway and Bird Jr have since died.
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Ruthless Kerber sets up final with Cibulkova SINGAPORE (Reuters) Angelique Kerber continued her relentless march towards a maiden WTA Finals crown with a comprehensive 6-2, 61 victory over defending champion Agnieszka Radwanska yesterday to set up a title showdown against Dominika Cibulkova. The German enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with victories at the Australian and U.S. Opens to usurp Serena Williams at the top of the world rankings and after another dominant display, she will be favoured to cap her season with the Singapore title today. “I was trying to be focused on every single point because playing against her
is so tough, so I just made sure I played my game and was aggressive,” Kerber said. “It’s amazing to think that I will be in the final in Singapore.” Both players are renowned for their exemplary defense and supreme athleticism but, with serving not considered their strongest suit, it was hardly surprising to see the contest start with three straight breaks in favour of the German. Kerber gave her Polish opponent no free points, got everything back and forced Radwanska into playing an extra shot on every rally, the constant pressure leading to another break in the seventh game, enough for the German
to claim the opener. Radwanska struggled to come up with any answers as the alarmingly consistent Kerber ran away with the contest against her dispirited opponent with four more breaks of serve. In the first semi-final, Cibulkova continued her dream debut at the elite eight-woman event with a thrilling 1-6, 7-6(2), 6-4 victory over Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova in an absorbing encounter. INTENSITY LEVELS The 27-year-old Slovakian, who had won their last five encounters, enjoyed a bright opening and threatened on Kuznetsova’s first service game but some boom-
Sunday 30 October. 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You may be out of sorts if you have been extravagant or have let children or friends take advantage of you financially. Take the initiative and go after your goals. Take time to catch up on overdue correspondence. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You will be able to get along well with colleagues. Trips will be favorable for business as well as pleasure. Money problems will get worse if your partner hasn't been playing by the rules. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You can offer your mate a commitment or promise that will help stabilize your personal life. Curb the impulse to make lavish purchases and maybe spend some time with good friends. Problems with appliances or electrical gadgets will drive you crazy. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Don't be too quick to spend money. Communicate with relatives who may need advice in order to find solutions to their existing problems. There's lots to be done and if you meet your deadline you'll be in your boss's good books. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Go to the top if you're being harassed or held back. Put your energy into moneymaking ventures. Think twice before you volunteer information. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Someone envious of your popularity may challenge you to a debate. Abrupt action will cause difficulties with rela-
tives. You're in the mood to do things such as competitive sports, or perhaps a night on the town. LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Don't draw too much attention to yourself at work. Sudden changes regarding colleagues may surprise you. Don't be too open or put your faith in unreliable coworkers. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Go after your goals and don't be afraid to ask for assistance. You may experience setbacks due to additional responsibilities with loved ones. This could be a difficult day to deal with coworkers. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Try not to hesitate; act on your initial instincts. You might be overly emotional concerning situations at work. You can win if you're open and up front with your boss. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) You can complete any projects efficiently, especially if you put the effort in yourself. Deception is likely. Partnerships could be tense. Don't push your luck. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You may find that family members may not be too easy to get along with. Opportunities for travel and socializing are evident. Deep discussions may only lead to friction. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You might find that the extra cash will come in handy when an opportunity to invest comes along. Your generous nature could be taken advantage of. Exercise programs will be effective.
ing forehands bailed out the Russian, who edged ahead when she broke in the third game. Kuznetsova was now firing on all cylinders, pushing Cibulkova all around the court and forcing her into errors and the rampant Russian secured two more breaks to complete
a run of six straight games to wrap up the opener. Cibulkova responded by stepping up her intensity levels in the second set and, as the tension mounted, neither player was capable of holding serve and four consecutive breaks from the ninth game sent it to a
tiebreaker. Cibulkova maintained her aggression in the tiebreak, sprinting 6-2 ahead as Kuznetsova struggled to keep pace and the Slovakian sent the contest into a decider when she rifled a backhand winner past her static opponent.
Windies not in a “happy mood”... (From page 66) with one game remaining in Sharjah. Earlier this month, allrounders Kieron Pollard and
Hamilton... (From page 70) with the car all weekend, I was getting better and better but it was a shame in Q3 (phase three) I couldn’t get the lap together. We have a different strategy for tomorrow,” said Verstappen. Force India’s Nico Hulkenberg qualified fifth with Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel sixth and seventh — a disappointment after the team’s pace on Friday. Mexican Sergio Perez, the crowd favourite and one of two home drivers in the race, qualified 12th for Force India. Compatriot Esteban Gutierrez, in a Haas, starts 17th. Neither of the McLarens made it through to the final phase of qualifying, with Fernando Alonso 11th and Jenson Button 13th. Renault’s Jolyon Palmer did not take part at all after the team found a crack in his car’s chassis after final practice. The Briton will start at the back of the grid. “It’s really frustrating. We could have been fighting for one of our best grid slots of the year,” said the rookie, who is fighting Danish team mate Kevin Magnussen for a place at Renault next season.
Top IKD... (From page 68) Guyana karate examinations at the YMCA Thomas Lands came to a successful culmination. congratulations to all the students who were successful, also to Instructors: Hazrat Ali (Albion & Blairmont), Laurence Lowe (Georgetown), Amir Khouri & Roger Peroune (YMCA), Parmeshwar Persaud (Land of Canaan), Nathalie Gibson (Linden) & Mahadeo Ramotar (Canal #1). Shuseki Shihan Frank WoonA-Tai held Instructors training during the past two weeks at the YMCA and GKC.
Dwayne Bravo who contested the limited overs series, said the sacking of Simmons had demoralised the players and created chaos in the camp. Sammy, who was also fired in August despite leading the Windies to their second T20 World Cup last April, described the entire situation as “a mess.” “Everything in life happens for a reason. I am still on a high. I refuse to let people dictate my mood,” he said. “It is disappointing to win a World Cup and you’ve not played international cricket after that. To remove the winning World Cup coach [as well], it’s just a mess. I am not
about fighting it anymore.” While selectors said Sammy’s dropping was due to his lack of individual performances, it has been widely speculated that the St Lucian all-rounder paid the price for his criticism of the WICB just moments following the Windies’ capture of the T20 World Cup in India. However, despite all that has transpired since, Sammy said he did not regret his decision then to blast the board. “Put me on that podium again and I will do it even better. I believe a man has to speak his heart. It was just an extension of what my team went through flowing from me.”
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Sunday October 30, 2016
Kaieteur News
Upper Corentyne defeated Mackenzie High maul ‘Multi’ to reclaim Skeldon by 7 wickets in specially Linden’s schools’ athletics title Linden’s junior national The 200 metres was even jumpers. She won the long, played 50 overs match athletes and seasoned easier for the national junior triple and high jumps to campaigners took full advantage of sweltering sun on Friday to set up a showdown that Mackenzie High School eventually won, after mauling 2015 champs, the Multilateral ( M u l t i ) , C h r i s t i a n b u r g / Wi s m a r Secondary School (CWSS). Mackenzie High School amassed 856 points to dethrone CWSS, which finished on 788 points, and reclaimed the Linden schools’ track and field title at the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) Ground. New Silvercity Secondary was third with 520 points while Wisburg Secondary finished in fourth on 514 points. Rounding out the top five schools on the track was Linden Foundation Secondary that ended on 429 points. National junior sprint Champion, Compton Caesar, dominated the Boy’s Under-20 sprint events. Caesar took the 100m race comfortably with a quick start and acceleration before shutting down at the 70m mark in an absence of any competition.
c h a m p i o n a n d C o m m o n w e a l t h Yo u t h Games finalist. Another prodigy, Daniel Williams, who would have had a CARIFTA Games silver medal this year if he did not step on the line, was also in top form. Williams won the Boy’s U-18 100m, 200m and 400m ensuring that he, like Caesar, is on the bus from Upper Demerara/Kwakwani, District 10, to the National Schools’ Championships next month. Onasha Rogers dominated the Girl’s U-18 100m, easily winning a sprint-double as well to continue the dominance of seasoned campaigners. Rising star and one to certainly watch at Nationals this year, Xanyah Melville, also made a strong impression in the female sprints in the U-14 category before double CARIFTA Games silver medallist, Chantoba Bright was in action. Bright continued to shine with an unusual U-18 400m win. Bright is one of Guyana and the Caribbean top
claim the ‘Champion Girl’ trophy in that category. K e l a n i e G r i f f i t h ’s successful return to track and field was established with wins in the U-20 Girls 200m and 400m. Griffith also won the long and triple jump events on Thursday. Nationally acclaimed junior middle distance and distance athlete, Shauntel Hinds was impressive with wins in the U-20 Girls 800m, 1500m and 3000m. Mackenzie High dominated the relay events to close out the day’s activities, winning the female 4×100 metres and both the male and female 4×400 metres events, while a strong last leg from Caesar allowed CWSS to take the male 4×100 metres event. U p p e r Demerara/Kwakwani, District 10 will name their team for Nationals this week and from the look of athletes on display on Friday, the region will be fielding a formidable team in a bid to retain the National Schools’ Championships title they won last year. (Edison Jefford)
Windies not in a “happy mood” with Simmons gone, says Sammy LONDON, CMC – Discarded Twenty20 captain Darren Sammy has supported the view of two of his former teammates that the sacking of head coach Phil Simmons has negatively impacted West Indies’ performance in the ongoing series against Pakistan. Speaking here last week, the 32-year-old criticised the West Indies Cricket Board’s decision, noting such actions had now become a trend, and said he could tell the Caribbean side was not in a “happy mood” in the United Arab Emirates. “It’s disappointing but not surprising,” the two-time T20 World Cup-winning skipper was quoted as saying. “It’s been a trend of how my former employers operate. It was sad. They will say it did not have an effect on the team but, from the pictures being posted on social media, I could tell my team was not in a happy mood.”
Lakeram Latchman
Naeem Yacoob
Davanand Chatterpaul
The Upper Corentyne first division team defeated their Skeldon Community Centre counterparts by 7 wickets in a specially arranged 50 overs match organised by the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association (UCCA) and played last Saturday at the Skeldon Community Center Ground. Upper Corentyne won the toss and asked Skeldon to take first strike. Skeldon were bowled out for 170 in 34.1 overs with Gajendra Nauth 51, Victor Pedro 42 not out and Christopher Jaundoo 29 being the top scorers. Bowling for Upper Corentyne Lakeram Latchman led the way with
4-23, while there was one apiece for Davanand Chatterpaul , Jameel Assad and Naeem Yacoob. Upper Corentyne in reply raced to 174 for 3 off 28.4 overs with Naeem Ya c o o b 4 9 , L a k e r a m Latchman 46, Tameshwar Ramoutar 31 not out and Davanand Chatterpaul 12 not out being the principal scorers. Bowling for Skeldon Jermaine Reid, Clavern Beresfored and Gajendra Nauth picked up one wicket each. The President and executives of the UCCA took the opportunity to thank the Price is Right Supermarket of Corriverton, S u k h p a u l ’s B u s i n e s s
E n t e r p r i s e s , M r. V. P. Baichan (Francis), the Captain Junior Blair and the entire Skeldon Community Center Cricket team for making the specially arranged cricket match a success. Meanwhile, the UCCA has announced that Davanand Chatterpaul of No.72 Cut an d L o a d cricket club and Naeem Ya c o o b h a s b e e n appointed captain and vice-captain respectively of the UCCA first division cricket team which will be participating in the upcoming Berbice Cricket Board Tenelec Inc 50 overs competition which will commence shortly. (Samuel Whyte)
GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power Nat. U-17 League
Duncan’s brace leads Slingerz past Beavers
Former West Indies captain, Darren Sammy.
Simmons was sacked even as the squad departed the Caribbean for the UAE last month, over what the WICB described as “differences in culture and strategic approach.” W e s t I n d i e s subsequently produced a
plethora of limp performances as they suffered 3-0 whitewashes in both the T20 and the OneDay International series. They have since also conceded the three-Test series where they trail 2-0, (Continued on page 65)
An Odel Duncan first half double set up a crushing 4-1 win for Slingerz FC over Beavers in the lone match of the GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power National Intra Association Under-17 League played at the Den Amstel ground, yesterday afternoon. Duncan netted in the 4th and 11th minutes of play, setting the perfect platform for Slingerz’ eventual win. Troy Skeete added a goal of his own in the 5th minute which had doubled the advantage for Slingerz. Beavers narrowed the deficit on 14 minutes through an Akeem Caesar effort but that turned out to be their lone goal of the match. Brentnol Bobb netted the fourth goal for Slingerz in
the 47th minute to secure full points for his team. Today’s match in the said
league features Den Amstel against Wales United from 12:00hrs.
Kaieteur News
Sunday October 30, 2016
Terrence Ali National Open Boxing Championships
Fistic fury, mild controversy characterize opening of GBA premiere tourney
Police’s Dewani Lamphin penetrates REP’s Klaus Daniels defence before both Boxers were disqualified for hitting after the bell. (Sean Devers photo) Boxing fans trooped to the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue, last Friday evening, to witness the highly anticipated slugfests when the curtains went up on the Terrence Ali National O p e n B o x i n g Championships and experienced bittersweet moments following several unpopular decisions. Barring that, fans were treated to special displays as the nation’s top punchers vie for national honours. One such decision occurred in the jnr/welterweight division where Policeman, Diwani Lampkin, faced off with Klaus Daniels of the Republican Boxing Gym (REP). The boxers were engrossed in a heated exchange which continued after the bell sounded to end the 2nd round. Referee, Romona Agard, exercised her authority and disqualified both boxers thus incurring the wrath of national coach, Sebert Blake, who is insistent that the referee’s decision was too harsh. Ms. Agard debunked the claim saying that AIBA is very stringent on such matters. She said that both boxers continued pounding away on each other more than 10 seconds after the bell had sounded and she was left with no other alternative. Lampkin’s gym mate, Dennis Thomas, remained undaunted and pounded a hapless Kevin Rodney (FYF) and forced the referee to stop the middleweight bout in the 3rd round. There was also another bit of controversy in the jnr/welterweight bout between Kurt Allicock (HE) and Richard Subratee (FYF). After 3 rounds of hectic action, Allicock was
declared winner and once again Blake raised his voice in indignation. His contention is that Allicock had infringed the rule by removing his bandages even before the referee had checked them forcing Agard to once again enforce her authority, reversing the decision in favour Subratee. Otherwise, the programme was smoothly administered and several of the boxers were able to showcase their skills and move on to the semi-final which was slated for last evening. Crowd favourite, Julius Kesney of the Rose Hall Jammers Boxing Gym (RHJ), retained his form to pound out a split decision over Aluko Venture and seal off a spot in the finals; this in the Flyweight division. One fight earlier, also in the Flyweight division, Kevin Allicock turned in a courageous display to defeat Teusimar Peters (GDF), while the quarter final match between lightweights, Anandram Dharamraj (REP) and Jamal Brisport (GDF) ended in favour of the former pugilist by a unanimous decision. Joel Williamson (RHJ) is more experienced than Triston Browne (GDF) but failed to secure his advantage and lost the lightweight contest after the referee disqualified him for infringing the rules. Jnr/welterweight, Aquancy Harvey (GDF), secured the first stoppage for the night when he forced the referee to halt his contest a g a i n s t Q u a m i Cummerbatch (REP) midway into the second frame. Republican welterweight pugilist, Clifton Graham, upheld the trend when he unleashed a
severe two fisted attack on Linden Daniels (GDF) and forced the referee to call a halt at 2:52secs of the first round. Graham’s gym mate, Joshua Joseph, was also in winners’ row when he pounded Lorex Cummings (GDF) to take a unanimous verdict, also in the welterweight division. Kelon King (FYF) made a grand return to the ring when he out boxed Republican, David Walters, to take a lopsided unanimous verdict in their welterweight bout moments before GDF representative, Desmond Amsterdam, got the better of Kevin Rodney (FYF) by a unanimous decision. Super/heavyweight, Floyd Cato (GDF) fought Republican, Oswald Yaw, and scored a unanimous decision win. Jason ‘AK 47’ Barker (REP) was not given an opportunity to test his firepower after GDF representative, Renaldo Niles, failed to turn up for their heavyweight bout. In the final fight of the night, a l s o i n t h e super/heavyweight division, Renee Lewis pounded out a points verdict over Delon Gordon (REP). The action continued last evening with several other potentially action packed affairs and will conclude tonight when the champions, champion gym and best boxer awards would be determined. Action time is 20:00hrs. Meanwhile, GBA will be holding a take away lunch at the Gymnasium from 12:00hrs today. This is in aid of a team of boxers travelling to a regional tournament shortly. The general public is encouraged to come out and support the association’s fund raising drive.
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Media Centre could be named after ‘Reds’ next month By Sean Devers At 76, the one wish of renowned International Cricket Commentator Guyanese Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira is to broadcast his last match on Radio during the historic first ever daynight four-day First-Class game in Guyana when the Guyana Jaguars face Barbados Pride at Providence from December 9. Programme Director at the State owned NCN, Ron Robinson was informed of this and said he would address the proposal. The experienced presenter, who watched his first Test match in 1953 when West Indies opposed India, got his big break in 1959. Two Inter-Colonial matches were being played in the then British Guiana (Guyana) at the same time, and two commentary teams were required. “One match was at Bourda and the other at Rose Hall….I was interested in commentary and was called in by Rafik Khan of Radio Demerara and Kenny Wishart, who helped to select the Radio commentators for the cricket board. I joined Norman McLean and Claude Vieira for my first match,” said ‘Reds’, who lives in St. Lucia Reds has described the action in close to 150 Test matches. He is the only Guyanese to commentate in three consecutive Cricket World Cups. Reds was also adviser to Sports Minister Shirley Field-Ridley in the Forbes Burnham led PNC
Joseph Reds Perriera (St Lucia Star) Government. According to hard working Director of Sports Christopher Jones, based on recent developments, the Media Centre could be named after Guyana’s most recognised Sports broadcaster while he is still alive and doing so next month during the day-night contest will be a fitting gesture for a man who has given so much in sports to this country both as a commentator and administrator. There are many who support the idea of honouring Guyana’s most outstanding cricketers by having their names adorn stands at the Providence Stadium which are presently known as the RED, GREEN and ORANGE Stands. There are also a few who don’t support such a proposal, among them Sports Minister Nicolette Henry who shot down the idea three months into her term of office and TV host Edwin Seeraj and Columnist at the State owned Guyana Chronicle.
Minister Henry said she did not want to spend the next five years defending the names, when asked about the naming of the stands last year. O n e o f S e e r a j ’s arguments about the naming of the Stands is that most of the names suggested never played at Providence. But the fact that the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua is named Richards who never played there, Brian Lara never played at Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad and Cliff Anderson never fought at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, gives that argument no merit. The names suggested are the most outstanding Guyanese cricketers who have helped to put Guyana on the map. Stadium name –Guyana National Stadium (every time the Stadium is mentioned Guyana would be mentioned) Red –Clive Lloyd and Rohan Kanhai Green – Roy Fredericks and Basil Butcher Orange- Joe Solomon and Alvin Kallicharran Players’ Pavilion- Shiv Chanderpaul (Guyanese with most Test runs) Grass Mound – Carl Hooper and Ramnaresh Sarwan Media Centre-Reds Perreira Scoreboard-Ron Legal Northern End-Lance Gibbs (only West Indian spinner with 300 Test Wkts) Southern End- Colin Croft (only Guyanese pacer with 100 Test Wkts) Practice nets-Mahendra Nagamootoo and Clayton Lambert
Letter to the Sports Editor
Concerned over the attacks on GOA President Dear Editor, I have watched over the past few weeks as current president of the Guyana Olympic Association K. Juman Yassin has been battered in the Kaieteur News. Let me make it clear that I am no defender of Mr. Yassin or the Guyana Olympic Association, but I am a believer in being balanced and fair. I find it worrying that
only one out of our four daily newspapers would g o a f t e r t h i s administrator. I also find it worrying that during this election season this one newspaper has found it prudent to have two of its most senior sport reporters form a tag-team and beat up on Yassin. Sir, the state of our sport should not and cannot solely fall at the feet of the GOA or
its current administration which is headed by Yassin. What about absence of sports policy? What about Private sector involvement? What about Government involvement? While we all get excited during elections and want our side to win we have a duty to remain balanced. Yours sincerely, R. Pilgrim
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Sunday October 30, 2016
Kaieteur News
Letter to the Sports Editor
Schools’ Cricket League must be organised in framework of Ethics and structure Dear Sports Editor, A recent article on page 30 of the Kaieteur News dated Thursday October 13th 2016 depicts a rather unfortunate picture of Government officials (including those from the National Sports Commission and the Child Care and Protection Agency) as well as sponsor Digicel embracing and condoning a most unacceptable relationship with the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) for the National Secondary School Cricket League (NSSCL). P r e v i o u s l y, b o t h Director of Sport Christopher Jones and Education and Sport M i n i s t e r D r. R u p e r t Roopnarine had categorically stated that “the GCB needed to have elections and that free and fair elections were at the heart of the cricket crisis”. The subject article stated that Minister of Sport Nicolette Henry indicated that the School League is a worthwhile avenue for the nurturing and promotion of youthful talent. Sport Commission Administrator Gervy Harry stated that sports can be easily seen as complementary to academics and that many sports personalities are able to enjoy lucrative careers. And Mr. Francois from the Child Care and Protection Agency emphasized the role his Agency is playing by supporting the GCB in its cricketing and competitions programmes in a safe and fair environment whilst assisting that Board on setting policy-driven standards. These are all fine, wellintentioned statements but how fair, rational and objective are they when the environment in which the children are being trained is fraught with i l l e g a l i t y, l a c k o f accountability, lack of free and fair elections, racial and other types of discriminatory practices and administrative lawlessness. It is indeed shocking to see that this inept GCB behaviour could be
condoned for so long by successive administrations thereby allowing the development of our youth to suffer adversely, particularly because of poor standards occasioned by the absence of a legitimate GCB. Odinga Lumumba candidly pronounced in Parliament that Politicians and members of the Judiciary have contributed to the cricket crisis by “representing characters “who cannot contribute to cricket development. Mr. Lumumba added that when those kinds of behaviour occur in cricket “the dreams of our young sports men and women will be derailed and their future cast aside”. Certainly we want to see a school cricket programme instituted but it must be done within a legal administrative framework and a properlystructured development programme. It is unpardonable that the government would again fall for the ‘trickery’ of the GCB soon after the recent gifting of National Awards to the so-called GCB and its prodigious Secretary while those deserving the awards, including cricketers, were left empty-handed. How could they support a system that is selfserving, palpably illegal, accounts to no one and has deliberately initiated flimsy legal proceedings to prevent the process of democratic elections of the GCB and its membership? How could they support the so-called development of our school children within an environment of dishonesty and lack of accountability? Are we saying that these important facets of proper administration are not important to the development of our school cricket and our school children? What coaching programme especially for youngsters could be properly managed by a group consisting of cricketing nonentities who lack the technical proficiency for the development of our cricket.
The deliberate omission of proven cricket experts such as Roger Harper, Mark Harper, Clyde Butts, Neil Barry, Rodrick Lovell, Neblett, Elroy Stepheny, Ravindranauth Seeram, Hubern Evans, Anil Beharry, Keith Foster, Marvin Burns, Monty Lynch, Bissoondyal Singh, Albert Smith, Surendra Heeralall, Michael Fredericks and Hilbert Foster among others highlights the tragedy in our cricket. It is impossible to wean or develop our most prized commodity, our children the leaders of the future, within the pervasive and backward cricket administrative environment that presently exists. I trust and pray that the honorific promises made to the current leaders of our cricket by the Government will not be used in a carte blanche manner to continue the debacle that those persons refer to as “youth development”. Any proper cricket development programme for our youth must provide a clear, consistent and morally uplifting pathway from school cricket to test cricket. The confusion, inconsistency and incompetence that represent the present school cricket programme must give way to a healthy, progressive and professional structure supervised by a competent administration blessed with the requisite experience and know-how. The current hop-scotch methods being employed reflect a dysfunctional approach by a group who do not have a clue of what they are about and who boast a poor record of looking after youths entrusted to their care. The future of our youths is at stake and the prevailing cricket crisis is not the formative environment within which they should be weaned. Our youths deserve better. Yours sincerely, Claude A Raphael Former Executive - GCB Former Director - WICB
Masters Football at GFC today The Georgetown Football Club (GFC) should be hive of activity today from 10:00hrs, when North Georgetown Masters and South Georgetown Masters battle each other in a warmup game in preparation for the upcoming Inter-Sub Association tournament slated for November and December 2016. Both teams will include several former National including the Barnwell siblings (Dion & Chris), Anthony Stanton and South will be Managed by Michael Pierre, while the Manager for North is Earl O’Neil. South GT: Dion Barnwell (Capt), Chris
Anthony Stanton Barnwell, Dirk Exctor, Shawn Jacobs, Lloyd Smith, N a t t y Wi l s h i r e , Tr o y
Hermstyne, Clancy Charles, Kelvin Leander, Terrence Lewis, Raul Jones, Clayton Mcloud, Justin Bentick, Chad Rodrigues, Andrew Brite, Wayne Pollis, Delroy Springer, Wayne Williams, Terrence Muza. North GT: Anthony Stanton (Capt), Frank ‘English’ Parris, Shawn O ’ N e i l , A n d r e Tr o t z , Malcolm Dalson, Jolyon Lewis, Dane Kendall, Stanford Miles, Olea Pedro, Terrence Wills, Linden ‘Poison’ Boston, Sherwin Scotter, James Rodney, Sean McKenzie, Floyd Cadogan, Juian Benjamin, Rolex Scotte.
Top IKD Chairman/Chief Instructor Grades 138 Karate Students at the YMCA
The successful participants and Instructors after the recent YMCA grading exercise. 9th Dan Shuseki Shihan F r a n k Wo o n - A - Ta i , Founder, Chairman and Chief Instructor of the International Karate Daigaku, and his brother 7th Dan Shihan Joseph WoonA-Tai graded138 karatekas of the ASK- Guyana at the YMCA Thomas Lands on Sunday 23rd October, 2016. They were assisted by 6th Dan Sensei Amir Khouri, 5th Dan Sensei Hazrat Ali & 4th Dan Sensei Roger Peroune. Students from the (Association Do Shotokan Karate - Guyana) Dojo’s Linden, Albion, Blairmont, Land of Canaan, Canal #1& Georgetown were Examined and Graded resulting in the following: 1st Dan promotions: 1. Pablo Chunilall YMCA 2. Ridwan Juman YMCA 3. Stowell Barry YMCA 4. Charles Benjamin Land of Canaan
Outstanding Kyu grades promotions: 10 kyu to 8 kyu:- Amelia Josie, Nicholas McPhoy, Antwone Salmon, Kemal Pickering, Brandon Lewis, Isaac Gaspar, Aldo Melendez, Curwin Glasgow, Ziyad Birbal, Bhaskar Jaipersaud, Crystal Itwaru, Omesha Melaram, Ta n z e l F u n g , J a y d e n Temaul, Breanna O’Selmo, Azim Alli, Andrew Mack, Isaiah Weekes. 10 kyu to 7 kyu:- Jerry Santana-Bain, A’Andre DaSilva, Malcolm Francis, Shanker Parasram, Akeem McPherson, Andes Roberts, Nicola Abbensetts, Priyadarshanie Ramsundar. 9th kyu to 7 kyu:Demian Dhanraj. 8 kyu to 6 kyu:- Arya Ramessar. 7 kyu to 5 kyu:- Xiran Huang, Joleigh Simpson, Raphael Ograsein, Hitesh Deonarine. 5 kyu to 3 kyu:- Reuel Austin, Chelsea Benjamin. 4 kyu to 2 kyu:- Clint
Jones, Christopher Ramkissoon, Kristine Ramkissoon. 3 kyu to 1kyu:- Tulsidai Ramotar. To t a l k y u g r a d e s promotions 23 students to White belt / Yellow stripe (9kyu) 18 students to Yellow belt (8kyu) 20 students to Orange Belt (7kyu) 14 students to Green Belt (6kyu) 27 students to Blue Belt (5kyu) 8 students to Purple Belt (4kyu) 6 students to Brown Belt (3kyu) 9 students to Brown Belt (2kyu) 9 students to Brown Belt (1kyu) 134 (Total) 4 students to 1st DAN (Black Belt) After nearly five (5) hours in very hot weather, with the largest turn out of examinees, the ASK(Continued on page 65)
Kaieteur News
Sunday October 30, 2016
PAGE 73
5th Annual Payless Variety Store 11-Race National Park Meet
Feature event abandoned after 20-laps as lapped riders refuse to exit By Franklin Wilson The 5th annual Payless Variety Store sponsored 11Race National Park Cycle Programme was brought to a premature end yesterday when the feature school boys and invitational race which was carded for 35-laps came to an end after 20. According to one of the Race Officials, Joseph Britton, after the race got underway, Team Coco’s Jamal John and Team Evolution’s Raul Leal took the race by its horns as they steamed ahead of all in a race that attracted 35 starters, one of the largest fields in a long time at the Park. Such was the dominance of the duo that they lapped the entire field during the process. It is a standard rule that riders who are lapped should exit the race but this was not the case as they refused to c o m p l y . It was based on this that Britton decided to end the race which dampened the
Some of the recipients of prizes pose with the sponsor and race officials following yesterday’s presentation. overall event even as the sun shone in all its glory. Leal and John were declared joint winners but this did not please John who was reluctant to even receive the trophy jointly with Leal. The Team Coco’s rider when asked to join others for the customary group photo bluntly refused and exited the National Park to show his disappointment with the outcome of the event. P a u l C h o o - We e - N a m ,
Raynauth Jeffrey, Orville Hinds and Junior Niles took the 3rd to 6th place as decided by the organisers. Repeating as champion was Nigel Duguid in the juveniles 10-lap contest; Duguid won again in 24 minutes 36.15 Seconds slightly slower than last year’s winning time of 23 Minutes 49.62 Seconds. In the process, Duguid relegated last year’s feature race winner Andrew Hicks to
Following are results of the other events:
2nd place with Raphael L e u n g 3 r d . Attention will now be focused on today’s 5th
Annual Digicel Breast Cancer Awareness Cycle Meet that would be contested around the outer circuit of the National Park
from 08:00hrs. Over One Million Dollars in cash is at stake. It would be a day of fun for the family.
PAGE 74
Kaieteur News
Hamilton on pole in Mexico, Rosberg second
Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton of Britain in action during the third practice session. (REUTERS/Henry Romero) MEXICO CITY (Reuters) Lewis Hamilton seized pole position yesterday for the Mexican Grand Prix with a sizzling lap in the sunshine before Mercedes team mate and title favourite Nico Rosberg joined him on the front row with a last gasp effort. On a bright afternoon at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, the triple
Formula One world champion produced a fastest lap of one minute 18.704 seconds to secure his 59th career pole and 10th of the season. “I turned up to do the job and I’ll try and do the same thing I did last week. I’m looking forward to the race and the car feels great,” said the Briton, who won in Texas last weekend.
Rosberg, last year’s winner from pole in Mexico, has a 26 point lead over Hamilton with three races remaining and can take the title today if he wins and Hamilton fails to finish in the top nine. The German had struggled for performance and was in danger of a second row slot before banging in a 1:18.958 in the dying seconds to rescue the situation. “ L e w i s ’s l a p w a s brilliant...but I put it together when it counted in the end. It still gives me a great chance for tomorrow,” a relieved Rosberg, who had been sixth fastest in the first phase and fifth in the second one, told reporters. R e d B u l l ’s D u t c h teenager Max Verstappen qualified in third place with Australian team mate Daniel Ricciardo fourth. “I had a good feeling (Continued on page 65)
Sunday October 30, 2016
Calvin Ming race Mygale Formula 4 during Mexican F1 Grand Prix this weekend
Calvin Ming drives during a race at the “Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez” circuit in June of this year.
Calvin Ming has been invited by the Ram Racing Team of Mexico, to drive their Mygale Formula 4 car, in the two supporting races that are being staged during the Mexican Formula 1 Championship race this weekend at the “Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez”
circuit in Mexico City. The support races will each be run over a distance of 12 laps lasting for 25 minutes with the first held yesterday and the second today at 9:38 am, Mexican time. Ming has been making a name for himself as a youngster with a bright
future in motor sport, driving top flight race cars in North America and the Caribbean. He has his eyes set of one day breaking the Formula 1 ranks and with his outstanding performances could definitely make his dream a reality.
Kaieteur News
Sunday October 30, 2016
PAGE 75
All set for Rising Sun Rodeo today Cell Smart continues Ministry of Tourism, Guyana Tourism Authority, Banks DIH and Trophy Stall on board
association with New Era Mohamed’s Futsal tourney
Flashback: The Vaqueros did not have it all their way as the wild animals put up stern battles.
All is set for the Rising Sun Rodeo today at the Rising Sun Turf Club, Arima Park, West Coast Berbice, Rodeo Arena, begin at 11:00 hrs. Thousands are expected to swarm the venue to witness the expected spills and thrills as the best Vaqueros and cowboys in the land challenge their counterparts from overseas. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Tourism through the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) along with Banks DIH Limited and Trophy Stall are among the major entities bank rolling the only coastland Rodeo activity held in Guyana. With this turning out to be one of the biggest Rodeos
held at the venue so far, the Guyana Tourism Authority has decided to place the event on it calendar package of activities for the year. Wo r d s f r o m t h e organisers are that the venue has been fully prepared for the big day. The Rodeo area has also been dug up wetted and leveled. Rehabilitation works have been completed on the Grand Stand, pavilion and rails, while the entire arena has been given a face lift to accommodate the anticipated large crowd that is expected to be on hand. Vaqueros from overseas and Hinterland Guyana have arrived. These vaqueros along with the posse from the coastland practiced their stuff during the past week for
the much anticipated event. 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 c a r d e d f o r t h e d a y ’s programme included beer drinking competition, winding down on horses back etc. According to organiser Fazal Habibulla the clown, tamer and the joker are expected to be attendance once again after missing out last year. (Samuel Whyte)
Floodlight, Herstelling Raiders triumph Floodlight and Herstelling Raiders recorded victories when the Guyana Floodlight Softball Cricket Association hosted two softball fixtures on Friday night at the Demerara Cricket Club. Floodlight defeated Parika Defenders by four wickets. Defenders scored 119-5 off their allotted 15 overs, batting first. Imtiaz Safie and Oswald Changla added 38 for the opening stand before Changla was dismissed for nine. Safie who anchored the innings and Kenrick Persaud then put on 41 for the second wicket before Safie went for a well played 55 which contained 10 fours and one six. Persaud made 19 and Ryan Adams 13 as Patrick Khan snared 2-13 while Ricky Deonarain and Anil Beharry had one each. Khalid Baksh and Richard Persaud gave Floodlight a solid start with a first wicket stand of 50 before they both retired; Baksh made 28 and Persaud
Aubrey Major Jnr. (right) collects the sponsorship from Chris Persaud of Cell Smart, while observing the moment are Sharif Major (left) and Kenrick Noel New Era Co-Directors. On Friday last Cell Smart joined main sponsor Mohamed’s Enterprise of Lombard Street, who is the newest sponsor onboard, to reaffirm their commitment with the New Era Futsal tournament which was officially launched Friday last at the Boardroom of Mohamed’s Enterprise, Lombard Street location. Cell Smart has been on board with the tournament for a few years now and maintained that support. Chris Persaud, Cell Smart Representative, handed over an undisclosed sum to CoDirector Aubrey Major Jnr.
in the presence of CoDirectors Sharif Major and Kenrick Noel pledging their continued support for the event. The tournament runs for nine nights, commencing November 25 and concluding on December 26 at the Mackenzie Hard Court. The event is open to all Futsal teams countrywide and has an entry fee of $5,000 per team. Entry forms and the fees should be submitted by November 10, the closing date for registration. Information on registration and all
tournament related activity can be had by calling 6915460 and or 669-2024. Game nights are set for November 25 with the opening, followed by action on November 26, December 2, 3, 9, 10, 17, 23 and 26 the grand finale. The first prize is $400,000 along with trophies and replicas. The second placed team will claim $150,000 and trophy, third $75,000 and trophy and fourth place will collect a trophy. Other prizes are on offer for the MVP, Best goalkeeper and Best young player.
Forde appointed to CONCACAF Governance Committee Ameer Azeez
Rajesh Reddy
got 21. Floodlight then lost a few quick wickets but Khan and Beharry steadied the chase with a fifth-wicket stand of 46 before Khan went for 29. Beharry remained unbeaten on 20 when victory was achieved, while Reyaz Hussein hit two sixes in scoring 13 off three balls as Floodlight ended on 120-6 in 13 overs. Shiek Zaman Ali claimed 2-16, while George Gill had 1-24. Herstelling overcame Corriverton by three wickets. Corriverton took first strike and posted 209-6 off their allocation of 20 overs.
Darshan Chalitar stroked 50 (2x4,3x6) while Clinton Pestano made 39, Chandrashaker Arjune 22 and Devendra Lalsa 20. In reply, Herstelling Raiders were reduced to 214 before Ameer Azeez and Rajesh Reddy stabilised the innings with a fifth-wicket stand of 146. Azeez slammed three fours and six sixes in a top score of 66, while Reddy who made 54, hit seven sixes in a brutal display of power hitting. Raiders finished on 212-7 in 19 overs; A. Zaman took 234. (Zaheer Mohamed)
President of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Wayne Forde has been appointed as a member of the CONCACAF Governance committee for the next fouryears. In his appointment letter, the Confederation noted that it is committed to finding the best strategies towards further expanding the development of football in the region guided by precepts of integrity and transparency. Forde who will attend the first committee meeting in Miami on November 18, next expressed delight at being afforded the opportunity to serve the sport at this level. ”This is a proud moment for Guyana’s football and I am humbled and honored to represent the fraternity at
. Wayne Forde what is considered the highest forum within the Confederation. I will advance policies and programmes that will
restore the reputation of the Sport throughout the region, the Confederation and Guyana. I am prepared to serve at any level of world f o o t b a l l . ” The Governance Committee, one of 9 Standing Committees of the Confederation is tasked with evaluating the governance and transparency of CONCACAF on at least an annual basis, which reports are to be made available to members, and shall make recommendations to the CONCACAF Council with respect to the eligibility and n o m i n a t i o n o f CONCACAF Council members and the independence of members of the CONCACAF Council and other standing committees
t r o Sp Terrence Ali National Open Boxing Championships
Fistic fury, mild controversy characterize opening of GBA premiere tourney
REP’s Quami Cummerbatch is in trouble against GDF’s Aquancy Harvey who won by TKO in round two. (Sean Devers)
Kurt Allicock of HP (left) defeated FYF’s Richard Subratte. (Sean Devers photo)
Mackenzie High maul ‘Multi’ to reclaim Linden’s schools’ athletics title
Mackenzie High School in celebration mode Friday evening after dethroning CWSS to reclaim the schools’ athletics ‘Champion of Champions’ trophy at the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground in Linden.
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