Kaieteur News
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Sunday August 23, 2018
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
CRIME WORSE THAN WE THINK
A
ccording to recent police statistics, within the last eight months, there have been 66 murders in the country representing a 16 percent decrease over the same period last year when 79 persons were murdered. There was also a 19 percent decrease in robbery under arms where instruments other than firearms were used, a 30 percent decrease in robbery with aggravation; an18 percent decrease in larceny from the person; a nine percent decrease in break and enter and larceny and a one percent decrease in rape. However, the same police statistics revealed that there was a 23 percent increase in robberies with no instruments; a one percent increase in robbery where firearms were used, a five percent increase in robbery with violence and a four percent increase in burglary. While these figures seem all dandy, crime in Guyana is worse than we think. It is sad but true that it is almost impossible for the police or anyone else compiling statistics on crime to know exactly how much crime actually occurs in the country. Usually, when a crime is committed, only the criminal and the victim, and sometimes an unhelpful or fearful witness would know about it. The police are therefore faced with an incomplete picture of the real crime situation. Their statistics will give them a general understanding of how much crime exists but they may never have the entire picture. Crimes such as murder, rape, aggravated assault, home invasions, robberies, shoplifting, purse-snatching, pickpocketing and vehicle theft, among others show a disturbing trend that the country is experiencing a lot of crime. But what is even more disturbing is that all victims do not report to the police, and therefore one can conclude that the crime problem is much greater than we think. This under-reporting of crime represents a major problem in the country. It is alleged that some police have practices that affect the number of crimes being reported. Others do not record every report from a citizen as a crime. They may not have the time to do so because of their busy schedules and heavy paperwork. And in many other cases, some do not believe the person making the report. Therefore, if they do not record the report, it does not count as a crime. Many believe that some police stations may not record crimes or have downgraded others in an apparent effort to make it appear as if the crime rate is declining. It seems that crimes such as murder, robbery and rape, especially of women, have become commonplace. A United Nations Survey in 2016 on Violence against Women in Guyana uncovered a very troubling trend. The Survey found that 37 percent of women aged 15 to 60 had experienced physical and/or sexual violence by intimate partners at least twice in their lifetime and six percent had done so in the past two years. Another 19 percent of women were victims of sexual violence or rape by men other than lovers or husbands. These are unacceptably huge proportions of our female population who are being physically or sexually abused in our midst. The facts should make us consider how to immediately stop the nightmare of so many women. Perhaps, more importantly, the government should establish a committee to determine the causes of the victimization and how to deal with those who perpetrate such heinous crimes against women. In his acceptance speech for his new position, Mr. Leslie James promised to drastically reduce crime by stopping the flow of illegal drugs and weapons into the country. We hope he succeeds.
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.
When will Guyana make an example of Jadgeo? DEAR EDITOR: Thank you for allowing me the space in your excellent newspaper Kaieteur News to share my view on the above topic.There is hardly ever a time I read some ridiculous pronouncement by Jadgeo that it does not leave me angry at the temerity of this former President who possesses the gall to aspire once again to that office come 2020. The shenanigans of this excuse as it relates to the SOCU probe of Pradoville 2 is reminiscent of the 2002 Steven Spielberg autobiographical film, “Catch me if you can” with Leonard De Caprio in the lead. He played a slice of the life of Frank Abagnale jr, a convicted felon who was finally caught and jailed in three different countries including the U.S for bank robbery, impersonating an Airline Pilot, a Doctor, a Lawyer and a skilled forger all before his twentieth birthday. Jadgeo has become so bold that he is thumbing his nose at the efforts of Law Enforcement to uncover his glaring illegalities in relation to his exclusive enclave Pradoville 2.
He now feels and acts totally and completely above the law and should, and must be made an example of what not to do when in high office and a caretaker of the people’s business. This man and his band acted as if the resources of Guyana were their own. Meanwhile, the country was going to hell in a breadbasket and the struggling poor got poorer while he and his cronies acquired more money than God. I have never been, nor will I ever be a fan or supporter of Trump, but I must echo his characterization of countries like ours if Jadgeo is allowed to keep “pampazetting” to use a good old Guyanese phrase. This excuse being free sends a very troubling message not only to locals, but to the rest of the world, particularly those who are lining up to do business with Guyana. And that message? “We can do them just about anything and get away with it”. Exxon seems to have deciphered that message and is laughing all the way to the bank. Next in line, the Chinese for their lion’s share of our pie! Wake up Guyana, please! Claudeston Massiah.
Dr. Balwant Singh Hospital has lowest prices for Cardiac Angiograms and Stents in the C’bean DEAR EDITOR, For the benefit of the Guyanese patients and in regard to some articles that have appeared in your newspaper recently, I would like to state the following:Dr. Balwant Singh’s Hospital has the lowest prices for Cardiac Angiograms and Stents in the Caribbean.The prices are as follows: Procedures Dr. Balwant Singh’s Hospital Prices Approximate Prices at Other Guyanese centers Angiogram GY$100,000 GY$258,000 1st Stent GY$500,000 GY$889,000 2nd and all subsequent Stents G Y $ 5 0 0 , 0 0 0 GY$669,000 Our Cardiologist, Dr. Vladimir Mendoza Rodriguez who is employed full time at Dr. Balwant Singh’s Hospital, is a specialist cardiologist who has a first and second degree in Cardiology and is fully licensed to practice Cardiology in Cuba, which is his country of qualification. This was also an
issue raised by the Ministry of Public Health however it does not seem to have been applied uniformly to all centers.Dr. Balwant Singh Hospital is still the only cardiac centre with a full-time Cardiologist that attends to all cardiac emergencies on a 24 hour basis. Our centre has a fully equipped Cathlab and Dr. Balwant Singh Hospital Inc. is the only cardiac centre in the country that offers cardiac surgical back up. We do not have any agreement in place to provide surgical back up for other centers. We do this exclusively for our own patients. Dr. Balwant Singh Hospital is also the only private Dialysis Centre that offers direct supervision by a Specialist Nephrologist as required by the Health Facilities Licensing Act. All for the information of the Guyanese patients. Dr. Madhu P. Singh, M.D. (Obs & Gynae) C.E.O Dr. Balwant Singh Hospital Inc.
Sunday September 23, 2018
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Kaieteur News
Kaieteur M@ilbox
Kaieteur M@ilbox
POLITICIZED LABOUR AND INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR DEAR EDITOR, Major labour industrial relations issues are considered to be politically sensitive once they affect any state sector/funded agency, and especially if unions, linked to political parties are involved. Inevitably, any labour issue would have a political dimension because of the very nature of the relationship. Experience has shown that where governments interpreted, perceived or deemed an issue as having political motives, or if it is seen as a challenge to governments, or if it would affect the national interest as defined by governments, then one can expect responses from the state and its machinery. In such a situation, traditional and established industrial relations principles and practices may be under severe strain. Often controversial issues are seen as contests between the political parties. From the government’s point of view, they are perceived as attempts to destabilize the economy, to ferment unrest and civil disobedience, or to dislodge the government. From the opposition, non-government perspective, they are seen as attempts to muzzle, undermine, or keep the trade unions in line. The government is the crucial actor; it is the only actor in the dual role as both government and public sector employer who can change the rules of the system by Legislation or other means. Trade unions are sometimes compelled by prevailing circumstances to take a passively defensive position. They may accept the priorities and rules determined by government, and then impose the required restraint on their
members. Pay in the public sector is subject to restraint since government has an overriding responsibility for the state of the economy; and unions’ collective bargaining activities have implications for the economy. INDUSTRIAL AND POLITICAL ORIENTATION The division between the industrial and political orientation is one of the sources of difficulty for the unions in periods of crises and active state intervention. There are concerns about unions acting with political motives when they threaten or use industrial power for political ends, or in support of a political party’s position. But it has been just as political to support the political action of a government or to accept wage restraints in
favour of a presumed national interest. Trade unions face a dilemma: how far could they go in responding to the challenges and opportunities of a political role without sacrificing their independence and their permanent mission of promoting and protecting their members’ immediate economic interests for improved remuneration and employment conditions? The dilemma is more pronounced given the central role of the government in regulating remuneration in the public sector.The challenge of freedom of association and development The argument that trade unions’ full freedom of association is an obstacle to development can be reversed It can be argued that the lack of development is hampering the exercise of freedom of asso-
UNTIMELY ‘DEATH ANNOUNCEMENT’ OF OUR SUGAR INDUSTRY DEAR EDITOR, I believe that the (21/09/18) Editorial in the Kaieteur News prematurely announced the death knell of Guyana’s Sugar Industry.The focus of the editorial was on raw/bulk sugar and the price for same in the world market. It conveniently, perhaps deliberately, ignored the increasing demand for ‘value-added’ sugar and the premium prices payable for refined, customeroriented packaged sugar as well as the possibilities available in the ‘preferential’ Caricom countries for market-driven demand, production and distribution.It would be enlightening to hear the ‘unvarnished’ truths from GUYSUCO (as opposed to the apparent bias of political operatives). Furthermore, why are the powers-that-be continuing to ignore the studied recommendations of the COI into the sugar industry? Nowrang Persaud
ciation. This freedom comes up against numerous barriers. The realities of the economic situation are often invoked to place severe limitations on the trade unions’ wage negotiating function, and to challenge them to consider adopting policies that would aid the country’s economy. The real challenge is for the social partners – government, trade unions, and employers in the private sector to play a more constructive role in labour relations with expectations that there will be higher labour productivity, fewer industrial disputes and strikes, more labour peace, and a climate of labour relations that will be conducive to development through social partnership arrangements at the enterprise and national levels.. Sincerely, SAMUEL J. GOOLSARRAN
LET’S RESERVE OUR SAFETY SALUTATIONS UNTIL THEY ARE DESERVED DEAR EDITOR, Your front page photo in Kaieteur News on Friday and the comment, “This contractor should be saluted” bears a sad reflection on the attitude to safety practices here in Guyana. Not wishing to wrongside someone trying to do a job of work, but look at the man standing up on the top of the rail at the left! Look at the other two men working at height on the top rail! Are they wearing safety harnesses? It doesn’t look like it! Are they wearing proper personal protection equipment (PPE)? Hard to say. Have they done a course in Working at Heights? Do they know the dangers they are risking? Have they got a Work Permit open for Working at Heights? Does their Company even have a Permit to Work system? Have they done a Risk
Assessment for this job, is there a Job Safety Analysis existent within the Company, does the Company have a written Safety Policy, have the workers conducted and signed a documented Toolbox Talk before they started work? Is there a methodology within the Company to monitor and extract safety data from the above? Where is the Safety Officer? Do they even have one? There is no way ever that workers are allowed to work in this unsafe way in other jurisdictions without heavy penalties on the employer. We have a long way to go…. Peter Bouchard
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Sunday September 23, 2018
Kaieteur News
Kaieteur M@ilbox MISSING EVENTS CALENDARINDIGENOUS HERITAGE MONTH DEAR EDITOR: This letter is for the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs Why is there no (easily accessible) Events calendar for the indigenous heritage month on your website??? I have wasted several precious hours, browsing, trying to find the calendar of events and its schedules. Nothing! Why?? You spend so much time planning this stuff, yet it seems to have eluded the best of you to include a simple utility that would allow interested members of the public to plan and attend the activi-
ties. I would like to think that it is your intention to have public attendance, so why is this missing? This occurrence is so backward, frustrating and annoying. I have had to pour over dozens of newspaper articles that are bent on Govt. officials being flattered or flattering themselves. Today is the 22nd day, so I can’t even use the excuse that you are working on the posting of the event.MoIPA website does have a non functioning “Events” titled tab. That’s the same as nothing. Did you know that they don’t
even have a “Useful Link” to the “Guyana Tourism Authority” I suppose they think that is useless too, maybe rightly so. The GTA site had nothing of use in that regard, either. I really had a primary desire to attend specific sports events of the programme and could not easily get the info to do that. All 4 of our primary newspapers have the same atrocious habit of never listing a calendar/schedule of sports events for the week/weekend, that would probably take only 6 column inches of their precious printing space. However, they do that easily for foreign international events and do pride themselves in dedicating as much as two pages on where to party and what to wear. I hear the exclamation frequently- “Why are the youths nowadays not interested in going to/ doing o u t d o o r activities?!”.....well, should we really be wondering why? I urge you all- to please improve on this basic utility of communication and make it easily available somewhere and everywhere. My best regards, Earl Gomes
Kaieteur M@ilbox THE PPP NEEDS A CLEAN FACE FOR THE ELECTIONS DEAR EDITOR, The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) recent ruling that Jagdeo’s time is over has started the PPP to look for a new Presidential candidate. So far, the following candidates had made their intentions public or otherwise had their names mentioned, namely Gail Teixeira, Anil Nandlall, Irfaan Ali, Frank Anthony, Charles Ramson Jnr. and Vindhya Persaud. Gail, Nandlall, Irfaan and Frank were all previous ministers of the PPP-led government and it is their performance or lack thereof that has collectively resulted in the loss of confidence by the electors . It is the sitting President and his Cabinet that must be held accountable for the success and failure of any government, hence the failure of the PPP to secure a majority in the 2011 election and to lose to the APNU Coalition in 2015 General Election is a direct failure by these former ministers In any normal political party, they would be replaced and not recycled. These former ministers also had a lot of negative baggage attributed to them during their tenure with some having overweight suitcases full of rapacious deeds while the others have carry-on and the hand pieces of unethical behaviour.
This, to my mind, should disqualify the lot of this bunch of former ministers to be presidential candidates.Charles Ramson Jnr. is a relative newcomer and has to serve the Party for a more extended period before he can be seriously considered as a candidate. The last time, the PPP went for an instant gratification candidate with hardly any service to the Party was a disaster. They should not make the same mistake twice. Vindhya Persaud has never held any ministerial post in the PPP, is a long-serving Party member and can actually lay claim to being raised in the PPP since her late father was the charismatic Marxist Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud. She is also an outstanding spiritual leader and humanitarian with a demonstration of an extraordinary commitment to selfless public service. These are the qualities that we need in an individual that is not carried away by personal aggrandizement but by a philosophical outlook of selfless service to humanity. We
have had a lot of spiritual leaders engaged in our political struggles that have earned the respect of all Guyanese such as Bishop George, Bishop Singh, Father Rodrigues, etc. Ms Vindhya Persaud would fall into the same category. There is also a wind of change that has started in the Caribbean with Madam Mia Mortley sweeping all the constituencies in Barbados. This change can also happen in Guyana.The General Secretary of the PPP, Mr. Jagdeo, has to stop fronting as an iconic leader of the party that can bring home the elections for the PPP. He has to buckle down to the real task of organizing the party and gear it towards the winning of the 2020 elections. He also should provide the space and exposure to the future chosen presidential candidate, Vindhya Persaud, to be a household name by 2020. Yours sincerely, Reggie Bhagwandin,
Criminals, GangstersMake a Change for Good! DEAR SIR/MADAM, If I were a criminal or gangster, this is how I should reason: “How would I feel if someone were to hold me up at gunpoint or with a knife and take my money or other possessions? Would I like that? Is it sensible of me to find joy in robbing or harming someone else? Isn’t it much better for me to think on Jesus’ statement at Matthew 7:12 that ‘all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them? ’ Would I like someone to rob or harm me? NO! So I should not rob or harm others. Criminals, gangsters, do you know that the time is coming when you will have to give account to the Most High God, Jehovah, for your actions? Psalm 83:18; Romans 14:12. Remember, we may get away from man but we CANNOT get away from God who sees EVERYTHING! Proverbs 15:3. Criminals, gangsters, at 2 Thessalonians 1:7 - 9, God states that he is going to use his Son, along with mighty angels, to destroy all who do not know God or obey the gospel. That destruction will be EVERLASTING, as verse 9 shows. Do you want to be destroyed FOREVER? Psalm 37:9, 10. Criminals, gangsters, God’s Word NEVER fails. He will do whatever he states. Isaiah 55:11. Therefore, I urge all criminals and gangsters to make a change for good. STOP committing crimes and do meaningful, useful activities. Ecclesiastes 3:13. Show the Creator that you are thankful to Him for creating you by using your lives in a good and beneficial way. Yours respectfully, Brianna Patterson
Sunday September 23, 2018
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Kaieteur News
Rose Hall Town is 48! – students, senior citizens benefited from anniversary activities
In observance of the Rose Hall Town anniversary celebrations, the Rose Hall Town Anniversary and Development Organisation (RHTADO) on Thursday held a press conference, where a preliminary calendar of events was highlighted, aimed at developing the town and promoting unity within the township. Public Relations Officer and Founder of the RHTADO, Andrew Griffith, noted that among the list of events, there are several activities planned for youths within the town. According to Griffith, on September 25 a Spelling Bee competition will be held at the Rose Hall Primary School which will see Grade Six students from the school along with others from Port Mourant, Tain and Cooper Primary schools vying for the title. The PRO also stated that a five-a-side football tournament is slated for September 29. This event is also set to kick-off at the Rose Hall Primary School’s compound. Earlier Thursday, several senior residents were honoured for their contributions to the town over the past years. Each of them received a grocery hamper and a token. This annual event is an amalgamated effort between the RHTADO and the Lucky Dollar Store. At the small presentation ceremony at the store’s Rose Hall branch, Patsy Toney, Winston Crawford, Winston Hope and Savitree Kumkaran were among the senior folks honoured. The oldest was 86-yearold Anna Lester. Also, former teacher Desrean Benjamin-Lewis was awarded for her 42 years of service in the teaching profession, from 1976 – 2018. Additionally, on Wednesday, more than 100 pupils from the Grade Four classes at the RH Primary School were treated to a mouth-watering meal, compliments of the RHTADO. Griffith told the Department of Public Information (DPI), that every year the Organisation would prepare meals as part of the town’s anniversary activities for different classes. The school
Senior citizens receiving hampers from representatives of the Rose Hall Town Anniversary and Development Organisation (RHTADO). also received a new guard hut. Rose Hall Town is a community in the East BerbiceCorentyne Region of Guyana and is located 14 miles from East New Amsterdam. Despite being considered a small town, Rose Hall is divided into three wards: Middle Rose Hall, East Rose Hall and Williamsburg. Rose Hall was once
owned by Dutch planters and later purchased by field slaves. In 1908, it acquired village status; and it was not
until 1970 that it became a town. Rose Hall has an area of 13 km² and a population of about 8,000, it has several
banks and stores lined the main public roads, most of which sells clothing and grocery.
The Mayor of Rose Hall is Vijay Kumar Ramoo, a resident and businessman for over 20 years.
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Kaieteur News
We did more than just “talk” to save Guyana from being another poor oil producing country- Jagdeo Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, appears to be satisfied with the efforts made thus far by his party to save Guyana from being just another poor oil producing nation. He said as much at his most recent press conference. Jagdeo told the media, “I think we did a little bit more than just point out how we feel about this contract. Indeed, we pointed out the provisions (of the contract with ExxonMobil) that we are unhappy with; and, we pointed out how badly served we were in the negotiations. We believe that a better prepared government negotiating team would have brought more benefits.” However, Jagdeo said that that was not all his party did. He said that the party offered much more—guidance and policy positions. The former President said, “We pointed out that we intend, through better contract administration, to make sure that we hold ExxonMobil to its commitments under the contract. Because, that is a second set of issues, the first is the bad contract negotiation; but that was done, the second now is policing what
Sunday September 23, 2018
Psychology Centre at UG expected to be finished by December 31st Construction site at UG
Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo we signed on to and this government is showing incompetence doing even that.” Jagdeo continued, “The pre-contract cost, the audit of that, I gave a suggestion. But that is something we would have seriously explored from the beginning. “The first week after the agreement would have been signed we would have gone to tender for the top firm in the world that does auditing of oil companies and bring that company in because we do not have the capacity at this point and time.” Jagdeo said that simulta-
neously, a PPP/C Government would have got about 300 of Guyana’s brightest young minds to go into rigorous training for the sector on financial and technical issues. He said, “We would have had to spend some money and send them off so as to create a bureaucracy that is Guyanese that can tackle complex issues of this sector…I give policy positions. “I just give you examples, leaving out issues like the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF). You already know we have specific views on those matters.”
Construction of the Jay and Sylvia Sobhraj Centre for behavioral studies and research has begun at the University of Guyana. Buddy’s Construction is set to renovate what is known as the “Spicy Dish” building on the university campus into a facility used for the psychology center facility. The project should be completed by December 31, 2018. In less than a year after collaborating with various organizations, including the Caribbean Alliance Network of Psychological Association (CANPA) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the Psychology programme of the University of Guyana (UG) got underway.The facility is expected to house a bookstore, food court, model counseling center, student gym, prayer rooms, and therapy room, which will be used to treat mentally ill patients, as well as educate persons in clinical psychology programme. The facility is also expected to have an extended Medex Station and the ability to cater to various programs including Psychology, Social works, Criminology, and Psychiatry. Upon the completion of the Psych Centre, UG will be able to offer a Master’s Programme
and a Bachelor’s Programme in Clinical Psychology, and a two-year Diploma Programme. It is believed that through the initiation of these programmes the battle against the high rate of mental health challenges should reduce along with the shortage of mental health professionals. The Jay and Sylvia Sobhraj Centre for Behavioral Studies and Research Centre presumed to complement the mental health department which was established by the Ministry of Public Health, whose department to date is said to be training over 100 such practitioners to work with mentally challenged persons. The building of the first psychology center was a gift from Jay and Sylvia Sobhraj and in April 2018, during the handing over ceremony, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Paloma Mohamed highlighted that this was the first major gift by a private individual or foundation to the University of Guyana However, founder Jay Sobhraj said his education was made possible through grants, and he is grateful now to be in a better position to give back to the prosperity of his homeland.
Sunday September 23, 2018
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Kaieteur News
GMC records 18% increase in export of non-traditional commodities
T
he Guyana M a r k e t i n g Corporation (GMC) has recorded an increase in the quality of nontraditional agricultural commodities that have been processed at its packaging facilities. During the period January to August 2018 over 809 metric tonnes of non-traditional agricultural commodities were prepared for export at the two packaging facilities: Central Packaging Facility in Sophia and Parika Agro-processing Packaging Facility. This represents an 18% increase in exports when compared to the corresponding period of January to August 2017. Moreover, 56 shipments were processed, of which 46 were for exports via sea and 10 were for export via air. While the increase is commendable, Ms. Ida SealeyAdams, GMC’s General Manager noted that there is a need for exporters of non-traditional agricultural commodities to take advantage of the two facilities available to them. She added that GMC is also looking at other services that can be targeted at the facilities such as the processing and packaging of fresh produce to target local supermarkets and export markets. The Central Packaging Facility saw products such as crushed peppers, pepper sauce, steamed and curried katahar, cut green mangoes,
GMC displayed items in Agricultural crates steamed bilimbi, mango achar, preserved carambola fruits, coconut oil and cassava cassareep being prepared for bulk shipment. Additionally, cassareep, honey and Chinese sauce were prepared for export. Exporters would often use the packaging facilities to prepare their produce for export to countries such as Trinidad and Tobago, the United States of America (USA), Canada, St Maarten, Antigua, St Kitts and Barbados. While there has been an increase in export from the packaging facilities, exporters are curtailed by difficulties in the acquisition of the quantity and quality of produce required for the export market
at a competitive price. Ms. Celestine Butters, Packaging Facilities Manager noted that the unfavorable weather contributed to the shortage of produce especially in the Pomeroon and Berbice areas. She further stated that “there is a growing export demand for produce such as watermelons, plantains, seedless limes, pumpkins and dried coconuts.” Apart from the difficulties with the acquisition of the desired quality and quantity of produce for shipment and the unfavorable weather condition, the issue is compounded by the fact that air shipments, especially to Barbados, have become inad-
DEM BOYS SEH
Greenidge signing secret deals
Dem boys love real people who seh wha dem mean and mean wha dem seh. Dem don’t want no fluff, no bluff and no pretence. This country had enough of pretensive politicians who behaving like prostitutes. Dem boys realize that this set of politicians also crookish but dem not as bad as Jagdeo and his kavakamites. Dem hands not as sticky. But fuh sure dem more dumb than Jagdeo. Dem tek a paltry US$18M signing when dem coulda get US$18B instead. Then DEM run round and SIGN de worst oil contract de world ever see. De whole world was saying that Guyana should renegotiate de contract. Instead, Soulja Bai talk bout sanctity of contract. But is only de odda day de TT PM seh all contract must benefit both parties and that no contract write in stone. Wha de man is saying to Soulja Bai and ee dummies is to re-negotiate de contract. If dem don’t, this gun haunt all of dem, dem children, and dem grandchil-
dren. And at de political level that will be the straw that bruck the camel back. Everybody know that China on a roll to trap you. Dem do that in over 70 countries and tek way de people assets. Dem tek way airport, deep water harbor, electricity companies, television companies, radio stations, major highways, mining lands and timber concessions in all dem countries. Yesterday, Greenidge sign anodda secret contract wid China. He didn’t want to answer no question from de media. When he done sign de secret deal he run to he car and seh he busy. Dem boys later see him at de Marriott sipping something. This was de man who invite de reporters to an early morning signing. De signing didn’t tek place til near midday. And even then de reporters nearly miss it because he lock dem in a room and lef dem. Is a cameraman come and seh de people signing. Greenidge look like if he would sign away he cat in
secret. Every country China lend money had corrupt govt and greedy leaders. Dem boys believe that Guyana already dea in this bracket. And it started wid Jagdeo. It look like if it continuing under Soulja Bai cats. Jagdeo sign de airport expansion project in secret; de Skeldon sugar factory still secret; de East Coast road project sign in secret and de GPL transmission line contract was done in secret. Nobody know unto now how much Jagdeo tek from China suh dem don’t know is how much Guyana owe China. Now you have this coalition govt signing fuh more loans wid China. Soulja Bai did seh he keeping ee eyes wide open but yesterday he was not there when Greenidge sign wid he shades on. Dem boys remember Greenidge is de man who been protecting Exxon from Day One. Now he protecting China. Talk half and watch how dem politicians pawning Guyana assets to de Chinese.
Items being processed for export at Central Packaging Facility equate since the change of ownership and route of AMERJET. This has resulted in the company no longer offering
its services to Barbados exporters. Nevertheless, cargo shipments are also offered by Caribbean Airlines and Fly Ja-
maica. Unfortunately, space is usually limited since passengers’ luggage is given first preference. Notwithstanding (Continued on page 19)
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Sunday September 23, 2018
Kaieteur News
Govt. steams ahead with China’s Belt and Road initiative
A
fter announcing that Guyana was taking its time, Government appears to be speeding towards executing projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) – a scheme used globally by China to provide financial support for infrastructural projects.. The visit yesterday by China’s State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi, has accelerated discussions just two months ago Guyana signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation within the framework of the BRI. But the BRI is increasingly causing concerns. It is seen globally as a debt trap for countries like Ghana and Sri Lanka where China in some cases ended up owning the infrastructure, including major ports. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, held bilateral talks with Yi yesterday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has commenced discussions with other agencies in order to secure their inputs to assess their needs and to identify priority areas,” Greenidge said at a ceremony where he signed a loan agreement with China. These agencies Greenidge highlighted were represented at yesterday’s discussions with the Chinese. “We are committed to utilizing this new framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, as well as existing bilateral mechanisms, to channel support to critical sectors, n a m e l y i n f r a s t r u c t u re, agriculture, renewable energy, health and ICT, in order to bring direct benefits to our citizens. Greenidge stated during a ceremony that the discussions focused on how Guyana and China will move forward with the cooperation areas identified under the BRI MOU. He said while the MOU outlines broad areas of
…starts process of identifying projects
President David Granger (Left) leads a delegation in talks with China’s State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi and his delegation. collaboration, such as policy coordination, enhancing connectivity, promoting trade
and increased people-topeople exchanges among others, the two countries must
now identify specific proposals and develop a mechanism by which projects and programmes in these areas, may be proposed and evaluated at the technical level. Minister Yi said the two countries are working closely to develop an action plan to guide the implementation of the MOU. President David Granger had said that the government “must go into these agreement with its eyes wide
open”. He said that Government recognises that Guyana needs infrastructure in order to develop and this is the main reason Guyana is courting China’s BRI. Granger had told the media that Guyana is going to be prudent in its approach to projects under the BRI which is developing a reputation on the international stage as a debt trap for small nations of interest to China.
Sunday September 23, 2018
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Kaieteur News
GPHC gets Chinese support to conduct Juvenile Justice Commencement first modern orthopaedic procedure Order yet to be issued
Members of the Chinese Medical Brigade, Dr. Yuan Hui and Dr. Zou Guoyou along with Dr. Shawn Bancroft. The use of CT Scan and the exchange of knowledge has been key factors that have positioned the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation [GPHC] to improve its capacity to deal with difficult fractures. The hospital has been gaining support in this regard from Orthopedist, Dr. Zou Guoyou, a member of the Chinese Medical Brigade which arrived in Guyana about two months ago. Although the Brigade is scheduled to spend one year here, its support has already been proving to be instrumental. This was manifested when the Orthopaedic Department of the GPHC was recently faced with one of its most difficult cases. The case in question was that of a motorcyclist who was admitted after sustained debilitating injuries in a road accident. The patient, whose information has not been released, would be the first to undergo a breakthrough orthopaedic procedure at the public health institution. Reports are that following thorough x-ray studies, medical practitioners were able to determine that the patient had sustained a comminuted fracture with tibia plateau collapse. In essence the patient suffered a complex fracture that is usually difficult and even near impossible to fix. However, ahead of conducting the procedure, surgeons at the hospital had proposed that an anterior approach be used. This decision was based on the x-rays of the patient’s injury which saw it being classified as a Schatzker type IV. To address this, the fracture would require two large V-shaped incisions – anterolateral and medial – that would have had to be made to expose the fracture. However, it was noted that the use of this extensive approach has on many occasions led to infec-
tion and skin necrosis because of its extensiveness. The department’s senior surgeons moreover challenged the feasibility of using the anterior approach in this case sighting the fact that the fracture was extending posterity. A decision was made for a CT scan to be done to further study the personality of the fracture. According to the orthopaedic team at the GPHC, an anterior approach seemed tenable based on Schatzker classification for this patient. However, Schatzker classification is based on x-ray evaluation, which only displays bone structure in two dimensions but this fracture seemed to be beyond the Schatzker classification. As such the medical practitioners saw it necessary to study CT films before choosing a surgical approach. In this case, CT films demonstrated that the location of the fracture was mainly posterior medial. Another solution to such pattern of fracture, named the posteromedial approach, which has been mentioned in many academic literatures was contemplated. All of the GPHC’s consultants agreed with this surgical plan. And since it was clear that Dr. Zou has had vast experience in posteromedial approach, he was given the chance to lead the first such surgical procedure at the GPHC. The procedure saw the patient undergoing open
reduction and internal fixation. The outcome was successful and hospital officials were only too eager to share this success story yesterday. With Dr. Zou’s continued support, the hospital has been able to detect shortcomings when it comes to dealing with fractures of the tibia and better appreciate the benefits of CT Scans in assessing such conditions. The hospital was recently able to acquire a CT Scan machine which has opened new options for surgeons at the institution. With the knowledge shared by Dr. Zou, in excess of 15 medical practitioners at the GPHC are poised to continue to offer the intricate procedure long after the Chinese Medical Brigade at the GPHC would have left. Lauding the support yesterday was Dr. Shawn Bancroft who noted that “[Dr. Zou] has been able to bring some new concepts from China and other parts of the world where he would have done researches and studies to actually implement and integrate them into our system.” “By doing so we will actually improve the quality of life of the patient because with newer surgical approaches, the surgical intervention might actually be easier [allowing for] less surgery time and this will mean greater recuperation for the patients in the rehab phase,” said Dr, Bancroft.
Five months have passed since the Juvenile Justice Bill was read and passed in parliament; however, it has not yet enacted. The Juvenile Justice Bill aims to eradicate the criminality of loitering and truancy among young persons under the age of eighteen. It is expected that with the commencement of this Act- a significant change will be seen in the way child offenders are treated by law enforcement. Juveniles will not be tried as adults; they will be given special protection as well as a means of rehabilitation. Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, introduced the Bill into parliament on March 15, 2018, with a sense of great urgency for Guyana’s younger demographic. He later succeeded in his efforts to pass the Bill in April 2018. Nevertheless, a commencement order has not been issued. The clause of the preliminary section of the
Bill explicitly states, “The Act shall come into operation on the day the Minister may by order appoint.” Minister Ramjattan tabled the Bill, so he is the responsible Minister and in order for this Act to be brought into action, the said minister needs to give his assent. However, when asked about the reason for him not issuing the commencement order for the Act, Ramjattan claimed that there was a need for costing of rehabilitation facilities as well as consultations in order for him to move forward. The Act requires the juvenile justice system to hold the child’s well-being as paramount whenever making decisions as well as to provide means of rehabilitation, reintegration and education for juveniles. The Act sees the involvement of parents in the cases of juveniles as pertinent for the advancement of a better society. Akin to this, the juvenile justice bill seeks to
hold juveniles accountable for their actions by measures that reemphasize respect for societal values. The criminal capacity of the bill presumes that no child under the age of fourteen be deemed capable or guilty of committing an offence. Consequently, the attorney representing the child will request that an evaluation be done, assessing the child’s social, emotional and cognitive development. The act will repeal the 1931 Juvenile Offenders Act and the Training School Act.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday September 23, 2018
Africans fear Zambia has become a Chinese colony - China takes control of State-owned airport, Electricity Company, National Media and major roadway An international airport, a State-owned Electricity Company, a National Broadcasting Network and a major roadway in Zambia, have all been taken over by China. In fact, the takeover of the South African country has reached such “commanding heights” that some observers are asking the question, “Is Zambia the first African country to become a full Chinese colony?” Zambia’s reported ‘colonization’ is due to its government’s failure to repay a US$8B debt to China for infrastructural projects undertaken by the Chinese under programmes like the ”Belt and Road” initiative. Given the appalling proportions of the debt, it was no surprise that Zambia’s plight was recently highlighted on “The Dr. Mumbi show” —a widely viewed online/TV programme in Africa. During her show, Dr. Mumbi Seraki noted that China has been given unrestrained control over Zambian resources owing to over-borrowing and the unfiltered immigration of Chinese into the country. It was also highlighted that the Chinese have taken over African neighbourhoods, marketplaces, and major business sectors such as mining and real estate. Dr. Mumbi noted that the situation is causing conflict between the Chinese
immigrants and the locals. But there is nothing that could be done by the Government of Zambia. Their hands are tied. “If the Zambians complain about something which is done illegally, the Chinese government steps in and says don’t touch my people and the Zambian Government backs down.” As if that is not enough, Dr. Mumbi said that China has also been grabbing up major State assets. A few months ago, the stateowned TV and radio news channel, ZNBC, and the Lusaka International Airport were
In addition to all this, the Chinese have closed off a road on the central point of Zambia’s capital, Lusaka. Given the aforementioned, the Kenyan commentator questioned the logic behind China’s dealings in Zambia’s state- of -affairs. “Do you think an African company would be allowed control over China’s national electricity? But you know what? It just shows that China’s new colonial strategy is at its climax. And they (China) have been doing this covert business for so long and now they got their tentacles so deep inside (Africa) that it’s
“What China has done is that they have studied countries that have corrupt governments and greedy leaders….China’s operations in Africa are a fact that many of the deals are done in secret. In many cases, we don’t know what we signed on to.” taken over by the Chinese. Even the State’s electricity company, ZESCO, is poised for takeover by the Chinese government owning their loan default, Mumbi stressed. But the government has been denying the reports. “They (the Government) have been trying to play cool like everything is ok but they have actually been in secret talks over how their national electricity company will be taken over by China,” the African talk-show host revealed.
going to be hard for some countries turn back,” she said. The talk-show host also emphasized that China’s whole strategy is encouraging indebtedness. “They come to Africa with the money. They give and they give (loans) but once you default, they start to take over strategic assets. You see, what China has done is that they have studied countries that have corrupt governments and greedy leaders. That’s the trouble with most African nations. That’s why we find most African nations in this situation.” She stressed further, that China’s longterm goal is the effective ownership of the commanding heights of Africa’s economy. Dr. Mumbi also explained that one of the biggest problems with China’s operations in Africa is the fact that many of the deals are done in secret. “In many cases, we don’t know what we signed on to. We don’t know the kind of agreements they made because all of them were done hush-hush and behind- the scenes. All we’ve been told is that China is giving Africa money or they’re funding this or that infrastructure project. “But we are not told that the debt repayment is set at this percentage and if you fail to pay this percentage, we are going to be in trouble.”
Dr. Mumbi Seraki Turning her focus back to Zambia, Dr. Mumbi highlighted yet another problem with the loans—the lack of capacity by the country’s Ministry of Finance to track government spending. She noted that since President Edgar Lungu came to power, Zambia signed off on to at least US$8B in Chinese projects. But over US$5B is still to be added to the US$8B total. Zambia is refusing to acknowledge this, saying that the money has not been disbursed as yet. China, however, said that the money has already been given and more large loans are in the pipeline. According to Dr. Mumbi, there is great worry over the money collected since the Zambian Finance Ministry does not have the capacity, to police, let alone trace all the spending. “And because these deals are done in secret, the financial penalty of backing out of these projects are worse than if you actually go through with it to the end,” the host added In spite of the capacity issues, the talkshow host revealed that Zambia’s President, Edgar Chagwa Lungu, recently visited China and signed another US$30 million loan for the modernization of his country’s Mulungushi International Conference Centre and another US$30 million for the expansion of the electricity supply for the Lusaka East MultiFacility Economic Zone. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4NkIL7-6M
Sunday September 23, 2018
Kaieteur News
Int’l bodies to help design anticorruption plans to safeguard Guyana’s wealth International bodies such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are in line to help Guyana design a menu of anticorruption plans and measures that would go a long way in safeguarding the nation’s oil wealth. They will also provide several rounds of training for the oil and gas sector. This was confirmed recently with Head of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Godfrey Statia. The tax chief noted that Guyana’s petroleum sector is progressing swiftly with first oil expected in 2020. He said that this planned petroleum development, coupled with ongoing assessment of new discoveries, has led the Government of Guyana to focus on ramping up preparations to oversee the upstream sector (exploration, development and production); to develop policy and legislation, to build up internal capacity building, to promote governance and transparency, and to undertake financial and economic planning. It is with this in mind that he noted the international partners will help Guyana in an Oil and Gas Capacity Building Project. He said that this initiative aims to enhance the Government’s capacity to achieve its management goals for the petroleum sector through interventions focused on enhancing legal
GRA Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia
and institutional frameworks and strengthening the capacity of key institutions to manage the oil and gas sector in Guyana. Statia also sought to remind that the International Monetary Fund will be helping the authority in gathering a team of efficient persons to conduct the most rigorous audit possible on all costs to be recovered by ExxonMobil. The GRA Commissioner General also noted that the IMF will be lending its expertise to audit the controversial pre-contract costs, which is believed to be some US$900M. Kaieteur News understands that the Fund and other institutions will be tasked with auditing, examining and verifying all available documentation and records necessary for charges and credits relating to the contractor’s activities under the Petroleum Agreement.
This means all books of accounts, accounting entries; material records and inventories, vouchers, payrolls, invoices and any other documents, and correspondence will be requested and checked thoroughly. The international bodies will also determine if any required documents are yet to be submitted. The global financial bodies will also assess the impact of the audit on future Profit Oil and Profit Gas, its subsequent petroleum tax implications and if relevant tax entitlements are optimized in the interest of the Government of Guyana. Statia said that the support from the IMF will be financed through the Managing Natural Resource Wealth (MNRW) trust fund, which has also funded the technical assistance received so far on petroleum taxation and revenue management.
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Pensioner, 67, secures judgment against NIS A 67-year-old former security guard can now breathe a sigh of relief after an order was issued by the Court for the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) to pay her after seven years. Chief Justice (Ag.) Madam Roxanne George earlier this month ordered the NIS to pay Sahadai a monthly pension dating back to April 2011. The court also ordered that NIS pay interest at the rate of six percent per annum on all arrears arising between April 14, 2011 and September 5, 2018; the date of judgment. In addition to the $3M court judgment, the court also ordered NIS to pay the woman her monthly pension. In her Affidavit, the ailing pensioner had recounted the pain and suffering she endured with the many unnecessary trips from the Regional Office to the NIS Head Office in Georgetown, a routine which began even before the pension became payable. The affidavit also showed the pensioner taking up residence with a relative in an effort to reduce transportation cost. The pensioner had served as a security guard for her Region as an employee with a number of government agencies and private security firms. She related that three months before her sixtieth birthday an application was made to NIS for the payment of a pension. Instead, the NIS offered only an Old Age Grant, citing insufficient contributions as their records reflected only 386 contributions, as opposed to the 750 contributions needed to qualify for a monthly pension. Insisting that after sixteen years of continuous employment, the contributions ought to be in excess of the required 750 contributions, the woman requested a review of the case. After a review that lasted four years, the NIS claimed that it could only locate 150 more contributions, bringing the total number of contributions to 536, which still did not qualify for a monthly pension. The pensioner explained to this newspaper that contact was made with the
past Chairman of NIS, Dr. Roger Luncheon in 2013 and also with the current Chairman Dr. Surendra Persaud, all with the hope of the NIS to recognise the full number of actual contributions, but on each occasion, NIS management responded saying the number of contributions on their record do not qualify her for a monthly pension, as the defaulting employer United Associates Security & Domestic Services Inc. had failed to pay in approximately 280 NIS contributions. Sahadai expressed surprise that the NIS allowed United Associates Security & Domestic Services Inc. to collect and not pay over contributions for more than five years and wondered how many other persons were similarly deprived of their pensions. The pensioner decided to approach Attorney-at-law Christopher Ram for legal representation. She explained that Ram relied on a little used provision in the NIS legislation which states that unless the employee conspires or colludes with the employer, the NIS is required to recognise the contributions. Ram noted that on the morning the matter was due to begin, his client was presented with a letter from NIS in which they agreed to credit the pensioner’s Contribution Record with 289 contributions, taking the number of contributions over the 750 contributions required for a pension. Ram said that while the case did not go to trial, he welcomed the recognition by NIS that no worker should suffer as result of noncompliance by the employer and the failure of the NIS to enforce the law against such employers. Ram said that he hopes this is not a unique case and that employees of other defaulting employers will start to take steps to have their unremitted contributions recognised. Ram also praised the pensioner’s excellent record keeping and persistence which he believed played an important part in the successful outcome of the case.
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Sunday September 23, 2018
Kaieteur News
Local politicians should take a page out of Rowley’s book; get a better contract for your people- Hinds Chartered Accountant, Nigel Hinds, is one of the few Guyanese who have not given up on the prospect of the nation securing a better contract with oil giant, ExxonMobil. The recent utterances of the Trinidadian Prime Minister, Keith Rowley to the effect that no contract is set in stone and should always benefit both parties, is something with which Hinds “absolutely agrees”. Asked to share how his country is going about the renegotiation of oil contracts and how Guyana might learn from this, the TT Prime Minister said that while he would not want to give “public advice” to his
colleague, President David Granger, it is a fact that Trinidad has been in the oil business for ages. He said that much of what Trinidad has engaged in is what Guyana will soon have to do. ”But whatever our experience has been, it would do Guyana well to know what that experience is, even if it is not taken as advice,” the Prime Minister said. Dr. Rowley said, “We have respected the sanctity of contracts while not accepting that contracts are set in stone. Contracts are engagements made between two parties and when you make contracts,
if there is goodwill between the participants, and if the intention is for both participants to benefit from the nature of the contract, we see the possibility and the opportunity for the contracts being revisited so as to maintain the balance of the elements of the contract.” The TT Prime Minister said that this is the basis on which his government has approached oil companies in its borders on the renegotiating of contracts. As I speak to you now, we are at the negotiation table, having got their acknowledgement that the contract could be looked at. “Of course, both sides (are) seeking to maintain the balance that the contracts ought to have and we do this by renegotiations.” Dr. Rowley said, too, “I wouldn’t attempt to criticize what kind of contracts you might have entered
Chartered Accountant, Nigel Hinds into, but contracts reflect time, place and circumstances. What I would say to Guyana is to understand where you are at, and the time and place. “Understand that you have a friend in Trinidad a n d To b a g o w h i c h h a s years of experience in (the industry) which may be of benefit to you. We have people and companies which have been doing this for a number of years.”
Dr. Rowley said he can only see benefits for both countries if there is collaboration in the industry.” Yesterday, Hinds recalled that at the press conference where Rowley made the remarks, Guyana’s Foreign affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge “who is a staunch and frequent defender of the atrocious 2016 Production Share and Agreement (PSA), between the Government of
Guyana and partners: Esson, Hess & Nexen; was photographed at the press conference looking aghast, adrift and wanting to be anywhere else; not surprisingly.” Hinds said that it is time local politicians, on both sides of the divide, get their act together and do what is best for the nation as a whole. He said, “It is time they take a page out of Prime Minister Rowley’s book.” Hinds lamented that the “lopsided” contract cannot be seen as a ticket to prosperity for Guyana. He recalled that the two percent royalty to be paid is a disgrace. Pre-contract cost, the stability clause, the lack of ring-fencing, the unlimited concessions are all things that need to be addressed. “President David Granger and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo; we implore you to show solidarity and dismantle this 2016 Production Sharing Agreement - that does not share with Guyana, beyond relative morsels; we must renegotiate this cockroach contract.”
Sunday September 23, 2018
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Kaieteur News
MoU offers T&T opportunity for major play in local oil and gas sector Trinidad and Tobago, over the years, has found in Guyana a major trading partner for its goods. Thousands of Guyanese also live there and tourists from this country have been going there in droves for Carnival and CPL cricket. There are several Trini-controlled businesses that have been here for years, including Massy, Ansa McAl, Republic Bank, and the list goes on. This week, Guyana inked a key agreement with T&T for closer collaboration in this country’s oil and gas sector. With oil production two years away, Guyana is banking on the Trini’s 100-plus years of oil and gas experience. There is no sellout, but an opportunity for shared knowledge and resources, President David Granger and T&T’s Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley insisted on Wednesday during the signing at State House. There has been worry from the private sector and calls for the agreement to be made public. Hours after the signing, the agreement on the energy sector cooperation was made public by the Ministry of the Presidency. According to the MoU, the agreement does not provide any exclusivity or prohibit either party from entering into agreements or instru-
President David Granger and T8T’s leader, Dr. Keith Rowley on Wednesday. ments of this type with third parties. “Nothing provided in this MoU will also affect the rights of the parties over their respective archipelagic waters, territories, maritime zones and air space under their sovereignty and jurisdiction”. That also holds for “…all natural resources in respect thereof, in accordance with the national laws and regulations of
the respective Party and the applicable rules and principles of international law.” The document also assured that both countries acknowledge that this MoU shall not constitute a legally binding agreement between the parties in any respect, nor is it intended to create rights or provide remedies enforceable by either party. So what exactly are the benefits?
Trinidad, with both onshore and offshore oil and gas operations, and several downstream activities, will provide technical assistance in the areas of exploration and production of hydrocarbon resources. The two countries also have the leg-room for the “identification and development” of projects throughout the hydrocarbon value chain and the “identification of projects in the
area of construction and maintenance of plants and infrastructure related to transportation, storage and supply of hydrocarbons and derivatives.” Guyana currently has limited capacity to store oil. Trinidad has that capacity. Trinidad also has possibilities under the MoU to explore exchange arrangements and other delivery mechanisms for oil and gas products, including gasoline and diesel. The MoU also speaks broadly on “any other means of cooperation agreed to by the Parties in the areas related to the objective of this agreement in accordance with the national legal system of each country”. The MoU allows for Guyana and T&T to enter into specific agreements for the development and implementation of the activities listed. Among other things, the Twin-island Republic can also be banked on for the exchange of information on public policies in the area of the regulation, administration and sovereign management of hydrocarbon resources and technology transfer. This will also hold same for the information on government programmes throughout the oil and gas value chain and related experiences. Guyana can also tap into
the training and capacity building of technical personnel and the development of energy technologies through technical visits, secondments, seminars and presentations. Perhaps, more significantly, is the opportunities for both countries to work in the promotion of cooperation and exchange of experiences between state-owned petroleum enterprises for the “development of joint projects utilising mechanisms convenient to the parties”. Trinidad is also willing to help Guyana develop policies, plans and protocols relating to health, safety and the environment and the establishment of procedures to prevent and respond to operational accidents which may result in damage, environmental impacts and personal injury. With regards to the very controversial issue of local content, Guyana can also look that sister CARICOM country for help. The MoU said that the two countries will designate the ministers responsible for energy and energy-related industries who shall comprise the Executing Committee for the implementation of the agreement. Guyana has announced plans to expand its cooperation with T&T to include sports, among other areas.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday September 23, 2018
Sunday September 23, 2018
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Kaieteur News
---Hinds’ Sight by Dr. David Hinds---
In the face of imminent Oil-Wealth Guyanese must resist becoming insular
A
s Guyana prepares for the coming Oil and Gas dispensation, there is not unexpectedly, a lot of debate over what direction the government should take. We have heard from experts, at least one political party, the private sector organizations, political commentators and every now and then, a word or two from government spokespersons. What is glaringly absent is a clear and coherent vision from the government or for that matter from any other quarter. We have had quarrels over the signing bonus, the contract, environmental protection and most recently engagement with our sisterCARICOM country, Trinidad and Tobago. The mutterings, which could get louder and louder in the coming months, over the pact with Trinidad disappoints me. I have always argued to my Caribbean colleagues and friends that
Guyana is perhaps the least insular Caribbean country. After all, we flock to other CARICOM countries, often to for economic reasons. But more than that, there is something about the Guyanese outlook that more readily accommodates the Caribbean spirit than others. Perhaps it’s because we are not physically an island—some observers have opined that there is a level of insularity that comes with islandness. Or perhaps because our internal ethnic problems are so acute, we tend to look more outward than inward. Whatever it is, I think there is consensus that Guyanese are generally less insular than our sisters and brothers in the wider Caribbean. Remember that there was no problem hosting the CARICOM secretariat here or hosting the first CARIFESTA. Remember, there was no fight here whether we should join the CCJ or champion the
CSME. This is not to say that we have been spotless when it came to regional integration. The Jagan-led PPP took us out of the 1958-62 Federation and the later post-1992 PPP flirted with an Indian-led Trinidad-Guyana-Surname sub-regionalism perhaps as a substitute for CARICOM. In some instances, we have been unkind to others who come here such as the Haitians. But I insist, we have been less insular even when others, such as the Barbadians and some Eastern Caribbean countries, have treated us terribly —almost scornfully. I have seen the famous bench at the Grantley Adams airport. I have heard our sister and brother Caribbeans speak disdainfully about “them Guyanese.” But through it all I have not witnessed a similar response from Guyanese. Yes, I have heard some worry about the Cubans and Brazilians and now the Venezu-
The Baccoo Speaks As if the road fatality figure must be at a certain number ever so often there is a spate of road deaths. This trend is going to continue this week with yet another fatality. The victim will be a pedestrian killed by a careless driver. ** The issue with the teachers is close to a resolution with the nomination of a team to determine the
negotiation. This sh o u l d have been done a long time ago but for the intransigence of the Education Ministry and the opposi-
tion political elements in the Teachers’ Union. As fate would have it there are teachers who are divided on the action already taken. ** The gold mines would record another fatality. Some miners would be travelling to a location when their boat would encounter difficulties. Men and ration would be swept overboard.
elans. You see, our Caribbean sisters know that economically they have been betteroff than us. The sense of economic advantage brings with it an accompanying sense of insularity, superiority and protectionism. But now oil and gas are coming to Guyana. It is beginning to sink in, at least among the elites in Guyana. Expectedly, the struggle for control of the pie begins in earnest. Even before Dr. Keith Rowley came, the private sector begins to complain. Letters began to appear in the papers reminding us of all the ills Trinidad has perpetrated against us. If this narrative is allowed to continue unchallenged, it would inevitably take root among the wider population. The table seems to be turning economically. Barbados has gone to the IMF. Trinidad is in better shape, but there is some economic stress there too. But oil wealth is coming to Guyana. So, what the Trinis and Bajans and Antiguans did to us, we would be tempted to now do to them. This is my reading of the ant-Trinidad missives in
the press. Historical memory is often liberating for victims, but it can also be used as a platform for revenge. I make room for some insularity which I view as part of the logic of the nationstate. That logic drove Jamaica to break-up the Federation and instilled in Barbadians a false sense of exceptionalism. In both instances the myth of economic development was a motivating factor. Trinidad also had its moments of hyper-insularity. Only a few years ago, Prime Minister Kamla Bissessar remarked that Trinidad was not the ATM of the Caribbean. I say, “myth of economic development” because the Jamaica and Barbados examples and the first Trinidad oil-boom teach us that in these post-plantation, ex-colonial outposts, economic boom is transitory. I am a Caribbeanist— unrepentantly so. For me, Guyana’s cultural soul is wrapped up in the Caribbean civilization. In that regard I ask Guyanese not to heed the creeping insularity being encouraged. This is not about
Dr David Hinds turning the other cheek, it is about enlightenment. Do not allow oil and gas to turn us into agents of insularity. As The calypsonian-poet, David Rudder, reminds us in lyrics and song: In these tiny theatres of conflict and confusion Better known as the isles of the West Indies We already know who brought us here And who created this confusion So, I’m begging, begging my people please Rally round the West Indies More of Dr. Hinds ‘writings and commentaries can be found on his YouTube Channel Hinds’ Sight: Dr. David Hinds’ Guyana-Caribbean Politics and on his website www.guyanacaribbeanpolitics.news. Send comments to dhinds6106@aol.com
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By Michael Jordan I dialed Sheema Mangar’s phone number two years ago.Of course I didn’t expect to get an answer. After all, Manger had been dead for five years. And the person who had killed her had snatched her Blackberry before dragging her to her death. But guess what? Someone answered. The individual was a young man; at least he sounded young. I think I said ‘wrong number’ or some such mundane thing, before hanging up.
Kaieteur News
I suspect that there’s no real mystery to what happened. The company to which the phone was registered may have just transferred the dead bank clerk’s number to another user. But you must admit that what happened was pretty damn strange; a strange happening in an already strange case. There are so many unanswered questions that linger, including these three: Who killed Sheema Mangar? Was the killer just a petty thief who was after a cell phone? Is he dead as some policemen suspect?
Most of you already know the whole sad story, from what happened that night, to how they say the investigation was botched. In case you don’t, here’s what happened. Around 6:30 p.m. on Friday, September 9, 2010, 21-yearold Demerara Bank employee Sheema Manger, left her workplace and headed for Camp Street and North Road. It was at this spot that she would catch a bus that would take her to her parent’s home at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara. It was while she was waiting with other commuters and
Remembering Sheema Mangar: Relatives at the scene (MANGAR CROSS) some of her colleagues, that a man walked up to her and snatched her Blackberry phone. One woman who was nearby recalled seeing a darkcomplexioned man in a red sweater run past her from Norton Street into Camp Street. She then saw a young woman, later identified as Mangar, screaming and running behind the man. According to the eyewitness, the man entered a grey or ‘fawn-coloured’ car that was parked a short distance from the Methodist Church in Camp Street. Mangar then stood in front of the car while shouting: “Give me back my phone.” Instead, the occupants of the vehicle drove forward, crushing the woman under the wheels. They then dragged Mangar over North Road. Leaving the injured woman on the roadway, the occupants of the car sped east up Church Street. The eyewitness said that she never saw the licence number. Mangar was taken to the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, where she succumbed a few hours later. By this time, police officials had turned the case over to their homicide ranks, since they were treating the matter as a murder. On Monday, September 12, detectives picked up a 31year-old man from Kingston. The man, who had previous brushes with the law, drove a silver-grey car. The vehicle’s bumper and bonnet were slightly damaged. According to police sources, they had picked the man up because informants had suggested that he might be the driver of the car that killed Mangar. The crime scene experts found a single strand of hair on the vehicle, and they believed that the hair might be Mangar’s. Four days later, police revealed that they had unearthed no further evidence
Sunday September 23, 2018
and had released the suspect on station bail. He was still a person of interest and was ordered to lodge his passport with the police. Detectives also impounded another vehicle. Under this one, they retrieved what appeared to be a piece of green fabric, similar to the skirt that Mangar was wearing when she was run over. The impounded cars were both Toyotas but different models- one an AT 192 and the other an AT 212. But police suffered a setback when they learned that the medical staff who were treating Mangar had disposed of her bloody clothing when she arrived at the hospital. Detectives were left to take samples from another uniform that Mangar owned. Samples from that uniform, and from the fabric found under one of the vehicles, as well as what appeared to be a spot of blood, were sent to a Barbados laboratory. But none matched Mangar’s DNA or her clothing. A police official said that the hair sample was not sent because it had no root to enable a DNA sample to be taken. And because no police ranks had accompanied Mangar to hospital, detectives had lost out on the possibility of getting a dying declaration that may have helped identify her killer. But who was Mangar’s killer? Was his motive merely robbery? To find out, I returned to the scene of the crime around the same time I put through that call to the dead bank clerk’s number. I was hoping that I would meet someone who had been there on the very night, and who could offer a fresh perspective on what had happened. I was lucky. The person I met recalled seeing a man running to a vehicle, which was parked some distance from the Methodist Church in Camp Street. The eyewitness recalled seeing Mangar standing in front of the car and shouting: “Give me back my phone,” before the vehicle struck her down and dragged her over North Road. The eyewitness did not recall Mangar ever shouting ‘thief.’ That individual felt that Mangar knew the individual who had snatched her phone. That eyewitness is convinced that the killer was waiting for Sheema Mangar, and that Mangar knew him. Mangar’s mother, Radica Thakoor, also seems to doubt
that her daughter’s attacker was merely after her phone. ”I don’t think so,” she told me. “She (Sheema) was a quiet person, she know better than that,” she added, referring to the notion that her daughter would pursue a thief just to retrieve a phone. She said that Sheema had lost two other expensive phones and had not reacted in this manner. ”The first was left in a bus; the second one, somebody picked her bag, and she just let it go. The first was a Razr, the second was a Samsung.” But then Mrs. Thakoor also says it is possible that her daughter reacted the way she had because she never expected such a violent response. ”She must not have expected somebody to do her anything, because of how me grow she. Many days me sit down and try to figure out what really happen.” Meanwhile, detectives close to the case remain convinced that this was just a case of an innocent victim confronting a violent thief. One source said that after having two cell phones stolen from her, Sheema Mangar was determined not to be a victim a third time. The source also revealed that one of the men that they had detained, and whose car they had examined, met a violent end less than two years after Mangar’s murder. It was in 2012 that this suspect and another man were cornered in a Georgetown alley, after attempting to rob a business couple. The suspect in Mangar’s murder was shot dead. Mrs. Thakoor is convinced that the police can close this case and end her eight years of torment. ”If they have a heart, I believe they will solve this matt e r . ”If they lose their child, they will feel how I feel. They are not just police officers, they are fathers. They go home to a family too. I feel it’s not just the samples only, if they truly want to solve this they can.” If you have any information about this unusual case or any other, please contact us at our Lot 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown office, or by telephone. We can be reached on telephone numbers 22-58473, 22-58458, 22-58465, or 2258491. You need not disclose your identity. You can also contact Michael Jordan at his email a d d r e s s kamarangnight@gmail.com.
Sunday September 23, 2018
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Kaieteur News
==THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN==
Every Guyanese should watch the Stephen Curry interview
D
uring the CPL semi-final, my wife and I were switching channels after each over to escape the onerous banality of seeing the same commercials every five minutes (it can harm you psychologically). My wife switched then went back to cricket but I saw basketball player, Stephen Curry being interview and yelled out; “Put it back, put it back!” What Curry had to say I knew fifty years ago. But Curry’s words will stay with me until I die. I will pass on what he said to his BBC interviewer to every human I meet. Asked to give his opinion on the Serena Williams outburst and the Kaepernick controversy, the basketball genius defended both Williams and Kaepernick. Then came the wise words. He told his interviewer that famous athletes like him have a platform to speak on behalf of those who haven’t got one. This is a lesson all humans must internalize. People who have achieved recognition in their country and are role models have a duty bestowed on them by civilization to speak on behalf of those who need their voices. Please forgive me for an insertion of a little personal example that will underscore my point. I took a worker who was badly exploited by his powerful and rich employer to Labour Minister, Keith Scott. See my column of Friday, September 7, 2018, captioned; “I took a victim to Minister Keith Scott.”
Scott was moved by the descriptions offered by the employee and ordered an investigation. That was on the Friday. On Tuesday, the employer paid. The exploited employee sought persons who could have helped. If any country should heed the words of Curry it is Guyana. This country simply defies logic in a way that no other country does. I picked up the papers and saw that Mark Benschop asked Nigel Hughes to fight the farmer’s appeal who was jailed for possession of eight grams of cocaine. According to a survey on legal education in Caricom countries funded by Canada and carried out by UWI, Guyana has 1200 lawyers. The study (see Kaieteur News – April 9, 2018) revealed that Guyana has a lawyer for every 657 person. Now do the research and you will find the name of just one lawyer - Nigel Hughes coming up all the time in situations where poor people’s right are violated and they cannot pay for legal resort. Can you imagine a country with 1200 lawyers in a population of just under 800,000 citizens yet lawyers doing pro bono work for poor people whose rights are violated are as scarce as elephants in Georgetown. What kind of wasteland is this country? As mentioned in one of my columns last week, I have
to report on my advocacy to take the Guyana Post Office to court over the violation of citizens’ constitutional right. The post office requires you to produce an envelope with a post date with your name and address on it before you can post a parcel. That has to be a violation. Thousands of people will be affected since they probably never received a mail through the post office. A number of persons have agreed to fund the court case but finding a brave lawyer is a problem. I chose one of my students that I
liked when I lectured to him at UG and who recently returned. I thought it would help his career. The guy said; “No, no, no, Mr. Kissoon”. He wants nothing to do with such a case. If you are reading this and you have a lawyer in mind please contact me at 614-5927 or email me at fredkissoon@yahoo.com. The attorney will be paid for the fees he charges. We need to get this writ filed as early as possible. This sickening situation with the lawyers is the same with our academics.
If you come from a very far off country, and never knew about Guyana, you would never believe we have a university. Our academics do not publicly debate anything for the benefit of those who need to know. Our academics do not raise their voice in support of those who do not have a platform. But why ask them to look at the Curry interview? They will watch Curry talking about the need for those who are influential in society to help those who do not have a voice and as our older folks used to say when I was grow-
Frederick Kissoon ing up; “it will go through one ear, and come through the other.” The older folks had another way of putting it; “It is like throwing water on a duck’s back.”
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Kaieteur News
Sunday September 23, 2018
RE-BUILDING THE POLICE FORCE FROM WITHIN
Q
uite recently the governing Coali tion moved to change the leadership of the Guyana Police Force, appointing a new Commissioner of Police, naming four deputies and opening the path for promotion of officers some if whom were stagnated for more than a decade. For those of us paying attention, the major changes in the Guyana Police Force in recent weeks were very welcome. They have sent a major message to all ranks and to society at large, signaling that this government is very serious about: 1) improving the lives and livelihoods of officers and ranks, 2) returning the
image of police officers to what it used to be before the 1990’s, and 3) imbuing the current crop of policemen and women with such personal and professional integrity that even the temptation to act outside of their Code of Conduct would be unthinkable. We are well aware of the numerous incidents that have marred the image of the entire police force, incidents that affected the relationships between law enforcement and the public. The number of complaints rose exponentially while public confidence in the Force dwindled to nearly naught. In 2015, this Government inherited a law enforcement machinery that was se-
verely beaten down by selfserving political direction. Unfortunately, this taint covered the entire force and every policeman and woman was painted with the same brush. Everyone faced public rejection equally. The worst of it was when citizens accused police officers of conducting criminal activities, and alleged that agents were involved in the spate of extra-judicial killings in the early 2000’s when Guyana was called the crime capital of the Caribbean. The Police were accused of providing protection to ‘wealthy’ people who were rumoured to be operating on the other side of the law. For
years their stop-and-search and roadblock exercises raised public ire. Drivers complained of being bullied for money, of being harassed, of being forced to purchase tickets for private fund raising events, and of being locked up for no or very minor infractions and traffic violations. Unfortunately, these activities continued into this administration, but the police top brass, with the support of Government, began to work again with the laws that govern traffic policing. These laws are not new. They have been in our books for a long time. As part of its pledge to restore public faith, Government began to re-build the force from within. Modernized systems and equipment have begun to replace battered, unusable ones, and morale-boosting training programmes are being run here and overseas, and there have a few salary increases. By itself, increased wages for the disciplined services remains at the top of the national agenda for Cabinet discussion. Under a year ago we read about the many complaints reaching the Police Complaints Authority and the police top brass about ranks continuing to raise road blocks without proper authorization. The public was informed that they had very little cause to so do. Today, the case involving Attorney-at-Law
Ryan Crawford is trending. One observer posited that Mr. Crawford’s tirade of expletives, literally a ‘cuss out’ of a working traffic rank was probably the manifestation of the mindset that the ranks on the road (notice our hesitation to label all as Traffic police) have one objective only, i.e. to make a raise. Right or wrong, there are still people who traverse the roads and highways fearful of becoming another victim of a police shakedown. The public’s dislike for the police force was real and unhealthy – it still is in many places. Some ranks continue to do wrong things despite continuous training, having modern equipment and the use of more vehicles. It is taking a lot more than was first imagined to convince the Guyanese citizenry that Guyana’s law enforcement is ready to serve and protect. It is taking a lot more time, public awareness and public sensitization programmes. Thankfully police ranks have begun again to participate in community activities in towns and country areas where they are stationed. They volunteer their services to plan and execute sports, educational and cultural programmes. They speak during school assemblies; they ‘gaff’ with the youngsters hanging out at road corners, and generally are more helpful to people. It is clear to us, and to
them, that they need higher wages. One rank painted this scenario for us: Imagine yourself working with the narcotics branch, taking part in raids on vehicles, homes, boats, etc. At the end of your shift your ride home is a ‘corkball’ minibus playing loud, obscene music and filled with folks who had a harder day than you. One of the passengers might be a drug smuggler who had escaped during the raid your team had conducted earlier that day. Your personal safety is put at risk as are your peace of mind and the safety of your family. Only one honest thing could solve this dilemma, he said, a better salary. The government has its mind set on improving the quality of service that the nation’s police force could and should provide with higher wages, and with protective equipment better than the criminals have. Good leadership by serious, incorruptible men and women also plays a key role in this scenario. This had to have been a major consideration by President Granger when he chose the new Top Cop. There is still a lot of work to be done by the Police Force and its management. Time is its best friend, but in the interim, the behaviours and deportment of male and female police officers must convince the public that the change is happening, that the era of brutishness is really over.
Sunday September 23, 2018
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Kaieteur News
My column
Looking askance at the coming of Trinidad A change in one’s fortunes will always bring many friends if that change is for the better. Guyana is suddenly attractive because of the discovery of oil and the fact that the oil could be coming to the surface in another two years. Needless to say, the contract signed in 2016 has been roundly criticized by people who know what should have been done. It matters not that previous contracts were hidden from the public. The present administration had vowed transparency and had taken a decision to make all the contracts public. The move to continue transparency continued with the release of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Guyana and Trinidad. This unprecedented move has caused the leader of the political opposition to find many areas of criticism.One criticism is that the Memorandum of Understanding has not paid enough attention to Guyanese. Indeed, the MoU affords Trinidad to seek investments in Guyana’s oil sector.Indeed, Guyanese should have been in the forefront of the investment line. However, a lack of knowledge of oil and the fact that rich Guyanese prefer to sit on their wealth unless they are certain that they will get hefty returns has played a role in causing many to be on the sidelines. ExxonMobil has been searching for accommodation for its workers. Dozens of Guyanese have such accommodation but according to reports they have priced themselves out of the market. Property that would normally have been rented for a certain fee is suddenly being rented for as much as thirty per cent more. It is a case of trying to grab as much money as possible. The last word I heard is that ExxonMobil has signaled its intention to build its own accommodation. Needless to say this is going to spark a hue and cry about a departure from local
content. Then there is the need for skills development. We need auditors for the oil industry and we have begun sending people overseas for training. At the same time the government has been able to recruit international experts to facilitate this process. Before the announcement that foreign experts would have been there to assist with the audit there was a lot of noise about Guyana placing itself in a contest with a giant. Everyone contended that because of its paucity of knowledgeable auditors many times questionable accounts would be foisted on Guyana and the country would be in no position to do anything. Now that there are to be experts auditing the account, there is the muttering that these international auditors would be collaborating with ExxonMobil to fleece Guyana. Such is the level of distrust of the oil giant. The Trinidadians are seeking to help Guyana but nothing is for free. That country expects benefits. Having knowledge of the oil industry, many people from the twin-island republic already have come to Guyana and have clinched contracts with the oil giant. And this has been happening while the Guyanese sit by, nursing what money they have and expecting to be called. Meanwhile, the issue with the contract signed in 2016 is still alive. The Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, is criticizing it although it represents a small improvement on the contract signed in 1999. His argument is that when the
first contract was signed there was no indication of oil. By 2016 it was known that oil was there.Today, it is clear that there is oil in such quantities that Guyana should review that contract. Some say that the two per cent royalty is too low. That may be the case so the royalty should be adjusted upward. A review is due soon and one can expect ExxonMobil to dig in its heels but given the public pressure I am certain that there will be a shift in its position. And while this is going on there should be a major shift in the curriculum of the schools. Jagdeo himself recognized that Guyana lost its skills capacity when he was preparing to lay the sewerage lines to accommodate the Marriott Hotel. He hired a foreign company even as Courtney Benn Contracting Services had already begun to mobilise for the project. Obviously there should be a greater concentration on the sciences but we simply do not have the science teachers. We do not even have teachers for Mathematics. So it is that the foreigners are coming in the same way that a beggar who wins the lotto would suddenly find that he has relatives he never knew. Barbados is coming too. Both Trinidad and Barbados did open their doors to Guyanese. In later years they began to treat Guyanese shabbily. The shabby treatment disappeared when ExxonMobil announced its oil find. I also notice the rush by countries to make loans to Guyana, not least among them
the Chinese who seem to be awash in money. Guyana has been made aware of the pitfalls of some Chinese loans to greedy and corrupt leaders.A friend recently said to me that had Jagdeo still been the leader of the country Guyana would have suffered the fate of Zambia, Malaysia and Sri Lanka. Indeed his government did reach out for large loans from the Chinese, some of them representing the largest investment in the history of Guyana. The current expansion of the East Coast Demerara road project is being funded by the
Chinese. This past week Guyana has secured loans from the Islamic Development Bank and this week there was another loan approach from the Chinese. When pointed to, the Belt and Road Initiative that is driven by the Chinese loans, President David Granger said that he would enter into any loan agreement with the Chinese with his eyes wide open. He is saying that Guyana would not make the same mistake as those countries that have been taken over by the Chinese.
Adam Harris Perhaps the prospect of oil wealth would save the country that needs infrastructure if it is to take its place among the developed countries in the world.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday September 23, 2018
Local democracy is not merely about the holding of local government elections (By H.E. David Granger at the launch of Indigenous Heritage Month on September 1, 2018) The expectation of the framers of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana in relation to the system of local government was to create self-reliant, productive and prosperous communities of people. In this regard Hugh Desmond Hoyte who led the debate in Parliament on the new local government system was pellucid in his presentation. He was forthright; his language was unambiguous. He said: “A local authority will have power to do anything which it considers necessary for the development of its area and the welfare of its people. It can, since it has a duty for economic development, become involved in economic activities. It has to be involved in training. It has to be involved in activities to ensure that people are not exploited, it has to be involved in work to encourage the people to take charge of the various areas of activities which impinge upon their
welfare and well-being. For that purpose, … there will be absolutely no inhibition on the power of a local authority to become involved in economic or other activities. This new system with its requirements of participation, involvement and self-management, will enable the production forces in the region to become liberated, for it will generate local enthusiasm, it will stimulate local initiative and will contribute powerfully to the real development of the areas.” It can be seen, therefore, that the 10 regional democratic councils and their various “sub-divisions” (municipalities and neighborhood councils), have a clearly defined mandate to administer and manage their respective areas. These local democratic organs were not meant to be appendages or creatures of the central government as was the practice under the Peoples Progressive Party administration; their authority is embedded and concretized in the constitution. Article 75 guarantees their “autonomy”; their duties and responsibilities are enshrined in
the fundamental law of the State. They are not left to chance and are not left to be promulgated by inferior legislation. Current legislation is unambiguous as to the duties of local democratic organs. Among these are the following: to maintain and protect public property; to protect and improve the physical environment; to improve working and living conditions; to stimulate economic activities and improve production and efficiency; to promote the social and cultural life of the people; to raise the level of civic consciousness; to preserve law and order; to safeguard the rights of the people; and to give advice, encouragement and support to the people in their daily activities and to give leadership by example. [Act 12/1980 and Cap. 28:09, Laws of Guyana] Over three decades have elapsed since the current local government system was introduced yet the system is still in its infancy. The absence of local elections and the failure of the PPP to operationalize the local gov-
ernment system resulted in the central government remaining in effect, the sole giver of all things. It created a situation whereby general elections become a divisive event in national life, given the ethnic configuration of the country and entrenched voter alignments along racial lines. With the coalition government righting this wrong, local democracy and social cohesion has been given a new lease of life. Eighty centers of governmental authority, instead of one, will result in not only more efficient management of communities, leading to cleaner, more prosperous and safer communities but will over time, help to eliminate the ethnic tension that traditionally accompanies general elections with its winner-takes-all makeup. Within such a framework, politicians vying for elected offices will have to bring to the table, proven ability as well as meaningful plans and programs as voters will see no incentive to give their support on the basis of irrelevant considerations such as racial similarity. Social cohesion which has
eluded Guyana for more than one hundred and seventyfive years is more likely to become a reality. Rapid progress and real human development will be the end result. The society and people’s future will no longer be victim to racial competition or ethnic superiority. Local democracy, therefore, is not merely about the holding of local government elections (though a prerequisite); for it to become a reality, however, it requires a central government that will partner with local democratic organs and allow them to function in accordance with the authority and autonomy which the constitution guarantees them. Successive Peoples Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) administrations denied citizens their constitutional right to practice local democracy. The PPP/C has shown itself studiously opposed to the concept of local empowerment, wedded as it was to central control and domination over all aspects of people’s lives and approach to governance. This addiction led to stultification, leading to rot and decay in com-
munities countrywide and an almost collapse of the entire system of local democracy. The framers of our Constitution realized that Guyana is too large to be effectively or efficiently managed only by a central government. Articles 71(1) and 74(1) of the Constitution provides for devolution and specifically entrust the task of managing and developing communities to their residents and their respective local democratic organs. The Coalition administration is currently engaged in comprehensive local democratic reform. Devolution and decentralization of significant sections of central government have already begun. Training of human resources and building institutional capabilities and capacities to enable a culture of good governance to flourish has been prioritized. This government is providing material, technical, administrative and financial resources to the local Democratic Organs to equip and enable them to function with the autonomy envisaged by Article 75 of the Constitution.
Sunday September 23, 2018
Kaieteur News
Anxiety Disorder: The missed illness
By Dr Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine ur mind can be our greatest friend and yet it can become our biggest enemy. Persons who suffer with anxiety disorders tend to be fighting their minds more often than anything else in their lives. The reality is that we all get anxious from time to time; when speaking in public for instance or during a personal financial difficulty. We tend to worry and become stressed and depressed. Then we get over our worries and move on with our lives.Unfortunately, for persons with anxiety it’s not that easy. Their minds worry so often that it begins to take over their lives. How common is anxiety? We may think that it’s not a big deal and it’s not something we have to worry about. Anxiety is a true medical condition and affects 40 million adults in the U.S. That’s 18% of their population. I am quite certain that we are not that far off here in Guyana either. As common as it is in the U.S, only one third of those suffering receive treatment.My worry is that quite a number of persons in
O
Guyana are not even sure that they have an anxiety disorder. Either they are not sure of what’s going on with them and blame another medical condition, or they are bewildered by their anxiety and abuse medications, drugs, alcohol, others, or sometimes become so overwhelmed and commit suicide. SYMPTOMS/SIGNS OFANXIETY Persons suffering from anxiety may have one or more of the following signs/symptoms: . Excessive worrying – this is the hallmark of anxiety. Persons with anxiety disorder tend to worry about everyday things, large and small, for most days of their lives. . Sleep problems – persons with anxiety tend to take their worries to bed regularly. They end up having difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. . Muscle tension – anxiety sufferers tend to have near constant muscle aches and stiffness and are prone to muscle and ligament injuries during activity. . Chronic indigestionanxiety sufferers are at risk of having irritable bowel syndrome, a condition characterized by stomach aches, cramping, bloating, gas, constipa-
tion, and/or diarrhea. . Stage fright – The fear of addressing a group of persons is so strong in some anxiety sufferers that it overwhelms them. Even if they end up addressing the group, they worry about the event constantly after. . Self consciousness – persons with anxiety disorder tend to feel like all eyes are on them, and they often experience blushing, trembling, nausea, profuse sweating, or difficulty talking. . Constant panic attacks – a panic attack is a sudden, gripping feeling of fear and helplessness that can last for several minutes, accompanied by scary physical symptoms such as breathing problems, a pounding or racing heart, tingling or numb hands, sweating, weakness or dizziness, chest pain, stomach pain, and feeling hot or cold. Persons with anxiety tend to have repeated panic attacks. . Recurrent flashbacks – someone with anxiety may
constantly relive traumatic moments of their life and get depressed over it. . Self-doubt – Persistent self-doubt and secondguessing is a common feature of anxiety disorders. . Feeling of not belonging – a person with anxiety disorder often feels they are different from everyone and can isolate themselves. Over time they may develop suicidal thoughts
which if not addressed, can lead to them taking their lives during a stressful situation. We all may have one or more of the mentioned signs and symptoms from time to time. A person with an anxiety disorder has to repeatedly experience these episodes, which often overwhelms them. If left untreated, anxiety sufferers can become a victim of their mind and it can lead to catastrophic conse-
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Dr. Zulfikar Bux quences for them and their loved ones.
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Sunday September 23, 2018
Kaieteur News
SUNDAY IMF partners with GRA to conduct rigorous audits of all ExxonMobil costs …other int’l partners to come on board The International Monetary Fund (IMF) will soon be combining its powers with other revered institutions like the World Bank to help the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) conduct the most rigorous audit possible on all costs to be recovered by ExxonMobil. Confirming this recently was GRA’s Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia. In an exclusive interview with this newspaper, the tax chief said that the authority has certain deficiencies and will be leaning on the IMF and other global partners with the experience in petroleum accounting to help Guyana identify any expense that has been inflated by the operator. Statia said, “In the last few weeks, I have seen a lot of commentary on the capability of the revenue authority in conducting audits on ExxonMobil and its partners. “I have acknowledged that we have some capacity issues and we are working feverishly to improve and build in this regard. And we are not going at it alone.” The tax chief added, “There are international partners who are interested in seeing Guyana succeed in this industry. For example, the IMF and the World Bank will be helping us in all cost recovery matters. They have several experts who are versed in detecting all the petroleum accounting tricks and I am happy to have them on board.” The GRA Commissioner General also noted that the IMF will be lending its expertise to audit the controversial pre-contract costs, which is believed to be some US$900M. Statia said that the IMF and the World Bank would be training GRA officers in the areas of petroleum accounting, cost recovery audits and other tax related matters. He said that help would also be provided to develop a risk assessment strategy for the sector. This training is slated to begin in the first week of November. ExxonMobil’s cost recovery list will shock Govt. – Jagdeo As government continues to see ExxonMobil as friend, it will be left in a state of total shock upon seeing the list of goods and services along with the price they attracted when ExxonMobil files for cost recovery.
So said Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, at his most recent press conference. Jagdeo told the media that based on his interactions with the government and the comments he has been reading in the media, the APNU+AFC government is in way over its head with ExxonMobil. Jagdeo said, “This government has a very vague understanding of what would be included in cost oil. If they see it they may be very shock because they have a very naive understanding.” ”Everything that Exxon does, we are paying for it. If they rent facilities and pay too much money for the rental– like they rent a house for $10,000 and it is only supposed to be $5000 per month, the $10,000 will come out of cost oil too. ”If they recruit a person and pay him $60,000 per month as a specialist when maybe on the market you can get the person for $30,000 per month, we are paying for the extra too. But there is a very naïve approach to the whole matter.” Jagdeo said that because of this “naïve approach” Guyana will lose much money because when cost oil is inflated, profit oil diminishes. GPL generators sit on wharves for months racking up charges as E’bo Coast suffers For a past few months, the power outage situation on the Essequibo Coast, Region Two, has reached crisis levels with frustrated residents staging a protest after continuous blackouts. Senior officials of the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL), including Chief Executive Officer, Albert Gordon, recently journeyed to the re-
gion to calm the situation down. Residents were assured that before the end of the year, a new power station would be up and running, lending over five megawatts of new generating capacity to a blackoutweary region. But angry insiders of the GPL are slamming the handling of the Anna Regina project. The generators arrived since last year and were sitting at a city wharf for months, racking up storage fees to the tune of millions of dollars. These generators were eventually shipped to the Essequibo Coast last month. The inefficient handling of the procurement of the generators and the timely awarding of the contracts for the civil works at the site is what is being criticized. GPL had advertised since June 2016 for the construction of a 5.25 megawatt power generation plant [heavy fuel oil (HFO)] fired engine generating sets, at Anna Regina. The tenders would have been for Engineering, Design, Manufacturing, Inspection, Supply, Installation, Testing and Commissioning of the plant. The area is located at the same site as the existing power plant that is owned by GPL. The three containerized base load facility will be capable of delivering up to 5.4 megawatts of power. Since last year, GPL officials have been tagging a 2017 completion of the power plant. What is clear is that generators arrived in October 2017 with GPL sending out a statement indicating that it has taken possession of three of the 1.78 megawatts generators and auxiliary equipment.
GPL said then that the preparatory works have commenced at the project site to accommodate the new plant. The Essequibo coast is an agricultural area that has been saddled with severe power outages in the region for years. Its power engines are around two decades old and have been experiencing one issue after the other. A decision was taken to build a new power plant. MONDAY SCHOOLBOY BRAGGED IN VILLAGE ABOUT MURDERING PENSIONER -lads, aged 15, already had criminal records Why? Who detectives wondered, had battered 72year-old Krishnachand Dabee to death in his property? Why was the act carried out? After all, persons who knew 72-year-old Krishnachand and 67-yearold Bernice Dabee knew that they did not keep large sums of cash in their home. The answers to these questions, sources say, came out of the mouth of one of Mr. Dabee’s killers. Days after Mr. Dabee was found murdered in his Annandale, East Coast Demerara yard, a 15-year-old schoolboy, living in a the nearby village of Buxton, began bragging that he and a friend had carried out the act. Some concerned villagers contacted the police, and last Friday, they arrested the 15year-old at a city school that he attends. They also detained the friend. Police are to seek legal advice today and they are likely to appear in court shortly.
PLOTTED THE KILLING According to police sources, one boy invited the other to “go on a wock.” That “wock” was to enter the Dabee’s house and rob the couple. At the time, Mr. Dabee was living alone, since his ailing wife was in a nursing home. The one who was approached reportedly said, “We don’t like go pun dem wock, when we go pun dem wock, they (the victims) don’t come out alive.” Nevertheless, the two 15year-old boys agreed to rob Mr. Daybee. Int’l tax agency to sharpen GRA’s skills in detecting any scams used by oil operators The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is gearing for a round of meticulous training from the Inter-American Centre of Tax Administration, an international agency that is versed in detecting any petroleum scheme used by oil operators. This was confirmed recently with GRA’s Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia. Kaieteur News understands that the Centre will provide GRA with a general overview of the oil and gas industry, information on tax regimes and tax models. As it relates to tax and contractual issues, GRA will be given a crash course in tax and contractual compliance, commodity pricing, ring-fencing and transfer pricing. Other issues to be discussed include: tax administration structure and procedures, tax risk assessment and evaluation and tax audit procedures. UNDP MAKES APPEAL A report that was commis-
sioned by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and prepared by Oil and Gas Consultant, Anthony Paul, calls on the government of Guyana to have future oil deals subjected to strict ring-fencing provisions. The ring-fencing arrangement ensures that the government’s revenue from the Stabroek Block is calculated based on each field or well separately. In Guyana’s Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) with ExxonMobil, there are no ring-fencing provisions. This means that costs from one well, whether productive or not, can be carried over to other wells. Paul in the UNDP report notes that Guyana must guard against this in future contracts. The Local Content Expert also notes that the government must require where there is no prior commitment, a new model licence, asserting that it will be subject to new laws and regulations. He said that government must require signature bonuses, retain equity in all new licences, and seek early or aggressive relinquishment clauses. Presidential probe needed into operations at DPI – Staffers…questions surface over appointments of AFC affiliates, spending Senior officials of the Department of Public Information (DPI) were Sunday scrabbling to respond to a letter published in the press that highlighted the need for an investigation into the operations of the entity, including spending practices and hiring persons affiliated to political operatives. Several staff members who spoke with Kaieteur (Continued on page 33)
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From page 32 News have since corroborated some of the concerns expressed in the letter sent anonymously to this publication purportedly by DPI members of staff. Staffers have expressed the need for a full blown probe by President David Granger, noting that there would be political conflict if such a probe is conducted from Prime Minister Moses Nagmoottoo’s office. It was pointed out that Nagamootoo is a senior executive of the Alliance For Change (AFC). DPI is a budgetary agency under the Prime Minister’s office and is headed by the Director of Public Information, Imran Khan, who is an Executive member of the AFC. QUESTIONABLE APPOINTMENTS Further, it was noted that one of the questionable appointments is that of the Deputy Director and Editorin-Chief (EiC), Ernestine Leonard, who is the wife of Michael Leonard, the AFC’s Region 4 Chairman. Kaieteur News was told that Mr. Leonard, who sits on the board of the National Communications Network (NCN) frequents DPI offices and has on occasion had confrontations with some staff. Efforts to speak with Nagamootoo and Khan by telephone on the matter were unsuccessful. Khan later issued a statement that DPI is subject to an annual audit by the Auditor General’s Office. ”We have and will continue to fully comply in this regard. DPI budget is subject to scrutiny and approval in the National Assembly. I can
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reveal that DPI has not sought any supplementary sums to execute its operations and is being managed within budget and with strict adherence to all procurement regulations and guidelines,” Khan stated. In the letter to the media, the staff said that they were left no other choice but to come public after all of their many complaints were being brushed aside, and because they fear the collapse of the State entity, unless urgent intervention is made. TUESDAY SOCU to question Patterson on $148M DHB consultancy contract The Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) is forging ahead with the investigation into the $148M consultancy contract approved for a feasibility study for a new bridge across the Demerara River. Head of SOCU, Sydney James, met Monday with Police Legal Advisor, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh, to discuss aspects of the investigation. James was tightlipped about steps being taken, but Kaieteur News understands that there are plans to have Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, visit SOCU to meet with investigators. This was confirmed by Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, who met with James and other investigators at SOCU in relation to the Pradoville 2 probe. ”I was told that he [Patterson] will be called here [at SOCU] for an interview and other members of the Cabinet will be invited to SOCU. We are very pleased
Police at the scene after the robbery, as seen on CCTV footage about that; that the same standard is going to be used,” Jagdeo stated. He indicated that the bridge contract is only the first of approximately five complaints, which the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) will make to SOCU, involving the Coalition Government’s Cabinet, participating in what is considered to be highly corrupt transactions. These constitute various criminal offences, the PPP said. Chief Whip Gail Teixeira had submitted a letter to SOCU requesting the investigation along with the findings from a probe conducted by the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) into the bridge contract, which was awarded in December 2016 to LievenseCSO Engineering
Contracting BV, a Dutch company. The PPC found that the procurement procedure used to select the company did not meet the requirement of any of the methods described in the Procurement Act. The PPC in its investigation found that the Minister’s request to Cabinet was not forwarded through the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB). Based on the PPC report, the submission by Patterson, directly to Cabinet, was in breach of the Procurement Act. The Ministry admitted that it received an unsolicited proposal from LievenseCSO. Additionally, the PPC probe highlighted that the General Manager of the DHBC, Rawlston Adams, signed the agreement without the approval of the DHBC Board. Town Clerk Royston King sent on leave – COI to focus on mismanagement, corruption
The Wang Wang Supermarket in Belle West Canal # 2 Polder was robbed
Financial mismanagement is at the top of the agenda of the Commission of Inquiry, (COI) into the operation of City Hall. Chairman of the Local Government Commission, (LGC), Mortimer Mingo, confirmed Monday that the decision was taken to launch the COI after a series of complaints about the financial matters at City Hall. According to Mingo, the Commission had been receiving complaints of corruption at City Hall for several months. He noted that there are complaints against the Town Clerk for mismanagement of funds, and abuse of his authority.
“The law mandates that we take serious action against allegations of corruption. “There are complaints about contracts being awarded to friends and family, that procurement rules are being bypassed, failure to remit to the Credit Union contributions deducted from workers’ salaries in keeping with financial regulations and so on,” Mingo told Kaieteur News. The LGC had announced that the decision to launch a COI into administration of city was taken earlier this year. In a letter to Council, the LGC explained that the decision to investigate City Hall was taken following “multiple complaints and adverse reports received by workers of the municipality and a number of agencies.” The LGC noted that the decision was also taken to have Town Clerk, Royston King, proceed on leave from September 21, 2018 to facilitate the investigation. At the interim, the LGC said that Deputy Town Clerk, Sharon Harry Munroe, will perform the duties of Town Clerk. Retired Justice Cecil Kennard who will conduct the inquiry into the administration and operations of the M&CC will be sworn in today [Tuesday]. During an extraordinary statutory meeting of City Hall Monday, Councillors of the Georgetown M&CC were officially notified of the COI, which is slated to commence on September 24, 2018. Pradoville 2 probe… Jagdeo invokes Presidential immunity, refuses to cooperate with SOCU investigators Former President and Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, Monday refused to cooperate with investigators of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU)
in connection with ‘Pradoville Two’ probe. Jagdeo arrived at 14:00 hours at SOCU’s office at Camp Road accompanied by former Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, and other People’s Progressive Party (PPP) officials. After speaking with reporters, Jagdeo was greeted at the entrance to the compound by Head of SOCU, Sydney James, before he was grilled by a team of investigators that included advisor to SOCU, British crime expert, Dr. Sam Sittlington. Kaieteur News understands that Jagdeo faced questions about the transfer of lands at Sparendaam to the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), a road contract in the community to Atlantic Construction for $13.7M and the authorisation by the then Cabinet to have the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) handle the transactions. The session lasted for about 20 minutes. Nandlall told reporters that the former President invoked the Constitutional provisions where the Executive President of Guyana is immune from answering any questions about acts done or decisions made while he is acting in that capacity. “The questions related to when Mr. Jagdeo was the President and was the Chairman of Cabinet and as such we invoked that article that immunizes him from any legal process whatsoever,” Nandlall stated. In the past few days, investigators questioned senior officials who were part of Jagdeo’s Cabinet in 2010. The probe relates to lands (Continued on page 34)
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From page 33 which were converted into an exclusive community cynically dubbed Pradoville Two. The plots were sold, allegedly, below market value to mainly Government Ministers and others, who were handpicked by Jagdeo and his Cabinet. State monies were used to develop the lands under questionable circumstances, SOCU is contending. WEDNESDAY Bandits storm Belle West Supermarket, shoots owner Armed bandits attacked “Wang Wang Supermarket” at 11 Belle West, Canal # 2 Polder West Bank Demerara, Tuesday night. During the attack they shot the Supermarket proprietor in his leg. The incident which occurred around 20:15 hrs was captured on CCTV cameras and told a harrowing tale of the near death experience the victims had, after the bandits robbed the Supermarket and then fired shots indiscriminately one of which hit one of the victims in his leg and another grazing his hand. The man was rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where he was admitted in a serious but stable condition. Witnesses claim the bandits came with a black car. People were surprised the bandits took such a chance, since the access road to the community was one way in
and one way out. The supermarket is located some four miles from the West Bank Demerara main road. One resident said after he heard the shots, he called the Wales Police Station but got no response. The resident claimed it was only when calls were made to Police operations room in Georgetown that he received an answer. He said that he is not aware if any actions in terms of road blocks were taken, since that might have served in catching the bandits. When Kaieteur News arrived on the scene, police were taking statements from witnesses and reviewing CCTV footage of what had transpired. Detectives were also looking for spent shells, which can help in identifying the weapon and its history. The Chinese were very tight lipped about what was taken, but a source close to the Supermarket told this publication that the sum was the whole day’s sales. Two dead in mining pit cave-in at Mowasi Backdam A mining pit cave-in at Mowasi Backdam, Konawaruk, Potaro, Essequibo that occurred on Monday around 20:00 hrs has seen two miners being killed after suffocating when they were completely covered by mud from the cave-in. The dead men are Deon Sproston, called ‘Jersey Joe’, a 36-year-old miner of
The location where the pensioner was found dead Mabaruma, and ‘Shawn’, only name given, a miner from Aishalton Village, Rupununi. The mining pit that is some five miles from Mowasi landing, is located on land that was owned by Andre Britton who died several years ago. The pit has a wall about 20 feet in height, and over the years has been raided by several persons who are looking for raw gold by using metal
detectors, mattocks, battels, spades and small engines. On Monday, the two deceased along with other persons were working at the pit wall, while rain was falling heavily at the time. It was said that a large portion of the pit wall broke off and fell on the two men, completely covering them with large stones, gravel and mud. Several persons went to their assistance and after about two hours, managed to remove the lifeless bodies of the men from the debris. A report was made and a party of policemen from the Mahdia Police Station accompanied by mines officer Ulric Green from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission visited the scene. The bodies were transported to the Mahdia District Hospital where they were pronounced dead on arrival by a doctor. The bodies are presently at the hospital mortuary awaiting a post mortem. Boys, 15 and 16 charged with killing Annandale pensioner
The 16-year-old who was charged for murder, leaving the court with his grandmother
Two youths who hail from the village of Buxton, East Coast Demerara, one of them 15 years of age and another aged 16, were Wednesday charged with the murder of 72-year-old Krishnachand Dabee, the pensioner whose body was found in his yard at Annandale on the 27th of August last. The 16-year-old who was clad in a jersey and his school pants covered his head with a vest as he was led by police into the Cove and John Magistrates’ Court where the
charge of murder was read to him. The 15-year-old was charged later in the day. The 16-year-old, was unrepresented when he appeared before magistrate Peter Hugh, with his grandmother by his side, and had the indictable charge read to him. He was remanded until October 8. The grandmother of the 16-year-old, in an invited comment, said that the teen had brushes with the law before, one of which saw him and four other accomplices being charged for robbing a prison officer. The woman said she had tried her best, but failed to see any changes in her grandson’s ways. The youths were arrested days after Mr. Dabee was found murdered in his Annandale, East Coast Demerara yard. A 15-year-old schoolboy, living in the nearby village of Buxton, began bragging that he and a friend had carried out the act. Some concerned villagers contacted the police, and last Friday, they arrested the 15year-old at a city school. The other was arrested earlier. THURSDAY Contracts are not set in stone, must benefit both parties – TT Prime Minister tells Guyana While the Government of Trinidad and Tobago respects the “sanctity” of contracts, it does not subscribe to the notion that contracts are set in stone. This is especially so when those agreements are in favour of the oil company.
Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Keith Rowley, made this very point at an Energy Conference held in his country earlier this year. And he repeated and expounded on them Wednesday in the presence of President David Granger. He was at the time, answering questions from Kaieteur News at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Energy with Guyana. Asked to share how his country is going about the renegotiation of oil contracts and how Guyana might learn from this, the TT Prime Minister said that while he would not want to give “public advice” to his colleague, President Granger, it is a fact that Trinidad has been in the oil business for ages. He said that much of what Trinidad has engaged in is what Guyana will soon have to do. ”But whatever our experience has been, it would do Guyana well to know what that experience is, even if it is not taken as advice,” the Prime Minister said. Getting to the crux of the matter, Dr. Rowley said, “We have respected the sanctity of contracts while not accepting that contracts are set in stone. Contracts are engagements made between two parties and when you make contracts, if there is goodwill between the participants, and if the intention is for both participants to benefit from the nature of the contract, we see the possibility and the opportunity for the contracts being revisited so as to maintain the (Continued on page 35)
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From page 34 balance of the elements of the contract.” The TT Prime Minister said that this is the basis on which his government has approached oil companies in its borders on the renegotiating of contracts. ”As I speak to you now, we are at the negotiation table, having got their acknowledgement that the contract could be looked at…Of course, both sides (are) seeking to maintain the balance that the contracts ought to have and we do this by renegotiations…” The TT Prime Minister added, “Sometimes in negotiations, you have to point out the shortcomings of others and they might point out shortcomings on your part. (But) we have no fear in raising our dissatisfaction with the performance of certain contracts…” After three years in $25M structure… Govt. exits Sussex Street drug bond, racks up $314.6M in rental Following three years of public criticism, the Government has finally exited the bond at Sussex Street, Albouystown, but not before racking up a bill of $314.6M. Kaieteur News has learnt that the Ministry of Health and the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) vacated the bond last month. The issue of the bond surfaced in 2016 when it was learnt that the $25M bond had been rented under very lucrative terms to businessman, Larry Singh, during the tenure of former Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton. It was pointed out that at the cost of $25M, the Government could have built 12 bonds using the $315M it paid to Singh. The controversy intensified when it was discovered late 2016 that the facility was merely storing items such as lubricants and condoms. In June Lawrence said that the Ministry of Public Health paid $264.5M to Linden Holding Inc. for the rental of the building to between July 2016 and March 2018. That amount equates to $12.1M per month. Further, Lawrence had explained that one of the main reasons for the continued rental of the bond was to store a CT – scanner valued at about US$90,000 ($1.8M). The scanner was a donation from RAD-AID International and the reason given for it being kept in storage was the delay in the completion of a room at the Bartica Hospital. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Public Health Collette Adams committed to
speak with Kaieteur News on the bond rental on Monday, but by Wednesday had not done so despite a commitment from Lawrence that the information would be provided. Lawrence had indicated that the Government would have stopped the rental of the bond in December, last, but that promise was not fulfilled until August. A visit to the facility this year revealed that although there were added items by the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), the manner of storage left much to be desired. The Ministry had served a Notice of Quit dated October 2016 by then Permanent Secretary, Trevor Thomas. A reminder dated October 3, 2017 was sent by Adams who had taken over from Thomas. Lawrence explained that the Government was hoping to take the money used for the rental of the bond and reinvest it in the public health sector. The Minister had disclosed plans to build more bonds and expand the ones the Ministry has. T&T to revisit restrictions affecting transshipment of Guyana’s honey, agro-products Trinidad and Tobago Wednesday committed to revisit restrictions, which have affected some agro-products, including honey, being transshipped through the Twin-Island Republic. The issue was raised Wednesday during a meeting at State House between highlevel delegations that included President David Granger and Trinidad’s Prime Minster, Dr. Keith Rowley. ”I thought that was a Grenada issue, but I didn’t realise it was a Guyana issue as well,” Dr. Rowley told reporters after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on energy cooperation. Rowley indicated that the issue was raised by Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder and Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge. ”Once we are satisfied that there are no phytosanitary risks that we should not ignore we will look at it with an eye to furthering the business of Guyana without risking the biodiversity of Trinidad and Tobago, but with that being said, we will be guided by the technical outcome,” Rowley committed. Back in February 2015, Trinidad and Tobago customs seized a quantity of honey and fined Laparkan US$3,000 because it facilitated a shipment of honey within one mile of Trinidad and Tobago’s shores. This violated a 1935 Act.
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Grenada has filed a formal complaint through the CARICOM Community (CARICOM) Ministerial Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED). Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Clarence Rambharat who was part of the visiting delegation said that honey is a particularly sensitive area. ”One of the reasons why we have been very slow in allowing honey from outside of Trinidad is that so far Trinidad has been able to maintain its honey disease free status,” Rambharat explained to reporters. In relation to the complaint by Grenada, Rambharat stated that the law is specific in terms of in-transit shipment and honey landing in and remaining in Trinidad. ”We’ve committed to have another look at the law to see if we can create that environment to see if we could allow that in-transit once it doesn’t stay in the country and it is something that we have to look at.” FRIDAY Ram to Harmon… Petition Exxon to renegotiate lopsided contract, not for money to clean up city Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram, believes that Minister of State Joseph Harmon’s petition for ExxonMobil to aid environmental projects constitutes disrespect to the nation. During a meeting with top country executives from the Oil Company last week, Harmon lobbied for, among other things, Exxon’s assistance to clean up the city. According to a release
from the Ministry of the Presidency, the Minister of State was placed on record, saying that there are various other environmental projects in which he would welcome the support of the company. ”I have seen the work done with the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) through the company and I think that we need to continue to strengthen these processes and redouble our efforts.” ”Personally, I believe that Georgetown can do with some help in terms of our physical environment, to the extent where we can bring Georgetown back and to a pristine state.” ”We need to recapture the clean-up spirit and emphasize and encourage solid waste management and such things,” he said. However, several persons, including Ram, have criticized Harmon over his comments. ”That‘s not the way a Sovereign State operates. We should not be begging Exxon for anything. It makes us look weak,” Ram told Kaieteur News. “Why are we begging Exxon for anything when our country has petroleum resources in galore? I’ll tell you why. It’s because of those lopsided contracts that favour the oil companies and not the people of this country.” ”So instead of asking for charity from Exxon, Minister Harmon should be petitioning the company for a renegotiation of those oil contracts. In fact, he should insist on it,” Ram stated. He said that the State needs to demand that the contracts are changed for the oil companies to have a more meaningful Corporate Social Responsibility, (CSR) to Guyana.
Evils of the ExxonMobil contract were not inserted by the PPP/C- Jagdeo Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has sought to completely disassociate himself and party from the major ills of the existing Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) between Guyana and ExxonMobil. At his press conference, Thursday, Jagdeo said that he has been doing some ground work and many people have been blazing him for the inadequacies of the contract. He said that he has been trying to tell them that he is not responsible for that. Jagdeo said that he has been made aware that many people read the Kaieteur News satirical piece “Dem Boys Seh”. He said that he is worried that the piece has been taking a soft approach to the APNU+AFC Government. ”Today it was brought to my attention that they stitch in little lines. They spoke about Granger releasing the contract for ExxonMobil.” Jagdeo said that it was not stated that President David Granger has to be “beaten over a year and a half before he could have released the contract.” Jagdeo noted that Granger hid the signing bonus. He said that the contract was only released after the signing bonus became known. ”He did not release it in a benign sort of way. He was forced after it was revealed that there was a bonus. It was a struggle by local civil society, the opposition and international organizations.” Another problem he had was when the contract was described in the satirical piece as an upgrade to the
1999 agreement. Jagdeo said, “It was not an upgrade, it was a downgrade; this is very misleading because I went to Tiger Bay a few months ago and a guy said to me he is a fan of Dem Boys Seh and that the PPP sign the contract recently. I had to point out to him that the PPP left office in 2015.” Jagdeo said that PPP had nothing to do with the added features of the new contract. Jagdeo was keen to note, “A lot of the features that the media and everybody else have been so critical about were not in the 1999 agreement.” Jagdeo pointed to the precontract cost which now stands at US$900M. This money has to be repaid by Guyana to ExxonMobil. SATURDAY Anti-corruption no longer centre piece of Govt.’s agenda – Dr. Hinds “During the 2015 elections, the APNU+AFC Party campaigned on the promise of fighting corruption. But since assuming office, anti-corruption is no longer the centre piece of Government’s agenda.” Those were the words of Executive Member of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), Dr. David Hinds as he reflected on the Coalition’s approach to corruption in the last three years. The University Professor said that while the government has put a break on runway corruption, there are instances, which have arisen about malpractice in office. In this regard, he pointed to the fact that the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) is keen on (Continued on page 36)
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From page 35 q u e s tioning the circumstances involving the award of the contract for the feasibility study on the New River bridge Crossing. Dr. Hinds said, too, that he is disappointed with the government’s sloth on anticorruption legislation. ”It is my view that Parliament does not meet often enough. These are issues which need to be high on the agenda.” Also in agreement with Dr. Hinds’ perspective is Chartered Accountant and Oil and Gas Academic, Chris Ram. The Attorney-at-law, in his most recent writings chided the government for its approach on oil and gas and the loopholes that may continue to exist for abuse and widescale corruption. Ram said, “the Government has not amended one iota of the outdated petroleum laws of Guyana; failed to appoint a Chief Inspector who is the key technical petroleum officer specified in the laws of Guyana; failed to enforce the local content requirements of the petroleum laws; failed to consider any alternatives to the Production Sharing Agreement; failed to audit close to one billion United States Dollars in what is called pre-contract costs; failed to articulate a Petroleum Policy including a depletion policy, natural gas, domestic supply and the pricing
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of petroleum products; hid the signing bonus and continues to deprive the citizens of the country of access to key documents.” Dr. Hinds said that one cannot argue with the points made by Ram. 11 lawyers represent Ryan Crawford Ryan Crawford, the lawyer who was caught on video going off on a expletive-lased rant against a police traffic rank who had stopped him and requested to see his documents, was slapped with five charges Friday when he appeared before magistrate Peter Hugh at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court. Crawford who is being represented by a battery of lawyers, 11 to be exact, pleaded “not guilty” to the charge of riotous behaviour, use of obscene language in a public, uncertified motor vehicle, prohibition of tinted glass and failure to produce driver’s licence. Attorney-at-law Sanjeev Datadin spoke for the team, which included Teni Housty and Pauline Chase. Mr. Datadin identified the other attorneys-at-law in the team as Joel Edmond, Anessa Chow, Ganesh Hera, Ramesh Rajkumar, Chandra Sohan, Horatio Edmonson, Lloyd Thomas and Ian Smith. Crawford was released on his own recognizance after
the prosecution offered no objection on bail. Crawford was then told to return to the Mahaicony Magistrate’s Court on October 10, next. The events that led to Crawford being charged Fridayy, began on September 13, last, when, he was stopped by a traffic rank on the Yorkshire Hall Public
Road, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, and asked to produced his documents. The traffic rank was recording the occurrence on his cell phone at the time. Crawford was seen and heard in the video which went on to become viral on social media, cussing out the policeman, using expletives over 32 times in the four-minute long video. The issue went on to spark a debate that has left sections of society divided on whether Crawford was wrong or right. Jagdeo will not shield behind presidential immunity if Granger sets example You go first and I will follow. That is essentially the message Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, is sending to President David Granger. At his last press conference, Jagdeo spoke extensively about the reason he recently presented himself to the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) to be interviewed
about matters he presided over as President of Guyana. Jagdeo told reporters that he asked the Head of SOCU, Sydney James whether the sitting President and members of Cabinet will be called in over questionable matters they presided over. Jagdeo told the media, “So now that I have gone in to SOCU, although I am a Constitutional post holder and as Chairman of the Cabinet, President of Guyana, I expect reciprocity in terms of how government officials will be treated and I was assured by SOCU that despite (Minister of Public Infrastructure David) Patterson’s statement, he will be questioned by SOCU.” ”We expect all the Cabinet members, including the President, because he now has to go there and he can easily claim the immunity thing or choose to answer the questions about why his Cabinet approved a contract that it had no authority over.”
The “contract” Jagdeo referred to was the one for the feasibility study for the new Demerara Harbour Bridge. Jagdeo reminded that Minister Patterson took an “unsolicited bid” to Cabinet. He noted that Cabinet then approved the contract despite the fact that the laws of Guyana do not give the Cabinet the authority to do so, “they can only offer a no objection. So they acted illegally and then they agreed to use funds from an entity where the Board members of that entity do not even know the funds were being used.” Jagdeo said that in all the matters that SOCU is pursuing against the PPP, including the Pradoville matter, “they are still to prove that Cabinet acted illegally. But in this case, we know that Cabinet acted illegally, contrary to the laws of Guyana.” Jagdeo said that if the President is called in by SOCU, and he goes and then chooses not to invoke the Constitutional Provision of Presidential Immunity but instead answers the questions put to him an example will be set. Jagdeo said, “If the President chooses, in SOCU, to give answers as to why he presided over Cabinet and approved a contract that was contrary to the law, I will go back to SOCU and I will not use that (Constitutional) provision (as he did at his last interview). And you have that from me, so I am hoping that he will do that now that you have heard me say that.”
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East Coast mothers recognised for Breastfeeding Week The Regional Health Department of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) Region Four held a breastfeeding event this past week in celebration of National Breastfeeding Week. The event which attracted some 30 mothers, runs from September 16 – 21. The event held under the theme, Breastfeeding Foundation of Life saw several health centres from the East Coast participating with a number of nurses from these health centres engaging the mothers in a number of interactive sessions. A number of mothers drawn from several health centres on the East Coast were given an opportunity to have a nutrition talk while being treated to gifts compliments of the Food Policy Division of the Ministry of Public Health. During the celebrations the mothers were given an opportunity to ask several questions in an attempt to dispel and eradicate several myths regarding breast feeding. It also sought to encourage mothers to get actively involved in breastfeeding their children. As such, many persons attending the event were informed that breast is the best and that breastfeeding should be supported by all. Among some of the issues that were addressed included the importance of skin to skin contact, as it enables bonding between mother and child. It allows for easier weight loss, decrease risk of illness which includes breast cancer, osteoporosis, haemorrhage, ovarian cancer, it also assist with birth control, pride, empowerment and fulfilment. Participants were encouraged to ask questions as they were told about the many myths and misconceptions surrounding breastfeeding. It
was reinforced further that breast feeding should commence at an early stage and that mothers should breastfeed their children for as long as the child wants the breast. Dinte Conway Director of Food Policy Division within the Ministry of PublicHealth in her feature address noted that exclusive breastfeeding is one of t h e M i n i s t r y ’s m a n d a t e adding that it is the one of the first guideline in the Food Based Dietary Guidelines that they launched recently at Health Expo 2018. “When families have their babies and I say families because mothers alone can’t make babies, they are faced with several choices but we want breastfeeding to be their only choice once it’s possible,” she said.She stressed that breastmilk is the best for babies noting that it is the first nutrition for babies. “Breastmilk creates the best start, it gives the required amount, the bonding between mother and baby, prevents many disease including NCD’s, and it is baby’s first vaccine. So breastmilk is food, medicine and is eco-friendly as it entails zero packaging waste,” the Food Policy Division Director said. She added, “By acting smart, we can steer clear of those breastfeeding threats.” The mothers were treated to several cultural activities performed by the various nurses while some mothers also shared their experience of how breastfeeding have benefited them with several mothers reassuring others that the best choice any mother can make is to breastfeed their child. Dr. Ericka Kirton and Dr Anisah Yearwood stationed at the Regional Health Department both spoke at the event echoing similar sentiments of the importance of breastfeeding.
Meanwhile, Regional Executive Officer (REO), Ms Pauline Lucas, congratulated the Health Department and its staffers under Regional Health Officer (RHO) Dr Quincy Jones for what she said is a timely project. She noted that as a mother herself she has enjoyed breastfeeding her child, adding that while she has always been a working woman nothing beats breastfeeding. At the end of the event the mithers were resented with gifts compliments of the Food Policy Division, while they were urge to spread the message of breastfeeding to their respective communities.
Ms. Dinte Conway, Director of Food Policy Division within the Ministry of Public Health.
Dr. Anisah Yearwood and Dr. Ericka Kirton who based at the Regional Health Department, East Coast Region Four,
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Sunday September 23, 2018
The matter of RUSAL/BGCI and... From page 39 class and the law trampled on, when it is government who is required to act by enforcing the Rule of Law? What is instructive and also destructive about this letter is the authorship. For Minister Trotman is not only the son of a father who has distinguished himself internationally as a human rights jurist, he was part of the Opposition that rightly castigated the PPP/C for failing to enforce the law and bring resolution. More importantly by profession he is an officer of the court and would have taken the oath to defend the law without fear, favour or ill will. As a Minister of Government and Member of Parliament he sworn to uphold and defend the Constitution and Laws of Guyana, free of inhibitions. Where we have rightly held the PPP/C government accountable for allowing BGCI to transgress the rights of Guyanese labour and treat citizens with contempt we cannot waiver now. The moral authority will be lost to be selective in condemnation or support, for right is right and wrong is wrong and the two like water and oil cannot mix. There is much grumbling and complaints, not without merit, about what the new economy- oil and gas and green- will mean for citizens, where do we fit in, how we will be treated and benefit. Some already hold the view that the ordinary man and woman will be shortchanged because Government is yet to articulate a clear overarching policy and programme to ensure Guyanese be the primary beneficiaries, through skills training, jobs and so forth. Minister Trotman and the Cabinet are credited for establishing a Task Force into bauxite earlier this year. At the same time it should not be lost on us that society has come to accept these are exercises in futility, given the manner in which the recommendations in previous Task Force, Committees, Commissions of Inquiry have been treated with by Government, particularly when they don't coincide with its thinking. Reservation is being held the BCGI and Oldendorff Task Force would suffer similar fate. The Task Force, through its then Head, Minister Simona Broomes submitted to Minister Trotman
an Interim Report. Today Minister Trotman claims he has not received the report. As a member of that Task Force I'm aware the Report was delivered to him. But let us for argument sake accept it wasn't, where the Minister has assigned supervisory responsibility of the matter, management and political dexterity expectation would be for him to follow through or demand a Report be placed on his desk. Minister Broomes has since resigned, more than five weeks ago, and a new Head has been appointed. To date Minister Trotman is yet to inform the group of the resignation and new appointment. The Task Force is in limbo not because its members do not want to work/deliver, but because of the machinations to ensure nothing happens. And this brings us back to raising legitimate questions as to what Minister Trotman really meant in that December 2017 letter to BCGI management. Come October, whether Government likes it or not, tough decisions have to be made. The U.S, in its effort to protect and defend its sovereignty, the citizens' freedoms and rights, has already moved. Its sanctions have had far reaching and financial implications. In Guyana persons will be without a job. Whether its fate or fortune, the coalition continues to hurt its chances with the working class by the shabby treatment being meted out to this constituency, having campaigned on a commitment to restore Collective Bargaining and respect citizen's rights should the working class and their families give them their vote. Bauxite remains a valuable product in the international market and is used in the cement, metalogical and refractory industries. Guyana's bauxite is being used as a sweetener and while presently BCGI's bauxite is being taken to Ireland and Ukraine, this product is marketable anywhere that buys bauxite. It is time the Task Force be allowed to return to its work, the welfare of BCGI workers command its deserving respect, government start examining the extraction from a contract that carries dire political consequences, local and international, and begin sourcing buyers who will be respecting of our laws and citizens.
Sunday September 23, 2018
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Sunday September 23, 2018
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Dangerous chemicals hiding in everyday products It was long believed that you could acquire “better living through chemistry.” But that may really not be the case. In a landmark alliance, known as Project TENDR, leaders of various disciplines have come together in a consensus statement to say that many of the chemicals found in everyday products can result in neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism and attention-deficit disorders. “Ten years ago, this consensus wouldn’t have been possible, but the research is abundantly clear,” said Irva Hertz-Picciotto, an environmental epidemiologist at the University of California, Davis and cochairwoman of Project TENDR. “At some point, we say we know enough to take preventative action,” said Frederica Perera, a professor of environmental health sciences at Columbia University. Perera is also a signatory on the statement. Last year, the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (PDF) stated that “Widespread exposure to toxic environmental chemicals threatens healthy human reproduction.” Other medical groups such as the Endocrine Society (PDF), the world’s oldest and largest organization devoted to researching hormones, have expressed similar concerns. But this is the first time that leading scientists, doctors and policy
advocates across various disciplines have come together to say that the science on toxic chemicals is clear: They can harm brain development.Everyday chemicals carry toxic burden These everyday chemicals, including organophosphates, flame retardants and phthalates, can be found in food, plastics, furniture, food wrap, cookware, cans, carpets,
gression that is so very delicate and complex,” explained Perera. Though the group hopes to come up with regulatory recommendations to reduce this toxic burden, there are some simple things that individuals can do to reduce their exposure. Chemicals to watch for. ORGANOPHOSPHATE PESTICIDES
PHTHALATES These chemicals soften plastics and help scents and chemicals bind together. Exposure to phthalates has been associated with lower IQ levels. They can be found in shampoos, conditioners, body sprays, hair sprays, perfumes, colognes, soap, nail polish, shower curtains, medical tubing, IV bags, vinyl flooring and wall coverings, food packaging
shower curtains, electronics and even shampoo. They are pretty much everywhere around us. Scientists and researchers are concerned that many of these chemicals may be carcinogenic or wreak havoc with our hormones, our body’s regulating system. But the impact of these chemicals may be most severe on the developing brain, Perera said. Brain development is the “most complete and most rapid during the first nine months, prenatally,” she said. During that time, neural connections and pathways are being developed. “Any interference by a physical stress like a toxic chemical or other stressor can disrupt this natural pro-
Organophosphate pesticides (PDF) are a class of neurotoxic chemicals used as warfare agentsin the 1930s. However, today, they account for about half of all pesticide use in the United States. And they can make their way onto crops that we use as food sources. Areas that spray pesticides heavily, such as farms, may find higher rates of exposure. Children exposed to higher levels of these pesticides have been found to have higher rates of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. You can reduce your exposure to them by eating organic and using alternative pest control methods.
and coatings on time-release pharmaceuticals. You can reduce your exposure to phthalates by using unscented lotions and laundry detergents, microwaving food in glass containers rather than plastic, using cleaning supplies without scents, and avoiding air fresheners and plastics labeled as No. 3, No. 6 and No 7. POLYBROMINATED DIPHENYL ETHERS These chemicals are used as flame retardants, chemicals that can slow the speed of a flame. They can be found in televisions, computers, insulation and foam products, including children’s toys and baby pillows. Products can shed ethers that can accumulate in dust. Exposure to these ethers have been associated with thyroid issues. There isn’t a directory that lists which products have these ethers, but consumers may still be able to reduce exposure by looking for products that advertise themselves as free of flame retardant. These chemicals were found in a lot of older foams, so replace products such sofas and pillows that have exposed foam. And use a high-efficiency HEPA filter vacuum to clean up dust. AIR POLLUTANTS Air pollution from burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil or gas is usually associated with respiratory issues. However, these pollutants can also include nitrogen dioxide, formaldehyde and benzene. Higher exposure to air pollutants has been associated with lower birth weights, preterm deliveries and congenital heart defects. The World Health Organization (PDF) considers exposure to benzene a major public health concern. Aside from trying to avoid polluted areas, you can make sure to buy furniture and products that advertise themselves as formaldehydefree. Try to avoid buying furniture made with particleboard, plywood or pressed wood. Many of these products use glues containing formaldehyde. LEAD Lead is a naturally occurring metal. It was banned from gasoline in the 1970s but can still be found in older homes that used leaded paint. Lead can also make its way into water, because of corrosion from old water pipes. Lead is also used in a variety of products like industrial
Is your hand sanitizer safe? The FDA wants to know
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are everywhere these days, and the Food and Drug Administration wants to know more about them. It requested more scientific evidence Wednesday to prove that hand sanitizers are both safe and effective. In particular, the FDA will be investigating whether sanitizers might be harmful to pregnant women and children. Used by millions of Americans daily and often repeatedly, over-thecounter sanitizers are meant to reduce bacteria when hand-washing is either inconvenient or impossible. Specifically, the agency wants to know more about three ingredients in these products: ethanol (or ethyl alcohol), isopropyl alcohol and benzalkonium chloride. Ethyl alcohol is a primary alcohol and isopropyl a secondary alcohol; though related, they have different chemical properties and absorbency. High-concentration exposure to ethyl alcohol (PDF) may harm a fetus, while isopropyl alcohol (PDF) can irritate the eyes and skin, according to the New Jersey
Department of Health. Benzalkonium chloride, which is in a range of products from burn treatments to spermicides to floor cleaners, possesses antimicrobial properties. In animal studies, benzalkonium chloride had lethal effects on rodents when taken orally in repeated large doses, according to the European Medicines Agency (PDF). The FDA’s concerns are based on those of the agency’s independent advisory committee, which re-
viewed scientific data on these ingredients. However, the federal agency has not called for the products to be removed from the market. Originally, the FDA reviewed these antiseptics in the 1970s. Since then, many things have changed, including how frequently people use them. Also, new technologies can detect low levels of antiseptics in the body, and the FDA knows more about how that might affect a person’s health. Over the past seven years, 90% of all antiseptic rubs have used ethanol or ethyl alcohol as their active ingredient. More information is needed about how repeated exposure to this and the other active ingredients impacts the body, the agency noted. http:// edition.cnn.com.
paints, car batteries and wheel weights. Lead exposure has been associated with ADHD, lower IQs and developmental delay. Infants and toddlers are at greatest risk for lead exposure because they frequently put their hands and toys in their mouths after they may be exposed to lead in dust. Find out if you have lead in your water by reaching out to your local water supplier or even getting an athome test kit from a home improvement store. If your home was built before 1978, test your paint. If the paint is chipping or peeling, it will need to be stripped or covered. Homeowners may want to consider using a professional who is lead-safe certified to help you. Parents can also talk to your doctor about having your children tested for lead if there is reason for concern. MERCURY Mercury is a naturally occurring element, but it can also be released into the environment from the burning of coal and oil. Mercury can also be found in some household items such as thermometers, light bulbs and older-model clothes dryers and washing machines. Mercury in the environment can make its way into fish and shellfish. Some fish, such as some kinds of tuna, may have higher concentrations of mercury. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, exposure to mercury in utero may impact memory, attention and cognitive skills.While you can’t completely eliminate mercury from your environment, you can reduce your exposure to mercury by avoiding fish high in mercury. Try to use mercuryfree thermometers. When getting rid of household items with mercury, reach out to your state or local household hazardous waste collection center for advice. POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYLS Between 1929 and 1977, thousands of tons ofpolychlorinated biphenyls were used worldwide. Production of the chemical in the U.S. was banned by the EPA in 1977, but they can linger (PDF) in the environment for a long time and make their way into the food chain. These chemicals have been used as coolants and lubricants in electrical equipment because they are good insulators. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, polychlorinated biphenyls are associated with cancer in occupational settings and has been associated with issues with motor skills and short term memory in children. Much like mercury, they have made their way into our food sources, particularly fish and some meat. To avoid polychlorinated biphenyls in your food, the Environmental Defense Fund suggests, before cooking, removing the parts where toxic chemicals are likely to accumulate, such as the skin, fat and internal organs. When cooking, make sure to drain away fat and avoid drippings. http:// edition.cnn.com.
Sunday September 23, 2018
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Grey’s Anatomy Ending With Season 16? Ellen Pompeo Is “Looking for a Change”
John Legend Dishes on Daughter Luna Starting Preschool
Is Ellen Pompeo getting ready to hang up her stethoscope? The Grey’s Anatomy star hinted the end might be near for her and ABC’s long-running medical drama while discussing the series with Entertainment Weekly. “I’m clearly not prepared right now to make any kind of formal announcement about what my future is on the show, but I am really feeling like we have told the majority of the stories we can tell,” Pompeo said. “It’s about time that I mix it up. I’m definitely looking for a change.” When Pompeo signed her landmark new $20 million a year deal, she signed on for seasons 15 and 16. Season 15 debuts on Thursday, Sept. 27. Her deal also made her a producer on the series. In 2017, Pompeo wasn’t ready to say how much longer she saw the show going on. “I don’t know. I know that we want to try to—,” she said, stopping herself. “Well, let’s just see, you know? I don’t like to take things for granted.
You can’t just assume the show can go on forever. It’s up to the fans. And the fans will let us know how long they want the show to air.” Series creator Shonda Rhimes previously told E! News the show ends when Pompeo is done. “Ellen and I have a pact that I’m going to do the show as long as she’s going to do the show,” Rhimes said. “So, the show will exist as long as
both of us want to do it. If she wants to stop, we’re stopping. So, I don’t know if we’ll see 600, but I want to keep it feeling fresh. As long as there are fresh stories to tell and as long as we’re both excited about the stories being told, we’re in. So, we’ll see where that takes us.” Grey’s Anatomy returns Thursday, Sept. 27 at 8 p.m. on ABC.(www.eonline.com)
All the Details on Justin Bieber and Hailey Baldwin’s Private Italian Villa Stay Justin Bieber and Hailey Baldwin recently spent time enjoying some R&R on Italy’s Amalfi Coast. Their trip comes a week after the 24-year-old pop star and 21-year-old model, who got engaged in July, sparked marriage speculation after they were spotted at a New York City courthouse. They then spent some time in London before heading to Italy. Bieber and Baldwin recently spent two nights in a private villa at the Belmond Hotel Caruso in Ravello, E! News has learned. The villa costs €11,000 ($13,000) to rent for a night.“They look like honeymooners and are completely in love,” a source told E! News. “They always grab each other and hold each other close. They are very affectionate and smitten.” “Justin is treating Hailey like a queen and wants only the best for her,” a source told E! News. “Their villa has amazing views from a cliff and they have a private butler for any special requests they may have. They have been eating lots of fresh pasta and gelato. They ate in the hotel restaurant and in a little outdoor cafe. They were kissing across the table and looking at each other adoringly.” The source also said Bieber and Baldwin took a walk through the village and
talked to many of the locals, and also took a boat cruise along the coast line. The two “were kissing the entire time,” the source said. “They have a driver that has taken them to see the different towns,” the source continued. “They visited Amalfi and Salerno before coming back to Ravello. They loved looking at the views and the Mediterranean.” Earlier in the week, in Lon-
don, Baldwin had some work to do—she celebrated the launch of the Adidas Originals Falcon sneakers at a fashion show. But she had plenty of romantic time with Bieber; the two packed on the PDA at a park and while riding the London Eye Ferris wheel. The singer also serenaded the model at the Victoria Memorial fountains outside of B u c k i n g h a m Palace.(www.eonline.com)
John Legend may be an EGOT winner, but that doesn’t mean he’s too busy to keep up with his regular daddy duties. While attending Caruso’s Palisades Village opening gala in Pacific Palisades, Calif. on Thursday, the “All of Me” singer talked about dropping his daughter, Luna, off at preschool and dished on what she’s learning. “She’s just starting school, and she’s learning how to play with other kids she’s never met before,” he told E! News. “It’s a journey, you know.” However, it looks like his 2-year-old tot may need a little more practice. Last month, Chrissy Teigen posted a video of her firstborn admitting to pushing a boy in her class. The little lady started school in August. The Lip Sync Battle host even made her daughter a family photo album in case she gets sad or upset during the day. However, the mother of two admitted she didn’t have the easiest time at her daughter’s school orientation. “Hello everyone from Luna’s school orientation today. I’m sorry I projectile puked caffeine upon arrival, couldn’t open my eyes and had the noisiest newborn in the room. (not a joke, very sorry, see you tomorrow),” she tweeted at the time. Teigen probably knows how to pack an amazing school lunch, too. After all, she is a cookbook author and recently published her
second masterpiece, Cravings: Hungry for More. As for Legend’s favorite recipes from her cookbook, he said he loves her massive cookie and French onion soup. “It’s so good. It’s like buttery awesomeness,” The Voice’s season 16 coach said. Watch the video to hear him talk about his career and family life. (www.eonline.com.)
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STANDARDS IN FOCUS
Codex standards beneficial to the food sector Codex Alimentarius standards and related texts are voluntary in nature. However, these food related standards are adopted and utilized by industries and regulators worldwide to ensure that foods produced are safe and wholesome for consumption. To become enforceable, Codex standards need to be translated into national legislations or regulations. The development process of all Codex standards is well defined, open and transparent; that is, all draft Codex standards are circulated via a Codex Online Commenting System (OCS) to member governments, observer organizations and other international Codex Committees for two rounds of comments before being finalized as a Codex Standard. The OCS’s mission is to provide a simple, efficient, user-friendly online system that will allow ‘all’ Codex stakeholders to insert and share comments on draft Codex documents. The Codex Contact Points (in each member country) would compile the comments in an easy and efficient manner to provide data for analysis by the Codex Alimentarius Secretariat. The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) is the Codex Contact Point for Guyana. The GNBS coordinates the work of Codex through the National Codex Committee (NCC). The National Codex Committee of Guyana was resuscitated in 2014 and today it comprises members from governmental organisations, non-governmental organisations, private sector, consumer association and academia. The National Committee acts as a consultative body that reviews draft Codex Alimentarius standards and related texts and formalize comments/country positions on draft Codex documents. Commenting on draft Codex standards has now become very simple for Guyana. Comments from industry stakeholders, regulators and other interested parties can now be facilitated through the online
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commenting system formally introduced to the Codex Committee on September 11, 2018 through training. This training was provided by the international Codex Secretariat under the theme, “The use of the Codex electronic systems and Codex tools.” The training provided a platform for the members of the NCC to become familiar with the use of the OCS. To the economies of Codex member countries, Codex standards offer tremendous benefits including the use of these standards to ensure that food is safe and of good quality for their citizens. In addition, by introducing legislations and regulations that are consistent with Codex standards and guidelines Governments may reduce the risk of being brought before a World Trade Organisation Disputes Panel. If a government chooses a higher level of protection, in the event of a trade dispute, it may be required to justify the sanitary measure corresponding to its chosen level of protection on scientific, health, or other legitimate grounds, which can be supported by codex standards. In many countries, most food legislations are already consistent with Codex requirements. Additionally, harmonizing national requirements with Codex standards contributes to the protection of consumer health, and to the fullest possible level, facilitates international trade. Draft Codex standards currently up for comments include the Proposed Draft Standard for Dried roots, rhizomes and bulbs – Specific requirements for dried or dehydrated ginger; Proposed draft definition for bio-fortification; and Proposed draft revision of the General Principles of Food Hygiene and its HACCP annex. For further information, please contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0062, 219-0065 or 219-0069 or visit our website: www.gnbsgy.org
Early Screening advocated, as Oncology Care Progresses Recent reports have identified a surge in cancer cases globally. Locally, Guyana has seen an increase in the mortality rate of prostate cancer. The Cancer Institute of Guyana (CIG)geared in providing advanced oncology care for its patients- sees systematic early screening as vital for an early diagnosis and a higher probability for survival. Guyana, being subjected to the many disadvantages that come with being a Third
World developing country, one being-the hurdles that are often encountered in controlling cancer in such a demographic. The World Health Organization in its fight to control cancer sees four major aspects as crucial: cancer prevention, early detection and diagnosis, treatment, and palliation.. A major hindrance that developing countries often have in controlling cancer is the lack of reliable cancer statistics. The Continued on page 69
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SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. ICONIC MARKETING & PRINTING –TEL: 6006887: We create A/works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Have your fence, yard, mat to pressure wash and yard to weed? Call 666-2326 Installations, Repairs and parts for AC, Fridge, Washing machine, Stove etc call Nick 627-3206, 630-1600 Guyana Business. For everything on setting up & doing business. Check: Guyanaconnection.com; (f) Guyanaconnection; Guyanaconnection 100@gmail.com Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 R&C Imports- Online shopping at the comfort of your home. Whatsapp or call Tel# 218-0007/692-6065/6007853 HEALTH Herbal remedies: Diabetes, Hypertension, Infertility, Menstrual disorders, Enlarged prostate, Kidney,Gall stones & Arthritis etc. Call Sparman #676-5924 TO LET Two(2) bedroom apartment @ Providence East Bank Demerara. Student of Texila are welcome. Tel 618-6207, 673-1617 2 & 3 bedroom apartment in Eccles & rooms in Albertown. Tel# 225-3234/225-9223
Sunday September 23, 2018
Kaieteur News
FOR SALE Generac Pressure Wash for sale 3100 PSI. Tel#654-5267/ 652-2244/220-4203 Skutt Automatic Kiln Model 1227 & 8 movable stage pieces for sale. 650-1713 Cat 320 DL Excavator - Good condition MWM Turbo 6 cylinder engine with 8-6 Berkley pump. Yamaha 25 hp outboard. Call 613-5062 10" Diamond Lavrador. Steel wash plant (stone separator) for gold mining, Shulz Air Compressor. Call 613-5062 1 Mitsubishi canter 4D30, good condition, 2.5 ton, shortbase hydraulic backgate. Price 1.1M. Contact 661-3525, 610-6886 Two connected 7 1/2 Tons air conditioners. Aluminium ducting extractors for restaurant. Contact No #6621991/641-4952 Sheep for sale. Contact# 6956139/ 674-5052 Strong, Fast, Aluminium boats for sale with & without engines. 651-8883 whatsapp. 50 acres of coconut estate located at Barima River. Contact#680-2702 1 Iceplant 2x6 tons with holding room, filters system tank, cummins generator, fuel tank, electrical system #6024426
FOR RENT
WANTED
VACANCY
CAR RENTAL
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
1 Air compressor 5HP 3 Phase 230/220 volts. Call: 628-1486/ 698-1134.
Waiter/Waitress- Cook, preferably carnegie trained. Call: 225-7933, or visit 173 Sheriff Street.
DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL:225-7126/ 2263 6 9 3 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL @YAHOO.COM/ WWW.D OLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM
Newly built house, fully furnished ECDem Nice location 10-15 mins from G/ town #616-0427/689-3612 1 Supermarket for rent. Located at 76 first avenue Bartica. Contact# 664-4663 1 & 2 Bedroom apartments, 3 bedroom house. Can be used for storage also ECD. Contact Mr. Khan #675-2550/ 656-9319 2 Bedroom bottom flat Grove/ Diamond 1st bridge. 6944276/680-6399 Two bedroom unfurnished apartment at Grove New Scheme E.B.D. $40,000. 6493009 Business place to rent (bottom flat) 14 Lombard St G/town. Tel# 227-1385, 6530506 1 bedroom for working couple/single person $35,000 & $32,000 monthly light & water included. Lodge. Call: 623-0076 (1) Two Bedroom apartment Lot 329 A Field Sophia. Tel#219-1045/ 625-0940 Better Hope ECD Public Rd: For Retail/Food Business. Upper 2 bedroom living space & lower level available RLTY PROS 650-1234
6 bedroom house on transported double lot- all amenities, private yard/ parking. Georgetown, Call: 609-7766 today
TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS) LEARN TO DRIVE N. Outar Driving School. Learn to Drive the right way. Affordable package. Call: 6445166/691-2561
Property for sale, two flat fully furnished at Block CC Mon Repos. Tel# 220-0852/ 670-0558
Three Bedroom house To Let, top flat. Phone #220-4670
Lot 22 Railway line, Uivlugt, West Coast Demerara $14 Million negotiable. Contact #227-3520, 688-4263
Bottom floor Camp St for business/ office commercial spaces, available at Enmore mall ECD. Call Richard #6097675/674-1705/233-2614
Bushlot WCB - 2 Story wooden building on corner lot, close to public road. Asking $8M GYD. RLTY PROS 650-1234
September Cosmetology Courses $40,000 Nail Technology $25,000 Advance Make-up $15,000, All products provided. Abby #614-6749
Driver/Expeditor. Contact 223-5273/74 Minibus driver living in G/ town to work with company #664-0802
Personnel to excavate approx 4’x4’x6' area and build underground water reservoir. Tel 227-1830
Experienced wasbay staff. Minibus driver to work Route 42 bus from 4pm. #646-8748
Land to buy. Parfaite Harmonie, Tuschen, Farm, Eccles, Covenient, Uitvlugt, Diamond, Providence. Best price pay. Call 604-6724
Job Vacancy- One heavy machinery mechanic, Pit workers for dredge in the interior. Contact# 645-6191
1 Skilled Bobcat operator. 4 years experience. 609-0766/ 265-3024 Wanted Female workers. Just write CXC 2018. Call 622-5518 Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665 Driver for pitbull route 42 bus. Call 685-0569, 604-7018. Call any time. Unfurnished building located Lower East Coast/Lower East Bank Demerara. Send details &pictures- newerarealtygy @gmail.com 1 male to work on chicken farm in interior, must have knowledge & experience in poultry rearing. Contact #680-2702 1 Live-in-couple. Husband, Driving etc Wife- Domestic. Georgetown Area. Tel# 2271830
We buy land in Amelia’s Ward & in Linden areas. Call Carol #681-2294 We are buying house lots in Zeelugt & Cornelia Ida. Call Ron on #651-1969 We are buying land in Parfaite Harmonie & other places with title & irrevocable power. Tel#656-0701 We buy land and invest in properties in Eccles, Providence, Herstelling, Farm & Covent Garden. Tel# 6481635
SALON
Maths tutor to teach an 8 year old. Contact 223-5273/74
Buying non working/ store damaged appliances, refridgerator, treadmill, cooler, deepfryer, ovens, doughmixer. Whatsapp 661-5099
Urgently need one house lot in Eccles New Scheme, We are paying $5M #629-7760
PROPERTY FOR SALE Super newly renovated property 2 storey house with 2 washrooms, one with bathtub at Lowland ECD Price $10M Neg. Cell: 6470655
1 Diesel Mechanic/Welder to work in Interior. Contact #6255136 Monday-Friday between 8am-5pm
Labourers for wood concession $5000 for per day. Call 618-0487 Labourers for wood concession $5000 for per day. Call 664-1030/613-5212 (Red man)
Experienced Handyman/ Porter ablebody all-rounder, apply with written application/ recommendation @ Keyfood McDoom Village (Age 20-30)
PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS FROM $4000 & UP, SUV’S PER DAY- CALL:643-5122/ 6 5 6 - 0 0 8 7 , ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MINI BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPORT & FAMILY OUTINGS, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807 WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP RATES,SPECIALOFFERS! . CALL: 690-6494
Expert water repairer. Apply to Royal Jewel House 137 Regent Street- opposite Kirpalani VEHICLE FOR SALE Vegetarian Gardens: Driver/ Salesman. 227-7714/2233448info@vgiworld.com Male sales clerks. Apply with hand written applications to Royal Jewel House, 137 Regent, opposite Kirpalani. 2 Grillmen (Driver’s license a plus) to grill burgers. 1 live in help from Berbice/Essequibo. Contact X’s Grill & Cuisine. 675-2550/656-9313 Road technicians to work at Atlantic Wireless Network to install internet antennas. Call #227-2001 or email CV to jobs@awngy.com Receptionist, Ages 25-45 years old, Tel #225-0198 or visit 233 South Rd, Lacytown. Gardener, Waiter/Waitress. Apply to the manager, Herdmanston Lodge 65 Peter Rose & Anira St, Queenstown One maid. Tel# 664-6960 Looking for a job & educational services? Contact The Job Centre 43 Croal & Alexander Street or call 600-8457 Vacancy for 1 maid & 1 male security. Call: 693-9336 (ECD) 9am to 4pm weekdays only. Vacancy for carpenters. Apply at Alabama Trading, 65 Robb St, Bourda Vacancy for watchman who can bathe dogs and clean the yard. Call# 231-0734/653-4537
White Toyota Axio 2010 Unregistered Vehicle with low mileage and reverse camera $2.6 Neg #220-9514/ 645-6469 Allion, Primo, Fielder Wagon, Spacio, Bluebird, 212 Carina, RZ,Pit-bull, Allex, 192 & Canter – Call: 650-7501 Nissan X-Trail. PNN 2515 $2.3 Negotiable. Call: 6831019 Toyota Mark 2 PXX registration (All extras) very nice car, must be seen #6160427/689-3612 Nissan Pathfinder Jeep, Nissan Laurel Honda Ipsum 7 seater. Superb condition/ Bargain Prices. Call: 609-7766 today Case 680 H Backhoe, GMC Tow Truck, Scrap Nissan 720 Pickup. Call Richard #6097675/674-1705/233-2614. Reasonable Price. American 2008 Black Accord, 4 cylinder with front and rear air bags. Whatsapp or call (346) 818-0822
EDUCATION Personal tutor for your children. Grade 2,4,6 Form 15 CXC Maths/Physic/ Chemistry/Biology. #6905008 Continued on page 69
Sunday September 23, 2018
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IDB launches Blue Tech Challenge with up to US$2M in funding The IDB through its Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF), Natural Capital Lab, Sustainable Islands Platform, and in alliance with the Compete Caribbean Partnership Facility, which is also supported by DFID, CDB and the Government of Canada, will identify firms and organizations looking to pilot and scale up business models that use cutting edge technologies to contribute to the sustainable management
of oceans, marine ecosystems and coastal resources. Qualifying entities will be considered by the IDB to implement a development project to pilot the blue economy model in one of the 14 target countries. The funding requests should be within a range of US$150,000 to US$500,000 for non-reimbursable technical assistance (grants). Proposals for loans should be within a range of
US$500,000 to US$2,000,000 and the proponent entity should contribute with at least 50% of the project budget. The Blue Tech Challenge seeks to support business models that apply new technologies to deliver products and/or solutions that foster the long-term sustainability of the ocean economy in the following 14 target countries: Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Suriname,
Children Still Being Charged For Wandering - Despite orders from Min. of Public Security Months after the Juvenile Justice Act has been assented to by President Granger, children are still being arrested or charged for wandering. This is according to Ms. Nicole Cole, a commissioner on the Rights of the Child Commission. “It is not working at the moment. As we stand here, children are still being charged for wandering.” According to Ms. Cole, on June 1, last, she paid a visit to the Juvenile holding facility at Sophia where she was astonished to find children there on charges of wandering. The minister however said that since the bill was assented by the president after the bill was passed in parliament, he had issued an
order that no child was to be arrested and charged for wandering. When questioned about his knowledge of children being charged, Commissioner of Police Leslie James, opined that he was not aware of anything of the sort, but vowed to personally look into the matter as soon as possible. “That order would have been given obviously before I became commissioner, but it is strange, because if an order has been given by the policymaker it has to be carried out.” “I personally will check, because we do not know for certain if what has been reported here is factual. I will check to confirm if persons were taken into custody subsequent to the passing of
Early Screening advocated... From page 67 absence of a reliable source of case reference, can stymie the growth of a country’s oncology care; a lack of active conscientious efforts to record statistics is equivalent to discrepancies in any source of data. CIG’s medical outreach director, Dr. Syed Ghazi, and oncologist Dr. Sayan Chakroborty, emphasized the need for a fresh approach as well as awareness amongst members of society. They reiterated the concept of cancer as a disease that varies in its modus operandi, with each type having a unique way of advancing in stages. With an increase in cases of cervical cancer, cancer of the breast and prostate cancer, screening is becoming even more pertinent. Women are becoming even more susceptible to cancers; cancer is becoming a commonality nationwide.
Dr. Ghazi explained the beginning of CIG. “We saw the need for accurate cancer care…That is the reason why the Cancer Institute of Guyana is here, we want to be able to give that care that is often sought after.” Dr.Ghazi in an evaluation of Guyana’s oncology care said that the country has gone a long way saying, “We are halfway there. We are getting there. Things have progressed.” The medical outreach director did not hesitate to make mention to the socio-cultural aspect that often plagues the male demographic, an aspect that causes them to shy away from taking heed to the many warning signs that are often seen. Men develop predilections that have led them to ignore their needs health-wise. This has led to the increase in prostate cancer.
Habits are not the product of one decision — They’re the result of repeated choices that eventually become automatic responses. How can you know your true spiritual condition? By the company you keep and the choices you make. When you’re free to go, where do you choose to go? Whose company do you prefer?
that Bill” The Juvenile Justice Act would have been voted on and passed in parliament on April 26, 2018. It sought to abolish wandering, truancy and vagrancy as offences.
From page 68 LAND FOR SALE 5 acres of Vacant Transported land @ Brahn, West Coast Berbice. $10M Negotiable. Call: 601-5739/ 718-444-1944/917-628-9492 Prime land to build that dream home. Not far from Princess, New Thriving, Massy, HJ water world $13M neg- Call: 669-8397 Parfaite Harmonie can transfer 3M 1.3M, Farm 4.5M, Covenient 5M, Tuschen 1.4M, Uitvlugt 2.7M. Call 666-2326 Prime East Bank Land for bond & storage facility $8M. Pay 75% now, rest later. Tel# 651-1969 Parfaite Harmonie $1.2M Amelia’s Ward Linden $2.6M #604-1178 Farm (East Bank) $3M Herstelling $6M & $4M Uivlugt $3M Schnoord $3.5M Zeelugt (100x50) $3M #6561345 Parfaite Harmonie $1M, $1.2M, $1.4M, $1.6M, $1.8M & $2.6M Farm $3M Tel# 6561345 ACCOMMODATION Secret Villa & Harmony Inn, Ideal for local & overseas guest. Tel#225-6337, 2181400/ 694-7817/668-0306 DRESSMAKING Classes in Designing and Sewing, also professional sewing service. Uniforms and more. Call: 676-6312
Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The Sustainable Development Goals recognize the critical contribution the ocean makes to the world economy, and specifically to the development of the smallest and most vulnerable nations. In most Caribbean island countries, close to 100% of the population depend on the oceans for their basic livelihood, food security, and economic development. Yet, over-exploitation of marine ecosystems and increased pollution are
causing damage to ocean ecosystems and natural capital. The “blue economy” concept emerges as a unique opportunity to address sustainable management of oceans and marine ecosystems countries, as well as a promising avenue for economic diversification and sustainable growth. Since every sector of the blue economy is affected by the technological advances, it is essential to take advantage of this trend to pilot new approaches, develop new materials, and implement novel approaches that deliver pragmatic and tangible solutions for
business models that, at the same time, foster the long-term sustainability of the ocean economy. Qualifying entities will be considered to receive financing and/or technical assistance to implement a pilot for the blue economy model proposed in one of the target countries. Qualifying entities will also become part of the IDB Group’s network of global innovators working in the Caribbean region poised to exchange knowledge, expertise, best practices, and with ample opportunities to p a r t i c i p a t e i n I D B G ’s related regional networking events.
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Sunday September 23, 2018
Social media helps family, cops track down hit and run driver -suspect’s car found stashed at Tuschen Thanks to social media postings, police have tracked down the driver who fled after killing Chapil Dave Kumar in the presence of his pregnant wife at Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara on Thursday night. The driver, identified as a filling station employee, turned himself in to Traffic ranks at the Leonora Police Station around noon yesterday, shortly after his car was found abandoned near a ricefield at Vergenoegen, East Bank Essequibo. Police took statements from the suspect as well as from the victim’s pregnant wife, who is the main eyewitness. Investigators also returned to the crime scene. A police release stated
that the 25-year-old driver “surrendered to police and has since admitted to his involvement in the accident, claiming that the pedestrian (deceased) ran into the path of his vehicle. “The vehicle PKK 7495, which is registered to a resident of Parika was found to be tinted and several of its documents expired. “The driver, 25, of Tuschen Old Road, EBE is being processed for court at Leonora on Monday since the post-mortem is expected to conclude earlier the same day. Among the charges likely to be instituted are causing death by dangerous driving unlicensed motor vehicle; uninsured motor vehicle; tinted motor vehicle; failure to
stop after an accident and failure to render assistance. “He knew that the end of the road was reaching, that’s why he turned himself in,” Govinda Persaud, an uncle of the victim said. Kaieteur News understands that the suspect’s white Toyota AT 192, was stashed between two trailers and was covered with a blue tarpaulin. The number plates had been removed but ranks located documents that identified the licence number and vehicle owner. There are reports that the suspect had attempted to have the vehicle repaired, but a body-shop owner refused to work on the car after learning of its possible link to last
Thursday’s hit-and-run tragedy. It is believed that after failing to have the vehicle repaired, the suspect stashed it early yesterday at Tuschen, where police and an uncle of the dead man found it. Kumar’s uncle, Govinda Persaud, told Kaieteur News that while they were preparing to have the vehicle towed away, someone in another vehicle ‘circled’ the area twice. Shortly after, the suspect’s mother and a brother showed up. According to the uncle, the man’s relative said that they had not known of his involvement in the accident. “I asked the mother if ‘is a dog your son kill, (in reference to his driving away) and she did not answer,” the uncle said. He related that shortly after the police questioned individuals at a bodywork shop, they were informed that the suspect was at the Leonora Police Station. He lauded individuals who kept posting information on social media for helping him and police to track the suspect, and for forcing the individual to surrender. The family had also posted their contact numbers on social media, and the uncle had been following up on the tips the family was receiving. “This was as a result of
Killed: Chapil Dave Kumar, 23 with his wife Roshini, in happier times. good collaboration between social media, the police and myself,” he told Kaieteur News. “I did not give up.” The uncle said that he saw the suspect at the station. “I asked him if he knew
that today was my nephew’s birthday and you are the killer and he just smiled.” Chapil Dave Kumar, 23, and his pregnant wife, Roshini, were reportedly waiting for a taxi in front of Tiwari (Continued on page 72)
Sunday September 23, 2018
Kaieteur News
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Sunday September 23, 2018
One year later, mentally. .. Social media helps family, cops... From page 64 is particularly important Fredericks said because the hospital is always in dire of need for patient in need of medical care. “We provide care at the hospital for people who are sick and need care at a hospital but this woman she needs to be cared for in a homely environment not at an open hospital like this,” said Fredericks. Attempts to have the woman placed at a number of institutions including the Hugo Chavez Home, the Night Shelter, the Palms and even the Cheshire Home which is in fact intended to cater to persons who are physically challenged have been futile, Fredericks said. The GPHC has been continuously battling to combat the issue of patients' abandonment, a situation that it hopes to tackle by naming and shaming family members who refuse to accept them back home.
From page 70 Drug Store, Uitvlugt Public Road around 23.00 hrs when a speeding white Toyota 192 struck him. The driver never stopped. Kumar reportedly fell on the bonnet before being dragged several feet. Kumar ’s body was mangled and it is believed his neck was broken. One of his legs was also severed below the knee. That limb was found the following day in the drug store compound.According to a sister, the couple has a threeyear-old daughter. His wife, Roshini, is several months pregnant. Kumar was said to be a devoted, hard-working family man who sold perfumes and other haberdasheries for a living.The family took to social media, appealing for information to identify and bring the driver to justice. Several numbers were listed for persons who may have information to call. According a relative, there are security cameras in the neighbourhood and investigators are working to
Police located the suspect’s car, which was hidden at Tuschen check the images. Kumar would have cel-
ebrated his 24th birthday yesterday.
Sunday September 23, 2018
Kaieteur News
Red-hot Osaka powers past Giorgi into Tokyo final Tokyo (Reuters) - U.S. Open champion Naomi Osaka stormed past Italy’s Camila Giorgi 6-2 6-3 yesterday to reach the final of the Pan Pacific Open, where she will face Karolina Pliskova. Osaka’s victory in front of an expectant home crowd was her 10th in a row and did not look in doubt from the moment the world number seven pounded down a huge ace with her first serve of the match. The 20-year-old, who became Japan’s first Grand Slam singles champion in New York two weeks ago, hit a further eight aces to overwhelm world number 37 Giorgi. Osaka has carried the poise and power that saw her overcome Serena Williams in the Flushing Meadows final across the Pacific with her and, helped by eight double-faults from Giorgi, wrapped up the victory in just 72 minutes.
A runner up at this event two years ago, Osaka has not dropped a set so far this week and has had her service broken just once. ”It’s a bit surprising but I felt kind of calm going into the first round match and a lot of people were surprised because they thought I would be very nervous,” Osaka told reporters of her stunning run of form. ”Today was the first match that I felt nervous. But other than that I feel like I’ve been playing well and I’ve been trying to set little goals for myself. “Because if you set a really high goal, than normally, for me at least, I tend to overwhelm myself. I’m trying to stay at a consistent level so hopefully I can keep doing that.” PLISKOVA BATTLES ON
Osaka advanced to face world number eight Pliskova in the final after the big-serving Czech
Naomi Osaka outlasted Croatia’s Donna Vekic 6-2 4-6 6-3 in a topsyturvy match that lasted more than two hours. Pliskova has spent more time on court than any other player at this tournament despite a first round bye and was once again dragged into a long contest by a dogged Vekic. The former world number one started as if intent on finishing the contest as quickly as possible, storming to a 4-0 lead before
Sunday September 23, 2018 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You're feeling your power and strength today, Aries. You've worked hard to get into good physical shape. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) The time is right to pursue training for a particular skill or finish a degree in a field of interest to you, Taurus. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Circumstances are favorable for you if you're contemplating investment in real estate. Any sort of investment looks good for you right now, Gemini. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Did you forget to take two aspirin before you fell into bed last night? This morning you may feel in a fog, but it should lift around midday. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) If it's true that you reap what you sow, Leo, you're in for a great harvest in the coming months. Your hard work and focus will start to pay off handsomely VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You're highly esteemed in your profession because of your strong business acumen and no-nonsense approach to problem solving. Recent successes may be preparing you for the next leap
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Opportunity may knock for you today from an unlikely source, perhaps total strangers! Use your intuition to follow potential leads. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Expect to receive interesting communications today, Scorpio. You might hear from a long-lost friend and have a chance to catch up on the news. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You're in a great position to reap the rewards from all your past hard work, Sagittarius. In the coming weeks you'll be able to realize important gains in your career CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) With the current celestial energy, you might be going on a trip. It may be for business, pleasure, or both. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Don't be surprised if money comes from an unlikely source. It could be a surprisingly good return on an investment or a bequest from a relative. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) This is a good time to forge new relationships, Pisces. Be open-minded if someone you know approaches with a proposal.
wrapping up the first set in less than half an hour. Vekic, though, had defeated top 10 players Sloane Stephens and Caroline Garcia en route to the last four and recovered from an early break in the second set to secure two of her own. A weary-looking Pliskova dug deep in the decider and the quality of her superior hitting eventually told as she broke Ve k i c ’s r e s o l v e w i t h a strong start to the third set. Currently just outside the eight qualifying spots for next month’s WTA Finals in Singapore, Pliskova has now spent 420 minutes on court in Tokyo compared to 222 minutes for Osaka. Both players are in the top 10 in terms of number of aces served on the tour this year.
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Sunday September 23, 2018
From page 75 due a delay of 180 minutes, Lower Corentyne edged West Berbice by three runs in the only game played in Berbice. Lower Corentyne, led a 59 from man-of-match Johnathon Foo and 30 from National U-19 player Junior Sinclair, reached 166-7 in 36 overs. West Berbice in reply made 163 with Adrian Dutchin, who was run out, top scoring with 35 from 52 balls with one boundary, Kevin Sinclair hit two fours in 30 from 37 balls and Kasim Khan reached the boundary twice in 22. Foo had three wickets in the last over with six required to win with three wickets in hand while Khan had three and Umroa took two for Lower Corentyne. DINANAUTH, HARRY AND OVIEDO TRIUMPH IN JORGE MEDINA FAREWELL GOLF TOURNEY Competitors were out in their numbers to honor and say farewell to an ardent golfer who had contributed in a huge and significant way to improvements of the Golf Course and to the standards of play in the game – Jorge Medina. During his more than two decades of distinguishing service in Guyana, his passion for golf made him a greatly beloved personality on and off the golf course. The greatness of the man stood out in his farewell tournament, when his frame of mind refused to let him win his flight, but to return a score which earned him 3rd place. At the end of the well-supported tournament, which was played under the now common Flights Format, the winners in each flight were as follows. In the ‘A’ or championship Flight for players of handicap 0 – 9, 1st – former Guyana Open champion Mohanlall Dinanauth 69/5, 2nd – Aleem Hussain 70/9. In the ‘B’ Flight, (handicap 10 – 18,) the top two were, 1st - Bridgelall Harry 67/16 and 2nd - Paton George 68/ 18. In the ‘C’ Flight, the winner was Miguel Oviedo 69/28 and 2nd – Imtiaz Subhan 70/ 22. Notable scores in this flight were scored by the Honourable Jorge Medina 71/ 28, Mark Lashley 72/24 and Clifford Reis75/25. In appreciation for his sterling contribution to the Club during his time here, Medina was given a Crystal Plaque of Appreciation and was also conferred with Life Membership of the Lusignan Golf Club. On hand at the informal farewell gathering that followed the tournament were the current US Ambassador,
The respective Flight winners pose with The Honourable Mr. Jorge Medina (center). From left, Kassim Khan, Paton George, Bridgelall Harry, Miguel Oviedo, Mohanlall Dinanauth, and Aleem Hussain. Perry Holloway and his wife, former Prime Minister of Guyana, Samuel Hinds, Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan – an old golf buddy of Mr. Medina, among other special invitees. MATTHEW’S RIDGE BOYS AND SEBAI GIRLS CROWNED SCHOOLS U13 T10 SOFTBALL CHAMPS The second Annual Regional Primary Schools Under-13 10/10 male and female softball cricket competitions concluded in the Manganese Town of Matthew’s Ridge in Region One on Saturday last. Matthew’s Ridge and Sebai Primary emerged winners of the male and female categories respectively, within the Sub-Region and will represent the district at the grand Regional finals which is slated for Jungle Recreational ground, Mabaruma later this month as part of the Region One Education Month activities. Watched by a massive and vociferous crowd including District Education Officer (DEO) Mr. Ignatius Adams, teachers and parents, decked out in their indigenous crown wear in celebrating education month witnessed Matthew’s Ridge defeat Port Kaituma by six runs in the male division. Port Kaituma won the toss and asked Matthews Ridge Primary to bat. Cleon Green (6) fell cheaply while Nyvin James (14) and Kennard Dove (13) steadied the innings somewhat before Shemroy Daniels beefed up the total towards the closing stages of the in-
nings, scoring 18 to guide his team to 68-7. All rounder Enrique Mickle 3-23, Walson Peters 27 and Ryan Lackna 2-22 were the successful wicket takers for the Port Kaituma Primary. Qwanel Benjamin and Enrique Mickle got Port Kaituma innings off to a flier, but following their dismissals, wickets fell regularly as they finished on 62-8. Benjamin scored 21 while Mickle made 15. Cleon Green snared 3-32, Kennard Dove 26, Nyvin James 2-10 and Shamar Smith 1-8. Sebai primary defeated Matthew’s Ridge Primary by 16 runs in female segment. Inserted to bat, Sebai Primary muscled their way to 753 off their allotted overs with all-rounder Reyanna Benjamin scoring 29. Anira Bourne 1-10, Sonia Moses 114 and Destiny Thomas 1-23 were the successful bowlers. Matthew’s Ridge Primary in reply managed 59-3. Openers Cleona Green and Anira Bourne made 20 and 16 respectively. Rayanna Benjamin, Sharleen James and Tracy Ferreira were the pick of the bowlers for the champions with one wicket apiece. 2018 LIMACOL FOOTBALLTOURNAMENT... POLICE, SANTOS AND POUDEROYEN SECURE QUARTERFINAL SPOTS Following their latest triumphs during group roundrobin play in the 2018 Limacol Football tournament, Police, Santos and Pouderoyen have emerged as the first teams to enter the quarterfinal round. On Tuesday night at the
Ministry of Education (MOE) ground on Carifesta Avenue, Santos got past Beacons FC 2-1 to top Group C with seven points emerging as the only beaten side in the group. Dellon David (40th) and Ronaldo Dover (63rd) ensured Santos had a comfortable lead before Deon Alfred netted a consolation for the losers. Beacons finished last in Group C with one win and two losses from their three games. Meanwhile, in the opening game, Buxton Stars defeated Riddim Squad 2-0 through goals from Cuesy Parris (43) and Kenroy Green (60) to keep their knockout hopes. BCB/MAGIC MOMENTS T20... YOUNG WARRIORS DEFEAT ROSE HALL CANJE TO LIFT NEW AMSTERDAM/CANJE ZONE TITLE Young Warriors Cricket Club (YWCC) dusted off months of being inactive to defeat arch rivals Rose Hall Canje Cricket Club (RHCCC) by 22 runs to become champions of the Magic Moments T20 cricket tournament for clubs in New Amsterdam/ Canje Zone. Playing at the historic Rose Hall Canje Welfare Centre Ground, Young Warriors took full advantage of being asked to take first strike by the home team. They rattled up 143-6 off their allotted 20overs. Kassim Khan top scored with 62 (6x6) not out and received support from S. Phillips 22, Trevlon Stanislaus
20 and Alex Algoo 16. Kassim scored 24 off the last over of the innings bowled by pacer M. Campbelle who took 3-38 for Rose Hall Canje; Mark Sampson, Suresh Dhanai and C. Hope each took a wicket. Tight bowling and brilliant fielding by the Young Warriors team then restricted the home team to 121-9 off their allotted 20-overs. Veteran Balram Samaroo top scored with 34 but was unable to find boundaries on a regular basis while the aggressive Sasenarine Sukhu supported with 21. T. Sooknanand batting at No. 11 struck a quick fire 22 (3x6) in a losing cause. Kassim Khan returned with the ball to complete a man-of-the-final performance by claiming 3-18 with his left arm spin. Fellow left arm spinner Trevlon Stanislaus led with 419 from his four overs. Earlier in the day, Police Cricket Club defeated Betsy Ground by 23 runs to claim the third place prize but Betsy Ground protested on the grounds that a player from the Police team did not wear the proper attire. The Competitions Committee of the BCB would meet shortly to discuss the protest. The winner and runner-up collected trophies and cash prizes. BANKS DIH/GABA LEAGUES... GILLIS’ 30 HELPS EAGLES SOAR PAST VIKINGS Eagles edged Vikings Basketball Club 76-74 to return to winning ways on Wednesday night during Second Division play of the Georgetown Ama-
teur Basketball Association (GABA)/Rainforest Waters/ Malta Supreme League at the Burnham Hard Court, Middle and Carmichael Streets. Berbician Sherland Gillis was the standout player in the game by miles, pouring in a game-high 30 points for Eagles with Nickosie Allicock being the second highest points scorer for the winners with a mere eight points as they helped Eagles to their second win in three games so far in competition. The eventual score was too close for Eagles which were up by 7 points in the fourth quarter but unforced turnovers coupled with a hanging three-pointer from Osafa Johnson brought the Vikings team, which is a combination of former Qualfon and Republic Bank players, back into the game. Fittingly, with the score deadlocked and three seconds on the clock, the best player on the court during the game, Gillis, broke free to layup the winning points for Eagles. On the losing side, Kevin Dey hooped 18 points with support from skipper Shayne Joseph (15) and Jeffrey Wilkinson (12). The opening match saw Pacesetters humbling Pepsi Sonics 96-51 in the Under-23 clash losing by 45-points. The ruthless Pacesetters unit was led once again by Zion Gray and Troy David who both tipped in the game-high score of 18 points; Shaquan Gill (15) and Kwesi Roberts (13) supported well.Lemuel Grant (12) and Kelmar Carmichael (10) were the main men for the Yannick December Coached Pepsi Sonics.
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Kaieteur News
We take a look back at the key events that took place and made the news in the local sporting arena over the past week BALRAM NARINE WINS FLYINGACE CYCLE CLUB 40 MILER IN BERBICE The Flying Ace Cycle Club (FACC) of Berbice once again successfully ran off another race for cyclists from Berbice. Taking the #1 podium spot was Balram Narine who has continued his good form by winning the 40-mile contest in One Hour 45 Minutes from 14 other starters. Narine broke away early and although he was briefly challenged on the upward journey it was a complete one man show after the rider hit the turnaround point. Narine’s closest competitor was about two miles off. The race which began at the corner of Main and Alexander Street at 10: 30hrs saw the riders proceeding to the junction of the Police Training School at Adventure, Corentyne before turning back to finish at the starting line. Second was Donovan Fraser followed by Ralph Seenarine, Clement Doris and Ray Millington to top off the first five; Narine rode away all four prime point prizes which were up for grabs. In the 1214 category the winner was Jeremiah Joseph who completed the distance ahead of Steve Bhimsain and Nicholas Emanuel. Sponsors of the race were The Regional Democratic Council, Samantha Prince of Celebity Hair, Nails and Shoe Gallery, Alfred Pettie of J Supermarket, Fix It Electronics, Vick Ram Jewelry and North West Trading among others. SILICA SANDPORT INC. GOLF Pandit Haresh wins ‘C’ Flight to create history Playing with a 19 handicap in the 19-28 ‘C’ Flight of his own Silica Sandport sponsored tournament for the second successive year at the Lusignan Golf Club on Saturday last, Pandit Haresh Tewari made history as he secured 2 chip-in birdies on the same green – for hole 4 and hole 13. Other winners were President Aleem Hussain, now playing in the Championship Flight and Parmanand ‘Max’ Persaud, playing in the ‘B’ Flight. At the end of the day’s play, the prizes were awarded as follows: ‘A’ or Championship Flight, Handicap 0-9: 1st - Aleem Hussain 72/9; 2nd Nazeem ‘Papo’ Haniff 73/7, Mike Mangal 75/7 was close competitor in the Flight. In the ‘B’ Flight, Handicap 10-18: 1st - Parmanand ‘Max’
Persaud 68/14; 2nd - Joaan Deo 70/16. In this Flight, Aasrodeen Shaw 71/13; Brian Glasford 73/15: Hilbert Shields 73/16; Patrick Prashad 74/10 and Lekhnarine Shivraj 74/16 were a set of keen competitors. In the ‘C’ Flight, Handicap 19-28: 1st – Haresh Tewari 69/ 19; 2nd – Guillermo Escarraga 80/20, Philbert London 86/22 was the closest competitor in this flight. CONQUERORS CLINCH CHAMPIONSHIPAFTER SUNDAY’S DRAWS Fruta Conquerors Football Club (FCFC) has been very competitive in recent years, placing major emphasis on developing young players. Under the stewardship of new coach Sampson Gilbert, the Tucville based club has won the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Elite League in the competition’s third season with one game to spare. Heading into Sunday night’s hyped double header at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) ground where, in order to win the league Conquerors needed a win against season two champions, Guyana Defence Force (GDF) or Western Tigers dropping points in the feature clash against the free scoring Den Amstel FC, and they enjoyed the latter. A fair sized crowd at the GFC ground witnessed Western Tigers fluff a good opportunity to defeat Den Amstel in the feature game after Ryan Adolf had fired them into the lead in the 64th minute but Jamal Harvey had other ideas and his 79th minute goal was enough to salvage a point for the potent West Coast Demerara team. In the build up, it was noted that Western Tigers would have needed to score at least two goals to get past Den Amstel and the Ruimveldt based club had an excellent opportunity in the first half through their striker Hubert Pedro after he was played through on goal by Pernell Schultz. However, the number nine who is nicknamed ‘Berty’ rounded Den Amstel’s number one but failed to pull the trigger. In the opening clash, a visibly upset Gilbert was on edge after his side Conquerors had conceded a stoppage time goal which was squeezed in by GDF’s Sherwayne Caesar following an unnecessary but blistering counter-attack that stemmed from a Conquerors’ set-piece. Before Caesar’s goal,
Balram Narine receives his prize from former rider Neil Reece as other outstanding performers share the moment. Coordinator Randolph Roberts at right. Conquerors had gone ahead in the 66th minute. With the instructions of fans on the touchline, Ryan Hackett had switched from the right to the wide-left midfield position and immediately after, he served up a perfectly weighed cross to his teammate Domini Garnett who made no mistake in smashing the ball into the back of the net. The former Grove Hi Tech skipper and forward made no mistake with his thundering power-header from close range. SAVORY’S CENTURY, SPINNERS PROPEL ESSEQUIBO TO 90-RUN WIN OVER WEST DEMERARA A well complied century by wicket-keeper batsman Kemol Savory backed up by a decent bowling performance handed last year’s finalist Essequibo a 90-run victory over West Demerara when the Cricket Guyana Inc. (CGI)/Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Jaguars 50-over Franchise League commenced. Savory anchored his team’s innings, sharing in crucial partnerships with Chetram Persaud and Anthony Adams to lead Essequibo to 217 all out in 48.5 overs after they decided to bat at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara. Openers Kevon Boodie and Ricardo Peters put on 22 before Peters was caught off Navindra Persaud for three, Boodie who hit two fours and one six was bowled by Ewert Samuels for 23 with the score on 56. Ricardo Adams was then lbw to off-spinner Richie Looknauth for six before Sa-
vory and Chetram Persaud added 58 for the fourth wicket with level-headed batting. Savory started cautiously but blossomed well taking boundaries off Travis Persaud and soon reached his fifty off 68 balls. Savory then dominated a fifth-wicket stand of 45 with Anthony Adams. The lefthanded Savory smashed Malcolm Hubbard for two sixes and continued to carefully gather his runs on both sides of the pitch without much hiccups. Adams was run out for nine, but Ronsford Beaton weighed in nicely dumping Hubbard and Travis Persaud for sixes as he and Savory propped up Essequibo’s total. However, soon after reaching his well deserved century, Savory was caught at the wicket off Richie Looknauth for 101 after facing 120 balls and hitting four fours and three sixes. Beaton was caught in the deep for 29; Looknauth claimed 3-39, Samuels 2-11 and Travis Persaud 2-50. Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Ronaldo Renee added 36 for the first wicket before the former was bowled by pacer Neilan Cadogan for 11 while Renee was dismissed in similar fashion by Joshua Jones for 18. The Essequibo spinners then strangled the West Demerara batting with their consistency. Ricardo Adams disturbed the stumps of Safraz Esau for 12 while Anthony Adams bowled Travis Persaud (00) to leave the score at 58-4. Hubbard (04) was then caught off Ricardo Adams before Samuels was bowled by Anthony Adams without scoring. Tevin Imlach played
his shots and smashed Ricardo Adams and Chetram Persaud for maximums but was caught behind off Akieni Adams for a top score of 37. The rest of the batting didn’t offer much resistance with only Mahendra Dhanpaul (18*) and Looknauth (10) reaching double figures; West Demerara were bowled out for 127 in 38.5 overs. Anthony Adams captured 3-22, Ricardo Adams 3-44 and Akieni Adams 2-9. Savory was named man-of-the-match. At Enmore, East Coast Demerara defeated East Bank Demerara by 55 runs. East Coast Demerara batted first and managed 182 all out in 46.1 overs. Amir Khan scored 39, Kamesh Yadram 33 and Ramnarine Chatura 18. Ronaldo Alimohamed claimed 3-16, Trevon France 3-43 and Trevon Griffith 2-34. East Bank Demerara were sent packing for 127 in 39.3 overs. Griffith struck 78; he was the only batsman to reach double figures as Chanderpaul Hemraj grabbed 3-8, Bhaskar Yadram 3-20, Khan 2-24 and Gajanan Sukhnanan 2-31. CGI/GCB JAGUARS 50-OVER FRANCHISE LEAGUE... BARNWELL, JOHNSON POWERS GT TO VICTORY Excellent bowling from Ramaal Lewis and Andre Stoll, making a return to cricket for the first time in two years and an unfinished 146run partnership between Skipper Leon Johnson and Christopher Barnwell lifted Georgetown to a 7-wicket win over Upper Corentyne in the opening round of the CGI/ GCB Jaguars 50-over Fran-
chise League. Half-centuries from Clinton Pestano (51) and Alex Algoo (50) and a quick-fire 35 from Joshua Ramsammy had helped Upper Corentyne to 177 all out, Jamaican off spinner Lewis captured 4-26, leftarm seamer Andre Stoll grabbed 3-28 and 17-year-old Windies U-19 Left-arm spinner Ashmead Nedd had 2-31 for Georgetown. Johnson and man-of-thematch Barnwell joined forces at 32-3 and their unfinished fourth wicket stand powered Georgetown to 178-3 in 27 overs. Barnwell smashed eight fours and three sixes in a shot filled unbeaten 83 from 53 while Johnson, who reached his fifty first, hit eight fours and three sixes in his undefeated run-a-ball 70. Pestano followed up his 52 by removing both openers; Raymond Perez (1) and Quincy Ovid-Richardson (4) to leave the defending champions on 12-2 to finish with 221. Robin Bacchus (7) was then removed by pacer Demetri Cameron at 32-3 to begin the Johnson/Barnwell show. The left-handed Test batsman launched into spinner Omesh Matura and dispatched him for three boundaries in an over and got to his 50 from 45 balls while Barnwell’s 50 came from 44 balls before he put his foot on the gas to dominate the stand with his captain and help his team to four points for the victory which was achieved in fading light. Earlier, a slight shower just before the scheduled 09:00hrs start resulted in 90 minutes being lost and the overs reduced to 44 overs. At Albion in a match reduced to 36 overs (Continued on page 74)
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Sunday September 23, 2018
Kaieteur News
Region One emerge champions at Indigenous Heritage Swim Meet Region One, Barima Waini amassed 272 points to emerge champions of the Indigenous Heritage Month Swim Meet which was held yesterday at the National Aquatic Center, Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara. Region Five finished second with 114 points followed by Region three on 102, Region two 43, Region four and Region nine on 24 each. Nelon Lucas of Region One won the Boys 11-12 50m Freestyle in 33.55 seconds
ahead of Jude Paterson of Region three in 37.32 seconds. The Girls 13-14 50m Freestyle was taken by Allianna Charles of Region one in 36.15 seconds, while Jenel Brathwaite of Region one took the runner up spot in 43.42 second and her team mate Madonna Luca finished third in 43.48. Travis Smith of Region One took the top podium spot in the Boys 13-14 50m Freestyle in 30.19 seconds
while his team mate Nelson Lucas finished second in 30.26 and Kemol Williams also of Region one took third place in 32.48 seconds. The Girls 15-17 50m Freestyle was taken by Morcia Dundas of Region five in 41.30 seconds ahead of Nafeeza Hendricks of Region two in 44.58 and Abigail Andrew third in 5-12. I. Barker of Region three took the Boys 15-17 50m Freestyle in 31.82 seconds while Stallon Clinton of Region five finished sec-
ond in 31.91 and Kenroy Thornhill of Region nine third in 32.29. Kary Andrews of Region five carted off the Girls 18 and Over 50m Freestyle in 48.43 seconds while Tyael Campbell of Region one took gold in the Boys 18 and over 50m Freestyle in 27.82seconds. Lindon Barkoye of Region five took the runner up spot in 28.72 and Hyde Williams of Region one ended third in 31.68. Name Carrian of Region three won the Girls 11-12 25m Backstroke and 50m Freestyle in 23.66 and 53.59 seconds in that order. Nelon Lucas of Region one took gold in the Boys 1112 25m backstroke in 18.31 seconds while Allianna Charles of Region One won the Girls equivalent in 19.66. Nelson Lucas carted off the Boys 13-14 25m backstroke in 17.31 seconds,
Allianna Charles Morcia Dundas of Region five claimed the Girls 15-17 25m backstroke in 22.96 seconds. Stallon Clinton of Region five won the Boys 15-17
25m Backstroke in 18.37 seconds and Andy Atkinson of Region two took the Boys 18 and over 25m backstroke in 16.81 seconds.
Region One top performers from left Nelson Lucas, Travis Smith and Nelon Lucas
Kaieteur News
Sunday September 23, 2018
Banks DIH/GABA Tourney
PAGE 77
BCB/Magic Moments T20
UG pip Guardians in U-23 Fyrish CC and RHT Bakewell thriller; rain prevents Colts win to clash in historic final today Ug’s Damani Thomas lays up during their narrow one-point win over Guardians in the Under-23 division.
Before rain washed out the feature game, Bounty Colts were leading University of Guyana (UG) Trojans 5843 in the third quarter on Thursday night last during their first division clash of the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA)/Rainforest Wa t e r / M a l t a S u p r e m e League which is being played at the Burnham Hard Court. The two-time defending champions didn’t seem to miss their star player Stanton Rose much as they comfortably took control of the match with their Skipper Shaine Webster, who had 12 points before the showers came down, and company providing enough talent to outmaneuver the UG side. In the opening game, UG
Damani Thomas – UG Trojans Trojans pulled off an entertaining 77-76 win over Plaisance Guardians in the Under-23 division. Guardians’ Terrence Daniels continued his outstanding scoring form with a gamehigh 25 points in a losing cause as Jonathan Browne netted three consecutive free throws in the dying seconds of the game to earn the students a deserved win.
Kadeem Peterkin (15) Damani Thomas (14) and Darrol Williams led the scoring for UG while Nigel Bowen assisted Daniels in the Guardians’ cause with 19 points. The result has now taken the Trojans to an impressive run of three wins from four games and their coach Warren Wilson will be pleased with their showing after now proving that their win over Eagles was no fluke with victory against one of the better sides in the GABA. Action will continue tonight at the same venue with two matches, Guardians against Pacesetters in an U23 match at 18:30hrs followed by first division clash between Kobras and Eagles.
History would be created today when the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) host a cricket final at the Fyrish Cricket Ground for the first time ever. The match would be contested between Rose Hall Town Bakewell and Fyrish Cricket Club (FCC). BCB President Hilbert Foster informed that the Board is passionate about taking the game to every corner of Berbice and not only to the traditional grounds like Albion, Rose Hall Town, Port Mourant or Canje. The Fyrish team, he disclosed would have the rare opportunity to play a final in front of their fans, family and friends while promoting the game in a village that loves the sport. With the Board scheduled to host a record 22 tournaments this year, more finals would be played at non-tradition venues. This final would be the third to be hosted by the BCB under the Magic Moments brand. No. 48 Challengers Cricket Club defeated
Kevin Sinclair Skeldon to win the Upper Corentyne Zone while Young Warriors got past Rose Hall Canje to win the New Amsterdam/Canje Zone. R o s e H a l l To w n Bakewell defeated a strong Courtland team by 130 runs in the semifinals and would start as strong favourites, today. They would be led by National U-19 player Kevin Sinclair and he would be supported by a strong batting line up that include Kevlon Anderson, Surendra Kissoonlall, Junior Sinclair, Chanderpaul Govindan, Jonathan Rampersaud, Vidal Crandon, Keith Simpson and Damien Vantull. Pacers Vantull, Simon
Lawson and Sylus Tyndall will lead the bowing along with offspinners Junior and Kevin Sinclair, Jonathan Rampersuad and left arm spinner Keith Simpson. Much is not known of Fyrish but the fact that they defeated Second Division power house Chesney by five-wickets in their semifinal means that they cannot be underestimated. They would be spearheaded by Javed Mohamed, Imran Ally, Avinash Deonarine, A. Srikissoon, V. Goordial and Munilall Shirdyal. The winning team, runner-up and man-of-the-final would receive trophies and cash prizes. The winner of the Lower Corentyne Zone would join the winners of the three other Zones from Upper Corentyne, West Berbice and New Amsterdam/Canje in a grand finale for the right to be called Berbice Champion. T h e To u r n a m e n t i s sponsored by Sueria Manufacturing under the Magic Moments brand.
Griffith cops 14th Laparkan National Park Cycling feature Event
Anthony Joshua stops Alexander Povetkin to retain world heavyweight titles BBCsport - Anthony Joshua delivered a stunning finish to stop a game Alexander Povetkin and retain his world heavyweight titles at Wembley Stadium. The IBF, WBO and WBA champion, criticised in some quarters for failing to finalise a deal with the division’s other high-profile names, responded emphatically with a seventhround stoppage of the Russian, who had never been beaten inside the distance. After an early chess match in which Joshua suffered a bloodied nose before cutting his rival, the Briton grew in confidence and a savage right hand followed by a left hook began an onslaught which would prove telling. Another right-left combination downed Povetkin, who somehow made the count, only to stagger into a left hook which saw him slump into the ropes, leaving referee Steve Gray with no option but to intervene. Roars poured down to ringside as the rain had all day, with Joshua’s corner ecstatic and rightly so. His display showcased poise, intellect and power, sending a message to the heavyweight division that the champion will
take some stopping. Less than 24 hours after WBC champion Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury confirmed their 1 December fight, Joshua snatched the heavyweight limelight back his way. He will be back at Wembley on 13 April and whoever steps in with him next will face questions as to how they thwart the champion after a display like this. His last outing here was a see-saw encounter with Wladimir Klitschko. On that night, he came of age, setting new levels of excitement and expectation. The Joshua name now carries such weight that the likes of Povetkin - the 2004 Olympic superheavyweight champion and a mandatory challenger who had lost just once in 35 outings previously - was arguably overlooked by the masses. But, crucially, not by Joshua’s team. There had been rumblings, even before the fight was signed, that those around him saw Povetkin - who has twice failed doping tests as a significant risk. The challenger’s experience, low centre of gravity and sleight of foot, despite his 39 years, were live threats.
Christopher Griffith is about to cross the finish line ahead of last year’s winner, Andrew Hicks. Christopher Griffith overpowered Andrew Hicks to win the feature event of the 14th Laparkan Holdings National Park Cycling Meet yesterday. Griffith and Hicks led for the majority of the 35-lap race; however Griffith outfoxed Hicks to cross the finish line in One Hour 18 Minutes 38.12 Seconds. Michael Anthony finished third while Geron Williams ended fourth, Alanzo Ambrose was fifth and Alex Medez sixth. In the Veteran’s U-45 race, Leer Nunes took top honours while Warren McKay took the runner-up spot and Junior Niles third.
Today, the cyclists will turn their attention to the 16th edition of the Victor Macedo Memorial road race which using the rolling start at 224 Peter Rose Street, Queenstown from 07:30hrs, moves along Mandela Avenue then to the East Bank Highway towards the Linden/Soesdyke Highway and finishes at the National Sports Commission on Homestretch Avenue. Open, Juniors, Mountain Bikes, Veterans Under and Over-45 will do battle. The Veterans Over-45 and Mountain Bikes will turn around at Yarrowkabra while the others will go to the Long Creek School Junction.
Kaieteur News
PAGE 78
GHB Development League
GCC clubs continue winning ways; double success for Splinters
Saints’ Sonics’ Hilmar Chester (left) challenges Jahrol London for the ball during Splinters 2-1 win yesterday afternoon. (Calvin Chapman photo)
Following a one week break for the Trinidad & Tobago’s Paragon Hockey Club Junior Indoor Festival, action resumed at the Saint Stanislaus College (SHC) ground on Carifesta Avenue, yesterday afternoon, in the Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) Under-19 and Second Division Development League. Under-19 boys’ leaders, Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) Pitbulls continued their good showing in the tournament with a relatively easy 3-1 win over Old Fort. National Forward Kareem McKenzie, Rahim Oliver and John Phang each scored for the winners while Kedar Hopkinson led the fight for Old Fort Hockey Club (OFHC) with the lone strike. Pizza Hut GCC made light work of Old Fort 6-1 in the women’s second division with Sarah Klautky bagging a hat-trick for the winners along with a brace from Mickelly
Rahaman and one goal from Makeda Harding. Julia Gouvia netted the Old Fort goal. Saints Splinters played twice, both matches in the Under-19 male category. In their first match, the lads edged Saints Sonics 2-1 with Leroy Greer slotting home both goals while Hilmar Chester scored the consolation for Sonics. In their second, Splinters got past North Ruimveldt (NR) Multilateral 3-1 more comfortably with Greer again on the score sheet again for Splinters along with Javid Hussain and Oshazay Savoury all firing home one goal. Shaquan Favourite netted the only goal for NR. In other results Joseph Warriors beat Hikers 2-1 in the Under-19 division while Woodpecker Hikers needled Saints in the women’s second division
Sunday September 23, 2018
NBS 40-over 2nd Div Tourney
Ali-Mohammed, Bailey & Singh spur GGC past Police into final By Sean Devers Three-time Champions GCC beat Police by 15 runs in yesterday’s the NBS 40overs second division semifinal at Bourda to advance to the final against the winner of two-time champions DCC and UG after defending champions Transport SC failed to reach the semis in the 7th edition of the tournament run by the GCA. Police won the toss and asked GCC to bat in sweltering heat on slow track and sluggish outfield and were led by a blistering 12ball unbeaten 47 from Windies U-19 all-rounder Renaldo Ali- Mohammed who smashed six sixes and a four in his explosive innings batting at number X1 due to a training season for the Academy players at Track & Field Stadium at Leonora yesterday morning. Gavin Singh (41), Timothy McCalmont (32), Marlon Persaud (19) and Bernard Bailey (17) all passed 15 but failed to go on before Ali-Mohammed and U-13 batsman Zachari Jodah (2*) added 47 from the last 12 balls to lift GCC to 210-9 off 40 overs. Eon Rodrigues (3-36), Hemchand Persaud (2-24) and Keston Hardcourt (2-34) bowled well for the Cops who were bowled in 39.4 overs for 194. Shamar Kendal reached the boundary five times and cleared it once in his 54-ball 62 and along with Kemol Savory, who struggled to score freely in his 59-ball 42; the two adding 115 for the sixth wicket but only Andrew Lyght (24) and Eon Rodrigues (17) reached double figures as off-spinner Singh (2-14), Bailey (3-28)
Bernard Bailey took 3-28 to help GCC to NBS final at Bourda yesterday.
and Stephon Wilson (2-28) bowled GCC to victory. When Police began their reply, the nippy Bailey removed both openers with score on 31. Lyght, intent on scoring as quickly as possible was sent packing and without addition to the score Regional Rodrigues (4) had his stumps knocked out. This was after Andrew Lyght Jr hit Singh for two fours and clobbered Ali Mohammed for a six and a four after a verbal confrontation between the two when Ali-Mohammed peppered him with a few short balls. It was soon 44-4 when Singh, who opened the bowling, removed Kyle Micheal (4) and Pernell London (1) in the space of two runs before Bailey had Jason Heyliger for a duck and at 45-5 it seemed the contest was all over bar the shouting. Kendell and Savory joined forces in ‘operation rebuild’; Savory was content to play second fiddle to the pugnacious Kendell who played some delightful shots and reached his 50 from 46 balls with four fours and a six while Savory was kept in shackles but remained with Kendell as the partnership
began to flourish. But when Kendall hit a tame cut to point, Stephon Willison had broken the frustrating stand at 155-6. And when Savory, with 41 to get from 45 balls lost his head and his wicket, missing an irresponsible reverse scoop at 163-7, all hope was lost although Eon Rodrigues offered token resistance before he was run out for 17 and Ali-Mohammed bowled Hardcourt (6) to insure the Cops did not escape. Earlier, Eon Rodrigues picked up the first three wickets as GCC slipped to 31-3 and when Marlon Persaud departed at 48-4 the hosts were on the ropes. However, Gavin Singh and Chetram Persaud (13) took the score to 102 when Singh edged Hemchand Persuad to the Keeper. Hardcourt had two quick wickets while London got rid of McCalmont and GCC had slipped to 158-8. When Wilson (14) was run out at 164-9, Ali-Mohammed walked to the crease with 12 balls left and smashed two sixes off Rodrigues before dumping London for four sixes and a four in the last over which cost 31 runs. The second semi-final will be played on a date to be known shortly.
Olympics - USOC boosts payments to Paralympians Reuters - Olympians and Paralympians from the United States will now earn equal payouts for winning medals with payments retroactively distributed to include this year’s Paralympic Winter Games in Pyeongchang, the U.S. Olympic Committee said on Friday. Paralympic athletes will receive $37,500 for each gold medal, $22,500 for silver and $15,000 for bronze after the USOC board approved the increase at its meeting in Colorado Springs. ”We are creating parity and equity for Paralympians,” USOC CEO Sarah Hirshland said during a call with reporters on Friday.
”That’s new, it’s exciting and it’s incredibly consistent with our commitment to Paralympic sports and Paralympic athletes,” she said. “The Paralympians are an integral part of our organization and we want to ensure that we’re rewarding their accomplishments appropriately and we’re excited to do so.” The U.S. Paralympic Team won 13 golds, 15 silvers and eight bronzes to top the medals table in Pyeongchang and the retroactive payments will place more than $1.2 million in the hands of 2018 Paralympic medalists, the USOC said.
Sunday September 23, 2018
Kaieteur News
PAGE 79
RANS 7s Championship
Green Machine through to quarterfinals; Mixed results for Women Seven-time Rugby Americas North (RANS) male champions, Guyana, whose team is nicknamed the ‘Green Machine’ kick started their bid to achieve glory once more in the region’s premier Rugby 7s tournament with three out of three wins during group play yesterday in the 2018 edition of the tournament being competed in St. Michael, Barbados. In their first match, Guyana made light work of Curacao 59-0 with Avery Corbin and Peabo Hamilton each scoring two tries while Vallon Adams, Rickford Cummings, Ronald Myers, Lancelot Adonis and Osei Mckenzie each scored one try. Adonis successfully converted five times while Cummings saw his efforts flew through the goal posts twice. The Guyanese’
second match was more competitive against the hosts Barbados which they won 19-10. Avery Corbin and Jamal Angus had scored one try each to give the ‘Green Machine’ the upper hand twice with the ‘Bajans’ answering each try but failing to convert on both occasions. Fortunately for Guyana, Lance Adonis continued his fine kicking form and converted the first two tries before his Captain, Dwayne Schroeder pulled off a magnificent run in the dying seconds to secure an eventually comfortable victory for the Golden Arrowhead. The Green Machine will clash with the Dominican Republic today from 10:30hrs in the fourth quarterfinal for their chance to reach the final four. TE respective group
winners yesterday were Jamaica Rugby Football Union, Guyana Rugby Football Union - GRFU, Rugby Mexico and Trinidad & Tobago Rugby Football Union. Jamaica will play hosts Barbados in the first quarterfinal at 10:00hrs today followed by Trinidad & Tobago against Bermuda while Mexico will play Bermuda in the third quarterfinal. On the distaff side, Guyana lost to St. Lucia 25-0 in their first group game before bouncing back to trounce the Bajans 42-0. In their final match of the day, the Guyanese ladies drew 77 with Domincan Republic and they will need to end their group stage campaign with a win against Mexico this morning from 09:20hrs to heighten their chances of advancing to the knockout round.
Flashback! The Green Machine competing in another tournament.
Hackett’s strike condemns Western Tigers to fourth place
T
he curtains fell on the Guyana F o o t b a l l Federation (GFF) Elite League Season III on Friday night at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) ground where a Ryan Hackett goal was enough to allow Fruta Conquerors Football Club (FC FC) a 1-0 victory over Western Tigers while Den Amstel ended their campaign with a solid 3-0 over Milerock to finish third. Western Tigers needed three points to finish the league in second place but they couldn’t get past Conquerors that had already won the league the
previous match day and with the loss they missed out on the $2million runner up prize, having to settle for fourth place $500,000 instead. In the opening game, national winger Delon Lanferman took his tally to 20 goals in the league when he doubled Den Amstel’s lead in the 75th minute after Junior Gordon had opened the scoring in the 49th minute. All of the West Coast Demerara based club goals came in the second half with defensive midfielder Kester Jacobs sending home the third and final goal in the 86th minute. It is a dream finish for
Den Amstel in the debut season of the league and they will pocket $1million for their third place finish with the champions assured $5million and entry into the Caribbean Club Championship while dethroned champions, Guyana Defence Force Football Club finished second. According to Chairman of the GFF Competitions Committee, Ian Alves, Cougars Football Club (CFC) which finished last will be relegated while New Amsterdam United will enter a playoff draw with respective winners of member associations’ (MA) competitions.
Ryan ‘Bum Bum’ HackettFruta Conquerors
Final Points Standings
t r o Sp GHB Development League
Renaldo Ali-Mohammed smashed an expolsive unbeaten 47 from 12 balls help GCC beat Police by 15 runs at Bourda yesterday.
Play between Pizza Hut GCC and Old Fort (on the ball) yesterday in the women’s second division at the Saints ground.
NBS 40-over 2nd Div Tourney P. 78
GCC clubs continue winning ways; Ali-Mohammed, Bailey & Singh double success for Splinters . 78 spur GGC past Police into final P
Members of the victorious Region One team.
P. 76
Region One emerge C/Ship at Indigenous Heritage Swim Meet Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.