Kaieteur News
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Friday September 30, 2016
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL A SECOND MANDATE Only a tiny few would resist the opportunity of becoming the President of Guyana; most Guyanese, whether or not they are qualified would not refuse such a revered position. The lure of being President would entice most if not all politicians. Although the opportunity is there for only a few to become President, those who have a taste of the prestigious life as the head of State and the glamorous living at State House surrounded by security, have always sought a second mandate. Even though the last President was not re-elected, being President is a true vindication of a life-long quest and the full essence of life. Though some may disagree, it is expected that the current president is most likely to seek a second mandate. If he does, it should be his final call to duty and a destiny fulfilled. While it is injudicious to comment on the age or political future of anyone, the inevitable march towards one’s destiny has no respect for time or age. Most Presidents may not want to admit except quietly to themselves that it is much more difficult to govern the country than they had expected. The coronation of new Presidents tends to be short lived, because of the sudden discovery of the challenges to fulfill their promises. This is true of this President. The myriad of challenges faced by the government in education, health care, the economy, poverty, unemployment and the reduction of crime is enormous. The forensic audit reports and the illegal activities unearthed by the State Assets R e c o v e r y U n i t ( S A R U ) h a ve posed greater challenges to the government which spent $145 million. Still no charges have been filed against anyone. This has been an unnecessary distraction for the government. And then there is the border dispute with Venezuela, which the President cannot resolve by himself; the self-inflicted drug bond scandal, the trip to China and the illegal actions of the Kuwait Ambassador. Having the most powerful job in the country is not a walk in the park. It is very stressful. It takes personal stamina, resilience, and courage to perform at such a high level. The results of the Local Government Elections were seen as a litmus test on the government. They could be a warning for the government to change its policies, improve the economy, create jobs and alleviate poverty. While the government’s trustworthiness and integrity are shrinking, there is an expanding narrative that it is very slow to act on serious issues. Yet it is the nature of most elected heads of state to seek a second mandate especially if they had done well and have weathered the political storms in their first term. Understandably, one of the reasons they seek a second term is to complete what they could not have achieved in the first term. Unlike the veteran politicians, the current President who has been in politics for only a short period of time could make a strong case for seeking a second term by presenting himself as being new and different from the seasoned politicians. While many would want him to succeed, others are concerned about his ability to move the country forward. His success in seeking a second mandate would depend heavily on how he meets the demands and satisfies the many diverse constituents whose culture of racial politics has proved difficult over the years. Also his success in seeking a second mandate depends on how much support he would get from the wider public. The fewer people he ticks off during his first term, the more support he will receive for a second mandate.
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.
Why doesn’t Edison Jefford challenge Mr. Yassin for the GOA presidency? Dear Editor; Edison Jefford, one of Guyana’s most accomplished sports athletes, senior Sports Journalist of KN, recipient of many outstanding awards over the years, senior member of the current National Sports Commission etc. have now made his appearance via the press in relation to the ongoing issue with Mr.K.A.J Yassin (President of the Guyana Olympic Association) and his establishment to vacate the office of the GOA for many reasons. He seems to have chosen the side, and in support of his colleague, Mr.Rawle Welch of the KN who started this issue.. The general public’s response should be one of respect because Guyana is a democratic country and I repeat again; it is everyone’s democratic right to challenge Mr.K.A.J.Yassin for his current chairmanship of the GOA and his establishment.
Mr. E.Jefford, Minister Nicolette Henry just went on record via the press and announced that the government of the day has rolled out billions of dollars for sports development to date and will continue to do so towards ‘Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. I challenge you to publicly identify and name all the current athletes (locally) who you believe possess the abilities and potentials to make it on the medal podium in Tokyo 2020.This is vital because the nurturing aspect has to get kick started immediately. Time is of the essence. Guyana would have attended IAAF World Championships meets over the years under the leadership of former Presidents of the AAG (Athletics Association of Guyana), Mr.Blackmore and Mr.C.Boyce and never made it to the medal podium. Can you say whether the media at large ever attacked those gentlemen for their
chairmanship when Guyana failed to medal? If not, why are you picking on Mr.J Yassin? Can you also furnish the general public with names of your choice who you believe will lead the GOA and make Guyana stand on the medal podium in Tokyo 2020? Can you also educate the public what is it that you lack from challenging Mr.K.A.J Yassin for his chairmanship during GOA’s 2016 elections? Editors and the general public, I am not the enemy or taking sides with anyone. My independent position remains the same where I stand my ground firmly with the message that the current President of the GOA ( M r . K . A . J Ya s s i n ) a n d h i s establishment are not solely responsible for Guyana’s failure to medal at the just concluded RIO 2016 Olympic Games. We are all responsible. T. Pemberton
The sad story of a sick, bed-ridden woman in the Lethem hospital Dear Editor, Please provide me some space to highlight a burning issue in relation to the care of a patient in the healthcare system. Several months ago we would have read about a Lethem woman Thelma Ribeiro being unconscious after having a surgery to remove gall stones. At the time of those revelations the Honourable Minister of Health denied having knowledge of the issue , however, he assured that he will look into Rebeiro’s condition and determine what assistance can be rendered, but did not give a commitment until all the details were available to the Ministry. It seems as though after all those months he still has not received all the
details as the mother is still to get due care and medical attention. It has been about six months since the surgery and the patient is still to regain consciousness. She is currently at the Lethem hospital being cared for by her relatives who have accepted that she may never regain consciousness. Mr. Editor, what troubles me is the manner in which this patient is left to the mercies of God. It troubles me that a patient can be in a hospital, where there are nurses and doctors who swore to care for the sick and that this patient is just left without due attention and care needed for her wellbeing. Can you imagine that they had even proposed
discharging her so that the family can take her home to which the family was opposed as they would not be able to care for her properly because they do not have certain necessary equipment to care for her? The patient is from the village of Shulinab which is about 35 miles away from Lethem. One can understand that relatives play an important role in the healing of the patient and I have seen some progress in this particular case, however, there are aspects of the care of patients that are beyond the abilities of relatives and must be done by nurses or doctors who are trained to afford such. The relatives appreciate that she was transferred to the region where they can support her
care and healing. However, It is beyond comprehension why due attention and care is not being afforded Ms. Ribeiro. On two occasions last week I visited Ms. Ribeiro at the Lethem hospital and found that it was her relatives who were caring for her, I am sure it is because of them that she still holds on to this day. She has a very huge bedsore in her lumbar region which had developed while she was a patient at the GPHC. Currently the sore is improving and has to be dressed daily by the relatives, if this is not done she is left until the next time they come as she is just left there. There were even instances when relatives (Continued on page 5)
Thelma Rebeiro urgently needs a brain scan Dear Editor; Michael McGarrel advocacy of Thelma Rebeiro not receiving proper professional attention is absolutely factual and I do admire his advocacy. Thelma Rebeiro is certainly not receiving professional attention or care at the Lethem hospital. It is her family and relatives who visit her daily at 6am and 5pm to do the work the Lethem hospital nurses should be
doing. Thelma Rebeiro seems to have a blockage to her brain that deprives the movement of oxygen. A brain scan is therefore urgently needed to be done by a brain specialist which may restore her to consciousness. She has a throat problem that affects her swallowing. It causes a buildup of saliva causing her to choke. This may be as a result of bronchus pneumonia. Thelma Rebeiro also needs the attention of a
nerve specialist as well. It is therefore very important that the chief medical officer quickly dispatches a qualified brain, throat and nerve specialist to the Lethem hospital for professional examination of Thelma Rebeiro. The chief medical officer (CMO) must make this professional medical examination project a priority. But if Guyana’s medical authorities find this to be an impossible specialized health project to be done within two weeks, then the family and relatives
may have to seek the assistance of the Ambassador of the Federative Republic of Brazilian to have her receive medical treatment. In the meanwhile, the Amerindian Action Movement of Guyana (TAAMOG) is calling on the Granger administration to fire the Public Health Minister, Dr. George Norton for deliberately refusing to provide specialized medical attention to Thelma Rebeiro, an indigenous citizen of Shulinab village, south central Rupununi, Region 9. Peter Persaud
Friday September 30, 2016
Kaieteur News
Financial questions abound in the operations of Region 6 governance
Minister Gaskin is wrong on this one!
DEAR EDITOR, The Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, has made a valid and timely assessment when he stated that the people should hold all contractors responsible for shoddy and substandard work done, and he hit the bull’s eye when he further contended that each citizen has a right to demand value for money. The Minister’s statement came at an opportune time when there is massive corruption going on in Region 6 and I am profoundly gratified when I read .Dr. Ramayya’s expose on the corrupt practices in this region . The substandard work done at Baracara is just the tip of the iceberg, more than 90% of the capital works done are of a substandard nature or the costs are highly inflated so that again there is no value for money. In fact, with the capital works proposed in the
2017 Budget, it is my estimation that if proper budgetary planning was done, then the people of Region 6 would be accessing more value for money in 2017. This is where the Minister’s input is vitally necessary. Moreover, the Minister should investigate the high volume of ‘emergency works’ done in the Region. Here again value for money is lost since the costs of these works are highly inflated and skewed in favor of the contractor and those receiving the mandatory ‘kickbacks’. For instance, during the El Nino period in March-April 2016, the Government awarded millions of dollars to do excavation works from Whim to # 74 Villages but nearly 60% on these projects were already done by NDIA machines and these contracts were awarded to a friend of a Region 6 official. This contractor simply did a little bit
of cleaning and collected the millions awarded. It is alleged that this official had made an offer to another contractor who was asked a certain question that readers should read between the lines to ascertain. However, the contractor bluntly refused to answer the question. I suggest that the Minister carry out an investigation since the records must indicate that these drainage canals were already done by NDIA machines deployed in the Region unless the records are falsified through collusion. It must be pointed out as well that the Regional Works Committee and has the power to give out ‘emergency works’ as well as the power to deploy the NDIA machines. This is leaving the door wide open for favoritisms practices to thrive. Unfortunately, the focus is on the Ministers of Government who owns huge wealth (Continued on page 6)
There are no Accidents just Precedents DEAR EDITOR, I am as equally stumped as any other civic minded Guyanese as to the causal factors underlying the current social morass ravaging the country that I still call home. I am not on a personal quest for solutions, but beneath my outer veneer lies a germinative layer, poised for successful and transformative emergence. What is happening with the rising homicides, suicides, sororicides, abuses of
minors, alcohol- fueled road carnages, human trafficking and the list goes on? There seems to be no solution in sight. Permit me to recall, a maxim that I believe is applicable to present day Guyana, one which says; “there are no accidents just precedents”. To better explain it, things that preceded what we can witness with our eyes today. If we know what these things are then we can move forward with intentionality to create real changes. However, therein lies the crux of the problem as seemingly the
government is unclear, as to what those precedents are, what have created them, and as such are just spinning wheels to no effect. For my Guyana, the time has arrived for a careful and well detailed search for the precedents that have brought about these accidents. It is a task that should be undertaken only by those who will set a precedent by having proven and demonstrable qualities capable of bringing about unprecedented changes. Yvonne Sam
The sad story of a sick... From page 4 found her in soiled pamper after the gall stones were removed at GPHC. The patient also had a tracheostomy done to assist with her breathing; currently it spews fluids which are beginning to smell bad; pointing to some sort of infection. Additionally she seems to be developing candiasis in the mouth; I am not a doctor but I know that these can be treated with simple regimens which I am sure the hospital has; after all there were photographs in the press showing drugs were being delivered. Why then is she left to rot from the inside? Why isn’t
she being provided any medication? She may not be conscious but she has life, she has held on for six months already and we should not yet give up on her. From the last time I saw her at the GPHC she is more responsive as she blinks her eyes more and moves her foot when pinched, even moving her head from side to side. In general her responsiveness has improved just that now she seems to be developing other infections as she is not being monitored by the trained medical practitioners. It is the relatives who have to suction the fluids through the stoma; thankfully they have the use
of the hospital’s machine to do it. What has happened to our humanity? How can we see another human being left to rot in this condition? When will the health care system deliver proper care for our citizens? Don’t we have any dignity left in us to at least offer her the best care we can until she goes? Don’t we value the lives of those around us? What will it take to get the attention of the relevant authorities? Are we going to continue to accept sub-standard services from those who are being paid by our tax dollars? Michael Mc Garrell
DEAR EDITOR: I respect Dominic Gaskin very much since I think as Treasurer of the AFC, he ticked all the right boxes in running a tight financial ship in the 2011 Elections Campaign unlike a totally clueless General Secretary in David Patterson. He was extremely consistent in his demand for full accountability from all the field staff then. So in 2011, I was proud of his work. But clearly, as Minister of Business, Dominic has lost his way. I speak specifically to the fact that he proudly declared in the local press that “no new investment proposal has yet borne fruits” after 16 months under his watch. To add to that pitiable performance, he then went on to cement why this is the case by saying that “due to the contractual agreement between the Government and CHEC (the Airport Contractor), the State cannot prevent the contracting firm from importing 300,000 tons of stones.” I say this is too much MALARKEY from Minister Gaskin! Here is another situation where the Granger administration is clearly out to lunch on the big developmental issues. So the children of Guyanese taxpayers will be asked to pay back a loan to China in the future, but that same loan is working to creating many new jobs in Suriname rather than Guyana, in an industry where we have core competence locally. Albeit, Minister Gaskin is making these statements in
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an environment where the Granger administration has not delivered on its promise to create new jobs for the young people. When will this national burden subside where we continue to create too few new jobs all because of the overwhelming occurrences of deformity in strategic thinking in the public service? We compound this mess, we continue to receive some terrible and reckless public statements from most of our Ministers with very few exception. Can you imagine that the biggest contract that is being implemented under Team Granger that was incubated under Team Jagdeo, is working to serve the State of Suriname rather than the State of Guyana and we talk about territorial integrity? This STONE SCAM is one of the greatest giveaways of our wealth. This decision to sign such a weak contract for the people will destroy our internal wealth creation capacity by lifting all of that potential into a foreign land? This is nothing but developmental disparity; we pay and Suriname play. What the Granger administration has done with this Airport Contract was to have kept TEAM GUYANA on the bench as spectators to the game, when by right we have the talent, the material and the ability to produce every stone need for our national airport. This now raises the important consideration; was there any financial kickbacks to orchestrate this anti-national and anti-patriotic move
to disregard the Guyanese stone industry and its workers? I do not believe the legal and procurement thinkers in the Ministry of Public Infrastructure are that stupid to allow this state of affair to happen naturally. Thus I am considering the position that there may be a revolting situation of financial skullduggery on this project. Have the contractors gotten to the key players? This situation demands a forensic audit and even a project audit from the Office of the Auditor General since “something may be rotten in the state of Denmark”, if I am permitted to paraphrase the line spoken by Marcellus in the Shakespearean masterpiece Hamlet. Well sorry Minister Gaskin, you are wrong. This contract is a frontal attack on the Guyanese private sector. But because of this adulterated legal agreement that was modified under the Granger administration, the people in the quarry and construction sector will clearly not be your ally. If one interrogates the two premier government reports at this time, (the Minister of Finance Mid-Term 2016 Report and the Bank of Guyana 2016 Half Year Report) one can find evidence of the fallout from terrible decisions like this one to procure stones from a foreign country. In the first half of 2016, activities in the construction sector declined by 8% and this was attributed to (in these government reports) “weaker investments in private construction”. Who would not hide (Continued on page 6)
Monotony can make you become a drinking driver DEAR EDITOR; It would be interesting to know whether the greatest number of drink-driving offences and casualties happened among people who do ‘transporting’ for a living or not. People who earn their living in the transport business tend to drink through boredom and the monotony of the job. Years ago, train drivers and con-
ductors and ‘contracted’ taxi drivers earned a reputation for heavy drinking. Monotony was the cause - making the same journey day after day. I remember during WWII, the contracted drivers for the American forces rapidly gained this reputation. As
did ECD train conductors. In today’s Guyana, the added desire to make as much money as possible may heighten the problem. Geralda Dennison
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Kaieteur News
Guyana should accept some of those who are suffering DEAR EDITOR Our benign President David Granger, in his noble address recently to the United Nations assembly, on matter of the current migrant crisis, noted that the situation “if left unattended or unresolved, can escalate into regional and even global crises, which can threaten the existence of larger numbers of persons in wider areas, even beyond their country’s borders.” Most of us in Guyana today are descendant of migrants who were brought from Africa or India or China and even
Portugal in challenging times and conditions to work for the British who had conquered and colonized this land from our indigenous Amerindians. Some of us are even third generation migrants. Guyana currently has less than one million inhabitants in its eighty-three thousand square mile; could it not accept an acceptable amount of those suffering humanity and demonstrate its good sense of magnanimity to a suffering humanity and the rest of the world? I bet we can! So let’s do it! Rooplall Dudhnath
Give preference to Guyanese products DEAR EDITOR, With response to the “Topco Juice Contract” letter written to the editor on Sunday, September 25th, 2016 by Anil Nandlall, speaking as an experienced teacher, a proud Guyanese and also an entrepreneur, I do support Mr. Nandlall’s view on the issue. Often, in other countries, they prefer to use products manufactured in their country compared to others being imported. When CIDI receives their contract, would they allow Guyanese
farmers to supply them with fruits being grown in Guyana as the Topco Company would? I should think not. With the way the Surname economy is at the moment, the company would most likely import products from their country to increase their economic growth. In addition, are we certain that the nutritional value will remain the same to boost or babies’ brain function or is it going to destroy our children? Are we going to teach the future generation to use and support Guyanese products or are we going to
Minister Gaskin is ... From page 5 their money in such an environment of great economic uncertainty? One can also look at the credit disbursed from the local banking sector to the construction sector, which is a good proxy to assess the investment appetite of the local quarrying and
contracting community. Credit to the construction sector declined by 27% during January – June 2016. Now with all this information at the disposal of President Granger, let us see what he will do? Ignore the reality and throw the Guyanese people under the bus by allowing the status quo to continue or take Presidential action to bring economic and social justice to the Guyanese people. Sase Singh
teach them that foreign is best with chemicals and preservatives? Our founder leader, Mr. Forbes Burnham, always taught us to be proud Guyanese by supporting local. Therefore, I am urging head teachers of nursery and primary schools to boycott this product. For the last month, parents have been providing their children with local juices and water and I believe that they would continue to do so. I hereby urge our government to recognize that local is best. Concerned teacher
Friday September 30, 2016
Barbados celebrates 50 years of Independence DEAREDITOR; Barbados will celebrate its 50th anniversary of independence on November 30. It will join three other Caribbean Community (CARICOM) states - Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana - in their golden jubilee celebrations. Preparations have started months ago for the grand festivities. A national committee headed by Minister Maxine Mc Lean has been set up to plan and coordinate activities. Unlike the three other countries Barbados is not known as a too friendly state and is known as “Little England” since its citizens are considered “aloof”. Moreover the immigration authorities are not friendly toward regional visitors. In fact, in some instances hostile which prompted a Jamaican woman Shanique Myrie to sue and obtained judgment against the government for harassment when she was denied entry into the country. Another Jamaican woman (with her toddler) was also refused entry two months ago and a pregnant Guyanese woman had similar experience three weeks ago. However, Barbadian is known to be a safe island in terms
of crime and more so, because its beautiful white sand beaches and lovely hotels attract thousands of tourists every year. In addition, Bridgetown is the headquarters for several regional and international organizations including Caribbean Development Bank, Caribbean Examination Council, Caribbean Regional Environmental Programme, Caribbean News Agency, Caribbean Broadcasting Union, Caribbean Regional Organization Standard and Quality, Caribbean Tourism Organization, UNDP, FAO, and several others. And because of these important organizations, hundreds if not thousands of non Barbadians have to live and visit the country on a regular basis. In fact, scores of our citizens remained in Barbados. Broadcaster and charity worker, Olga Lopes Seales made Barbados her home and eventually died there. Journalists Ricky Singh and Hubert Williams reside there as well as Jerome Singh formerly of the CDB. Barbados is thickly populated with nearly 300,000 cramped in its 166 square miles and a report from the
United Nations states it has a high Human Development index. However, it does not boast of producing the intellects like Forbes Burnham, Shridath Ramphal, Mohamed Shahabudeen, Walter Rodney, Fenton Ramsahoye, the Luckhoos, but has stalwarts like George Lamming, David Simmonds, Richard Cheltenham, Rihanna, et al. However it is in cricket that Barbados excelled with the names like Garfield Sobers, the three WS, Weekes,Walcott and Worrell, pacers Wesley Hall and Charlie Griffith. Cricket commentator Tony Cozier was also a world famous name. Barbados was one of the first countries like Guyana that abolished appeals from the Privy Council and joined the appellate division of the Caribbean Court of Justice. However it retained British awards and in July 1980 included Knights and Dames in their national honours and since then, has bestowed knighthoods on their outstanding citizens including politicians, academics and cricketers. The theme of the Barbados anniversary celebrations is “ BARBADOS WE COME FROM” from Bussa to Barrow and Beyond. Oscar Ramjeet
Financial questions abound in the operations... From page 4 and abroad, but not an eyelid is raised concerning regional officials who own massive wealth at home and abroad, for instance, a certain regional official who allegedly owns three houses in the USA while working for a small salary as an engineer. In a letter to the press, I highlighted the substandard work done at # 52 Middle Walk Access Road which began disintegrating just after 3 weeks of being constructed. I wish the Minister could investigate this, but I want to implore him not to send the same team which went to Baracara since all three persons belong to the PPP, are close friends of the Regional Vice Chairman and were handpicked by the Regional Vice Chairman, who is the Chairman of the Regional Works
Committee and is the person who authorizes the certification of works done in the Region. This type of conflict of interest will never lend itself to a credible investigation. Furthermore, Mr Erwin Abdulla, a member of that team, even though he is an executive member of the AFC campaigned on behalf of the PPP in the last Local Government Election so this type of opportunistic tendency should not characterize a member of the team and Mark Gupta, as a member of the team, is a private engineer who is also a contractor of the Region. So how can these people carry out an unbiased investigation? Another issue affecting cost and standard of work is the fact that some of the contractors who were awarded works do not have the neces-
sary machinery and equipment to do the work and have to sub-contract some aspects of the job. Why should these people be given contracts when they do not have the necessary machinery to successfully carry out them? Lastly, I wish to congratulate the Minister of Communities and the Regional Chairman since there is now a new round of consultation with the NDCs and the works prioritized by them are now being fairly assessed and which hopefully will find its way into the Regional Estimate 2017. Never again should consultation be sacrificed so that
corrupt practices can reign. However, I do hope also that NDCs are given a copy of the Regional Estimates so that they can make a proper assessment in the future. I heard that the Regional Engineer, Mr.Roopesh Singh and the Regional Vice Chairman, Mr Dennis Deoroop are now on holiday in the USA after working extremely hard to singlehandedly formulate the Regional Estimates 2017. Nothing wrong with vacation; I am merely asking if they are out of the country Lakram Singh Vice Chairman Works Committee #52-74 NDC
KN should interview these business people DEAR EDITOR; I would suggest that Kaieteur News send out some reporters to the various legitimate Stationery and Office Supply business places and do interviews with the owners, more light can be shed on this Gecom
issue; in that way, owners would not be opposed to answering questions as opposed to making direct statements. Roy Beepat Chairman Giftland Group. Patterson, E.C.D
Friday September 30, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Bank of Guyana, Govt. join forces EU workshop on advancing FLEGT VPA negotiations commences to study de-risking on local banks Local and international financial issues which pose a threat to the stability of the nation’s economy remain under the watchful eye of the Bank of Guyana and the Ministry of Finance. In fact, one of the crucial factors being closely monitored by the two bodies is de-risking. According to Central Bank Governor, Dr. Gobind Ganga, Guyana’s financial system has been threatened by derisking with Bank of America giving notice to a few banks of its intention to cease doing business with them. He said that although other banks showed an interest to fill the void, the conduct of international banks to terminate correspondent relations with legitimate clients (banks and non-banks) as a way of mitigating legal and other risks can be detrimental to the economic and financial health of economies such as Guyana. Dr. Ganga said that specifically, derisking curtailed countries’ access to essential cross-border financial services such as trade finance and international money transfers, which are essential for growth and development. The Ministry of Finance is also keeping a close watch on this behaviour by international banks. According to the Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, local banks in small economies rely on “correspondent banks” with a global presence to connect them to the international financial network. He said that these relationships with correspondent banks allow local residents to receive remittances from abroad, tourists to access cash from their home accounts, and facilitate the transfer of funds needed for trade and investment. He acknowledged that recently, there has been a global trend of correspondent banks terminating their relationships with their local partners. In fact, through May 2016, at least 16 banks across five countries in the Caribbean have lost all or some of
Finance Minister, Winston Jordan
Central Bank Governor, Dr. Gobind Gang
their correspondent banking relationships. Jordan said that one reason correspondent banks may drop their relationships with local banks is concerns about meeting new, stricter rules related to AntiMoney Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism. Finance Minister Winston Jordan said that this same concern may apply with regards to other regulations as well, such as the tighter prudential regulation that was put in place in many countries following the global financial crisis. He said, “International banks cite excessive compliance costs, unprecedented penalties, vague legal standards and escalating litigation costs as reasons for severing correspondent bank relationships. When a correspondent bank drops a local market (this could be a bank or a country) over concerns about regulatory compliance or other risks, this is called derisking.” The economist continued, “When a bank loses its correspondent banking relationships, the impact can be mitigated by putting in place arrangements that allow bank clients to continue to access services. Clients can be sent to other local banks that still have correspondent banks to complete international transfers. Alternatively, central
banks can process payments on behalf of local banks through their own correspondent banking relationships.” However, as transfers are diverted through fewer channels, the Finance Minister said that the rising volume of transactions may pose a challenge. Jordan said that de-risking is already affecting Guyana’s financial sector. He cited the fact that in June, last, Bank of America announced that it would no longer act as a correspondent bank for the Guyana market. While Guyanese banks are currently served by other correspondent banks, Jordan said that the decision underscores the importance of addressing these perceived risks. “While Guyana has taken recent steps to strengthen its Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism framework, further work remains to be done,” Jordan articulated. He noted that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged the Government to accelerate the implementation of the action plan agreed with the Financial Action Task Force. Jordan said that the Government is also working with the Bank of Guyana to improve financial sector supervision, and to monitor the risk from de-risking on local banks.
Participants at FLEGT/VPA seminar The Georgetown Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) seminar commenced yesterday, under the theme: Sharing Regional Lesson on the Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) Processes. Jocelyn Dow, Chair of the Board of the Directors, Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) said she sees the seminar as an opportunity to bring experiences and aspirations together. She added that all states have common and differentiated responsibilities to sustainable development. This, she said, has come from a long history of sustainable development negotiations. Dow explained that this can be taken as the marching orders, in terms of what the European Union (EU) attempts to do. This is in relation to illegal logging and in making sure that resources that are generated from nature arrive at their shores, with the best possible standards. However, she said that the common and differentiated responsibility basis for negotiations has been a phrase hard won by developing countries. This she added is because some countries have not had the benefit of using their resources with an understanding of global guideline and parameters.
It was added that in the face of climate change, all countries have new responsibilities. “This responsibility comes two-fold. It means those of us who have these very important resources now have to deal with them in a way that makes sense for our larger issues that have to do with our climate and the world we live in. “Equally so those of us in the international arena, who have the financial and technical resources, they must make those available freely and readily so that we too can develop in a manner that is not hampered by our new agenda as global citizens.” Dow said. Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Natural Resource and the Environment, Joslyn McKenzie, said in the 2017 work programme, the Ministry sees the conclusion of VPA negotiation as a critical element towards the holistic development of the sector. He added that in this regard the subject Minister had
tasked the GFC Commissioner and Chair to do whatever it takes to facilitate the conclusion of the negotiation process. He added that this will aid in Guyana’s competitive position in the sector, moreover it will address the issues of those small and medium scale operators along the entire value chain of the sector. The national technical working group is tasked with formulating the Guyana/EU FLEGT VPA. This was disclosed by the Commissioner of the GFC, James Singh. He added that over 85 % of Guyana’s land mass is covered with lush forest. He explained that these forests are an integral part of the Guyana shield and the Amazon basin, noting that these forest an untapped reservoir of rich bio diversity. He added that the forests support the livelihood of Guyana’s Indigenous peoples and other Guyanese employed in the forestry, mining and other sectors. The Commissioner added that indisputable evidence (Continued on page 31)
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Guyana records 12.5 per cent unemployment rate - quarterly Labour Force Survey from next year The findings of the 2012 Census puts Guyana’s unemployment rate at 12.5 percent. When further disaggregated by gender the unemployment rate for males was recorded as 10.6 percent and females 16.7 percent. Prior to the Census, the most recent unemployment rate was 10.7 percent from the 2006 Household Budget Survey (HBS), an intercensal survey. This was amplified in a press statement issued by the Bureau of Statistics which announced yesterday its publication on September26, 2016 of Compendium Three further detailing the findings of the 2012 Census. In accordance with its commitment to disseminate four Compendiums in 2016, Monday’s dissemination of the third Compendium has brought the Bureau closer to achieving its self-imposed deadline. The focus of this Compendium was the Economic Activity profile of the Census. Economic Activity focuses on the Labour Force
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Kaieteur News
component of the population profile, that is, the size and composition of the Labour Force, the level of employment and unemployment, types of economic activities undertaken within the economy and many other areas of interest. Guyana has not executed a Labour Force Survey in recent times. In all instances of executing a nationwide Survey, Cabinet Approval has to be first given and requisite funding approved and disbursed. As a consequence and as a second-best approach, labour force data has been sourced from intercensal Household Budget Surveys or Censuses since the Census of 1991. Every Census and National Survey has therefore carried an economic activity module which has allowed on-going estimates and generation of key indicators on the Labour Force at intermittent periods over the past 25 years. Recent media reports stat-
ing there has been no Labour Force data in the longest while and unemployment figures have been kept a secret are distinctly less than accurate, the Bureau has asserted. However, steps are now in place to change and significantly improve this current dispensation by having a quarterly Labour Force Survey. This will commence in 2017. The Survey Department of the Bureau of Statistics with technical support from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is currently in preparatory mode to execute this survey which, as earlier indicated, has not been done in Guyana, as a unique subject-matter survey for more than two decades. “At this juncture we at the Bureau of Statistics are asking the public to cooperate with our personnel during this exercise which will be on-going, to assist in achieving reliable and timely labour force data in the interest of planning for the development of the country’s labour force which includes all of us,” said a statement from the Bureau of Statistics. The Compendiums are available for free download from the Bureau’s website h t t p : / / www.statisticsguyana.gov.gy like the previous two Compendiums and the final one to follow, this Third Compendium is the Bureau’s on-going contribution to public knowledge and the facilitation of evidence-based decision-making at all levels.
Hundreds of $$million in sole sourcing, contract splitting…
GECOM’s CEO, top staffers played critical role in deciding contractors In recent weeks, disclosures of how hundreds of millions of dollars were spent for the 2015 General and Regional Elections have rocked the nation. Not only did the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) not takAe care to ensure taxpayers received value for their dollars, but there are growing indications of corruption. The cavalier spending appeared to have also spilled over to the Local Government Elections that were held earlier this year. According to both Government and GECOM officials yesterday, it is clear from evidence and established procurement systems in place, that officials of the entity played a decisive role when it came to influencing who should win a particular tender. GECOM’s insiders explained that the process of procurement was a simple one. The entity’s staffers would relay immediate “needs” to a GECOM’s evaluation committee which is headed by Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield. Once the committee green lights the acquisitions of the supplies and services, it is conveyed to the Administration and Support Services Department, where the wheels are set in motion for the procurements. GECOM’s staffers would then ask for and collected three quotes from businesses. The quotes are prepared by the Administrative department and forwarded to the CEO. According to GECOM staffers, the CEO would then prepare a letter to the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board
GECOM’s CEO, Keith Lowenfield
GECOM’s Chief Accountant, Joseph Eastman
(NPTAB), asking for approval for a particular business to be awarded. Last week, Lowenfield made it clear that it was not GECOM but NPTAB that takes the decision to award a particular business the contract. He did not say that GECOM is the one take that recommends. There are very few instances that NPTAB would go against GECOM, insiders said yesterday. The revelations would indicate how much leeway GECOM had when it came to determining which business it wanted to deal with. The bulk of the spending did not see any much advertising, a critical part of the transparency that is supposed to follow state contracts. According to established procurement regulations, GECOM can spend below $250,000 without seeking approvals. Between $250,000 and $15M, NPTAB has to grant approval. For spending above $15M, it is both the NPTAB and the Cabinet that have to grant approvals.
At least $700M was paid out last year for GECOM’s contracts with a vast majority of them never being a d v e r t i s e d . Less than half of that staggering sum went to two brothers who supplied GECOM with all kinds of items, from chairs, high frequency radios, stationery supplies and furniture, toners and even Duracell batteries. GECOM, which is currently facing a major probe by state auditors into a $100M purchase of radio communications set, has been refusing to talk about its spending, saying that the audit probe is ongoing. GECOM’s Chairman, Dr. Steve Surujbally, had made it clear that contracts were handled by the secretariat. The revelations of GECOM’s spending have seen the Opposition- the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C)- distancing itself, saying that in the leadup to the elections, through its Cabinet, it granted “no objections” to a number of contracts, including a $99.5M payment for high frequency (Continued on page 31)
Friday September 30, 2016
A few months ago, there was a photograph of a police officer pumping petrol from a police storage tank into his personal car. The picture made the rounds on social media and every one waited with bated breath to find out when charges would be laid against the rank. The assumption at the time, whether rightly or wrongly, was that this was an unlawful act and that the police would take action. As it turned out, the public has heard nothing about any charges being laid in this matter.
It can be that there is no basis for a charge. It can be that the rank was authorized to use his personal vehicle to do police work and there could have been an arrangement in which the police force put fuel in his vehicle for this purpose. The fact of the matter is that a certain perception had been created in the minds of the public. The police were duty bound to address this perception and to provide an explanation for the rank’s actions. They have not done so as yet.
The failure of the police to offer an explanation will lead the public to come to its own conclusion and that may not be favorable to the police force. The Guyana Police Force has good men and women. But they are part of an institution that has become rotten to the core and it will take more than a few good men and women to reform that institution. The Guyana Police Force cannot be reformed. The police force has to be dismantled and rebuilt. The rot is too deep and there is an internal culture of
CCTV footage sends man to jail Milton Smith, 29, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, in the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court, on Wednesday, on a charge of break and enter and larceny. He was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment after he pleaded guilty. Between September 20 and 23, last, at 136 Young Street, Kingston, Georgetown, Smith broke into Eldorado Trading Limited and stole two trolleys worth $60,000, two travel bags worth $30,000 and a helmet worth $5,000.. According to Police Prosecutor Jeffers, the
Virtual Complainant secured the storeroom of his Young Street, Kingston business on September 22 in the evening. The VC returned the next day about 08:00hrs to discover the articles missing. He made a report to the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) Headquarters after reviewing CCTV footage that revealed the defendant entering the store and removing the said items. He was later arrested by the police. He admitted to stealing the items and selling them to persons unknown.
No-case submission overruled in causing death trial A no-case submission was yesterday overruled by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the trial of Roopnarine Hardowar, who is charged with causing the death of Ramdolar Dhanraj by dangerous driving on November 15, 2014. Dhanraj, 60, formerly of Pearl, East Bank Demerara, died on the spot, after he was crushed by a lumber-laden truck that was being driven allegedly by drunken driver, Hardowar. The elderly man was riding his bicycle along the Pearl Public Road, East Bank Demerara when he was struck from behind by the motor lorry. Reports are that the man was heading home, when the truck which was heading to the city struck him down. It was reported that Dhanraj’s mangled bicycle was left lying in the grass
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while his badly crushed body was close by. Magistrate McLennan called on the defendant to lead a defence after ruling that there was sufficient evidence against him for the offence based on the case presented by Police Prosecutor Neville Jeffers. In an unsworn testimony, Hardowar who is out on bail, pointed out that he was not driving dangerously and did everything possible to avoid the collision. Hardowar told the court that on the day in question, he was driving the motor lorry. The defendant said that he left Timehri, East Bank Demerara and made a stop at Rubis Service Station. Hardowar recalled that as he approached Pearl Public Road, he saw a pedal cyclist coming from the western direction proceeding in the
opposite direction. The defendant said that although he applied brakes and sounded his horn, there was a collision. As a result of the collision, the defendant stated he lost control of the motor lorry and ended up in a nearby trench. According to him, he came out of the vehicle shortly after the accident and rendered assistance. However, he told the court that an angry mob dealt him a sound thrashing. Hardowar said that police ranks later arrived at the scene and he related a story to them. He added that he was taken to the Police Outpost, where he gave a statement. This was the extent of his testimony after he indicated through his a t t orney that he had no witnesses to call. The Chief Magistrate adjourned the matter until October 17, when closing arguments will be presented by the defence.
corruption which has been nurtured for decades now. The system does not work. The coalition government is making the same mistake as the PPPC. It is trying to reform the Guyana Police Force. There comes a time, however, when certain institutions simply cannot be reformed. They become so deformed that the only option is to dismantle those institutions and put a completely new structure in place. The PPPC simply was afraid to do so because of the ethnic composition of the force. They feared a political backlash. As such, they tried to live with the Guyana Police Force. They were unsuccessful. The failure to rein in crime is one of the reasons why they lost power. The new government does not have the same problem as the PPPC. It does not have to worry about any political backlash from the police.
The Guyana Police Force is stacked with supporters of the ruling coalition. The new government knows that the Guyana Police Force is rotten. It believes that it can turn the force around. It is wrong just as how the PPPC was wrong about turning around the Guyana Sugar Corporation. When an apple goes bad, it can become so bad that it poisons the entire fruit. The Guyana Police Force is like that apple. It has some good spots but it has become so rotten that it makes no sense trying to salvage the good parts. The Guyana Police Force has to be dismantled and a new police force with about 90% new personnel recruited. This is the only way to remove the rot and at the same time have an efficient security apparatus. Dismantling the main security apparatus of the state has never been done
in any part of the world. Even in Iraq, after the fall of Saddam Hussein, the coalition forces that ‘liberated’ Iraq were forced to employ former agents of Saddam Hussein in the police force. It did lead to problems because some of these forces carried out attacks against their new establishment. Trying to dismantle the Force in Guyana has no precedent on which the government can fall back on. And so the new government probably believes that this is a mission impossible. It is wrong. What will become impossible is what the government is trying to do. It is trying to reform the deformed Guyana Police Force. Wish them luck!
PCA Chairman to visit Lethem - to hear from police ranks, residents Chairman of the Police Complaints Authority, Justice Cecil Kennard, will be meeting with the members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) today. The meeting will be held at the Lethem Police Station in Region Nine at 13:00hrs and will serve as a forum to explain his role and responsibilities to the ranks. Justice Kennard will also
bring matters of concern to him to the ranks’ attention. Following the meeting Justice Kennard will meet with members of the public at the Amerindian Hostel to enlighten them of his role. He will also let the members of the meeting share complaints against the Guyana Police Force (GPF). Persons who wish to lodge a complaint will
be confidentially heard, the statement added. Justice Kennard will also be on a radio broadcast during the morning of October 1, 2016. He also intends to visit other hinterland areas later this year. He has plans to visit Bartica, Moruca, Mabaruma, Mahdia and Port Kaituma.
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=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
Desperately seeking Steve Surujbally Here is a lengthy extract from my July 16, 2013 column. It is about the GECOM’s Chairman, Steve Surajbally; “We learnt from Patterson that after the 2006 poll, GECOM met the AFC. Among those present were the Chief Election Officer, Mr. Gocool Boodoo, and the chairman himself. Patterson recalled that GECOM acknowledged that the Linden results carried a mistake in which a seat allocated to Prime Minister Hinds should have gone to the AFC. The GECOM big boys agreed it would be corrected before the final declaration. Yet the results were announced and Hinds kept his seat and the AFC lost out. Patterson went on t o inform viewers that GECOM advised that only an election petition to the court could reverse the allocation of the seat. Yet, according to Patterson when the AFC did that, Boodoo presented an affidavit rejecting the AFC’s petition. In other words if GECOM did not offer a defence, the court had to rule in the AFC’s favour. In other words again, GECOM misled the AFC. Now here is the AFC’s bombshell. In front of
the cameras, Patterson read from a Wikileaks cable and quotes Steve Surujbally as telling the US Ambassador that the AFC’s petition was ridiculous. If Patterson’s portrayal of Steve Surujbally is correct then, this country must demand an explanation from Surujbally.” (unquote). Surujbally replies to everything written about him as he did recently when I wrote that two Amerindian drivers from the interior were not paid as recent as August 2016 for election work in May 2015. Here is what Surajballi wrote through the pen of G E C O M ’s P R O , M s . Rodney; “he (Kissoon) is well advised to carefully separate glaring parasitic and exploitative practices from those purveyed by genuinely people-friendly organizations such as GECOM.” That is the exact language Surubally uses but he probably asked Ms. Rodney to issue the response in her name. How people-friendly is GECOM when it is literally drowning in a vortex of financial scandals and Surujbally, to date, has not uttered even one word of the miasma of sole-sourcing and the money is the hun-
dreds of millions of dollars? But let me avoid a libel suit. All I am saying here is that the country needs to hear from the GECOM boss, who incidentally is perhaps the highest paid person from the Treasury of Guyana. The reverberation of Surujbally’s silence is unnerving when you think this man has an obsessive penchant for replying to his critics and the habit is always to use acidic semantics. I remember I was in the channel 9 studios filming a television interview when my editor, Adam Harris, called to say that Surujbally was upset in that column on him. I got the university he attended in communist USSR wrongly. It doesn’t take much to upset the GECOM boss. I had to issue an apology in the Kaieteur News which I did on July 20, 2013. Can you imagine that! In a letter in this newspaper of December 23, 2011 captioned “GECOM Educates Freddie Kissoon,” Surujbally denied that GECOM paid out $100M to PPP and PNC scrutineers and left out the AFC. And here was Surujbally’s explanation;
“GECOM was never in possession of any money at any time to share out to any political party…we don’t pay out money... all of this is done by the Ministry of Finance not GECOM.” He was right. It was the Ministry of Finance’s money. But like every other public institution, the money comes from the Ministry of Finance who gives it to these institutions to use. GECOM was no exception. The AFC replied to Surujbally and debunked his Ministry of Finance explanation. Isn’t it strange that for three weeks now, GECOM is being exposed as an institution where questionable use of finance in the most maca-
bre ways has taken place but the Chairman of GECOM is reticent and cannot be seen or heard in the media? Of course I don’t think Surujbally has direct knowledge of what went on but as GECOM’s Chairman, he has a moral obligation to explain what has taken place with these financial controversies. The situation is mysterious in the sense that Surujbally has a tradition of pugnacious rebuttals and aggressive responses. How can such a relentless combatant disappear from the arena when the people of Guyana want to hear from him? Guyana is a cruel place. It can be a graveyard for those who are arrogant, powerful
Frederick Kissoon and elitist. At the moment Messrs Tony Vieira and Vic Insanally aren’t enjoying a good press. Ramon Gaskin suffered a huge media setback. His friend, Dr. Walter Ramsahoye, lost to Kaieteur News in the Caribbean Court of Appeal. Where are you Steve?
Dem boys seh...
Dataram is not Guyana burden Soulja Bai tek crank. He hear when Rohee seh that Dataram escape is a slap. He sit down and tell de reporters that de police was careless mek Dataram get away. Wha he mean is that de police should have been keeping an eye pun Dataram. Dem boys want him to know that he mekking a big mistake when he push he mouth in de police story. He got more control over de deal wha BK cut wid some of de people in de government that he got over Dataram. He government never had control over Dataram. Soulja Bai should be glad Dataram get away because he don’t have to maintain him. He government already
maintaining Guysuco and all dem people who deh wid de sugar industry. Dem was people who accustom to de good life when Jagdeo was in power. At least somebody maintaining Dataram. Soulja Bai should be happy that de man gone from this land. Before Soulja Bai worry bout Dataram he should worry bout de drugs bond deal. Moses, Trotty and Joe ShanLin justify de bond because dem see fire and traffic along de East Bank Highway. Dem boys wonder how come dem ain’t try to move de airport because people can always miss de flight because of some fire or some traffic jam. All dem boys tell Soulja Bai when he ask bout de bond was that dem was saving money. Is
de same way dem saving money pun Dataram. Wha ketch Rohee is de $165 million fine. He want put he hand pun that money. He can’t get it. And Soulja Bai should keep he mouth shut and he eye pun other things. Jagdeo tek Pradoville; Donald ain’t tek nutten but Rohee also got house in Pradoville and dem boys wouldn’t be surprise if Dataram living in that same community. One of de things in life is that de government don’t have control over de courts. Soulja Bai better watch out before de next thing he hear is that people seh how he meddling in de courts. Talk half and tek you eye off Dataram, Soulja Bai.
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Gold set to surpass record-breaking Opportunities exist for veterans within the Natural Resources sector 555,000 ounces production target Raphael Trotman, Minister of Natural Resources, appeared before the Commission of Inquiry into the conditions and circumstances facing veterans of the Guyana Defense Force, Guyana People’s Militia, and the Guyana National Service. The idea of this Commission took root on November 21, 2013 when a Motion calling for the establishment of a Commission to inquire into the conditions and circumstances facing Veterans, was approved by the National Assembly, Trotman said. Adding that, the Motion was not acted upon by the then Government. Trotman explained that it is his personal view that service to one’s country is the highest and most important form of service. When that service involves protecting and advancing the values, ideals, symbols and patrimony of the state and people, then it is to be treasured and set apart for the highest commendation. It is selfless and sacrificial service that must be re-
spected and rewarded, Trotman said theirs is a duty beyond earning a mere salary, it is a hallowed trust, one that is bestowed when we place their confidence in the armed forces to secure Guyana’s borders to protect and serve; to punish and rehabilitate offenders; and to rescue us from other calamities. The Minister shared some possible perspectives on how the Ministry of Natural Resources could support. “The protectors and defenders of the national patrimony must be given an inheritance or parts of that patrimony. It may be land that is either in housing, mining, farming or forestry.” The Minister highlighted the group in Trinidad and Tobago known as the ‘Merikins’. Noting that as a means of both ensuring access to resources to veterans and for ensuring beneficial occupation of territory, persons may be assigned lands for settlements based on Company or Corps structure. It was noted that 20 per
cent of royalties collected from mining within Amerindian titled villages is set aside. He proposed for consideration that a percentage of royalties earned from the sector be transferred to the Treasury for addition to Veterans’ pensions. For those who are fit to work after the legal age of retirement, the Minister said the Natural Resources Sector has specialized opportunities for wardens and compliance officers. These officers, he said, address illegal mining and environmental degradation; interdiction and prevention of smuggling of gold, diamonds, wildlife and plants, and enforcement of laws and regulations. Trotman said that he felt honoured to have been invited to appear before the Commission - not only to share views and perspectives on the subject at hand, but also to submit himself, as representative of a major stakeholder in the national development architecture.
No sign of night court since May announcement The Georgetown Magistrates’ Court
After the March 3, 2016 prison unrest at the Georgetown Prison, Government had announced that as part of the solution to backlogged cases, it would introduce “Night Courts” into the judiciary. This followed a high level meeting between representatives of government which included Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo; Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan; and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams. Representing the judiciary were Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag) Carl Singh, Chief Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, Director of Public Prosecutions, Shalimar Ali-Hack and Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. It was suggested that during the initial stages of the
intervention, temporary magistrates would be used to help ease the backlog of cases. This measure was to be used for at least six months. Minister Ramjattan had said that the temporary magistrates would have been qualified lawyers who would serve in addition to the already sitting magistrates. The government had even moved to secure $25M to finance the payment of salaries of the temporary magistrates and ancillary staff. It was reported by the Prime Minister that after discussing the issue with President David Granger, the Head of State had given his favourable assurance towards establishing the courts. The suggestion was a part of a number of reforms which came out of the Com-
mission of Inquiry into the prison riot which claimed 17 lives. The courts were expected to operate from Monday to Friday between 16:00 hrs and 20:00 hrs. For many years, backlogged cases were found to be responsible for the high prison population which resulted in overcrowding of the penal system. After the COI into the riot, it was revealed that 60 per cent of inmates were on remand. Of that number, 50 per cent have been awaiting trial for more than three years and a further 30 per cent for more than four years. The report said that these figures and the lack of effective – or even ineffective action to remedy them pointed to serious dysfunction in the (Continued on page 31)
Gold is looking at another record-breaking year, government says. Gold declaration remains on track to surpass the 555,000 ounces projection set at the start of 2016. According to Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, mining has been doing well. Gold declarations for the first quarter of the year stood at 161,942 ounces with authorities even forecasting a possible 600,000 ounces for 2016. That would be the highest recorded declarations. Last year, the sector recorded over 450,000 ounces despite prices tumbling. As at July last year, price was below US$1,100 per ounce. It has risen to over US$1,320 as of yesterday. Gold export is the biggest foreign exchange earner for Guyana, ahead of rice and sugar. Trotman also revealed that the sector has been making positive developments in reducing instances of gold smuggling. However, Trotman warned, those developments would only be made public later this year. In addition, the sector has been making strides in elimi-
nating the use of mercury in gold mining. “There is some resistance but at the same time I would say that a majority of miners are willing to comply,” Trotman said. The elimination of mercury from mining is part of modernising the technologies used in the extractive sector. The Government has been working on an action plan aimed at minimising and eventually eliminating the use of mercury in mining. Mercury has been playing a critical part in the gold extraction process but is said to have a devastating impact on the environment. It is also highly poisonous. But small miners especially have been complaining
Minister, Raphael Trotman that changing from mercury would be expensive. Meanwhile, for other minerals, the minister said bauxite continues to improve in production when compared to last year. However, the mining of stones has been problematic. The minister is expected to pronounce on stone and its availability this week. Recently, local quarry owners complained about an announced plan to import stone from Suriname for a major expansion project at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri.
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NIS now chairs Berbice Bridge Company Board The Berbice Bridge Company’s board will now be chaired by Dr. Surendra Persaud who is the current chairman of the National Insurance Scheme board of directors. Dr Persaud made this information known yesterday during the 47th anniversary celebrations of the National Insurance Scheme, at its Brickdam office. Persaud was at the time commenting on the financial status of the NIS. He said, “I am pleased to report that the National Insurance Scheme has appropriate representation today on the Berbice Bridge board.” He further said, “As the
largest investor in the Berbice Bridge, we the National Insurance Scheme have appropriate membership, I actually am now the chairman of the Berbice Bridge Company.” According to the chairman, to say that what was promised to the investors in the bridge was lucrative would be an understatement. “What happened with the Berbice Bridge was that the monies that were given to them, were given with a promise of a rate of return that was not sustainable.” He said that at present the Bridge is in a position where it is unable to satisfy its debt. Persaud said that now the NIS
is leading the bridge management through a restructuring process. An audit into the Berbice Bridge done by HLB R. Seebarran & Co. had recommended that NIS needs to have proper representation on the BBCI’s board since it is the largest investor in the company. In their opinion, the scheme should have a minimum of two representatives on the board -one of which should be the Chairman/ Chairperson. Persaud said that hopefully during the first quarter of next year the NIS can begin to receive the funds from its investments.
The NIS is the largest single investor in the bridge whereby it invested $2.6B. A forensic audit into the company showed that the entity had accumulated losses totalling $1.5B as of 2014. Despite being the biggest investor, the New GPC and Ramroop Group through an equity arrangement had 40 per cent control of the bridge company. These companies are said to be owned by close friends of former President Bharrat Jagdeo. Two Directors representing the Ramroop Group have since resigned. With the restructuring of the “Concessions Agree-
ment” NIS is now allowed to have a more dominant role in the management of the company which is correspondent with its shareholdings. The auditors reported that this agreement should come to an end in June 2027, after which the company will be required to hand over the bridge to the Minister responsible. According to the report, the previous Board of Directors had made several appointments but no position was taken as to the representation of the scheme’s interest. This was evident in the minutes of the board meetings over the last four years. In 2014, BBCI informed NIS that it would be able to pay its dividends since enough traffic was not crossing the Berbice River and there was barely money available to pay overhead costs and loan commitments. The investment by NIS was done in different forms. As it relates to corporate bonds, $1.06B was invested; Subordinated Loan totalled $500M, which is a debt that ranks after other debts in the event that a company falls into liquidation. Additionally, preference shares were bought at a cost of $950M and common shares for $80M. The auditors had recommended that the NIS should seriously consider having a bigger say in the Berbice Bridge if it wants to protect its $2.6B investment.
NIS Chairman, Dr. Surendra Persaud The report also said that with the current situation at the Berbice Bridge, the new NIS Board will need to assess the risks and returns of investments. It was also recommended that the NIS board carry out their own investigation to determine the value of the bridge which was reported at $6.28B net or US$29.9M at December 31, 2014 in the audited financial statements. Earlier this month it was reported by NIS that the Berbice Bridge Company had begun making payments to NIS on the subordinated Loan stock that was issued.
President refuses to meet with GTU before due process President David Granger is saying that he would not be meeting with representatives of the Guyana Teacher’s Union (GTU) until due process is followed. Yesterday, the President acknowledged receipt of a letter from GTU seeking an audience with him. The letter included complaints about the way the union is being treated and concerns about working conditions for teachers. However, Granger made it clear that he will not be meeting with the union before engagements are made at the Ministerial level with the Ministers in the Ministry of Social Protection. Granger said, “I have a Ministry of Social Protection and I would urge that the trade unions engage the Ministers first. It would be imprudent for me to overrule or override or try to deal with the unions without first giving the Minister responsible [a chance to engage]; and there are two Ministers in that Ministry. So it is important for the Trade Unions to engage her first and of course, the Minister who has specific responsibility for industrial relations.”
President, David Granger President Granger said that conciliation is not necessary at this time, as he noted that talks between the Union and the government are continuing. He cited the fact that there is a menu of measures which have not yet been exhausted. The President said that because of government’s preparation for the 2017 Budget, talks between the unions and the government needed to have reached a certain point by September so that a budget could be prepared.
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100 institutions connected to eGovernment network countrywide
The eGovernment Agency has completed the first phase of the Improving Digital Equity, Access and Learning (IDEAL) Programme, which has provided for 100 institutions to be connected to a network along the coast. Chief Executive Officer of the eGovernment Agency, Floyd Levi, said that the agency is now embarking on the second phase of this project. Levi made these comments Tuesday during a visit to Pomeroon-Supenaam (Region Two) during which the agency sought to conduct assessments at the 11 institutions, which benefitted from the initiative in that Region. IDEAL includes the provision of a database for the creation of an interconnected egovernment network within Ministries and their related agencies across the country, as well as the creation of ICT Hubs, within communities and the now completed educational institutions. The Secondary Schools
Internet Connectivity Project is the first Phase of IDEAL. It includes the installation of free WiFi Services in educational institutions in Pomeroon-Supenaam (Region Two), Essequibo Islands-West Demerara (Region Three), Demerara Mahaica (Region Four), Mahaica-Berbice (Region Five) and East BerbiceCorentyne (Region Six). The installation of these institutions began in August and took approximately one month to complete. The institutions visited during Wednesday’s trip are the Abram Zuil Secondary School, Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary School, Charity Secondary School, Cotton Field Secondary School, Johanna Cecelia Secondary School, Aurora Secondary School, Essequibo Technical Institute, the Region Two Regional Education Office (REDO), Eight of May Secondary School, Cyril Potter College of Education and New Opportunity Corps (NOC). Agency officials met with
Chief Executive Officer of the eGovernment Agency, Mr. Floyd Levi met with the Regional Education Officer, Mrs. Baramdai Seepersaud (centre) to discuss the progress of the Secondary Schools Connectivity Project, which is part of the IDEAL programme the REDO, Baramdai Seepersaud, who said that based on interactions with several of the schools, the service has since been working extremely well. It will certainly aid in research and access to information. The trip also allowed for further recommendations to be made as to the expansion of Phase One of the project in the region. During a visit to the NOC, the Agency was also able to commit to the provision of 15 computer systems for the institution’s Information Technology Laboratory. Levi said that the agency will also fill in the gap created by a shortage of teachers to provide training for the juvenile residents at the NOC. He stated that just like other students, the juveniles at the NOC deserve an equal opportunity. “These students need life skills that can serve them well in the future and these things
form very much a part of that future. So they have to be prepared that when they leave here they can integrate well into society and can lead meaningful and productive lives,” he said. The second phase of the IDEAL Programme also includes the establishment of Community ICT Hubs, which will see the provision of free internet services within identified communities. This project involves meeting with key stakeholders to identify communities and meeting with the community members, the installation of systems in identified locations that are accessible by all community members and engaging with the private sector collaborations for the equipping and furnishing of hubs, where needed. Levi said that following meetings with the Regional Administration, the communities of Dartmouth,
A student of the Johanna Cecilia Secondary School uses a computer in the school’s lab which is equipped with eGovernment’s 4G LTE Internet service Lima Sans, Good Success, Charity and Aurora have been identified for the implementation of this project. During consultations with the Regional Executive Officer of Region Two, Mr. Rupert
Hopkinson, the Agency was able to secure space at the Regional Office in Anna Regina where it can set up a permanent location so as to monitor the eGovernment services in the Region.
Friday September 30, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Gov’t abandons ‘1000 homes’ project…
Providence lands will now be used for duplexes, condos The government is redeploying land previously identified for the ‘1000 homes’ project, to the construction of apartment buildings, duplexes and condominiums. When questioned about the decision to discontinue the 1000 homes project, Minister within the Ministry of Communities with responsibility for housing, Valerie Adams-Patterson, said that a major contributory factor to the decision is the number of applicants and the fact that there are no available house lots. “We have recognized that one family per house lot with approximately 23,000 applications within the system is not possible for the government, not even in the next five years. … so we have decided that with the land that we have, we can accommodate more families if we provide housing units instead of a house lot, especially given that only about fifty-five percent of lots allocated has been occupied,” Patterson told the Government Information Agency (GINA), recently. “This Government is not going to continue that 1000
Infrastructure development at Providence, E.B.D.
Valerie Patterson, Minister within the Ministry of Communities homes project in its current form. In our refocusing, we are looking at apartment buildings, duplexes, condominiums, three and four levels. From our design, the condo will have eight apartments on each floor, so we do two bedrooms and three bedrooms,” the minister said. The ‘1000 homes’ project, also known as the turnkey
project, was officially launched by former President Donald Ramotar at Providence, East Bank Demerara in 2014. However, despite being allocated, several of the almost 50 completed houses remain unoccupied because of poor construction and finishing coupled with structural faults. “The first phase was (for) 200. One hundred and forty one are currently under
construction. The 59 that are already occupied, they currently have problems with curb wall cracked, windows dislocated and, in some cases you have verandas moving away from the building,” Patterson said. The housing authority has since hired a new project manager, Kennard Dazzell, who to date has visited the housing development, analysed the situation and made recommendations on
the steps necessary to correct the defects. “On September 1, we hired a project manager specifically for that project. Works have begun on the homes, and six of the houses have already been completed and handed over to the owners. The remaining 141 houses which are currently under construction will be completed by December 15,” Patterson said. A condominium is one of
a group of housing units where each home-owner owns his individual unit space, and all the dwellers share ownership of areas of common use. A duplex house is a dwelling having apartments with separate entrances for two households. This includes two-storey houses having a complete apartment on each floor and also side-by-side apartments on a single lot that share a common wall.
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Friday September 30, 2016
GPHC A&E department burdened with nation’s accident and emergency cases - efforts to boost capability of GPHC emergency unit underway On almost any given day, the Accident and Emergency (A&E) Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, (GPHC) attracts significant numbers of persons, seeking medical attention for one issue or another. According to GPHC’s Director of Emergency Services, Dr. Zulfikar Bux, the tiny area known as the A &E manages not only the city ‘s accident and emergency cases but the entire country as well. As a result, Dr. Bux said that GPHC has been working to boost the capability of the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department. Bux , a trained emergency medicine specialist, explained that the department has been working to expand the facility and to train their human resources to improve the department’s efficiency and effectiveness. According to him, over the past five years at least eight physicians have been trained under the emergency medical specialist programme.
“The whole idea is that if we want to have a sustainable system we need to make use of your existing resources. And that has been ongoing. We have been training emergency doctors but it’s not the doctors alone that we have working in the emergency room.” “We want to have trained nurses as well. Emergency medicine is more team-based than anything else because the cases that come to you are very acute and everyone needs to know their roles right off the bat,” Dr. Bux explained. He said that it is therefore imperative for the hospital to be equipped with trained emergency nurses, doctors and technicians “who can work hand in hand to improve efficiency of care.” “That is one of our biggest challenges. How can we improve efficiency of care without sacrificing the effectiveness of care?” At present, the doctor said that the hospital’s current emergency team operates in shifts.
“We already have a trained specialist always on shift. Currently the emergency specialist supervises the nurses and doctors to ensure that we have that effective care that we need.” To further improve capability the Emergency Department Head said that the hospital has been providing initial emergency training to nurses. According to Dr. Bux, the nurses can now access further training via the emergency care programme offered by the University of Guyana. “We are hoping to start the programme in October. By the end of two years we could have about 25 trained graduate emergency nurses”. The doctor stressed, however, that while the goal is to improve capability of the staff to provide effective care, the A&E department has been “stretched to meet the increasing demands of the public.” “Unfortunately emergency medical care can only
be accessed at GPHC”. “The unfortunate situation is that it has created a demand that we still are stretching our resources to meet… Waiting time at the Emergency Room has increased owing to the number of patients who seek attention at the A&E instead of utilizing the services of a health centre …” “And if you check the reports, persons are not complaining about the malpractice or lack of care at the A&E, but about waiting long.” Notwithstanding the aim for effective and quality care, Dr. Bux said that the demands are high and the A&E is critically unstaffed. The emergency medicine programme was established almost six years ago. The project has received tremendous support from the Vanderbilt Medical Center and the Morris Foundation in the U.S.A. The Medical Centre, which is renowned for being one of the best Emergency Hospitals in the U.S.A, has
GPHC’s Director of Emergency Services, Dr Zulfikar Bux been collaborating with the Ministry of Health and the GPHC, to develop Emergency Medicine in Guyana. It has thus far trained three specialist emergency doctors and is expected to graduate 12 others, over the next two years. These doctors are expected to continue the devel-
opment of Emergency Medicine so that Specialised Emergency Medicare will become accessible to Guyanese. The Vanderbilt Medical Center has also partnered with the Morris Foundation, to provide Guyana with the necessary resources for the development of this sector.
$$Billions more lost in sugar industry-GuySuCo - State company to appeal to Govt. for $3.5B bailout again before December By‘ Kiana Wilburg An increase in debt is what Government will be harvesting from the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) although it ploughed a whopping $21 Billion into the sector since assuming office. According to members of the GuySuCo Board, the entity is projected to make a loss of over $10B this year. In fact, the company is once again in dire need of millions in bailout before the end of the year. It is expected to approach the Government for some $3.5B to stay afloat. Board members expressed deep worry yesterday, stating that the Government at this time seems unwilling to do so. Kaieteur News understands that GuySuCo had approached the Government even before the end of the first half of the year for extra funds as it had exhausted its budgetary sum of $9B. But the administration did not give in. GuySuCo officials are worried about what Government’s response will be this time around. “We need the bailout now more than ever,” one prominent Board Member expressed. IMF WARNING The Government, however, appears to be taking a rather cautious approach to its bailouts to the sector es-
GuySuCo Chairman, Dr. Clive Thomas
Finance Minister, Winston Jordan
IMF Head, Christine Lagarde
pecially since it was warned earlier this year by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to be cautious about its financing to certain sectors. With particular reference to the Guyana Sugar Corporation, Executive Members of the IMF said they were pleased to learn from authorities here that budget transfers are expected to steadily decline and eventually cease over the medium term. The officials found that transfers to GuySuCo were equivalent to 1.8 percent of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2015 and are budgeted at about 1.3 percent of GDP for 2016. The IMF Executive Mem-
bers urged the Government however to adopt a restructuring plan for the sector that will improve cost efficiency, productivity, and alternative revenues streams, drawing upon the reforms proposed by the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the state entity. They said that while the initial steps taken in that direction are welcomed, scope and pace of reform should take into account social implications. POOR PRODUCTION According to statistics from the Ministry of Finance for the first half of the year, the Guyana Sugar Corporation recorded an operating surplus of $2.9 billion, down
from an operating surplus of $3.0 billion for the same period last year. This surplus it said was inflated by a $9 billion transfer from the Central Government to finance operations. Without this transfer, the Ministry of Finance noted that GuySuCo’s true position would be a deficit of $6 billion. In the future, the Finance Ministry said that all Central Government transfers will be shown as financing, instead of being included as part of revenues. Furthermore, it was noted that by the end of the first half of 2016, GuySuCo’s production was 56,645 tonnes. This
was recorded as a reduction of 23,624 tonnes from the budgeted 80,269 tonnes and also down from 2015’s half year production of 81,143 tonnes. The Ministry of Finance said that this shortfall was reflected in a decline in export sales, from a budgeted amount of 58,272 tonnes to an actual of 49,278 tonnes, compared with 77,000 tonnes realized in the same period last year. It noted that the El Niño weather phenomenon, which resulted in stunted cane growth and a decline in cane yields from 57.45 tonnes cane per hectare (tc/ha) in the first crop of 2015 to 45.2 tc/ha in 2016, as well as delays in tillage, planting, and crop husbandry operations, were some of the factors that contributed to this state of affairs. Significantly, the Ministry of Finance said that sales to Caricom and the European Union (EU) of bagged sugar as well as sales to Caricom of Packaged Gold sugar were the most affected. It said that the industry continues to be plagued by many problems, including an increase in the prices of several inputs such as fertilizers, and these have had a negative effect on the company’s ability to realize sufficient cash to cover its operating costs. The Ministry said, “GuySuCo has taken several
steps to address some of its challenges, including negotiating with Tate and Lyle for better prices for sales to the EU market; pursuing studies to inform diversification into areas such as other crops, fruits, aquaculture, rice, dairy and livestock to reduce dependence on sugar; and rationalizing its operations for increased efficiency and productivity.” WORRIED STAKEHOLDERS Various stakeholders within the industry gathered for an important meeting yesterday which saw discussions on the worrying financial future of the sugar industry. The stakeholders included a high level team from GuySuCo as well as representatives from the Guyana Agricultural And General Workers Union (GAWU), the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) and the Guyana Labour Union (GLU). Kaieteur News understands that a comprehensive presentation was done by the Corporation’s team, where the 47 representatives were provided with production and financial data from 2010 to year 2025. The information presented indicated a very discouraging future for the sugar industry, where the Corporation is projecting losses of (Continued on page 31)
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Friday September 30, 2016
Kaieteur News
Drug addict slaughters son who defended mother
A drug addict, who was verbally abusing his wife over $400 Wednesday night, slaughtered his 24-year-old son when the young man intervened and defended his mother. Police subsequently arrested the suspect who had fled the scene. The incident occurred around 22:30 hrs at Annandale, East Coast Demerara (ECD). The dead man has been identified as Mahesh Chan, a truck porter of Lot 81 Naresh Street, Annandale. He was chopped to the chest and abdomen by his drug-addict father. The young man was pronounced dead at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). In a statement, the police said that investigation is being conducted into the alleged murder of Mahesh Chan by his father, who fled the scene but was subsequently apprehended and taken into police custody. Investigation so far has revealed that the suspect had requested to borrow money from his wife, who refused his request. As a result, they had an altercation which ended in a heated argument. The 24year-old man’s intervention led to his father arming himself with a cutlass and chopping him twice. According to information received, the victim had been smoking marijuana earlier in the night and had requested
Dead: Mahesh Chan
The house where Mahesh Chan was killed
The young man’s mother, Tejranie more money to purchase weed. At the home yesterday where the victim lived with his parents and two of five siblings, his mother, Tejranie, was in tears. She explained that her husband gave her $2000 to purchase a few items early
Wednesday. In the night, he demanded to have the change. “He always giving me money and take it back. He packed his clothes in a bag and say he going away and he cussing and asking for the money. Me son hear and ask me how much money he want and then he tell me to give him
the money and let he go,” the woman recalled. She added that while her son was speaking, her husband said that he was defending his mother and immediately ran to the kitchen and picked up a cutlass. “He chopped me son to he chest and he (son) run and he fall down in the room
and then he chop the bai again.” After wounding his son, the suspect left the house and returned a few minutes later and began verbally abusing his dead son. “The bai done dead and he come and cursing he from outside the house and he ain’t stopping.”
The woman explained that her husband only left when the taxi came and took her son to the hospital. “He always beating me and chopping me and my son was the one who always pick up for me that is why he killed him,” the woman cried. Investigations are ongoing.
Friday September 30, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Improving measures to protect children is crucial - Flach Stepping up measures to strengthen child protection is very crucial. This is according to outgoing United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) Representative, Ms. Marianne Flach, during a press conference at the UNICEF Brickdam, Georgetown, headquarters, yesterday. Flach stressed the importance of child protection efforts being strengthened not only in Guyana. According to her, cross border issues must also be given keen attention in the quest to improve child protection. She spoke of the need to give attention to migration issues that are likely to increase since in some neighbouring countries poverty is increasing. “As you know there are quite a number of Guyanese in Suriname...Suriname is currently going through economic crisis. It may mean that Guyanese families will come back or it may mean that Surinamese families may cross the border to look for job opportunities here in Guyana. We also know that the situation in Venezuela is worrying,” Flach related
UNICEF’s outgoing representative, Ms Marianne Flach, displays a copy of the Situation Analysis document yesterday. Economic issues, according to the UNICEF Representative, often help to destabilise families whereby parents move and leave their children behind. “This is not always the
best situation for children,” Flach asserted. But Flach is confident that she ends her tenure in Guyana, leaving behind guidelines that could help put measures in place to help protect children, and this, she
said, is clearly detailed in a Situation Analysis on women and children in Guyana which was on Wednesday handed over to Minister of Social Protection, Ms. Volda Lawrence. Pointing to the document, Flach said it contains data that seeks to explain why some situations that hamper the protection of women and children are prevailing. It, however, outlines what can be done to address such situations. The analysis was completed using raw data from the 2014 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) which saw efforts being made to reach 90 per cent of the population on the coast and the other 10 per cent in the large hinterland. “With documents like this, sometimes you do not capture all of the details especially with what is going on in the hinterland in certain villages...so sometimes in addition to this, we do some specific studies,” Flach related. To improve efforts in this regard, Flach said that UNICEF is gearing to work with the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs in the coming months to
understand the situation faced by women and children. But according to Flach, as part of the process of putting measures in place to enhance the protection of children, an important stakeholder conference on child rights and business that focused on the extractive sector was convened in January. Based on the knowledge and insight gained through the meeting, Flach said that UNICEF will be looking at creating partnerships with extractive businesses as they are key stakeholders in addressing issues such as child protection. Businesses, according to her, can also play an important role in addressing environmental issues such as Mercury contamination which affect children more severely than adults. “An important part of achieving progress for children is the adequate allocation of resources across all sectors. Sufficient, equitable and efficient investment in children is crucial for the full realization of children’s civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights,” Flach added. Flach reported too that
last week in Geneva, the Committee on the Rights of the Child launched General Comment 19 on “Public budgeting for the realization of children’s rights”, which clearly sets out the obligations for Member States to properly budget and manage expenditures to realize children’s rights. “We know that investing in a country’s human capital is the key to a sustainable future. Before, our concern was quantity (how much is spent on children and on what), now our concern is also quality, how well the money is spent and to what extent it produces results for children,” said Flach as she disclosed that “UNICEF encourages and stands ready to support the Government of Guyana, to ensure equitable and measurable budgeting for children.” Although she is currently in outgoing mode, Flach committed UNICE F ’s support to ensuring that “all children can grow up safe, healthy, and have every opportunity to reach their full potential and contribute to the sustainable development of their communities, their nation and their world.”
Victims of child abuse take spotlight - Aim to have greater means to stop child abuse The Child Protection Agency, in partnership with the Guyana Police Force, Child Link and advocates of children’s rights hosted a walk and candle light vigil yesterday, at the Police Officers’ Mess Eve Leary. The aim of the event was to raise further awareness of child abuse, especially sexual abuse. The event encourages persons to act to stop child abuse. The head of the Juvenile Department, Leslyn Halley, said that the Police have developed Sexual Offence Units all across the country to encourage persons to report offences to the law enforcement agency. Halley further went on to state that, “Children’s safety and security are our priority”. Among the other participants were the Minister of Social Protection Volda Lawrence and staff, representatives of the Public Health Ministry, the Guyana Police Force, Child Link, and victims of sexual abuse. Ann Greene, Director of the Childcare and Protection Agency, urged for more support for victims of abuse so that they can be reformed.
Greene stated that even with professional support and family support, communities can aid in supporting victims. The Director commended the victims that were present at the event on their strength for being there. Kean Chase, Coordinator of Child Link, a NonGovernmental Organisation, stressed that education is most important in preventing child abuse and eliminating the stigma attached to it. “If someone tells us he or she is abused what do we do? Do we judge, believe, see him or her as less of a person, do we add to the sense of shame, question the sexuality, think the person will abuse also or do we listen and support. “As we observe Child Protection Week activities it is fitting that we give much needed attention to child abuse here in Guyana. We don’t just give attention to the protection of our children one week every September, but every day as much as is needed,” she said. Chase called for greater presence highlighting child
Participants on walk against child abuse abuse on social media. “It’s never trending, tweeted about or given likes on social media”. She stated that child abuse should be discussed more openly by the public and that the conversation of this curse that is plaguing our society is needed. “It takes a village to raise a child “but let’s be real – this is not so and hasn’t been so for a long time. What happened –did we just get busy, is it technology
whatever it is, it has to change and that change begins with us here tonight. “We are here not just as persons interested in attending a random activity, but as individuals giving attention to those suffering in silence; those that are continuing to be abused and those that have never been given justice and is long gone.” She further emphasized that sexual abuse is not just about being raped. “It is so
much more. It’s about the inability to roam freely without being bombarded by sexual suggestions and comments, pornographic images; being a victim of voyeurism and the feeling of you being at fault for being you. “It is happening among us in rich and poor homes alike, among the educated, and not also affecting boys and girls alike. And we either don’t notice or choose not to see this ugly truth. But the
stats are ugly too. One in four girls under 18, and one in six boys will be in his/her lifetime sexually abused or exposed to it. One in three girls is sexually exploited before 16, or forced into sex. There were 600-plus reported cases in 2014. What about the unreported cases?” she queried. To support the victims that participated in the event, there was a special session in their honour.
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Kaieteur News
T&T’s deadline for passing US tax legislation looms as politicians ‘play games’ PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad — The deadline for Trinidad and Tobago to become a signatory to the United States’ Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) is September 30, 2016. The law, which the US Congress enacted in 2010, strives to ensure that US citizens and residents with financial assets outside of the country are paying taxes. The legislation gives US banks the power to withhold a portion (up to 30%) of payments made to foreign financial institutions that do not agree to release information on their customers who have US accounts. In fact, they can even refuse to do business with them altogether. Noncompliance would therefore have far-reaching effects: critical banking services such as credit card use, wire transfers and remittances would be cut off, Trinidad and Tobago’s economy — already sluggish thanks to low energy prices — would further weaken, and the general cost of living and doing business would increase. Yet, the bill has still not been passed in the country’s parliament. Even though the government is unanimously voting for compliance, the current opposition — which had put forward the bill when they were in government — now appears to be stonewall-
Kamla PersadBissessar
Colm Imbert
ing its passage. The government has 23 members in the House of Representatives, but 26 votes are needed to pass the bill. Despite its insistence that “nobody wants to pass this bill more than [them]”, in the parliamentary sitting of September 23, 2016, every single member of the opposition voted “No” (54:46 on the timeline of this video). For its part, the opposition has accused the government of “politicising the issue”. The leader of the opposition, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, explained that she and her colleagues are worried about “the draconian provisions in the Bill, which are in no way necessary to give effect to the agreement”. In his presentation to parliament, minister of finance
Colm Imbert noted, “Clause 8 — the opposition has a problem with this. Nothing in Section 4 of the Income Tax Act, Data Protection Act or any other law of like effect prevents the disclosure of information. The opposition maintains that this strips our citizens of any protection that the law may give to them.” Although the government has said that they addressed three of the opposition’s seven concerns, the matter never went to debate. After Imbert made his presentation in parliament last Friday, he asked the speaker of the house for a one-hour adjournment, during which time the two sides could sit down and hammer out the amendments to the bill. (Caribbean News)
Friday September 30, 2016
Venezuela urged at U.N. to seek national dialogue, free inmates Reuters - Paraguay led nearly 30 countries yesterday in calling at the United Nations for Venezuela to engage in a national dialogue with the opposition to preserve peace and security, and to release political prisoners. Oscar Cabello Sarubbi, Paraguay’s vice minister of foreign affairs, read out the statement on behalf of a total of 29 countries including Britain and the United States at the U.N. Human Rights Council. It drew a rebuke by Venezuela and allies including Cuba and Syria at the Geneva forum. The joint statement urged all parties in Venezuela to hold a “timely and effective dialogue”, either directly or via facilitators, “to preserve
peace and safety, to ensure the full respect of human rights, due process, the separation of powers and the consolidation of a representative democracy”. The government of President Nicolas Maduro is struggling under an unravelling socialist economic system that suffers from triple-digit inflation, extensive shortages of staple products, and food riots. He says the OPEC-member country is victim of an “economic war” backed by the United States and the Venezuelan political elite. Venezuela’s opposition has called for mass rallies nationwide on Oct. 12 to push for a referendum to recall Maduro this year, as it seeks to oust his Socialist Party in an early presidential election.
U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad al Hussein, in an opening speech to the forum on Sept. 13, flagged “allegations of repression of opposition voices, arbitrary arrests and excessive use of force against peaceful protests” in Venezuela, as well as “increasingly widespread hunger and sharply deteriorating health care”. The Paraguay-led statement said it shared Zeid’s concerns about repression and called for “the early release of persons arrested for political reasons”. High-profile jailed figures include opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez, whose wife Lilian Tintori personally brought his case to Zeid two years ago.
Over 200 suspected zika cases in St Kitts-Nevis - chief medical officer
Dr Hazel Laws BASSETERRE, St Kitts (WINN) — There are over 200 suspected cases of the zika virus in St Kitts and Nevis, says the newly appointed acting chief medical officer Dr Hazel Laws. “To date we have approximately 218 suspected cases of zika virus, based on their presentation with the symptoms. Low grade fever,
rash, conjunctivitis… joint ad muscle pain, so based on their symptomology we have approximately 218 suspected cases,” Laws revealed on Wednesday, speaking on local radio. “In order for a case to be confirmed, that individual would have gotten a test, a blood or a urine test and then the sample sent off to the lab and then it’s tested, and… if it’s positive, it would be laboratory confirmed. So a case is confirmed through laboratory testing,” she explained. Meanwhile, deputy chief environmental health officer Jermaine Lake said it was inevitable that the zika virus would surface in St Kitts and Nevis. “Every other country around us had reported
cases, but… we couldn’t report cases unless we had persons showing up with the symptoms and then we get the blood samples and send to CARPHA… so we were in a state where we suspect that it’s here, but we can’t report to GIS that we have it. That would… irresponsible,” Lake said on Wednesday. The department of environmental health is focusing on public education and the elimination and reduction of mosquito breeding sites, but will be implementing a fogging schedule in the coming days. “Hopefully in a matter of days you should be hearing about our fogging schedule,” chief environmental health officer Alex Riley told listeners.
UN rolls out aid package for cholera-hit Haiti United Nations (United States) (AFP) - The United Nations will mobilize $181 million to shore up the emergency response to the cholera epidemic in Haiti and at least an equal amount for the victims and their families, a senior UN official says. The financial package follows the United Nations’ admission that it had a moral responsibility to help Haiti deal with the epidemic that broke out near a UN peacekeepers’ base.
More than 10,000 people have been killed and 700,000 affected since the outbreak in 2010. There are still 500 new cases of cholera reported every week. “The most immediate need is the funding for the cholera response,” said David Nabarro, the UN’s special adviser on sustainable development who is spearheading negotiations with Haiti and donor countries on the package. Nabarro told AFP in an interview that the aim was to
provide $181 million over three years and “at least the same amount” for the families of victims of the deadly epidemic. Discussions are under way with the Haitian government on the details of the aid package, which UN Secretary-General Ban Kimoon is expected to announce at the end of October. While the United Nations maintains that it has a moral responsibility to help Haiti, it rejects claims that it is also legally responsible for the damages from the health emergency. Several lawsuits filed by victims in US courts have been rejected because of the immunity from prosecution accorded to UN missions.
Friday September 30, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Negotiations on Teachers’ salary increase outside of GPSU’s The Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) will be able to hold negotiations with the government of Guyana outside of that which is ongoing between government and the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU). This is according to President David Granger. As he appeared on the televised programme The Public Interest yesterday, the President was faced with questions surrounding the proposed salary increase. Granger was asked to respond to allegations made by GTU to the effect that a percentage increase is being forced on it, as is being forced on the GPSU despite the fact that there are provisions for negotiations. Granger told reporters
that the proposed salary increase, which had been put forward to GPSU for 2016, is not the same for t h e G u y a n a Te a c h e r s Union (GTU). He said, “It is not my view that the GTU negotiations were part of the negotiations with GPSU. I would have expected a separate arrangement to be made and I would say that the actual agreement between the Ministry of Education and Guyana Teachers’ Union should be something which should be kept separate from the GPSU negotiations.” Granger continued, “We as the government accept, we acknowledge (and) we observe the collective bargaining agreement.” Even the GPSU payment,
when made, is simply a preliminary one, as the negotiations between the Unions and the Government continue, the Head of State said. Despite the ongoing negotiations, government has made a “final offer” to the GPSU. With this offer, workers earning below $100,000 will be given a six percent increase, while those earning over $100,000 to $300,000 will benefit from a five percent increase. Citizens working for over $300,000 to $800,000 will be given a 4.5 percent increase and those earning over $800,000 to $1M will be given a two percent increase. Guyanese earning over $1M are to be given a one percent increase.
Prof Doris Rogers has passed to the great beyond… - “I’ve come to believe that each of us has a personal calling that’s as unique as a fingerprint – and that the best way to succeed is to discover what you love and then find a way to offer it to others in the form of service, working hard, and also allowing the energy of the universe to lead you.” – Oprah Winfrey To some degree that quote spotlights the life and achievements of Professor Doris Rogers who passed away on September 22, 2016. She was 86. Professor Rogers had a love for art and she found a way to share that love with many others during her tenure as a teacher of science, and later as a lecturer of fine arts at the University of Guyana. Her undying contribution to the enrichment of art education in Guyana was recognized at the last convocation of the Institute of Creative Arts where she was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award and was admitted as a Lifetime Fellow of the Institute. Dr. Rogers has also been recognized as “a distinguished national expert in the fields of Art Education and the preservation of the oral traditions.” She has been classified as a painter extraordinaire, a Professor of Art and an Art Educator. Dr. Rogers’s academic accomplishments saw her being honoured with the status of Professor Emeritus by the University of Guyana following her retirement from that institution in 2008. In her early years, Professor Rogers was a teacher in Berbice— a teacher of science before the opportunity to study art became available. That decision not only benefited the professor but it caused a paradigm shift from science to the fields of Fine Arts, university administration, research, and art education. Her academic accomplishments include her receiv-
Prof. Doris Rogers ing a UNESCO Fellowship to the South Australia School of Art, she then studied Art at Howard University followed by a Doctorate in Art Education at Penn State University. Professor Rogers had an overseas career which saw her assuming the position of Programme Coordinator at the Paul Robeson Cultural Centre, Instructor in Art Education at Pennsylvania State, and senior academic at the University of Benin in Benin State, Nigeria from 1981 to 1988. When she returned to Guyana, Professor Rogers served as Art Specialist to the Ministry of Education and taught at The Bishops’ High School after which she started her distinguished service to the University of Guyana in 1988. Her unique contribution to the development of the university included her design and introduction of the Bachelors of Art Degree programme in Fine Arts in 1990, and the important establishment of Art Education on both the Turkeyen and Berbice Campuses while she
was Coordinator in the Division of Creative Arts from 1988 to 2003. While at the University of Guyana, Professor Rogers worked on improving the image of the institution while at the same time enhancing the quality of the graduates (art students) by starting up an attachment programme for final year art students at the Tugaloo College, Mississippi. An annual public exhibition by University staff and students was also initiated. Professor Rogers also established the Bachelor’s Degree in Art at the University to allow graduates of the Burrowes School of Art to complete a full degree at UG in two years. She was an executive of the Guyana-Suriname Friendship Society and was instrument a l i n c u l t u r a l e x changes between the two societies. She was also the founder of RAPAHA an East Berbice cultural organization. Emeritus Professor Rogers’s value to the University of Guyana and to the nation was also enhanced by the fact that she was an exceptional painter, celebrated among the foremost national artists of Guyana. She has researched the art and its techniques in Nigeria, and led a small team of leading University of Guyana artists namely Bernadette Persaud and Philbert Gajadhar on a professional visit to India. As a painter, she has been exhibited extensively in India, Nigeria, Guyana and North America. (Taken from GNNL)
India says hits Pakistan-based militants, escalating tensions
People wave national flags to celebrate after India said it had conducted targeted strikes across the de facto frontier, in Ahmedabad, India, yesterday. (L-R) banners read: “Many congratulations to Indian army”, “The country is with Indian army” and “Good wishes to BJP-lead government”. REUTERS/Amit Dave Reuters - Indian officials said elite troops crossed into Pakistan-ruled Kashmir yesterday and killed suspected militants preparing to infiltrate and carry out attacks on major cities, in a surprise raid that raised tensions between the nuclear-armed rivals. Pakistan said two of its soldiers were killed in exchanges of fire, but denied India had made any targeted strikes across the de facto frontier that runs through the disputed Himalayan territory. An Indian military source and a government official said Indian special forces crossed the heavily
militarised border by foot just after midnight and hit about half a dozen “launching pads”, where suspected militants were preparing to sneak across. The official said troops killed militants numbering in the double digits, and that no Indian soldier was killed. An army official based in Indian-controlled Kashmir said two Indian soldiers were wounded while returning from the raid - one stepped on a landmine and another was shot. Pakistan also captured an Indian soldier on its side of the border, military officials
from both countries said. An Indian army official said the soldier had inadvertently crossed the frontier and had nothing to do with the earlier raids. Yesterday’s strikes mark a rare public announcement by India that it had launched a military operation across its de factor border with Pakistan. They followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s warning that those India held responsible “would not go unpunished” for a Sept. 18 attack on an army base in Uri, near the Line of Control, that killed 18 soldiers.
U.S. close to suspending Syria talks with Russia as Aleppo battle rages Reuters - The United States is close to suspending talks with Russia on a ceasefire in Syria, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said yesterday, as the Kremlin vowed to press on with an assault on the city of Aleppo. Moscow and Damascus launched a campaign to recapture the rebel-held sector of Syria’s biggest city this month, abandoning a ceasefire a week after it took effect to embark on what could be the biggest battle of a nearly six-year war. Syrian government forces made a significant advance, capturing the Handarat refugee camp a few kilometres (miles) north of the city. They had briefly seized it last Saturday, before losing it again in a rebel counter attack. Rebel fighters have launched an advance of their own near the central city of Hama, where they said they
made gains yesterday. The United States and European Union accuse Russia of torpedoing diplomacy to pursue military victory in Aleppo, and say Moscow and Damascus are targeting civilians, hospitals and aid workers to break the will of 250,000 people living under siege in the city. The United States called the assault on Aleppo by Syria and Russia “a gift” to Islamic State yesterday, saying it was sowing doom and would generate more recruits for the militant group. Syria’s U.N. Ambassador Bashar Ja’afari rejected accusations that his government was killing civilians. But U.S. officials are searching for a tougher response to Russia’s decision to ignore the peace process and seek military victory on behalf of President Bashar al-
Assad. “We are on the verge of suspending the discussion because it is irrational in the context of the kind of bombing taking place to be sitting there trying to take things seriously,” Kerry told a public policy conference in Washington. “It is one of those moments where we are going to have to pursue other alternatives,” he added. Kerry spoke to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov yesterday, the U.S. State Department said but it did not announce a suspension of the diplomacy, suggesting Washington may give Moscow a little more time. Recapturing Aleppo would be the biggest victory of the war for government forces, and a potential turning point in a conflict that until now most outside countries had said would never be won by force.
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SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, C a n a da & UK; Guyana p assport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535. INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigrant Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496; 662-6045 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 Repairs at low cost: Fridges, air- conditioners, washing machines, TVs, microwaves, freezers- Call:629-4946 or 225-4822
SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 647-1773/660-5257
PROPERTY FOR SALE
VEHICLE FOR SALE
VACANCY
Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461 High value transported land and 2 bedrooms newly built house, Greater Diamond E.B.D -$14M negotiable. Call: 265-4338 La Parfaite Harmonie, 124 Recht Door Zee, WBD: 2 storey house, 3 bedroom upstairs, toilet & bath upstairs & downstairs & a guess room. Call: 623-5566
A4 Audi -$3.9M, IST-$2.1M, 318i BMW-$2.9M, Fielder$2.1M, Spacio-$2.1M, Forklift-$1.2M. Contact#6500402
Cashiers for supermarketCall: 624-0033, salesgirls – Call: 624-0033, Pump attendants –Call: 680-3863
Transported 2 storey newly renovated building @ 12 Sussex Street Charlestown – Call: 219-1951/659-3597
TO LET 3 Bedrooms Luxury apartments fully furnished long term and short term rental- Call: 665-3505 2 Bedrooms apartment at Timerhri. Call: 658-4754 Salon Space @ Regent & Orange Walk area. Call: 616-4819 Apartment in Eccles 2 bedrooms, furnished & unfurnished short & long term-$60,000 per month-Call: 225-3234
Business/Residential: house & land @ LBI Road Side, prime location, price $60,000,000 negotiable. Contact 669-5820/647-8786 3 7 0 / e m a i l : loveshanaz82@gmail.com Sale & Removal: 1 conventional 1 storey bungalow roof @ Plantation Walk, Vreed-en-Hoop, W.B.D (810.00 sq.ft)- $3M negotiable. Call: 617-1034 Property @ New Road, W.C.D - land 177’X40’ & house 18’X36’. Call: 226-9788
EDUCATIONAL IAE – CXC Jan/June 2017 – full time school; lessons/ classes for students, adults, repeaters & beginners. Call Mr. Roberts: 683-5742
Trade in your old empty printer ink cartridges for a new full one and pay HP $1500, Canon -$2,000. Call: 690-3883
HEALTH
Need a building contractor? House plan to be drawn or just an Estimate? Then call: 216-0671/ 692-8464/622-0267
Stop suffering from Diabetes, Hypertension and other sickness, follow me sexual enhancers for men. Call: 6459528 Improved your health through iridology- Contact Hazel’s Herbal Store- Call: 226-9136
1 Toyota Noah BSS seriesCall: 653-8791 One Toyota Hilux E/Cab, Gasoline, M/T, 4WD, ACCall: 676-0931 Oswin J’s Auto Imports; New Arrivals: Premio, Allion, Fielder, Axio, Rush, X-Trail. Free full coverage insurance. Call: 609-2815 RZ, Pit Bull, 212 Carina, IST, Verossa, Suzuki Vitaera, Premio, Allion, Fielder Wagon, Spacio- Call: 6507501/ 616-2577 2010 PREMIO -$3.3M, 2010 SIENTA- $2.5M, 2011 ALLION-$3.4M, 2010 ARIUS -$2.5M (NEGOTIABLE) UNREGISTERED & FULLY LOADED. CALL: 642-7295 1 Jaguar XJ6 Sedan Motor car, good condition, most systems working, original parts, price to sell. Call:2278448/612-8319 AT192, 212, Allion, Premio, Hilux Surf, BRR, RZ & Pitbull, Pajero Junior, Spacio: Cash / terms- Call:680-3154
One two bedrooms house with parking, water tank. Call: 649-9059/ 627-8562/621-1088
We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer-Call: 231-0655; 683-8734. Omar
We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: 680-3154 Nissan Murano (silver) 2005. Call: 667-3763/ 641-0911 One 2002 Toyota Allion, PSS series, well maintained, owner migrating, asking $1.9M firm. Call: 621-0712
DRESSMAKING Jean offers courses in dre s s m a k i n g , c u r t a i n s , floral, cake decoration @ 153 Barr Street Kitty- Call: 670-2653/ 638-8449
TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 2257878 (24HRS)
LEARN TO DRIVE C. Persaud & N. Outar Driving School formerly Soman & Sons Driving School @ Maraj BuildingCall: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997 (affordable packages)
Friday September 30, 2016
Kaieteur News
One RZ mini bus for sale BKK 7473 in working condition, (papers intact) $1M negotiable. Call: 658-5897/673-2692
WINGS CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP REATES,SPECIAL OFFER FOR THE SUMMER. CALL: 690-6494
CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL. COM AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL: 4WD PICKUP, CHEAPEST RATE & SPECIAL RATE FOR LONG TERM. CALL: 698-7807
Ramnarine Mining Enterprise: welders, operators & labourers –Call: 679-0550/ 624-0501 Truck driver to travel in and out of the interior, applicants must be experienced. Call: 618-2020
Gas/stove range GEAmerican made, stand up freezer, hot dog machine, supermarket mirror. Call: 680-3863 Items for sale: water tanks, used clothing, living room suites, wares & doors. Please call for any inquiry on: 2311284
Receptionist, desk staff, security guards (males). Call: 225-0198 or visit 233 South Road, Lacytown.
Great Deals on video games & all gaming consoles. PC, phone games, applications & repairs – Call: 672-2566; 2653231
1 Admin Clerk; must have driver’s license- Call: 2181459 One Trainee A.C, Refrigerator, Technician – Call: 231-0655 General Marketing Enterprise Realty: Real Estate Assistant (salary), Real Estate Agent (commission). Text: 648-2345/ email:gmerealestateagency@ outlook.com Seeking spindle turner full time or part time, kindly contact: 216-0057/684-4510 for more information Accounts officer/Assistant, must have CXC Accounts – Call: 680-3863/ 624-0033 or email CV: laltag@yahoo.com Driver for water truck - $5,000 daily, plus commission. Call: 680-3863. 1 Cook- Call: 6240033. 1 Maid- Call: 624-0033
1-2 Story 4 bedrooms house on the East Bank Demerara $20M negotiable; serious enquiries only- Call: 643-6200 Pools table for sale/rent & land for sale in Bath Settlement. Call: 616-0398 Fluffy puppies vaccinated & de-wormed -$15,000. Call: 666-5199 1 Medium scale mining block for sale in Cuyuni Mining District, approximately 900 Acres -$3M negotiable. Call: 658-5897/673-2692 Riverside property @ Roeden-Rust, East Bank Essequibo. Call: 266-2217/ 617-6203 Pit-bull pups for sale; 9 weeks old- Call: 693-3010
Driver, must be over 35 years, Patient, Punctual & love to drive # 648-1821
Salesman/canter Driver for established brand of snack food, chocolates, Biscuits, Beverage etc, experienced in sales required. Call: 617-1809
LAND FOR SALE Land @ Tuschen School Street -$3M, La Parfaite Harmonie: $3M, $1.6M, $1.4M, $1.2M, Diamond $2.5M & V/Hoop- Call: 6046724 Land at Friendship, E.B.D $2.5M per lot. Call: 692-8513/ 617-0465 House lot for sale in Uitvlugt W.C.D -$3M. Call: 676-4051
LAND FOR SALE
Santa Mission 30th October 2016. Call Joy: 649-9059/6278562 or 621-1088
Cargo Trawler. Call: 682-8724; 616-5954
1 Perkins V8 Turbo Charge 170KVa Generator in working condition, Call 223-7380
House for rent/ sale @ Lot 107 Durbana Square Lamaha Gardens with 5 bedrooms large parking. Call: 661-8908
TOURS
LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.
Captains: Valid Certificate of competence as Master of a Power Driven Vessel – Call: 226-1100/ 226-5380
Plant care team looking for a hard working team player # 646-2108 FOR SALE/RENT American Pool Table. Call: 277-0578
CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 6560087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO. COM
Site, safety & electrical engineer- experienced need, age 25-45, very good salary & conditions. Call: 261-2280; 261-2280; 697-4344
FOR SALE
260 acres of titled Prime land good for farming located @ Susannah Village, Corentyne Berbice. Call: 617-6869/ 6535479
La Parfaite Harmonie -$800,000, $3.2M, Diamond -$3.2M, Loo Creek (front) - $7M, Saxacalli, Farm, Kuribrong, La Grange 37X600. Call: 231-7805/ 6187483 Continued on page 31
Friday September 30, 2016
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Kaieteur News
GECOM’s CEO, top staffers played critical role in... From page 8 radios. GECOM apparently used what is known as contract-splitting—keeping the amounts below $15M- so as not to attract Cabinet’s scrutiny. An example of this was on February 13, 2015 when two sets of payments were approved. One was for the procurement of office equipment. This contract was awarded to Standard Distributors for $13,346,800. This King Street business is owned by Mahendra Brasse. On the same day, another contract was approved for $14,932,353 for the supply of office furniture. This was awarded to M-Tech Business Solutions. This business is owned by Water Street businessman, Michael Brasse. The businessmen just happen to be brothers. Both businesses are not immediately known to be
GECOM’s Manager of Administration and Support Services, Michelle Ward
GECOM’s Chairman, Dr. Steve Surujbally
suppliers of office equipment and furniture. There are many more cases of these in GECOM’s spending for last year. The spending has raised eyebrows and has seen state auditors expanding their probe as there are several
questionable spending. More than two weeks before the May 11 elections, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) spent almost $15M on nippers and pliers. The contract was awarded to Standard Distributors.
From calculations, GECOM spent about $6,000 for pliers that retail for $600. Then there was the case of the $100M purchase of high frequency communications radio sets from Mobile Authority, a company owned by Michael Brasse. The sets, from all indications, were never used and there are questions about the urgent reasons advanced by GECOM for those radios in the first place. Brasse also received $23M in contracts for supplying Duracell batteries. It appeared GECOM paid almost $1200 for a $300 battery. Several purchases of toners– for printers and copiers– by GECOM last year, supplied by Brasse are also said to be under the radar of state auditors. Over $92M was paid. GECOM reportedly has been left with a large stock of toners.
$$Billions more lost in sugar industry... From page 16 approximately $14.195 Billion in 2016 and further losses of $13.758 Billion in 2017. In addition to a $12Billion subsidy received from the government in 2015 and $ 9Billion in 2016, the Corporation said it is seeking an additional subsidy of $3.5Billion for this year. Further, the Corporation has projected a cash deficit in 2017 and will be seeking a
cash injection of $18.59 Billion for 2017 from the government if the status quo remains. The participants were advised that this situation was unsustainable and reorganization of the sugar industry was inevitable and absolutely necessary at this time. The Unions’ representatives were encouraged to submit their thoughts on how the industry could secure the future well-being of
the approximately 17,000 employees and their families as well as ensuring the profitability of the business. It was subsequently agreed that a team comprising representatives from the three Unions would meet with a team from GuySuCo to get a deeper appreciation of the financial and other data which were provided. It was also agreed that a
committee which was established some years ago, comprising representatives of the workers and management on each estate would be re-established to address constraints to production. It is expected that the process which started yesterday would continue with a view to the parties committing themselves to finding solutions to the challenges which lie ahead.
No sign of night court since May... From page 11 administration of justice. It was highlighted that delayed trials contributed significantly to the overcrowding.
Also, failures on the part of agencies of the state had attributed to the state of the prison. These include the judiciary, magistracy, probation service, the parole board,
prison visiting committees and the Ministry of Public Health. This publication made several efforts to contact the Chancellor of the Judiciary
(ag) on the status of the courts since no action seems to have been taken since the May 2016 announcement; however, these attempts were unsuccessful.
EU workshop on advancing FLEGT VPA... From page 7 has shown that the centuries old utilization of Guyana forest has been done responsibly. This, he said, is demonstrated by Guyana’s annual rate of deforestation and forest degradation. In 2014, deforestation and forest degradation was a mere 0.065, Singh said. “As a heavily forested country, optimization of benefits from our natural resources sector is needed for national development. However, as an environmentally conscious nation, we recognize that this must be in keeping with environmental and social economic best practices,” Singh explained. Acting British High Commissioner, Ron Rimmer, said the government of Guyana places great importance as does the United Kingdom on the re-
quirement of robust and effective management of forestry resources. This he said to ensure that this valuable resource is sustained and can contribute to the prevention of the further degradation of the earth’s fragile eco system. Rimmer added that FLEGT is an EU project with global outreach and is very much an important part of Guyana’s efforts. “The FLEGT VPA process will improve the approach to forest governance in Guyana, strengthen sustainable forest management and promote trade in legal timber, in both the domestic and international market,” Rimmer shared. Head of the EU delegation in Guyana, Ambassador, Jernej Videtic, said the EU developed the FLEGT action plan to address the growing
problem of illegal logging and its related treats. He added that it is important to highlight that the action plan aimed at particularly addressing three very important issues. “These are to support governments reform in order to address many challenges; to contribute to capacity building in timber producing countries; and to help to work to reduce the trade of illegally
harvested timber, not only in the EU, but ultimately in the major consumer market,” Videtic said. It is expected that this event will help further raise the profile of Guyana’s VPA, while allowing stakeholders to learn from international technical experts. It also creates a forum for the discussion of current forestry issues in a public environment.
From page 30
WANTED Female worker wanted sound secondary education, computer literateTel: 622-5518 1 Experienced Chief Security Officer to manage a security concern. Attractive salary & benefits.Apply by Sending message/ WhatsApp: 6444284 One masseur or masseuse to function four times a week. Text message to 6969386 Security to work in the Interior & G/Town, ex-military an asset, age 35-50. Call: 6251413/226-9768/698-7083 Experienced Diesel Mechanic to work in Interior with Perkins, Deutz engine & Doosan excavator knowledge. Call: 625-1413/ 226-9768/698-7083 1 Male cook in the Interior. Call: 678-0565
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Hair station for rental, convenient location, discounted price for new customers. Call: 638-1106 House for rent in Golden Grove, EBD - $65,000. Call:692-8513/ 617-0465 Business bottom flat for rent in New Road, Vreed-enHoop. Call: 227-4377/ 2270613/ 624-6013 Apartments for rent @ Nandy Park 2 bedrooms, recently renovated, free WiFi. Call: 227-5194 Property 1st & 2nd floor 102X36 ideal for office or school, lot 41 Seaforth Street Campbellville, Georgetown. Call: 614-2206/ 610-7902
Cleaners to work at Bourda Market, shift system, apply in person- Call: 218-1455
Spacious two bedrooms upper flat at Herstelling E.B.D. Call: 265-0204/ 6010223/645-9921
ONE EXPERIENCED DRIVER TO WORK IN RUIMVELDT, POLICE CLEARANCE & REFERENCES NEEDED. CALL: 231-8344/231-8529
Space for rent at Ashmin’s BuildingIdeal for commercial and office useCall: 683-7954
Garden pool maintenance worker wanted, send application to 66 Brummel Place or email: stute@minrel.gob.cl One domestic to work 3 days per week, must be living in G/ Town, age 30-45yrs. Call: 6413687 One male to work on chicken farm in the Interior, must have knowledge of chicken rearing. Call: 680-2702 Handymen/gardener; must be 25-35yrs old, honest & reliable. Call: 601-2622 1 Experienced general domestic, must know to prepare all Indian Dishes, must be trustworthy & have pleasant personality – Call: 615-3379
Upper flat for rent 3 bedrooms in Atlantic Gardens- Call: 227-4377/2270613/624-6013 Top flat for rent in Diamond Scheme- Call: 678-3388 Prime business premises (bottom flat) for rental at 13 Vlissengen Road, Newtown Kitty, G/Town. Call: 618-3002 SELF CONTAINED: FREE WI-FI, ELECTRICITY, CABLE @ RESIDENTIAL LOCATION, OPPOSITE THE HARBOR BRIDGE$35,000-CALL: 643-8080; 622-1364 One bedroom apartment preferably working couple or single person. Call: 698-1833
1 Male or female to look after layer birds in the Interior. Call:678-0565 LAND FOR SALE 30 Acres at Yarrowkabra Linden, Soesdyke Highway. Creek available. Call: 6959718/ 661-5033 (serious inquiries)
LAND FOR SALE La Parfaite Harmonie- land for sale at reduced prices for a few days only, 80ftX45ft $1.1M & $1.3M. Call:6585897/673-2692
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Friday September 30, 2016
Friday September 30, 2016
Kaieteur News
UNICEF says 75,000 children could die in Nigeria hunger crisis
A girl displaced as a result of Boko Haram attack in the northeast region of Nigeria, rests her head on a desk at Maikohi secondary school camp for internally displaced persons (IDP) in Yola, Adamawa State. REUTERS/Afolabi Sotunde Reuters - Famine-like conditions in the former stronghold of Boko Haram militants in northeast Nigeria could kill 75,000 children over the next year if they do not receive aid, the United Nations children’s agency said yesterday. Some 15,000 people have been killed and more than two million displaced during a seven-year insurgency by the Islamist militant group that has been pushed back to its stronghold in the northeast’s vast Sambisa forest in the last few months. The U.N. has called for military escorts for aid work-
ers trying to reach areas affected by the crisis, which has been exacerbated by soaring food prices and scarce reserves from the last harvest. “The 75,000 is from the three states – Borno, Yobe and Adamawa,” said UNICEF spokesman Patrick Rose, in an emailed response to questions, referring to the number of children in those areas who could die over the next year. The agency has said 400,000 children aged under five would suffer from severe acute malnutrition
in those states, which have been worst hit by the insurgency, and more than four million people faced severe food shortages in the region. UNICEF also said it had increased the sum sought in its humanitarian appeal to help malnourished children in the region, where food supplies are close to running out, to $115 million (£88.6 million) - more than double the previous amount of $55 million. It said it had so far received just $28 million, which it said “presents a serious obstacle to UNICEF’s scale up plan”.
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Friday September 30, 2016
Erdogan says to extend Turkey’s emergency rule, rounds on rating agencies ISTANBUL/ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan suggested yesterday that emergency rule could be extended beyond a year and rounded on rating agencies after Moody’s cut Turkey to “junk” status, helping send the lira to its weakest in almost two months. In a speech in Ankara, Erdogan said Turkey would benefit from a threemonth extension to the threemonth state of emergency declared after a failed July 15 coup, which the government says is needed to hunt down those responsible, but which critics say is being used to stifle dissent. “It would be in Turkey’s benefit to extend the state of emergency for three months,” he told a group of provincial leaders at the presidential palace. He then went on: “They say one year isn’t
Tayyip Erdogan right for Turkey. Let’s wait and see, maybe 12 months won’t be enough.” Speaking a day after the National Security Council recommended the extension of emergency rule, Erdogan said the measure would strengthen Ankara’s fight against terrorism, adding he believed Turks would support it. More than 100,000 people, including members of the police, civil service
and military, have been sacked or suspended since the failed coup, in which a group of rogue soldiers commandeered tanks and jets in an attempt to seize power, killing at least 240 people. Around 40,000 people have been detained. Rights groups, some Western governments and Turkey’s main opposition party have criticized the extent of the crackdown.
Friday September 30, 2016
Kaieteur News
PM Holness Calls Emergency Hurricane Planning Meeting The Gleaner - Prime Minister Andrew Holness has called an emergency meeting with officials yesterday evening over the potential threat of Hurricane Matthew. “All Members of Parliament and emergency personnel including senior officers of ODPEM, MET Office, JDF and JCF were expected to participate in the meeting,” read a statement from the Office of the Prime Minister where the meeting was held. Wednesday, Leader of Government Business in the House of Representatives, Derrick Smith, told MPs that they should standby for the meeting. He said time would be given for rural MPs to come into Kingston.
Andrew Holness
Matthew strengthened into the fifth named hurricane of the 2016 Atlantic Hurricane Season earlier yesterday. It formed in the eastern
Caribbean Wednesday and the Met Office in a severe weather alert has said the system could affect Jamaica as early as today.
Jamaicans in Diaspora may soon benefit from NHT homes WASHINGTON, United States (JIS) – Jamaicans living overseas will soon have an opportunity to purchase homes through the National Housing Trust (NHT). Chairman of the NHT, Ambassador Dr Nigel Clarke, said members of the Jamaican Diaspora have been inquiring as to how they could access a home through the Trust. “The NHT is now working on a programme, which will give members of the Diaspora an opportunity to own a home in Jamaica,” he noted. Ambassador Clarke was addressing a town hall meeting in Queens, New York, with Prime Minister Andrew Holness on September 22. He pointed out that under the programme being developed, borrowers living in the Diaspora will have to contribute to the Trust. “We have to make sure that after they borrow, they will pay back and continue to contribute to the Trust,” he noted. “What we want to do is make it easier for members of the Diaspora to own a piece of Jamaica. By having a piece of the rock, you will be helping Jamaica to grow. There is something in it for you. There is something in it for Jamaica,” he said. Ambassador Clarke, who is also deputy chairman of the Economic Growth Council (EGC), said that one of the recommendations made to the Government is for the de-
Dr Nigel Clarke velopment of a global Jamaican identification card. “It will not be a passport. It’s a card that identifies and bonds us,” he explained. “When you present that card in Jamaica, it’s a special status; you will not be a visitor to Jamaica. What we want to do is for the Jamaican community around the world to see themselves as one community and be empowered to contribute socially and economically to the development and growth of Jamaica,” he noted further. Ambassador Clarke said the NGC has also proposed the deepening of engagement with the Diaspora in order to ensure that the skills, capital, experience and knowledge of overseas nationals can be fully harnessed for the
country’s growth and development. Ambassador to the United States (US), Audrey Marks, in her remarks, said she was looking forward to working with the Diaspora to tap into the wealth of resources and knowledge that exist. She informed that a number of road shows will be held throughout the US to engage with Jamaicans living in the country. he town hall meeting was organised by the Jamaican Consulate in New York during the prime minister’s visit last week for the United Nations General Assembly. The meeting was also attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith.
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Manny Pacquiao hits the gym ahead of comeback clash with Jessie Vargas Manny Pacquiao cut a determined figure as he returned to training ahead of his comeback fight against Jessie Vargas in Las Vegas next month. The Filipino former eight-division world champion, who retired from boxing in April to concentrate on his political career, took part in a workout session at the Elorde gym in Manila yesterday after announcing his comeback seven months after defeating Timothy Bradley in his farewell fight. The 37-year-old has chosen to train in his homeland to allow him to attend to his legislative work, as he promised during the election campaign. Pacquiao will be competing for the first time as an elected senator in the Philippines when he meets Vargas for the WBO welterweight title on November 5. Asked what had prompted his decision to come out of retirement, Pacquiao previously admitted: ‘The main reason is because when I hung up my gloves, I realised that the sport that I loved, I was no longer active with that. ’And then I realised that boxing still liked me and I liked boxing so why am I not con-
Friday September 30, 2016
Kaieteur News
Manny Pacquiao trains in the gym ahead of his comeback fight against Jessie Vargas tinuing my journey in boxing? So I changed my mind and decided to continue my journey.’ After seeing Pacquiao train, his strength and conditioning coach Justin Fortune believes that Vargas will struggle to compete with his fighter in the ring. Speaking to GMA News, Fortune said: ‘Listen, it’s Jessie Vargas, he’s a world champ so he’s a good fighter, but he’s not on the same level as Manny. It’s just a simple fact that Pacquiao is faster and ridiculously stronger than Jessie. I mean there’s no way around it. ’He could do whatever he wants to do but he could
never match the speed and power of Pacquiao. It really gets down to absolute basics, and that’s the basics of it.’ ‘He has the age advantage, so what? He doesn’t have the experience, doesn’t have the power and he doesn’t have the speed,’ he added. Meanwhile, Pacquiao has admitted he took all kinds of drugs as a teenager but fully supports President Rodrigo Duterte, whose vicious antidrugs campaign has led to the killing of more than 3,000 people. ’I tried drugs...many kinds of drugs, all kinds of drugs before I became a champion,’ he said. ‘The president, he doesn’t know my experience with drugs,’ said Pacquiao, adding he was confident it wouldn’t damage their close relationship. ’He always gives a chance to people who want to be changed,’ said the boxerturned-lawmaker in an interview in his senate office. (MailOnline)
Thomas and Bentley gain... (From page 38) and on the roadways. Despite this, the pair of riders which were managed by Marc Sonoram took up the challenge of competing with a view to ensuring that there is much more focus on real mountain bike riding as they intend to ensure also that Guyana prepares itself to be a serious competitor at next year’s championships which will be hosted in Trinidad and Tobago. It was reported that Bentley was involved in an accident whilst training the day before the race and despite injuring his left hand still competed but was forced to call it quits on lap 3. Thomas was caught by the race winner on lap 4 and was subsequently called out of the race. A total of 11 riders did not finish the event; eight completed.
Windies hoping to turn corner... (From page 37) teams met in an ODI, West Indies inflicted a heavy defeat on the Asian side, with a 150-run victory during last year’s Cricket World Cup. However, West Indies have not beaten Pakistan in a bilateral series in 24 years, a disappointing trend which the Caribbean side will be hoping to end. Holder said West Indies were looking at different aspects of their game – especially the death stages of the innings – during planning sessions and were focused now on executing properly. ”We’ve obviously mentioned the death overs in our meetings. If it is one area we need to pay special attention to is obviously the death,”
Holder noted. “Most teams around the world structure their plans around the first few overs and also pay special attention to the death overs. Most games are won and lost there and I just think it is very, very important that we sit down and plan properly. ”I think most of the bowlers have a general plan of what they are looking to do and it’s just important for me and them to be on the same page. I think once we have good communication in terms of bowlers and the captain, then it make life a bit easier, and if you have options – in terms of a Plan A and then a Plan B – it also makes life a lot easier going into pressure situations.”
The game bowls off at 3 pm (7 am Eastern Caribbean time). WEST INDIES – Jason Holder (captain), Sulieman Benn, Carlos Brathwaite, Kraigg Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Jonathan Carter, Johnson Charles, Shannon Gabriel, Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, Sunil Narine, Ashley Nurse, Kieron Pollard, Denesh Ramdin, Marlon Samuels. PAKISTAN – Azhar Ali (captain), Sharjeel Khan, Babar Azam, Asad Shafiq, Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz Ahmed (wk), Umar Akmal, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Nawaz, Imad Wasim, Yasir Shah, Rahat A l i , M o h a mmad Amir, Wahab Riaz, Hasan Ali, Sohail Khan.
Friday September 23, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Opportunities for romance will develop through activities with large groups. Consider making pleasure trips or participating in entertainment that will require energy. Stay calm and focus on things that will help you understand the situation better.. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Groups you belong to will not only enjoy your company, but they will also share your interests. Travel and social activity will bring about interesting talks, not to mention contacts. Discord may arise with someone you're close to. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You must avoid gossip and focus on what you have to do. You will communicate easily and should be able to develop new friendships. Take your time before making personal decisions. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Don't turn down offers that include sports activities or children. Children will be of major concern if you haven't kept the lines of communication open. This is a good day to check out your investments. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Invite friends or relatives into your home. Be careful when dealing with female members of your family. You can invest in profitable ventures. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Do your own thing. Evasion is likely if you aren't direct about your feelings. You can expand your circle of friends
if you get out and socialize. LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You will be able to talk to your lover about future goals and perhaps make plans for the two of you to take a vacation. Be cautious when dealing with foreigners. Try to ease any disappointment by making amends. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Make a point of working on yourself. Use your charm to get your own way. Difficulties at an emotional level may be likely. SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) You need to get involved in groups that offer physical activities. A passionate encounter with your mate should help alleviate that pent-up energy. Put your emotional energy into passion not anxiety CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You may have difficulties while traveling or problems dealing with close friends or relatives. Trips should be your choice. Set your goals and stick to your guns. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Ideas may sound good, but be careful if people are just looking for handouts. You will get upset over trivial matters. Travel will be favorable. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Be careful if a friend asks you for advice. Catch up on any correspondence you've neglected. Job changes are in order. Go for interviews or send out resumes.
Friday September 30, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Legacy stressed by FIFA, LOC on eve of Jordan 2016 A large contingent of local media descended on FIFA’s headquarters in Amman yesterday for a press conference on the eve of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Jordan 2016. Several positive m e s s a g e s w e r e communicated, from interest in the tournament online through legacy projects and the successful opening of the Fan Zone to the promise of a sell-out crowd for tomorrow’s match between the hosts and Spain. In attendance were Samar Nassar, CEO of the Jordan 2016 Local Organising Committee (LOC), Salah Sabrah, Chairman of the LOC and Tatjana Haenni, FIFA’s Director of Women’s Competitions. Tatjana Haenni - As of now, we can say that all facilities are ready and that everything is set for the teams to experience a fantastic tournament. T h e F I FA U - 1 7 Women’s World Cup is a unique opportunity for football in the Middle East and we can already see some real successes not only here in Jordan, but in neighbouring countries too. We hope that this tournament will inspire girls and also mums and dads to support their daughters in playing
At the head table from left, Segolene Valentin, Tatjana Haenni of FIFA, Samar Hassar and Salah Sebra of the LOC.
football and other sports. We feel we have achieved some important things even before the tournament starts. As you will know, the LOC with FIFA’s support have been working on some legacy items, and leaving a legacy for the tournament and region has always been a key objective. To give one example, in terms of accessibility, our work with the LOC means that there are now designated areas at the stadiums for disabled people to watch the games. Education and development has also been a huge part of our work and you will have seen a lot of activities taking place over recent years, such as coaching courses and Live Your Goals festivals, the trophy tour visiting a refugee camp - 300 of those refugees
will be coming to opening game - and with Jordan’s domestic league. This tournament has also served to increase the number of women working in sports management, and I must congratulate our LOC chairman for appointing so many women to the organisation - it has been a real pleasure to work with them. There have also been big improvements in infrastructure, not only at the stadium sites but at a number of training sites which after this tournament will be used by the community. I congratulate everyone involved, and I think this tournament will be a real landmark for Jordan, the region and women’s football throughout the Middle East. On whether there is a
message to the world - Our message is that we are bringing women’s football to a wonderful country with wonderful hosts, and that women’s football needs support almost everywhere in the world. For FIFA, this is another step toward gender equality and more inclusiveness, and this is simply one project on a long road towards improving the position of women and girls in sport and society. Samar Nassar - We wouldn’t have been able to reach this historic moment and realised our dream without FIFA and our other partners. With the tournament now so close, we are undoubtedly very excited be hosting this fantastic event, which will be a first for Jordan. I know some people were perhaps worried about
infrastructure and think now all who were concerned can now be comforted that everything is ready. There will be entertainment too besides the football and Jordan is going to be in the spotlight of the world with tomorrow’s opening ceremony and the first matches of this momentous tournament. The opening ceremony in Amman will begin at 7.30pm exactly but I would ask that fans arrive an hourand-a-half early to avoid congestion. We can also say that we are going to have a very famous sports star who will be among the lovers and supporters of football at the stadium. And while it is very hard to predict the result of Jordan’s first game against Spain, I can promise that the
stadium will be full, with 14,000 joining us for this great event. We have also opened our fan zone in Amman, where all football lovers will be able to follow the competition, giving a chance for whoever is unable to purchase a ticket to watch the matches in a public space. Beyond that, several giant screens have been set up across the kingdom. Salah Sabrah Developing football in Jordan is a noble goal and at this tournament we have several other objectives. I’m glad to say that we as an organising committee are able to say that we are 100 per cent ready, having worked for the past few years as one team with the staff and officials of FIFA. FIFA has always been a supporter of our work and very cooperative over these last few years. This has allowed us to reach the point where we are at today, where we have the infrastructure to host other championships; for example, we will now be hosting the 2018 AFC Asian Women’s Cup. Our local clubs and national teams have also undoubtedly benefited from this work developing football and women’s football in particular. (FIFA)
Halep beats Keys to reach Wuhan Open semis and WTA Finals R o m a n i a ’s S i m o n a Halep downed big-hitting American Madison Keys 6-4 6-2 to reach the last four at the Wuhan Open in China yesterday and clinch a place at the season-ending WTA Finals. Halep faces Czech Petra Kvitova, who romped to a 63 6-4 victory over Britain’s Johanna Konta, in the semis, while Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova meets Slovak
Dominika Cibulkova. Kuznetsova survived a match point to beat world number four Agnieszka Radwanska 1-6 7-6(9) 6-4 in a thriller and Cibulkova edged Czech Barbora Strycova 6-3 3-6 6-4 in another tight duel. Fourth seed Halep twice battled back from an early break before finding her rhythm, helped by Keys’ 24 unforced errors, to wrap up
Kendall’s Union SC to host 2nd Div. 5/5 Fund Raising Competition Kendell’s Union Sports Club (KUCC) of #19 East Coast Berbice has organised a one-day 5/5 cricket competition for second division teams in the East Berbice area and would be played with red balls. A total of 12-teams have entered and they are: Kendall’s Union ‘A’ and ‘B’, Young Warriors, Rose Hall Canje, Goed Bananen Land, Betsy Ground, Jai Hind, Courtland, Toopoo, Edinburg, Young and the Restless and Canefield Cricket Clubs. Prizes $40,000 and trophy, 20, 000 and trophy and $10,000 and trophy would be presented to the top three teams. The man-of-the-match in the final will also receive a trophy. The first 100 persons entering the ground will win gifts at the gate.
the match in just over an hour. Halep joins Germany’s world number one Angelique Kerber, who was knocked out by Kvitova in the last 16 in China, and Serena Williams at the WTA Finals in Singapore. ”It means a lot to qualify... it was one of my goals this year,” said Halep. “It will be my third time in a row competing at the WTA Finals and I hope I play great.” Kvitova, who made 24 unforced errors, had to rely on her powerful service game, which included seven aces, as Konta failed to break during the 1-1/2 hour encounter. Kuznetsova again got the better of Radwanska, having lost just once in eight meetings with the Pole, as she came back from a set down to win a near threehour battle. Cibulkova gave a gutsy performance to beat Strycova after both players turned out for both their third round and quarter-final
Simona Halep of Romania. REUTERS/Stringer matches yesterday after rain affected Wednesday’s play. After completing a 6-2 6-2 upset win over fifth seed
Karolina Pliskova in the first match of the day, Cibulkova was back on court for the last one against Strycova, who
earlier claimed a 1-6 6-4 7-5 comeback win against Jelena Jankovic. (Reuters)
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Tokyo favors venue changes as 2020 Games costs soar
The winning designer of the Tokyo 2020 logo, Asao Tokoro, said he treated the design like it was his own child. Thomas Peter/Reuters A Tokyo panel yesterday urged changes to three venues for the 2020 Olympics in the face of ballooning costs but organisers say such adjustments may prove difficult to instigate in time for the Games. Tokyo touted access to a $4.5 billion war chest when it beat Madrid and Istanbul in its successful 2013 bid for the Summer Games but recently elected governor Yuriko Koike campaigned on reining in ballooning costs and ordered a review of expenses. The proposed changes, which could include moving rowing and canoeing some 400 km (250 miles) from Tokyo, would require the approval of the I n t e r national Olympic Committee (IOC) and each s p o r t ’s i n t e r n a t i o n a l federation. They are the latest in a series of embarrassing setbacks and broken promises for organizers, who won the bid largely on Japan’s reputation for efficiency. Tokyo’s bid proposal, for example, said some 85 percent of venues would be within 8 km (5 miles) of the Olympic Village in central Tokyo. According to a preliminary report, released on the same day as an executive board meeting of the Tokyo 2020 organizing committee, overall costs could surge to more than four times original estimates of 734 billion yen ($7.24 billion). ”Given the current situation, costs could run over 3 trillion yen ($29 billion),” the panel wrote in its report. When it won the Games, Tokyo said they would bring in economic benefits of 3 trillion yen and create
150,000 jobs. To cut back, the panel proposed reconsidering the construction of three new venues — for volleyball, s w i m m i n g a n d rowing/canoeing — in favor of using existing venues. SERIES OF BLUNDERS For rowing and canoeing, they suggested three possible sites outside Tokyo, including a city in northeastern Miyagi prefecture, hours north of the capital. Vo l l e y b a l l a n d swimming could be covered by renovating existing venues in downtown Tokyo, not far from the site of the Olympic Village, the panel said. The rowing venue, estimated to cost 6.9 billion yen, now comes in at 49.1 billion yen, the panel noted. But organizers expressed doubts, saying it might be difficult to win acceptance for changes. ”These sites were chosen over years and approved by the sports federations and International Olympic Committee,” said Yoshiro Mori, head of the Tokyo 2020 organizing committee. “It would be extremely difficult to overturn this.” Tokyo has already shifted venues for several events out of the capital, including sailing and basketball. Cycling will take place in Shizuoka, about 200 km (125 miles) west of Tokyo. Tokyo organizers have been grappling with a series of blunders. They were forced to scrap an initial design for the centerpiece National Stadium, site of the opening and closing ceremonies, because it was too expensive, and had to redesign the logo for the games following accusations of plagiarism. (Reuters)
Friday September 30, 2016
Obama celebrates 2016 Olympic athletes at White House President Barack Obama welcomed the 2016 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic teams to the White House yesterday to celebrate their recordbreaking run in Rio. Hundreds of Olympic athletes clad in red Nike track jackets squeezed into the East Room of the White House as rainy weather forced the reception indoors. ”I was going to do a floor routine on the way out with Simone, but we decided it was a little too crowded,” Obama quipped at the start of his remarks, referring to gold medal- winning gymnast Simone Biles. ”And you can’t touch your toes,” joked first lady Michelle Obama, who stood with the president at the podium, along with Biles, Vice President Joe Biden and Paralympic soccer player Josh Brunais. President Obama praised Team USA for winning 46 gold medals and for making the United States the first country in 40 years to top the medal chart in every category. Women especially dominated the games this year, he said. ”2016 belonged to America’s women Olympians,” Obama said. “Our women alone won more gold than most
U.S. President Barack Obama gestures next to 2016 Olympic individual all-around gymnast Simone Arianne Biles as First lady Michelle Obama and Vice President Joe Biden look on to welcome U.S. Olympic and Paralympics teams at the White House. REUTERS/Yuri Gripas countries did.” Obama also paid tribute during the reception to former Olympic athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos, who were invited to attend the ceremony by the U.S. Olympic Committee. The two African-American athletes were sent home from the 1968 Olympic Games for their raised-fist protest on the medals podium. ”Their powerful silent protest in the 1968 Games
was controversial, but it woke folks up and created greater opportunity for those that followed,” Obama said. The actions of Smith and Carlos have garnered more attention in recent weeks as African-American National Football League and college players have faced a backlash for protesting racial injustice during games. Obama attributed part of the success of the U.S. Olympic team to its
diversity. ”That’s one of the most extraordinary things about our Olympic team,” he said. “There’s no kid in America who can’t look at our Olympic team and see themselves somewhere.” After his remarks, Biles and Brunais presented Obama with two surf boards signed by Olympians to commemorate the addition of surfing to the 2020 summer Olympics. (Reuters)
F1 drivers step into the unknown on resurfaced Sepang Experienced drivers such as Formula One championship leader Nico Rosberg and Jenson Button have no idea what to expect at the Malaysian Grand Prix as the Sepang circuit has been overhauled for this weekend’s race. The 5.5 km track located on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur has been resurfaced, while the gradient of some its 15 corners has also been changed. The tweaks have been carried out to make the track surface smoother, improve drainage and make the corners flow better. Although the overall layout remains the same, the changes to the track could dramatically alter the grip it offers, the lines drivers take into corners and tire degradation, which is always an issue in a race usually run in sweltering
McLaren’s Jenson Button of Britain and Mercedes’ Nico Rosberg of Germany speak during news conference. REUTERS/Edgar Su heat. ”It might be a completely different circuit,” said Button, who is making his 300th grand prix start this weekend and has driven at Sepang in all but its debut year in 1999. “But we won’t know until tomorrow, probably get a bit of an
understanding from watching GP2 and Gp3. ”It’s very smooth from what I see,” added the McLaren driver, who also scored his first podium in Malaysia. The Malaysian race, with its notoriously fickle weather, often throws up an upset and the changes
to the circuit could create more drama. Rosberg said getting the tires dialed into the new surface would be the biggest challenge. “It will be very different,” said the Mercedes driver who leads team mate Lewis Hamilton by eight points in the overall standings and will be gunning for his fourth straight win this weekend. ”We all need to adapt to the new asphalt, which we don’t know how it’s going to handle here.” But for a rookie like Manor’s Esteban Ocon, the alterations level the playing field a bit. ”I have been around on a track walk but it will be my first time on this track,” said the Frenchman, who will be competing in only his fourth grand prix. “So… I don’t know how it was before.” (Reuters)
Kaieteur News
Friday September 30, 2016
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GCF name team for 2016 Elite Caribbean Road Cycling Championships The Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) has named its team that will contest the 2016 edition of the Caribbean Elite Caribbean Road Cycling Championships to be held in Guadeloupe, October 2223, next. Reigning male and female Road Race champions, Geron Williams ( T e a m Foundation/Continental Cycle Club) and the UK based Claire Fraser-Green will headline the team that will battle their Caribbean counterparts for top honours. Team Coco’s Raynauth ‘Obeah Man’ Jeffrey, Hamza Eastman and Stephano Husbands along with Team Evolution’s Michael Anthony are the other cyclists making up the six-member team with Fraser-Green being the lone female. Returning from last y e a r ’s t e a m w h i c h competed at the said
competition in Barbados are Fraser-Green, Williams, Anthony and Eastman. Jeffrey had finished second to Williams at this year’s GCF Road Race Championships with H u s b a n d s , 3 r d . Tw o standbys have been named in Raul Leal of United Cycle Club and Team Coco’s Jamal John. It is understood that the race route in Guadeloupe is challenging with a number of steep hills along the way. GCF Vice President Paul Choo Wee Nam confirmed that the local body has written the National sports Commission seeking their assistance to enable the team’s travel to Guadeloupe. Wi l l i a m s , J e f f r e y, Eastman and Husbands are all currently compete at t h e To g a b o C y c l i n g Classic being held in the Island of Trinidad and Tobago.
Williams and Fraser-Green headlines selection; two standbys named
UK based Claire Fraser-Green didn’t let up as she is about to cross the finish line to repeat as 2016 Road Race Queen for the 4th year in a row. Franklin Wilson photo
Hamza Eastman competing at the 2015 GCF Road Race championships.
Zimbabwe to host Sri Lanka for Tests, WI for tri-series Zimbabwe Cricket has announced that they will host Sri Lanka for two Tests followed by a one-day triseries that will also involve West Indies. The two Tests will be played in Harare, with the first one from October 29 and the second from November 6. The tri-series will begin from November 14 with the first match between the hosts and Sri Lanka at the Harare Sports Club. The three teams will play each other twice, making it a total of six round-robin matches, before the final on November 27. The last four ODIs and the final will all be played in Bulawayo. Sri Lanka’s tour of Zimbabwe was originally scheduled in the FTP with two Tests, three ODIs and a T20I. L a t e r, t h e r e w e r e chances of the tour being replaced by the tri-series with West Indies, as the Te s t s were not being considered as financially viable, but now the Tests and tri-series both will take place. Had that happened,
Zimbabwe have played five Tests in the last two years © AFP Zimbabwe would have gone without playing a Test for 11 months. There were chances of the Tests being scrapped because of Zimbabwe
Cricket’s growing debt and the economic situation of the country as a whole. Recently, the Hararebased players had refused to train in protest over
unpaid match fees, which dated back to July last year. The protests ended after being given an assurance by the Zimbabwe Cricket
chairman Wildfred Mukondiwa. Zim b a b w e a n d S r i Lanka last played a Test in a two-match series in 2004.
They have played 15 Tests against each other overall, with Sri Lanka winning 10 of them and five ending in draws. (ESPNcricinfo)
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Friday September 30, 2016
Courts Pee Wee 5th Edition launched
The National Library on Church and Main Streets was abuzz with excitement as young representatives from participating schools in this year’s Courts Pee-Wee Boys Under-11 Primary Schools football Championship flocked the location to witness the official Launch yesterday. Managing Director Clyde de Haas, Petra Organisation Co-Director Tr o y M e n d o n c a , G F F President Wayne Forde, Malta Brand Manager, Clayton McKenzie and Petra representative Mark Alleyne were present at the occasion. Addressing the attendees, de Haas said their primary focus is to develop
the sport and the potential talent that are noticeable at the grassroots level where technique and discipline could be nurtured, emphasising their delight in being able to play a role, however small in building the future of the sport in Guyana. According to de Haas, Petra Organization must be recognised for its effort, adding that the Company’s goodwill which amounts to $4million would mean nothing without the hardwork of the Organisation. He also extended thanks to Banks DIH Limited for being a valuable partner as well as the GFF for implementing the strategies
that can be beneficial by building on the age group and more importantly, the schools for their participation and steadfast support. Mendonca opened by e x p r e s s i n g t h e Organisation’s appreciation to Courts Guyana for their continued support of the developmental programme, informing that the event has had a huge impact on the lives of many of the participants. According to him, the tournament has been a success and pointed to several players who came through the competition and have now progressed to the national youth programme. Mendonca also recognised the contribution of other stakeholders such as Banks DIH Limited, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and the Ministry of Education. Forde expressed gratitude to the title sponsors for their consistent investment in the sports, declaring “the consistency shown at this level is
exemplary.” He singled out Banks DIH as always being a partner of the sport for many years, especially in the troubled times, declaring this age group is the most critical for the development of the sport. Forde thanked the coordinators for their outstanding work in the progression of the sport, adding that the GFF will always support such initiatives. McKenzie said Banks DIH Limited is pleased to be in partnership with Courts in the event, adding the company has seen the t o u r n a m e n t ’ s competitiveness develop each year. The Company according to McKenzie is committed to the growth of the event by adding two banners in the form of Malta and Tropical Mist Water and his wish is that this year’s edition will be the biggest to date. The event slated to run from October 8th-November 19th at the Thirst Park ground, will feature 24 schools competing in a
round-robin format after which the top two teams from each group will join the best four third positioned teams in the round of 16 knock-out stage. The eight schools that lose during the Round of 16 will then vie for positions nine through 16 until the tournament finishes. The competing schools are: defending champion St. Angela’s, Stella Maris (2014 winners), St Puis (2013 champs), Marian Academy (2012 winners), Enterprise, Tucville, New Guyana School, West Ruimveldt, St Margaret’s, St Agnes, South Ruimveldt, North Georgetown, Smith Memorial, St Gabriel’s, F.E Pollard, Comenius, Success A c a d e m y, M a e ’s , S t . Ambrose, Winfer Garden, St
Stephen’s, Rama Krishna, J.E Burnham and School of the Nations. Winners of the tourney will receive the c h a m p i o n s h i p t r o p h y, medals, a set of team uniforms and certificates while the runners-up will collect the second place trophy, medals, six footballs and certificates. The third placed side will receive the respective trophy, four balls and certificates while fourth placed will be presented with a trophy and certificates. The most discipline team will also be presented with a trophy. On the individual side, the most valuable player, highest goal scorer and best goalkeeper will each receive a trophy and football cleats.
Title up for grabs as Junior Chess Championships commences this weekend
Roberto Neto Junior chess players are expected to engage in a keen tussle for honours when the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) stages the National Junior Qualifiers Tournament tomorrow at the National Resource Centre, Woolford Avenue, starting from 13:00hrs. Additionally, the more experienced players will engage in valuable activity since the organisers have also planned a senior
Julia Clementson tournament which will run alongside the juniors. The (junior) tournament comprises 7 rounds the players will engage in just one round on the inaugural day. They will play two rounds when activities continues this Sunday from 09:30hrs whereupon the players will rest for a week before resuming activities on Saturday October 8 at 10:00hrs for an additional 2 rounds with the final 2
rounds to be contested one day later from 09:30hrs. A new champion will be crowned since defending champion, Haifeng Su, is now over the stipulated age of 19 years and is therefore ineligible. Additionally, Haifeng Su has recently departed for Canada where he is now pursuing academic studies. President of the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF),
Haifeng Su Irshad Mohamed, said that Haifeng Su had taken time out from his studies to be a part of the team that competed at the 42nd chess Olympiad in Baku Azerbaijan. Mr. Mohamed said that Haifeng has since returned to the North American country just after returning from Azerbaijan. Meanwhile, the pundits are anticipating a competitive tournament since most of the contestants
Sheriffa Ali have been in intense practice and are in ripping form. At the moment, 17 years old, Sheriffa Ali is the favorite to cart off the honours. She is just back from Azerbaijan where she was p r o m o t e d t o Wo m e n Candidate Master (WCM) after amassing 5 ½ points from her 10 games. Notwithstanding, her ascendency may not be so simple since several other
players are just as competent and determined to clinch the accolade. Such names include Roberto Neto, Julia Clementson and Jessica Clementson among others. A stiff battle for the top prize is anticipated. The tournament will utilize the Swiss format and will be contested in a time control of 90 minutes per player. The GCF invites all chess players to contest for the title.
Friday September 30, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Windies hoping to turn corner on poor run Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, CMC – On the heels of an embarrassing whitewash in the preceding Twenty20 series, West Indies’ three-match OneDay International series against Pakistan will take on new value when it bowls off here today. The reigning T20 World champions showed little of their usual swagger as they suffered heavy defeats in every game and with the tour quickly going horribly wrong, it will be left to the ODI side to arrest the slide, especially with the Test series following. West Indies’ batting looked a shadow of the fearsome machine it has become in recent years as it stumbled and stuttered on slow pitches in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and against both pace and spin. However, ODI captain Jason Holder said he expected a different approach from his side in the 50-overs format, as batsmen would have the benefit of
time on their side to explore the Pakistan attack. ”You have more time. It’s 300 balls in one-day cricket whereas in T20s there are less balls,” he told reporters here yesterday. “ I t ’s o b v i o u s l y a n opportunity for our guys to have a longer look. In terms of our opening batsmen they can have a longer look and not have to run the game down. ”I just think it’s important that we lay that foundation and as we always speak about in the dressing room, it’s always important for one of our top four batsmen to bat as deep as possible and get a big score. ”I think once we do that, more often than not we get a very, very good total and that’s just the way we go about planning our cricket.” Holder will also be confident that the West Indies fortunes can turn around with the several changes made to the ODI side. He welcomes the experienced quartet of wicketkeeper/batsman
Jonathan Carter. WICB Media Photo/Philip Spooner
Denesh Ramdin, left-hander Darren Bravo, left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn and Test vice-captain, Kraigg Brathwaite – though the latter is yet to play an ODI. O ff - s p i n n e r A s h l e y Nurse, another seasoned campaigner in domestic cricket, has also joined the squad along with talented 19-year-old fast bowler Alzarri Joseph and experienced left-hander Jonathan Carter. The Windies, with the same core of players, were good enough to reach the final of the Tri-Nations Series involving Australia and South Africa back in June in the Caribbean. And Holder believes they can use that momentum to get the better of Pakistan and also improve their status in the international rankings,
with qualification for the 2019 World Cup also in mind. ”Obviously with the points system and the way the ICC has structured the cricket going forward, we have to take each game as a very, very serious game,” Holder pointed out. ”Every game is pointsrelated obviously and the points are very close [with Pakistan’s] at this present time. We can only control what we can control and that’s us playing good cricket so we just want to start this series. ”We had a very good series last series in the TriNations Series and it’s just important that we continue on from there, keep the momentum going into that one.” The last time the two (Continued on page 32)
Alzarri Joseph during West Indies training session at the Sharjah Cricket Ground. WICB Media Photo/Philip Spooner
Kaieteur News
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Friday September 30, 2016
2016 Tobago International Cycling Classic – Stage Two
Caribbean Mountain Bike Championships
Hicks is 3rd in Division two
Thomas and Bentley gain valuable exposure from inaugural participation
Stage 2 Division Two winner Enrique De Cammarmond is flanked by Andrew Hicks (left) and Jabari Whiteman along with a female race official. Guyanese junior cyclist Andrew Hicks has continued his good form at the Tobago International Cycle Classic in the Twin Island Republic by placing 3rd in Stage Two, Division Tw o c o m p e t i t i o n o n Wednesday. The 2 laps/50km category was won by Enrique De Cammarmond
(T&T/Heatwave) who was followed to the line by Jabari W h i t e m a n (T&T/Southclaines) and then Hicks (Guyana/Rigtech Sonics CC). Overall, Whitman is in the lead. Hicks was the winner of Division 2 Juniors U-19 – 5 lap race on day one of the competition. In Division One (5
laps/100km): 1st was Oscar Pachon (Colombia/Team Cocos), 2nd Aurelin Daniel (France/Team Econ Car Rentals), 3rd Jaime Ramirez (Colombia/Team Foundation) and 4th Andrea Ramirez (Colombia/Team Kriegar). First overall is Arno Van D e r Z w e t (Netherlands/PSL).
Jude Bentley (right) and Keon Thomas at the Caribbean Mountain Bike Championships Guyana’s two-member team to the XC Caribbean M o u n t a i n B i k e Championships that took place in St. Maarten/St. Martin on Sunday last while not featuring among the top riders, gained valuable exposure from an event that saw this nation taking part for the first time. Jude Bentley and Keon Thomas both competing in
the Elite Men category did not finish the grueling event which was held on a challenging trail. It was won by Puerto Rico’s Georwill Perez Roman in a time of 1h 40’ 50"95 with countryman Gian Martinez second in 1h 49’ 01"81 and Eugenio Sennoaj of Guadeloupe third in 1h 50’ 18"29. The 6-lap race on the 6km course with a 198m
elevation per lap is described as a hard packed single track with some rocky and root sections; steep climbs with some technical descents along with passages and bridges. The local duo and others who compete in Guyana are not accustomed to this as they mostly race on flat surfaces in the National Park (Continued on page 32)
Kaieteur News
Friday September 30, 2016
PAGE 43
GCB Jaguars 3-day League
L/C’tyne aiming to extend winning streak; 2nd placed W/Dem looking to close gap on leaders By Sean Devers In the Agricultural settings of East Bank Essequibo, the Tuschen ground hosts the most important game in the sixth and penultimate round of the GCB Jaguars three-day Franchise League which bowls off today from 09:30hrs between leaders Lower Corentyne and s e c o n d p l a c e d We s t Demerara. This is one of four matches in the round with Lower Corentyne almost assured of the inaugural title. H o w e v e r, We s t Demerara and East Coast are the other teams with outside chances of winning the eight-team league. West Demerara must beat Lower Corentyne and hope that L/C’tyne is beaten by West Berbice in the final match at Port Mourant for them to be denied the title. Georgetown usually has the highest standard of division-one cricket but questionable selections have condemned the City Franchise to the cellar position in a league where the standard of the game has been diluted because it has too many teams. Despite the loss of Veerasammy Permaul due to West Indies ‘A’ team duties, Lower Corentyne is the strongest team competing and their performance in this inaugural tournament has been outstanding as the only team to win every match so far. The Berbice side tops the points table with 86.1 points and has proved the saying that bowlers win matches by collecting 10 opposition first innings wickets in the each
of their five games to earn the maximum 15 bowling points. In the first round, on an excellent Tuschen pitch, L/Corentyne led by a belligerent 152 from Jonathon Foo, made their highest total of 382. Foo has the most runs (465) with two centuries and along with teammate Kandasammy Surujnarine (372) are among the top three batsmen in the league in which nine centuries have been scored and 12 bowlers have captured five-wicket hauls. The return from Canadian cricket of former West Indies ODI player Royston Crandon strengthens L/Corentyne’s batting and adds punch to their spin department. Seon Hetymer, a former National U-19 batsman and elder brother of West Indies ‘A’ team selectee Shemron Hetmeyer, former West Indies U-19 left-hander Gajanand Singh, the consistent Surujnarine and Keeper Akeem Hinds gives Lower Corentyne a powerful batting line up. Raun Johnson and Neal Smith provide the Berbicians with a potent new ball attack while Guyana U19 left-arm spinner Kasim Khan has been a more than adequate replacement for Permaul. He is the leading wicket-taker with 29 scalps including three five-wicket hauls and the best figures (725) in the League. West Demerara’s only loss was in the opening round they when they were beaten by East Coast at Lusignan. The West Dem unit has accumulated 64.6 points and with one round
Kasim Khan
Taignarine Chanderpaul
Jonathon Foo
remaining is keen to close the gap on the leaders before facing Essequibo in their final game at Tuschen. Twenty year-old FirstClass opener Taignarine Chanderpaul has the highest score in the tournament (187) and is only behind Foo in the runs aggregate with 449. Apart from his dad Shiv, young Chanderpaul is one of the few batsmen with the temperament for batting ‘long’ in the league and will
b e t h e k e y t o We s t Demerara building a challenging total. Bajan Raymon Reifer is the other batsman to score a hundred for the West Dem Franchise and they will hope for support from Akshaya Persaud, R o m a r i o S h e p h erd, National U-19 Captain Travis Persaud and opener Renaldo Rennie on his home ground. Left-arm seamer Reifer
and Shepherd are among the leading all-rounders and will spearhead the pace attack while Guyana U-19 offspinner Ritchie Looknauth, Ya t e s h D h a n p a u l a n d Keshram Seyhodan are the s l o w b o w l e r s We s t Demerara will depend on. If West Demerara gets the maximum 21 points and Lower Corentyne manages none, which is highly unlikely, West Demerara will still be 1.1 point behind
the Berbicians. In the other games slated to start today, West Berbice (29 points) face-off with G e o rg e t o w n ( 2 4 . 4 ) i n Canjie; Essequibo (30.5) oppose third placed East Coast (59.3) at the Imam Bacchus ground on the E’bo Coast and East Bank (25.1) battle Upper Corentyne (34.8) at Everest in the City. Foo (2), T. Chanderpaul (W/D), Kevin Boodie (E’bo), Reifer (W/D), Sherfane Rutherford (E/B), Kyron Fraser (W/B’ce), Kemo Paul (E’bo) and Chris Barnwell (GT) are the batsmen to reach threefigures. Kasim Khan (3), Permaul (3), Akenie Adams (E’bo 2), Ian Hooper (U/C 2), Ershad Ali (E/B), Reifer (W/B), Anthony Adams (E’bo), Gudakesh Motie (W/B), Amir Khan (E/C), Shepherd (W/D), Kamesh Yadram (E/C) and GT’s Gajanan Suknanan, who is second among the wickettakers with 25 scalps, have all taken five-wicket hauls.
t r o Sp Courts Pee Wee 5th Edition launched
Petra’s Troy Mendonca (centre) receives the sponsorship cheque from Courts Managing Director Clyde de Haas in the presence of GFF President Wayne Forde (3rdfrom left), Malta Brand Manager Clayton McKenzie (2nd from left) and students yesterday.
GCF name team for 2016 Elite Title up for grabs as Junior Chess Championships commences Caribbean Road Cycling this weekend Championships Williams and Fraser-Green headlines selection; two standbys named
Jesica Clementson
Director of Sports Christopher Jones seen congratulating Geron Williams on winning the GCF 2016 National Road Race championship. Also in pic is Raynauth Jeffrey (right) and Stephano Husbands. Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210