Kaieteur News

Kaieteur News

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Friday September 16, 2016

Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

ONE YEAR LATER After one year in office, there has not been much movement on many issues by the government on the fundamental issues facing the economy: development, earnings and diversification; a neglect the government could deeply regret. The government’s political space is diminishing due in part to the drug bond scandal, its failure to fulfill most of its promises and the increase in salary given to ministers. There is discontent, among the youths. The clock is ticking on the government. It must match words with action, diversify the economy, create jobs and improve the lives of the masses. These are perhaps the most pressing issues facing the nation. The country is at a critical juncture. Its success is crucial for its development. The country could be in serious crisis if there is no improvement in the economy, education, health care and the social services or in job creation. The government’s second year must be decidedly different from the first in order to regain the confidence of the people. It must be transparent and accountable for its actions. At this juncture, emphasis must be placed on evaluating how well the government has performed during the past year. This is legitimate as evaluation is a precursor to accountability. The consensus is that very little change has taken place. Progress will be achieved if the government embarks on a comprehensive plan/strategy to develop the economy; create jobs; improve education and health care; reduce crime and stamp out corruption. The government cannot solve these problems alone. It must have the support of the people, opposition, civil society and stakeholders. Implicit in this is the need for the government to communicate more effectively so that its policies are understood by all. Communication is important. The first year of the current administration has seen the cabinet spend a great deal of time focusing on the corrupt and illegal practices of the former administration. Such an approach is only natural because the government has inherited several problems from the previous government that demand immediate results. That said, after one year in office, the government cannot continue to blame the last administration for the country’s problems; it must now accept responsibility for them. Crime has to be contained. The government has to place less emphasis on whether serious crime is down or not and more on developing an anti-crime strategy to stem the stream of armed robberies and murders that continue to make the people feel unsafe. The general election is long over, but the current economic conditions, high unemployment among youths, poor health conditions and a failing public education system, particularly in math and the hard sciences have meant that the country is in rough waters. It means that cuts in spending on some social programmes will have to be made in order to reduce the nation’s expenditure on imports and to bridge the deficit gap in trade. That there are no new revenue streams to offset the deficit is very alarming. This situation is further accentuated by the recent borrowings by the government which could increase the cost to service the national debt. After one year in office, many felt that the government has created a bed of thorns for the nation and the next administration. Will the government bite the bullet and create jobs and improve the economy and the lives of the people?

Editor’s Note; If your sent letter was not published and you felt its contents were valid and devoid of libel or personal attacks, please contact us by phone or email.

PNC supporters must keep up the pressure Dear Editor; There are people from both the PPP and PNC who are in active politics that hold acts of discrimination against the poor at arms-length for reasons that only reflect selfishness. If they chose to level with their conscience, it will become their moral imperative to become the change agents to drive the big changes needed to transform Guyana. Rather they choose to sell their soul so that they can “curry favour” with Godfather Granger and Godfather Jagdeo. I can immediately think of Khemraj Ramjattan. When one looks at all the actions and observe all the words of Mr. Ramjattan, he comes across as nothing but a political poodle with no bite as he succumb to the wishes of the PNC every time. This is the inconvenient truth. The so called skeptics to this message will want to say that President Granger needs more time, but when one looks at the performance in Ministries after Ministries, it is so far behind the PPP days after 16 months in office. This expose a serious competence issue in the PNC led APNU/AFC government. When Dr. Jagan came to office he did so much for the poor after 16 months that

when he finally died, people from all races by the tens of thousands paid homage to him out of respect and adoration for his service to the poor. The only people benefiting from this ruling Congress Place elite is their friends, family and the ex-GDF Officers. Of course there are the bag carriers like Nagamootoo and Ramjattan. Is this how they will develop a country? This Granger administration promised less taxes for the poor from GRA, but the Minister of Finance raised over two dozen taxes, even on the poor “donkey kart” man. The PNC led Georgetown City Council has impoverish hundreds of PNC supporters who must be now regretting calling Jagdeo a pharaoh because under Jagdeo they made twenty times in income than under Granger. They promised jobs for the young people but the reality on the ground is that only the under-qualified brothers, sisters and cousins of the Ministers can get proper dollar jobs in Guyana. Ask David Patterson. Same old PNC attitudes live on from 1970’s to today. I had such faith in our system of democracy and in President Granger

that I voted for him in May 2015. I actually believed his message on the campaign trail. But what I am seeing and what he has promised is like chalk and cheese and I feel lied to and cheated. I now have enough compelling reason to conclude, it matters not who is in power, the Guyanese people will be hurt It is “neemakarams” like Ramjattan who are servants of money that have set up this great betrayal since they pretended that they understood the people’s pain when all along they were hunting for raw power. Once they got that shot, they had no problem supporting all like Mr. Norton and Mr. Larry Singh from also attacking the Treasury So today, we “pun tap” and we got to use these 5 years to use the Treasury to make up for the lost 23 years. Who care if the poor people starve, they do not deserve even the 10% says Mr. Granger on his TV program. Therefore there is compellingly enough reason that the Granger administration will not cause a sea change in the lives of the people. So I am calling on all Guyanese, you have to keep the pressure up on these politicians Jai (Harry) Lall

The Town Clerk is refusing to meet with the vendors ‘union Dear Editor; The Guyana Market Vendors Union wishes to bring to public attention that it is a legally registered Trade Union established with the objective of working with vendors at their various places of trading in Georgetown and elsewhere in Guyana, with a view to improving their circumstances including the conditions under which they work. The Union has twice written to the Town Clerk requesting to meet with him primarily to introduce the leadership and to seek to establish a mechanism for reliable channels of

communication in matters pertaining to the welfare of stall holders/vendors. The Town Clerk has responded by requesting that the Union submit a slew of documents as a prerequisite for a meeting. We believe that in circumstances where the nature of the meeting does not go beyond the status of a courtesy call the Town Clerk ought, surely, to be satisfied with a credential attesting to the legitimacy of the Union. That credential has been provided. The Union is of the view that the conditions outlined by the Town Clerk, in our view, considers it important that nothing stands

between him and his fixation with controlling the hapless vendors. Reference is made in the Saturday September 10 issue of the Stabroek News to an “agreement” reached between “the vendors” and “the council” pertaining to procedures associated with trading including those pertaining to disposal of trading waste. The Stabroek News story also alludes to the establishment of a committee of individuals to represent them and to negotiate to improve their standards and to identify and appoint marshals from among themselves to assist with keeping the area clean and tidy. While the Union is unaware of this arrangement

we wish to make it clear that we are supportive of any initiative that seeks to improve the environment in which the vendors work while adhering to the standards and requirements set by the Georgetown Municipality. Accordingly, and against the backdrop of the ongoing unionization exercise targeting vendors, the Union is already engaging and speaking for its members and wish to make clear our intention to continue to do so. Once again we call on the Town Clerk to meet with us in order to lay the foundation for the start of this important process. Eon Andrews President, Guyana Market Vendors Union

David Ramnarine has always shown he has for him to do so. Not to intangible and those above leadership in him decide is to decide. They are your signature. The buck afraid to rock the boat. Not so stops with you the leader.” Dear Editor; David Ramnarine DSM, Commissioner of Police acting, responded positively to constructive criticism with a willingness to change. He read the ‘Riot Act’ to members of the anti- crime patrol unit and traffic ranks in relation to corrupt and other unlawful activities. This was boldly done in the

presence of their supervisors, commanders and members of the print and electronic media. It was an unprecedented display of leadership in the Guyana Police Force. Quite a number of persons in acting leadership positions do not take decisive action. They wait until the substantive leader returns to his position

with Ramnarine. Many persons have commended him for his innovative action. I agree with them. The words of Commissioner Of Police Laurie Lewis keep ringing in my ears, “When you are in command and control, you are in command and control. You are responsible for all things tangible and

According to Stabroek News September 4, 2016, the Acting Top Cop while dealing with recruit training said, “ There are issues such as functional illiteracy, which still exists. Because of this, there will be the need to return to the full package of seven or eight months of training instead of a four (Continued on page 5)

Friday September 16, 2016

This sunken dredge must be removed ASAP! DEAR EDITOR, I would like to point out the difficulties miners, boat operators, school children, tourists and all other general users of the Mazaruni river are facing with the continued blocking of the channel by the dredge owned by Crown mining supplies at Piremap Falls. The water has risen significantly over the last week and some operators are forced to navigate their boats over rocks alongside the channel, just to get much needed supplies to their workers and children that are stranded in the upper Mazaruni area. This dear editor is a disaster waiting to happen, as the water may recede at any time and force these boat operators to take even more

chances. To rub salt into the wounds it seems as though the small miners and others affected have to cope by whatever means, since the company at fault here, Crown Mining Supplies, does nothing. There has been no apology, no information, no relief, nothing! I know of three separate occasions where dredges of the same size sunk at that very falls and the owners, mostly Brazillians got it removed within three days, but this company seems to be above the law as there is no urgency on their part to have this dredge removed. This is a blatant disregard for the rights of ordinary Guyanese; it appears as though there is one set of rules for the esteemed own-

ers of this dredge and another set for the everyday citizen. Here are some questions dear Editor. When if ever can we expect to have this dredge removed? Who is going to compensate the many Guyanese miners,Amerindians, school children, boat operators who have all suffered great financial losses because of this mistake? It’s a mistake and not an accident because the company took that chance knowing fully well that other dredges sank at that very location, and there are other options of getting a dredge from above the falls to below. What is the Authorities doing about this? Why this silence? Is there a cover up? So many unanswered questions Dear editor, let’s hope we get some urgent action. Ralph Persaud

City Hall defends Royston King DEAR EDITOR; In view of Councillor Andrea Marks’ protestation on September 13, 2016, to have the Town Clerk removed i.e ‘Town Clerk Must Go.’ Be advised that the responsibility of formulating policies is the job of councillors where they are not to be engaged in administrative work. According to the Municipal District Council Chapter 28:01 by-law, there is a clear line between the work of the elected council and the duties of the City Administration where coun-

cillors are expected to support Administration in its efforts to enforce compliance with the City’s by-laws, rules and regulations. Councillors need to become au fait with the laws of Chapter 28:01 and should be guided by such as opposed to willy nilly sensational statements that can cause discord and bring the repetition of the municipality to be compromised. Knowing and understanding 28:01 is paramount as it is the standard by which all municipal activities

should be measured. No individual councillor has the right to impose his or her personal opinion on the decisions of full council. It is not about individualism but more about the collective council as a whole. What has been happening is that a few councillors, some with noticeable political ambitions, others with not so subtly hidden agenda, have been supporting activities that are in glaring contravention of the by-laws of the (Continued on page 6)

David Ramnarine has always... From page 4 month programme that would yield worse results.” I am heartened by that statement as I had publicly posited that the current recruit training is too short to effectively induct them into a new and changing environment so that they can adequately perform their functions as set out in Section 3 (2) of the Police Act Chapter 16: 01 and what is imposed on them by society. It is a recipe to produce quantity and not quality. In a previous letter to the editor, I suggested that the police training should inculcate people skills in the minds of all ranks in the various police divisions and branches, more so, new entrants. Please permit me to repeat some areas that the training should focus on: effective communication; conflict resolution- do you resolve conflict through

the barrel of a gun or resort to the 4-B Model- boots, baton, bayonet and bullet; cultural awareness and sensitivity; anger management; decision - making; information technology so that they will not suffer from technophobia - the fear of technology and its use; multi lingual; self esteem; emotional intelligence; critical thinking; capacity to act; ability to apply knowledge; solid academic base - reading and numeracy; comprehension; ability to research and analyze; policing multi cultural and diverse communities; effectively dealing with people; effective investigations; and human rights. In order to enhance training there must be capacity building for the three police colleges at Essequibo, Demerara and Berbice. Special emphasis must be placed on the instructors who should

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develop and implement an eclectic approach to training. I hope that David Ramnarine while acting as Commissioner will shortly extend the recruit training programme as he indicated. He should not wait to be confirmed as Commissioner to take corrective action. Speaking about Commissioner, a few years ago while addressing a group of graduants at the Felix Austin Police College B Division where David Ramnarine started his policing career l stated that he will be the next Commissioner of Police. That was based on his leadership qualities, communication skills and a little bit of seniority. However, it is not my call. It is a political and presidential appointment. Clinton Conway Assistant Commissioner of Police (retired)

There was no Buxton conspiracy as far as I know DEAR EDITOR; The Freddie Kissoon column of Monday, September 12, 2016 on the late Cyrus Boyce requires clarifications necessary for the historical purpose newspapers serve to posterity. I have known Boyce all my life. As I said at his funeral we became closer as pioneers [not GNS] at KURU-KURU Coop College in the early 1970’s. We went separate ways around 1974. He was then employed by the PNC up to the Desmond Hoyt phase, returning under Robert Corbin. When current President David Granger took office, Boyce continued to work privately with Corbin, we did speak about a gratuity package his words were as follows, “The chief [Meaning Corbin ] told OG’s [or ‘Green clothes’ -terms describing Brigadier David Granger] that he gon tek care of his people.” This was referring to Cyrus

Boyce and Jenetta, who was Mr. Corbin’s secretary during his time as Opposition Leader. What transpired between Boyce and his ’Chief ’ concerning that concept of ‘taking care of his people’, I cannot speak with clarity or truthfully on, except to say that this happened before the 2015 elections, and from my opinion the onus on that gratuity rests with the initial promise made. Boyce was indeed offered employment by the General Secretary of the PNC after the elections, but could not engage that employment. Cyrus had limitations that the GS seemed unaware off; Minister Patterson was a friend of the Charities initiated by Boyce, while Mr Patterson was a private person. We conversed on the job opportunity and I agreed that he should embrace it, as it presented a much more comfort-

able and suitable atmosphere as there were health problems also that Boyce had to deal with. About the gratuity figure mentioned in Freddy’s article, this is the first time I‘m hearing of it. In respect to the mentioned ‘covenant’ with Boyce, this is also new to me. What I can comment on was the ‘Buxton Conspiracy’ articles, enough to say that there was no Buxton Conspiracy, nor was Ronald Waddle an intellectual author of the events in the village at that time. I discussed these articles with Waddle, Boyce and other media operatives who were very active at that time, and who are still alive today, and there were several scenarios as to why such sensational narratives were written. Now, Cyrus Boyce has crossed the river. May my friend’s soul rest in peace. Barrington Braithwaite

Respond to the PSC’s criticism of SARA DEAREDITOR; The Guyanese public continues to see a PPP/C coordinated attacks on both SARU and SOCU. The leaders of the PPP/C are in overdrive in their attempts to deceive and confuse the public about the powers and scope of these two Units. However, the average struggling Guyanese understands that the wholesale theft of the Government’s resources by some in the former administration has kept most of the people poor and the country in the state of underdevelopment in which it now finds itself. Further, the people should understand that those in the opposition who are against the legislation to make SARU a legal entity, are the ones who have benefited from the corrupt practices of the previous administration. The Private Sector Commission (PSC) for example has no credibility what so ever. The PSC is one of the most shameless and spineless organizations. It does not have any concern for the plight of the poor and the powerless in society, only the rich and powerful. It continues to masquerade as defenders of the interest of the average person, which is further from the truth. In the opinion of most, the PSC is a greedy, selfish and rather unconcerned organization with

no real interest in the development of the country. SARU is not mandated to go after people who gained their wealth legitimately, but it will not be side tracked by the propaganda being peddled to the public by the PPP/C. The Bill offered by SARA was widely examined by competent legal minds and Agencies inside and outside of Guyana. The bill enjoys support from the ABC Countries and the EU. These are countries and organizations that have poured millions of their tax payers’ dollars into this country to help in its development. However, to their dismay the theft and corruption of the Jagdeo/Ramotor administration became so terrible that it was simply off the charts. Contrary to the PPP propaganda, it is silly for its leaders to say that the Bill will scare away potential investors. In fact, investors will be more than happy to invest in Guyana where the playing field is level and that they

do not have to pay bribes to get things done. Many Israeli business people have complained bitterly of the obstacles they faced in trying to do business in Guyana under the Jagdeo/ Ramotar government. The Israelis have actually given up due to the corrupt practices within the system. A group of business people from Malaysia who invested millions of US dollars to start a business also met with the same fate under the PPP regime. With all the extra judicial killings and wholesale racism what took place under the PPPC. Where was the PSC? SARA has pledged to protect the interest of all Guyanese and would help the nation retrieve the money, properties and resources which were allegedly stolen by some in the last regime. Bretnol Holder.

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Violation of workers’ rights rampant at NAREI DEAR EDITOR; With reference to the article published in the editorial section of your Friday newspapers dated September 9th, 2016, captioned “NAREI REPLIES TO CRITICIZM OF ITS A D M I N I S T R AT I O N ” . Kindly permit me to highlight the real situation plaguing the NAREI, Administration, since the picture painted by the writer was a clear attempt to create distraction from reality. Firstly, it is not clear whether the claims of “ resident service “is a part of the NAREI Act or is it sealed in any other legally established authority, but a distinction ought to be created between gratuity and superannuation benefits, which all public service employees receive when they attained the age of com-

pulsory retirement. Secondly, it is extremely important to note that the payment of superannuation benefit (gratuity and pension) to public service/sector employees is an entitlement, whether or not employees proceeds on annual or maternity leave. Sadly, NAREI’s employees who are considered public servants are not paid gratuity for the period that they are away from the job on maternity leave. However, of grave concern in this regard, is why employees must suffer what is considered a penalty for proceeding on legitimate / approved leave? It would appear as though the newly appointed or promoted senior Human Resources Officer of NAREI is making reference to

selected /favourable individuals, since in her article she claimed that employees were paid gratuity for the period that they were on maternity leave. Mr. Editor, how can an employee be assessed for satisfactory performance while officially on leave, was it that the employee’s performance at home was assessed and approved to be satisfactory? If this is so, then other females may have been overlooked or discriminated against. It is a fact that the management style at NAREI leaves much to be desired. Thirdly, there are poor inter-personal relations between management and targeted employees, who refuse to fall prey to their unrealistic orders , as a result , these

City Hall defends Royston King From page 5 Municipal District Councils Act Chapter 28: 01 and the Public Health Ordinances Chapter 145 which they swore to uphold. The Town Clerk’s duties and responsibilities are stipulated in the Municipal Act of Chapter 28: 01. It should be noted that even if he is willing to give into the demands of some councilors, he is constrained by the law to which he is held accountable to ensure the integrity of the Nation’s Capital and the well being of the local communities and the citizenry. While in the past the laws have been flouted and hands were tied by the previous powers that be, in this current dispensation, persons need to realize that the city’s are managed effectively and sustainably based on rules and laws not on “friendism”, personal innuendoes, opinions and personal ambitions. The law is the Law and it is being used effectively to the betterment for the majority. Further, be informed that the recent move by Town Clerk, Royston King on Robb Street to temporarily suspend vending activities was not one made in isolation. For clarity the vendors were warned on several occasions, in addition to having

an agreement about keeping the surroundings tidy which was ignored. They were also warned about bringing out goods in manageable amounts, desisting from blocking entrances and exits of legitimate business houses and staying on a certain portion of the road. Most of them flouted this advice. They have been warned time and again by councillors and City Police not to encroach on the road ways which lend to traffic congestion and in some cases make for the road way being impassable, yet they have persisted. Following complaints from legitimate business owners, on the day in question with other officers, a decision was made to suspend vending in that area so that it could be cleaned, cleared and properly sanitized in the interest of the health of the nation. This area, because of vending, encouraged illegal accommodation, and given the economic realities had become unhealthy, and many even forgot that those spaces were also taken over by vendors on Robb Street between Alexander and Bourda Street. We met with the vendors and had the area cleared, cleaned and sanitized and they have since been advised to desist from such practices.

Contrary to publications that the President has decried the reckless attitude of the Town Clerk, let it be known that the President is a law abiding manager of Guyana and his actual advice hinted to Vendors being afforded a safe, clean, sanitary place with a roof so that they would be able to pay for the accommodation and that the city’s streets would be void of pavement and street vending generally. It is foolhardy that some saw it fit to twist the good intentioned statement of the President to suit their best political narrative. Should we advise the vendors every time we plan to move against them in the interest of the City we would be faced with injunctions galore and a very unhealthy city for which the administrators would be blamed? Please be advised that vending according to the law requires each vendor to have a huckster’s license and a certificate from City Hall. This is hardly the case which put all or most of the vendors in a spot as they do not have any of the two requirements. Be you not fooled on Matters of Council/Georgetown Municipality. Debra Lewis Public Relations Officer ((ag) Mayor and City Council

employees are constantly abused ,mal treated, harassed, victimized and discriminated against. This situation has tremendously deteriorated over the years, resulting in many being arbitrarily suspended, dismissed, suffered pay deduction and many other forms of mishandling. In addition, these situations have caused, and continue to cause employees severe stress and trauma. Despite the fact that several complaints has been made to higher authority, there is no evidence that any action has been taken to remedy the condition , but the perpetrators are allowed to continue their spiteful acts against the targeted employees, while there seems to be” favorites” ‘who are considered for special treatment and even promotions. Fourthly, as it relates to staff promotion, there are several employees who have been acting for extended periods without being confirmed or promoted, even though they are duly qualified, While they are other employees who are qualified, but yet not considered for promotion, but yet, these same employees who are denied confirmation /promotion are in receipt of gratuity which, according to the NAREI administration is based on performance. Therefore there is no justifiable reason (s) why these employees are denied their confirmation/ promotion. Fifthly, the restructuring exercise conducted by NAREI’s management is an unlawful act, resulting in several changes, such as improper/illegal termination of services of some employees and administrative

positions becoming redundant. It is a fact that the services of several employees, including senior Management staff, were terminated / dismissed without due process, and their rights to natural justice were denied. I support the fact that there is no job security, and at any time other employees could be treated in similar manner if they are not part of the wrong doings. There are legal requirements regarding restructuring, within an organization. Some of these requirements are preserved in the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act, which requires, that at least one months’ notice should be given to the Guyana Public Service Union about the restructuring. I am not aware that there are any such engagements with the GPSU. However the Union would have to say whether it was consulted about the recent. Sixthly, as it relates to staff knowledge of existing vacancies within the institute, Mr. Editor, myself like many other employees of NAREI are ignorant of such, moreover of any advertisements being published internally or externally for newly appointed positions (Senior Human Resources Officer, Administrative Officer), or maybe I would have missed these vacancy notices. Lastly, it is quite alarming by the misleading information presented by the writer, in relation to staff complaints. In her statement, it seems as though she is trying to refute claims made by concerned employees, against Senior Management functionaries. Mr. Editor, how can an HR officer who should be responsible for employee’s

NICIL Chair, Dr. Odle clarifies DEAR EDITOR; In yesterday’s Kaieteur News, your reporter continues to erroneously and mischievously link the specific US$5m outstanding share payment issue with the more general issue in the conclusion of the NICIL forensic report (page 81) that refers to

the role of SARU in relation to “recovering any State assets/properties that might have been improperly and illegally transferred to third parties”. The NICIL press release of 3rd September made no such link/connection Maurice Odle

well-being be so heartless towards our cries? It must be noted that there are facts to prove the contrary to many disquiets that were stated in her response. In addition, there are numerous employees’ concerns that were raised with management and were documented but to no avail. While I will not attempt to speak on the Guyana Public Service Union’s (GPSU) behalf , I am aware that several issues were represented by that union on behalf of aggrieved employees, some of which were partly resolved as a result of the Union’s intervention. In conclusion, I do hope that the Union will intervene to correct this misinformation being peddled in the public domain by the NAREI’s Administration. It is also hoped that the request for an independent investigation into the operations and general conduct of the NAREI’s administration be conducted without delay. Since I consider the response of NAREI’s Administration to be an attempt to do damage control, and by extension to mislead the public. It is time employees across the spectrum stand up firmly for their rights, by embracing unity, by seeing an injustice for one as an injustice for all. Both male and female employees continue to be victims of reckless and malicious management style and system. It is my view that there would have been a change under the new government, especially since His excellence, Mr. David Granger, publicly stated that his new government was committed to respecting and restoring collective bargaining and worker’s rights in general. However there seems to be elements within NAREI’s authority, which has a different agenda. In this regard, the injustices that were instituted on certain employees at NAREI still prevail and are now extended to other resilient employees. Mr. Editor, I AM PLEADING WITH THE RELEVANT AUTHORITIES TO LOOK INTO THIS SOARING MATTER and let not our cries fall on deaf ears. Victimized employee

Friday September 16, 2016

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Consultations on SARA Bill …

Private Sector needs to stop disrespecting the nation – AG By Kiana Wilburg The practice of extracting private wealth from state assets is one the current administration intends to address without fear or favour. One of the ways it intends to do so is with the formal establishment of the State Assets Recovery Unit (SARU), according to Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams. During a recent meeting with the press, Williams fielded questions on the Private Sector and the Opposition on the State Asset Recovery Agency (SARA) Bill. The first concern raised was the call by the Private Sector for more consultations on the SARA Bill. Williams was quick to disregard this issue as he felt there was no basis for the contention. The Minister of Legal Affairs said that consultations on the Bill were held at the Pegasus Hotel, and that the Private Sector was invited to attend. He said that money was invested in advertising the public event weeks before it took place. In spite of this, Williams said that neither the Private Sector Commission (PSC) nor the political Opposition showed up. Williams said, “We are using taxpayers’ money to

hold these consultations and when consultations are not held they made a lot of noise. Now that we are holding consultations, they are not going on.” The Minister of Legal Affairs also stated that the SARA Bill is being driven by the Asset Recovery Unit which is headed by Dr. Clive Thomas. The politician noted that the Unit is working closely with the World Bank and United Nations on the Bill. The provisions of the Bill “are not pulled out from someone’s back pocket,” he said. The Attorney General reminded that it was the former regime that had signed on to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) but never implemented the provisions which followed. “The international community is now demanding that if you want to be amongst the members of the community and be involved in it, then you have to comply with the conventions you signed on to. “When you look at the SARU Bill you will see that all the provisions in it are provisions taken out of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, so don’t let the opposition try to fool

SARU Head, Dr. Clive Thomas

Attorney General, Basil Williams

you,” said the Legal Affairs Minister. He added, “They must explain why they are so mortally afraid of the operationalization of SARA.” Asked if he would be willing to meet with members of the Private Sector on a ‘one on one basis’ to hear their views on the SARA Bill, Williams said that he is not the one driving the process. He said that SARU is in charge of it. Williams also recalled that wide consultations were already held and the “Private Sector Commission must stop disrespecting the public.” The Minister of Legal Af-

fairs told reporters that he was not in a position to comment on whether the final Bill would be completed and ready before Parliament comes out of recess in October. He said that this is an issue that would have to be addressed by Dr. Thomas. Williams added that while some are making submissions on the Bill, they should remember that the relevant authorities are not bound to include them in the final draft. The PSC had said that it accepts that all assets or resources belonging to the State that were unlawfully or criminally transferred to any beneficiary must be recovered

SOCU will not be removed from GPF jurisdiction- Harmon Minister of State, Joseph Harmon has made it clear that there has been no Cabinet decision to place the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) under the superintendence of the Ministry of Legal Affairs. In fact, he said that that was never even a consideration. At yesterday’s post Cabinet press briefing, the Minister said that Opposition Member of Parliament, Anil Nandlall has misconstrued the utterance of Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams and the Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan. Recently, Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, told media operatives that SOCU should be

allowed to assist the other police departments with investigations during their down time. However, Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General had noted, that the unit must not lose focus of its core functions in policing the new Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) system. Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Anil Nandlall had expressed concern regarding what he described as “added protocols to the Unit’s operations” Harmon said, “Clearly, there was a misconception by Nandlall about the statements made by both Ministers…The

matter did come up at Cabinet and it was clear that there is no diversion, and that it is clear that SOCU is a unit under the Guyana Police Force.” On the issue of whether there was uncertainty regarding the unit falling under the purview of the Ministry of Public Security or Ministry of Legal Affairs; Minister Harmon said that the body falls under the ambit of the GPF and will remain there. “Minister Williams did say that SOCU will have a wider role as far as the AntiMoney Laundering Legisla-

tion is concerned, however it was never said that the unit must be under (Minister Williams),” said Harmon. SOCU was established in 2013 as one of the recommendations outlined by the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) programme of activities to ensure Guyana’s compliance with international financial obligations. SOCU is mandated to investigate suspected money laundering crimes, and to prosecute persons suspected of terrorism and financial offences.

and returned to the State, once such unlawful transactions become known and criminal convictions obtained. However, the Commission is of the view that the current draft State Asset Recovery Bill 2016 is deeply flawed and inconsistent with many of the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution. The PSC said that it has obtained legal representation and will be making known its objections to the legislation to the Attorney General and to members of the Legislature. The Commission also stated, that the SARA Bill is not a good signal to investors who will require access to state resources such as land, licences, access rights etc. It believes that the Bill provides opportunities for legitimate investors to be harassed and politically victimized. The Commission said, “The Bill has been drafted from the perspective that the Government of Guyana does not know what it owns or what the State has lost over the years. “As such, it provides all-encompassing investigative and surveillance powers to the Director and Staff of the Agency to snoop around into private accounts and financial records of citizens to determine what assets of the State were lost and need to be recovered.” “This is a complete affront to the fundamental rights of citizens, and if such powers are granted they can be used to marginalize, suppress and

take advantage of vulnerable members of the population through political intimidation.” With this in mind, the PSC said that it is extremely concerned that the powers provided to the Director of SARA will blur the lines of separation of functions of the Executive and the Judiciary. The Commission also questioned the need for Ministers to designate to the Director and Staff of SARA, as they see fit, the power of a revenue or customs officer, of a police officer and immigration officer rather than requesting collaboration and coordination of efforts amongst these agencies. The PSC believes that the SARA Bill is premature and redundant. In this regard, it said that many of the intelligence-gathering mechanisms to be used by SARA have already been enacted in the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Legislation, and included in the mandate of the Integrity Commission, both of which have not been fully functional to date. “So SARA is about intelligence gathering? They think the Convention Against Corruption is redundant? We have news for them. We intend to root out corruption. So they should be afraid,” Williams said. The Parliamentarian said that the practice of extracting private wealth from state assets as practised by the previous administration must be addressed.

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Friday September 16, 2016

Kaieteur News

Jagdeo continues to prove he has no genuine concern for Guyana’s development …Mischievous letter to Norway will bear no fruit Pull quote: “Jagdeo choose to run to foreign authorities as if (Guyana is) supposed to be slapped around and disciplined. His moves are highly unpatriotic and tell us that he is not serious about engagements but interested in public pouncing around.”- Trotman The Government of Guyana has found displeasing yet derisory the way the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic opposition has chosen to deal with the grouses it has as it relates to the born again Amaila Falls Hydro-Electricity Project (AFHP). Recently, PPPC announced that its Executive Member and Chief Representative in the National Assembly, Gail Teixeira, had written to the Government of Norway to inform of the PPP’s view that the Amaila project is being shrouded in secrecy. The politician also told the Norwegians that there is a serious lack of consultation that is prevailing over the review of the project. Teixeira expressed concerns that the “Guyanese people were being sidelined in the implementation of the Guyana/Norway Partnership agreement”. Yesterday, two senior government Ministers, Raphael Trotman and Joseph Harmon, expressed their disappointment at the PPP action. Trotman, the Natural Resources Minister, was most annoyed. He said that the

PPP is basically being mischievous. The Minister told Kaieteur News that it has been very well publicized that Norway and Guyana agreed to do a review of the Amaila project and that it would be funded by Norway. He said that the PPP is very aware that the process has been ongoing. Trotman said that it seems as if the PPP, under Bharrat Jagdeo’s stewardship, is becoming a “cry baby” party. He said that Jagdeo’s directions to his party members to carry out these “spoil child” acts will “not help him in any way.” “If Jagdeo has genuine questions he can come and ask for the answers. I have appeared before the Natural Resources Committee on several occasions which is the proper place to hear a complaint that the process is shrouded in secrecy; which, of course, is not true.” Trotman said that it is the very Jagdeo who refused to appoint PPP members to the various boards. “These matters are discussed at the Board levels so if the PPP was interested it would have appointed members. “But, Jagdeo has publicly said that he has refused the President’s invitation for joint committees and he refuses to name nominees on the various Boards. So he cannot then run up to Norway when it is he who has landed the PPP in that position (not

Minister of State Joseph Harmon knowing what is discussed at the Board levels) in refusing to engage.” Trotman said, “So it is evident that Jagdeo and the PPP refused to use the established organs. He refused to put representation on the Boards; he ignored the parliamentary process of finding out and he refused the President’s invitation.” Trotman was adamant that Guyana’s democracy is not ‘being subverted. The Minister said that he even wrote Jagdeo inviting him for a briefing “at his convenience.” That was two months ago. “I am still awaiting a feed back.” Further, Trotman said that Jagdeo and Teixeira have basically wasted their time in

PP’s Executive Member, Gail Teixeira

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman

writing the letter. According to him, the government of Norway is steeped in the knowledge of the Sovereignty of State. “We do not interfere with their internal workings and they will not

interfere with ours. We are quite satisfied that they would not.” Trotman pointed out that this is not the first letter of this sort that the PPP has written to Norway.

He said, however, that such actions prove the motive of the PPP. “What we have is a set of theatrics being displayed by Jagdeo and his comrades. If he was serious (Continued on page 28)

Businessman accused of trafficking women for sex faces more charges A businessman who was charged two weeks ago for allegedly trafficking nine Brazilian women, was yesterday released on bail after facing a charge ofknowingly possessing their identifications cards. Mark Figueroa, 34, of Bel Air Promenade was indicted on eight counts of the offence, after he made an appearance before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. It is alleged that between August18 and August 24, last at Providence, East Bank Demerara, acting as the employer of the women, Figueroa knowingly possessed their identification card. The defendant was released on $25,000 bail on each count, a total of $200,000. He was instructed to

Mark Figueroa return to court today in relation to the Trafficking in Person (TIP) allegation. Figueroa and Joaquin Fillio are jointly charged with engaging in TIP between August 18 and 24 at Providence; where they recruited, transported and

harboured the nine foreign nationals for the purpose of sexual exploitation. Figueroa was released on $1.8M bail. The Magistrate had remanded Fillio to prison based on the fact that he is a foreign national. Police Prosecutor Shevon Jupiter had told the court that the defendants held the women against their will. The prosecutor told the court that the women were beaten and held at gunpoint. However, an attorney for Figueroa argued that the women were not held against their will. He claimed that the Brazilians came to Guyana to perform at Palm Court and were staying at his client’s house. The Investigation Rank (IR) in the matter informed the court that the victims are currently in custody of the Brazilian Embassy in Guyana.

Friday September 16, 2016

Planning for the planners In 2011, there was a minority government in Guyana. The opposition held a slender one seat majority in the National Assembly and used it to pummel the ruling administration. One of the first targets of the opposition was the passage of the 2012 Budget. One of its first victims was the eradication of the State Planning Secretariat on the grounds that the entity was illegal. Now the government is indicating its intention to establish planning units in every Ministry. The APNU and the AFC combined to erase the only planning unit which existed in Guyana since the 1980’s. Now the government is being forced to reestablish planning units in every Ministry. If the former entity was illegal then the opposition had no choice. It could not have been seen to have been supporting an illegal entity. But it just shows the irony of history in that what was dissolved will now have to be reconstructed.

However, the government is not planning on having a singular planning agency like the State Planning Secretariat. It is planning to have mini planning units in every Ministry. This sounds like a plan to extend bureaucracies in every Ministry in Guyana. Would it not have been better to have a single planning unit for the entire country rather than multiple planning units, which may end up only being Budget units within the Ministry? The skills simply do not exist in Guyana for multiple planning units. Development planning is a science and a small country like Guyana simply cannot afford, nor does it have the human resources to populate planning units in every ministry. The government has asked the IMF for assistance in reviewing the value added tax (VAT). The government does not have the expertise to determine what changes to the VAT will cost the treasury and has been forced to go to the ‘experts’ to have this

done. It shows the paucity of skilled personnel within the system in Guyana. Where then will the skills be found to establish planning units in multiple ministries? It can only mean that the functions of these planning units will be pared down significantly and they may merely become budget planning units which are far different from what one expects of a planning unit. The plan to have planning units reflects an act of political desperation. There is frustration within the government over the fact that major sectors in the economy are contracting even though overall growth has been achieved for the first half of 2016. The government is panicking by establishing planning units in ministries in the hope that these will provide a developmental focus. The historic failure of the State Planning Secretariat, under both the PNC and the PPP, has been that it never provided a developmental focus. The State Planning Unit

Alleged drunk driving cop gets bail After spending two weeks on remand, Police Constable Timothy Horatio, who was reportedly under the influence of alcohol when he crashed the minibus he was driving, killing a passenger, was last Friday granted $300,000 bail. Bail was granted to him by Magistrate Leron Daly after a bail petition was renewed by his attorney in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Horatio, 26, of Stone Avenue, Campbellville, Georgetown is accused of driving minibus BPP 7944 in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of Dillon Linton, 21, also of Stone Avenue Campbellville, by dangerous driving. The accident occurred on August 28. He has pleaded

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Kaieteur News

Timothy Horatio not guilty to the charge and will make his next court appearance on September 30, for statements. It was reported that the speeding minibus driven by Horatio slammed into a post before overturning on Regent

Street, resulting in the death of Linton. Linton reportedly sustained multiple injuries and died hours later while receiving treatment at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). He was reportedly sitting in the back seat of the minibus when it crashed. According to reports, the Constable, and a part time minibus driver were racing another minibus at around 20:00hrs on the day in question, when he tried to avoid hitting a motorcyclist, who was heading in the opposite direction. He was however unable to avoid the collision and ended up losing control of the vehicle. The minibus reportedly toppled several times before smashing into a utility pole and finally coming to a stop at the wall of a Regent Street store, ‘Curtains and Draperies.’

GTT employee dies of heart attack on int’l flight Joseph Glasgow, an employee of the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT) Company suffered a heart attack last night while he was coming into Guyana from New York on an international flight. He had gone to the lavatory when he collapsed with the flight being about an hour out from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. Glasgow who resided in Victoria Village, ECD was taken to the Diamond Hospital by the Guyana Defense Force (GDF)

ambulance. There, he was pronounced dead on arrival. Glasgow had left Guyana two weeks ago with some of his relatives for a family vacation overseas. He was expected to return to work on September 19.

allowed for centralized planning during the crisis years of the PNC regime. That model did not work. During the PPPC’s tenure, the State Planning Secretariat was effectively an accounting unit charged with implementing the capital programme of the government. It did very little developmental planning. The developmental focus which the government may be looking for has to come from the political level. It has to begin at the level of Cabinet. That focus has to be ideological, which is now considered an expletive word in developing countries in transition to

neo-liberal economies. Technocratic units have never been able to provide that sort of developmental focus. Planning units implement more than they plan. They lack planning skills. What Guyana needs is a developmental focus to the neo-liberal model of development. The neo-liberal model has led to economic growth but it has not led to economic development. A Planning Unit is not the answer to how growth can trickle down to the poor. It is not the answer to how higher wages can be paid without affecting inflation. It is not the answer to how to create jobs. The answer to those questions is to have a Ministry of Planning and Development

which will co-opt the Ministry of Finance. Planning and development has to begin at the political level. It is an ideological process, not a technical process. In the meantime, the Ministry of Finance has advertised for a Chief Planning Officer. Will this person be a technocrat or an ideologue?

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Friday September 16, 2016

Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

In Guyana, humans die like flies It was reported on Wednesday last that a 74year-old man went up to the airport with family members to receive visiting relatives. He was found dead. The surveillance cameras recorded his exit from the bus but his perambulations took him outside the scope of the cameras. His body was found in the area of the maintenance building. There is no other country in the world where this man could have roamed the acreage of a national airport and would have reached the maintenance building without being intercepted. In all countries of the world, except the tenth rate mango republic that Guyana is, airports are strategic areas that are under heavy security surveillance - both manned and electronic. Airports are intricately connected with national security so there is a wide area of security coverage. The only way that guy could have died without being detected, was if he had left the parking centre and went away in the direction of the public road. That would mean he left the totality of the airport es-

tate. The totality of the airport estate has to have security simple because it is an airport. But the police release said that his body was found by the maintenance building. The space between the parking centre and the maintenance building, no matter how vast, has to be covered by both cameras and guards. But this is Guyana; nothing is ever covered by commonsense, rationality and human thinking. People die like flies in this country. You want to see the journey from life to meaningless withering away of the body, then, visit the Georgetown Public Hospital; as a matter of fact, any public hospital in this God-forsaken wasteland. A driver knocks down a traffic rank doing duties on the road in Eccles. The policeman was hospitalized at the Georgetown Public Hospital. He died one day after his release. Let’s do logical deduction. What could he have done to cause him to die one day after leaving the hospital? I don’t know why

he died but I could do what all humans since time immemorial have been doing – offer an opinion. I believe the policeman was misdiagnosed. I believe there are poorly trained, incompetent doctors at public hospitals throughout this country and their limited knowledge has led to the unnecessary deaths of dozens of poorer folks. People have become so psychically destroyed in this land that life for them is just like the lives of fishes in a stagnant, little gutter somewhere in a deserted area. I remember my cousin took in and was hooked up to a machine. His condition didn’t look good and that private hospital had just one doctor on call. I repeat for emphasis – just one doctor working and he was a UG intern manning the emergency room. My cousin did not see a doctor from the time he was hooked up that afternoon. He died around 9 pm without seeing a doctor. See my column of February, 25, 2015 for a description on the incident. It was clear to me that

night that no one at that hospital could have been bothered. This is what Guyana has become. The reason I find this banana republic frightening is that its inhabitants have no concept of what the human being is. I know what you are about to read in the next line may appear to be a wild exaggeration, but it is my opinion that this country has some of the most heartless and insensitive doctors in the world and they work in the public sector. AFC Parliamentarian, Michael Carrington, told me he rushed his daughter to the Diamond hospital last month with excruciating pain. The shift had ended, but

the incoming shift of doctors refused to work because they wanted the serving area cleaned up. So they simple relaxed chatted with each other, while his daughter had fainted with pain. Do you know in Barbados, Trinidad and Jamaica and in small Bermuda, there have been cases of doctors charged with manslaughter after it was determined that their incompetence was the reason for patient-death? Do you think in this wild parched land of Guyana that could ever happen? Dale Andrews died from a heart attack and in his eulogy at the church; Prime Minister Nagamootoo said that Cabinet ended before sched-

Frederick Kissoon ule because of the church service. At the Georgetown Public Hospital, a doctor refused to write a prescription for Dale when he appeared at the hospital after his tablets ran out. I was there. I complained to the CEO, Mike Khan and medical superintendent Dr. Sheik Amir. That doctor was never disciplined. She still works there.

Dem boys seh... Contractors mekking profit at Govt expense Jagdeo and he boys really spoil dem contractors. Dem had a law that seh a contractor can bid pun how much project he want. And he can win how much contract de government want to give him. Like de squirrel in winter, nuff of dem contractors use to collect dem tenders and lock dem down. It didn’t matter if dem sit down pun de wuk fuh 10 years. Dem boys seh if dem did get a chance or even an inside track dem woulda been rich by now. De government use to pay out an advance to dem contractor to start de wuk. Is only yesterday dem boys learn that de contractor does tek de advance, bank it and collect de interest, and refuse to do de

wuk. And de government never use to tek back de contract. That is how de Works Ministry always reporting that contractors owe it and dem can’t collect de money.Any decent government woulda tek de contractor to court and levy pun its property. Jagdeo use to lef dem because he tell dem boys when it comes to election time all he got to do is go to dem contractor and dem family and threaten dem, that if dem don’t vote fuh him he gun lock dem up. De man know how to cause confusion. While one set of contractor lock down dem contracts, another set complaining how dem can’t get a contract. Is now dem boys understand how some contractors use to bid

low. Dem know that dem wouldn’t do de wuk; dem didn’t have to spend money to mobilize and buy material. But de advance dem would get is real profit. Now Soulja Bai come in dem contractors using de situation to dem own advantage. Dem lock off de contract and telling that de government got to wait till de contract expire. Dem boys meet a contractor who had six months to do a job. Five months done and he ain’t start nutten. Yet he telling de minister that he ain’t breach de contract. And de Minister can’t touch him because de time ain’t elapse. Talk half and watch how nutten ain’t change

Friday September 16, 2016

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Kaieteur News

Major crackdown announced to ensure fishing boats licensed - only 450 of 1,500 artisanal vessels registered Authorities have announced a crackdown on fishing vessels to ensure that they are licensed to operate. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, yesterday, it had requested and received assistance for support to conduct monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS) activities, within Guyana’s marine fisheries sector to ensure that operators of all categories of fishing vessels are in compliance with the laws and regulations governing the sector. The activities will be supported by the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard and the Guyana Police Force Marine Branch. According to the ministry, the idea is to reduce illegal, un-reported and un-regulated (IUU) fishing activities; to increase the number of vessels licenced on an annual basis; to ensure that the industrial fleet is in compliance with the necessary regulations and to gather the information that would be useful in the fight against piracy. Currently, Guyana’s marine fisheries sector fleet is divided into three main subcategories- industrial, semiindustrial and the artisanal fishing fleets. The industrial fishing vessels are trawler-type vessels that target prawns and seabob shrimps as the main species with finfish as bycatch. The ministry explained that all trawler type vessels are required by regulations to have their vessels fitted with Turtle Excluder Devices and By-catch Reduction Devices. The seabob vessels operations are limited to fishing grounds between the seven and 18-fathom depth contours, while the prawns vessels are permitted to operate above the 18-fathom depth contour. Currently, to ensure there is no overfishing, the seabob fleet is engaged in its annual closed season and only vessels engaged in research are

permitted to be in the fishing zone. The closed season commenced on August 31 and will reopen on October 20, 2016. The semi-industrial fleet target mainly the pelagic species such as red snapper and grouper and comprise a local fleet of 58 registered vessels that utilize traps to capture the species and 20 Venezuelan vessels that are licensed to a local company. The Venezuelan vessels utilise hook and line to capture their species. The artisanal fleet comprises locally constructed wooden vessels. An artisanal frame (boat count) survey conducted in 2011 estimated that approximately 1,234 vessels were in operation. A perusal of the Fisheries Department records have, however, indicated that these numbers have since increased and it is estimated that in excess of 1,500 of these types of vessels are in operation. While the 100 percent of the industrial fleet is licenced on an annual basis, only 35 or 60 per cent of the 58 semiindustrial vessels on the register are licenced annually. The operations will seek to verify these figures and remove non-operational vessels from the register, the ministry explained yesterday. “Of the estimated 1,500 artisanal vessels in operation, approximately 450 or 30% of these vessels are licenced annually,” it was disclosed. During the upcoming operations, personnel from the Fisheries Department, the army Coast Guard and the police will be visiting landing sites throughout the coast as well as conducting at sea stops and inspections to ensure that all operators of fishing vessels within the marine fisheries sector are in compliance with the laws of Guyana. According to the ministry, the Fisheries Act makes it clear that every owner of a local fishing vessel which is operational, have to be the holder of a valid certificate of

registration. “It is hoped that defaulters will make every effort to ensure that they are in compliance with the laws governing their fishing operations failing which, they will be prosecuted for non-compliance.” The fishing industry recorded a negative growth of 7.2 percent last year. In recent years, piracy and overfishing have affected performance with Government announcement of a number of steps to bring the situation under control.

Authorities have announced a major crackdown to regularize the operations of fishing boats.

PAGE 12

Govt to address contractors biting off more than they can chew The issue of contractors biting off more than they can chew, has for years been considered as one of the main reasons why infrastructural works are halted and in some cases, stretch beyond the agreed upon deadlines resulting in the populace being inconvenienced. Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, said yesterday at a Press Conference hosted at his Ministry, Kingston Georgetown, that the Junior Minister of Public Infrastructure, Annette Furguson, and himself, have acknowledged these challenges. Patterson said that his Ministry will be working along with the Private Sector to find a resolution to this issue of contractors bidding for projects despite already being engaged in other contracts, and therefore failing to procure equipment for the new contract. “Daily you would hear there are contractors and individuals complaining about the awarding of contracts; about not being able to access contracts. Several contractors would have been awarded contracts since June this year and they would have received our mobilisation. “But no physical presence is there on site. In contacting them, they would identify challenges; unavailability of their equipment and when we checked they have more than one contract...They are spread thin yet they continue to bid,” the Minister said. Making reference to the Linden/Lethem Trail, the Minister said that he was

Friday September 16, 2016

Kaieteur News

- Lack of engineers stymieing project delivery schedule

Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson disturbed because the contracts would have already been tendered out, however, works are yet to commence in any “meaningful manner”. “So we do recognise that while persons are bidding and there is currently no limit to how much a contractor can bid, there is a limit to how much he can execute and having signed our contracts and collected our mobilisation, we are sort of locked in until the expiration (of the contract). So we have to address that, and I do intend to meet with the Private Sector and the Contractors.” Meanwhile, the Minister reported that more engineers are needed to service the regions, particularly the Hinterland regions. According to Patterson, the current remuneration packages available are not attractive enough to employees. He said that this matter will be addressed in

approximately three months’ time. “We are finding it difficult to recruit engineers – even qualified engineers at the current Public Service Commission salaries which for a graduate engineer is $80,000. So it is a matter which will be addressed...I went to Cabinet and I said that it was impossible; you can’t get an engineer...So Cabinet has said to us ‘fair enough.” the Minister said. Arrangements were subsequently made and the PSM created positions which allowed for the hiring of 11 engineers at $230,000 each. However, despite this, the Minister said that persons were unwilling although housing, transportation and other benefits were being tied in. Earlier this year, the Ministry had advertised twice for engineers located in various Regions including Regions One (Barima/Waini); Seven (Cuyuni/Mazaruni); Eight (Potaro/Siparuni); and Nine (Upper Takatu/Upper Essequibo). “To date, I’ve only been able to hire an engineer for Region Eight after six months, and that obviously impacts on our delivery schedule because each project that you do in the Ministry we would have to assign an engineer to it.” He said that the Ministry has engineers in Georgetown however; with them travelling to the interior – which they visit so often – he finds that the feedback is not good enough.

PI into KNews grenade attack…

Cop testifies to taking statement from accused Detective Sergeant Rodwell Sarrabo, yesterday testified about a statement he took from Alfie Garraway- one of the three men-accused of lobbing a grenade against a Lexus SUV belonging to Glenn Lall, owner of Kaieteur News. The police witness was called to the stand when the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) into the matter continued before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.’ Janeil Howard, 20, of 322 Section ‘C’ Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara; Alfie Garraway, 36, of Norton Street, Lodge, Georgetown; and Leroy Williams, 25, of 11 D’Urban Backlands, are accused of conspiring together with other persons to cause an explosion by way of grenade, likely to endanger lives and cause damage to property. The offence occurred on June 4, at Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Garraway is currently out on $300,000 High Court bail. The other accused remain on remand. Sergeant Sarrabo is the Subordinate Officer (SO) in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Brickdam Police Station. Additionally, Sergeant Sarrabo was called as a witness in the Voir Dire (trial within a trial) which is being conducted to inquire into the circumstances under which a statement was given to Detective Sergeant Hubert Henry by Howard at the Ruimveldt Police Station. The Voir Dire was ordered

- also called as witness in Voir Dire

WANTED: Shemar Wilson

Leroy Williams

Janeil Howard

Alfie Garraway

by the Chief Magistrate after Howard denied giving Sergeant Henry what was written on the third page of statement recorded on two sheets of paper. However, despite the accused making a denial, the statement was tendered for identification purposes by the Magistrate. At the last court hearing on Wednesday, Police Constable Darsan LaRose faced intense crossexamination by Attorney Stanley Moore, who is representing Garraway-over entries he made in his personal diary pertaining to the offence. Police Prosecutor Neville Jeffers had earlier indicated that he intends to call a total 23 witnesses. This PI continues on September 22, when Sergeant Sarrabo is expected to be cross-examined by the defence. He is also scheduled

to continue giving evidence in the Voir Dire. According to reports, on the day in question, a security staffer heard an unusual sound coming from near Lall’s vehicle, PRR 8398, which was parked on the western side of Saffon Street. On checking the front of the vehicle, the staffer spotted a grenade lying near one of the front tyres. Video footage from the company’s CCTV cameras showed a grey-coloured vehicle, slowing as it approached Lall’s vehicle. The driver accelerated after the explosive device was thrown. Shemar Wilson, also known as ‘Abdue’ is still wanted by the police for questioning in relation to the grenade attack. He is 20 years of age and his last known addresses have been given as 43 North Sophia and 51 West La Penitence, Georgetown.

Friday September 16, 2016

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Kaieteur News

GuySuCo to plant rice on 485 acres at Wales Estate - pilot project to help diversification programme, says CEO The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) is moving to convert 485 acres of lands at Wales Estate to plant rice. The move, according to Chief Executive Officer, Errol Hanoman, is part of a bigger programme of diversification by the cash-strapped Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo). In an ‘Invitation For Bids’ advertisement published by the Guyana Chronicle yesterday, GuySuCo, through its Engineering Services Department, LBI, said that it wanted proposals that will see the clearing of 485 acres (206.3 hectares) at the Wales Estate. GuySuCo said that lands were used to plant cane which were taken out of cultivation. “Lands are required to be cleared of all vegetation to facilitate laser land leveling for rice cultivation,” the advertisement disclosed. GuySuCo asked that bidders assemble at the Administration Building, Wales Estate this afternoon, from 14:00hrs for a site visit. The planting of rice would be a major shift in the way the country’s sugar company is doing its business. GuySuCo last experimented with rice planting in the 1980s, explained Hanoman. Hanoman said that as was announced, the entire Wales Estate, West Bank Demerara, will be taken out of cultivation- about 7,000 acres of it. A number of private cane farmers in the Canal Polders area have opted to remain in the business, but quite a number of them have decided to convert to rice and other

GuySuCo is placing 485 acres of canelands at Wales’s estate to rice cultivation, as part of its diversification programme.

GuySuCo’s CEO, Errol Hanoman crops. “Yes, this pilot project of the 485 acres is part of GuySuCo’s diversification programme,” Hanoman disclosed. “It was done in the 80s at Blairmont (West Berbice) as part of the diversification also. This is the beginning to ensure GuySuCo become profitable,” the CEO said. Earlier this year, Government announced that Wales Estate, the country’s poorest performing sugar factory, will be closed in December with some staffers to be taken up by the Uitvlugt Estate. The new administration had been hinting at the closure of the Wales Estate since last year. It was even mentioned in the report by the Commission of Inquiry into GuySuCo. Cost-cutting is one of the key actions for the industry which has been facing tough times over the last decade,

especially. Despite racking up billions of dollars in losses annually, the new David Granger administration last year did not bite the bullet to close the sugar industry, which currently boasts around 16,000 workers across the coastlands in Berbice and Demerara. Rather, it announced a number of initiatives including better agriculture, diversification, management shakeups and eventually the closure of the 100-year-old Wales Estate. The canes from private farmers would be taken to Uitvlugt, another estate that is located on the West Coast Demerara. The closure had not gone down well for the unions. “Diverting funds from the other estates to keep Wales afloat would seriously jeopardize the future of these estates. This cannot be allowed to happen. It is impossible to make sugar

A mini health check is the first step to donating blood

production at Wales viable. This is made worse by the gloomy outlook for sugar prices for the foreseeable future,” GuySuCo had said earlier this year. Wales Estate is projected to record a loss of between $1.6B and $1.9B. The factory will finally shut its gates to operations at the end of the second crop for this year. GuySuCo had said that it will be exploring the feasibility of alternative ventures utilizing the Wales lands. The David Granger administration had vowed

actions in the lead-up to last year’s early general elections, immediately moving to appoint a Commission of Inquiry. The industry managed, last year, to surpass the original annual target for the first time in over a decade. However, the industry still owes billions of dollars to creditors, including banks and suppliers. Its cost for producing sugar is double its export price. A new factory at Skeldon along with expanded cultivation, failed to kick-off despite the US$200M spent.

The cost to keep that new factory up and running has been a drain on GuySuCo, the new administration has said. With regard to Wales Estates, the statement said that 60 percent of the drainage and irrigation is run down and 75 percent of the bridges in poor shape. As part of its cost-cutting initiatives, GuySuCo has already moved to consolidate its operations on East Coast Demerara, with the merging of the LBI and Enmore operations and eventually moving the Ogle headquarters to LBI.

PAGE 14

GBTI rewards top Grade Six performers

The Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Limited (GBTI Ltd) on Wednesday presented bursary awards to 15 members of the Early Savers Club who were successful at the recent

National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA). The awardees include Jonathan Arjune, Muhamed Boodhoo, Harshan i Danpaul, Jonelle Hopkinson, Lemuel Assing,

Alieya Ali, Rebekah Gharbaran, Vinaya Chatterdeo, Anjali Maharaj, Monesh Ramrup, Vishnu Surendra, Kelly Sankar and Aliyah Doodnauth. In photo, CEO of GBTI,

John Tracey; Assistant Chief Education Officer (Secondary), Leslyn Edwards- Charles and other Senior Managers of GBTI pose with this year’s bursary awardees.

Mackenzie High closed until Monday... Teachers refuse to work in graffiti sprayed school Parents and concerned residents of Linden are calling on the Police at Linden to conduct a full investigation into a recent incident at the Mackenzie High School, where graffiti was sprayed on the walls of the school buildings. The school canteen was also burglarized. The incident which occurred some time between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning has resulted in the closure of the school until Monday. This is reportedly the fifth time that graffiti has been used to deface the school building and resulted in disruption of the school. The decision to close the school was sanctioned by the

Friday September 16, 2016

Kaieteur News

regional education department, as teachers reportedly refused to work until all the graffiti is removed. “Most of what is spray painted on the walls, portray the teachers negatively and there is a lot of graphic and obscene language. There is also a lot of things written about ‘weed’; how we got to smoke weed and we got to smoke it every day. So right away we get the impression that whoever is behind this is involved with pushing marijuana.” There are suspicions that the incident might be the work of a gang that currently hangs out in a community in close proximity to the school; and that the leader of

the gang was once a student of the school. He was reportedly caught with marijuana on the school’s premises, and subsequently dropped out, after police were called in. “We have an idea of who the perpetrators are because they wrote their initials, but we need the police to work with us,” a source claimed. Reports indicate that it is the fifth time that sessions have been disrupted at the school because of graffiti on the buildings. “This cannot continueclearly there are persons out there who seem to have an agenda to tarnish and destroy the image of this school, and it has to stop. “We have the police

station just a stone’s throw away, so we need them to work with us,” a concerned parent emphasized. Sources claimed that a guard at the school was only apprised of what had taken place at the school after a woman attached to the canteen went to do some baking at the facility around 4:00 hours. A call was subsequently made to the Mackenzie Police station, but there were reports that there were no patrols, according to informed sources. However Commander Calvin Brutus in an invited comment said that there are always patrols available and that investigation into the incident are ongoing.

Granger, Bulkan still to propose names for Local Govt. Commission

President David Granger

Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan

The Local Government Commission was expected to be set up by the end of June of this year, but its establishment has since been stymied by several delays. Yesterday, Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan, said that he and President David Granger have not submitted their nominations. The President is supposed to name three nominees while Bulkan has to submit one name to sit on the Commission. When asked how soon the nation can expect the Commission to be fully set up, the Minister said that he cannot give a “concrete date as to when the names would be announced.” Several deadlines were announced for the Commission to be established by the Communities Ministry, but none have been met. It was announced that Guyana can expect the LGC by early July, which was the third deadline that was given. The Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, has already submitted his three nominees after consulting with his party. The Commission will have eight members; four nominated by Government, one from unions functioning in the local government sector and three from the leader of the opposition. Last Friday at the People’s Progressive Party Civic press conference, the party’s chief whip, Gail Teixiera, had said that the delay by the President and Minister Bulkan gives

the impression that there is no appetite to set up the LGC. She said that the Commission needs to be expedited and set up to deal with the appointments, dismissals, transfers and disciplining as required under both the Constitution of Guyana and the Local Government Act. According to the Chief Whip, after Jagdeo would have submitted his three nominees, a letter was sent by the Communities Minister to the party querying the details of the internal consultations which were done to create the list of names. Teixiera said that the PPP/ C proceeded to inform the Minister that providing such information was not a requirement of the process. She said that in the past, when there were two political parties comprising the opposition, it was necessary for the leader of the opposition at that time to consult both parties, specifically, A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance for Change. The Bill enabling the establishment of the LGC was eventually passed in the National Assembly in August 2013. The law provides for the Commission to deal with matters concerning the regulation and staffing of local government bodies. In addition, it is to resolve disputes between such organs, and review and monitor implementation of policies.

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Govt. Approves $17M to begin works on damaged Supenaam Stelling

The damaged Supenaam stelling is expected to benefit from repairs in the nearest of time as the Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Public Infrastructure has secured $17M to begin repairs on the structure. This is according to Junior Minister of Public Infrastructure Annette Ferguson, yesterday. She said, “In the nearest of time, works will commence and this will be done by the Demerara Harbour Bridge.” Ferguson said that the Ministry has approved some $17M to have a number of rectifications done to the stelling. These include, driving cluster piles, replacing transom and metal plates among other things. The Junior Minister said that work on the stelling is expected to last seven days. Personnel from the Demerara Harbour Bridge would be undertaking the project since

Junior Minister of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson they would have already done some amount of works to the link span bridge of the stelling. In a recent interview with Ferguson, this publication was informed that repairs would begin before the end of September. At that time, an assessment of damages was done and the Ministry was awaiting quotations from

persons to undertake the project. That assessment was done some time in August when it was revealed that the structure is plagued with several structural problems since the MV Sabanto would have collided with the stelling. The Ministry had reported that defective timber piles, badly damaged beams and steel plates would be replaced. General Manager of Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD), Marcelene Merchant, had reported that the link span steel access bridge and steel pontoon sustained heavy structural damage. Additionally, several defective vertical and diagonal steel ties and braces are to be removed and replaced while the link span bridge will be realigned into position. Moreover, the steel plate decking, structural framing and support

A damaged section of the Stelling mechanism for the pontoon were damaged. According to Merchant there are 10 defective timber piles in the existing defective clusters that need to be cut off at the lowest tide. To replace them, 10 new piles will be re-driven and strapped. A portion of the concrete decking of the stelling has also been critically damaged due to the heavy impact. The catwalk to the stelling was also damaged and is to be reconstructed and reinstalled. It is estimated that all repairs

would cost $20M. On the night of July 26, last, the M.V Sabanto crashed into the Good Hope/ Supenaam stelling while docking. The boat had to be docked. Passengers and vehicles had to resort to using the area where the ramp is constructed to board and disembark from the boat. Plying the Supenaam/ Parika route now are the M.V Torani and the M.V Malali. Based on information given by Captain C. Francis of the Sabanto, the boat was

approaching a creek not too far from the Stelling; he then instructed the other person who was with him captaining the vessel at the time to “slow down” both of the engines. Francis said that whenever the tide is low, the boat usually comes to a sudden halt on nearing the Supenaam area but the problem does not exist for a long period. He noted that he was not captaining the boat at the time. It is unclear how the boat accelerated and crashed into the stelling.

Discovered Cessna aircraft had false US markings

It was clear that attempts were made to hide the plane because of the shrubs and other materials used to shield it from prying eyes. A Cessna aircraft discovered hidden near a Region Nine airstrip had false registration markings, a top Government official said yesterday. The aircraft was discovered Wednesday morning after security forces received a tip-off the previous day. A team of officials, including army and police ranks, has since taken possession of the aircraft located near the Yupukari airstrip. Yesterday, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, during the post-Cabinet press briefings, disclosed that the registration on the Cessna plane, N767Z, appeared to be false. This was verified by aviation investigators who confirmed that there is an aircraft currently flying in the US that bore the same registration, Harmon disclosed. According to the Minister, the aircraft was found partly hidden in bushes, and covered in a camouflage net. Subsequently, a team comprising officials from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF),

Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) and the Guyana Police Force (GPF), immediately began an investigation. Harmon noted that the area is one that is heavily patrolled by security forces. The ranks have an excellent relationship with the communities in that area, he said. Region Nine borders Brazil with mining, cattle rearing and farming taking place there. The Minister added that Yupukari and its surrounding areas have had regular and constant surveillance. Hinting that there is a suspicion that the plane is involved in the drug trade, the Minister disclosed that another airstrip not very far from Yupukari is a favourite for operators. Investigators are now trying to determine if the plane had cargo and what exactly it was fetching, if anything. According to Harmon, the plane could not have been there long as the area is heavily patrolled.

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World Bank report identifies New Guyana Ambassador among 11 opportunities to boost growth, envoys received by Chinese President Chinese President Xi preserve the Ecosystem Jinping received the A World Bank report which was released on Tuesday last, examines how the transition to a ‘blue economy’ for Caribbean countries cannot only generate growth, but also help countries gain greater resilience to external shocks by better preserving the ocean. This report was released during the lead up to this week’s ‘Our Ocean’ conference hosted by U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry, in Washington D.C. World Bank’s Senior Economist and Co-Author of the Report, Pawan Patil, stated that the Caribbean Sea represents a ‘tremendous economic’ asset for the region, not only in terms of high value natural resources such as fish stocks, oil and gas, but also as a global hotspot for marine diversity and tourism. He added that maintaining ocean health is synonymous with growing ocean wealth. “Finding this balance is how we’ll be able to better invest in the Caribbean blue economy,” he said. The report ‘Toward a Blue Economy: A Promise for Sustainable Growth in the Caribbean’ estimates that Caribbean waters generated US$407 billion in 2012, which represents more than 17 percent of Caribbean GDP, including mainland countries, a release from the World Bank stated. This amount mainly comes from cargo shipped through Caribbean waters,

tourism and oil and gas production. In recent years, revenues from aquaculture have risen, but declined for open sea capture fisheries. At the same time, the promise of growth is accompanied by increasing threats to the ocean environment. About 166 million people in the Caribbean live within 100 km of the sea. Tourists come to the region largely for its beautiful beaches and sea attractions, which puts tremendous pressure on the very coastal ecosystems that drive economies. About 75 percent of the region’s coral reef is considered to be at risk from human activity and 85 percent of wastewater enters the Caribbean Sea untreated. “The report highlights the opportunities offered by the Caribbean blue economy and identifies priority areas for action that can generate blue growth and opportunities for all Caribbean people, while ensuring that oceans and marine ecosystems are sustainably managed and used, “said Sophie Sirtaine, World Bank Country Director for the Caribbean. The authors highlight ten principles for investments in a Caribbean blue economy and provide a framework for policymakers to set smart policy and measure economic and environmental benefits. Report recommendations include eco labels to promote sustainable fishing practices and aquaculture; offshore winds and other marine

renewable energy systems; and environmentally friendly coastal hotels. In the Eastern Caribbean, Grenada is the first country to develop a vision for blue growth as the country’s future and has become a leader in the fight against climate change. The small Caribbean economy, also known as the “Spice Island”, has successfully developed a high value seafood export business to the US and nearby Martinique. “Our Prime Minister has seen how important these tourism and fishing industries are for the people of Grenada, and is committed to ensuring that our oceans and environment are protected,” said Dr. Angus Friday, Grenada’s Ambassador to the United States. Other small island states around the world such as the Seychelles and Mauritius have championed the blue economy and Eastern Caribbean countries have adopted a regional policy and action plan in 2013, which the World Bank is supporting. The report suggests key priorities to help countries move toward a blue economy and broaden opportunities for the Caribbean people, while improving ocean health. The analysis was conducted in collaboration with key partners including, The Commonwealth Secretariat, The Organization of Eastern Caribbean States and the Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions at Duke University.

credentials of 11 new ambassadors to China at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing Wednesday. The ambassadors, according to news from the China.org website, are Leonidas Rokanas from Greece; Bayney Karran Ram from Guyana; Rudy Kiryl from Belarus’ Dembo M. Badjie from Gambia’ Marten Kokk from Estonia; Oscar Rueda Garcia from Colombia’ Aires Ali from Mozambique; Damba Gankhuyag from Mongolia; Anna Lindstedt from Sweden;, Marcos Caramuru de Paiva from Brazil; and Anton Rill from Bosnia and Herzegovina. “Xi welcomed the ambassadors to China and asked them to convey his sincere greetings and good wishes to the leaders and people of their countries. The Chinese government will provide convenience and support for the work of the ambassadors and hopes that they will actively contribute to bilateral relations and cooperation in various areas between China and the

New Ambassador to China, Bayney Karran

Chinese President Xi Jinping

relevant countries,” Xi said. Xi said China attaches great importance to developing relations with the countries, and that his country will enhance friendship and mutual trust and deepen pragmatic cooperation with them for mutual benefits. “The ambassadors conveyed their state leaders’ greetings to Xi and expressed good wishes to the Chinese people for the Mid-Autumn Festival. China was also congratulated for

successfully hosting the G20 summit in Hangzhou, and the ambassadors said that their countries will pay significant attention to developing relations with China.” Guyana recently appointed a number of new ambassadors after a new government, under David Granger, took office last year. Ambassador Karran, was shifted from Washington DC to China, as part of a major shakeup in the foreign service.

Block-maker’s decomposed body fished out of Berbice River The body of 25-year-old Elroy Lewis who allegedly plunged to his death on Tuesday in the Berbice River, was found yesterday morning at the Savannah Park area in the Berbice River. According to information disclosed by Commander of B Division, Ian Amsterdam, residents saw the body and alerted the police, after which coast guards went to the area and retrieved the body, which

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was positively identified by his relatives. The Commander stated that Lewis’s body bore no visible marks of violence. According to the Commander, Lewis’s friends who were in the boat were all held for questioning, statements were taken and they were subsequently released. Amsterdam indicated that investigators are awaiting the post mortem examination which is expected to be conducted today. Elroy Lew i s l e f t h i s home on Tuesday around 8:00 am to join friends on the fishing outing which turned sour after he allegedly plunged from the boat they were traveling into

Elroy Lewis the river. The father of the deceased, Lord Lewis is seeking clarity from the police as to the circumstances surrounding his son’s demise.

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Classes resume at Fort Ordnance Primary School Students of the Fort Ordnance Primary School, East Berbice, returned to school yesterday to a much improved environment. The resumption follows works to fix the problems which existed and caused the indefinite closure of the school by Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine. On an impromptu visit to the school which serves the Sheet Anchor – Fort Ordnance areas, on the reopening of school for the new school term, the Minister recognised that works which had begun some two months earlier to transform the school into an emergency (disaster relief) shelter were still incomplete. Among the perceived threats to students’ safety were the presence of discarded builder’s waste, and the construction workers still at work. This prompted the Minister’s call to the Chief Education Officer (acting), Marcel Hutson. “The Minister visited and he called me and he said he didn’t like what was happening. We collectively decided in the best interest of our children to close the school,” Hutson told the Government Information Agency. Hutson said, “I can tell you I had dialogue with two contractors and they have assured me that by Saturday they would have been able to

Fort Ordnance Primary which has now been converted for use an emergency shelter.

Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine complete their works and therefore schools would have been able to re-open on Tuesday.” Hutson, in addressing the concerns raised by parents about the number of instructional sessions lost by students, said arrangements have been made to ensure that the term’s syllabus is delivered to students. “The Regional Education Officer (REO) met with staff members of the school and they have decided that they will work some extra time to make up for time lost and that’s a good gesture on the part of the teachers,” Hutson pointed out. The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) with funding from the Canadian Government undertook a project to retrofit and equip the Fort Ordnance Primary School for it to be used as

shelter during times of flood and other disasters. The project was intended to bring relief to the more 700 residents of the Fort Ordnance community which is frequently affected by excessive flooding owing to heavy rainfall and high tides. The project will see the Fort Ordnance Primary School compound being raised, the current sanitary block expanded to include baths and additional toilets, gutters and drains installed to improve drainage, walkway expanded to accommodate vehicles and ramps installed to accommodate wheelchairs, rehabilitation of the Home Economics Department and installation of equipment inclusive of a refrigerator, microwaves, gas stoves, sinks and counters for feeding purposes when the

Vendors union wants meeting with Town Clerk The Guyana Market Vendors’ Union is calling on the Town Clerk of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council Royston King to meet with them in order to lay the foundation to begin working with vendors with a view to improving their circumstances, including the conditions under which they work. Union President Eon Andrews said that the GVU has written twice to the Town Clerk, requesting to meet with him primarily to introduce the leadership of the Union and to establish a mechanism for reliable channels of communication in matters relating to the welfare of stallholders. To these requests, the Union said that the Town Clerk has responded by requesting that it submits a slew of documents as a prerequisite for having a meeting. According to Andrews, the request is uncalled for since the status of the meeting does not go beyond that of a courtesy

President of the Guyana Vendors Union, Eon Andrews call. He said that the Town Clerk ought to be satisfied with a credential attesting to the legitimacy of the Union. “The union is of the view that the condition outlined by the Town Clerk, in our view, considers it important that nothing stands between him and his fixation with controlling the hapless vendors.” Andrews pointed to a recent article which stated that an agreement had been

reached between “the vendors” and “the council” pertaining to procedures associated with trading including those pertaining to disposal of trading waste. The Union President added that there had been talk from the Council calling for there to be a committee set up to represent vendors, and to negotiate to improve their standards and to identify and appoint marshals from among themselves to assist in keeping the area clean and tidy. “While the union is unaware of this arrangement we wish to make it clear that we are supportive of any initiative that seeks to improve the environment in which the vendors work while adhering to the standards and requirements set by the Georgetown municipality. Andrews said that it is against this backdrop that the GVU is already engaging and speaking for its members and wish to make clear our intention to continue to do so.

shelter becomes operational. The project sum of CAD$99,023 comes from the Canada Caribbean Disaster Risk Management Fund and forms part of Canada’s CAD$600M Caribbean

Regional Programme. The fund is designed to support non-governmental organisations, community groups and government agencies within the Caribbean Community

(CARICOM) to execute smallscale community projects. These are expe c t e d t o reduce risks of natural disasters such as floods, droughts, storms and hurricanes.

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NIS to receive $5.6B loan for CLICO fallout More taxes coming in

September 30 budget

Government is set to sign a key agreement today that will see NIS receiving $5.6B in a loan to help its losses from the CLICO investment. Government has announced a $5.6B long-term loan for the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), to help the entity recover its investments in the now bankrupt Colonial Life Insurance Company (CLICO). Today, a signing of the Debenture Agreement with NIS will take place at the Ministry of Finance, Main Street, for an aggregated value of $5.6B being injected in the scheme. NIS is facing a tough future as its revenues have started to fall. This is because of a dwindling number of contributions from self-employed and other categories. While it has almost $30B in its accounts, payments for pensions and other expenses have been outstripping collections, leaving deep worrying about the long term viability. A growing number of pensioners are not helping the situation too much.

NIS enforcement has been blamed partly on the scheme’s woes. In May, Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, said that going to court to recover the US$30M invested by NIS in CLICO may be useless. He said that the sad reality is that the CLICO situation might very well turn out to be a long drawn-out process, as Guyana is not even on the radar when it comes to the settlement process in the Caribbean as yet. ”So Government is going to have to step up to the plate and find another way of recouping the losses for NIS in this regard. Government gave a commitment in this regard, and it will have to make good on its promise to find a resolution on getting back the money. And this is yet another mess that we inherited from the past administration that we are saddled with fixing with money that could have

been put to better use,” the Minister said then. Government, in 2009, seized local properties from CLICO in Guyana to help pay policyholders, after it became clear that the regional insurance giant was in dire financial problems. Some 7,744 policyholders were paid a total of $4.1B. Jordan noted that NIS is beset with a number of problems. He said that the $5.2 billion that remains caught in the CLICO debacle, represents more than 20 percent of its assets that is not earning income. He said that actuaries have projected that the scheme is in trouble and something has to be done urgently to address the problem. Jordan maintained that Government intends to examine options for the expedient repayment of $5.24 billion owed by CLICO.

Teen remanded for murder A miner was yesterday remanded to prison charged with the capital offence of murder, after he appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. It is alleged that on September 8, at Perseverance Backdam, North West District, Adrian John, 19, murdered Marvin Williams. The unrepresented accused was not required to plead to the indictable charge. The matter has been adjourned to October 31, and was transferred to the Matthew’s Ridge Magistrate’s Court.

Murdered accused Adrian John

Trinidad Guardian - Expect to be paying more for tobacco and alcohol products from September 30 when the 2016-2017 budget is presented. The Finance Ministry says the line minister, Colm Imbert, will read the budget at 1.30 pm in Parliament and it’s going to be an austerity budget in light of the country’s declining revenues from the energy sector which Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley said have fallen by as much as 70 per cent. The budget has to be in place by the end of October for start of the new financial year. Imbert gave the date in an announcement in Parliament Wednesday. Rowley has already hinted of a smaller budget than last year’s $63 billion budget, below $60 billion, but one including more taxes. There has been speculation by some that the 2017 package will be a “tough” budget on citizen’s pockets following some Government hints of revenue challenges. The last budget had included cost-increase items,

Colm Imbert including expansion of VAT on items and a fuel hike. Another fuel hike came in the mid-year review in April. In his address to the nation last Sunday, Rowley told the country that despite the falling revenues adjustments have been minimal. Government has boasted that there have been no major retrenchments and it had cut back on its own expenditure with less foreign travel and expenditure in ministries had been reduced across the board by

seven per cent. And for the first time it was set up the Government dipped into the heritage and Stabilisation Fund. taking US$375 million out of the fund to assist with the running of the economy, including payment of salaries. Imbert is also expected to give details on the tax amnesty which ends tomorrow and how much revenue Government was able to raise from the amnesty. He had estimated $500 million but our sources tell us that it could be significantly less. Changes to the Value Added Tax system which saw a drop from 15 per cent to 12.5 per cent and the increase in VAT registration from $360,000 to $500,000 will also be addressed. The minister had hoped to increase revenue collections through this measure to $12.4 billion up from the 2015 estimates of $6.7 billion. Among the measures expected in the 2016-2017 fiscal package are the online shopping tax which the minister had first hinted at in the 2016 budget.

Jagdeo continues to prove he has... From page 8 about Guyana’s development, he would have taken the routes mentioned “to get information.” Trotman said, “Instead, Jagdeo choose to run to foreign authorities as if we (Guyana) are supposed to be slapped around and disciplined. His moves are highly unpatriotic and tell that he is not serious about engagements but interested in public pouncing around.” Despite all this, Trotman said that Government remains ready and willing to engage with the Opposition. Government in talks Speaking at the Post Cabinet press briefing yesterday, Harmon said that the Government is currently engaged with the Kingdom of Norway and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) on the way forward for the Amaila project. “…In fact, as I speak to you now a team from the IDB is at the Ministry of Finance discussing this matter.” Minister Harmon was responding to questions surrounding the same allegations of secrecy. With regards to the letter, the Minister said, “I think it is very unfortunate that they (the Opposition) would take what I may call an anti-na-

tional stance on this matter,” Minister Harmon opined. The Minister further explained that the issue of the project was elaborated upon in the National Assembly, at a select committee meeting on natural resources, where the Opposition was given full disclosure on all matters regarding Norway, and the Green Climate Fund. Earlier this year, a Norwegian company, Norconsult, was selected to review the financial model of the AFHP, to determine whether the project will move forward. This review was scheduled to be completed by September 1; however, Norway’s Ministry of Climate and Environment has asked the Government of Guyana for an extension. Harmon spoke about a decision taken between the Government and the Kingdom of Norway, to set up an independent assessor to determine whether it is going anywhere…They (Norway) are still in the process of engaging finally the assessor, so it is not that there is no transparency, and all of this is in the public domain.” Additionally, Harmon noted that the AFHP project will also be addressed at the 71st session of the United Nations (UN) General Assem-

bly which will be attended by President David Granger, Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge and a team. The AFHP which started under the previous administration, was the flagship project of the five-year forest protection partnership, which ended last year between Guyana and Norway. Guyana was expected to earn up to US$250 million in performance-based payments based on an independent verification of deforestation and forest degradation rates and progress on REDD+ enabling activities. REDD+ is a global initiative that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation and forest degradation. Norway had transferred US$80 million to the IDB for the project but when the APNU+AFC Government took office, it said that proceeding with the project would be irresponsible. Norway had urged the Government to consider the merits of the project, as Guyana stood to lose the US$80 million earmarked if it failed to come up with a plan for transformational renewable energy sources that can be realized in the next few years, hence a review of the project was conducted.

Friday September 16, 2016

President launches Rose Hall Town Week President David Granger and his team declared the Rose Hall Town Week 2016 activities open in a grand ceremony that took place on the tarmac in Rose Hall, Corentyne on Wednesday. The Town is celebrating its 46th anniversary after been granted the status of Township on the 20th of September, 1970. The President was assisted by Minister of Soc i a l P r o t e c t i o n Vo l d a Lawrence; Regional Chairman, David Armogan; Mayor of the Township, Vijai Ramo, along with other executives. Kicking off the grand ceremony was a march pass that commenced from the Anamaya Hospital to the Rose Hall Town Arch. The massive march pass saw hundreds of residents coming out to participate. The town has planned a host of activities to commemorate the special milestone. Planned and coordinated by the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, the activities planned for the two week’s programme includes, a Day of Sports, launching of a Booklet on the history of the Township, Career and Business Fair, Educational

Competitions, Rose Hall Town Cuisine Competition, Opening of a Family Recreational Park, Medical Outreach Programme and the L a u n c h i n g o f a Te l e v i sion Documentary. M r. Vi j a y R a m o t h e Mayor of the Township, said, “Rose Hall is rich in cultural history and potential to move Guyana forward. It is the job of every resident here to harness that potential.” The President in his address to t h e g a t h e r i n g stated, that the town of Rose Hall played an integral role in the village movement and the shaping of Guyana’s history. He stressed that the “Town has the potential to lead economic development in the region”. “Rose Hall is a powerful commercial dynamo in what is the third largest Town in the country. It is full of potential that can be harnessed to make Guyana bigger and better.” President Granger further stressed on the importance of the local bodies working together to further develop Region Six. “All three bodies have to work together—municipal, Regional and Central

GTT employee dies of heart attack on int’l flight Joseph Glasgow, an employee of the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT) Company suffered a heart attack last night while he was coming into Guyana from New York on an international flight. He had gone to the lavatory when he collapsed with the flight being about an hour out from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.

Glasgow who resided in Victoria Village, ECD was taken to the Diamond Hospital by the Guyana Defense Force (GDF) ambulance. There, he was pronounced dead on arrival. Glasgow had left Guyana two weeks ago with some of his relatives for a family vacation overseas. He was expected to return to work on September 19.

Government. Only then will we unlock the full potential this vast region possesses. And then you will see the improvements. Rose Hall might even become the alpha region. But this can only be done if we work together.” He also commended the To w n o n t h e i r m a n y achievements over the years. Rose Hall was formerly known as Lot Number 9. It was purchased by Henry John Baird, a European planter on August 15, 1842 from its original owners who were Dutch planters. On Augu s t 2 6 , 1 8 4 2 , Baird sold the village to 57 former slaves who became shareholders of the village. For 63 years (18421905), the affairs of the village was conducted by one elected head who organized the others to do essential and urgent work such as digging of drains and canals, etc. In 1905, the village was put under the purview of the Local Government B o a r d a s a Country District. Rice and sugar cane cultiv a t i o n b e g a n i n 1912. In 1957, a drainage pump was installed to solve the drainage i s s u e s . Rose Hall also boasted the first bank on the Corentyne, the Royal Bank of Canada. Mr. D.W. Fingal was the first Village Overseer from 19051918 while Dr. Godfrey was the first Chairman from 1905-1907. In 1950, Rose Hall had 116 fully-occupied house lots in the central area and 114 in the Swamp Section. Mr. H.P. Benn had the distinction of serving as the village’s last Chairman in 1970 when the area was granted township status. The first elected Mayor was Mr. George Trim.

Pit-bulls kill one...

From page 20 attacked him. “I see the dogs in the streets but dogs does normally be in that area so I continued and when I reached close, the dogs attacked me. They bite up my food and I pulled a cutlass and chop them,” the guard said. While the dogs were injured, none of them died. According to Bhikam, when the dogs ran back into the yard, he called out for the owner but no one answered. He then made a report to the police at Leonora before heading to the Cottage Hospital there. It was

there that he learnt that he was not the only person attacked by the vicious animals. It was while there that both men later learnt that the police picked up a body not far from where they were attacked. One resident who has been identified as Mohan said that neighbours have made numerous reports about the dogs, since it was not the first time the dogs attacked persons. Neighbours said that after the police removed the body, Small got into her vehicle and drove away. Shortly after, her

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Kaieteur News

brother went to the house and was eventually taken into custody. When the police left, neighbours claimed that the woman's father visited the house and washed the blood off the dogs and then penned them. In 2008, a security guard, Charles Rupchand had his throat bitten open by nine dogs which include Pit bulls, a German Shepherd and mixed Breeds. The owner of the dogs, an aircraft pilot was charged but was eventually freed. Later that year, Government placed a ban on the importation of Pit Bulls.

Clinton visits N. Carolina in campaign trail return; Trump up in polls Reuters - Hillary Clinton got back on the campaign trail yesterday after taking three days off for pneumonia, and the Democratic presidential candidate faced a more challenging political landscape, with Republican rival Donald Trump rising in opinion polls. Senior Clinton aides said they always expected the race to the Nov. 8 election to be close. But it was clear from a raft of new polls that Trump had halted a summer swoon after taking steps to give a less freewheeling, more polished performance on the stump. Clinton, 68, appeared in

good health on a visit to her campaign plane’s press cabin while flying to Greensboro, North Carolina, for a rally where she sought to refocus her campaign on the plight of the working class - which has turned out to be a potent theme for Trump. Leaving the stage to the tune of James Brown’s “I feel good,” Clinton told reporters she kept her pneumonia diagnosis last Friday quiet, telling only senior staff, because she thought she would be able to “power through” the illness and keep campaigning. “From my perspective, I thought I was going to be fine

and I thought that there was no reason to make a big fuss about it,” she said. On Sunday, Clinton nearly collapsed while leaving a ceremony marking the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks in New York. Her illness coincided with a mini-surge by Trump, who has drawn even or taken a slight lead in national polls. Polls in battleground states where the race is likely to be decided showed Trump now leading in Iowa, Ohio, Florida and Nevada, and tied in North Carolina. Following her appearance in North Carolina, Clinton was scheduled to appear at a Washington dinner.

Syria ceasefire deal in balance as Aleppo aid plan stalls Reuters - Russia said the Syrian army had begun to withdraw from a road into Aleppo yesterday, a prerequisite for pressing ahead with international peacemaking efforts as the government and rebels accused each other of violating a truce. An organisation that monitors the war also said the Syrian army had begun moving away, but insurgent groups in Aleppo said they had not seen the army withdrawing from the Castello Road, needed to allow aid deliveries into the city, and would not pull back from their own positions near the road until they did. The Pentagon said it could not confirm reports of a withdrawal but U.S. State Department spokesman M a r k To n e r s a i d t h e ceasefire was holding “by and large”, adding both Washington and Moscow believed it was worth continuing. But there were growing accusations of violations by each side, with a Syrian military source saying the rebels were responsible for dozens of breaches including gun, rocket and mortar fire in Damascus, Aleppo, Hama, Homs and Latakia. The rebels said Syrian army jets had struck in Hama and Idlib, and used artillery near Damascus. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a British-based war monitor, said it had documented attacks by both sides, and that despite widespread calm between rebels and the army, the first civilians had been killed since the truce began on Monday. Two civilians killed yes-

Civil defense members rest amid rubble of damaged buildings after an airstrike on the rebel-held Tariq al-Bab neighborhood of Aleppo, Syria. REUTERS/Abdalrhman Ismail terday were children in government-held areas, one in Aleppo and the other in Syria’s southwest, it said. In addition, air strikes against Islamic State militants in the town of al-Mayadin near Deir al-Zor had killed at least 23 civilians, it said.

Control of the Castello Road is divided between the government and rebels who have been battling to topple President Bashar alAssad for more than five years. It has been a major frontline in the war.

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LAND FOR SALE 85.6 Acres titled farm land with timber/water access, located @ Loo Creek E.B.D River. Call: 625-8589; (518) 859-5313 SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Repairs at low cost: Fridges, air- conditioners, washing machines, TVs, microwaves, freezers- Call:6294946 or 225-4822

SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 647-1773/660-5257

Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigrant Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496; 662-6045 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 2257878 (24HRS) FOR SALE/RENT American Pool Table. Call: 277-0578

HEALTH Improve your health with Herbal Supplements. Contact Hazel’s Herbal Store. Call: 226-9136 Stop suffering from Diabetes, Hypertension and other sickness, follow me sexual enhancers for men. Call: 645-9528

Transported land for sale @ Craig E.B.D just off the main Road 100X60 -$4M negotiable. Call: 600-8321/ 683-2138 LAND IN 11 STREET DIAMOND. CALL: 2253234 35 Acres of land located at plot 5, Eight miles, Port Kaituma. Call: 619-5173 for more information.

TO LET Business place located on Robb Street next to Bourda Market. Call:623-7731; 6290636

Tuschen School Street $3M, Uitvlugt -$2.5M, La Parfaite Harmonie -$3M, $1.6M, $1.3M, $1.7M, V/Hoop $27M, Providence -$5M. Call: 604-6724

Furnished apartments & rooms for long term and short rental. Call: 668-0306/2181400/694-7817

RAMDASS VISA APPLICATION & immigration services, room A-4, Maraj Building, Georgetown. Call Samantha: 227-0295; 615-9295 A&TTRAVELAGENCYINC: TICKETS GOING VERY CHEAP!! OFFICE IN USA. CALL: 223-1332/ 613-7542/ +1-347-617-7582/EMAIL :OMKARLILIAH@GMAIL. COM

Friday September 16, 2016

Kaieteur News

VEHICLE FOR SALE Nissan Bluebird 2011 Model, Nissan Tiida Latio 2010 model (reverse camera). Call: 655-3400 3 TON CANTER ENCLOSE AND OPEN BACK WITH 4D ENGINE, PRICE -$3.6M, NEVER REGISTERED – CALL: 617-2891

Register your child at Hidden Treasures Play School and after class in Reading and much more. Call: 675-4379 Study in US/Canada, deal for 2016 CXC, students $500 Canadian, VISA processing Centre, Parika. Call: 260-4850/ 649-3073

Michelle’s Touch of class beauty salon station to rent. Call:226-4388/ 661-0946 Bachelor’s Apartment to rent. Call: 233-0327 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm

9 Courses Diploma in computers -$35,000, Computerized Accounting 4 courses $35,000 @ Cybertron Technology, Parika. Call: 2604850

2 Bedroom Apartment in exclusive residential Airport, close to Ogle Airport , with all modern amenities. Call for appointment 622-5725.

9 Courses; Diploma in Computers -$35,000, Computerize Accounting; 4 courses -$35,000, PC repairs/ graphics courses, Micrographics Technology, Vreed-en-Hoop. Call: 2643057

Apartments for rent @ Nandy Park; 2 bedrooms $70,000. 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)

Self-contained rooms in Prashad Nagar. Tel: 227-2993

Prime business spot ideal for night club/bar/ restaurant @ Georgetown. Call: 694-7266

PROPERTY FOR SALE Double lot of land with building @ Festival City Entrance-$30M negotiable. Call: 665-3622/ 610-5437/225-6485

Factory workers from 18yrs and older with working experienced for more information. Call: 223-0090

Cargo Trawler. Call: 682-8724; 616-5954 Aluminum heat resistant paint, 2 USA made, 37 KVA transformer, 120-240V, S.Q.D – $350,000 each. Call: 2653541/ 6163411

Straight Stitch/over edge sewing machine operators – Call: 222-2541 8:00am4:00pm, Mon-Fri

Gas/stove range GEAmerican made, stand up freezer, hot dog machine, supermarket mirror. Call: 680-3863

Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, like new 37,000km, all duties paid. Call: 689-2356

Republic Park Family looking for domestic/caregiver, 1 week on, 1 week off, 45yrs plus, starting-$13,000. Call: 667-2535

Toyota Premio 2008 PSS series with chrome mag rims and remote start, alarm $1.9M. Call: 658-5897/6732692

We buy land @ La Parfaite Harmonie, Tuschen, Uitvlugt, Eccles, Providence & other places we pay best price & cash. Call: 604-6724

Brand new fridge, Ashley Furniture, Norditruck Treadmill, washer, dryer, swing and more for one big deal. Call:673-2692/ 658-5897

1 Honda Fit -$1M, 212 Car$1M, Vios 1.4M, RZ bus. Call: 604-6724

Welder to work in workshop on the West Coast on a percentage basis. Call: 684-1247 We buy A&B grade hardwood, we accept the best offers. Call: 658-5897/ 673-2692

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620

Newly renovated three bedrooms top flat @ Pike Street, Blygezight. Telephone and Parking- Call: 601-3268/ 227-2543

LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.

We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: 680-3154

FOR RENT

Register your child for our after school program for slow learners in Maths, Reading, Spelling Etc. Call: 675-4379

Experienced Drivers, cashiers, Roti/Puri cook, cleaners. Apply @ Hack’s Halaal with written application, 5 Commerce Street.

Receptionist, desk staffs (male) between 25-45yrs apply within 233 South Road, Lacytown. Call: 225-0198

Unregistered vehicle; Toyota Spacio 2004. Call: 227-5950/681-5470

Vreed-en-Hoop Junction: office, church, storage bond lessons, internet, stationery & photocopy shop, other place -$20,000 per month. Call: 603-6400

FOR SALE

AT192, 212, Allion, Premio, Hilux Surf, BRR, RZ & Pitbull, Pajero Junior, Spacio: Cash / terms- Call:680-3154

Toyota Allion PTT series $1.6M- Call: 592-676-4051

EDUCATIONAL IAE – CXC Jan/June 2017 – full time school; lessons/ classes for students, adults, repeaters & beginners. Call Mr. Roberts: 683-5742

WANTED

PROPERTY FOR SALE

1 Female cleaner for offices in Eccles. Call: 233-2745

Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461

Cashiers, Cooks & Cleaners; call 226-9000 or 225-6255 for more info.

High value transported land and 2 bedrooms newly built house, Greater Diamond E.B.D -$14M negotiable. Call: 265-4338 Brand new property @ Craig E.B.D 3 rooms, 1 self contained, House: 28X45ft land: 90X50ft -Call: 679-8091 or 718-213-6496

We buy land in La Parfaite Harmonie, Eccles, Providence, Herstelling & Farm. (title only). Call: 6585897/673-2692

New Road, WCD: Land 177’X40’, building 15’X36’. Call: 226-9788

1 Male able bodied clerk. Call: 616-5954 Driver & Security wantedCall: 225-7417 Live in waitresses to work in bar– Call:692-4649/604-6606

La Parfaite Harmonie, 124 Recht Door Zee, WBD: 2 storey house, 3 bedrooms upstairs, toilet & bath upstairs & downstairs & a guess room. Call: 623-5566

DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL: 4WD PICKUP, CHEAPEST RATE & SPECIAL RATE FOR LONG TERM. CALL: 698-7807

One new 1000W generator $30,000- Call: 676-1697 Junior Din 1 55ft Fishing boat, 2 Engines, GPS, Compass & 2000 lb seine, price -$4.5M. Call: 676-1363/ 652-5184 Muscovy Ducklings –Call: 602-7203 Baby Chicks for sale – any amount. Berbice-$140, Essequibo- $170, East Bank Demerara-$135. Call:6269589 1 5L Hilux pickup, 1 transported property at Covent Garden E.B.D –Call: 265-3586 1 Flat bottom boat 8HP Yamaha, Banga Mary net, cat guts net -$800,000 negotiable. Call: 600-9770/ 225-9693 2- 250 HP Yamaha outboard engine, 2 Jet Ski boat, 9.9 HP Yamaha outboard engine. Call: 600-9770/ 225-9693

CAR RENTAL CAR RENTAL

One “45” feet comp l e t e cabin cruiser, trout seines, excellent condition. Call: 654-2817/648-6815

Reusable train line iron and H beam. Call Sherwin: 6887256/ 662-2078

PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 6560087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO. COM WINGS CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP REATES,SPECIAL OFFER FOR THE SUMMER. CALL: 690-6494

Continue page 29

Friday September 16, 2016

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Kaieteur News

FATF/CFATF pleased with Guyana’s progress in short period A team that is in Guyana to assess progress with the implementation of new anti-money laundering laws is pleased with the steps taken. Assessor from the Americas Regional Review Group (ARRG) Assessor, Gonzalez de Lara, yesterday disclosed that the team is happy with Government’s efforts and the work being done by the various law enforcement agencies. He also said that the Financial Action Task Force and International Cooperation Review Group (FATF/ ICRG) recognises that all of these changes have been achieved in a relatively brief period of time. The disclosures were made yesterday when the group met with President David Granger at the Ministry of the Presidency. The team was accompanied by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams. The visiting delegation included CFATF’s Financ i a l A d v i s e r, Roger Hernandez; CFATF’s Executive Director, Calvin Wilson; and FATF’s Senior Policy Analyst, Kevin Vandergrift. President David Granger reiterated his Government’s commitment to compliance and its importance to Guyana’s security, a Ministry of the Presidency statement said. “ We w e l c o m e y o u r coming here and the work you are here to do and we

From page 28

VACANCY Cashiers for supermarketCall: 624-0033, salesgirls – Call: 624-0033, Pump attendants –Call: 680-3863 Welder – apply in person at Alabama Trading Georgetown Ferry Stelling, Stabroek.

Seated from left are FATF’s Senior Policy Analyst, Kevin Vandergrift; ARRG Assessor, Gonzalo Gonzalez de Lara; President David Granger, Attorney General, Basil Williams; CFATF’s Executive Director, Calvin Wilson and CFATF’s Financial Adviser, Roger Hernandez look forward to favourable outcomes… We are committed to ensuring that there is full compliance in every respect,” President Granger said. With regards to the political will to comply, the President explained to the visiting team that his Coalition Government is made up of six different political parties, each of which has a firm stance against financial impropriety. He also spoke of the

menu of measures that his Administration has taken, in just a little over a year, in keeping with the recommendations of the FATF/ CFATF, including the passage of required legislation. He reminded that as a small country with porous borders, Guyana is vulnerable to transnational crimes such as human trafficking and contraband smuggling and as such, the country has been doing its best to

tackle these problems within the limit of its resources. In addition, Minister Williams noted that while there is still some resistance to the new measures, the Government has been doing a lot of work to ensure that the population gets a better under-

standing of the importance of fighting money laundering and the financing of terrorism. Guyana passed new laws this year which called for local financial institutions to put stricter controls in place to ensure dirty money does not enter the banking system.

Heavy Duty Diesel Mechanic to work @ mining site, age 25-45, 3 yrs experienced. Apply @ Technical Services, 18-23 Eccles Industrial Site Welder/fabricators to work @ mining site, age 25-45, 3 yrs experienced. Apply @ Technical Services, 18-23 Eccles Industrial Site Site, safety & electrical engineer- experienced need, age 25-45, very good salary & conditions. Call: 261-2280; 261-2280; 697-4344 One female office/sale clerk to work in Vreed-en-Hoop (W.B.D), email application to roytech@gmail.com Cook/baker for the Interior location, applicants must be experienced. Call: 618-2020

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Kaieteur News

Friday September 16, 2016

Friday September 16, 2016

Kaieteur News

May approves Hinkley Point nuclear plant, sets tighter controls Reuters - Britain gave the go-ahead for a $24 billion (£18.1 billion) nuclear power plant yesterday, ending weeks of uncertainty that had strained ties with China, which will help pay for it, and France, which will build it. Prime Minister Theresa May’s government signalled it would take a more cautious approach in future over foreign investment in big infrastructure projects than her predecessor David Cameron. But ultimately, after stunning Paris and Beijing by putting the deal on hold in July after May took office, it agreed to go ahead with the Hinkley Point C project in southwest England. Britain’s first new nuclear power plant in decades will be built by French state-controlled utility firm EDF (EDF.PA), backed by $8 billion of Chinese cash. The deal is part of a recovery of the global nuclear power industry following a slump caused by the 2011 Fukushima disaster in Japan. The government drew fire for approving it without renegotiating the price British consumers will pay for electricity. The opposition Labour Party supports the project in principle but says its guarantee to pay a minimum of roughly double the current market price for electricity for 35 years is a rip-off. May’s government said a new investment policy would give it greater control over

Theresa May future deals when foreign states are involved in “critical infrastructure”, a departure from the more open approach pursued by Cameron. May inherited the deal from Cameron, who quit as prime minister after losing Britain’s referendum to stay in the EU. In one of her first acts, she put the project on hold, hours before a contract was due to be signed, saying she needed time to assess it. “The government has decided to proceed with the first new nuclear power stations for a generation,” business minister Greg Clark told parliament on Thursday, setting out changes to the deal and British policy on foreign in-

frastructure investment. “These changes mean that while the UK will remain one of the most open economies in the world, the public can be confident that foreign direct investment works always in the public interest,” he said. Supporters of the project said Britain needed to protect its relations with major economies after voting to leave the European Union, and show it was open for business. The Chinese Foreign Ministry said it welcomed the decision while Chancellor Philip Hammond said it continued the strategic partnership between the two countries.

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Friday September 16, 2016

Kaieteur News

Money woes hit PNP... Public session of annual conference scaled down

Jamaica Observer - The Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) is struggling to host its 78th annual conference, scheduled for this weekend, amid damaging allegations of misuse of campaign donations by some of its candidates in the recently concluded general election which has reportedly crippled the party’s treasury.

“There’s no denying, none at all, that there are some constraints and there are other things on the horizon that will necessitate funding, like the parish council election. ...It might not be the usual jollification and merriment, but we expect and we know we’ll have a good conference,” PNP Chairman Robert Pickersgill told journalists at a press con-

ference at the party’s Old Hope Road headquarters in St Andrew, Wednesday. The party did not quote a figure for this year’s conference, noting that “it is still a work in progress” only two days before the start. Last year, a $25-million budget was announced by Pickersgill at a similar press conference. The chairman indicated then that

the party was not strapped for cash. This year, the party has reduced the days of the conference from three to two. “The People’s National Party will be hosting its 78th annual conference over a two-day period on Saturday, September 17, and Sunday, September 18, 2016. On Saturday September 17 there will

Robert Pickersgill

be the elections of president and four vice-presidents to be held at the National Arena,” Pickersgill said, confirming a Jamaica Observer report that today’s private session had been moved to Sunday. Pickersgill also announced that the customary public session held on a Sunday had been relocated to the Jamaica College Auditorium in St Andrew, where the party will also host a private session, instead of the National Arena where it is traditionally held.

“In the private session, which is for delegates only, the conference will address reports from the regions, officers of the party and the arms and affiliates. The private session will also discuss and debate resolutions, proposed constitutional amendments, the appraisal committee report and the general secretary’s report,” he said, adding that “the main highlight of the public session, which will take place after the private session, is the address by the party president.”

Friday September 16, 2016

Kaieteur News

South African court disbars top prosecutor seen as Zuma ally

Nomgcobo Jiba Reuters - South Africa’s High Court disbarred deputy prosecutions chief Nomgcobo Jiba as an advocate yesterday, leading to opposition calls for the immediate sacking of a senior legal figure widely seen as an ally of President Jacob Zuma. In a scathing ruling relating to the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) failure to prosecute a senior police

officer, the court said Jiba had “flouted every rule in the fight against crime” and was “no long fit and proper” to be an advocate. The opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) and domestic media have described Jiba as close to Zuma, who is facing the possible reimposition of hundreds of criminal charges relating to an arms deal in the late 1990s.

“If the President is at all serious about restoring integrity to the NPA he must fire her and failing that he should, without delay, make her the subject of a probe that ultimately sees her discharged,” the party said. The NPA, which decides who gets charged with crimes and who does not, has become a battleground between different factions of the ruling African National Congress (ANC). Zuma, a former ANC intelligence chief, has been accused of filling key positions in the bureaucracy, including the police and justice system, with pliant figures who can help protect him and his associates from censure. He and his allies dismiss the allegations. The law overseeing the NPA states that any national director or deputy director must be a “fit and proper person” and possess legal qualifications that entitle him or her to practise in a court of law. A lawyer for Jiba told the ENCA television channel she was planning to appeal. A spokesman for the NPA said it was considering the ruling.

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Friday September 16, 2016

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Politics could be at play, says WICB lawyer Roseau, Dominica, CMC – Legal counsel for the West Indies Cricket Board, Tony Astaphan, says statements by former WICB officials calling for a forensic audit of the board’s finances, could be politically motivated. Speaking on DBS Radio here yesterday, Astaphan said it was hard to imagine why individuals who would have had past knowledge of the WICB’s practices would still make a case for any such audit, especially when this was already being done by repu-

table firms. ”The reason why the West Indies Cricket Board are seriously aggravated by this outburst, is the fact that the board has both internal and external auditors and they are not the same firm,” Astaphan pointed out. ”And significant amount of monies are being paid for the various auditing being done by these firms and for these allegations to be made by [former] officials of the West Indies Cricket Board who know and must know … of the forensic safeguards and account-

ing safeguards that are in place at the West Indies Cricket Board, these things are just shocking. ”You get the impression these fellas are dancing to the tune being sung by some prime minister or somebody else, I don’t know. You don’t expect these sort of statements from men like that.” In a news article carried on noted cricket website, ESPNCricinfo earlier this month, former WICB president Ken Gordon, said a forensic audit of the board

Sarwan retires from cricket at... (From page 38) of the NSC. ”Sarwan is helping to prepare a program for the reintroduction of U-12 school’s cricket as a member of the NSC. Each member is paid a monthly sum but Sarwan does not collect his salary but instead intends to donate the money when it accumulates to help the cost of youngsters selected to represent Guyana overseas,” Jones said. Sarwan cut his retirement cake with little Crystal Spencer and presented an autographed bat and Scotia Bank Kiddies gear and shirts to the School’s Kiddies

cricket team while Well-J and Coke soft drinks along with Aqua Mist water was donated by Banks DIH Ltd. Sarwan said that he knew that his retirement had to happen sometime and felt it was fitting to do it where all started with the help of the late Mr Headly and Miss Carolyn. He said Headly, who was the caretaker at the school, was also an Umpire and after seeing him bat for 10 minutes called the late William Jeffery to inform him that he had found someone. ”Mr Jeffery took me to GCC where Desmond ‘Wato’ Watkins, Harold Dhanraj and Richard Jodah helped me with

my cricket. Carl Hooper saw me at GCC when I was 14 and told that I would play Test cricket. That inspired me to really train and work hard and here I am today” said Sarwan, The classy right-hander was high in praise for his U19 Manager Pat Legall for the role he played in his cricket development but credited Roger Harper for playing the biggest role from age 17-23. ”When I made the Guyana team at 15 my roommate was Keith Semple. I was being peppered by the pacers since I was a little boy from Wakenaam and I was intimidated by guys who big and tall and did not do well. I was batting well in practice but I was afraid to play shots in the games. Semple said I should bat the way I batted in the nets and I started to do that” Sarwan disclosed. He also thanked his fans and team mate for their support and said he hoped he provided some entertainment for them and thanked Mrs. Singh and the Ministry for making the school available. (Sean Devers)

Good Success, SS Jaguars... (From page 37) Sans Souci Jaguars overcame Sans Souci by 131 runs at the said venue. Sans Souci Jaguars took first strike and rattled up a challenging 230-6. Nokta Moses stroked 57 (7x4 4x6) while Olwyn Paton got 48 (4x4 3x6) and Zameer Zaman 32. Reon Venture claimed 224. Sans Souci were skittled for 99 in 15.1 overs in response. Seon Venture hit 30 as Paton returned to grab 415 and skipper Siddique Mohamed 2-10. The competition continues on Sunday with Sans Souci playing Noitgedacht Sports Club from 09:00hrs at the said venue.

was required in order to “lift the clouded veil which now surrounds that body.” Ex-WICB corporate secretary, Tony Deyal, also agreed with Gordon’s call while another former president, Jamaican Pat Rousseau, urged regional governments to ensure that all sporting associations were “under an obligation to observe good governance principles and to protect the finances of the association.” The WICB said Thursday the calls for a forensic audit were “without any basis in fact” and could be interpreted as a “suggestion of wrong doing and misappropriation of WICB funds by present members of the WICB.” Astaphan, to whom the WICB referred the matter, said current officials of the board

were “extremely upset” by the inferences that could be drawn. ”The West Indies Cricket Board president and management and a number of the other directors that I’ve spoken to are extremely upset at the allegations and the thing contained in this call for the forensic audit,” Astaphan said. ”It carries the implication or the implied allegation or the innuendo or this thing of some sort of misconduct or skullduggery or the possible misuse of West Indies Cricket Board funds for personal use.” The veteran lawyer added: “And I think it is regrettable these statements were made because when you read the article on ESPNCricinfo, it seems to me

as if this call is being triggered by the fact that the West Indies board did not roll over and play dead with the CARICOM subcommittee’s recommendation [and] submitted recommendations of their own in a report of their own. ”I think it is regrettable this thing is becoming politicized, is taking on an emotional context and rollercoaster that is difficult to understand.” Astaphan said he would execute the board’s wishes to see if legal action could be taken over the statements by the former officials. “I intend to look at it very carefully to see whether there is any basis for any form of legal action and what the options of the board are.”

Friday September 16, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Creative pursuits should payoff. You can pick up valuable information if you listen to those with more experience. This is probably causing upset and confusion on the home front.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Be quiet about your intentions or ideas that might bring added cash. Arguments with relatives may lead to a split in the family. You can make gains if you work in conjunction with others.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Your ability to see other people's points of view will allow you to come to reasonable agreements. Friends and relatives can give you good advice. Don't second guess yourself, just go to it.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Get together with people who stimulate you mentally. You may divulge private information without realizing it today. You will have a problem holding on to your cash today.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Help elders get their personal papers in order. Stress coupled with diet will add to stomach problems. Try to be fair in your dealings with acquaintances. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Do not get involved with individuals who are already committed to others. Matters pertaining to your home environment will be favorable if you are direct. Don't forget that your budget is limited right now. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Do your own thing and everything will settle down. The information that you gain can be used in every aspect of your life. Plan to get together with someone special later in the day. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Think about taking the time to complete unfinished domestic chores. Overindulgence could lead to problems with digestion.

SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) One-sided relationships are likely. Investments may not be as lucrative as you thought. You can make new friends and experience new things if you do a bit of traveling. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You need to sit back and enjoy. Sign up for courses or join fitness clubs. You can make changes to your living quarters, but not everyone will be pleased with your efforts. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Don't forget to read the fine print. Discord may arise with someone you're close to. You can come up with solutions to the problems responsible for inefficiencies at work. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Travel for business will not only bring you valuable information but also profits as well. You could be tempted to overspend on unnecessary items. You may find it necessary to confront a situation that has gotten out of hand.

Kaieteur News

Friday September 16, 2016

Brathwaite wants quick adjustment as Windies arrive Carlos Brathwaite

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, CMC – West Indies arrived here yesterday full of confidence ahead of their three-match Twenty20 International series against Pakistan, with captain Carlos Brathwaite urging his side to adapt quickly to conditions. The Caribbean side open the tour with a warm-up game against a Emirates Cricket Board XI at the ICC Academy next Tuesday before facing Pakistan in the opening T20 International three days later at the Dubai International Stadium. With temperatures expected to soar to nearly 39 degrees Celsius at the weekend, Brathwaite said it was important West Indies focused intensely on their preparation so they could execute when required. ”It wasn’t as hot earlier in the year but apparently we’re smack dab in the middle of their summer [now] so it can get very, very

hot,” Brathwaite said, referencing the Windies T20 World Cup training camp staged here earlier in the year. ”It is for the players to prepare well, manage themselves well off the field – rehydration wise, getting enough rest. “Each and every one of us are professionals and we know what our bodies need to be at optimal [strength] to perform so it’s just about us doing the things we need to do off the field – planning well, preparing well, practicing well and then evidently performing when the games come.” West Indies start the series as favourites, especially after crowning themselves World champions six months ago in India. In their only games since then, they beat powerhouses India, 1-0, in a two-match series in Fort Lauderdale, United States last month, and Brathwaite said it was key the side built on that success. ”I think this is another important series. We just defeated India and it would be a fantastic boost for the Caribbean people for us to come to Dubai, which has been Pakistan’s home for the last few years, come into their backyard and get a series victory against them as well,” t h e a l l - r o u n d e r n o t e d . ”It would say a lot about us as a team – going overseas and contesting a three-game series and coming out on top.” West Indies underwent a light gym and pool session yesterday and will have their first full training session at the ICC Academy today. Their tour of was throw into upheaval just before their departure from the Caribbean on Tuesday when head coach Phil Simmons sacked by the West Indies Cricket Board.

Brazil return as Gibraltar and Kosovo make history Guyana’s has moved 10 places up to 118 in the world and 15 in CONCACAF following the latest edition of the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking. Guyana’s opponents for next month’s Round 3 of the Scotiabank CFU Men’s Caribbean Cup, Jamaica is at 80 in the world and 8 of 35 countries in CONCACAF while Suriname is tagged at 175 in the world and 75 in CONCACAF. Meanwhile, the large number of qualifying fixtures for continental competitions (26 matches) and the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ (61 matches) over September is reflected in significant movement. Despite the shifts up and down the ranking, however, Argentina and Belgium remain fixed in first and second place respectively, cementing their positions at the summit of the World Ranking for another month. Elsewhere in the top five, Germany (3, up 1) and Colombia (4, down 1) traded places while a rejuvenated

Guyana up 10 places to 118

th

Brazil, under new coach Tite, moved into joint fourth place thanks largely due to victories against Colombia and Ecuador in World Cup qualifiers. A little further down, Uruguay (9, up 3) and Wales (10, up 1) muscled their way into the top ten at the expense of Spain (11, down 3) and Italy (13, down 3). While Brazil are the month’s biggest points scorers, Bolivia climbed furthest (75, up 35), followed by Malawi (99, up 28), Faroe Islands (111, up 24) and the Dominican Republic (114, up 24) Newcomers to world stage The two most recent member associations to join FIFA, Gibraltar and Kosovo, participated in their first ever World Cup preliminary matches in September. With only two A-games to their name in ranking history, Kosovo (168, up 22) were the fifth-biggest climbers this month.

In contrast, Gibraltar (205) secured no points from their two matches, the first of which was against newly crowned European champions Portugal (7, down 1). This month, the following teams reached their best ever position on the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking: Guinea-Bissau (73, up 2), St Kitts and Nevis (77, up 4), Kazakhstan (83, up 13), Comoros (152, up 3), and Kosovo (168, up 22). A notable mention goes to the four teams breaking into the top 50: Scotland (44, up 7), Australia (45, up 12), Greece (48, up 4), and Uzbekistan (49, up 6). A total of 126 international Amatches were played over the past few weeks, bringing the total number of games for the 2016 to 632. The next FIFA/CocaCola World Ranking will be published on 20 October 2016. (FIFA)

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Letter to the Sports Editor

TO DO OR NOT I write with reference to two articles written by Mr. Rawle Welch which were published in the Kaieteur News of the 5th September, 2016 and 8th September, 2016. I have always advised persons not to get in a battle with journalists as you will come out on the wrong side as they can publish any fanciful things that may come to their mind. More so do not get in an exchange with Freddie Kissoon as that will give him the opportunity to respond and it will never end. I want to state very clearly that I respect the opinion of Mr. Welch and Freddie Kissoon and am not offended at all. As regards Mr. Welch it seemed that he writes the same facts every four years and goes into hibernation the other periods of time. He writes for a living and as such he has to be bold and outrageous otherwise he may be looking for a job. He has in the two articles advocated that there should be a change in the leadership of the GOA as I have not done anything worth-while and bases this on the fact that GUYANA did not win any medals at the recent Olympics. He also in his last article bemoaned the funding by the GOA of Leslain Baird to go to Jamaica and do a diploma in sports massage. His view is that Leslain is too old and his throw is so far below that of the Olympic champion that it would be impossible for him to get near. I decry the manner in which he insulted and sought to embarrass this athlete and after doing so, he states that he still has the interest of our athletes at heart. His snipes and jabs at this athlete who cannot reply as he is a member of the GDF demonstrate the disdain, lack of respect and concern he has for our hardworking athletes. As regards the funding by the GOA for Leslain, he states that this shows my lack of knowledge for sports and that this is an attempt by me to sway votes in my favor for the upcoming elections of the GOA. I am really disappointed in Mr. Welch as he wrote based on what he read in the

Daily Chronicle and did not do any check before writing. Leslain Baird was offered a partial scholarship by the CG Foster College in Jamaica and this was as a result of what their javelin coach saw in the performance of Baird. He saw raw talent that if nurtured could develop into a competitive javelin thrower. Leslain Baird does not have a javelin coach and his coach Mr. Chrishum and himself get tips and training material from going to You Tube. Leslain Baird approached the GOA by writing to us and we asked the opinion of Mr. Aubrey Hudson, the President of the AAG of Guyana who is the governing body in Guyana for track and field events and of which javelin throwing is one of the field events. Mr. Hudson endorsed that Leslain Baird was deserving of assistance and did not indicate any objection or reservation. We also considered the character of Leslain and he was found to be level headed and one who wanted to succeed. I also contacted Mr. Gayle of the college in Jamaica and he was still fully supportive and wanted Leslain to go as he was also the javelin coach and saw the potential. The executive of the GOA decided that it will fully support Leslain up to $5000 US per year and this was in excess of what was required. This decision was announced and discussed at the monthly Council meeting of the GOA on the 1st September and this was also endorsed by the members present who were representing their respective Associations. The views of the meeting coincided with that of the

executive that the support of Leslain Baird will see three outcomes: - (a) he will secure a diploma in sports massage and this will be beneficial to sports associations and athletes, (b) he will improve as a Javelin Thrower and (c) with the knowledge that he would have gotten, he would be able to pass that knowledge onto younger Javelin Throwers and be a Coach. The point I wish to make is that the decision is not that of mine and I did not pluck Leslain Baird out in order to get votes. He was endorsed by both the executive and council members of the GOA and this also included the AAG of Guyana. I would humbly say that Mr. Welch did not know what he was writing about and I do not believe that he has any particular knowledge in javelin throwing or did any coaching program or course to determine the potential of an athlete. As I stated at the commencement of this article, I respect the opinion of Mr. Welch and more so if it is constructive. Mr. Welch if he is so concerned with the welfare and development of our athletes and if he has any iota of knowledge of what should be done for their development, he should let the GOA or any of the Association knows his view (s). He has never over the last four years ever sent or communicated any idea, program or thought to me or the GOA about where we maybe failing and what he thinks should be done. If he had so done then he would have been in a better position to throw stones. I will in another article deal with the first letter which Mr. Welch had written. K.A. Juman-Yassin President of GOA

Kaieteur News

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Friday September 16, 2016

‘Forgotten Youths’ lay the ‘Foundation’ for future successes By Michael Benjamin The old adage to ‘train a child the way he should grow so that when he advances in age he will not depart from it’ still rings true today centuries after it was first advocated. The youths of today have been given endless scope and the disciplinary mechanisms available to their parents have been drastically reduced to the extent that discipline has been discarded through the window ages ago. Naturally, the concomitant results are deviancy, broken homes and an overpopulated prison among other ills. Despite this, there are many that are confident that children could still be harnessed along disciplined lines to produce wholesome characters even as they engage in clean law abiding activities. It is this belief that has led the administrators of the Forgotten Youth Foundation (FYF) to pay strict attention

Young and upcoming ‘Forgotten Youths’ vow to be remembered one day L-R Malachi Jones, Samuel Bidajhar, Ceon Graham, Travis Ivervary and Vickacy Graham. to the youngsters’ development and has used the sport of boxing to enhance their development even as those youths engage in sound, wholesome and beneficial activities. The Gym is situated at James and Belair Street Albouystown and sessions get underway at just around 16:00hrs, after school is

dismissed, to allow the youths, all school children, to spend at least two hours engaged in boxing and other developmental activities. When the gym came into existence, more than 15 years ago, the idea was to focus on the development of the under-privileged youth thus providing an avenue for their firm

positioning within the wider society thus the tab ‘ F o r g o t t e n Yo u t h Foundation.’ Ever since its inauguration, the FYF has had a plethora of coaches and tutors appointed to achieve the goal of reformation of those youths but over the past few years, Sebert Blake and Joseph

Letter to the Sports Editor

National U19 Captain’s conduct on tour must be investigated A s a c r i c k e t a d m i n i s t r a t o r, I w a s extremely disturbed by a damning official report against Guyana’s national Under-19 Captain following the conclusion of the WICB U-19 tournament held in St. Vincent recently. The report dated 201608-22 was sent to the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) by an external official who was assigned to the team during the tour. I was privy to read the report; the contents of which were quite distasteful and unacceptable, given the serious nature of the offences. In fact as a stakeholder, I am demanding an immediate investigation into the allegations since the Captain was representing Guyana in the capacity as a

Sports Ambassador and his actions certainly would have violated the core principles of diplomacy and due discipline. I recalled that former youth player Essequibian Ricardo Adams had similar indiscretions on tour two years ago and he was promptly reprimanded upon his return, including being banned from playing competitive cricket for three months. I hope that this matter will receive similar attention with the result being made public. According to the report, the Captain did not play in the One Day Finals which Guyana won, due to an injury he sustained in a previous match. His disrespectful and demeaning conduct however occurred when he

was told in a meeting among the team and officials that it would have been a risk to play him, a decision which was supported by the other players. The report quoted him as using indecent language and subsequently walking out of the meeting. During the final, the report revealed that he told management that he sought and was given permission by the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) to uplift his medical report at a Hospital. He left and was accompanied by his mother. Interestingly the report added and I quote ‘For the duration of the game Mr. Persaud and his mom never showed up until after the game’. Could he have been away from the team for almost eight hours just to uplift same? Further, the report added and I quote ‘at the closing ceremony the entire Guyana team collected their medals, individual awards and championship trophy, Mr. Travis Persaud wasn’t there and nowhere to be found’. While the report

continuously revealed uncomplimentary d e s c r i p t i o n s o f M r. Persaud’s general attitude, it recommended that the GCB move expeditiously to investigate him. This is indeed quite an alarming development, especially by the leader whose stewardship should have been the beacon of the team and Country. Perhaps I am now even questioning why he was elevated to such status ahead of other senior players given his questionable temperament. Did he demoralize the team morale during the three day tournament when Guyana performed dismally? The report is pointing in such direction and should be a matter of priority for the GCB. Travis Persaud is currently playing in the GCB three-day Franchise league. Is it business as usual then for this player and the GCB? Yo u r s F a i t h f u l l y , P r i n c e H o l d e r P r e s i d e n t North Essequibo Cricket Committee

Murray, both former boxers, have been assigned the task of molding the youngsters. Kaieteur Sport visited the gym last Wednesday afternoon and as usual the place was bustling with a c t i v i t y . I n t e r n a t i o n a l Wo m e n Boxing Association (WIBA) champion, Shondell Alfred, shadow boxed in the ring while amateur boxers preparing for the impending National Open Boxing Championships either shadow boxed or pounded away on the heavy (punching) bag. But what caught the eye was the group of youngsters honing their skills on the punching bag; there were five of them. Coach Murray explained that the children attend sessions throughout the week and sometimes on Sunday morning. His assistant, Blake further explained that the youngsters are drilled on the intricacies of the sport including proper stance, defensive and attacking skills and body strengthening exercises. They are also taught the art of punching which also entails the proper positioning of their feet. Blake said that while he recognizes the benefits to be derived from the sport, he also admits that there may be a little danger. “We (the coaches) insist that the participants must obtain permission from their parents and we also invite those parents to visit the gym to observe the activities,” Blake explained. He said that in the absence of a structured academic programme, he personally takes an interest in the children’s academics and many times they may

approach him for guidance or explanations for mathematical and other problems they may encounter. “I also encourage them to read a lot since I believe that is a solid basis for their academic development,” Blake said. Those boxers attending sessions on Wednesday afternoon were Malachi Jones, 12 yrs old and attending Dolphin Secondary School, Ceon Graham (10) of Tucville Primary, Samuel Bidajhar (9) of Ketley Primary, Vickacy Graham (8) of Tucville Primary and Travis Inverary (8) of Ascension Primary. Already, Malachi, Travis and Ceon have chalked up a few fights in the Diamond Mineral Water/Pepsi U-16 boxing t o u r n a m e n t . Ceon fights in the 64.2kgs class and has chalked up 4 wins with one loss while Travis, fighting in the 75kgs division, has 6 wins with one loss. Malachi has only fought once in the 74kgs division and is still to register a win. Blake said that the management is battling against the odds but are determined to provide the best for their charges. At the moment, the facilities they are forced to work with are substandard and present a further challenge. “We are in need of adequate gears like speedballs, boxing gloves, jump ropes and a plethora of other equipment,” bemoaned Blake. Even the electricity system is substandard and in need of attention since only a bulb partially illuminates the gym and forces an early end to sessions. Mr. Blake said that they have made numerous appeals for charitable assistance but these appeals have not been answered. “Hopefully, in the near future we might attract a godfather who may just bless these youngsters with much needed assistance,” Blake surmised. In the meantime, the youngsters keep on toiling under the appropriate tab of Forgotten Youths.” They are confident that one day a Good Samaritan will come along and remove the unmerited tab. As the coach expounds, “They may be forgotten now but pretty soon they will leave indelible impressions that will always be remembered.”

Kaieteur News

Friday September 16, 2016

PAGE 39

This team gets hungry once game time arrives-Adonis

Shabazz shortlist 55 for Round 3 of Scotiabank CFU Men’s Caribbean Cup 2016

Preparations around 75-80% complete

To face host Suriname on Oct. 8 and Jamaica on Oct. 11 here

By Rawle Welch G u y an a ’s ‘ G r e en M ac h in e ’ h as intensified preparations ahead of their clash against Mexico for the Rugby Americas (RAN) Cup slated to be staged in Mexico on October 1. Speaking with Kaieteur Sport on Wednesday afternoon during a training session, Head Coach Laurie Adonis when asked for an update on preparations revealed that the team is between 75-80% in general preparations, but was optimistic that they will be ready for the Mexico clash. ”This is a team that once game time arrives they get hungry and do what they have to do,” Adonis told this newspaper. He said that the little break that they had following the postponement of the game from the original date which was September 27 did have an effect on the team preparations, but is satisfied with the players’ commitment and dedication since returning to practice. According to Adonis, they are currently working on improving fitness, a feature of their preparations that is second to none, while also awaiting the arrival of an Argentine Coach who will be responsible for improving the team in defending mauls, scrums and line-outs. The Head Coach informed that the team is a mixture of experience and youth, adding that he was pleased with the support and encouragement the senior players have been giving to the younger members during the sessions. ”The senior players such as Avery Corbin, Dwayne Schroeder, Ryan Gonsalves, Theo Henry, have all been adding their bit to the cause in the absence of our overseas-based stars such as Richard Staglon, Ronald Mayers, Claudius Butts, Peabo Hamilton and Vallon Adams,” Adonis pointed out. He, however, lamented the absence of the influential Australia-based Kevin McKenzie, who cannot make the trip due to injury. ”Kevin is a very important player and we will surely miss him, but we have other players that we are working on to make up for his absence, it will not be easy because he is a big player who relishes the big occasion so the

Head Coach of the Men’s National Team, ‘Golden Jaguars’, Jamaal Shabazz has announced a provisional list of 55players local and overseas to face Suriname and Jamaica in Round 3 of the Scotiabank CFU Men’s Caribbean Cup 2016 Championship on October 8 and 11 respectively. The squad includes 19 overseas based from various countries including Trinidad a n d To b a g o , C a n a d a ,

Laurie Adonis player that is chosen to fill his shoes will have to show up big time,” Adonis said. The player that will most likely be called upon to fill that void is the speedy Patrick King, who will definitely start, but is used to coming on as a substitute. ”His whole mentality will have to change we are presently working with him in this department and I’m certain that he will accept the challenge and do his best.” Adonis disclosed that the players are taking the game seriously and their focus is to win and bring back the title to Guyana. The Head Coach spoke highly of the dedication of the young players, citing their importance to the team as evidenced by the play of Osei McKenzie, who came on in the South Zone final against a hostile Trinidad and Tobago team playing at home to score a vital try that won them the game. The team will continue to train at the National Park throughout the week with simulation matches scheduled for Saturdays at the same venue. They depart for Mexico on September 27 in an effort to get acclimatise to the high altitude.

T&T National U-20 on oneweek training camp in Guyana The Trinidad and Tobago National U-20 squad is in Guyana on a one-week training camp in preparation for the Under-20 Cup, scheduled for Curacao in October, 2016. According to the Tr i n i d a d a n d To b a g o Football Association (TTFA), this is the second rung of their qualifying campaign for the Korea Republic 2017 Under-20 World Cup. The top five teams in the Caribbean tournament will advance to CONCACAF stage.

to play Alpha United today and Elite League All-Stars tomorrow The team which arrived on September 14 has undergone training sessions twice daily at the National Track and Field Facility, Leonora. Today, the U-20 team will play a practice match against an Alpha United FC’s invitational team and tomorrow they will engage an Elite-All-Star side in a friendly match; both matches will be played at

16:00hrs at the National Track and Field Facility, Leonora. According to the Head Coach of the Guyana Men’s National team, Jamaal Shabazz, the matches against the Guyanese teams are aimed at activating the national players in preparation for Round 3 of the Scotiabank CFU Men’s Caribbean Championship.

England, Finland, USA and Australia. Training sessions will be conducted on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 16:00hrs – 18:00hrs and on Saturday’s from 09:00hrs – 11:00hrs. yesterday’s sessions took place at the GFC ground. Guyana, the first best runner-up team from Round 2 of the competition is set to take on old rivals Suriname on October 8 next in Parimaribo and will then lock horns with the Reggae

Boyz three days later at a venue still to be decided in Guyana. The Guyana Football federation in a press release has stated that due to the unavailability of the Guyana National Stadium on the date of the match (October 11), the National Track and Field Facility is being considered. A Caribbean Football Union team of inspectors is scheduled to visit Guyana to certify the National Track and Field Facility.

Kaieteur News

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Friday September 16, 2016

Elite League Clubs accuse GFF of High Hand Approach Unilaterally set rule changes deemed illegal, clubs not prepared to play

The eight Elite League Clubs of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has accused the governing body’s executive committee of high handedness and making unilateral decisions without their input. Six of the eight clubs have sent a strongly worded letter to the GFF on September 14, 2016 pointing out a number of issues that they are not pleased with and have stated unequivocally that their desire is to continue the League as originally agreed to for the two-year cycle before effecting any changes which include drafting in two additional clubs. The federation’s Exco Committee is accused of altering the rules with

consulting the club which are also vital stakeholders in this historic initiative. Signed by six (Alpha United, Slingerz, Guyana Defence Force, Pele, Georgetown Football Club, Monedderlust) of the eight clubs, they have stated that the manner in which the newly elected GFF executive has arrived at decisions to change the Elite League rules is high handed. ”Please be advised that we the undersigned clubs are not prepared to play or participate in the Elite league under the new and illegal playing rules set unilaterally by the GFF Exco, showing a total disregard and lack of respect for the eight Elite league clubs,” the letter stated. The letter further pointed out to the GFF that the original rules were arrived at after through consultation between the clubs and the then Normalisation Committee that was headed by Clinton Urling and appointed by FIFA.

”The wisdom of this FIFA guided approach reflected transparency and participation by the stakeholders of Guyana’s football. One must remember that such high handed approach in the past was the causative factor in FIFA sending a Normalisation Committee to Guyana,” The letter noted. The clubs further contends that they would have all signed a contract with the GFF for the rules and regulations that runs for two years and party wishing to alter or change those rules and regulations must do so with the full consent of all involved, which has not been the case. ”It will be a contractual breach if one party (the GFF) unil;aterally changes the rules and regulations without the permission of the other parties (the Clubs). This will open up the clubs to huge financial losses and possible litigation,” the Clubs have contended. Among the issues of

contention are: 1. Article 2.9 of the original rules allows for 8 foreign players.”Clubs will only be permitted to have eight (8) Non Nationals (Foreign Nationals). The new rule as imposed by the GFF Exco with immediate effect says in Article 2:1 “Clubs would be allowed up to a maximum of three (3) roster spots for nonnationals (foreign players)”. The clubs are contending that those who would have contracted more than three (3) foreign players would now find themselves in a financial predicament based on contractual obligations. 2. Article 3 of the original rules and regulations speaks to relegation and promotion in very clear language. “There will be no promotion or relegation until the end of the second season of the Elite League.” The GFF has added two new clubs to the existing 8, Topp XX (UDFA) and Victoria Kings (EDFA). The

clubs are contending that with this unilateral decision, they would be faced with more matches cramped into the schedule; longer league with higher operational costs; injury risks due to less recovery time between matches. 3. The current GFF constitution adopted after the FIFA Normalisation Committee process speaks t o o n l y eight (8) Elite League clubs as members with equal voting rights as associations and interest groups. To change this rules would necessitate the GFF Congress effecting same. 4. Article 7.1 of the Elite League rules outlines the obligations of the GFF to administer the league through its management committee and not the club members. Based on the new rules that the GFF has sent out, the clubs now would have that responsibility including match day operations. Heavy fines are attached if

clubs fail to adhere to requirements. The clubs are asking the GFF allow the Elite League to continue as contractually agreed with the eight clubs for the agreed two-year period. They have also proposed that further discussions be held not to change the rules but to look at ways of improving the league going forward. The letter was also copied to the CFU and C O N C A C A F. G F F President Wayne Forde promptly acknowledged receipt of the letter and noted that the executive committee would review the submission and respond accordingly.

Kaieteur News

Friday September 16, 2016

SS Jaguars and G Square Cavaliers clash in Dunbar T20 final on Sunday Sans Souci Jaguars and G Square Cavaliers will clash in the final of the Kelly Dunbar T20 competition on Sunday at the Wakenaam Community Centre ground in Good Success. A keen contest is anticipated since both teams boasts good all-round strength. The Jaguars will be led by Siddique Mohamed and includes pacer Olwyn Paton, batsmen Safraz Mohamed, Zameer Zaman, Rashaad Rasheed and spinners Nokta Moses and Beesham Moses. Skipper Heera Sukram spearheads Cavaliers batting which consists Satnarine Sahadeo, Satrohan Shiwnandan and Beesham Bhagpattie. Support is expected to come from left arm spinner Kamal Khan, all-rounders Lokram Narine and Chandrika Ragnauth.

GFF suspends Slingerz FC President Javed Ali Club seek support of fellow Elite clubs to overturn decision

Heera Sukram

Siddique Mohamed

Play starts at 13:30hrs. SS Jaguars - Siddique Mohamed (Capt.), Safraz Mohamed, Nokta Moses, Beesham Moses, Olwyn Paton, Zameer Zaman, Rashaad Rasheed, Derwin Daniels, Afridi Mohamed, Gladwyn Henry, Sanjay Jairam and Sameer M u s t a k e e n . G Square Cavaliers - Heera

Sukram (Capt.), Satnarine Sahadeo, Dayawant Shiwnandan, Satrohan Shiwnandan, Somnauth Prashad, Jaggernauth Manbodh, Lokram Narine, Beesham Bhagpattie, Chandrika Ragnauth, Kamal Khan, Bomeshwar Ramkissoon, Marlon Dindyal and Sachin Dindyal.

Good Success, SS Jaguars triumph Good Success and Sans Souci Jaguars recorded victories when the Badri Prasad Memorial T20 tournament commenced on Sunday last in Wakenaam. Good Success defeated Zeelandia by 109 runs at the Wakenaam Community Centre ground. Batting first Good Success posted 201-9. Charles Benjamin smashed 71 (4x4 4x6) while Gurnauth Khemraj made 24 and Shazaam Mohamed 22. Jaspaul Gangaram took 230. Zeelandia were sent

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Nokta Moses packing for 92 in 15 overs in reply. Navishaul Pooran made 36 and Ajay Ghansam 25;

Nazeer Mohamed Nazeer Mohamed snared 37 and Khemraj 3-14. Defending champions (Continued on page 32)

The Guyana Football Federation in a show of muscle flexing has suspended the President and owner of Guyana’s leading club side, Slingerz FC, Javed Ali. The young businessman was written to on September 13, 2016 notifying him that he was suspended from all meetings that are presided over by the GFF President Wa y n e F o r d e o r h i s appointed representative, until such time that a formal letter of apology for his actions is received by the governing body. It was also noted by the federation in the letter to Ali which was copied to four other individuals and no member of the Elite League that the executive committee noted with disgust his reckless outburst and verbal tirade directed at the president of the GFF which were deemed inappropriate and included personal references. Javed, who met with fellow club officials on Wednesday afternoon last reflected on his actions and said that at no time, was he disrespectful towards the

Wayne Forde

Javed Ali

GFF President or his colleagues who were present at the meeting. Slingerz FC has since written to their fellow Elite League clubs seeking their support to pressure the GFF to withdraw the letter of suspension barring him {Ali}from attending meetings presided over by the GFF president. In the letter Ali notes that while at the meeting of Elite League clubs with the GFF last week, he was raising an issue that was of concern to all the clubs which are demanding a withdrawal of

the GFF letter within 48 hours. The clubs also noted that they are of the collective view that the GFF President owes them an apology for what they deem his inappropriate and unprofessional handling of the said meeting as chairman. It is alleged that at one point in the meeting, Forde slammed his hand down on the table in a menacing manner apart from deliberately avoided answering pointed questions from Ali.

Kaieteur News

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Friday September 16, 2016

Sarwan retires from cricket at Alma mater Yesterday at the Stella Marris Primary school in Woolford Avenue, former Guyana and West Indies Captain Ramnaresh Sarwan’s career came full circle as it ended where it all began 26 years ago with the announcement of his retirement from all cricket. Clad in black, the 36year was given a hero’s welcome when he arrived at a school where he scored his first two centuries in the now defunct National Under-12 competition in 1991 as an 11 year-old and later ascended to the highest level of the game in which he scored 15 centuries from 87 Tests. With the star struck children, who chanted ‘Sarwan, Sarwan’, lining the passageway to the Hall where the ceremony was held, Sarwan was escorted by one of the ‘teachers who seemed just as excited as the students. Sarwan, who was born in Wakenaam, received a garland from one of the

students. The event was organised by another former Student, Cricket commentator Sean Devers and Deputy Head Mistress of Stella Marris Mrs. Singh. The programme, well attended by the media, began with a prayer from Miss Williams and after the National Pledge was recited Mrs. Singh gave the welcoming remarks while Grade six pupils provided an Acrostic and displayed the letters of Sarwan’s name. Past Headmistress Mrs. Arthur was in charge when Sarwan was a student and remembered her encounters with the ‘Cricket crazy’ preteen. She said that the school was proud to have produced someone who excelled at the highest level in their career. Surendra Khayyam was Sarwan’s Vice-Captain when Stella Marris beat Enterprise Primary in the final at Bourda to take the then Prime Minister Hamilton Greene Trophy in

Stella Marris Primary gives cricketer hero’s welcome

Director of Sports Chris Jones watch as Sarwan presents an autographed bat and Scotiabank Kiddies gear to the Stella Marris cricket team. 1991. Sarwan was visibly surprised to be united with Khayyam who rolled back the years to when the pair were care free little boys with cricket being their common interest. ”Sarwan always loved cricket. I remember when he was just 10 he was first picked for Stella Marris. He was in third standard and got the man-of-the-match award, making 49 in the final at Eve Leary. But the next year when it

was all Sarwan, Sarwan, Sarwan…when would say what we wanted to be when we grew up Sarwan would say he wanted to play cricket for Guyana and the West Indies and he actually lived his dreams” Khayyam recounted. Khayyam challenged Director of Sports Christopher Jones to bring back U-12 hard ball cricket since he felt U-15 school tournaments meant no hard ball cricket at Primary

school. The Grade Five students sang a harmonious rendition of their school song before Deputy Education Officer (DEO) Adrian Elgin spoke of Sarwan’s first Test match in Barbados when he made an unbeaten 84 and how Stella Marris not only produced academics. He said that Mrs. Singh was doing a wonderful job and it was people like Sarwan who inspired many more little ‘Sarwans’ to

blossom into greatness. “Sarwan is also an Entrepreneur which demonstrates his ability to continue earning after cricket and it proves that once you balance academics and sports you will become a balanced individual,” Elgin added. Jones promised to work on the return of U-12 cricket and reminded that Sarwan, his schoolmate at Secondary School, was a member (Continued on page 32)

Kaieteur News

Friday September 16, 2016

PAGE 43

Zamal Khan wins Commander Birthday Cycle Race Sixteen year-old Zamal Khan who represented Guyana in the Juvenile category at the Junior Caribbean Cycling Championships 2016 held in St. Lucia, on Sunday last rode away with the Commander Birthday Cycle Road Race in Berbice. The event which was staged in observance of Divisional Commander of ‘B’ Division, Assistant Commissioner Ian Amsterdam was organised by the Flying Ace Cycle Club (FACC) and only attracted Berbicians. The 35-mile event pedaled off at 09:00hrs from the Rose Hall Town Arch, proceeded to the Felix Austin Police Training College at Adventure before finishing at Main and Alexander Streets, New Amsterdam. Khan who enjoyed a five minute head start as a result of his juvenile status, made the most of it, completely dominating the event as he was never caught to win in 55 Minutes; he also rode away with all eight prime point prizes that were up for grabs.

Second was Curtis Dey followed by Joshua Cameron, Syborne Fernandes, Samuel Mootoo and Wasim Hassnu. Khan also took the prize for being the top juvenile. Tamika Teixeira was the winner of t h e f e m a l e c a t e g o r y. Fernandes finished first among the veterans. There was a special race among BMX riders which was held from Stanleytown to Main and Alexander Streets, immediately after the senior race. Jaikarran Bhagwandin won that event ahead of a Jonathan Ramsuchit, Kenroy Daniels and Keon Douglas in that order. Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Commander Amsterdam congratulated the respective winners whilst thanking all for participating. He also thanked Randolph Roberts for the work he is doing among the youths in keeping them meaningfully occupied and off the streets especially in the field of cycling. Roberts also received a special reward from the

Commander of B Division Amsterdam presents the winning trophy to Zaman Khan in teh presence of other top performers.

Commander. Overseas based cyclist and long serving member of the FACC Franco Crawford who participated in the event on a special cycle was also given a special award by the

GMR&SC Int’l Drag Race Meet

Daby’s super-charged Supra touted as game changer As the rivalry between Guyana and Suriname heats up, the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) - organised October 2 International Drag Race Meet should produce some fiery confrontations between the two archrivals, at the South Dakota Circuit. The two countries have had a long history of competition and the upcoming event is expected to be intense as Suriname seeks to exact revenge following Guyana’s dominant performance in the Dutch terrotory recently. One competitor who will be called upon to spearhead Guyana’s quest to defend home turf is Rondel Daby in his super-charged Toyota Supra. Daby has been one of the dominant drivers in this segment of the sport and always seem prepared to fend off the challenges of the Dutch opposition. His support will come from his brother Peter, Anand Ramchand, Sanjay Persaud and lone female Sharima Khan. The Dutch attack will be led by the experience

Rondel Daby’s Toyota Supra fires up at the starting line in a previous Meet. Hans Ijzer in his powerful GMC Typhoon along with backup from Ashton Ceyaram in his Toyota Chaser, Ruifan Chen in his Honda Integra, Prakash Lachman (Toyota Supra), Micheal Namchand (RX7) among others. In the Superbike category, Charlie Henry will be the rider to beat, but Surinamese Tom Gumperts Suzuki GSX R, Anthony Sokromo and Giovanni Slagveer astride a similar machine sould provide a formidable challenge for him.

With so much excitement anticipated, the best advice is to be at the Circuit and witness the battles amongst the daredevils on the quarter mile drag strip first hand. The Porta Tree Timing device with specialized starting lights will be operational throughout the day. Starting time is 09:00hrs and admission is adults $1000, children $500, while those under the age of 12 years and vehicles are free. The event is sponsored by Ansa McAl and GTT among others.

members of the FACC for his long dedicated, unselfish and continuous support to the club and the Guyanese community over the years. C o m m a n d e r Amsterdam, since his

posting to Berbice has come up with many initiatives which have helped in the reduction of crime. Sports, Education and Community development are among the issues being dealt with while

a number of youth, sports, community policing, scouts and other groups have been formed or have received assistance from the Police Force. (Samuel Whyte)

Floodlights and Cavaliers clash in T20 fixture tomorrow night at DCC A keen contest is anticipated tomorrow night when city side Floodlights face G Square Cavaliers of Wakenaam in a T20 fixture at the Demerara Cricket Club ground. Former Test batsman Travis Dowlin and Christopher Barnwell are expected to appear for Floodlights who will be led by Ricky Deonarain while Heera Sukram will be at the helm for the visitors. Admission is free and musical entertainment will b e p r o v i d e d . This match is sponsored by Tulsie Sahadeo, proprietor of Factory Price on King Street, Georgetown. G-Square Cavaliers Heera Sukhram – (Capt.), Chandrika Ragnauth, Jaggernauth Manbodh, Kamal Khan, Satnarine Sahadeo, Bheesham Bhagpattie, Lokram Narine, Ghansham Samwaru, Mahendra Dindial, Tulsie Sahadeo, Bhumeshwar R a m k i s s o o n , Ta m e s h P e r s a u d , Ta m e s h w a r P e r s a u d . Floodlights - Ricky Deonarain- capt, Reyaz Hussein, Khalid Baksh, Anil

Beharry, Dharam Persaud, Rakesh Arjune, Patrick Khan, Travis Dowlin, Surendra Nauth, Lloyd

Rooplall, Christopher Barnwell, Lalta Gainda, Yusuf Yunnis and Romeo Deonarain.

t r o Sp

This team gets hungry once game time arrives-Adonis Preparations around 75-80% complete

Some of the senior members of the squad seen during a short sprint routine as part of their fitness regimen.

Shabazz shortlist 55 for Round 3 of Scotiabank CFU Men’s Caribbean Cup 2016 To face host Suriname on Oct. 8 and Jamaica on Oct. 11 here

The Golden Jaguars being taken through the paces yesterday at the GFC ground by Shabazz and his technical staff.

Elite League Clubs accuse GFF of High Hand Approach Unilaterally set rule changes deemed illegal, clubs not prepared to play Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210