Monday October 31, 2016
Jagdeo and the PPP are not interested in national unity talks DEAR EDITOR; President David Granger in his recent address to the National Assembly, redirected the nation‘s attention to the mismanagement of the country by the PPPC administration, pointing to the financial, economic and social problems his government inherited, as major reasons why the coalition government has been unable to deliver more benefits to the citizens of Guyana. So effective was the President, that opposition leader Mr. Bharat Jagdeo was forced to state that the address was more in keeping with a new government making its first presentation after coming to office. In conceding that the President’s address was appropriate in a given context, the opposition leader was unwittingly admitting that the message was damaging to the PPPC at a time when that party’s propaganda against the government was beginning to resonate among sections of the masses. The rage and anger displayed by the opposition leader in response to the President’s address, suggested that Jagdeo felt that he and the PPP have lost political ground. The PPP propaganda operatives and activists have since been singing from their leader’s
song book. They have also resorted to their old tactic, which over the decades, has proven to be effective - that is to invoke the Burnham regime and the ‘negative effects’ on the nation of the PNCR’s 28years rule. This approach is the hallmark of the PPP’s party propaganda whether it is in opposition or, in government. For the PPP that approach is fair game. But when that party got a dose of its own medicine from President Granger, who invoked the negative effects on the nation as a result of the PPPC’s 23 years in office, which only ended 16 months ago, Jagdeo and the rest of the PPP leadership are now shouting foul. Jagdeo‘s contention that President David Granger’s speech was a “desecration of the House” is not only ridiculous, it also does not concur with our parliamentary history. The President did not say anything that was not in keeping with Guyanese parliamentary culture. What seems to have caught the PPPC off guard was their failure to correctly read the mood of the President and to anticipate his response to their forewarned boycott of the parliamentary sitting. Jadgeo’s ‘desecration’ claim is a political reflex action to his and the PPPC’s tactical miscalculation. The defense of Carvil Duncan given his legal troubles, which forced
the President to ask for his resignation from the constitutional boards/ agencies he sat on, cannot justify the party’s decision to boycott the President’s address to the National Assembly. The opposition leader and his party would have been on stronger grounds if they had walked out in response to the President’s remarks. It is one thing for the opposition to walk out on the President in defense of what they perceived as unjustified attacks on the party’s reputation. But to attempt to defend a comrade who is embroiled in corruption charges of a criminal nature is politically difficult to sell, and opens the party to criticisms of abusing parliamentary privilege. It is to his credit that President Granger, during his parliamentary address to the National Assembly and the nation once again took the opportunity to clarify his position as it regards to these issues and the need for ongoing dialogue with the parliamentary opposition. Not surprisingly, the opposition leader responded in his predictable way. In the course of his response to the President’s renewed initiative Jagdeo made it clear that the chances of Guyana being lifted out of the state of morass in which it finds it, will not be realized in the
foreseeable future. The President’s calculated political action which one newspaper described as his extension of the, “olive branch” to the opposition, caused me to ponder. He is on the right tract since constitutionally, as President of the country he has the responsibility to rise above partisan politics. While he has the constitutional responsibility as President and he is obliged to act within the parameters of those responsibilities, Mr. Granger also has the political duty to neutralize a hostile opposition. It could be argued that, after having dealt the opposition a serious blow by reminding the nation of the PPPC’s destruction of the country and of the birth of the criminal state under their watch, the President may have undone some of his excellent work by offering the “olive branch” to Jagdeo. Since becoming Head of State he has made this offer to Jagdeo on many occasions, and this, in spite of the fact that Jagdeo’s response has always been to be dismissive. Given the reasons Jagdeo had advanced for the PPP’s boycott of the President’s address to the National Assembly and the nation Mr. Granger did not need to go down that road. By doing so, he provided Jagdeo with an Continued on page 6
THIS IS NO WAY TO TREAT ASIAN INVESTORS IN GUYANA DEAR EDITOR; Six months after the Ministry of Finance seized the equipment of the largest forestry company in Guyana, effectively shutting down that company. The second and third largest logging companies in the country are in advanced stages of closing their respective operations. The capricious actions by this government were viewed as malicious and the large Asian investors have confessed privately that they are afraid that they will be next. Minister Jordon, the Minister of Finance effectively forced Bai-ShaiLin to cease operations by confiscating the company’s equipment. The Ministry was later forced to return some of the company’s assets, which were unlawfully seized. The Ministry of Natural Resources then cancelled the company’s land concession;
this has jeopardized the company’s sale agreement to another Chinese investor group. Both Ministries’ actions were taken despite The President’s public commitment to work with Chinese Investors. The actions by the two Ministries have sent chills through the Asian foreign investment community who hastily drafted contingency plans to wind-down their operations and avoid a fate similar to that of the large Chinese Company. The large Asian investor who was in advanced talks with Bai-Shai-Lin to invest billions in Guyana and acquire that companies assets has indefinitely suspended their investment. While these companies concede that they were delinquent in some aspects, they contend that there should be a transparent process with a clear time
PAGE 5
Kaieteur News
guideline utilized to enable them to become compliant with all Government Departments. Recently both BARAMA and DTL publicly announced their plans to close their businesses and leave Guyana. Natural Resources Minister, Rafael Trotman, held a hasty meeting with Demerara Timbers Limited and begged them to stay in Guyana while he is trying to schedule an emergency meeting during this current week with Barama Company Limited to again beg that company to stay in this country. According to industry officials, the longest of these companies have been
operating in Guyana since 1991, combined, at their peak, the three Asian companies employed in excess of two thousand Guyanese workers and together they have invested billions of dollars in the Guyanese economy. The President should move swiftly to restore foreign investor confidence in Guyana, not only with words but also with tangible actions. Government should outline a standard process by which any investor can have their delinquencies resolved. Enforcement actions against a company should not be at the discretion of a Minister or a Board, instead a time guideline should be established and enforcement date clearly publicized. Concerned Businessman
Minister Cathy Hughes corrects error made DEAR EDITOR; I regret to inform you that at last Friday’s AFC Press Conference ( October 28, 2016) I inadvertently stated that “ SOCU” had visited the offices of the Ministry of Public Telecommunications in relation to investigations into the results of the audit of the NFMU. This was an error and I should have stated that it was “SARU” that visited the Ministry. The audits and comments from the Director of the NFMU were therefore handed over to SARU. I regret any inconvenience this has caused and hope that you would assist in correcting the error on my part. Catherine Hughes Minister of Public Telecommunications
Hamilton Green wants to know where those tapes are DEAR EDITOR; Congratulations to the Speaker, Hon, Dr. Barton U.A. Scotland, O.R., CCH, M.P., Staff and artistes who took part in the “Afternoon of Reflection and Celebration of Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary” – they deserve our praise. The group that reenacted the handing over of instruments of Independence did a fair job. However, to give the reenactment some degree of authenticity and interest, it would have been helpful if the actual recordings on the statements by the principle persons, the three speakers; A.P.(Ochro) Alleyne, the Queen’s representative, Duke
of Kent, Dr. Cheddi Jagan and Linden F.S. Burnham were used. Those tapes were available, I know that, up to 1991 when we celebrated the 25th year of Independence; I hope they are still available. I hate to believe what a staff member said to me some years ago; that they were destroyed more than a quarter century ago. NCN and GINA must say if those tapes are still available and if not, why not, because these tapes are part of our patrimony. This article is being copied to the management of NCN and GINA for a response. Hamilton Green, OR.
Vendors were warned not to disclose information to the media DEAR EDITOR; We have been informed by some of our members in the Parliament View Mall (“Jurassic Park”), who attended a meeting on Monday morning (20-10-2016) along with mostly Alcohol Liquors and Front Fence Clothes vendors, that they were instructed by the Town Clerk, Royston King, to go and reregister their names at the Toolsie Mall. They were also told to ensure that they secure a Tax Identification Number. King also in an intimidating way said that he is aware of all who joined the Union and all who are speaking ill of him. He then informed them that on Saturday 5th November, 2016, they have to close up and remove their businesses for four days, so that he can dig drains and do other upgrading works. Mr. King cautioned them that what they discussed at the meeting was confidential and that they must promise him not to let the media know what they discussed at the meeting. Eon Andrews President, Guyana Market Vendors Union
PAGE 6
Kaieteur News
PNC accuses Guyana Chronicle of an unethical purpose DEAR EDITOR; The next time the Guyana Chronicle tries to discredit a Government Press Secretary or a Government Communications Officer, it might be wise for them to be accurate by at least attempting to print the entire story. What Guyana Chronicle failed to print in its article dated Saturday 29th October 2016 and titled “Harmon: Ministers not meeting public at Congress Place”, was that a Press Release announcing those public meetings (copied to the entire media corps) was sent directly from the People’s National Congress Reform’s Head Quarters at Congress Place, Sophia. It should also be noted too that the journalist from Stabroek News who posed the question about those public meetings to Minister of State, Hon. Joseph Harmon was honest enough to indicate that a release was sent out directly from the POLITICAL PARTY (PNCR). Additionally, as a youth member of the PNCR, I see absolutely nothing wrong with those ministers meeting with members of the public at Congress Place Sophia. The fact is that those Government
Ministers are also Members of Parliament and members of the People’s National Congress Reform – the party which is the largest in the APNU + AFC Coalition Government. Those Members of Parliament have constituents and constituencies that would have chosen them to represent their interests at the highest levels of office. I would have seen an issue had it been that those proposed meetings at Congress Place were the only public appearances made by the government ministers who again I stress, are also MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT. Further, one cannot expect the Minister of State to address a political party issue at a POST GOVERNMENT CABINET PRESS BRIEFING – a fact the minister clearly stated during that Press Conference. Guyana Chronicle’s headline twisted Minister Harmon’s words to create a perception of “confusion in the camp” and achieve the paper’s own unethical purpose. Please see Minister of State Joseph Harmon’s verbatim response on the matter, below. “There was no discussion
Jagdeo and the PPP... From page 5 opportunity to extricate himself from the embarrassing position he had created for himself. The Opposition Leader, shrewd politician that he is, seized the opportunity with both hands. I am aware that the President has a difficult job of navigating his politics in a nonpartisan way, but he must be attuned to the fact that in the context of relentless and hostile opposition foes who are using their clout to save themselves and their allies from prosecution for wrong doings, very little room is left for normal politics – more so patriotism. The opposition given its criminal history cannot, objectively, be patriotic at this time. Their politics is now conditioned to save their skins at all cost. The political challenge in Guyana therefore, is how to reconcile politically and at the same time dismantle the criminal state and bring to justice wrong doers. The PPPC decision to boycott the President speech in defense of Carvil Duncan highlights this reality. Tacuma Ogunseye
at CABINET about a statement put out by a POLITICAL PARTY about ministers and going to meet with the public so I’m not aware of it at this point and time that you’re raising it, but I’m sure that we’re going to examine that. Clearly there is a distinction between the government and parties and so sometimes parties even in
the coalition when they go to their party conferences and so on and make statements, we do not comment as a government. I deal with government and I would ask maybe that you address those party matters to the political parties who made the statements; but certainly as a government we never discussed that at Cabinet.” Malika N. Ramsey PNCR Youth Member and Press Secretary
Fed up with harassment by New Amsterdam police ranks DEAR EDITOR; Permit me some space in your letters section to express my grievances with police ranks of the Central New Amsterdam Police Station. On Thursday October 27, 2016 I was proceeding from New Amsterdam to Corentyne in my car HC 671 with two customers in the back seat and my wife in the front. A jeep load of police officers attached to the aforementioned station drove up to me and asked that I pull into the corner. I did so. They told me that they had received a report about guns and ammunition in my car. They searched my passengers, one being a security guard and a man who just came from church carrying his guitar. The officers searched the lunch bag of the guard and the other gentleman’s guitar for guns and ammunition. This harassment has occurred on two previous occasions, the last being on August 31, 2016 whereby ranks pulled up alongside me causing damage to the left side of my vehicle. I told the ranks that I will inform their superiors including government ministers of their behaviour. This made them angry to the point one of them held me forcing me to go to the station. At that time I was looking for the Commander’s number. I did not find the number so I complied and agreed to be taken to the station where the ranks carried out further checks on the vehicle. I eventually got hold of the Commander’s number. He told me to report to him the following day. Upon reaching the station, I was made to speak to his secretary who relayed to me his advice; which was to speak with the traffic chief. I did so and the traffic chief asked me if any of the ranks in the vehicle were traffic ranks, I told him no. He then said that the matter does not concern him and advised I speak to the Crime Chief. I followed the advice and was asked by the acting Crime Chief if any of the ranks were in civilian clothes, I said no. He then told me to speak to another officer. Eventually I was advised to file a formal complaint. Mr. Editor, I am tired of the continuous harassment being meted out to me by ranks of this station and it seems as though there is no where to turn to get justice so that I can be left alone. I am asking that the powers that be please look into this issue. I am willing to identify the ranks, particularly the officer who forcibly took me to the station. Councillor Crandon Gibraltar/Fyrish Neighbourhood Democratic Council East Berbice, Corentyne
Was a mistake made... From page 4 garbage contractor for portions of Georgetown, the epic failure of the Flea Market most evident of the loss of confidence of our vending entrepreneurs in the Town Clerk’s leadership, and other distinct issues, all of which calculate to a litany of woes for the municipality under the Town Clerk’s stewardship. When the Town Clerk’s actions are viewed in a management/ leadership framework a pattern emerges of a need for supervision. That the Government has had to step into the affairs of the municipality at almost every turn tells of the nature and quality of the professional skill set offered by the Town Clerk. Modern management thinkers like Peter Drucker would tell us that when an employer has to micromanage any employee in this manner; in the way the Government has to continuously step in to manage the Town Clerk, a hiring mistake has been made. Sherod Avery Duncan, LLB, JP. Deputy Mayor
Monday October 31, 2016
Unacceptable customer service from a Digicel store DEAR EDITOR; This letter is written to you because I was the victim of unsatisfactory customer service from Digicel. On the October 22nd, 2016 I went to one of the Digicel stores. I approached the representative requesting a Micronano Sim, not fully aware of the exact name since I’m a first time customer using such upgraded technology. The rep brought out a tiny sim card for which I paid $2,000. I left, went home to insert the sim in my handset and subsequently had a hard time tring to do this. I returned to the store for assistance with setting up the sim along with activating a 4G plan. The rep took out the part where the sim card is placed; then in my presence she discovered that I purchased the wrong sim card. I further explained to her that I’m not quite aware what the exact name of the sim card was. I knew that there are three types of sim Cards. (Regular Sim, Micro Sim & Nano Sim). The rep told me that I have to furnish an extra $1,000 to purchase a replacement sim card in order for the number to be transferred from the nano sim to the micro sim. I then explained to her that the sim is not in use and I just purchased the sim not too long and if it was possible for her to contact the head office and have the number unassigned and refund my money so I could have gone elsewhere and purchased the correct one (note: customer unaware that Micro Sims weren’t in stock at that said time). However, the rep kept insisting that I would have to pay for the replacement sim card. A Good Samaritan was in the store at the said time and volunteered to pay the $1,000. I stood there for 45 minutes to an hour waiting to have the number transferred to the replacement sim then only to hear from the rep “We Do Not Have Any Micro Sim Cards in Stock”. Other Customers were in the store who observed the incident and told the rep why did you take the customer’s money then tell the customer afterwards that there’s no sim card in stock. I then told the rep I will report her to the head office. The other rep’s words were to me, (note: there were four representatives) ‘Wait the
man paying for the sim and she still going to the head office.’ My words were in response were ‘that is not your business. Your job is to provide a professional excellent customer service to all customers.’ It was a back and forth argument instead of assisting me with the issue. To gain satisfaction and bring a conclusion to the issue I went to the head office explained the issue I was made to understand that at the head office they would normally ask the customer for the handset to measure the sim card and the rep at the store could have the number unassigned since it is a new sim card assigned that is never used or placed in the handset. That did not bring a resolution to the problem. Instead of me standing there to argue over $2,000 I paid my $1,000 to replace my sim card to the size of my phone sim card slot. I’m a single mother of two children and had to pay $3,000 for a sim card from Digicel. I called the retail manager; he said all that could be done was to send a message to all stores advising reps to ensure customers have their handset on hand to ensure the right sim is being purchased. Why wait till a customer is a loser then to enforce these rules? That was not the right protocol for the rep to follow and they are fully aware. I worked with Digicel when they first came to Guyana. I was trained for 4 — 6 weeks by a trainer from Jamaica along with other reps at the Pegasus savannah suite. I’m fully aware of the procedures that these reps need to follow. In my times working with Digicel as a Customer Service Rep, Cashier and Supervisor these kinds of problems and issues were never encountered. You as the representative have to put yourself in the customer’s shoes and ask fact finding questions to understand exactly what the customer’s problem is. I’m trained in customer service for 7 years I know the rules and procedures. I spend $3,000 to purchase a Sim card from Digicel. Is that the Bigger, Better Network for Guyanese Customers? I can’t wait for another cell phone giant to come on board. This is not the first encounter with Digicel. Frustrated Customer
Monday October 31, 2016
PAGE 7
Kaieteur News
Fewer restrictions as Contractors overpaid millions for road projects - AG report Guyana exits FATF watch-list
A section of the Lot 4 - Beterverwagting to Triumph Road Project
Auditor General, Deodat Sharma has uncovered yet again, more disturbing instances where contractors were overpaid millions of dollars for road projects. In this case, Sharma noted that the amount of $1.220 billion was budgeted for in 2015 under the Government of Guyana Highway Improvement, East Coast Demerara Road Project which commenced in 2011. He said that the project entailed the upgrading of the highway from Better Hope to Belfield; along with the necessary supervision. Sharma said that the civil works component of this Project was separated and awarded in seven lots. He said that payments totalling $2.656 billion were made as at December, 31 2014, while payments totalling $95.575M were made during 2015. As at December 31, 2015, the total amount expended on this Project was $2.752 billion. The Auditor General then pointed out in several instances, where overpayments took place, two of which included projects at La Bonne Intention to Beterverwagting and Beterverwagting to Triumph. LOT 3 - LA BONNE INTENTION TO BETERVERWAGTING Sharma in his latest report said that a physical verification carried out on Lot 3 revealed that the works were incomplete. He noted that there were changes or variations to the original scope of works. In addition, the Auditor General also said that the site appeared to have been abandoned with no equipment or personnel from the contractor on site. He said that the contract completion date expired on June 17, 2015 and at the time of reporting,
the position remained the same. Furthermore, the Auditor General said that the contractor received three Advance payments totaling $264.123M. Sharma said that this represents 76% of the contract sum. He noted however that the contract only allows for an Advance payment of 50%. Sharma said that this is a breach of contract where the contractor was paid Advances greater than that which is allowed for under the contract. At the time of reporting, the AG said that a valuation of the works completed was $157.663M. However, the actual payments made to the contractor totalled $278.346M. Sharma said that the contractor therefore received excess payments totaling $120.683M. Ministry of Public Infrastructure explained that the works were completed. The Agency also stated that there was a variation to the contract that resulted in the construction of timber revetment on the southern side of the road. Furthermore, the Ministry said that the contractor has received three Advance payments totaling $264.123M (which is 75.7% of the contract sum), while the contract only allowed for one advance payment of 50% of the contract price. “However, the contractor provided advance payment bond covering the sum of $264.123M during the execution of the works, these bonds expired on the 31 October 2014. The agreed completed value of the works was $157.663M and the total payments made to the contractor were $278.346M, resulting in the contractor being overpaid amounts totalling $120.683M,” the
Ministry stated. It noted however that it has written the contractor many times requesting that restitution be made for the outstanding sum of $120.683M. To date the contractor has not repaid any of the amounts owed. LOT 4 BETERVERWAGTING TO TRIUMPH Regarding this road project, the Auditor General said that works were incomplete and the site appeared to be neglected as well. In highlighting another instance of overpayments, Sharma said that the contractor received three Advance payments of $209.603M, representing 65% of the contract sum, while the contract only allows for an Advance payment of 50%. He stressed that this is a breach of contract where the contractor was paid advances greater than that which is allowed for under the contract. Further, the Auditor General said that the contractor submitted only one Advance Bond for the first advance payment of $174.504M. He said that this Bond expired since 2014; and that no Bond was seen for the second advance payment issued to the contractor. He noted, too, that the Performance Bond expired on December 31, 2014. Furthermore, Sharma pointed out that at the time of reporting, a valuation of the works completed was $76.954M. However, the actual payments made to the contractor amounted to $209.603M. Sharma said that in this instance, the contractor received excess payments totalling $132.649M at the (Continued on page 15)
Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin believes that Guyana faces fewer restrictions in doing business with other countries. This is because this nation has exited the watchlist of the global Anti-money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism compliance process of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Gaskin told reporters at the launching of the Ministry of Business’ 2020 Strategic Plan, financial institutions in other jurisdictions are required to comply with the laws and recommendations of their authorities that are responsible for anti-money laundering and countering of financing of terrorism. “So just like how we have our financial intelligence unit, there is an equivalent in other countries and they are required to implement risk mitigation measures against countries that are noncompliant; so now that we are off of the list, it certainly eases some of the pressure on those countries to not do business with Guyana.” The Minister said that the exit of Guyana from the FATF watch-list is evidence that the government has been cooperating and implementing FATF recommendations. Gaskin said that as of now he believes Guyana has satisfied all of the FATF requirements. It was reported by Attorney-General Basil Williams that for Guyana to remain effective under the
- Business Minister FATF regime, there needs to be more convictions to show sufficient progress on effectiveness. After returning from his trip to Paris, Williams held a press conference last week where he said, “Guyana cannot be complacent as the fourth round Mutual Evaluation beckons, where the test is whether we would have shown “sufficient progress on effectiveness, for example having more convictions for offences of money laundering, terrorist financing and the purloining of state assets.” When asked how equipped is the government in going after persons suspected of money laundering based on the new development, Williams said that the first money laundering Act was passed in 2000 but no one was ever investigated or charged. “Between 2000 to the time we took office no one was ever prosecuted for any money laundering offence in Guyana. It is only when we took office, people were not just investigated but they were also charged and taken to court.” Williams said that a lot of those cases have not resulted in convictions. He said that in some situations money as well as gold bars were returned to their rightful place. However, he explained that
Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin this will not be sufficient in the fourth round. “In the fourth round, we will have to show effectiveness and that we are making sufficient progress, In other words, convictions. We can’t tell them we charged a hundred people and we don’t have convictions.” He said that Guyana needs to do work in this regard because if initial investigation is done and this area is missing, the country can return to the International Co-operation Review Group (ICRG) review process. He stressed that what is important hereinafter is a large degree of selfassessment. “We have to start ensuring that all of these legal framework and regulatory framework are effectively addressed in the fourth round. By time 2020 we must be able to show regular convictions for money laundering offences.”
GuySuCo gains access to... (From page 3) 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.
PAGE 8
Kaieteur News
Monday October 31, 2016
Pranksters torment missing Social Cohesion Ministry to Prospect woman’s relatives provide support for initiatives As if her disappearance was not traumatic enough, pranksters are now reportedly harassing the relatives of 37-year-old Shawnette Savory, who vanished under strange circumstances almost two months ago. Family members are now appealing to the individuals who are calling and spreading rumours that have been upsetting relatives. They said that they are in emotional turmoil since the young woman’s disappearance on August 30, last. One relative said that the family was grieving for the woman and the false information was upsetting them further. “There are people calling and telling us that they see her at this location and then they call back and say no not there, somewhere else. It’s happening very often and they have us going all over to look for her,” the relative said. The woman’s relatives have been looking for her daily and these calls have been making things worse for them. “What we are going through is not easy. No one
Missing: Shawnette Savory can ever dream of going through this so please think before you pick up that phone to say something negative,” the relative appealed. They are however calling on persons, who have authentic information, to make contact with them or the police so that Savory can be returned home safe. In one of the calls the family received, the unknown person told the family that the young woman was being held against her will at Belle West, West Bank Demerara (WBD). This sent her family in a state of panic. They were informed that
the woman was being kept in a ‘zinc house’ in a ‘bushy area.’ Accompanied by police ranks, the relatives went to the area where they found a house which fit the description given to them by the caller. Indeed, the shack was located in a bushy area with a padlock on the door but there was no sign of the missing woman. A few days later, the missing woman’s relatives received another call in which the person claimed that the woman was moved from the Belle West location and taken to an area up the Linden/ Soesdyke Highway. Shawnette was last seen at Eccles, East Bank Demerara on August 28, last when they all attended an uncle’s birthday party. She reportedly then headed home. On August 30, she reportedly left her apartment, where she lives alone, to pay her electricity bill, following which she returned home, only to go out again. She never returned. Her relatives only learned about her disappearance after Shawnette’s land-lady called to say that she had not seen her tenant in days.
Minister of Social Cohesion, Ms. Amna Ally said that religious organisations can play an integral role in fostering social cohesion in their communities and committed to providing technical and other support through her Ministry for such initiatives, today, at the joint service celebration of Guyana’s Golden Jubilee hosted at the Mocha/Arcadia Methodist Church. “You have a role to play in helping to build a unified Guyana…Social cohesion is the willingness of members of a society to cooperate with each other in order to survive and prosper,” the Minister told the congregation. She noted that there are many ways in which the church could contribute to social cohesion in their communities by working together and championing initiatives that bring people together. The Minister used the opportunity to recommend inter-cultural understanding programme development,
community festivals and projects. “We have to proclaim the right to differ, and eliminate discrimination…little acts in the community can make a difference,” she said. The Minister said that she is willing to make available technical and other support through the Ministry to help to organise these initiatives. “Sometimes the church has to be sensitive to the needs of the community; look around the community and identify ways in which cohesion can be fostered,” she said. The Minister also used the opportunity to pledge grass cutters for all the churches and some schools in the community, in addition to the donation of 10 bicycles for the young members of the Trinity Steel Waves Steelpan band. This pledge was made in recognition of the churches’ role in the community and aims at ensuring that the churches are taken care of, the Minister said. Minister Ally also used the opportunity to highlight
the work of the Ministry, by underscoring on-going Consultations, which will contribute to the 2017-2021 National Strategy on Social Cohesion in Guyana, as well as the Diversity Education and Inclusion Workshops, which aim to provide awareness and sensitivity about behaviours that contribute to building better relations between individuals in the community. The Minister stated that she admired the congregation as they take their civic and national responsibilities very seriously. She noted that while most of the country’s Jubilee celebrations ended in May, it is commendable that the church chose to continue their observation later into the year, adding that such an important milestone should be celebrated for as long as one chooses. The service was one of many joint services hosted countrywide by the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas in honour of this occasion.
Recant of fatal accidents on the... (From page 3) when a call was made for them to return home. The distraught woman continued that her husband and Heyligar were imbibing and she was concerned about their safety. Questions, she said, were asked about Heyligar’s ability to take them home safe. However, they departed for Kuru-Kuru after some deliberation. Mrs. Dundas said that Heyligar began speeding on the highway. The woman said that she cautioned him twice but her warnings fell on deaf ears. “Carl was in the front seat and I hear him say, ‘Look the truck’ and that is all I remember,” she said. The injured driver told this publication that he tried his best to remember what exactly transpired; but all he can recall is slamming into the back of a truck – which he said, had no backlights. SEP 27, 2016: WOMAN DIES AS CAR TOPPLES ON SOESDYKE/LINDEN HIGHWAY Abiola Gomes, 38, died
today at the Linden Hospital Complex hours after she was admitted to the institution following an accident on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway. Gomes, a Crop Extension Officer attached to the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) and of Long Creek, Soesdyke-Linden Highway, was travelling in a CRV, PTT 1643 with 23-year-old Litesha Lindore and 31year-old Tyrone Phillips, when the vehicle toppled. According to the Commander of E Division, Senior Superintendent Calvin Brutus, the CRV driven by Phillips, also a Crop Extension Officer and of Cultivation Block Road, Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara, was apparently going at a fast rate when in the vicinity of Bamia, it hit a depression in the road and the driver lost control. “The car toppled several times. The left side of the vehicle is badly damaged. That is the same spot where two other accidents occurred earlier in the year and claimed the lives of Rawle Adams and police constable Ishaan Cain.”
According to Senior Superintendent Brutus, he had spoken to the Regional Executive Officer about repairs to the road, but was told that the road came under the Ministry of Infrastructure and not the Region. Lindore was treated at the Linden Hospital Complex the released stated. OCT 01, 2016: BROTHERS KILLED IN HORRIFIC ACCIDENT Two young brothers were killed in a horrific accident this afternoon on the Friendship, East Bank Demerara (EBD) Public Road. The accident occurred shortly after 14:00 hrs. The brothers have been identified as Jonnel and Phillip Armstrong of Lot 119 Riverside Drive, Watooka, Linden. According to reports, the two brothers and a friend were heading to Linden in a Toyota Rav4 when they collided with a truck that was heading in the opposite direction. Reports are that the one of the brothers, who was the driver, lost control as he was negotiating a turn and ended up in the path of the truck. He was reportedly speeding. The driver of the truck managed to swerve but the Rav4 slammed into the side of the truck. The brothers were pronounced dead at the Diamond Diagnostic Centre. The friend, who was in vehicle, is being treated at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).
Monday October 31, 2016
PAGE 9
Kaieteur News
SOCIAL MEDIA REPORTING This past week the GINA website carried a photograph of the President of Guyana shaking hands with a telecommunication official from Chile. The accompanying story was apparently sourced from the Ministry of the Presidency, according to the sub-text. The accompanying text to the photograph, however, featured comments on the meeting by the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Yet the image created an interest that the reader would be learning more about what the President had discussed and said at the meeting. It would have been more appropriate if the photograph used in the feature was one in which the Minister of Foreign Affairs was shaking the hands of the telecommunication officials since in the text accompanying the story, there was more said about the encounter from the Minister than the President. The above example shows some of the limitations of using social media to communicate information. One of the dangers is that the use of certain images on social media creates certain expectations about media content and not all times the images reflect that content. Given the wide reach of social media, such misapplication of images can be disastrous because the public can lose interest when they expect one thing, only to find the story to be about another thing. Social media requires a certain craft to it. It requires consistency between images and text and if that agreement is absent then an entire report can disappoint. When mainstream media houses, therefore reproduce images and text from social media sources, they have to be wary that they are not shortchanging their own readers. When information is transmitted through internet sources, these sources are referred to as a ‘social media’. It is quite a misplaced name because all information transmitted to the public is a form of social intercourse. We, however, refer to the transmission of information via the internet as ‘social media’ and that transmitted via television, radio and print as part of the ‘mainstream media’. Social media therefore is the instantaneous transmission of information. Television, however, can also be instantaneous but this does not make its social media. What differentiates the two is the medium and that medium is the internet. In such circumstances,
one should not expect that the quality of information or even the quantity of information would be different. But social media has a distinct feature about it. It is based on the presumption that people’s attention span is limited and therefore want abbreviated stories. It also is predominantly image–based. It makes excessive use of images to illustrate or to transmit the story. Social media sites such as Facebook, for example, limit the amount of text which can accompany advertisements. Text is used to complement the image rather than the other way around. The information to be told when using social media makes greater use of images rather than text. Social media is now actively used by the government and the opposition to get their message across to the public. The government runs a
number of webpages in which it communicates information via social media. The mainstream media, including the print media, often use their sources for their information. Social media is here to stay, but social media has its limitations. Social media cannot provide the depth of analysis and details which can be provided by the mainstream media. Social media relies mainly on images, as do television, but the print media is more text based. People buy the newspapers, despite knowing about a story, because they wish certain gaps to be filled. They are not sure, for example, why in a liberalized economy the government would be speaking to the Chileans about involvement in Guyana’s telecommunication sector. If the government needs regulatory help, there are organizations which can provide such help. No need
to ask foreign governments. If the government of Guyana is looking for investment into its telecommunication the sector, then why not go to an open process rather than speak to government officials of a country whose telecommunication sector is predominantly private sector owned and operated. G u y a n a ’ s telecommunication sector is so small that it is doubtful whether any major company would want to enter it without monopoly status. There are already two major telecommunication
companies in Guyana and a number of smaller entities providing telecommunicationrelated services. It is doubtful therefore that the government was interested in having Chilean telecommunication companies invest in Guyana. They were probably seeking regulatory support. But why now seek such support after legislation has been passed further liberalizing the sector? These questions cannot be answered by social media sources. This is why there will continue to be a main role for mainstream media in
answering the questions which cannot be answered through social media content. Newspapers are here to stay. Social media is also here to stay but there are grave dangers to government in assuming that the most dominant means of communication with the public is through social media reporting.
Monday October 31, 2016
Kaieteur News
PAGE 11
Express Guyana launches with successful psycho-social production - ASSISTING GUYANESE TO LEAD MORE FULFILLING LIVES
NICK BOODHOO: Recovering drug addict
Some of the students attending the event.
WILL CAMPBELL: Psychologist
MELISSA CARMICHAEL: Director of Youth
Express Guyana launched a Psycho-Social event for youths attending schools around Georgetownand its environs. The focus was on children in Forms Three to Five. The programme is aiming to improving the health and well-being of the citizens of Guyana by contributing to the reduction of the prevalence, and impact of social challenges such as domestic violence, teenage pregnancy, youth crime, violence and suicide. The Director of Youth, Melissa Carmichael, addressed the attendees. She focused on the importance of addressing the issues at hand and her office’s commitment to working with the Express Guyana. Psychologist Will Campbell, said that he specifically focused on domestic violence and
intimate partner violence. He told the women that they need to respect themselves and not accept treatment anything less than respect. They should know their worth and value, he added. He told the males that they should always respect women and see them as equal. He told the students to look out for the warning signs of domestic violence and to avoid such relationships. Campbell stated that sexual harassment on women is a huge problem in Guyana that needs to be addressed quickly. Campbell said that his team was able to counsel over 20 students, some of whom have suicidal tendencies, face bullying and challenges in their home environment. He said that some of them required follow up measures, while some are referred to Ministry and Social Protection and the Child Care and Protection Agency. His team will also be doing follow-up session with the students who are troubled with depression. Campbell stated that the Express Guyana launch was a successful one which was well attended. The schools are giving great feedback. He hopes to see the programme in all the regions of Guyana so that students can get the necessary help. Mr. Nick Boodhoo, a recovering drug addict, told the students that he did drugs for 20 years and he was glad that he was given the opportunity to speak with the younger generation on the effects and consequences bad choices can lead to. He told them to live a positive life and don’t give in to peer pressure. Boodhoo said that he was able to get over his addiction by following a 12-step programme on narcotics and stated that it was not easy, that it is an ongoing process, “You just don’t come off drugs in a day.” Boodhoo encouraged the student to stay away from drugs, stay focused in school and stay away from bad company. His new motto is “Say yes to life; no to drugs.” The production was built on a storyline that created links between the social challenges of focus and understanding of one’s true identity and awareness. The first
item was a skit entitled Guyanese Vendor which was used to establish the social context of the production. A powerful spoken word piece written and performed by Leeanna Allen, entitled Outgrowing encouraged victims of domestic and sexual abuse to grow beyond those occurrences in life. The second narration drove home the importance of rising above the past or current situations of the social and mental health providers collaborating with the launch. A play entitled Her Reality addressed teenage pregnancy. Guyana has the second highest rate of teenage pregnancy in South America and the Caribbean with 97 in every 1000 females between 15 and 19 giving birth. Because of this, Express Guyana saw it fit to speak to this issue. A monologue on drug abuse was masterfully performed to the youths to choose a different path. Thereafter an original song written by Leeanna Allen entitle Stand Tall was
performed by herself and Chavala Layne, moving the audience to find strength in their difficulties. The third narration again emphasized the need for a hopeful attitude and the services readily at their disposal at the event. It also reminded the audience that Guyana has the highest rate of suicide in the world with 44.2 people in every 100,000 taking their own lives and driving home the need to ensure that none of them become a statistic. The Express Guyana has been in existence for four years. The Executive member, Leeanna Allen, said that the non-governmental organization decided to do some of the things they do best by having a production launch title Guyana, our home. The aim of the group is to equip youths with information and skills to cope with and minimize the impact of these social ills, connecting with them through inspiration and service providers.
PAGE 12
Monday October 31, 2016
Kaieteur News
Farmers receive land leases at MMA/ADA open day
Some of the attendees at the MMA open day activity
A farmer collecting his land lease from Deputy CEO of GKDA, Dr. Walrond Powered More than seventy farmers on Saturday received land leases as the Mahaica Mahaicony Abary Agriculture Development Authority (MMA/ADA) hosted its annual open day. The activity showcased various aspects of agriculture and agriculture production practices at the site of its old headquarters, Trafalgar, Region Five, West Berbice. In brief remarks to the recipients and others gathered, General Manager of the Authority, Aubrey Charles highlighted the fact that lands which were previously leased to small farmers are not being cultivated by them, but by others. This he said defeats the intention of the scheme to, “make the small man a major player,” in the production and supply of agriculture produce to feed the nation. Charles also encouraged the revitalization of Cooperatives in the Region as a means of accessing resources for expansion of productive activities. “Since 2009 food prices on the World market have been falling, yet the Caribbean has a food import bill of about $4B annually. Farmers through the cooperatives have a major role to play in the reduction of this expenditure,” he told the gathering.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the MMA, Board of Directors, Doctor Kenneth Sealey, told those present that whilst Phase One of the intended Three Phase Agricultural Development District has been an extreme success, the time has come for finances to be acquired for the development of Phases Two and Three to ensure continuity. “The success of Phase One can be used as a catalyst, as a source of garnering revenue, for income, for the building of Phase Two and Phase Thr e e , t h e r e i s nothing better for good collateral than proof, proof of success of what you have been doing and what you plan to do. I am throwing this out because sooner than later, individuals from these various stages will be confronted with increase in rates and various issues that may not go down too pleasantly”, Sealey explained. Alluding to the challenges faced by the MMA and farmers in the last year, Sealey said life is not always smooth, but that encouragement comes when there is a light at the end of the tunnel. This light he told farmers is the MMA and other government agencies which often times serve as a pioneer for the development of the various aspects of agricultural production.
The feature address was delivered by Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), Nigel Cumberbatch who reminded attendees that Region Five is the main agricultural producing district in Guyana because of the pioneering efforts of the MMA. “Our rice, cash crops, beef and dairy products are highly thought of by the markets in Georgetown and other regions. But, as is alluded to by the chairman of the MMA, at what cost,” Cumberbatch said. Head of the GLDA offered that the time has come for a new model to be pursued in keeping with climate change and technological developments, but pointed out that this can only be achieved at great cost. “I am suggesting……that we have a shift maybe towards regenerating agriculture which will probably result in us looking at how we currently use our land and ask ourselves the hard questions. Some of these questions that we need to ask ourselves are how are we meeting our current needs as relates to the market that we serve and are we meeting those needs and maximizing those results? How are we managing marginal lands, how are we looking after biodiversity. What sort of
Berbice based NGO Hopelairs displaying locally produced condiments at the MMA open day activity fruits do we need to grow in the future? Will our own current method of farming ensure that soil, water, air will be fit for future generation to grow food, to what extent will these technologies be useful and which case it does not become a distraction from our core issues. These Mr. Moderator are some of the questions we need to ask and the answers of which I’m sure will require great sums,” the feature speaker added. Turning his attention to the theme of Agriculture month, and the focus on food safety and security, Cumberbatch reiterated the need to diversify and move agriculture production to new areas. He told attendees that
the time has come for the focus to be shifted to the production of value added commodities, which attract higher prices and will aid in minimizing the hardships of higher rental rates for land in the scheme. “A shift towards value added products will allow farmers breathing space to try new things. It is time that we begin to, particularly in Region 5, adding value to some products and the money that will be made from an acre of land would be increased. As the Guyana population is increasing in affluence there is going to be a great demand from consumers for transparency around the stable food production and
food safety” he stated. He further added, “This signals a large market for food that can be demonstrated to be grown in healthy sustainable and ethical ways and often attract premium price. I feel there is tremendous opportunity to add value to commodity by marrying two of the biggest titles and that is agriculture and technology”. At the open day activity several Agricultural Sector Agencies displayed products and shared information. Various types of Plants were also distributed by the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI). (A GINA feature)
Guyanese cop hospitalised in Brazil after nightclub stabbing A rank of the Guyana Police Force is currently nursing injuries in the Boa Vista General Hospital after sustaining stab wounds about his body during an altercation with an intoxicated patron outside of a nightclub in Tabatinga Central Rupununi, Lethem. According to police reports, the incident occurred between 02:15 hrs and 02:30 hrs yesterday outside of the club. Apparently, the patron from
the community tried on numerous occasions to hold the hands of a female rank and was rejected. Her male colleagues, Constables Chichester and Samuels intervened and thereafter an argument ensued. It was at this time that the drunken man pulled out a knife and stabbed the two officers about their bodies before fleeing. The injured constables were immediately taken to the Lethem Hospital. Samuels
was treated and sent away while Chichester who sustained injuries to his abdomen and left wrist was transferred to the Boa Vista General Hospital. He has since undergone surgery and is said to be in a stable condition. Based on reports reaching this newspaper, after constable Chichester was stabbed, parts of his intestine were seen protruding. The police are currently in pursuit of the suspect.
Monday October 31, 2016
Regional tourism ministers to focus on challenges at three-day seminar KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) – A Summit of Caribbean Tourism Ministers will highlight this year’s staging of the Tourism Outlook Seminar to be held in December in the second city of Montego Bay. The three-day event scheduled for December 6 to 8 is being jointly hosted by the Ministry of Tourism, Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) and United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), under the theme – ‘Tourism: Navigating Global Challenges for Continued Growth’. Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett, says the summit will facilitate discussion among Caribbean Ministers on a collaborative approach to generating increased tourism growth opportunities across the region. At the recent media launch of the event, Bartlett said the summit’s staging comes against the background of data indicating that the Caribbean has the slowest rate of tourism growth in the world. He noted that while the Caribbean and Latin America is the most tourismdependent region globally, it lagged behind other areas, such as Asia, Africa and the Pacific, which had high growth rates. Bartlett said the summit will focus on how best countries can collectively transition from highly
Edmund Bartlett competitive strategies “that have not given us (adequate levels of) growth” to a new approach of “looking at the things we share… that we can do well together and do it better”. The tourism minister said among the key issues for discussion are harmonisation of policies to facilitate seamless regional airlift and aviation; measures to enhance visitor facilitation; review of visa stipulations; and addressing airspace preclearance arrangements and rationalisation to reduce costs to airlines. “We in Jamaica have set our eyes on a five per cent growth target over the next five years to achieve five million visitor arrivals, earn US$5 billion, employ 125,000 people directly and in the process, expand our room
FORMER PRIME MINISTER DIES
ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada - CMC – Former prime minister Nicholas Brathwaite, who served as the head of government following the United States invasion of the island in 1983, has died. He was 91. Brathwaite, who also served as chairman of the Advisory Council when the American troops withdrew from the island after putting an effective end to Grenada’s left wing P e o p l e ’s R e v o l u t i o n a r y Government (PRG), died at his family home last Friday night. Brathwaite, a member of the now opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), was appointed by GovernorGeneral Sir Paul Scoon to re-establish democratic government here following the infighting within the PRG that led to the death of then
PAGE 21
Kaieteur News
Former President of El Salvador arrested on corruption charges
count up to about 45,000,” he further outlined. He said the summit and conference, which will feature discussion on other tourismrelated matters will “allow us to explore, further, how we move towards achieving those outcomes”. Tourism Director, Paul Pennicook, in his remarks, said the seminar will present an ideal opportunity for dialogue among tourism interests on a wide range of sector issues, with the expectation that decisions reached “would have benefited from the deliberations of a wide cross section of persons”. Chairman of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), which is providing funding support, Godfrey Dyer, said the seminar provides a forum for the Tourism Ministry and its agencies to have “thought-provoking” interaction with a dynamic group of industry experts and leaders. Jamaica Hotel and Tourism Association (JHTA) President, Omar Robinson, for his part, said the entity fully endorses this seminar “for the huge benefit it will bring for the entire industry”. The Tourism Outlook Seminar, which was first staged in 2008, is expected to be attended by local, regional and international delegates. It will feature presentations by representatives from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC); Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO); Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA); Sandals Resorts International and Harvard University’s TH Chan School of Public Health.
No drones for Police Officers in Jamaica just yet
London (AFP) Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos said in an interview yesterday that he hoped to secure a new deal with FARC rebels by Christmas, warning that any further delay could make the peace process “explode”. The government signed a historic agreement last month with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia ( FA R C ) , C o l o m b i a ’s biggest rebel group, but in a shock move, voters rejected the deal in a referendum on October 2. “All the negotiators and I have met almost every organisation and we are now
digesting more than 500 proposals -– and talking with the FARC -– to have a new agreement, agreed and approved, by Christmas. That is my goal,” Santos told Britain’s Observer newspaper. “This uncertainty is very risky, because anything could happen that could really make the process explode. So I am working 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with my team to get another agreement,” he added. Since the referendum, Santos has held marathon talks with political figures including former president Alvaro Uribe — who led
San Salvador (AFP) Authorities in El Salvador arrested the country’s expresident Elias Antonio Saca and several other former officials yesterday for alleged embezzlement and moneylaundering, the attorney general’s office said. Saca, 51, and six other former officials from his government were detained in the early morning “on charges of various crimes,” it said on Twitter. Saca is a member of the conservative Nationalist Republican Alliance (ARENA). He was president of El Salvador from 2004 to 2009. He is accused of embezzlement, money-
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica’s police officers will have to wait just a little bit longer before they get the goahead to use drone technology in their fight against crime. That’s because despite $55 million being allocated in the budget of the Ministry of National Security to acquire drone technology, the proper framework required to facilitate their use has not yet been drafted. Diane McIntosh, permanent secretary in the Ministry of National Security, told Parliament’s Public Administration and Appropriations Committee (PAAC) last week that the ministry would not spend the $55 million that was allocated
laundering and links to illegal groups, the prosecutors’ office said. It gave no further details of the accusations for the time being. A self-made businessman, Saca became a well-known journalist before becoming president. He was seen as a strong ally of the United States during his time in power. The other suspects arrested include former public waterworks official Cesar Funes, 46, and ex-presidential communications chief Julio Rank, 65. El Salvador is a Central American country of six million people, bordered by Guatemala and Honduras.
Diane McIntosh this year to acquire drone technology. She said that $30 million of the amount allocated would be spent by the end of
Elias Antonio Saca It is stricken by poverty and violent crime involving drug gangs.
the financial year. However, project manager at the ministry L. Garth Soares, pointed out that the framework needed to facilitate the use of drones by the security forces was just now emerging in Jamaica. “In discussion with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), they are still trying to develop policy and regulation that govern these unmanned aerial vehicles. They are still trying to develop the regulations to govern how these aircraft are used,” Soares told members of the PAAC. “We are now joining the wider community to use these aircraft for public safety and for law-enforcement activities,” he added. (Caribbean360)
Colombia’s Santos says hopes for new FARC deal by Christmas
Nicholas Brathwaite prime minister Maurice Bishop and several other members of his government. He also served as prime minister from 1990-95 when the NDC won the polls. He resigned shortly before the 1995 elections, which the NDC lost. He was made an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1975 and was knighted in 1995.
opposition to the agreement — as well as religious leaders and victims of the armed conflict. Santos, who won the Nobel peace prize this year for his efforts, said he was happy to meet Uribe “any time” but said “he has been stalling, not allowing the teams to get into real negotiations”. “I am ready, I am eager, because I know that if we sit down we can agree on many of the things that concern him,” the president said. Uribe had criticised the deal for granting “total impunity” for rebel crimes. Santos said: “Some of the proposals are viable and we think the FARC should
accept them, but others are simply not viable. “For example the ones that say there is no armed conflict in Colombia, and that there is no war in Colombia and that there are no victims in Colombia and therefore the transitional justice cannot apply.” The interview comes ahead of a state visit by Santos to Britain on Tuesday, the first ever by a Colombian president, where he will meet with Queen Elizabeth II and Prime Minister Theresa May. On Thursday, he will travel to Belfast to meet key figures in Northern Ireland’s peace process, the Foreign Office said.
PAGE 22
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
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 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 Furnished executive one or two bedroom furnished suite in Diamond. Ideal for foreigners. Call: 600-2466
Gold & Diamond mining blocks in Puruni , Sipraruni, Ekereku, Providence house lots. Call: 668-3100/ 615-8810
VACANCY
PROPERTY FOR SALE
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
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
Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158
LAND FOR SALE Eccles and Diamond reasonably priced. Call: 6097766
Monday October 31, 2016
Kaieteur News
EDUCATIONAL IAE – CXC Jan/June 2017 – full time school; lessons/ classes for students, adults, repeaters & beginners. Call Mr. Roberts: 683-5742
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 Bartender, Security, DJ, waitress to work nights & secretary 18-25yrs,1 gardener preferably living on the E.C.D. Call: 6385303 1 Experienced canter driver/porter to work in Tuschen, W.C.D -$25,000 weekly. Call: 684-8231 Cashier (shift work 6am3pm & 3pm-12pm). Submit application to Shell Station Providence E B D , shellramsburg@gmail.com
House & Land available for sale. Contact Pacific Development Inc: 223-6035/ 227-8274 Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461 2 Storey concrete house @ 55 Section B, Non Pariel (first street from main road)- $14M negotiable. Call: 657-8561 immediately. Seven bedroom property with huge land space at Ruimveldt Public Road. Call: 609-7766 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 @ 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: 220-1583/ 667-6066
FOR RENT HEALTH Avoid Side Effects, use herbal supplements. Call Hazel’s Herbal Store: 226-9136
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Apartments for rent @ Nandy Park, Free Wi-Fi, recently renovated. Call: 227-5194
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).
CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 6560087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO. COM
Bachelor’s apartment. Call: 613-7884/ 233-0327 from 6pm-9pm CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM
Three storey 75ftX28ft concrete building, open floor, 2 offices & 2 washrooms, driveway @ 25B Princes St., Charlestown. Call: 223-0654/ 225-0605
VEHICLE FOR SALE Special Sale: 2009 Belta $2.1M, 2009 Airwave -$2.4M. Call: 617-2891 2009 Raum- $2.4M, 2009 Sienta -$2.4M, 2009 Axio $2.8M, 2009 Fielder -$2.6M. Call: 617-2891 Yamaha R1 CG609, Toyota AT212, AT192, L-Touring Wagon, Tundra, Tacoma, Nissan Pickup. Call: 6445096; 697-1453 1 New unregistered Toyota Allion 2004 Model, low mileage, TV, navigation, music, remote start with alarm system, etc. Call: 649-0956 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
WANTED 1 Male or female shop assistant to work in the Interior, salary depends on experienced. Call: 678-0565 1 Male to work on vehicle in the interior. Call: 678-0565 Live in waitress. Call: 6439007 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 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. 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
Almera Nissan Car- $875,000 negotiable, very good working condition, was imported brand new – PHH series. Call: 616-1598
Male workers between 2035yrs to work at Ice factory on Meadowbank Wharf. Call: 231-1408/ 6429191 8am-2pm
1 Toyota Dyna canter, excellent working condition, GPP series, price $1M negotiable. Call: 684-8231
Cleaners to work in Tuschen Scheme. Call: 629-4236
One AE81 Corolla in very good condition. Call: 6895254/ 643-0332
Live in maid wanted between ages 45 and older @ Robb Street home. Call: 226-0450/ 627-3205
Model M truck GTT series $3.9M negotiable- Call: 6667380, 603-7090
One AB Dick Machine Operator, one printer helper. Call: 233-2439/233-2725
FOR SALE 1 Landcruiser Prado, excellent condition. Call: 625-4196 or Spare for washing machine, 656-0565 microwaves,fridges, stoves, One Toyota Premio PNN timers, gearbox, motors, etc. Series. Excellent condition. Call:225-9032;647-2943;604-5198 Call: 649-0956. 75 Yamaha Outboard engine, very good condition. Call: FOR SALE 662-1928 Land @ Zeelugt -$1.8M, La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.5M, One AE110 XE limited $1.2M & (1) 2 Bedrooms flat sprinter, very good concrete house located @ condition; female driver. Call: Tuschen -$3.5M. Call: 642-1252 223-0654/ 225-0605 Cheap! Cheap! CCTV Security Surveillance Kit, 8 Cargo Trawler. Call: 682Channels DVR with built in 8724; 616-5954 Hard Drive, 8 bullet cameras Continued on page 23 – Tel: 621-4740
Monday October 31, 2016
PAGE 23
Kaieteur News
Clinton camp turns up the pressure on FBI chief over email probe
U.S. Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton speaks during services at Mount Olive Baptist Church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, U.S., yesterday. (REUTERS/Brian Snyder) Reuters - FBI Director James Comey came under pressure yesterday to quickly disclose details of the newly discovered emails related to Hillary Clinton’s private server, but the bureau must obtain a search warrant
before agents can even examine the emails. Sources familiar with the matter said the FBI had concluded it could not thoroughly explore the material without additional legal authorization in the form
of a search warrant, which would normally require approval from a judge or magistrate. The process could scuttle any hopes of a swift resolution to the probe, raising the possibility of a prolonged controversy that could extend beyond the Nov. 8 election and cast a shadow over a Clinton transition if she wins the White House. Comey’s disclosure of the new emails on Friday plunged the final days of the White House race between Democrat Clinton and Republican Donald Trump into turmoil. Clinton had opened a recent lead over Trump in national polls, but it had been narrowing even before the email controversy resurfaced. Prominent Democrats and top aides to Clinton lashed out at Comey for revealing the bureau’s probe of the newly found emails and renewed their demands that he quickly release details about the discovery. U.S. Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid sent a letter to Comey yesterday suggesting he violated the Hatch Act, which bars the use
Turkey sacks 10,000 more civil servants, closes media in latest crackdown Reuters - Turkey said it had dismissed a further 10,000 civil servants and closed 15 more media outlets over suspected links with terrorist organisations and U.S.-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, blamed by Ankara for orchestrating a failed coup in July. More than 100,000 people had already been sacked or suspended and 37,000 arrested since the abortive putsch in an unprecedented crackdown President Tayyip Erdogan says is crucial for wiping out the network of Gulen from the state apparatus. Thousands more academics, teachers, health workers, prison guards and forensics experts were among the latest to be removed from their posts through two new executive decrees published on the Official Gazette late on Saturday. Opposition parties described the move as a coup in itself. The continued crackdown has also raised concerns over the functioning of the state. “What the government and Erdogan are doing right now is a direct coup against the rule of law and democracy,” Sezgin Tanrikulu, an MP from the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), said in
Tayyip Erdogan a Periscope broadcast posted on Twitter. A Turkish court yesterday formally arrested Gultan Kisanak and Firat Anli, co-mayors of the largely Kurdish southeastern city of Diyarbakir on charges of membership of a terrorist organisation after five days in detention, sources said. Earlier police used rubber pellets to break up several hundred protesters marching against their arrests. The internet has been largely down in the city for several days, witnesses said. Turkey’s southeast has been rocked by the worst violence in decades since the collapse last year of a ceasefire between the state and the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), designated a
terrorist organisation by Turkey, the United States and the European Union. The local prosecutor had said Kisanak, a lawmaker before becoming Diyarbakir’s first female mayor in 2014, and Anli had given speeches sympathetic to the PKK, called for greater political autonomy for Turkey’s estimated 16 million Kurds and incited violent protests in 2014. The extent of the crackdown has worried rights groups and many of Turkey’s Western allies, who fear Erdogan is using the emergency rule to eradicate dissent. The government says the actions are justified given the threat to the state posed by the coup attempt, in which more than 240 people died. The executive decrees have ordered the closure of 15 more newspapers, wires and magazines, which report from the largely Kurdish southeast, bringing the total number of media outlets and publishers closed since July to nearly 160. Universities have also been stripped of their ability to elect their own rectors according to the decrees. Erdogan will from now on directly appoint the rectors from the candidates nominated by the High Educational Board (YOK).
of an executive branch position to influence an election. “Through your partisan
disclosing aspects of an investigation so close to the election. “We are calling on Mr.
...FBI obtains warrant to examine Clinton emails: U.S. media WA S H I N G T O N (Reuters) Federal investigators have secured a warrant to examine newly discovered emails related to Hillary Clinton’s private server, U.S. media reported yesterday, as a prominent Democrat accused FBI Director James Comey of breaking the law by trying to influence the election. The warrant will allow the Federal Bureau of Investigation to examine the emails to see if they are relevant to its probe of the private email server used for government work by Clinton, the Democratic presidential nominee, while she was secretary of state from 2009 to 2013. FBI officials were
unavailable for comment on the status of their investigation. Reuters could not independently confirm that the search warrant had been issued.
actions, you may have broken the law,” Reid, a senator from Nevada, said in the letter to Comey. Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta and campaign manager Robby Mook questioned Comey’s decision to send a letter notifying Congress of the email review before he even knew whether they were significant or relevant. Comey’s letter was “long on innuendo, short on facts,” Podesta said CNN’s “State of the Union” programme, and accused the Federal Bureau of Investigation chief of breaking precedent by
Comey to come forward and explain what’s at issue here,” Podesta said, adding the significance of the emails was unclear. “He might have taken the first step of actually having looked at them before he did this in the middle of a presidential campaign, so close to the voting.” Podesta said. Comey’s letter was sent over the objections of Justice Department officials. Under standard procedures, the FBI would ask a federal prosecutor working for the Justice Department to seek such a warrant.
James Comey
Aleppo fighting spreads amid accusations of gas attack Reuters - Syrian rebels opened a new front in Aleppo as fighting spread on the third day of a major insurgent counterattack to break the government’s siege of the oppositionheld part of the city, and each side accused the other of using poison gas. The rebels, including both Free Syrian Army factions and jihadists, are seeking to end the siege by seizing government-held areas of Aleppo, in an effort to link the city’s rebel-held east with rebel-held rural areas to the west of the city. Syrian state media said militants had fired shells containing chlorine gas at a residential area of the government-held western part of the city, al-Hamdaniya. Rebels denied that, and said government forces had fired poison gas on another frontline. State media cited an Aleppo hospital director saying three dozen people - civilians and soldiers - had suffered suffocation in the alleged rebel gas attack, but did not report any deaths. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based organisation that reports on the war, said it had confirmed reports of suffocation among government fighters in two frontline areas shelled by rebels, but it did not know if chlorine gas was the cause. The rebels said the army had shelled rebel-held Rashideen district with chlorine and shared videos purportedly showing victims with respiratory problems.
But that scenario may be complicated because the Justice Department has signalled its dismay with Comey’s decision to publicly disclose the bureau’s interest in the newly discovered emails. FBI officials were unavailable for comment on the status of their investigation. Trump has highlighted the issue as proof for his argument that Clinton is corrupt and untrustworthy. “We have one ultimate check on Hillary’s corruption and that is the power of the vote,” Trump told a rally in Las Vegas yesterday. “The only way to beat the corruption is to show up and vote by the tens of millions.” Comey, who announced in July that the FBI’s long investigation of Clinton’s emails during her time as secretary of state was ending without any charges, said in his letter the agency would review the newly surfaced emails to determine their relevance to the investigation of her handling of classified information. “If there is new information, get it out on the table,” Mook said on “Fox News Sunday,” adding the emails could be duplicates of previously reviewed emails. “Again, it’s been reported these emails may not have been sent or received by Secretary Clinton. We don’t know anything.”
From page 22
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 Double Steel Wheeled Roller, 1 Mack Concrete mixer truck. Call: 275-0538/ 683-7225
Monday October 31, 2016
Kaieteur News
PAGE 25
PAGE 26
Kaieteur News
Monday October 31, 2016
New earthquake rocks Italy, buildings collapse but no deaths reported Reuters - A powerful earthquake struck Italy yesterday in the same central regions that have been rocked by repeated tremors over the past two months, with more homes and churches brought down but no deaths reported. The quake, which measured 6.6 according to the U.S. Geological Survey, was bigger than one on Aug. 24 that killed almost 300 people. Many people have fled the area since then, helping to avoid a new devastating death toll. With thousands already made homeless, a leading seismologist warned that the earthquakes could go on for weeks in a domino effect along the central Apennine fault system.
People evacuated from an hospital are covered with blankets following a quake in Rieti, Italy, yesterday. REUTERS/Emiliano Grillotti The latest quake was felt across much of Italy, striking at 7.40 a.m. (0640 GMT), its epicentre close to the historic Umbrian walled town of
Norcia, some 100 km (60 miles) from the university city of Perugia. Panicked Norcia residents rushed into the streets and
the town’s ancient Basilica of St. Benedict collapsed, leaving just the facade standing. Nuns, monks and locals sank to their knees in
the main square in silent prayer before the shattered church. “This is a tragedy. It is a coup de grace. The basilica is
devastated,” Bishop Renato Boccardo of Norcia told Reuters. “Everyone has been suspended in a never-ending state of fear and stress. They are at their wits’ end,” said Boccardo, referring to the thousands of tremors that have rattled the area since August, including two serious quakes on Wednesday. Italy’s Civil Protection unit, which coordinates disaster relief, said numerous houses were destroyed yesterday in the regions of Umbria and Marche, but either they were deserted at the time or most of the residents managed to escape in time. Civil Protection chief Fabrizio Curcio said no deaths had been reported and around 20 people were injured, none of them critically. He said it was too early to say how many more people had lost their homes. Prime Minister Matteo Renzi promised a massive reconstruction effort regardless of cost and took advantage of the disaster to resume his frequent criticism of the European Union’s public finance rules.
Monday October 31, 2016
PAGE 27
Kaieteur News
Violence and low turnout in Ivory Coast’s constitutional referendum Reuters - Violence erupted at around 100 polling stations in Ivory Coast yesterday as voters decided whether to approve a new constitution that President Alassane Ouattara argues will ensure peace in the wake of years of political turmoil. Elections worker Nandi Bamba was preparing to open the voting when a group of young men, some of them armed with clubs and machetes, attacked her polling station in Abidjan’s Yopougon neighbourhood. “They demanded we stop working because the new constitution wasn’t for the people. Then they smashed the ballot boxes, scattered the ballots. They broke everything,” she said. Under Ouattara, Ivory Coast has made an impressive recovery since a 2011 civil war capped a decade-long crisis. The International Monetary Fund projects it will be Africa’s fastest growing economy this year. However, despite five years of peace, Ivorians remain deeply divided along political and ethnic faultlines. And both they and the
investors who are now flooding in crave the stability that will allow the world’s top cocoa grower to cement its status as the continent’s rising star. Opposition parties called for a boycott of the vote, arguing that the new text was designed to further entrench Ouattara’s political coalition. Some called upon their supporters to act to stop the referendum from being held and a low turnout could rob what is expected to be a “Yes” vote of legitimacy in the future. Interior Minister Hamed Bakayoko said security had to be reinforced in some areas after violence erupted at around 100 polling stations in Abidjan and western Ivory Coast. “We think there’s a group going from zone to zone that is truly well organised, which has as its mission to disrupt the vote as much as possible,” he said, adding that the incidents were not expected to have an impact on the result. The current constitution, drafted under military rule after a 1999 coup, was at the heart of Ivory Coast’s
A security officer stands as people prepare to cast their vote at a polling station during a referendum in Abidjan, Ivory Coast yesterday. REUTERS/Luc Gnago
prolonged unrest. In its most controversial clause, it says presidential candidates’ parents must both be natural-born Ivorians - a swipe at northerners, many of whom, like Ouattara, have
family ties that straddle the borders with Burkina Faso and Mali. The new constitution scraps that rule, which was used to disqualify Ouattara from a poll in 2000, and now
only one parent must be Ivorian. It also creates a post of vice president and a senate. The president says all these new measures will guarantee more political stability. “It’s an opportunity but
also a duty,” Ouattara said after voting in the commercial capital Abidjan. “Turning the page on the crisis born of the constitution of 2000 is essential for the future of our nation.”
PAGE 28
Kaieteur News
Monday October 31, 2016
Monday October 31, 2016
Pomeroon, overcome Zorg as Clive Gobin Memorial U-19 cricket continues Pomeroon defeated hosts Zorg by 46 runs when the Clive Gobin Memorial U-19 20-over tournament continued recently on the Essequibo Coast. Pomeroon batted first and managed 110 all out from their reduced quota of 15 overs. Elton Benn made 34 not out while Ramoldo Joseph got 24; Devendra Persaud had 3-15. Zorg were sent packing for 64 in reply. Mahendra Persaud made 18; Mortley Bojan grabbed 5-11 and Joshua Jones 2-16. Aurora beat Abram’s Zuil by six wickets at the said venue. Batting first, Abram’s Zuil made 55 all out in 16.3 overs. Joel Fortune made 17; Shamar Dusraj claimed 2-3, Orlando
Jailall 2-8 and Shurland Anthony 2-10. Aurora responded with 56-4 with Renesh Persaud scoring 22 and Jailall 15. Pomeroon got the better of Aurora by six runs. Pomeroon took first strike and were bowled out for 55 in 11 overs. Ronaldo Joseph made 19 as Parmnauth Arjune bagged 5-7. Aurora were skittled for 49 in 13 overs in reply. Shane Hohenkirk scored 22; Lewyn Henry captured 4-5 and Joseph 4-11. Pomeroon and Abram’s Zuil then played to a tie. Pomeroon got to 130-9, batting first. Desmond Cameron struck 29; Jemal Jaikarran snared 4-13. Abram’s Zuil replied with 1303. Joel Fortune stroked 41; Lesley Allen took 2-14.
SAW PIT, CULTURAL CC TRIUMPH Saw Pit and Cultural CC registered victories when the West Demerara Cricket Association Independence T20 tournament commenced recently. Hosts Saw Pit overcame Chris Ambassadors by 35 runs. Batting first, Saw Pit managed 159 all out. Z. Khan made 48, while I. Khan got 45 as K. Boyce took 2-14. Chris Ambassadors were sent packing for 124 in reply. Mark Gittens scored 38; A. Joe had
2-4 and R. Ramnarine 2-17. At Bell Vue, the hosts went down to Cultural CC by 13 runs. Cultural CC batted first and scored 103 all out in 17.5 overs. Tejpaul Persaud made 20 and Narendra Persaud 17. S. Bacchus had 3-8 and H. Persaud 3-12. Belle Vue were bowled out for 90 in 17.4 overs in reply. Naresh Persaud made 33; Seecharran Persaud had 3-5, Anthony Ifill 2-13 and Narendra Persaud 2-17.
Hamilton wins in Mexico... From page 33 third place on the grid, but race stewards decided to take no further action. Ricciardo finished fourth, moved up by Verstappen’s penalty, with the Dutchman classified fifth. Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen was sixth, Nico Hulkenberg seventh for Force India and the Williams pairing of Valtteri Bottas and Felipe Massa eighth and ninth. Mexican Sergio Perez, the crowd favourite, took the final point for Force India in 10th place after a long battle with Massa.
Ryan Roberts 16 seconds... From page 31 dominance in the middleweight division when he outpunched a game but outclassed Desmond Amsterdam (GDF). A rangy boxer, Thomas inexplicably chose to match his opponent’s toe to toe tactics early in the bout and surprisingly looked the better man. He then reverted to a punch and move strategy which proved very effective and eventually earned him a unanimous verdict. In other results, Marley Ross (GDF) proved to be too good for Clifton Graham (REP) and was adjudged the unanimous winner of their welterweight (elite) bout, while Geraldo Phillips (REP) failed to make the weight and conceded a walk over in his middleweight bout with Joshua Fraser (GDF). Once again, Jason ‘AK 47’ Barker cocked his weapon but could not fire since his opponent, Germain Williams (REP) failed to show up for their heavyweight clash. The finals were contested last evening where the champion gym, best boxer and other awards would have been established.
PAGE 29
Kaieteur News
Hazard and Costa fire warning of Chelsea’s title ambitions LONDON (Reuters) Chelsea’s points tally after 10 games shows they are twice as good as they were at this stage of last season’s Premier League campaign, which considering the form of Eden Hazard and Diego Costa is hardly surprising. They were both on target yesterday as Chelsea outclassed Southampton 2-0 to move into fourth spot with 22 points — just one behind Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool. The poor form and questionable appetite of both Costa and Hazard was blamed partly for Chelsea’s dire start to last season that ultimately cost manager Jose Mourinho his job. However, the duo who helped fire Chelsea to the 2014-15 title are thriving once again in Antonio Conte’s 3-43 system. Hazard’s opener after six minutes meant he has scored in three consecutive Premier League games and has five for the season. This time last year he had failed to register and did not score his first league goal until April. Likewise, Costa, looking again like the marauding bruiser who ran defences ragged when he first arrived
Chelsea’s Eden Hazard reacts after missing a chance to score against Southampton. (Reuters / Toby Melville) at Stamford Bridge rather than the disinterested figure he cut early last season, already has eight league goals to his credit. It took him until January to reach that total last season and he had managed just two in the league when Mourinho was sacked. His second-half effort, a curling shot from 25 metres, was sublime but it was his
Superb Cibulkova storms... From page 30 The 27-year-old enjoyed a nerve-settling comfortable hold to open the contest and immediately set about attacking a tentative Kerber, her booming forehand securing an early break as she raced into a 3-0 lead following another strong service game. Kerber was slowly growing into the contest but still struggling to contain her opponent’s all-action style and the German would have been relieved to stave off another threat in her next service game to finally get on the scoreboard. A loose forehand in the previous game was the first sign of a drop in intensity in Cibulkova’s game and Kerber utilized her exceptional defense to force the Slovakian into a few more errors as she broke back to reduce the deficit to 3-2. FOREHAND WINNER Cibulkova would not be denied, however, and her lowtrajectory drives into the corners were becoming a problem Kerber was finding difficult to solve and the seventh seed swarmed all over the German to break again and pull 5-2 clear. Kerber secured her
easiest hold of the match to force Cibulkova to serve for the set and the Slovakian proved up to the task, emphatically claiming the opener with a powerful forehand winner on her first set point. The German appeared more focused at the start of the second set but Cibulkova was timing the ball beautifully and matching her opponent shot-for-shot, threatening a break in the third game which Kerber survived, emitting a primal scream. Unable to find a first serve, Kerber was struggling to stay in the contest as Cibulkova continued to feast on her apprehensive play and the Slovakian stormed ahead with a brilliantly worked break in the seventh game. Cibulkova held easily to move to the brink of the title but, as was the case in the opener, Kerber held firm to put the onus on her opponent to serve it out. “I gave everything I had on the court and it’s an honor to play on the big stage in front of my incredible fans,” Kerber said. “I’ve had an incredible year and I’m looking forward to the next one.”
work rate across the pitch that rubbed off on the Spain international’s team mates. “When you see Eden and Diego, and Pedro, working very hard during the game, you are happy,” Conte said of his front three. “They are strikers and usually it’s a bit difficult for the strikers to work for the team, but their commitment and work-rate is fantastic.” Chelsea’s defending too has been unrecognisable this season. They have conceded nine goals compared to the 19 they had already leaked after 10 games under Mourinho a year ago.
Even with skipper John Terry fit to return on Sunday, Brazilian David Luiz was again preferred alongside Gary Cahill and Cesar Azpilicueta and did not put a foot out of place. “I’m very happy after this performance. I saw great commitment, work rate — with the ball and without it. For the fourth game we keep a clean sheet, it’s fantastic,” Conte said. “It’s early for us to speak about title contenders. We have to work very hard to continue. We can improve a lot. We must improve.”
PAGE 30
Monday October 31, 2016
Kaieteur News
WINDIES STRIKE LATE TO GAIN UPPER HAND Jason Holder takes a catch to dismiss Sami Aslam, Pakistan v West Indies, 3rd Test, Sharjah, 1st day, ©AFP
Shannon Gabriel is pumped after picking up a wicket in the first over, Pakistan v West Indies, 3rd Test, Sharjah, 1st day, ©AFP SHARJAH, United Arab Emirates, CMC – A clatter of late wickets in the final hour hurt Pakistan’s momentum and handed West Indies a rare advantage, on a topsy-turvy opening day of the third and final Test here yesterday. The hosts, entering the contest at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium with the series already wrapped up, were in command at 230 for four in the final session before suddenly losing four wickets for 25 runs, to stumble to the close on 255 for eight. Pakistan’s slide was triggered by leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo who picked up three of the four wickets to end with four for 74. In-form speedster Shannon Gabriel claimed the other wicket to finish with three for 58, as West Indies enjoyed one of their brightest days in an otherwise wretched
series where they are yet to win a single game. Right-armer Gabriel had earlier stunned Pakistan, snatching two wickets in the opening over, to reduce them to one run for two wickets after they opted to bat first. However, 20-year-old opener Sami Aslam spearheaded his side’s revival, top-scoring with 74 while captain Misbah-ul-Haq carved out 53 and Sarfraz Ahmed and veteran Younis Khan both hit 51. Needing a strong performance to turn the page on the disappointment of the two previous Tests, West Indies were given the ideal start courtesy of an incisive Gabriel burst. With just the second ball of the morning and with a single run on the board, the 28-year-old removed first Test triple century-maker, Azhar Ali
for a first-ball ‘duck’, caught at second slip by Kraigg Brathwaite as he sparred at one that bounced and moved away. Two balls later, Gabriel sent back Asad Shafiq also without scoring, after bringing one back to hit the right-hander in front. His initial appeal for lbw was rejected but the Windies were vindicated on review. Tottering for the first time in the series in their first innings, Pakistan were rescued by the left-handed Aslam who anchored a crucial 106-run, third wicket partnership with the irrepressible Younis. Aslam faced 172 balls and counted seven fours and a six while Younis, who gathered a hundred in the last Test in Abu Dhabi, struck four fours and a six in a 100-ball knock. The pair carried Pakistan
safely to lunch at 81 for two and kept West Indies wicketless for another 40 minutes afterward, before being separated. Younis, twice let off on 30 in the same over from offspinner Roston Chase prior to lunch, reached his halfcentury just over half-hour following the resumption, when he clobbered Chase over the ropes at mid-wicket. Attempting to repeat the stroke in the bowler’s next over, the right-handed Younis succeeded only in top-edging a catch to Leon Johnson at mid-wicket. However, West Indies remained without further success in the session as Misbah anchored the first of two partnerships to put Pakistan on top. He put on 43 for the fourth wicket with Aslam, a stand which left the hosts on
Superb Cibulkova storms to WTA Finals title
Dominika Cibulkova of Slovakia celebrates with her trophy after defeating Angelique Kerber of Germany. (REUTERS/Edgar Su)
SINGAPORE (Reuters) Dominika Cibulkova put on a serving masterclass to secure the biggest victory of her career when the Slovakian stormed to a 6-3, 6-4 triumph over world number one Angelique Kerber to claim the WTA Finals title yesterday. Cibulkova, making her debut in the elite eight-woman event, was at her effervescent best against her overwhelmed opponent, never giving the top seed an inch as she sealed an unlikely victory with a monumental hold of serve in a tense finale. Kerber, the Australian and U.S. Open champion, is known for her resilience and fought to the bitter end of an absorbing contest but Cibulkova gritted her teeth and claimed victory with a lucky net cord on her fourth championship point. “Coming here for the first time and winning the biggest tournament of my life, I just have no words,” said Cibulkova, who lost her first two matches in Singapore last week. “When the ball just went in on the match point, it was the happiest moment of my life.” Cibulkova lost a tight three-setter to Kerber in her first roundrobin match but turned the tables on the German in the final and will climb to a career-high world number five in the next rankings. Continued on page 29
148 for three at tea. And when Aslam perished in the first over after the break with just two runs added, gloving a reverse sweep at Bishoo to captain Jason Holder at slip, Misbah combined with Sarfraz to again frustrate the Windies. The pair posted 80 for the fifth wicket with both playing positively and allowing Pakistan to march dominantly through the next hour. Misbah, unbeaten on 18 at tea, took on Bishoo in the fifth over after the interval, thumping him for a back-toback leg-side four and six, to move into the 30s. He then swept Chase for four before reverse-sweeping Bishoo for a couple, to raise his second half-century in as many innings, on the stroke
of the drinks break. Off the first ball on the resumption, he was adjudged to have touched a reverse sweep through to the wicketkeeper off Bishoo, after facing 123 deliveries and striking three fours and a six. His dismissal triggered t h e s l i d e a s B i s hoo clinically sliced through the lower order. Mohammad Nawaz missed his charge and was well stumped by Shane Dowrich for six and three overs later, Sarfraz dragged on to Gabriel after counting five fours in a 60-ball knock. Bishoo then ensured the Windies ended the day on top when he beat Wahab Riaz’s defensive prod to gain an lbw decision in the third over before the close.
SCOREBOARD PAKISTAN 1st innings Sami Aslam c Holder b Bishoo Azhar Ali c Brathwaite b Gabriel Asad Shafiq lbw b Gabriel Younis Khan c Johnson b Chase *Misbah-ul-Haq c wkp Dowrich b Bishoo +Sarfraz Ahmed b Gabriel Mohammad Nawaz st wkp Dowrich b Bishoo Wahab Riaz lbw b Bishoo Yasir Shah not out Mohammad Amir not out Extras (lb4, w1, nb4) TOTAL (8 wkts, 83 overs)
74 0 0 51 53 51 6 4 1 6 9 255
To bat: Zulfiqar Babar Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-1, 3-107, 4-150, 5-230, 6-242, 7-248, 8-248. Bowling: Gabriel 17-1-58-3 (nb2), Joseph 15-5-43-0 (w1, nb2), Holder 12-4-29-0, Chase 20-5-47-1, Bishoo 19-2-74-4. WEST INDIES – *J Holder, K Brathwaite, L Johnson, D Bravo, M Samuels, J Blackwood, R Chase, +S Dowrich, D Bishoo, S Gabriel, A Joseph. Toss: Pakistan. Umpires: M Gough, P Reiffel; TV – R Illingworth.
Monday October 31, 2016
PAGE 31
Kaieteur News
Terrence Ali National Open Boxing Championships
Ryan Roberts 16 seconds knockout highlights night of controversy On a night where controversy reigned and knockouts were hard to come by, Republican boxer, Brian Leitch, produced a humdinger of a punch that connected to the throat of Ryan Roberts and sent him to the canvass in just 16 seconds of their heavyweight bout where he remained for the full count. This was part of the action in the heavyweight division of the Terrence Ali National Open Boxing Championships at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue, on Saturday evening. Leitch rushed out at the sound of the bell and met Roberts center ring. The latter boxer flicked out a left jab which Leitch parried before retaliating with a wicked curved punch that found its mark and sent his man sprawling. Roberts attempted to rise but his legs simply refused to cooperate and when the referee reached the end of the 10 count he was still struggling to get into an upright position. In what was undoubtedly the most controversial bout of the night, Republican lightweight pugilist, Nankumar Singh, lost to his GDF counterpart, Rhondel Douglas, in their light/weight encounter. Known for his aggression, Singh must have been surprised when Douglas assumed the initiative and advanced with flailing fists. A right cross momentarily stopped Singh in his tracks while Douglas peppered him
with several one two combinations. Singh eventually found his rhythm but just when he was launching an attack the referee called a temporary halt and warned Singh for infringing the rules. The bout evolved into a toe to toe brawl in the second round with Singh enjoying the better of the exchanges with wicked head and body shots. It was around that time that the referee inexplicably called a temporary stop and issued a warning to Singh, an act that was greeted by loud protest from a section of the audience. The two boxers intensified their efforts in the second round and punches were raining from every angle when the referee once again called a halt and proceeded to deduct a point from Singh; he cited a low blow. Hardly anyone saw the blow that caused the referee to call a halt for the 3rd time in the bout and it is unclear whether it was illegal or otherwise but and the referee summoned the ringside physician to inspect an injury to one of Douglas’ eyes. Shortly after resumption, Nankumar was penalized a point after his mouthpiece became dislodged. He then attempted to recoup the lost point with a two fisted attack that was interrupted by the bell. By now, the crowd had become agitated and many were accusing the referee of biased tactics against the Republican boxer and some
members of the audience crowded in close proximity of the ring. Calls by the announcer to refrain from doing so were ignored and the team of officials refused to continue working, opting instead to convene a meeting around the head table. With still one round to go, the boxers were asked to exit the ring even as President of the GBA, Steve Ninvalle, attempted to reclaim some order. Some fifteen minutes later, the bout resumed and though both boxers seemed buoyant, they just could not recover the zest that preceded the conflict and the fight drizzled to the end where Douglas was declared the winner. Joel Williamson also scored a knockout victory over Republican, Anandram Dharamraj in their lightweight contest. The fight was going at a fast clip and Dharamraj was doing just fine as he boxed around his man. He held a stiff defence even as he danced around and picked his punches. The Republican then got a bit careless and cocked his head high leaving it unprotected for Williamson to lash out with a vicious right hand punch that sent him to the canvass where, despite his most valiant efforts he failed to beat the count. The time was 2:59secs of the first stanza. Light/heavyweight, Markember Pierre (GDF), was also in a devastating mood when he faced off with his gym mate, Marvin Williams.
GDF’s Rhondel Douglas (right) goes through the defence of Nankumar Singh. (Sean Devers photo)
Pierre seemed unconcerned that he was battling his colleague and unleashed several ferocious salvoes that had his man blocking up. It was after one such attack that Williams’ knees buckled and he slumped to the canvas for the referee to toll away the seconds at 2:28secs of the first round. The night’s proceedings got underway on a tame note after Akiel Mounter (EBG) utilized his experience to overcome Stephon Smith (FYF) in the middleweight division. Mounter was simply unchallenged as he unleashed combinations at will to eventually cart off the spoils unanimously. Orrin LaFleur (REP) then matched skills with Victor Low (GDF) in the jnr/flyweight elite category and the latter boxer defied a point deduction early in the fight to rally to a unanimous verdict. Richard Subratee (FYF) clinched yet another point verdict, in the jnr/flyweight elite category, this time against Anil Chiatraj (GDF). The soldier was tagged early in the first round and received a mandatory 8 count but shrugged it off to reenter the fray with flailing fists. Thereafter, fortunes fluctuated as both boxers enjoyed great moments after favourable exchanges. The fight picked up pace and during a close up exchange Subratee’s punch went a mite low and he was penalized one point for the infraction. Unperturbed, the southpaw Subratee pressed on and regained the point after delivering a 3 punch combination to the head of a
GDF’s Anil Chiatraj is hurt by Richard Subratte. (Sean Devers photo) retreating Chiatraj. The FYF boxer then lapsed once again and was penalized for another low blow but his earlier aggression had placed him comfortably ahead of his opponent and he managed to clinch the close verdict. Colin ‘Superman’ Lewis endorsed his sobriquet when he out-punched a game Delroy Nero (REP) to take the honours in their jnr/ welterweight scrap. The rangy Lewis set a fiery pace and had his man on the back foot for most of the first round but Nero exhibited rare courage to hold his own; he also managed to stay in contention with stiff combinations. As the bout went into the deep rounds, the disparity of skills and combinations
became apparent and Lewis utilized every punch in the book to keep his man at bay. A frustrated Nero became aggressive and was penalized a point after delivering a vicious head butt that opened a small wound over Lewis’ left eye. Lewis received some attention from the ringside physician and rejoined the fray with flailing fist and built up an insurmountable lead to win the bout handsomely. The welterweight bout between Kellon King (FYF) and Joshua Joseph (REP) was halted in Joseph’s favour in the 3rd round after King received several warnings for infringing the rules. Policeman, Dennis Thomas continued his Continued on page 25
Joel Williamson (right) sticks a jab in the face of Anandram Dharamraj before knocking him out. (Sean Devers photo)
PAGE 32
Monday October 31, 2016
Kaieteur News
Digicel Breast Cancer Awareness Cycle Road Race
John trumps Leal in brilliant sprint finish as duo sets record
Female winner, Hazina Barrett
Digicel Staff winner, Dennis Christee
By Franklin Wilson Continuing their duel from Saturday when they destroyed an experienced field at the National Park, Jamal John and Raul Leal of Team Coco’s and Team Evolution repeated the feat, this time on a larger circuit and in steamier conditions as well as setting a new record in the process yesterday. The event was the 5th annual Digicel Breast Cancer Awareness Cycle Road Race which took place around the outer circuit of the National Park taking in JB Singh Highway (start & finish), Carifesta Avenue, Camp Street and Thomas Road.
The race was virtually decided in terms of the top two spots from the start, Leal and John breaking away from the main peloton from as early as lap 2 and never looked back. They gradually took their lead into comfort zone with each passing lap and at one time had over 3 ½ minutes on the second pack and over 4 minutes on the third. The clock was stopped at 2 Hours 54 Minutes 11.73 Seconds in the 30-lap contest when John crossed the finish line ahead of Leal in an exciting sprint home to cap one of the best victories in his still young career; he noted that this was second
biggest win. Leal couldn’t match the energy John displayed in the final 300 meters or so; John’s training with fellow Coco’s teammates in Colombia paid excellent dividends for this race which saw him pocketing $250,000 for placing first along with a Digicel branded jersey and trophy that were presented by Digicel CEO Mr. Kevin Kelly. Leal for his efforts collected $200,000, while Raynauth Jeffrey (Team Coco’s), Orville Hinds (Team Evolution) and Team Alanis’ Christopher Profitt were rewarded with $150,000, $80,000 and $20,000, respectively for finishing 3rd, 4th and 5th. One Hundred and One cyclists contested the two-race programme, with 51 of those facing off in the feature event, which also saw the Under and Over-45 and Junior category riders battling. Raphael Leung (United CC) was the junior winner, pocketing the top prize of $80,000 as he was unchallenged with reigning national champion Christopher Cornelius (Evolution) having to settle for the 3rd prize of $30,000 behind fellow Lindener and Linden Bauxite Flyers CC’s Jornel Yearwood who pocketed $50,000 for his 2nd place finish. The veteran Under-45 winner was Junior Niles (1 hour 45 minutes 26 seconds) who continues to rule the roost in this category, Niles outdueled Warren ‘Forty’ McKay on the line in another thrilling category finish; 3rd was Jaikarran Sukhai. Raymond ‘Steely’ Newton, Ian ‘Deaf Boy’ Jackson and Kennard Lovell were the top three finishers in the Veterans Over-45 class; the riders covering 18-laps. The riders
Junior Niles (right) takes the Veterans Under-45 win from Warren Mc Kay. (Franklin Wilson photo) were led for the first lap (unofficial) by Digicel Head of Marketing Ms Jacqueline James as they all paid tribute to all cancer victims in Guyana. Yesterday’s opening race, a 4-lap contest that attracted Digicel Staff, Novices, Mountain Bike and Females. The results are as follows: Mountain Bike – Keon Thomas, Ozia Macullay, Sean Budhan Ladies – Hazina Barrett (30’ 07"), Whitney Poyer, Shenika Texeira Novice – Oliver Younge (25’ 56"), Joshlyn Congreaves, Shurland SueHang Digicel Staff – Dennis Christee, Karyum Baird, Travis Ferreira Digicel CEO Mr Kevin Kelly in
brief remarks before the presentation, thanked all the riders for competing in the event which helps to bring awareness to the scourge of not only breast cancer, but cancer in general. Kelly also expressed gratitude to organizers, Evolution Cycle Club and the Cancer Institute of Guyana, noting that the success of the event was as a result of a collaborative effort between the mentioned entities. Over One Million in cash prizes along with trophies were handed out at yesterday’s event which saw a number of families, supporters and fans braving the drenching sunshine to enjoy the day’s activity.
The top brass of Digicel, race officials and prize winners take time out for a group photo following the presentation.