Kaieteur News

PAGE 04

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 ANNULLED ELECTIONS It is highly unusual for courts to annul elections, but it has happened in Kenya where the Supreme Court declared that country’s presidential elections held on August 8, 2017, null and void. The election results sparked days of sporadic protests which claimed the lives of 28 people and had raised fears of a major outbreak of political violence in the country. However, citing irregularities and illegalities committed by the election commission, Kenya’s Supreme Court ordered a new election within 60 days. In annulling the election, Chief Justice David Maraga said “the greatness of a nation lies in its fidelity to the constitution and the strict adherence to the rule of law.” According to the Chief Justice, an election is not an event; it is a process from the beginning to the end and taking the totality of the entire exercise into consideration, the Court was convinced that the election commission had failed to conduct the presidential elections in a manner consistent with the principles laid out in the Kenyan constitution and the law relating to elections. It was a majority decision which made it the first time ever that a court has overturned an election not only in Kenya, but in all of Africa. In upholding the petition filed by the opposition leader Raila Odinga, the Chief Justice said that the electoral commission did not follow the constitution in conducting the presidential elections and it has failed to validate the ballot papers and verify the elector forms submitted by the returning officers at each polling station. The ruling by the Supreme Court makes Kenya the first African country where an opposition political party has challenged the election results in a court of law and won. Other elections on the continent have been annulled or cancelled before, but this appears to be the first time that it was done through the courts. The historic decision is a huge victory for Odinga who feels vindicated against accusations by many, including President Uhuru Kenyatta, that he was a sore loser. The ruling marked an historic day for democracy and the people of Kenya. It was an indictment of the electoral commission which had declared incumbent President Kenyatta the winner of last month’s election by a margin of 1.4 million votes. The Supreme Court’s ruling was also a major setback for some local observers and most of the international observers from the European Union, the African Union, the Carter Center and the United States delegation which was headed by the former secretary of State, John Kerry, who claimed that the election was free, fair and credible, and that there had been no major fraud on Election Day. The international observers had also urged the leader of the opposition to concede, but Odinga had adamantly refused and claimed that he had no faith at all in the electoral commission as currently constituted, because its computer system had been hacked to manipulate the results of the election in favour of the governing party. However, the ruling of the Supreme Court is final, which means that Kenyatta will not be sworn in as President of Kenya for the second time, but would serve as interim president until the next election. The decision to annul the election sets up a new race for the presidency of Kenya between Kenyatta and Odinga, who contested the last three elections and lost each time. In the 2007 elections, Odinga claimed that the votes were rigged and this led to ethnic violence which claimed the lives of 1,100 persons. In the 2013 elections, the opposition leader took his grievances to the Supreme Court and lost. However, this time, his focus was not to prove how the election was rigged, but that the process for tallying the votes and transmitting the results was flawed. It was a rare victory for the veteran politician, who praised the Court’s decision, while his opponent criticized it. The judges were hailed as heroes by many Kenyans who celebrated the victory in the streets of Nairobi.

Kaieteur News

Sunday September 03, 2017

Kaieteur M@ilbox Send your letters to Kaieteur News 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown or email us kaieteurnews@yahoo.com

Questions on the new bridge location at Houston Dear Editor, When I first read about the planned location of the new bridge, I was concerned. I kept my concerns to myself until I read Freddie Kissoon’s article on the same subject. With the power of his pen (writing) and the latitude granted to him by Kaieteur News, significant positive changes have resulted for Guyana as well the increased awareness of political issues broken down in his grass root analytical style. Editor, my concern about the location of the new

bridge is similar to Freddie’s. Would the general public of Guyana know who were the local experienced engineers, if any, that were involved in this decision? Would we know if there was any consideration of locating the bridge further up the river which could p r o b a b l y l e a d t o l e s s t r a ff i c management issues on both sides of the river and especially in the downtown Georgetown area? Editor, immediate cost may have

been the critical factor in this decision, but was this cost considered against how far into the future this bridge would would have the positive effect for which it is intended? Finally, wouldn’t it have been a better long-term financial decision for maintenance purposes, to construct the bridge further up the Demerara River away from the extremely corrosive environment of the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the river? Keith Fraser.

Ethno-centric version of Islam is being taught in Saudia Arabia Dear Editor, On this day, the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, the final month in the Islamic calendar and the day before Eid ul Adha, the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) delivered his final sermon to his followers. In it, he specifically admonished everyone who listened that all people come from one place, that women are partners, not chattel; that regardless of our ethnicity, we are all equal with no claim of superiority over anyone else. He stressed that we must do no harm, but to try to do as many good deeds as we can. Perhaps it is convenient to forget that he felt it necessary in his last words to single out and remind Arabs that they have no authority over any other kind of a Muslim. He clearly understood his people. Today as we pray for

forgiveness and mercy, we remember all those who are suffering and devastated by loss, the destruction of their homes, lives and family...from Houston to Yemen to Syria to Haiti to those traumatized by violence, oppression, war and terror. Most of all, Muslims must collectively and individually decry the indecent excesses of the Kingdom of Saud’s degenerate, reactionary monarchy. For too long, they have trampled the rights of Muslims, rights that the Prophet himself never denied his followers. Yet, the descendants of one family have encouraged, funded and supported the indoctrination of generations of young Islamic scholars, who have been taught a corrosive, ethnocentric version of Islam, one that strays far from the compassionate

mercifulness encouraged by the Prophet. This cannot continue, we Muslims simply must not stay quiet when before our eyes, the spoiled, arrogant heir to the keys of our most holy places, continues to live an obscenely extravagant life, thoughtlessly squandering the wealth of the Ummah on expensive baubles and vanity wars that have shattered the lives of those already living in unbearable squalor, too poor to matter to their selfanointed royal neighbors. As Eid is celebrated throughout the world, we should all try to reflect on the love, forgiveness, empathy sacrifice and mercy of our Creator. And most of all, how we Muslims can be better people, neighbors, friends, citizens...and humans. Scheherazade Ishoof khan

Sunday September 03, 2017

Kaieteur M@ilbox New organization is born to reform the law in relation to marijuana DEAR EDITOR, A chorus representing a broad spectrum of individuals grows larger and louder with each passing day, which believes that incarcerating citizens, especially those from poor communities, for possessing or using small amounts of marijuana is unjust, unproductive and unwise. It is time that we normalize and reform the laws pertaining to marijuana use and implement the rehabilitation and treatment provisions as contained in sections 65 to 72 of the1988 Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Act (NDPA). While we applaud, and view as essential, the efforts of Michael Carrington, a Member of Parliament, to propose and bring to the National Assembly, legislation to amend sections of the NDPA, these moves do not address sufficiently the issue and would require a more comprehensive reform of the current system. For instance, certain exemptions from fines and prosecution should be extended to those who use marijuana for religious purposes. These would include as a sacrament in adherence to the Rastafarian faith and for

events to celebrate/observe the Rastafarian faith. Other exemptions should encompass medical or therapeutic purposes as recommended or prescribed by a registered medical doctor; for purposes of scientific research conducted by an accredited tertiary institution; and for international visitors to purchase lawfully for medical or therapeutic purposes. Moreover, the establishment of a licensing authority should regulate these recommendations, issue licenses and permits and ensure that regulations do not contravene Guyana’s international obligations. Additionally, while the NDPA contains legal provisions forstrengthening mental health and counseling institutions and services with the establishment of rehabilitation centers, a ‘Rehabilitation Fund’ and an ‘Advisory Council for Rehabilitation of Narcotic Addicts’, too few rehab centers have been set up across the country. In addition, no actions have yet been carried out to conform with the law as it relates to the rehabilitation fund and the advisory council. In this regard, the NDPA should contain specific clauses mandating (Continued on page 6)

PAGE 5

Kaieteur News

Kaieteur M@ilbox

There are serious problems at the Maha Sabha DEAR EDITOR, Allow us a space within your prestigious newspaper to express our views as it relates to the management of the Maha Sabha. Mr. Editor, as most would know, the Maha Sabha is a trust organization that serves the purpose within society to propagate the Hindu religion through charity and humanitarian works for all Guyanese regardless of religion or race. Mr. Editor, after careful investigation, we have personally found this to not be the case. As the many letters published in the press recently would have established- the Sabha is indeed under poor management. The tearing away of the fabric of this prestigious organization starts with its organizing secretary. This is a position that allows for money of the Sabha to be directed towards the funding of charitable ventures in different parts of Guyana. However the Sabha has not done anything close to charity in the past ten to twelve years and the person filling this position has seemed to accumulate over

this span of time, and the tremendous wealth and nothing consistent to show how it was achieved. Mr. Editor can you blame us for our suspicions? Moreso, Mr. Editor, very recently the mother of a member of the mandir returned from the United States and donated a hefty sum towards the temple for the purpose of purchasing items to conduct regular worship, the money was given and as customary a receipt should have been issued, however, Mr. Editor unto a day like today that specific member is still waiting for a call from the said individual to uplift their receipt. Though accusation is being made, a receipt should have been forwarded, the absence of which could lead questions to be asked, for example; in what ways has the organization benefitted from our hard earned money? Mr. Editor, several persons wrote in the past weeks expressing disgust at how the Sabha is being managed being one of the oldest and most respected organizations in this country. Many even

blamed the priest for its downfall, however Mr. Editor, any sensible person would know; if the organizing secretary is not functioning the organization then most definitely would not be able to fulfill its function. The temple is hardly being cleaned and anyone passing its head quarters on Lamaha Street can see the dilapidated condition it is currently in. Finally Mr. Editor, we are leaving the option for the organizing secretary individual to respond publicly and defend his.her position at the Sabha. If this is not the case or they are not to be blamed, let them express such for the public to see, otherwise he/ she should do the honorable thing and resign from the Sabha and thus save the or-

ganization from further humiliation and shame. Mr. Editor, writing this letter was the last thing we had hoped to resort to, but after reading what was said in the press over the last few weeks and the disgust and frustration we feel seeing how the Sabha is immobilized and drifting, we believe this option will definitely bring the change this organization so much desire. It is my fervent hope that this letter is published and by so doing bring relief to an organization in dire needs of the public help. Vishnu B. Persaud Centeral Georgetown Shakti Arora - Leonora Jeewan Singh - Charity Tamesh Deodat - East Berbice Raymond Sharma – West Berbice

PAGE 6

Sunday September 03, 2017

Kaieteur News

Kaieteur M@ilbox

Kaieteur M@ilbox

NEED TO UPDATE and CONTEXTUALIZE JOB EVALUATION/CLASSIFICATION SYSTEMS

WHY POST EMANCIPATION LANDS ARE A PROBLEM FOR THE PPP?

My friend and senior professional colleague, MrE.B.John, has been doing yeoman service in pointing out deficiencies, flaws and anachronisms in various aspects of Human Resource Management, including the improprieties in the categorization/classification of jobs within the Public/ Civil services of Guyana; his latest appeared copiously in various issues of the local media last week. I feel obliged to support Mr John’s repeated calls for urgent remedial action which, incidentally, resonate with the recent Report of the COI into the Public Service of Guyana. As an adjunct to his extensive contribution, I wish to point out that there are varying ‘systems’ of job evaluation/classification of which the one used for jobs in the Guyana Public Service is among the oldest; this undoubtedly adds to the anachronisms indicated by Mr John. A significant consequence of the system in use within the Guyana Public Service is the multiplication of ‘finite’ grades or classifications ….in this case a total of

14 grades. I know of another arm of the Government where there are 15 grades which in my view can be beneficially halved. In contrast, for example, I am reminded of at least two (2) systems, namely; Elliott Jacque’s “Time Span of Discretion” and Tom Patterson’s “Decision Band Systems,” both of which provide for about six (6) hierarchical classifications. Of more recent vintage is the “Broadbanding” approach which also caters for about half a dozen classifications within most organizations. Undue multiplication of grades with corresponding increases in the number of narrow salary scales tend to result in steep hierarchical, top-heavy organizational structures with invisible walls/ceilings which often frustrate career growth by constraining natural job enlargement/enrichment….the epitome of employee commitment, job satisfaction and growth. Current Human Resource Management philosophy and practice favour fewer grades and flatter organizational structures. For example, Zingheim& Schuster,

joint authors of “The New Pay” and “Pay People Right” are among the more popular current proponents of the best thinking on compensation principles and practices. Their expositions on the Broad-banding approach emphasize that “Broad grades and career bands are the newer kids on the block and have become popular pay infrastructure….reflecting a flatter, de-layered organization….with less hierarchical, more expansive opportunities for base pay growth to correspond with individual growth.”This supports the broadening of jobs which is conducive to organizational growth and staff development etc etc..all of which are true motivators over and above normal interest in financial rewards”. Readers who are professionally interested in the subject matter might also find comfort in recent publications of the Harvard Business Review such as on “Change Management” , as well as “HBR’s 10 Must Reads”, published by Harvard Business School in 2017. NowrangPersaud

Cadillac style in a “dankey kyaart” economy at City Hall DEAR EDITOR; The Georgetown Municipality is a classic case of some ‘Big Ones’ rewarding themselves with a Cadillac lifestyle in the donkey cart economy of the Council. It is unconscionable that some senior functionaries at City Hall, who are entrusted with the privilege of managing the affairs of the city, have opted to just reward themselves instead. How could they choose to use rate payers money to fly frequently around the world first class to many exotic and distant locations taking along administrative staff with them, instead of using that money to pay the garbage contractors

instead? How could they be allowed to use ratepayers taxes to lend themselves money to purchase vehicles etc interest free instead of going to the commercial banks? How could they be allowed use the Council’s welders to secure their homes with wrought iron on Council’s time which ratepayers have to pay for, instead of engaging private ironmongers? How could those with multiple homes use a private guard service that the Council paid for to secure their multiple homes instead of hiring their own security? Why does the Council have to purchase cutting edge cellular telephones and pay exorbitant

telephone bills for these municipal officials including for overseas calls? Why does the Council have to provide chauffeurs, bodyguards, static security at their residences, personal assistants for these persons, whilst the ordinary municipal worker cannot receive his or her salary on time? When the books of the Council are finally audited one day, the ‘Fantastic Four’ and their cronies at the Georgetown Municipality will make the Enron Scandal, the Freddie Mac Scandal, the Lehman Brothers Scandal, and the Bernie Madoff Scandal all look like child’s play. Anu Bihari

DEAR EDITOR, Lands purchased by Afro Guyanese after emancipation have been under attack by the then colonial state because it provided the Freed slave with living space and potential independence, taxes paid by the villages for drainage works was redirected to fund indentureship, causing lands to flood and the loss of livelihoods, creating wage earners from proprietors, thus diminishing independence. Those lands that were inveigled from its village owners then and over a century later have never left the memory of those descendants, their concerns in 2017are not based on prescriptive rights but on stolen rights of purchase. Three media declarations made by PPP party members... Madam Gail Teixeira, opposition leader Bharat Jagdeo and the tremendously misinformed Harry Gill does present a peculiar sensation of guilt, but, that Pradoville two is presumed to have joined the indiscretions of nineteen/Twentieth century Booker Bros. McConnell & Co. Ltd. And others are a result of whose deliberate scheming and dishonest actions? The callously opportunistic Harry Gill declares in his letter “why ACDA did not take this matter to Forbes Burnham or to Desmond Hoyt?” The answer is that ACDA did not exist when

these former Presidents governed this land. Back then also found ‘Sugar’ as a serious contributor to the GDP, despite the PPP’s sabotage of the Sugar Industry. Since the fall of Sugar in Guyana and worldwide, there will be downsizing of that industry and rather than have the issue of these lands from Guysuco confused as lands to do as the state finds it necessary, there is no better time to reassert Legitimate claims for those and other purchased lands. In the early 90’s when President Jagan came to power and ACDA was in existence. President Jagan had sent Brindley Benn to discuss what our foremost concerns were; among other items was the issue currently addressed, but though he was receptive, Cheddie Jagan died before the issues could be activated. As for the legacy of President Forbes Burnham, in 1966 Independence found about a third of the mostly Afro-Guyanese population of Georgetown living in ‘Nigger Yards’ this was a double lot occupied by some twenty families, with two latrines and bathrooms a middle yard standpipe that was a literal battlefield. Unhealthy and contentious, with names like Comacho yard, Jardine Yard, Slap Can Yard, Federation Yard, YY Yard here, there and everywhere. It was Forbes Burnham

who from 1972 addressed those socially accepted concentration camps in South, North, Festival city, Roxanne Burnham Gardens-in Ruimveldt, among other living spaces. He provided an Exodus from slums to ownership, none of you in the PPP can take that away from him. Jagdeo of all people, the Pradoville Two conspirator, the compulsive deceiver questions if the Land issue will provide Jobs? With the population of villages bursting at the seams, villagers forced to pay rent elsewhere because of congested situations, regaining land spaces, amounts to one reality, that of ‘Opportunity.’ Over the last twenty years there have been unscrupulous collaborations between Lawyers, people at the registrar and politically linked criminal business men directed at stealing Village and private lands, some succeeded, including relatives of Political top brass, and I am not referring exclusively to Pradoville Two, whether it is eventually proved to be indeed part of the post emancipation owned lands. These indiscretions have to be reversed. Many incidents outside of the Afro Guyanese community also occurred, they will also benefit from the corrective regulations that emerge from this African Land CoI. Barrington Braithwaite

Parent and teacher partnership equal school success DEAR EDITOR, For a school year to be deemed successful parents, teachers and children must be involved in building strong relationships and partnerships. As our kids return to school, ready to start another school year, it is important that parents, especially those who have kids entering school for the first time be on the same page. A successful

school year starts with parents and children not only in the same band and marching to the same tune, but committed to strategies of cooperation and communication with teachers and administration. Starting on the right foot starts when clear goals and objectives are created, and parents and children each fully understands the part that they must play in making the school experience the best it can be. Another important com-

ponent of educational success is for parents to be actively involved in their child’s education. Plainly stated, the child needs to see from the beginning that parent and teacher are on the same team, thus parents are called upon to form positive relationships with the school and school personnel. Remember that the school is on your side, so parents never let your child see or hear you speak about the teacher or any school (Continued on page 7)

New organization is born... From page 5 the government to direct a percentage of revenues towards implementing these mandates. It is our collective obligation as Guyanese citizens to step forward and support efforts to help end the punitive measures that have resulted in more harm than good to our society and which have caused many families much excessive pain and suffering, in both emotional and financial impacts. We hope that

everyone will join us as we intensify an enlightened approach of advocacy for a more just and sensible legal framework when it comes to the issues and circumstances of marijuana use and rehabilitation services. Nicole Cole Chontelle Sewett Keoma Griffith Ras Leon Saul Clinton Urling For Society of Marijuana Advocates for Reform and Treatment (SMART)

Sunday September 03, 2017

PAGE 7

Kaieteur News

Kaieteur M@ilbox

Kaieteur M@ilbox

Education must not be seen as a privilege but as a human right DEAR EDITOR, Let me take this opportunity to put to rest a point that is deliberately misconstrued in an attempt to discredit socialism. When we speak about people being equal we do not mean that all people are the same, and are endowed with the same abilities. Our socialism is not about regimentation and sameness. What we mean, is that, influenced not by European thought, but rather by our own ancient traditions and faiths, we believe that regardless of a person’s level of ability, education, wealth etc., they and their offspring are entitled to an equal opportunity to reach their full potential,and to have their basic needs met. These needs include adequate nutrition, housing, healthcare and education. For my party, Organization f o r t h e Vi c t o r y o f t h e People (OVP) education is not a privilege or a commodity to be determined by market forces, but rather a human right.

Regurgitating one myth after another, the Peeper claims that “Socialism has also poisoned economic thinking, by encouraging greater pressures on the propertied class. Yet, it is this very class which is expected to create wealth. How can the private sector create wealth when there is this bias against them, both in the minds of the under-performers in society and within official policy?” This is one of the biggest lies perpetuated by the defenders and apologists of the neo-liberal capitalist model. They claim that the private sector is the engine of growth and if allowed to freely grow and g r o w, t h e n t h e w e a l t h will”trickle-down” to all the people. Decades have passed and still we cannot see the wealth and prosperity we were promised. When bourgeois economists speak about “trickle down”, they surely meant a trickle! Joseph Goebbels, Hitler’s Propaganda Minis-

ter, taught the capitalists a valuable lesson: “If you repeat a lie often enough, people will believe it, and you will even come to believe it yourself.” The capitalists keep repeating their mantra: that the private sector is the engine of growth. My question is, engine of growth for whom? My answer is, for themselves. I have on many occasions challenged any politician or economist in Guyana to name me one country in the world which has been developed primarily by the private sector. The private sector is not in the business of nation building, and certainly in a country like Guyana, nation building must be undertaken by the State, led by a government that works in the interests of all the people. That government must reject the neo-liberal capitalist project and meaningfully engage in the national economy. An OVP government would first of all pursue a path of democratiza-

Parent and teacher partnership equal... From page 6 personnel in a depreciatory manner. Relationship problems develop when parents visit the school only when they are called to do so—usually when the child is in trouble. Keep in touch with the teacher via email, phone, or student agenda, as these are key things to use as communication tools from the school to the home. Of further importance is the fact that it should be instilled very early in the child that instructional time is precious and every minute counts. Efforts lead to rewards. Too often we see school children heading to school walking as they did not have a care in the world, or school was waiting on them. Get children in the habit of reading as a routine, for reading unlocks the mind for learning. He who reads –leads. Each night parents should read with the child for at least half an hour. This helps prepare the child for learning and also improves reading and comprehension skills. Parents can

also have the child read to them, and they in turn read to the child, and in the process ask questions for comprehension. Also, set up regular times to schedule taking the children to the library and let them choose books that they want to read and on the correct level. Speaking from stark experience most community libraries cannot boast of our children being among their frequent users. Have daily conversations with the child about what is happening in their lives, listening carefully for signs of bullying or being

bullied.Opening lines of communication can effectively prevent underlying problems or concerns over peer pressure or other problems. Parents need to know and understand that learning begins at home and that they are their children’s first pedagogue, while painstakingly instilling in the child that education is a lifelong undertaking, is powerful and should not be taken for granted. In the process discuss with them your expectations about academics. Education is one thing that no one can rob you of. Yvonne Sam

tion of the economy. We will create new structures and institutions that would put wealth and land in the hands of the people. True socialism necessitates the development of a system and structures that allow for the masses of people to participate in the decisions that affect their lives. Another myth perpetuated by the Peeper is that all of those (the 99%) that are not included in the socalled “propertied class” (the 1%) are “under-performers”. This is another of capitalism’s big lies, a lie that they keep repeating. We are told that we live in a “meritocracy”; a society where those who work hard will automatically get ahead and prosper. If hard work was the sole ingredient in producing wealth, then Africans in Guyana would be among the wealthiest Guyanese. And please tell the child who is studying for CXC and lives in a squatting area with no electricity, poor nutrition, insufficient money to attend school regularly, no access to textbooks, the internet,

a computer to type their SBAs and a printer to print them, that hard work alone will guarantee success. L e t t h e P e e p e r, a n d those who hold similar views, stop talking about socialism’s failure and tell us where is capitalism working? The truth is the capitalism that was built on genocide, African enslavement and Indian indentureshiphas failed us not only in Guyana, but across the globe, plunging the world into crisis, war and environmental destruction. It is an irrational, illogical system, exalting profit and capital accumulation over human life. F i n a l l y, t h e P e e p e r threatens us, stating that if the “propertied class” are not given the tax rebates he/she thinks they are entitled to then the they “will continue to ship their money out of the country”. My final comment to the Peeper is to do what you will. What I can tell you is that your clear lack of patriotism, coupled with your vulgar elitism and

contempt for those you callously term “underperformers”,(a euphemism for the poor who make up the majority of the Guyanese population)has no place in the new Guyana that will inevitably come into being. A Guyana without economic exploitation, political domination and racial hegemony. As Guyanese, it is time that we emerge from the garrison politics that have entrapped us as a people. Trapped us to the extent that we would see our country in total crisis and remain indifferent and foolhardy. It is time to engage in a serious debate about these crucial issues before it is too late. I am prepared, as leader of Organization f o r t h e Vi c t o r y o f t h e People (OVP), to debate anyone, anywhere, anytime, including the President and Prime Minister of Guyana and Leader of the Opposition, about the way forward. Gerald A Perreira Leader Organization for the Victory of the People (OVP)

PAGE 8

Kaieteur News

Sunday September 03, 2017

GCAA working with operators to lift suspension on shuttling operations Following the suspension of shuttle operations for domestic air operators on August 30, 2017, the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) says it is working with domestic air operators to review and approve policies and procedures document to conduct shuttle operations. The GCAA has adopted the International Civil Aviation Organization five-phase process for approval of o p e r a t o r ’s m a n u a l o n shuttle operations. The

process entails 1) Pre-application phase; 2) Application phase; 3) Document evaluation; 4) Demonstration and Inspection and 5) Certification. The GCAA has stated that it is aware of the socioeconomic impact of the suspension especially on hinterland residents. Its officials are working around the clock to evaluate submissions made by operators. To date, submissions have been received by the GCAA from National Air Transport Association (NATA) and Trans Guyana

Airways. A l l y e s t e r d a y, t h e Authority’s Flight Operations Inspector was aboard a Trans Guyana Airways flight conducting demonstration inspection to ensure documented procedures are being observed by the o p e r a t o r. I n s p e c t i o n s were conducted on flight operations into Olive Creek, Blake Slater and Kamarang aerodromes. Based on the demonstration inspection, Trans Guyana Airways is required to amend its manual, after which certification of its shuttle operations should be completed on or before Wednesday September 6, 2017. Meanwhile, the GCAA is working with the other operators to bring their operations into compliance for them to be certified for shuttle operations. The Authority reaffirmed that its action was necessary to enhance safety of the travelling public and aviation personnel, and stated that it will continue its increased surveillance of Air Operators.

Sunday September 03, 2017

Kaieteur News

Several projects planned to address drainage and irrigation countrywide A number of projects to address drainage and irrigation are in the pipeline for the remainder of this year while others are slated to begin in 2018. These works will be done by the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA). Thus far for the year, the Authority has completed a number of projects. This information was conveyed to the press during a press briefing with the National Task Force Commission (NTFC). For the remainder of this year, it is expected that three condemned sluices will be resuscitated in Region Five and the sluice at La Jalousie in Region three will be rehabilitated. A new sluice is currently under construction at Triumph Village on the East Coast of Demerara. It was also relayed that drainage works are in progress at the back of the No. 66 Village in Region six. Further, reservoirs and ponds are being constructed and excavated to store water in Region nine for agricultural purposes. A consultancy is also being done concerning the possibility of constructing a small conservancy in West Watooka in Region 10. Looking ahead, it is expected that an evaluation will be done in relation to the installation of three more pumps at Three Friends Village in Essequibo. In the East Bank Demerara area, a pump station and sluice are pegged to be constructed at Herstelling. Meanwhile, specific projects that were identified by the NTFC to tackle

drainage and irrigation in 2018 include the clearing of the outfall at the Rose Hall drainage pump. In that town, too, the NTFC will work towards seeing the rehabilitation of a drain in the vicinity of the burial ground. For Region Two, the rehabilitation of the windward wing walls of the St. Lawrence Koker is to be done. For Georgetown, the NTFC highlighted that the drainage system in Le Repentir Cemetery needs to be rehabilitated. As it relates to works that would have been done this year, information provided indicated that in the area of weeding and desilting of drains, specifically in Georgetown, the NDIA has cleared vegetation and desilted drains within Albouystown, North and South Ruimveldt. Vegetation was also cleared in secondary and tertiary drains within Plum Park and South Sophia. On the side of major drainage works, the NDIA has completed the desilting of the Kingston inlet channel and tunnel from the High Street inlet to the Kingston sluice.

Drains were also desilted along the railway embankment close to Sheriff Street and within the Bel Air Park and Bel Air Springs area. Similar work was also done at the Lamaha Street inlet channel and tunnel from High Street to the Water Street sluice. A number of other areas around the capital city also benefited from similar works.

PAGE 9

A revetted section of Unity Foreshore with rip rap sea defence.

PAGE 10

Kaieteur News

Sunday September 03, 2017

Regional body questions accessibility of Guyanese to proposed law school The Association of Caribbean Students for Equal Access to the Legal Profession (ACSEAL) is sceptical about Guyanese law students having equal access to the proposed J.O.F Haynes Law School to be established here. This is so since the school will come under the auspices of the Council for Legal Education (CLE) and will be open to students from across the Caribbean region. However, the ACSEAL believes that the rules of the CLE governing admission to

the region’s law schools are discriminatory. The treaty establishing the CLE, stipulates what grounds Caribbean law graduates can gain access to law schools in the region; particularly, the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad and Tobago, the Norman Manley Law School in Jamaica and the Eugene Dupuch Law School in the Bahamas. According to Article 3 of the Treaty, “Every person who holds a University of the West Indies LL.B degree shall

The Hugh Wooding Law School where the top 25 Guyanese law students are allowed automatic entry be eligible for admission to the Law Schools and every person who holds a degree of a University or Institution which is recognised by the Council as being equivalent to the University of the West Indies LL.B degree, shall, subject to the availability of places and to such conditions (if any) as the Council may require, be eligible for admission to the Law Schools.” This system places Guyanese law graduates at a disadvantage since only the top 25 students in the graduating year are allowed automatic access to the Hugh Wooding Law School. All other graduates are required to write an entrance exam that costs US$150 per sitting. The ACSEAL is calling on law students in Guyana to pay keen attention to whether there would be any fundamental and sustainable reform to the CLE admission policy and the 1971 CLE Treaty which has adversely affected thousands of Guyanese and CARICOM citizens for the past 20 years. Speaking with Kaieteur News, ACSEAL’s National Representative in Guyana, Courtlee Rodrigues said that “injustice in the legal system is a paradox that we cannot allow to be a part of our reality nor that of our children’s”. Further, ACSEAL’s representative in Trinidad and Tobago, Jason Jones, said that the group’s position is that the legal profession is not merely a private vocation but rather, a public office. “Consequently, we are against the preference-based system of admission to the law school that is now in place and will support a meritbased approach for all citizens of CARICOM seeking entry to the law schools and by extension, the legal profession. No Guyanese citizen possessing the will, skill, aptitude and character to enter the legal profession should be subjected to any unfair treatment in their noble attempt to do so.” Jones said that whether a

Caribbean national would have graduated from UWI, UG, the University of Technology in Jamaica or even the University of London, that person should be afforded an equal opportunity as any other student to acquire legal education and enter the legal profession. “There is no way we can develop Caribbean Jurisprudence and the Rule of Law in the region by systematically and unfairly excluding our citizens from the legal system. Exclusion is probably the biggest problem facing our region. The relationship between people, power and public institutions in the 21st century Caribbean must become more progressive, sustainable and conducive to human flourishing. This is the challenge for our generation.” Moreover, offering his comments to this publication, ACSEAL’s National Representative in Belize, Leon Westby pointed to an April 2017 commentary made by Glendford Howe, Senior Programme and Research Officer at UWI. Howe was addressing the region’s education system. “Dr Howe stated: “Since the education system in the region was not designed to be inclusive, it is not surprising that, in the absence of fundamental reforms, it is proving to be unfit for education provision in a 21st century context, in which the focus is on democratisation of access, inclusiveness, equitable provision of education for all learners and addressing the individual needs of each student”. Meanwhile, in Guyana’s neighbouring CARICOM states, other ACSEAL representatives have made their positions known. The ACSEAL’s National Representative in Antigua and Barbuda, J’moul Francis said that the work in his country is marching on with growing support. Advocates are also calling for the (continued on page 70)

Sunday September 03, 2017

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

PAGE 12

Sunday September 03, 2017

Kaieteur News

Cops probe suspicious drowning of teen miner Police ranks in Bartica, Region Seven, are investigating the suspicious drowning two Thursdays ago of an 18year-old miner in the Mazaruni River, in the vicinity of Poppy Show Landing. The incident occurred around 21:50 hrs. The dead teen has been identified as Devon George of 89 Leopold Street, Georgetown. According to information received, the victim was attempting to cross the Mazaruni River when the paddle boat which he was using began taking in water. The police said that persons in the area heard his screams and went to help, but his body was already submerged. His remains were recovered the following day and a post mortem examination revealed that George died from drowning, compounded by blunt trauma. Divisional Commander,

Dead: Devon George Ravindradat Budhram said that on Thursday last, a team of policemen departed Bartica to visit the scene and have not returned as yet. Yesterday, the dead man’s mother, Samantha Ollivierre, explained that her son left home in June last to go and work with a dredge owner at Mazaruni. The woman said that her

son would usually go and work in the interior locations, but it was his first visit to Mazaruni. Just a week before he died, Ollivierre said that the young man called and informed her that he would have been out August month end. “The night he died, his cousin (Delroy Ollivierre) who was with him at Mazaruni, called and tell me he died,” the woman related, while adding that she was informed by the cousin that they were both watching television when the teen said he was going to purchase biscuits. “He (Delroy) said that the next morning, my son body floated up in the river. He said he didn’t hear anything or see anything,” the woman related. Ollivierre said that her son was a good swimmer and she is convinced someone did something to him. “His father is going to the area to find out what really happened to him,” she noted. Meanwhile, Commander Budhram said that once the ranks return, a detailed account of what transpired will be provided.

Sunday September 03, 2017

PAGE 13

Kaieteur News

GECOM’s CEO misleads Guyana on ads withdrawal from K/News

After weeks of concerns and questions over irrefutable evidence that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has withdrawn placing ads in Kaieteur News in retaliation to reports of procurement fraud, the current head has broken his silence. But what he said in an exclusive interview to an evening newscast, Capitol News, has raised even more questions, with his credibility now being called into question. GECOM’s Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, in explaining the ads placement of his entity, said on record that Kaieteur News received more than $900,000 in work, giving the impression that it was all ads. Even the Capitol News reporter believed it was all ads. However, less than half of

and GECOM have been very quiet, despite some shocking revelations about procurement irregularities that came out in news reports. Even the administration, although disagreeing with the use of ads placement as a weapon to silence media houses, seemed hesitant about speaking on the issue. The Ministry of the Presidency, when asked, had pointed out that GECOM is independent, but there is clearly no policy of the Government to use ads as a weapon to punish media houses. However, Commissioners of GECOM insisted this past week, that the Secretariat does not have permission to withdraw any ads, with the situation being compounded by the fact that there is no chairperson and therefore no meeting on the Commission

failed to explain that GECOM and its commissioners had always stood in favour of all ads being placed in all the media houses. In the past, it has been the policy of consecutive administrations to use media houses with the largest reach when it comes to deciding where to place the ads. GECOM Commissioners Bibi Shadick and Robeson Benn, who represents the Opposition on the Commission, last week distanced themselves from the seeming decision that the entity has taken. “I am concerned about the situation. I had raised it before, but I am not seeing they are saying anything,” Benn said. Shadick, a lawyer and former minister, was even more blunt. “What is happening is at the Secretariat level. Usually the Commission meets, give instructions to the Secretariat…that has not happened.” She said that Commission never discussed any issue of withdrawing ads. “The Commission encourages ads in all the newspapers and media houses to ensure the widest reach. I read of the ads being withheld…I have no knowledge of it. What is happening at GECOM should not be happening. The Secretariat cannot make decisions without approval from the Commission.” She urged that President Granger correct the current GECOM situation - where

it - $433,000 - represented subscriptions for newspapers. That meant a little more than $500,000 was payments for ads up to midJanuary. After that, GECOM simply stopped placing ads. Lowenfield never explained that for the year, as compared to Kaieteur News, GECOM made payments to Stabroek News for $4.8M. Just over $300,000 would represent the yearly subscription for Stabroek News. In all, in addition to the subscription, GECOM signed 17 contracts with Stabroek News up to August monthend - nothing for Kaieteur News. While Kaieteur News, the newspaper with the largest distribution, has been reporting on those ads placement (or lack thereof in Kaieteur News), Lowenfield

to be briefed or for the matter to be raised. According to Lowenfield in his interview, his advertising budget was cut, and this was the reason for affecting the ads in media houses like Kaieteur News. He said for elections years of 2015 and 2016, Kaieteur News received $12M and $25M respectively. However, he claimed, this year, there is no election and it is quiet, something that Kaieteur News should understand. Lowenfield said it is a fact that over the years Kaieteur News has been getting more ads than the other media houses. “Sometimes, media houses would receive more than the others…it is the nature of the business…and I am sure Kaieteur understands that clearly.” However, Lowenfield

there is no chairperson, by appointing one. “Keep fingers crossed that the President appoints a Chairman and things go back to way it was.” The situation of the ads withdrawal has been seen as a clear attack on press freedom by the newspaper. Late last year, whistleblowers alerted the media to possible wrongdoing at GECOM with regards to the awards of several contracts to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars. Following investigations by Kaieteur News, utilizing multiple sources including GECOM workers, accountants, sources at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), and others, it was discovered that hundreds of

UNDER FIRE: GECOM’s CEO, Keith Lowenfield

millions were indeed spent by the entity that manages general and local government elections, the distribution of

ID cards, and voter education. Not only were the tenders not advertised in many cases,

but there was clear fraud in the process, including the faking of quotations. Continued on page 69

PAGE 14

Kaieteur News

Sunday September 03, 2017

FINANCIAL LITERACY:

Personal Financial Management Essential components of personal financial management For individuals and families, the benefits of financial literacy are significant. For both rich and poor alike, financial literacy provides greater control of one’s financial future and reduces vulnerability to fraudulent schemes. In this regard, good financial choices depend on reliable and useful information, presented in an understandable way. According to the literature, essential components of personal financial management include an understanding of how to budget strategically, use credit, save to build personal wealth, and shop for and

choose suitable financial products. How you manage, spend, and invest your money can have a profound impact on your life especially your retirement. Understanding and learning financial literacy can take a while, but the basics are quite simple, they need repeating and never change. Individuals have indicated to me that managing finances feels like a lot of paperwork and numbers. However, managing your finances is mostly about psychology, habits, and values you choose to live by. In fact, in one of my earlier articles we discussed that our mindset is really the key to wealth building and good

personal financial management. So let us go over a few rules that will always improve your financial life. These rules do not change; they go way back although today we now have software to help us do the mathematics. Another key aspect is that in the financial marketplace, financial education must be a life-long pursuit that enables consumers of all ages and economic positions to be well informed. Financial literacy and personal financial management Financial literacy means different things to different people, ranging from the most basic -what is a bank account, what is an interest rate – to a

sophisticated knowledge of financial markets. The following steps/activities will provide some assistance with your personal financial management roadmap: 1. Start saving for the future now: It is neither safe nor advisable to keep all your money at home. You will need some kind of bank account to save your spending money and short-term savings. A bank account (or credit union) can hold your money and allow you to access it whenever you need to. It is critical to start putting money away now to prepare for the future. Even if someone can only invest a small amount of money, it is worth it in the long run. The difference in

totals at retirement can be solely due to when savings started. As is the case in Guyana to retire at age 55 or 60, one must consider how money will be available to live for the following 30+ years. 2. Get into the budgeting habit: Do you know where your money goes? A budget is one of the best ways to make sure that you are spending less than you earn. Budgeting gives you control over y o u r m o n e y. St a r t b y calculating how much money you make in a month. Then, write down all of your regular expenses. It is as simple as monitoring how much is made and how much is spent. Monitoring spending on a m o n t h l y basis and changing the budget as life changes will allow one to take control of personal finances and free up extra money to start saving for the future. 3. Avoid debt accumulation: Avoiding debt is one of the best ways to prepare for a secure financial future. Many consumers learn that as debt builds, it becomes increasingly difficult to get out of debt. For example, knowing how to use a credit card is an important part of avoiding debt. One should only pay for things that one can afford. For those in debt, a plan should be created on how unwanted debts will be paid off. High debt including the misuse of loans make it tough to save for retirement. 4. Bank smart: There are many ways that you can save money while you are banking. These include monitoring fee charges, not leaving too much money in a checking account, shopping around at different banks to find the best interest rates, and using the online bill pay function if it is available. 5. Have an emergency fund: It is important to be prepared for the “just in case” aspects of life. Creating a savings account that accrues for an unexpected expense such as car repair, home repair, or needed medical expense is recommended. This account may also be needed if one is faced with being laid off. Selfemployed persons must certainly consider this aspect of personal financial management. 6. Learn about investing: It will be wise to take time to learn the basics of investing. It is critical to have a foundational understanding of managing your assets and staying away from potential frauds and fraudulent transactions. 7. Set goals: Setting clear, written goals for the future and making plans to

Dr. Terence Smith, Deputy Governor, Bank of Guyana accomplish them are essential. Taking the time to write down one’s goals and aspirations will really pay off. 8. Protect your assets: It is good to ensure that one has proper insurance for selfprotection and for assets. Car and health insurance are must haves. Gain knowledge around what insurance options you do have and the costs. 9. Have some form of insurance: Insurance protects your financial assets, by helping to take care of the large financial disasters when they occur. You should consider health, automobile, and in many cases life insurance coverage. 10. Do not touch your retirement savings: If you withdraw your retirement savings early, you will lose principal and interest or have to pay withdrawal penalties. 11. Women need to pay special attention to making the most of their money: Women face challenges that often make it more difficult for them than men to adequately save for retirement. Women tend to earn less than men and work fewer years. Some studies indicate that on average, women live 5 years longer than men live, and thus need to build a larger retirement nest egg for themselves. In addition, women tend to lose more income than men following a divorce. In conclusion, please remember, developing a mindset around the activities discussed above can lead you forward to financial success, and is the only way you will be able to earn wealth without inheriting it. Follow personal financial management principles and create a mindset that will truly make strategic decisions that lead to financial success. Wealth is not the same as income. If you have a good income and spend it all, you are not getting any wealthier. Wealth is what you accumulate, not what you spend. Next week we will discuss more of King Solomon’s money principles (Part 2). Thanks for all your comments and support. As usual, please send your comments or questions to deputygovernor@ bankofguyana.org.gy

Sunday September 03, 2017

PAGE 15

Kaieteur News

Assets ordered frozen for former Guyana MP convicted of terrorism in US Government has placed financial sanctions on two Guyanese men who were convicted more than six years ago of terrorism-related charges in the US. On Tuesday, Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma, acting on behalf of Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, signed off orders for both Abdul Kadir known as Aubrey Michael Seaforth, 65, and Abdel Nur, 67, freezing their local assets. It will be the first known actions by the Government of Guyana on its citizens, relating to terrorism activities. According to the published Official Gazette of August 30, the order was made under the Anti- Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act. Guyana last year passed critical amendments, increasing penalties and tougher monitoring under the law which is being adopted worldwide. Sharma, the Official Gazette said, has the powers to make the orders under Section 2 (2) of the AntiMoney Laundering and

Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act, which was cited as the Targeted Financial Sanctions (Specified Persons) Order 2017. Kadir, born December 8th, 1951, is currently incarcerated at United States Penitentiary, Pennsylvania, and listed as inmate number 64656-053 Nur, born March 24, is serving his time at the Federal Correctional Institution, North Carolina with his inmate number being 64655053 Under agreements Guyana has signed, and in accordance with current antimoney laundering and antiterrorism financing laws, countries should implement targeted financial sanctions regimes to comply with United Nations Security Council resolutions relating to the prevention and suppression of terrorism and terrorist financing. “The resolutions require countries to freeze without delay the funds or other assets of, and to ensure that no funds or other assets are made available, directly or indirectly to, or for the benefit of, any person or entity either

(i) designated by, or under the authority of, the United Nations Security Council under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, including in accordance with resolution 1267 (1999) and its successor resolutions; or (ii) designated by that country pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001),” the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) website explained on the issue. In December 2010, Kadir, a former Parliamentarian, was sentenced to life in prison for plotting to blow up fuel tanks at John F. Kennedy International Airport, in New York. U.S. District Court Judge Dora Irizarry said there was ample evidence that Kadir was a key player in “a plan that would have caused devastation unimaginable.” Kadir and Russell DeFreitas, a former JFK cargo handler, were arrested and charged with multiple counts of conspiracy in 2007 after an informant infiltrated the plot and recorded them discussing it. At a trial where Kadir and DeFreitas were convicted, prosecutors alleged the pair

wanted to kill thousands of people and cripple the American economy by using explosives to blow up the fuel tanks and the underground pipelines that run through an adjacent Queens neighbourhood. They said they sought the help of militant Muslims, including an al-Qaida operative, in Guyana. The government relied heavily on the informant’s secret recordings, which captured DeFreitas bragging about his knowledge of Kennedy Airport and its vulnerabilities. “For years, I’ve been watching them,” he said of the fuel tanks while on a reconnaissance mission with the informant. Kadir testified in his own defence, denying he was a militant Muslim who spied for Iran for years before joining the JFK scheme. He told jurors that he warned the plotters: “Islam does not support aggression or killing innocent people.” In January 2011, the same Judge Irizarry sentenced Nur. He was found guilty of providing material support to a terrorist conspiracy.

Assets frozen: Former MP, Abdul Kadir

Assets frozen: Abdel Nur According to court documents, Nur attempted to locate al Qaeda explosives expert Adnan Gulshair el Shukrijumah, and introduced the other plotters to Yasin Abu Bakr, leader of Jamaat Al Muslimeen, a group that had engaged in terrorist attacks aimed at overthrowing the government of Trinidad. Nur was said to be the uncle of the late, former welterweight boxing champion, Andrew ‘Six Heads’ Lewis. Kadir was a Parliamentarian of the P e o p l e ’s National Congress Reform, which now forms part of A

Partnership For National Unity. The men were charged in 2007 with conspiracy to attack a public transportation system, conspiracy to destroy a building with fire and explosives, conspiracy to attack aircraft and aircraft materials, conspiracy to d e s t r o y a n i n t e r n a t ional airport and conspiracy to attack a mass transportation facility.

Also charged with Kadir and Nur, were Russell Defreitas, a United States citizen and native of Guyana who was the alleged ringleader and worked for a time at the airport and Kareem Ibrahim, a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago. The last two, like Kadir, were sentenced to life. Ibrahim died in prison in January 2016 at the age of 70.

Sunday September 03, 2017

Kaieteur News

PAGE 25

PAGE 26

Sunday September 03, 2017

Kaieteur News

A SHORTCUT THAT KILLS By Michael Jordan I came to dread that short, winding track, with the bushy stretch of land nearby where the cows graze, and the small white bridge that links Diamond Housing Scheme to the neighbouring Grove community. I sometimes pass this way at dawn with the joggers and track-suited walkers. Never after sunset, though. Residents call this area ‘The Aqueduct’. They might as well have named it the devil’s shortcut. Bad things seem to happen to people who use it at night, thanks to the young robbers who lurk there. It’s not unusual for those living nearby to hear the screams of the victims. Bharrat Pitamber, the tailor, knew of the risks of using the shortcut at nightfall. He’d almost been robbed before while riding through that track. But that didn’t stop him from cutting through ‘The Aqueduct’ on the night of Tuesday, July 1, 2014. Maybe

he was anxious to go home to his wife and six-month-old daughter, and to a hot dinner after a hard day’s work. Earlier in the day, at around 07:40 hrs, Pitamber left his home at Lot 1401 Section ‘C’ Grove, East Bank Demerara. He then headed for his tailoring shop, located on the East Bank Demerara public road. While there, Pitamber sold a caged bird to an acquaintance for $45,000. He reportedly collected another bird from the same acquaintance. Then he rode through the shortcut for the very last time. THE LITTLE BOY’S TALE It’s said that at around six o’clock that same night, a 15year-old boy left his Grove home on a bicycle to buy some chicken at the East Bank Demerara Bounty Farm outlet. A friend accompanied him on the same bicycle. Because he had an injured leg, the 15year-old reportedly told the friend to ride to the outlet and buy the chicken, while he

Bharrat Pitamber waited. The 15-year-old was reportedly joined by two other boys, and they all rode west up a roadway in Grove that runs parallel to the Diamond access road. And they were a short distance from ‘The Aqueduct’ when they saw the friend, who had gone to buy the chicken, riding towards them. This boy alerted the others that he had seen a man lying on the roadside near

‘The Aqueduct’, and that the man was calling out for help. The 15-year-old alleged that when they reached the scene, the wounded man, later identified as Bharrat Pitamber, was still alive. Two bicycles were reportedly on the ground nearby, as well as a caged bird. They also saw a large ‘Rambo’ knife, with which Pitamber’s assailant had reportedly stabbed him in the chest. The 15-year-old and a 12year-old rushed to the nearby Diamond Fire Station and told the staff about the injured man. The men summoned the police who took Pitamber to the East Bank Demerara Regional Hospital. By then, the tailor was already dead. At the scene, police observed a blood trail which suggested that Pitamber was attacked soon after riding through the shortcut into Grove. He then tried to run east up the roadway, but collapsed. From cuts on the slain man’s hands, police deduced that he had put up a struggle that caused his attackers to drop the murder weapon and flee empty-handed. Pitamber’s cell phone, the $45,000 he had collected after selling his bird, and a receipt, which showed he had paid the rent for use of the tailoring shop, were all in his pockets. They also retrieved a bicycle and the murder weapon. And here’s where things

became devilishly strange. TWELVE-YEAR-OLD WITH TAILOR’S BIKE On Wednesday, July 2, the day after Pitamber’s murder, a 12-year-old boy reportedly came to the home of the 15-year-old whose mother had sent him to purchase chicken the previous day. The younger boy had a bicycle, and that bike belonged to the murdered tailor. “What you doing with that bike?” the elder boy reportedly asked his friend. It is alleged that the lads then decided to take the bicycle to Pitamber’s relatives. The mother of the older lad claimed that Pitamber’s relatives took the lads back to the scene and then handed them over to the police. It was then revealed that one of the boys who had found the tailor had picked up Pitamber’s bicycle. Another took the caged bird. The lad who took the bicycle reportedly tried to exchange it for a phone, but the friend refused to make the swap after learning that the bicycle had belonged to a murder victim. But what of the bicycle that police found near

Pitamber? It turned out that someone had stolen that bicycle from an elderly man, while the owner was cutting grass for his cattle. Police have suggested that the bike thief and the killer are the same. They suggested that the killer panicked and left it at the scene. Police rounded up all the lads, as well as an 18-yearold, who all denied involvement in Pitamber’s death or knowing the identity of his killer. They were all released. Meanwhile, those who believe in fate would say that Bharrat Pitamber’s time had come. Others are left to wonder at what might have been, had the tailor avoided the shortcut that night and chosen to ride the long way home… If you have any information about this case, please contact us at our Lot 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown location, or reach us on telephone numbers 2258458, 22-58465, 2258473, or 22-58491. You can also contact Michael Jordan on his email address: mjdragon@hotmail.com. You need not disclose your identity.

The Baccoo Speaks The road accidents are continuing as though they are a normal part of everyday life. It defies logic that a car would crash into an immovable object although there are no threats on the roadway. Having said that, this is exactly what will happen as a group heads home after a late night. There will be injuries, one very serious to warrant hospitalization. ** Another group of young men, anxious to have money

in their pockets although they did not position themselves to make a meaningful contribution to society, will attack

an individual who has a large sum of cash.The attack would go awry because assistance would be in the area. Another person is going to be taken to hospital with gunshot wounds. ** A labourer would fall from a construction outside the city even as there is an attempt to steal electricity. The word is that people are making every effort to acquire some basic necessities without observing the protocols.

Sunday September 03, 2017

PAGE 27

Kaieteur News

I campaigned against the PPP not for the AFC Over the past two years, there have been several letters in the press enquiring about the absence of any employment connection with the new government given the public’s knowledge that I campaigned for the then opposition in the May 2015 general elections. The latest are two letters last week. One is by well knownAFC executive, Leonard Craig, and the other by a person who says he is New York-based and pens his name as Parsnauth Jaipersaud. It is not only in the press that I read about this sentiment; I have heard it from people constantly since May 2015. I am penning this clarification here, because of the words of Mr. Jaipersaud. He wrote; “Was Freddie offered a position but was unreasonable. Did he demand what couldn’t be offered?” After May 2015, I wasn’t made any offer from anyone in the AFC or APNU and

never made any enquiry about any interest of mine to any Minister of the Government. After May 2015, with the election over, I went my way and never spoke to any AFC or APNU Minister from May 2015 until today’s date. From May 2015 until now, the only Minister in Government I ever spoke with for more than ten minutes was Ronald Bulkan, over representation I made on behalf of an employee in Region Three’s RDC. I spoke with Moses Nagamootoo over my cousin-in-law’s loss of his job after the government changed, because he was not a political person and did his work professionally. I spoke for less than five minutes with David Patterson at Aubrey Norton’s birthday lime. I kept away from the AFC that I campaigned with after the general elections, because I

never wanted anyone to accuse me of tossing my name around to get things. I am not interested in getting things from any government. The truth of my election activism is that I campaigned with the AFC, and not for the AFC. I battled in the elections to stop the return of the PPP. It began and ended there. I think it would be a grave act of dishonesty to say I wanted to see the AFC and APNU get into power for philosophical and ideological reasons. My politics and philosophy have nothing in common with the ontology of the PNC and AFC. I wanted to see the PPP lose power, because I believed that party had become a diabolical machine that if it got back into office, would have resulted in harm to me, my family and people and organizations I care about like Kaieteur News, Glenn Lall, Nigel Hughes, Khemraj

Ramjattan, Michael Carrington, just to name a few. I chose the AFC over APNU for two reasons. Nigel Hughes and Khemraj Ramjattan were lawyers who helped me to defeat PPP’s prosecution and persecution nastily directed at me. I could not turn my back on them if they were contesting the election. Secondly, APNU was out, because its foundation is the PNC, and I cannot and will not function with any organization whose raison d’être comes from ethnic support. Organizations like the PPP, PNC, ACDA, and Indian Arrival Committee may all be very nationalistic institutions in their own right, but they are ethnically based, and I will be an unhappy functioning with them. I may be wrong, but at the time, I saw the AFC in multi-

racial terms so I campaigned for it, speaking at about 35 public meetings in Region 3 4, 5, and 6. But at no time was I ever a member of the AFC or integrated myself into the AFC. Here is something I never made public before. The AFC’s head office has two levels. The top level was only for about thirty persons who were allowed to enter the upper flat and the security ranks had their names. The bottom flat was for campaign workers and lower level support staff. Such persons had to ask permission to go upstairs. All during the entire campaign, I never went to the upper level. I never asked any executive member for permission to go there, even though I got important stuff that I solicited for the campaign. I did not want to toss my name around. No leader of the AFC

Frederick Kissoon could contradict what I have written here about going upstairs. I will not make any request to any APNU or AFC leader for a job offer, because it will give rise to two situations. One is that because I am Freddie Kissoon I think I am entitled to this or that. Secondly, such behaviour will make people disrespect and humiliate you. I am happy with the life I live.

PAGE 28

Sunday September 03, 2017

Kaieteur News

Full disclosure & the sugar saga By Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo Reacting to a hurricane of negative statements being made by the Opposition, a Coalition supporter advised me: “Don’t worry wid dem, PM. They speaking wid forked tongue!” When a person is accused of speaking with a forked tongue, that person is said to be hypocritical, duplicitous and misleading. Statements made by that person would generally be riddled with half-truths, direct falsehoods and deliberate distortions of fact. It becomes really hard to believe anything said by a person who is known to “speak with a forked tongue”. FULL DISCLOSURE For instance, the leader of the opposition declared that Guyana will be “worse off” when production of oil and gas begins. He has so many ulterior motives at this point that this statement becomes a prime example of speaking with a “forked tongue”. The reality is that Guyana’s prospects for becoming a wealthy nation are high. It is everyone’s dream, everyone’s hope. The opposition leader, in his typical

gloom-and-doom fashion, has been trying to paint a nightmarish picture showing Guyanese walking around with begging bowls, or starving, even as oil flows. We prefer to believe that our people are smarter than he gives you credit for. Our Government is doggedly committed to transparency and has spent almost the entire two years of its life tapping into every possible technical source to derive a model framework to ensure that everyone benefits from our petroleum resources. Soon after the first big “find” was announced, my colleague Raphael Trotman, and I were doing the initial rounds in Mexico seeking assistance to craft the legal framework and to train Guyanese in Petroleum Engineering. A lot has been done since then to strengthen our legal framework to deal with possible corruption and to build partnerships towards environmentally safe exploration and production. Our Government has partnered with an international multi-stakeholder movement that plays a watch-dog role to ensure there is accountability and transparency in all of our extractive industries. We have explained the need to build institutions and systems that would steer Guyana away from the pitfalls that have turned the oil sec-

tor in some countries into some form of the “resource curse.” We have good reason to believe that life in Guyana will improve once we start to pump oil and channel gas into homes and factories. But we have to make room for the ‘spirit crushers’ in our midst who would rather hand over a channel in the Atlantic that leads straight to OUR hydrocarbon deposits to our greedy neighbour. The opposition leader also claims that the 2% royalty from Exxon is a ripoff. But, Mr. Forked Tongue still has not told his listeners that his PPP government had negotiated a one half of one per cent (0.05%) royalty during his presidency! Now he screams that Government must publish the ExxonMobil contract, the same one that he had negotiated in 1999. Did he publish it then? Perhaps there were legal impediments and clauses. Could one impediment have been the amendments to the Petroleum Act which were introduced in 1997 by the Janet Jagan government that placed restrictions on disclosure of information? Surely, he should tell the whole story, and truthfully. THE SUGAR SAGA True to character, the PPP has stirred up a hurricane of

protests in the sugar belt. They are wagging the same old forked tongue and telling their supporters that: (a) the Coalition government is about to shut down the entire sugar industry, and (b) they could return the industry to profitability as is. The PPP continues to refuse to acknowledge recommendations to contain the freefall of the industry, but despite their recalcitrance, we will say it once again: The sugar industry is not being closed down. It does require a very involved process to be saved e.g. mergers of operations, divestment and diversification, and for workers’ jobs to be protected. This industry is in deep crisis. Those who are today speaking with forked tongues themselves presided over the bankruptcy of this industry. They left it with a debt tag of $85B. The industry is on a life-line that is feeding on subsidies and bailouts to the tune of $32 billion in the last 2-plus years. The many years of willful neglect, political interference, corruption, misappropriation of taxpayers’ money and borrowed funds, square pegs in round managerial holes, and jobs for ‘the boys’, have placed GuySuCo in such a state of failure that full recovery requires a miracle. Sugar workers can thank Jagdeo and Ramotar for that! Mr. Jagdeo had pumped

$47B into the Skeldon factory, Guyana’s notorious white elephant. On June 9 last, a post mortem revealed that this factory was very defective at the time the contractors handed it over without any international certification. One critical part of the factory, the cogeneration plant, had serious safety and design flaws. The study stated that it would cost US$17M (G$3.4 billion) to fix the numerous defects. That forked tongue of Jagdeo’s has not admitted that sugar factory closures and mergers of estates began long before 2015. Also, lands that should have been given to sugar workers, or ceded to the proposed “other crops” division as specified in the turn-around plans of the 1990s, were gifted to his friends and cronies, and workers were left exposed and vulnerable. Yet we still hear the forked tongue telling the same sugar workers that the PPP could save sugar! TERM LIMIT IS CONSTITUTIONAL Then there is this issue of a third Presidential term that Jagdeo still hangs on to. President Cheddi Jagan had championed limitation to two terms up to his passing in 1997. He died before Mr.

Ralph Ramkarran and I had finished crafting the document. Then in 1999, the year Jagdeo was made President, the party’s General Secretary submitted another proposal for constitutional review that limited presidential service to two consecutive terms. It was written into the reformed Constitution, but that did not stop Jagdeo from vilifying Ramkarran for allegedly “butchering his chance for a third term”. An attempt was made at the PPP’s 2008 Congress to promote a third term for him, but it was a damp squib. So, while he “salivates” for another whack at the presidency, according to one commentator, he must remember that the Constitution of Guyana specifies a two-term limit. In truth, his prediction of Guyana becoming worse off with oil could come true if, God forbid, he ever gets that third term.

Sunday September 03, 2017

PAGE 29

Kaieteur News

My column

The poem ‘Choice of Freedom’ came to mind A long time ago a dearly departed friend of mine, Ivan Forrester wrote a poem named ‘Choice of Freedom’. It read— ‘Free to rule or free to misrule; free to be master or master’s tool. Free to do right or free to blunder; free to unite or part asunder.’ Ivan Forester once worked at the hydrometeorology station in the Mazaruni. There he painted many glorious works, some of which adorn many walls. He also wrote many poems. He drank a tidy bit and when I was an Information Officer at Bartica he would visit my home. There he would regale me with

some of his poems. He also left me a piece of art on tentest that, sadly, is no longer around. His poem, Choice of Freedom, came to mind when I read about the shooting death of prison escapee, Uree Varswyck. He had been confined to prison awaiting trial for multiple murders, but before that he was a trained policeman. He was a member of the Tactical Services Unit and skilled in firearm use. He made his choice to be a criminal, perhaps to earn more money. But then again, he felt more inclined to kill people. From the time he went down that road he forsook his

freedom. That was no longer a choice. While in prison he made another choice—to escape. He reportedly shot and killed a warder during that escape bid. From the relative discomfort of the prison, he then chose a life of uncertainty and of hardship. While on the run, I am certain that he never enjoyed a peaceful night’s rest. That remained the case until he was cornered and killed. There were reports of him sleeping in an unfinished septic tank outfitted with mattress and other creature comforts. Late Thursday, he surrendered his choice to live. The same could be said for

his fellow prison escapee, Royden Williams, called Smallie. Every Guyanese has a choice. As a whole, the country has the choice to be well-off or to remain a poor and struggling. A few years ago, a major oil explorer discovered oil offshore and caused smiles to appear on our faces. Then sober minds decided that they would not merely look at a gift horse in the mouth. Instead, they decided to investigate whether they were actually being presented with a Trojan horse. A lot has been said about the oil explorer, ExxonMobil. There have been examina-

tions of its past performances, which have revealed some unsavoury things. These revelations were intended to let Guyana become aware of the pitfalls but sadly, many see the exposes as unwanted criticisms. There is an old saying, “Better to be safe than sorry.” Indeed, had it not been for ExxonMobil, Guyana would not have been aware of its oil deposits. Many had drilled and came up empty, but ExxonMobil with its superior technology, went to depths unheard of. Now some Guyanese are of the view that before being shafted, it is better to allow the oil to remain

Adam Harris where it is. From my vantage point in life, this is an unfortunate position. Ivan Forrester’s ‘free to do right or free to blunder’ comes readily to mind. (to be continued)

PAGE 30

Sunday September 03, 2017

Kaieteur News

The Indigenous condition By H.E. David Granger The United Nations General Assembly, ten years ago on Thursday 13th September 2007, adopted the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). The ‘Declaration’ recognises the right of indigenous peoples “…to belong to an indigenous community”. It is in their own communities that indigenous peoples will be better able to practice, preserve and promote their distinct way of life. Guyana possesses 212 indigenous villages and communities which are widely dispersed across the country with a population of almost 80,000 persons or 10 per cent of the population. The indigenous people have rights to about 30,000 km2 or about 14 per cent of the national territory. It is no easy task to administer so many communities over such a vast area from Arau to Orealla and from Morawhanna to Masekenyari. Many communities are isolated and separated by long distances from the main administrative centres in the regions in which they are located. Communications and transportation are difficult. This situation presents challenges to finding solutions to the myriad problems which confront indigenous communities.

The Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, therefore, would be a meaningless scrap of paper if the State did not take account of the quality of life within indigenous communities. The State must aim at improving the situation of indigenous people – as members of their communities and as citizens of this country. The National Toshaos’ Council (NTC), under the Amerindian Act, is responsible for promoting good governance and for the preparation of plans for improving the quality of life of indigenous communities. The Council must do so. It must strive, continuously, to improve the social and economic conditions of their communities. It was in an effort to solve the real problems facing the communities that I proposed a ten-point Plan of Action for Hinterland Development in my address to this Council, on the 28th of August, 2015. It was in an effort to solve the real problems facing the communities that I proposed the establishment of a five-member National Indigenous People’s Authority (NIPA) to ensure faster implementation of decisions of the NTC and other agencies in my address to this Council on the 22nd of August, 2016. It is now one year since.

You will recall that the NIPA was aimed at ensuring that adequate administrative expertise and organizational structures were available to support improvements in the indigenous people’s quality of life. The Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and together with the National Toshaos’ Council have an obligation to work together towards improvement in the economic and social conditions of indigenous communities in several ways: In education, we must work together to improve the standard of education, in terms of access, attendance and achievement, especially at the pri-

mary and secondary levels, in hinterland communities. Indigenous communities must not be left behind. I have personally visited Annai, Bartica, Cabacaburi, Kumaka, Kwakwani, Mabaruma, Whyaka-Mainstay, and my wife has visited other communities, to hand over boats, buses or bicycles. We h a v e a d o p t e d t h e motto: “Every child in school” to ensure that every child can get to school. In economic development, we must work together to create jobs for our young people in their communities and reduce poverty and unemployment. The Hinterland Employment Youth Service (HEYS) and the Youth Entrepreneurship and Skills Training (YEST) programme

have been working to help young people to become selfemployed. Communities in the Rupununi, Potaro-Siparuni and Barima-Waini are embarking on agro-processing and adding value to their natural resources and farm produce. We must promote small- and medium-scale industries within communities to provide work and generate wealth for our women and youth. In the environment, we must work together to reduce environmental hazards, water contamination and land degradation that causes floods. Swollen rivers recently inundated communities in Cuyuni-Mazaruni, Potaro-Siparuni and Rupununi regions, causing destruction and discomfort. We must work together to prevent pollution of our rivers. These rivers are used by our communities for cooking, cleaning, drinking and washing. Pollution caused by reckless mining and logging threatens the lives and livelihoods of communities. In social protection, we must work together to reduce the incidence of alcoholism, incest, murder, non-communicable diseases, peopletrafficking, prostitution, substance abuse, teenage pregnancy and suicide within certain communities. One community, tragically, has had an average of seven suicides per year over the past decade. Anti-social behaviour under-

mines the cultural fabric of communities and lowers everyone’s quality of life. We must work together, also, to protect our hinterland and border communities, from the threat of transnational criminal syndicates. Instability on our borders can generate agents of violence and death who can entice our young people into criminality and inflict harm on our citizens. The Government of Guyana cannot ignore the everyday living conditions of our hinterland communities. The Government will continue to work through the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs to solve the persistent problem of hinterland underdevelopment. This Council, also, must be concerned about the economic and social problems which undermine the quality of life within some communities. I said last year that the National Toshaos’ Conference was not a ‘talk shop’. It is a workshop. It is a forum for planning and problemsolving. It is a platform for performance. It is a means to strengthen the administration and to advance the social and economic development of villages and regions. I urge the Council to adopt the administrative measures needed to improve the quality of life of our indigenous peoples. I assure the Council of my administration’s support to provide a good life for the indigenous people.

Sunday September 03, 2017

PAGE 31

Kaieteur News

Gastrointestinal bleeding: Internal bleeding that can be deadly By Dr Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is a very common cause of Hospitalization worldwide. Symptoms can be life-threatening when not treated quickly. While the symptoms of GI bleeding are themselves dangerous, it is also a sign of a more serious condition. For patients with signs of gastrointestinal bleeding, it’s important to know as much as possible and to seek medical treatment immediately. Today we will shed some light on this potentially deadly condition so that you can help to detect it earlier and prevent its progression. WHAT IS A GI BLEED? “GI” stands for “gastrointestinal.” “GI system” (or “GI tract”) is the medical term for all the organs in your body that process food. The GI system includes your: - Esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth to

your stomach) - Stomach - Small intestine (also known as the small bowel) - Large intestine (also known as colon or large bowel) A GI bleed is when any of these organs start to bleed. Often you do not know you are bleeding, because it’s happening inside your body. But sometimes there are signs that it is happening. There are two common types of GI bleeds. “Upper GI bleeds” affect the esophagus, the stomach, and the first part of the small intestine. “Lower GI bleeds” affect the colon. WHATARE THE SYMPTOMS OFA GI BLEED? The symptoms are a bit different depending on whether you have an upper or lower GI bleed. Some people have no symptoms. They find out they have bleeding when a doctor does a rectal (anal) exam on them or a blood test shows they have anemia. (Anemia is

when a person has too few red blood cells.) The symptoms of an upper GI bleed can include: - Vomiting blood or something that looks like coffee grounds - Diarrhea or bowel movements that look like black tar (this can happen with lower GI bleeds, too, but it is less common). Sometimes your stool can be dark brown which may indicate a stomach bleed. The symptoms of a lower GI bleed can include: - Bowel movements that look bloody (this can happen with upper GI bleeds, too, but it is less common) Symptoms that can happen with either an upper or lower GI bleed include: - Feeling weak, lightheaded, or woozy (especially if you lose a lot of blood) - A racing heartbeat (if you lose a lot of blood) - Cramps or belly pain - Diarrhea - Pale skin WHAT CAN CAUSE A GI BLEED?

The most common causes of GI bleeds include: - Ulcers in the stomach or small intestines (ulcers are sores on the lining of the GI tract) - Swollen veins in the esophagus called “varices” % Abnormal blood vessels called “arteriovenous malformations” (or AVMs, for short) - Diverticulosis (a condition in which tiny pouches form in the lining of the gut) - Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis (conditions that can cause sores to form in the lining of the gut) - Hemorrhoids, which are swollen veins in the rectum (the lower part of the colon), or tears around the anus - Cancer (rarely) IS THERE A TEST FOR A GI BLEED? Yes. If your doctor suspects you have a GI bleed, he or she will order one or more of these tests: - Blood tests to: • See if you have enough red blood cells (the cells that

carry oxygen) • See if your blood is clotting normally • See if your liver is working normally - An upper endoscopy – For this test, a doctor gives you medicine to make you sleepy and relaxed. Then he or she puts a thin tube called an endoscope in your mouth and down your throat. The tube has a light on the end and a camera that sends images of your GI tract to a TV screen. If the doctor sees any spots that are bleeding, he or she can use tools that go through the endoscope to help stop the bleeding. - A colonoscopy – This test is similar to an upper endoscopy, but it involves going in through the rectum. - Imaging tests that involve putting a dye or weakly radioactive chemical into the blood so that doctors can trace where the blood goes. HOW IS A GI BLEED TREATED? Depending on how much blood you have lost and what

Dr. Zulfikar Bux seems to be causing your bleeding, you might get one or more of these treatments: % Oxygen through a mask or a tube that sits under your nose - Blood or fluids into one of your veins (to replace blood you lost) - Medicines to reduce stomach acid - Medicines to help clean out and empty your gut (so that doctors can see clearly what is happening inside) - Antibiotics - A small tube that goes up your nose and down your throat so doctors can rinse out your stomach

PAGE 32

Kaieteur News

SUNDAY CHINESE LOGGER, LOCAL SAWMILLERS AWARDED HALF OF BARAMA’S CONCESSIONS Following Barama Company Limited’s relinquishing of its 1.6 million hectare forest concession in October 2016, the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) has awarded two lots totaling over 800,000 hectares of that concession to R.L. Sukhram and Sons Sawmill and Rong-An Inc. According to the Ministry of Natural Resources Saturday, along with the GFC, it has taken the decision to divide the former Barama Company Limited concession into four parcels, each of approximately 400,000 hectares. The Ministry advertised two of those parcels as State Forest Exploratory Permits, which meant that there is a three-year process of assessment prior to commercial full scale harvesting. The third parcel was identified

for conservation and research, while the fourth was identified for small concession allocation of areas 20,000 acres and less. Parcel 1 is a forest area of size 417,809.23 hectares and is located in the Essequibo region (North West, Mazaruni Potaro District). Parcel 2 is a forest area of size 432,262.59 hectares and is located in the Essequibo region (North West, Mazaruni Potaro District). The concessions are located in Northwest Guyana in Region 1 in the Barima-Waini, and Region 7 in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni sub-regions. The concession areas both have a high occurrence of a number of high-value commercial timber species, including Baromalli, Greenheart, Purpleheart, Mora, Wallaba, Crabwood and Kabukalli, among others. Parcels 1 and 2 were opened for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for the period ending February 10, 2017. These were advertised in the local media as well as in the interna-

tional publications ‘Development Business’ and ‘The Economist’ and placed on several websites. Ten submissions were made at this deadline, some for both parcels while others were for one or the other. These firms were invited to submit State Forest Exploratory Permit (SFEP) applications, pay the non-refundable fee, and complete a Business Plan Summary by April 28, 2017. At the deadline of April 28, 2017, five applications were received from the following entities: • Chemtech (Trinidadian firm) for Parcel 1 • R.L. Sukhram and Sons Sawmill for Parcel 2 • Rong-An Inc. for both Parcels 1 and 2 • Forlene and Sons for Parcel 2 • ACE Resources (Canadian firm) for both parcels Following the receipt of applications, the Technical Sub Committee of the GFC Board of Directors conducted a full review of each application. The review of the Tech-

Sunday September 03, 2017

nical Sub Committee concluded that Parcel 1 should be issued to Rong-An Inc., and for Parcel 2 to be issued to R.L. Sukhram and Sons Sawmill for a three-year period commencing July 2017 to July 2020. MONDAY PILOT DIES IN PLANE CRASH NEAR KAIETEUR FALLS GORGE An Air Services Limited (ASL) pilot died early Sunday when the Cessna 206 aircraft he was flying between Chi-Chi and Mahdia, Region Eight went down in thick vegetation, in the vicinity of the Kaieteur Falls gorge. Captain Imran Khan was shuttling between the two villages and was scheduled to land at Mahdia at 08:47 hrs when the accident occurred. His body has been located by ranks from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and will be brought to the city today.

Director of Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Egbert Field said that at 09:08 hrs Sunday, the emergency locator signal from the aircraft, bearing registration number, 8R-GFM ASL was picked up. He noted that just after lunch, an aircraft, looking for the crash site, spotted the wreckage and a Search and Rescue Team from the GDF was deployed to the area where they later confirmed that the pilot had died. Khan, who was flying solo, had been working with ASL for a number of years and flew between ChiChi and Mahdia almost daily. The Accident and Emergency Unit of the GCAA will head to the scene today to begin their investigation. Just last month, Roraima Airways’ Chief pilot, Captain Collin Martin died when the BrittenNorman Islander aircraft he was attempting to land at the Eteringbang airstrip, nose-dived into thick vegetation, a short distance from (Continued on page 33)

Sunday September 03, 2017

Kaieteur News

(From page 32) the runway. The 40-year-old pilot, who was at the time, flying solo was shutting fuel for miners when his plane crashed. The investigation into that accident is currently ongoing and the engine from the plane should be leaving Guyana soon to go to its manufacturer to determine whether it contributed to the fatal crash. Early this month, Captain Dominic Waddell of Wing’s Aviation survived a plane crash at Eteringbang; just days after Martin lost his life. He was on a shuttling mission in the area when his plane went down. TRIPS MADE BY EXXONMOBIL, GOVT. OFFICIALS INCLUDED IN COST RECOVERY Money used to foot bills for luxury hotels, first class plane tickets and exquisite meals will form part the ‘cost’ to produce oil in Guyana. That cost is to be recovered by ExxonMobil before the oil giant declares profits. Guyana and ExxonMobil have entered into a Production Sharing Agreement (PSA). In such an agreement, ‘Cost Oil’ is accounted for before ‘Profit Oil’ can be assessed. ‘Cost oil’ refers to the moneys or expenses to be deducted annually to recover defined costs. ‘Profit Oil’, is the amount of money to be split between the operator and the Government after expenses have been deducted. There is already concern about the Government’s ability to verify the expenses ExxonMobil may say it incurred to produce the oil. PSAs usually detail what can be accounted for in cost recovery. Across the board, equipment to be used for drilling, seismic surveys and workforce is covered in cost oil. The more items that the government agrees can be accounted for in cost oil will result in a higher bill. The higher the expenses, the lesser the profits w i l l b e f o r Guyana to collect. There have been cases around the world of companies padding the bill for cost oil in order to secure higher profits for themselves. Recently, Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson explained the extent to which cost recovery goes for Guyana. Patterson is a member of the Cabinet sub-committee that has been appointed to look at all matters relating to oil and gas. This committee is referred to as the quintet plus one, and also comprises Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin, Minister of Finance, Winston Jor-

dan and Advisor to the President on oil and gas, Dr. Jan Mangal. The quintet plus one recently w e n t t o Te x a s . Patterson said that the trip was to get an update on the progress being made by ExxonMobil. He explained that updates are given every two to three months. For this reason, a team from ExxonMobil either comes from Texas to Guyana or a team of Ministers from Guyana goes to Texas. ”I can confirm to you that ExxonMobil paid for travelling and accommodation.” ”There are persons who may say that that (the trip) will influence us; but the reality is that it is (part of the) cost recovery.” ”If Exxon brings its entire team to Guyana, it goes in as cost recovery. If they send us and they pay, it all goes into cost recovery. That is how oil deals are done, whatever expense they incur it goes into c o s t r e c o v e r y. T h e r e f o r e , i f they come every two to three months (the price for) all of that will be in the cost recovery which is part of the con-

tract.” GOVT.’S EXCUSES LEAVE GUYANESE CONVINCED THAT EXXON HAS BOUGHT THEM OUT – EDGHILL “Every time the government makes an excuse to not release that contract, the people of Guyana are convinced further that ExxonMobil has bought them out. I’m serious. That is the view that is out there. Every time they make one of these unfounded and unsubstantiated statements to justify their actions, they are taking the Guyanese people for a ride…” Those were the words of Opposition Member and former Juni o r F i n a n c e M i n i s t e r, J u a n Edghill. The politician believes that if it is true as the Government purports, that Guyana is getting the best deal with the USA oil giant as compared to what obtains in other jurisdictions, then it should have no problem making it open to the public. Edghill said that the failure of the Government to release the contract to date raises a fundamental question, “Whose inter-

PAGE 33

est is the Government really serving? It is certainly not that of the people.” The Opposition Member stressed that the ExxonMobil contract is perhaps the most important agreement that Guyana would have entered into since its independence. He said that it is even the view of many Guyanese that there is not even any other investment in this country that is as significant and life-changing as this oil and gas deal. Edghill went further to state that when ExxonMobil was engaged under the PPP, there was an exploration agreement. ”It has found the oil and now we are into a production mode. So while you had a foreign company that was investing all the money and taking all the risk for the purposes of exploration, we have arrived at what I would call a watershed moment; where we are talking now about production, profit sharing and benefits to the nation.” Edghill emphasized that the future of every Guyanese is involved in whatever is signed off on that dotted lines of the contract. As such, he said that all Guyanese need to be aware of what are the terms and conditions in the contract. Edghill also said that both the Government and ExxonMobil should see it as a necessary action to make the contract public. ”The Government as the custodian of power should initiate this action; stop making excuses and stop seeking cover under the argument of secrecy clauses. If it is true that Guyana is getting the best deal as compared to what obtains in other jurisdictions, the Granger administration should be proud of it and let the whole world see it; let the whole world see that they have championed the cause of the Guyanese people with ExxonMobil.”

Sources said that Persaud sought explanations and was told by a senior official that based on legal advice, his contract had ended. The advice had reportedly come from the Chambers of the Attorney General. C o n t a c t e d M o n d a y, t h e Deputy CEO, who served in that position for three years, said he will not be commenting on the matter. ”I am not at liberty to discuss the matter, as I am talking to my lawyer, and we are exploring our legal options.” Legal sources are questioning the manner in which the official’s term ended. ”Mr. Persaud has an expectation that the contract would have been renewed, although you have clauses which could see either side deciding to end it. The way it was done…is not how things are supposed to be done,” a lawyer noted Monday.

TUESDAY PADLOCKED OFFICE GREETS GECOM DEPUTY CHIEF – TOLD CONTRACT HAS EXPIRED

DR. NORTON TAKES UP CULTURE, YOUTH AND SPORT – HENRY CONFIRMED AS EDUCATION MINISTER

As the impasse over the selection of a new chairperson for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) continues, there are reports now of another major issue. It involves Deputy Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Vishnu Persaud, who reportedly met new locks on his doors when he arrived to resume work last week Monday. Officials said that Persaud’s three-year contract with GECOM ended earlier this month. He reportedly returned on Monday, August 14, and worked until the weekend. Last week Monday, August 21, Persaud, who has been in the employ of GECOM since 2001, returned to work and met the locks to his office changed.

There are more responsibilities for Dr. George Norton, the former Minister of Health. President David Granger has announced that Dr. Norton, currently the Minister of Social Cohesion, will, as of September 1, assume responsibility for Cult u r e , Yo u t h a n d S p o r t . It was stated that this move will allow former acting Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry, to focus on improving the quality of and access to education countrywide. Henry has now been confirmed in that position, the Ministry of the Presidency announced M o n d a y. ”Dr. Norton will remain Minister of Social Cohesion at the (Continued on page 34)

GOV’T ORDERS MORE INSPECTIONS OF DOMESTIC AIRCRAFT, PILOTS In light of three recent plane crashes in the hinterland—two of which were fatal, the government has ordered the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to conduct frequent checks and inspections of domestic aircraft and its pilots. Minister of State, Joseph Harmon said that Director of the GCAA, Egbert Field, was asked for more inspections to be done on aircraft, the pilots and the facilities they use to ensure there is higher level of safety in these operations. On Sunday, Captain Imran Khan, an Air Services Limited (ASL) pilot, was killed when the Cessna 206 aircraft he was flying between Chi-Chi and Mahdia, Region Eight, went down in thick vegetation, in the vicinity of the Kaieteur Falls Gorge.

PAGE 34

(From page 33) Ministry of the Presidency, with the new addition to his portfolio. However, his office will now be housed at the Department of Culture, Youth and Sport on Main Street. This forms part of Government’s efforts to ensure the effective delivery of critical public services,” the ministry said. WEDNESDAY BANDIT SHOT DEAD, ACCOMPLICE TURNS UPAT HOSPITAL WITH GUNSHOT WOUNDS …AS BUSINESSWOMAN’S SECURITY ESCORT OPENS FIRE DURING BOTCHED ROBBERY A security escort came in for a lot of praise Tuesday when he shot and killed a bandit and wounded one of his two accomplices, when they tried to rob the woman he was escorting to Georgetown on the Liliendaal Railway Embankment Road, Greater Georgetown. The man was accompanying the 42-year-old businesswoman, who is a supervisor for Interior Flight Services, around 09:45 hrs. The woman had uplifted several packages, containing cash and gold from the Eugene F. Correia Interna-

Kaieteur News

tional Airport and was driving to the city with the bodyguard in the passenger’s seat of her motorcar, when they were confronted by two gunmen. Af t e r b e i n g p r e v i o u s l y robbed, the company took extra precaution and sent an escort with the woman. Kaieteur News was informed that the bandits confronted the duo in the vehicle and as they were fleeing with the valuables, the security opened fire, killing one of them. The dead bandit has been identified as 24-year-old ex-prison officer, Trydon Munroe of Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam. Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum confirmed that Munroe was dismissed from the Guyana Prison Service in March last for breaching the agency’s regulations. Munroe’s alleged accomplice, 23-year-old Mark Griffith of Sheet Anchor, East Canje, Berbice, managed to escape from the scene on foot, but turned up at the Georgetown Public Hospital an hour later with a gunshot wound to the chest. The driver of a getaway car managed to escape. Investigators found a .32 pistol with three live matching rounds next to Munroe’s lifeless body.

EXPOSURE OF PROCUREMENT FRAUD…GECOM CONTINUES TO WITHHOLD ADS FROM K/NEWS OVER PUBLISHED REPORTS Late last year, whistleblowers alerted the media of possible wrongdoing at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), with regards to the awards of several contracts to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars. Following investigations by Kaieteur News, utilizing multiple sources i n c l u d i n g G E C O M workers, accountants, sources at the National Procurement a n d Te n d e r A d m i n i s t r a t i o n Board (NPTAB), and others, it was discovered that hundreds of millions were indeed spent by the entity that manages general and local government elections, the distribution of ID cards, and voter education. Not only were the tenders not advertised in many cases, but there was clear fraud in the process, including the faking of quotations. At least one prominent supplier has denied that it ever issued a quotation that GECOM submitted to the NPTAB. In some cases, GECOM deliber-

Sunday September 03, 2017

ately split contracts, keeping it below the $15M ceiling, to keep it from being scrutinized by Cabinet. The reports saw state auditors descending on GECOM’s offices, carrying out months of investigations. Several red flags about the procurement procedures used by GECOM were raised by the Audit Office with the issue even appearing in reports. At least one audit report on the purchase of $100M in communications radios for the general elections of 2015 is nearing completion, with several alarming things found. The radios were never used, although the then Cabinet of Donald Ramotar was told that $100M in equipment had to be purchased to use in remote areas for the elections. Several other stories were published including the exorbitant price paid for Duracell batteries, pliers and even toners. GECOM was left with a large stock of toners and batteries. GECOM’s Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield, has refused to explain, saying he is awaiting the outcome of the state audit. GECOM’s Chief Accountant, Joseph Eastman, and Admin Manager, Michelle Ward, had also refused to take calls on how exactly taxpayers’ dollars were spent. GECOM’s Commission, led by former C h a i r m a n , D r. S t e v e Surujbally, had noted that procurement was handled by the entity’s secretariat, headed by Lowenfield. Weeks after those reports by Kaieteur News, it appeared that GECOM and its officials took a decision to punish Kaieteur News. It stopped the placement of ads. Rather, those ads ended up in other newspapers. In normal practice, government ministries and agencies would place ads in all the media houses or the ones with the biggest circulation. Kaieteur News is the newspaper with the largest circulation in the country.

THURSDAY FOLLOWING PLANE CRASHES… GCAA PLACES TEMPORARY BAN ON INTERIOR SHUTTLE FLIGHTS The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has instituted a temporary ban on all shuttle flights in Guyana’s interior locations. The ban came into effect Wednesday when it was announced by Director General of the GCAA, Retired Col. Egbert Field. The GCAA is the regulatory body of the aviation sector in Guyana. At a press conference Wednesday, Field explained that shuttling operations is the movement of cargo on an aircraft between two interior locations. He said that the decision to place a temporary ban on the activity followed a preliminary analysis done by himself and his team on the three recent plane accidents which took place on July 25, 2017, August 8, 2017 and August 27, 2017. Two of these accidents were fatal. GOVT. FACES MAJOR HURDLES IN REPOSSESSING BK/BAISHANLIN LANDS BANK APPOINTS RECEIVER; 100 ACRES UP FOR SALE AT PROVIDENCE A move by the administration to repossess prime lands at Providence, East Bank Demerara, that were in the control of Chineseowned BaiShanLin, is now in jeopardy, facing even more delays. This is because the 100-acres property, owned by Sunset Lakes Inc., located behind the Providence stadium, is now in receivership and is being advertised for sale. The land had been sold in 2014 by Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) to businessman/ contractor Brian Tiwarie for development into a gated community. However, eight weeks after securing the lands from CH&PA for US$2.2M (approximately $440M), (Continued on page 35)

Sunday September 03, 2017

(From page 34) Tiwarie, who owned Sunset Lakes, turned around and flipped the company to BaiShanLin for US$8M ($1.6B). BaiShanLin is a Chinese investor that ran into trouble over its operations here and had its forest lands taken away by the Coalition Government. BaiShanLin, now facing financial problems, was unable to pay Tiwarie the US$8M it promised and early last year, the businessman took BaiShanLin to court, asking for his balance of US$4M. Tiwarie also demanded back his company Sunset Lakes and wanted the court to forfeit the US$4M that BaiShanLin had advanced him. On the lands currently, BaiShanLin had started to build a number of luxury homes, announcing prices upwards of $50M. However, all that remains now is the fence and ghostly, unfinished properties. There has been little works in the last two years. BaiShanLin and its principal, Chu Hongbo, now a Guyanese citizen, is now reportedly concentrating on gold mining. On Wednesday, in a full page advertisement in Kaieteur News, the Receiver/Manager, accountant Nigel Hinds, announced that he was inviting tenders for local and foreign parties interested in purchasing the 100 acres, either entirely or less. Hinds was reportedly appointed Receiver/Manager after BaiShanLin defaulted in loans it took from a local bank. It was stated that the land is ideal for residential purposes and located less than a mile from the Providence stadium. Hinds said that while tenders are to be evaluated primarily on price, additional consideration will be paid to the development plans submitted, as well as the capacity of the developer. FRIDAY PADLOCKED DOOR OF GECOM DEPUTY CHIEF…COMMISSIONERS SAY SECRETARIAT ERRED IN HANDLING MATTER Two sitting members of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) believe that the decision to change the locks of the doors of the Deputy Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Vishnu Persaud, should never have happened. According to Bibi Shadick, the decision to hire or not renew contracts of senior officials is clearly one for the six-member Commission. The problem is that there is no chairperson, following the retirement of Dr. Steve Surujbally earlier this year. Surujbally had been there for over a decade. As such, there have also been no meetings with commissioners. Echoing Shadick Thursday was Commissioner Robeson Benn. Both represent the Opposition on the Commission. The comments came after it was learnt that Persaud returned from

Kaieteur News

PAGE 35

nancing of Terrorism Regulations.” GRA’s Commissioner-General, Godfrey Statia, said that in the new arrangements, any payments exceeding $2M should be made via cheques or other electronic payment options. The measures would not come as a surprise, as several financial agencies are introducing tougher systems to ensure dirty money does not pollute the system. PRESIDENT RECEIVES COI REPORT ONALLEGED ASSASSINATION PLOT – SAYS INQUIRY INSTRUMENTALIN IDENTIFYING WEAKNESSES IN SYSTEMS

leave mid last month and worked for an entire week. He returned to work again on August 21 and met the locks changed. He was told by officials of the GECOM secretariat that his contract had expired. Persaud had been there since 2001 and after the current Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield, is the most powerful person in GECOM. According to Shadick, a former minister and parliamentarian, when the Commission meets, it is to discuss and give directions to the secretariat, headed by Lowenfield. ”That has not happened. Lots of things are happening at GECOM that should not be happening. Shadick pointed out that although there is no chairperson and GECOM is an autonomous body, its secretariat can’t make certain decisions without approval from the Commissioners. ”I suppose decisions are being made with approval from somewhere else.” According to Commissioner Benn, the issue of Persaud’s departure is a deeply troubling one. ”I expect the others to be concerned as well, since the employment of the senior officials of secretariat is a matter of the Commission. We have not been consulted; we have seen a couple of emails.” Benn said that commissioners should be regularly updated about GECOM’s work. LAUNDERING CLAMPDOWN: GRA HALTS CASH TRANSACTIONS OVER $2M The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is tightening up on money laundering, on Thursday announcing that it is halting all cash transactions over $2M at its offices. The measure is being introduced to also reduce the security risk, GRA announced. In a notice on social media, the tax collection agency explained that the decision has to do with security as well as tough new anti-money laundering laws. ”This decision has been taken both in context of the security risk such cash transactions pose on both the agency and the public, as well as Section 12 (3) of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Fi-

President David Granger on Thursday said that it is in the national interest that the Office of the President be protected, regardless of who is in power, adding that the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the alleged assassination plot of the Head of State is aimed at identifying the weaknesses and deficiencies, which may exist that can compromise the safety of the sitting President and his family. Mr. Granger made these remarks after receiving the Report of the COI from Head of the Commission, Mr. Paul Slowe at State House. He noted that these Commissions of Inquiry are important, since they help to uncover the truth and to correct malpractice and abuses in the system. ”I think the Office of the President is one that should enjoy the protection of the security services, and any reports of threats or any risks to the President’s life or immediate relatives of the President, such as the First Lady or the President’s children, deserve to be properly and thoroughly investigated. It is about ensuring that the President is safe and if there are any threats to that safety then it should be investigated,” he said.

SATURDAY ESCAPEE UREE VARSWYCK SHOT DEAD …IN HIDEOUT NEARAMELIA’S WARD POLICE OUTPOST BARTICA MASSACRE KILLER SLIPS CORDON The long manhunt for prison escapee Uree Varswyck ended just before midnight on Thursday, when he was shot and killed during a gun battle with armed forces at an Amelia’s Ward, Linden premises - a shack located just 15 houses from the Linden Police Outpost. But Bartica massacre killer, Royden Williams, called “Smallie,” who was at the same shack, managed to escape. Dressed in camouflage vest and

a pair of military boots, Varswyck, a former Tactical Services Unit Trainer, engaged the joint forces in a shootout which ended in his death. Varswyck had reportedly vowed never to be taken alive. The other escapee, Royden Williams, escaped on foot, but Acting Divisional Commander, Anthony Vanderhyden expressed confidence that he would be captured soon. Vanderhyden said that the joint forces received information that the two Camp Street Prison escapees were hiding out at Lot 5118 Amelia’s Ward and as such, they responded. Vanderhyden said that when the ranks arrived at the scene, the fugitives immediately started shooting at them, causing the joint (Continued on page 36)

PAGE 36

(From page 35) services ranks to return fire killing the 28-year-old Varswyck, a father of five. A 9mm pistol, 40 live rounds, a haversack, a cloth bag containing medication, a gas mask, military camouflage clothing, toiletries and a cellular phone along with food items were found in the shack in which the suspects were being harboured. An ex-policeman and the owner of the property were arrested for harbouring the two high profile criminals. EX-CON BURIES NIECE ALIVE IN SHALLOW GRAVE - AFTER RIPPING OFF GOLD EARRINGS, FLINGING TODDLER THROUGH WINDOW An 18-month-old girl was flung out of a window and then buried alive by her ex-convict uncle, who then covered the shallow grave with several pieces of wood to hide his tracks early Friday morning. The horrific series of actions took place after 20-year-old Sherwyn Roberts, who was recently released from prison, broke into his brother’s Lot 98 North Sophia, Georgetown home and savagely ripped a pair of

Kaieteur News

gold earrings from the toddler’s ears. He was arrested at his ‘B’ Field Sophia home shortly after the incident. The suspect has since confessed to ranks at the Prashad Nagar Police Station. He even revisited the scene and explained what he did in detail. Roberts did not, however, provide any reason for his action. In fact, the only thing he told the ranks was that he was “high on weed”. The dead infant is Ronasha Pilgrim. Her body was pulled from the three feet deep muddy grave approximately an hour after it was buried there—around 04:00 hrs. The grave was located just below the window through which the suspect had flung her. Little Ronasha and her two older brothers—12-year-old Ryan and 10year-old Ron Junior—were at home in their one-bedroom shack when their uncle gained entry to their home by breaking a louvre window in the bedroom. The children’s father, Ron Pilgrim, who works as a maintenance worker in the day and security at night, was at the time guarding someone’s property when his children were attacked by his younger brother, whom he described as a “bandit.”

COUPLE KILLEDAFTER MOTORBIKE SLAMS INTO CAR A Thursday night ‘hang’ at Plaisance line top, East Coast Demerara turned out to be deadly for a former policeman and his girlfriend, after the motorcycle on which they were travelling, collided with a motorcar early Friday morning at Cummings Lodge Railway Embankment, Greater Georgetown. Dead are 38-year-old Malcolm Ross also known as “Shabba”, and Jewel Pestano, 20, of 99 Bel Air Street, Albouystown, Georgetown. Kaieteur News understands that Ross died on the spot. His girlfriend succumbed while undergoing treatment at the Georgetown Public Hospital. Reports indicate that Ross and his girlfriend, who was the pillion rider, were proceeding west along the Railway Embankment on motorcycle CE 9653 at around 02:30hrs yesterday. Ross was reportedly travelling at a fast rate when he lost control of the motorcycle and collided with a Toyota Spacio HC 4097 which was heading in the opposite direction. The driver of the motorcar was reportedly tested and found to be above the legal alcohol limit. He is in police custody assisting with in-

Sunday September 03, 2017

vestigations. Kaieteur News understands that Ross and Pestano sustained severe injuries to their faces. Ross’s wrists and feet were broken. Pestano suffered a broken hip and had two holes in her feet. A relative of Pestano said that she only moved to Albouystown about four months ago after developing a relationship with Ross, who was a security officer at GEB. She said that Pestano celebrated her 20th birthday last week and was waiting to be enlisted in the Guyana Police Force (GPF). According to the relative, a family member contacted her early yesterday morning via phone and informed her about the accident. She said that when she rushed to the hospital, Pestano’s body had already been taken to the mortuary. SABOTAGE SUSPECTED AS TV STATION TOWER CRASHES DOWN

A television station is now offair after its tower came crashing down early Friday morning. The management and staffers of MTV Channel 14/Cable 65 believe that the incident is sabotage, with the police now investigating. Accor d i ng to Raymond Singh, General Manager of the privately-owned channel, a nipper was found attached to one of the three guide lines that anchor the tower down. The incident occurred in broad daylight along the Eccles dumpsite road, East Bank Demerara. Singh said that all stops would be pulled out to ensure that the station restarts its broadcasts again as early as Monday, although capacity would not be full. This is until repairs can be carried out and the tower anchored back into position. Singh said that approximately, 00:10hrs, he received a call that the antenna had come crashing down. He arrived to see pieces of the tower on the guard hut and a shed in the neighbouring compound that houses a printery. There was damage to the roof of the studio. The officials said that it appeared that the guide wire was deliberately cut. “They were pulling the wire and it was stuck, and on investigating, found that a nipper was attached.” The GM said he and other officials immediately made a report to the Providence Police Station. Station officials said that they are offering a $1M reward for information leading to the perpetrators of the act.

Sunday September 03, 2017

Kaieteur News

Ministry to mark World Suicide Prevention Day with ‘Free’ Concert

World Suicide Prevention Day will be observed on September 10 under the theme ‘Mental Health is we Business: Take a minute and Let’s Talk’. To mark the day, the Mental Health Unit of the Ministry of Public Health will be hosting a concert at the Seawall Bandstand starting from 16:00 hours [4pm] to 19:00 [7pm]. Admission to the event, according to information out of the Public Health Ministry, is free. Various local artistes, including those associated with the radio series Merundoi, Jazz and Poetry on a Stool and Ruth English [PAHO Contestant Winner], among others, will be featured. Using this year’s theme and the concert, the Mental Health Unit will be challenging the stigma attached to the disease of mental illnesses to help promote positive changes in the way Guyanese treat persons suffering with these disorders. World Suicide Prevention Day observed annually on September 10 is intended to highlight the global commitment and action to prevent suicide around the world. The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) collaborates with the World

Health Organization [WHO] and the World Federation for Mental Health [WFMH], to host World Suicide Prevention Day. The World Health Organization estimates that over 800,000 people die by suicide each year – that’s one person every 40 seconds. Although Guyana was once viewed as the suicide capital of the world, that state of affairs has since changed. According to a 2012 WHO report, Guyana had a recorded suicide rate of 44.2 per 100,000 people. Added to this, the report revealed that for every single female suicide, there were 3.2 male suicides. According to Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation [PAHO/WHO] Resident Representative, Dr. William Adu-Krow, while in 2012 Guyana had that disturbing suicide rate, the figures have since suggested a massive decline of 20.6 per 100,000 people. “I just want to say that a lot of things are happening and sometimes people dwell on the negatives all the time. Granted that we are not off that list but we are getting off that list,” the PAHO/WHO Representative had asserted recently. As part of its efforts to help low and middle income

countries, including Guyana, combat the scourge of suicide, WHO developed the Mental Health Gap Action Programme [mhGAP] which is aimed at scaling up services for people with mental, neurological and substance use disorders. According to Director of the Ministry of Public Health Mental Health Unit, Dr. Util Richmond-Thomas, the public health sector has been making considerable strides to expand its mental health services. As part of the efforts in this regard is a plan to ensure that mental health services are offered on a national scale. Those who are desirous of seeking further information about the Public Health Ministry’s Mental Health programme can do so by contacting its Mental Health Unit on telephone numbers: 226-1402 or 226-1405.

PAGE 45

PAGE 46

Kaieteur News

Sunday September 03, 2017

Sunday September 03, 2017

Kaieteur News

PAGE 47

PAGE 48

Kaieteur News

Sunday September 03, 2017

Sunday September 03, 2017

PAGE 49

Kaieteur News

Guyana’s increasing vulnerability to obesity …

Deputy CMO warns against use of genetically modified foods Guyana’s population is slowly being overtaken by a high number of obese people. This is the view of Deputy Chief Medical Officer, (DCMO) Dr Karen Boyle. At a recent meeting, Dr Boyle highlighted information related to the practice of people of the Americas, in purchasing genetically modified foods and vegetables. She noted that foods purchased at farmers’ markets are more expensive than those purchased at regular locations. Farmers’ markets are usually located in affluent areas whereby depressed communities would see persons purchase foods from those regular locations. According to her the foods found in the latter are the ones which have been genetically modified to look good, hence they are bigger and seem to last longer. This is so because of the different chemicals that would have been added. She explained that the foods

which are much cheaper are sold in the poorer environments and are very unhealthy. “Guyana is fast adapting the lifestyle of the West and not learning from their mistakes. Chronic diseases are the top five causes of death in Guyana and the treatment of them consume 70% of the treatment project. What this means then, is that persons who are living in poorer environments are far more likely to have an unhealthy diet, they are far more likely to be unhealthy, similarly in the poorer neighbourhoods, at almost every corner you are going to find a fast food restaurant,” according to Dr. Boyle. She explained, “These foods are usually tasty, they are usually cheaper. For the women coming from those areas, it is not uncommon for a woman to have two to three jobs to sustain and feed her family. When she is finished working these jobs and

comes home, food that is fast and that the children would not reject becomes necessary. It is then that business storms in at fast food locations”. She compared this type of lifestyle to those who live in the more affluent areas, pointing out that they would dine at prestigious restaurants which would offer meals for those seeking a balanced diet, hence being healthier. A walk through depressed locations would reflect a community of obese and unhealthy people according to her. She said that it is the goal of the Public Health Ministry for our country to not become like this, and she hopes that the ongoing sensitization would make a difference. The official took time to expound on the many hormones which are injected into cows as well. “Hormones which are injected under the skin of cows help them to produce more milk but expose the cow to health issues caused by engorged breasts, resulting in cracked nipples. The cows

are eventually administered anti-bacteria which humans consume unconsciously.” This, Dr Boyle explained, develops “resistance in humans”, which causes the anti-bacteria that people consume to not work. In the meeting, natural sweeteners were advised, since foods that are high in sugar cause blood sugar levels to spike and at the same time cause insulin to spike so as to “take care of that extra sugar”. It was explained that insulin causes blood sugar levels to plummet while the insulin remains, resulting in hunger. The doctor noted that she is isn’t suggesting consumers not use these foods, but rather to be cautious when consuming. Labeling of goods, she said, has to be simpler so as to enable all backgrounds of people to understand what they are consuming. “The World Health Organization (WHO) has

Deputy CMO, Dr Karen Boyle delivering remarks endorsed a traffic light system of labeling foods which is a simple code that allows the consumer, with little time and least education to be fully equipped to understand and determine which foods are high in salt, which foods are high in sugar or corn syrup.” The new initiative will

have green, red and yellow. The red label may suggest that the food is high in fat, sugar or salts, yellow suggests medium quantity, and green means it is low in these additives. She stated that the Ministry of Public Health is advocating for this initiative to be applied here in Guyana.

PAGE 50

What Teen Girls Should Eat to Reduce Breast Cancer Risk

Fruits and vegetables are staples in a healthy diet, and that includes one aimed at preventing cancer. Many studies have documented the lower risk of various cancers among people who eat more fresh produce, and avoid things like red and processed meat. But the majority of those studies have focused on adults, and it’s becoming clear that many of cancer ’s drivers start early in life, with genes and e v e n with childhood exposures to potential carcinogens. To investigate this further, Maryam Farvid, a research associate at Massachusetts General Hospital and a visiting scientist at the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, and her colleagues decided to study how diet during adolescence might affect cancer risk. In a study reported in the BMJ, they plumbed the Nurses’ Health Study, a massive survey of nurses who filled out questionnaires on their diet and were followed for various health outcomes, including cancer. About half of the 90,000 women who participated in the Nurses’ Health Study also answered questions about their typical diet while they were teens. Those who reported eating nearly three servings of fruit a day on average had a 25 percent lower risk of

Sunday September 03, 2017

Kaieteur News

developing breast cancer than those who ate half a serving of fruit. Certain fruits seemed to confer the biggest protection against breast cancer — apples, bananas and grapes were associated with the greatest reduction in risk while kale and oranges in adulthood also contributed to reduced breast cancer risk. Farvid says that apples, bananas and grapes contain fiber, which could help to lower cancer risk; they are also high in flavonoids, which act as a n t i o x i d a n t s to combat damage to cells that can trigger abnormal growth. Kale and oranges are high in vitamin C, another antioxidant. “This study underscores the importance of what a young girl eats for her future health,” says Farvid. “This study also has an important message for schools and the need to provide students with the opportunity to consume more fruits and vegetables as part of the school meal program.” Farvid wasn’t able to document a strong relationship between vegetables and lower breast cancer risk, but says that may be because the study wasn’t powered enough to detect an effect. The findings are among the first to look at how diet during adolescence can a ff e c t h e a l t h l a t e r, a n d highlights the importance of establishing healthy

habits from a young age, especially since many of the chronic diseases occur over many years and get rooted early in life. The results also underscore the importance of eating whole fruit, rather than fruit juice. In the study, Farvid and her team could not find any significant relationship between fruit juice and breast cancer risk; that may be because fruit’s anti-cancer effects may have to do with the fiber found in the whole fruit, which is stripped out of juice. In the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans, h o w e v e r, g o v e r n m e n t nutritionists e q u ated servings of whole fruit with fruit juice. “We recommend whole fruit and not fruit juice,” says Farvid, “because maybe one of the most important ways that fruit decreases risk of breast cancer is through fiber, and even natural fruit juice often has no fiber in it.” In another study also published in the BMJ, a separate group of researchers found that among 22,000 Danish women, those who added two alcoholic drinks a day on average increased their risk of developing breast cancer by 30 percent over five years. The added risk of cancer, however, was counterbalanced by a lower risk of heart disease. Taken together, the results show how critical diet can be in modulating risk of breast cancer. While challenging, changing diet can be a relatively easy way to alter a woman’s breast cancer risk equation, beginning even at a young age.

Should You Get Rid of All Your Bad Habits at Once? To make healthy changes, it’s long been recommended that people start with a small tweak to their lifestyle, and build upon it. But a new small study suggests that embracing a wide variety of healthier behaviors at once, including changes to diet and exercise, may be even more beneficial. What the researchers found in a recent study, the New York Times reports, was that people who changed several aspects of their life to be healthier saw bigger improvements in their mood and stress levels compared to people in other trials who changed just one part of their lifestyle. The study was

very small, with only about 30 college students. Half of them went about their days as normal, while the other half changed their behaviors significantly, by doing exercises in the morning, including stretching and resistance training, and attending an hour-long session in meditation and stress reduction. A couple times a week they also increased the intensity of their workouts and learned about sleep and nutrition, and they met with instructors to discuss personal challenges and were encouraged to partake in random acts of kindness. Before they started the interventions, men and women in the study underwent physical and cognitive tests, including graduate comprehension exams, as

well as brain scans. A few weeks later they repeated the tests and brain scans and the researchers found that the control group performed the same, but the students with intensive behavior changes were more focus and reported improved happiness and memory. “Our findings suggest that making multiple lifestyle changes at once can lead to both larger and more numerous benefits than typically observed when focusing on just one thing at a time,” says study author Michael Mrazek of the University of California Santa Barbara. “We found parallel and enduring improvements in more than a dozen different outcomes that truly matter in our lives— strength, endurance, flexibility, focus, reading comprehension, working memory, self-esteem, happiness, and more.” Mrazek says it may be that each lifestyle change supports all the others, and that reinforcing lifestyle changes with other behavior tweaks may make the overall goal more sustainable. “Exercising regularly makes it easier to sleep. Sleeping well makes it easier to meditate. Being mindful makes it easier to choose healthy foods,” he says. “If you try to force a change like drinking less coffee without also addressing other relevant aspects of your life like sleep, you’ll likely find that it’s hard to make the new coffee habit

stick.” But is it possible to sustain so many lifestyle changes? And is it really better to transform all behaviors at one time—over smaller changes one after the other? Unfortunately those questions still remain. The study is too small to make any definitive conclusions on how to best achieve a healthier life, and some researchers are skeptical of the findings. “I think that this interpretation is way overblown,” says Russell A. Poldrack, an Albert Ray Lang Professor of Psychology at Stanford University. “I don’t see how the study tells us anything about different ways to give up bad habits, since it did not compare different interventions, just a single multifaceted intervention versus a very weak control. All it says is that changing lots of things at once can have an effect, but we don’t really know where that effect is coming from. In addition, the sample size is far too small for us to make any strong conclusions.” Poldrack was not involved in the study. More research will be needed to best understand the most successful ways to improve health and wellbeing. “Our findings suggest truly remarkable changes are possible if you’re willing to put in the work,” says Mrazek. http://time.com.

Fears Over Folic Acid and Autism Need to be Properly Understood Experts are questioning a study that suggests a link between high levels of folic acid in pregnant women and a greater risk for children with autism. Ta k i n g t h e n u t r i e n t folate during pregnancy can prevent neural development defects early on, but a recent study suggested that there may be risks to taking too much, suggesting a higher risk for autism if a mother has four times the recommended amount of folate. However, experts, including the study authors, are saying: “Not so fast.” The study, which was a presentation at an autism research meeting, did not find a causal link between taking folic acid and autism. What the study actually found was pretty specific. The researchers took blood tests of close to 1,400 mothers between one to three days after they gave birth and

found that about 10% of the mothers had very high levels of folate, beyond recommended amounts, and that these women were also more likely to have a baby that would later be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. That doesn’t mean that pregnant women should stop taking folic acid. Other studies have even suggested it can lower the risk for autism. Folate is critical to maintaining proper growth, and on May 10, the United States Preventative Services Task Force released a draft update to its existing recommendations on folic acid, and once again the group is advising all women who are planning or capable of getting pregnant take a daily supplement of 0.4 to 0.8 mg of folic acid. “We have long known that a folate deficiency in pregnant mothers is detrimental to her child’s development. But what this tells

us is that excessive amounts may also cause harm. We must aim for optimal levels of this important nutrient,” study author M. Daniele Fallin, director of the Bloomberg School’s Wendy Klag Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities said in a statement. The study findings were presented at the2016 International Meeting for Autism Research in Baltimore. The authors of the study are also anxious that their study is not misunderstood. “There’s this danger that the message would be that folate supplementation is bad. And that’s not at all what we saw,” Fallin told the Atlantic. The new study is an early finding and more research is needed. The researchers say more focus should be placed on understanding the optimal dosing for women for the greatest health benefit. http://time.com.

Sunday September 03, 2017

PAGE 51

Kaieteur News

Taylor Swift Makes “Very Sizable Donation” to Serena Williams Gives Birth to First Child The wait is over! Williams has given Houston Food Bank After Hurricane Harvey birthSerena to a baby girl, a source

Taylor Swift has joined a growing list of celebs who are donating hefty sums to help the victims of Hurricane Harvey. At least 44 people have been reported dead as a result of the storm, which has caused flooding that has damaged tens of thousands of homes mostly in the Houston area and driven scores of people to shelters. “Taylor Swift has generously made a very sizable donation to Houston Food Bank in honor of her mother who graduated from the University of Houston,” the group said in a message posted on Facebook Friday. “We thank you, Taylor, and we thank everyone for donating to help rebuild our community. #houstonstrong.” The list of other celebs who have donated large sums to help Harvey victims includes Sandra Bullock ($1 million), Leonardo DiCaprio ($1 million), Kim Kardashian and her family ($500,000) and Miley Cyrus ($500,000). In addition, as of Saturday morning, more than $16 million has been donated to Houston Texans star J.J. Watt’s crowdfunding initiative to benefit the Harvey survivors. Swift has not commented about her donation to the Houston Food Bank. The singer has kept out of the spotlight in recent months and resurfaced online last week to announce a music

comeback; a single and music video, “Look What You Made Me Do,” has already been released, while her first album in three years, Reputation, is due to drop in November. Swift was recently spotted in Martha’s Vineyard, where one of her friends, Abigail Anderson, is getting

married this weekend. Accompanied by security guards, she hid her head behind umbrellas as she was swarmed by paparazzi upon her arrival and made no comments. E! News has learned exclusively that she attended a pre-wedding dinner with her parents.www.eonline.com.

Game of Thrones Cut a Finale Scene That Explains That Littlefinger Twist It’s been four days, and we still haven’t stopped thinking about that Game of Thrones scene. Not the one with the incest and Jon Snow’s butt (though that’s up there in our minds, too), but the one where we thought Sansa (Sophie Turner) was about to have her sister executed until she turned the tables on the table turner himself, Petyr Baelish (Aiden Gillen). After Sansa convicted him of his many, many crimes, Arya (Maisie Williams) slit his throat, bringing Littlefinger’s evil fine tuning of the Stark sisters’ relationship to a swift end. While it was a much-deserved ending for the sniveling a—hole and a perfect way to bring the sisters back together, it came completely out of nowhere. We had last seen Sansa offering her sister a horrified “WTF” face while Arya brandished a knife in her direction,

threatening to kill her and steal her face after explaining that she is now a person who kills people and steals their faces when they betray her. There was a brief moment at the end of that scene where Arya handed Sansa the knife instead, but we didn’t see them again until Littlefinger was trying to insinuate to Sansa that Arya really did want to steal her face so she could become Lady of Winterfell. Then, Sansa was calling Arya in front of her as if to convict her, until suddenly she was instead convicting Littlefinger of murder, mayhem, and also that time he sold her to a horrible sadistic rapist. It was awesome, but out of the blue. There was no indication that Sansa had stopped trusting Littlefinger, no hint that she and Arya had mended their relationship, and while that surprise was fun, it felt like some potentially

gratifying character development opportunity was totally missed. In an interview with Variety this week, Isaac Hempstead-Wright revealed that there was another scene that was filmed but cut from the finale, in which Sansa went to Bran and asked him to use his Three-Eyed Raven skills to tell her what Littlefinger was really up to. “We actually did a scene that clearly got cut, a short scene with Sansa where she knocks on Bran’s door and says, ‘I need your help,’ or something along those lines,” Wright said. “So basically, as far as I know, the story was that it suddenly occurred to Sansa that she had a huge CCTV department at her discretion and it might be a good idea to check with him first before she guts her own sister. So she goes to Bran, and Bran tells her everything she needs to know, and she’s like, ‘Oh, s—t.’”

confirms to E! News. WPBF25 news producer Chris Shepherd made the announcement on Twitter Friday afternoon, writing, “Tennis star Serena Williams gives birth to a baby girl weighing 6 pounds, 13 ounces. Mom and baby doing well.” The tennis legend welcomed her firstborn, alongside her fiancé, Reddit cofounder Alexis Ohanian. ESPN also shared the news as sister Venus Williams prepared to step out on the court at the 2017 U.S. Open. She told reporters, “Obviously I’m super excited. Words can’t describe.” During an interview with Vanity Fair, the athlete spoke about her relationship and her baby and admitted that she “would have thought you were the biggest liar in the world” if you had told her she would be pregnant one year ago. “This is kind of how I am right now, this is happening sooner than later and it’s going by so fast,” she shared. “I don’t know what to do with a baby. I have nothing…I’ve done absolutely nothing for the baby room.” Williams also described finding out that she was expecting her first child during a home pregnancy test, telling the magazine, “[I thought] I’ll take it just because (a) to prove you wrong and (b) because it’s fun, whatever. It’s like a joke, why not? An hour and a half later, I went back to the bathroom and I totally forgot about it because it was impossible for me…So I went back to get dressed and I went back in the bathroom and I

was like, ‘Oh yeah, that test.’” She explained her initial reaction upon seeing the test results by revealing that she “did a double take.” “My heart dropped. Like it literally dropped.” Earlier this summer, Williams’ soon-to-be husband opened up about how he knew that motherhood would come easily to his leading lady. “She’s very good at a lot

of things and well on her way to being an awesome mom too,” he told CNBC’s Squawk Box before noting that he will be going on paternity leave from the company after their little one arrives. “I’ll be taking off for six weeks myself and trying to do the best job possible as a new dad, a first-time dad.” Congratulations to both on their exciting arrival!www.eonline.com.

Sam Smith Teases New Music Release When it comes to new music from Sam Smith, the writing’s on the wall—er— on the billboard. While the Grammy Award winner has been largely out of the spotlight for the last year, a new very public sign popped up on Friday indicating something will be making its debut in just a matter of days. The 25-year-old teased his more than 7 million fans early Friday morning with a snap of a billboard with his name and face on it along with the September 8 date and Spotify logo. “Morning London x,” he cheekily captioned the photo, sending followers into a spiral of excitement. “I CANNOT WAIT A SINGLE MORE MINUTE OH GOD I’M SO IMPATIENT,” one fan enthusiastically commented. “SO

EXCITED I COULD CRY,” another wrote. Smith hinted at new music on the way less than 24 hours earlier when he shared a special note to his fans. “Thank you for being so patient and for letting me have the past year to really escape into my mind & write music so freely. I feel so rejuvenated and have so many stories I can’t wait to tell you,” he penned. “The wait is so nearly over,” the letter continued. “Something is coming very very very soon. I am scared & excited at the same time. I’ve poured my soul and heart into this record.” He clearly wasn’t kidding about that “very very very soon” part. After all, September 8 is just a week away! While it’s almost certain

Sam Smith Teases New Music Release the date marks the release of a new Sam Smith serenade—or perhaps several—it’s all just a matter of playing the waiting game now. www.eonline.com.

PAGE 66

Kaieteur News

Sunday September 03, 2017

Sunday September 03, 2017

Kaieteur News

STANDARDS IN FOCUS

Specifications for Indigenous Furniture As we enter the month of September, a month set aside to showcase the contributions of our Amerindian brothers and sisters, it is most appropriate to feature the Standard specification for indigenous furniture (bamboo, rattan, wicker and nibbi). Our indigenous people are well known for their fine art and crafting abilities which have allowed them to produce classy and unique pieces of furniture from plant materials in their surroundings. The Specification for indigenous furniture is a CARICOM Standard which was adopted by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS). The standard was developed to benefit manufacturers by the harmonization of requirements for the manufacture of various types of furniture, suitable for both domestic and commercial use. The standard covers material requirements, which are selected for rattan, wicker and nibbi furniture and shall be characterized by lightness, flexibility, durability and smoothness with no hair-like strands hanging from them. Indigenous furniture shall be constructed with good workmanship components which shall be of quality and uniformity; and the furniture shall remain stable and in an upright position when empty.

In relation to the finish of indigenous furniture, the standard requires that all surfaces be sanded smooth and all exposed edges and corners eased to avoid injuries during use. Furniture shall be covered with materials such as lacquer, wax, oil and polyester. Labelling of indigenous furniture is also necessary. Prominent labels shall be securely affixed to furniture and shall include information such as common names or types of furniture, manufacturer code or mark, country of origin and types of materials used in the manufacture. Finally, as it relates to the specifications of the standard, requirements for sampling and performance testing are outlined. These are necessary requirements for the monitoring of the product. The GNBS encourages all manufacturers of indigenous furniture to implement the requirements in their manufacturing processes. The standard is available at the GNBS and following its requirements can guarantee the production of quality indigenous furniture. For further information, please contact the GNBS on Tel: 219- 0066 or visit our website: www.gnbsgy.org or like us on facebook: gnbsgy

Public Health Minister to highlight... (From page 17) health and development of the region has grown enormously. As a result, the dangers of childhood obesity are much better known. In fact, Barbados and Dominica have introduced taxes on sugary drinks as a result, and more Caribbean territories are set to follow. During the upcoming forum, leaders will be expected to “consolidate pledges made at a 2016 meeting where they promised to address such issues as banning smoking in public places; banning the advertising of unhealthy foods to children and raising taxes on food high in sugar, salts and trans fats”. According to Dr. Samuels, “We will continue to push for concrete commitments. We want to see more action on getting a tobacco-free Caribbean and on childhood obesity. The will is there from the leadership and we hope to get these commitments that put the region back at the heart of the global NCD response. We need to have another push at this 10-year anniversary.” He further underscored that “the 2007 Declaration….will remain one of the most visionary public policy coups scored by the CARICOM political leadership since the Treaty of Chaguaramas itself”. Since then, the region has crafted a manual for hypertension, diabetes and asthma; introduced a Caribbean Wellness Day; developed a Port of Spain indicator tool; and influenced the establishment of two very prominent

funding mechanisms – the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI) and the Global Fund, among several other notable achievements. According to an optimistic Dr. Samuels, “I really think we can make progress at meeting this conference as we intensify our efforts to tackle chronic diseases. Let’s make the next ten years really count.” Speaking of the planned forum too, Programme Manager, Health Sector Development at the CARICOM Secretariat, Dr. Rudolph Cummings, observed that “a decade later the threats to our health and well-being remain undaunted, providing an opportunity for our current leaders to make a renewed commitment to meaningfully influence the future of our peoples by joining the

global movement against tobacco smoke and unhealthy diets with a firm timetable to eliminate these risks”. At the upcoming meeting, there will also be a University of the West Indies display highlighting key aspects of the NCD epidemic and recommendations for the way forward. These recommendations emerge from the evaluation which was commissioned by the Pan American Health Organisation [PAHO/WHO] and the Caribbean Community [CARICOM], working with regional research partners, CARPHA and the Healthy Caribbean Coalition. Former New York Mayor, Mr. Michael Bloomberg, WHO’s Global Ambassador for Non-communicable Diseases, is expected to address the heads through a video message.

AHI initiates legal... (From page 18) years. Additionally, Sharma explained that even if the Government wants to sell shares, the Marriott International brand can have a say in that process. He said that the brand owners can object to it being sold to owners of competitive hotels such as the Pegasus Hotel. It has been over two years since the coalition administration has been in office and it is still unable to remove itself from the Hotel. In the meantime, the Government has taken the decision to repay the loan for the hotel. Government is forking out about $40 million a month to meet loan payments to Republic Bank, Trinidad. The hotel was birthed by the previous Government, and there were always questions about the risks involved and the financing structure which give control to private investors, despite Government spending the bulk of the money. The 197-room hotel was completed at more than US$50M with real cost for lands and other concessions estimated at more than US$80M, critics of the project say.

PAGE 67

Nand Persaud’s campaign cops Silver Addy Award Nand Persaud & Co. Ltd. has once again captured an award for their product, this time around saw the rice company capturing an award for their “Pure Acreage Rice” Campaign. The social media campaign has been awarded a Silver Addy by the Caribbean Advertising Federation (CAF). The CAF is the first and only non-American member of the American Advertising Federation and is part of the 4th District of Florida and the

Caribbean. Given that the CAF is the regional chapter of the American Advertising Federation, the campaign work was judged by international judges and met international standards. Devin Griffith, Chairman and CEO, Chief Creative Officer of the G&A Communications Group in presenting the award stated that the marketing and advertising for the Pure Acreage product has met international Continued on page 69

PAGE 68

SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620

Experienced curry cook, roti/ puri cook, cleaners, handy boy. Apply Hack’s Halaal, 5 Commerce Street.

Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyanapassport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535.

Wanted in large quantities. Dried corilla bush. Contact: 665-1397

INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigration Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496/ 662-6045 Budhram landscaping services, free advice. Call: 656-1326 Eagle’s: Re-gas –low prices, washing machine repairs, gas stove, plasma flat Screen, computer repairs & more. Call: 697-2969/646-0966 Repairs at low cost: Fridges, air- conditioners, washing machines, TVs, microwaves, freezers- Call:629-4946 or 225-4822 RAJ PAWN SHOP, MAHAICA MARKET SQUARE. TEL: 691-1333

WANTED

La Parfaite Harmonie, Zeelugt, Uitvlugt. Call: 681-8746

Urgently need one land to buy in Eccles, Providence, Herstelling, Farm, Zeelugt & Parfaite Harmonie- Call: 6560701, 651-1969 Live-in waitress, to work in bar. Walk with ID Card. Contact: 221-2785 Live in waitress to work in bar. Call: 604-6606/ 692-4649 Need Land/Property to Buy in Eccles Area 50’x100'.Call:592-2701885 or 592-668-1102. Part-time and full time handyman/gardener to work in Georgetown apply @ Risans, 54 Main Street, Georgetown. Immediately! Painters and washers@43CroalStreet,Stabroek. Call:225-3269/672-8599 We are buying land in Covent Garden (East Bank), all legal fees paid. Call: 656-0701/ 6671960 Live in couple from countryside preferably, duties- husband: driver/mechanic/welding, wife – domestic. Call: 227-1830 Skilled Lathe operator, good rates available for qualified applicant. Call: 227-1830

EDUCATIONAL Register @ IAE: full-time, afternoon, day/evening CXC/ CSEC classes for adults & repeaters:Mathematics & English A. Call: 683-5742/621-7365 Register your child for after school classes for slow learners in Mathematics, Reading, Phonics, Spelling, etc. Call: 675-4379 Legacy morning and Evening Classes for CXC, CAPE and Adult Students. Contact 226 -0066 & 666-3085. 11 Gordon Street, Kitty. Lessons: Mathematics & English, Wednesday & Fridays, 3 Students per session -$1,000 per hour. Call: 659-8401 TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 2257878 (24HRS)

Sunday September 03, 2017

Kaieteur News

Experienced person to work in a body workshop. Call Neil: 655-0807 Office Clerk Senior /Junior, CXC English/ Mathematics, Computer Knowledge an Asset. Call 223 – 7500 Live In Live out Babysitter / Domestic 223-7500 Call: Monday to Saturday 8:15 4:15 pm Wanted for long term rental, a car, SUV or 4x4, paying 75,000 monthly Tel # 681- 1312

VACANCY One experienced salesman, apply with written application & recommendation, also one general domestic. Apply @ Keyfood, McDoom Village.

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

Qualified teachers at Alfalah School Barbados for Secondary Level (CXC & CAPE). Email C.V to alfalahbds@hotmail.com

One diesel welder generator in very good condition. Call: 699- 4300/ 228-2734

Hopetown Gas station: Manager, Accountant. RA Soda Factory, Rosignol: Accountant, checkers, male & female workers. Call: 3302399/ 623-5920/603-0433 One Female Gardner contact 223-5273/74 EXPERIENCED WELDER/ Fabricator, CARPENTER/ MASON, Labourer. Call: 266- 5569 One female tutor/ nanny to teach a 2 years old boy, from 7:30-12:00pm. $65,000 per month- Call: 623-1615 Female accounts clerk 2350yrs. Apply in person @ Alabama Trading 65-66 Robb Street, Bourda. Mechanic for maintenance & repair of vehicles & equipment. Experience & references required. Call: 6182020,231-2250 Waitress for bar Call: 612-2522 1 Hair dresser & 1 nail technician @ Natural Beauty Salon & Spa located @ Grove Market Street, EBD. Call Ms Rashari: 652-5800 Experienced person to sew ladies uniforms. Call: 6426079 One personal chef. Call: 6778236 from 9am-4pm One office administrator with accounting knowledge. Call: 611-5398 from 9am-4pm Jobs available at the Plant Shop/Maintenance, Georgetown, 18-25yrs. Tel: 643-7193 PERSON FOR OFFICE WORK, 9AM-5PM, G/ TOWN AREA, GOOD SALARY, NO EXPERIENCED NEEDED. CALL: 641-4035/ 223-2540 One cosmetologist, must be specialized in nails mostly and cornrows. Call : 6222643,225-8701

LIVE IN BABYSITTING WORK, GOOD SALARY. CALL: 699-4669

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

ATV Honda Bike for sale, model: 475,450, year: 2006, 2007, 2011, 2002 and 2003. Contact Popie: 699-7420 1 - Mitsubishi Fuso 7 1/2 ton Canter. Year: 2007 - $ 3.8 M. Contact: 650-0402/ 603-1402 2-20" Grizzle surface planers, 114’ aluminum boat, 1- 15HP Yamaha outboard engine (short foot), 1 table saw, 1 LT 15 woodmizer mill. Call: 664-5807 1 complete 6 Base Music Set with all amp Q.S.E and All Speaker R.C.F. 1 Carina 212 Also. Call 698-8828 Clean Garden Earth, Builders Waste. Delivery to spot also excavating, grading and leveling done. Call:616 0617 or 663 3285

LAND FOR SALE Zeelugt - $2.5M, Tuschen $2.5M.Call:642-1252 Parfaite Harmonie way upfront, over 7 years finished. One concrete fence $1.5M. Already cleaned- Call: 656-0701, 651-1969

TO LET FURNISHED TWO BEDROOMSAPARTMENT, SHORT/LONG TERM. CALL: 222-7891/ 609-9202 Furnished newly renovated self-contained room, water & electricity, 12 Sussex Street Charlestown -$30,000 monthly! $30,000 Security. Call:219-1951/ 689-8757 Lodge apartments (Vlissengen/ Durban): unfurnished, 1 bedroom - $50,000, studio $40,000, furnished (for visitors) $US600-1,000 monthly. Call: 6687687/ 677-9638/ 697-6421 Lodge (Vlissengen/Durban): professional/office/business space (no food retailing). Call: 668-7687/ 677-9638/ 697-6421 Rooms to rent to teachers or UG students from September 2017 – July 2018 contact : 2260066/ 666- 3085 KITTY APARTMENTS: UNFURNISHED GRILLED, 2-BR, NEW, GRANITE, SECURE -$80,000 MONTHLY, NO AGENTS. CALL: 641-4035

VEHICLE FOR SALE

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Property for rent - 2 storey house at Republic Park, E.B.D$1200US. Call 647-1773 Fully furnished luxury apartment 2 &3 bedrooms, long & short term stay. Call:664-2143 Building with three apartments in Diamond ideal for Pastors, Companies or Organization. Call: 680-5944/ 656-4211 Commercial space available for rental, prime downtown location, competitive rates. Call: 225-3945 Hair & barber station for rent @ New Market Street. Call: 638-1106 Bottom Flat 2 Bedroom, 977 Enmore Hope E.C.D tel :6649261 / 256-0912 77 Light Street Alberttown: short stay, modern 1 bedroom apartment: A/C, hot water, kitchen, internet. Call: 268723-5999/ 592-683-7928/ addunidrakes@yahoo.com Concrete 2546 sq.ft two flat office building for rental in Kingstown. Call: 226-3862 EXT 203

Unregistered bluebird 1500cc, 31,000KM, front wheel drive, RZ bus good working condition, owner leaving. Call: 265-0204/2652171/682-7589

Herstelling New Scheme (110ft x 60ft) $4.8M- Call: 656-0701, 6511969

One pit bull minibus, BTT series, in excellent working condition, with alarm, price – $1.8M negotiable. Call: 6259204/691-8272

Uitvlugt New Scheme First Street (100ft x 50ft) 20ft reserve.All legal fees paid $3.2M.Already cleanedCall:656-0701,651-1969

1 Hilux pickup 5L Diesel, GVV series. Call:233- 6218/ 6043275

Prime- Covent Garden area (East Bank), beautiful residential area - $4M, 100ftX50ft & 110ftX60ft. Call: 656-0701/ 667-1960 Transported corner lot, approved building plan, at 90 Garnett and Republic Sts.,Newtown,Kitty.Call:6002828

FOR RENT

1-Toyota Premio for sale, $1.350. Phone :685-8513 CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL:656-0087,6435122 ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM DOLLY’SCARRENTAL-CALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP RATES,SPECIALOFFERS! . CALL: 690-6494 AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL: PICKUP,9-11SEAT MINI BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPORT & FAMILYOUTINGS,CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807

PROPERTY FOR SALE House and land available @ La Parfaite Harmonie, Providence, etc, we also assist with financing. Contact Pacific Development: 2236035/ 227-8274 Kastev, Meeten Meer Zorg, W.C.D: 3 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, verandah overlooking Atlantic ocean. Owner migrating -$36M, negotiable.Call:676-7974/615-0173 Property for sale-House 25 x 72, land 40x120@ Friendship Road Top E.B.D $15.7M Call:681-1312 Lot 11 Middleton Street Campbellville, Georgetown, Guyana. Contact owner: 240605-8877 (USA) No Agents! One 3 bedroom property with bond, big land space for building house, poultry rearing, farming, etc. Call: 6275607

Sunday September 03, 2017

PAGE 69

Kaieteur News

CONSUMER CONCERNS

No justification for imposing parking meters on Georgetown By PAT DIAL Last week we mentioned that we would have had to revisit the parking meter issue, because the Report on that issue done by the Commission of Inquiry appointed by the Mayor and City Council, had been published. The Guyana Consumers’ Association (GCA) had submitted a written memorandum to the Commission and would have expected the Commission to have sent them a copy or at

least to have formally indicated to them that the Report was published. The Commission failed to do this. For the entire week, seeing a copy of the Report eluded us. Our last effort was on Saturday 26th August, when we visited the City Constabulary where it was advertised as being available. The Constable on duty informed us that the Report was brought over to their office by an officer from the Town Clerk’s office who kept custody of it and had departed much before 12

noon. We understand that the Report laid out five or six options, ranging from rejection to acceptance of the Parking Meter project but that the Commission, on its part, did not recommend any position. The Committee of the Guyana Consumers’ Association, whose views are reflected below, has totally rejected the Parking Meter Scheme on the following bases: (1) Smart City, the Mexican Company with

Man shot for telling weed smoker to “move from next to me” The police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting of a 24-year-old man at Friendship South, East Coast Demerara, around 17:30 hrs on Friday. The victim has been identified as Qwason Lewis of Friendship South. He was treated at the Georgetown Public Hospital and sent away. He was shot once to the left elbow. According to information received, the victim asked the suspect not to smoke marijuana next to where he was standing. The suspect reportedly got annoyed, pulled out a weapon and fired three shots in Lewis’s direction, one of which struck him. The shooter then escaped in a car and has not been located as yet. Meanwhile, a police constable, who was

found to be above the legal alcohol limit, following a serious accident on the Stewartville Public Road, West Coast Demerara (WCD) on Friday night that resulted in a pedestrian being hospitalized, has been placed under close arrest. The victim has been identified as Quintin Anderson, 49, of Uitvlugt, WCD. She suffered a fractured left foot. According to information received, at around 22:40 hrs, the rank, who was off duty, was proceeding east along the northern carriageway of the WCD Public Road in Motor Car HC2850 when he struck the woman. She was rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital in an unconscious state, but is now in a stable condition. Investigations are ongoing.

GECOM’s CEO misleads... From page 13 At least one prominent supplier has denied that it ever issued a quotation that GECOM submitted to the NPTAB. In some cases, GECOM deliberately split contracts, keeping it below the $15M ceiling, to keep it from being scrutinized by Cabinet. The reports saw state auditors descending on GECOM’s offices, carrying out months of investigations. Several red flags about the procurement procedures used by GECOM were raised by the Audit Office with the issue even appearing in reports. At least one audit report on the purchase of $100M in communications radios for the general elections of 2015 is nearing completion, with several alarming discrepancies found. The radios were never used, although the then Cabinet of Donald Ramotar was told that $100M in equipment had to be purchased to use in remote areas for the elections. Lowenfield has refused to explain, saying he is awaiting the outcome of the state audit. GECOM’s Chief Accountant, Joseph Eastman, and Admin Manager, Michelle Ward, had

also refused to take calls on how exactly taxpayers’ dollars were spent. GECOM, led by former Chairman Dr. Steve Surujbally, had noted that procurement was handled by the entity’s secretariat, headed by Lowenfield. With GECOM in the spotlight over the selection of a new chairperson following the departure of Dr. Surujbally earlier this year, the Opposition, especially, has been calling for reforms. With regard to the radios, weeks before the May 2015 elections, GECOM’s secretariat made a case for the purchase 50 High Frequency radios for use during the elections. Because of the emergency nature, the purchase was approved by the then Cabinet, under former President Donald Ramotar. The communication radio sets were outdated and came too late for them to be deployed in time for the May 11, 2015 elections. The glaring breaches were not for those unserviceable radios alone. According to official figures of contracts awarded in 2015, there were two payments for Duracell batteries by GECOM. One contract was awarded on April 23, 2015,

about three weeks before the elections, for $14,529,000. This contract was awarded to the company that was awarded the radio contract. There was another contract awarded to the same entity for $9,180,518 on May 21, 2015, making it a total of $23,709,518 paid for Duracell batteries in 2015. Three weeks prior to the election, the entity doled out $14.8M for the purchase of nippers/pliers from a King Street, Lacytown business. The owner is the brother of the individual whose company was awarded the contract for the batteries and radios. It appeared that GECOM paid out an average of $6,000 apiece for those pliers when they could have been acquired on the local market for $600. It was not even a familiar brand. This past week, GECOM made the news again, after it was learnt that the locks were changed on the doors of Deputy Chief Elections Officer, Vishnu Persaud, who returned to work earlier this month after leave. He reportedly worked a week and then returned to his office on August 21, to find the locks changed. He was told that his contract had expired. He had been working there since 2001.

whom some members of the City Council had contracted to provide the Parking Meter Scheme, refused to disclose any financial information, including investment, except the Commission took an oath of non-disclosure of such information. This refusal to provide any financial and accounting information by Smart City emasculated the work of the Commission and was a piece of effrontery not only to the City Council but to all Guyanese, and went counter to the Government of Guyana’s policy on transparency. Smart City thus disqualified itself from doing any Parking Meter project in this country. (2) In the Contract between Smart City and M & CC, Smart City was allotted 80% of the returns and M&CC 20%. Smart City would notionally have made an investment of US$10 million while the City Council’s investment would have been the road system of Georgetown worth many billions of dollars plus the cost of the continuous maintaining of the roads over the next 20 years of the Contract. In other words, Smart City would have invested less than 1% of the cost of the Scheme but would have been collecting 80% of the revenues! Such a giveaway of public funds is unacceptable. (3) The owners of the Parking Meter Scheme would have been harvesting hundreds of millions of dollars per year, which would be sent abroad, causing a constant drain of the foreign

exchange of the country. Such a net foreign exchange drain would lead to a weakening of the Guyana currency, resulting in increases in prices of goods and services. (4) The Parking Meter Scheme would have caused businesses great losses. Their customer parking would have been eliminated and the acceptance and delivery of goods at their premises would have become more expensive and timeconsuming. Any contraction of business could result in unemployment and increase in prices of some consumer goods. The business community was therefore against the Scheme. (5) Business in Georgetown would have further dried up, since business people and folk from the countryside who usually came to the City to shop and participate in entertainment activity would find it too expensive to do so and would no longer come. (6) In the last 15 to 20 years, there has been a great increase of younger wageearners owning motor-cars, unlike in the past where only the well-to-do owned cars. These younger car owners have complained that they could not bear the expense of parking meters and would no longer be able to drive to work. Parking Meters would have created difficult social problems. (7) The overwhelming majority of the population of Georgetown, as well as the tens of thousands who visit the City every day for

business or pleasure, are against parking meters, and this fact alone is good enough reason for not trying to impose parking meters on the City. The traffic congestion in Georgetown occurs in a small area of downtown Georgetown. It occurs along Church Street from Water Street east to Camp Street and the streets going south from Church to Hadfield Street. These streets going south to Hadfield Street are Water Street, Main Street/Avenue of the Republic, King Street, Wellington Street and Camp Street. In Regent Street from Water Street east to Light Street, there is also unregulated traffic. The traffic in these streets could be fully controlled and regulated if traffic police and even members of the City Constabulary are deployed at certain times of the day and certain days of the week when these streets are busy. To compare Georgetown to New York or London has no meaning. The social and economic developments of New York and London are completely different from Georgetown. To try to compare downtown Georgetown to those great cities could provide no justification for parking meters here. At this time in Georgetown’s history, there is no social or economic justification for the imposition of parking meters on the City and the population, intuitively, are of the same conclusion.

Nand Persaud’s campaign cops... From page 67 standards and can be compared to any major international manufacturer’s marketing. Mohindra Persaud, CEO of Nand Persaud & Co Ltd, on receiving the prestigious award, expressed his gratitude, while stating that it is one more added to the list of awards that the company has received. In his brief remarks to those gathered at the simple presentation ceremony hosted at the Nand Persaud Conference Hall, he explained that his company’s aim is to do things differently, “we try to do things differently, we try to create things that showcase Guyana”. He assured that, “this is something that we will continue to do for Guyana to make sure that Guyanese are proud”. Persaud reiterated that his main focus is on building Guyana and showcasing the country on the Regional and International platforms. The G&N Group began working with Nand Persaud approximately a year ago and embarked on a process of rebranding the company in an effort to ensure that the image of the company was at a point where it was preparing to venture out into new markets. Griffith stated that their main focus was to ensure “true success of the company and that can be well represented so that it will be a force to reckon with, a lot of research was done to see where the company needed to go”. He explained that it began with the company, a corporate brand, the staff was

taken through a training process and a new corporate image was developed for Nand Persaud. Products, he noted, were looked at and how the repackaging of the products could be executed. “That process then lead us to the market communication program where you got fantastic products, packaging looks great but now you have to get the word out, you have to take these products to markets regionally and internationally, so with that we developed the full fledged communication program and part of that was a digital media program”, Griffith explained. He stated that because of the everevolving generation and the gravitating of audiences online a key marketing channel was acknowledged and taken opportunity of. This resulted in the creation of the social media program. He praised the management team at Nand Persaud for their creativity. The Nand Persaud & Co Ltd (NPCL) Pure Acreage Rice campaign met the prestigious Silver Addy Award standard and is therefore ranked amongst the top advertising campaigns in the Caribbean region - amongst the likes of other major regional companies such as Flow, First Citizens Bank, Nestle, Bermudez Biscuit Co. and Banks Breweries. NPCL was praised by the G&N Group for having the vision and the imagination to foster such a creative and compelling advertising platform to promote its new rice product.

PAGE 70

Kaieteur News

Regional body questions accessibility ... From page 10 establishment of a law school in Antigua and Barbuda to alleviate the distress associated with the CLE admission rules. According to Francis, support is growing at the ministerial and diplomatic levels. “Furthermore, the government is pushing towards the establishment of a law school here to serve the territories of the OECS (Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States) and beyond. As such, we endeavour to capitalise on ensuring that a policy of equal access becomes a fundamental principle in the establishment of the proposed law school.” Further, ACSEAL’s Representative in Jamaica told Kaieteur News that the treaty establishing the CLE states that the contracting parties shared a common determination to establish, without delay, a scheme for legal education and training that is tailored to the needs of the Caribbean. “With the establishment of several institutions outside of UWI offering law, it’s easy to see that Article 3 (of the Treaty) makes it difficult for the Treaty to suit the needs of the Caribbean which was its initial intent.” Further, it was noted by

the group that CARICOM Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque had indicated that he has been advised that the current admission policy of the CLE which affords automatic entry to graduates of UWI to the region’s law schools, is discriminatory and ought to be addressed. LaRocque’s comment was made on July 3, 2017 during a Social Media Interactive Session that was hosted by the CARICOM Youth Ambassadors in Grenada while responding to a question from an ACSEAL representative. The regional group is an effort by past and present law students throughout the English-Speaking Caribbean that is calling on CARICOM to expeditiously address the issue of discrimination in legal education and access to the legal profession. On June 19, 2017 the CARICOM Secretary-General was written to by the group expressing concern about the potential contretemps associated with the further erosion of public confidence in the administration of justice and the region’s legal system if CARICOM citizens are continually subjected to institutionalised injustice. CARICOM responded to the

correspondence in a letter dated August 25, 2017 referencing to a March 2014 decision by the CARICOM Heads of

Government which mandated the CLE to complete a thorough review of legal education in the region to resolve the issues

Sunday September 03, 2017 concerning legal education, including access to the law schools and the role and function of the CLE.

A draft report on this study is expected to be considered by CARICOM on September 6 and 9, 2017.

Sunday September 03, 2017

PAGE 71

Kaieteur News

Trump hugs children, serves food in Houston as city fights back from flooding By Steve Holland HOUSTON (Reuters) U.S. President Donald Trump tried on the role of “comforter-in-chief” yesterday, playing with children in an evacuation center and passing out food and supplies to those in need after Hurricane Harvey’s assault on Houston. Trump, dealing with the first natural disaster of his 8month-old presidency, comforted victims and thanked volunteers and first responders after being criticized earlier in the week for not showing sufficient empathy on his first trip to the storm-battered Texas coast. Trump, 71, was joined by his wife, Melania, as he passed out food and hugged, kissed and played with children at the “kid zone” in Houston’s NRG Center, a 700,000-square-foot (65,000 square meter) facility that was turned in to the city’s largest emergency shelter. Trump appeared relaxed as he posed for photographs with volunteers and chatted with those relocated to the shelter alongside Texas Governor Greg Abbott. “It has been a wonderful thing,” Trump said of his meetings with the children as he helped serve food to evacuees amid shouts of “Thank you, sir.” Trump, who declared Sunday a national day of prayer, then went to a church in nearby Pearland, where he and his wife helped load half a dozen cars with boxes of supplies for victims. He said

the volunteer work was “good exercise.” Trump also visited a neighborhood that had sustained flooding but had dried out to greet residents and praise them for doing “a fantastic job holding it together.” The visit came after a week of historic flooding in the area that killed at least 40 people, displaced more than 1 million and dumped as much as 50 inches (127 cm) of rain. Trump asked Congress late on Friday for an initial $7.85 billion for hurricane recovery efforts. The request comes as Washington faces tough budget negotiations. The trip may have political implications for Trump. According to the Reuters/ Ipsos tracking poll, almost 59 percent of the public disapproves of Trump’s performance as president. His initial trip was contrasted unfavorably with the reaction of former President Barack Obama, who became known as “comforter-inchief” after mass shootings and the Sandy superstorm that hit New Jersey in 2012. NOT HAMPERING RELIEF EFFORTS With floodwaters still present, Trump had stayed clear of the Houston area on his trip to Texas on Tuesday, saying he did not want to hamper rescue efforts. Instead, he met with Cabinet members, state and local leaders and first responders in the state capital Austin and Corpus Christi, where Harvey

first hit, focusing on the logistics of the government response. Trump tweeted that he had seen “first hand the horror & devastation” from Harvey but reporters traveling with him said they saw no damage. “That was reasonable criticism,” said Matt Mackowiak, chairman of the

Republican Party in Travis County, Texas, who has praised the Trump administration’s handling of the disaster. On Saturday, some area residents - even one who had voted Democrat - said they believed Trump’s visit was a positive. “It raises the morale,” Kevin Jason Hipolito, who identified himself as a

Democrat, told reporters at the convention center. “When he went to Corpus I was like, ‘Man he just forgot about us.’ This shows a lot of support. It perks up morale.” But it remains a difficult task for Trump, a Republican businessman new to politics, to match expectations set by his predecessors of both par-

ties who were widely considered politically deft at displaying solidarity and commitment to those suffering from disasters both natural and man-made. “Is he going to help? Can he help?” Devon Harris, 37, a construction worker, said at the convention center. “I lost my home. My job is gone. My tools are gone. My car is gone. My life is gone. What is Trump going to do?” Trump was cheered at both the convention center and a church he visited and appeared to crack a joke, perhaps at his own expense. While donning gloves to serve food to victims of the disaster in a cafeteria, he commented “my hands are too big,” referencing a meme from the presidential campaign in which the size of the candidate’s hands were linked to his supposed virility by his opponents, including Republican Marco Rubio. (Reporting by Steve Holland in Houston and Yeganeh Torbati and Jim Oliphant in Washington; Writing by Dustin Volz; Editing by David Chance and Bill Trott)

PAGE 72

Kaieteur News

Sunday September 03, 2017

NO RACE IN ANAND CHARGES Rowley slams Moonilal’s divisive statements (Trinidad Express) THE Government had no involvement in the arrest and charges laid against former attorney general Anand Ramlogan, says Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley. He further condemned Opposition MP Dr Roodal Moonilal, who he said is inciting racial tension in the country by giving the impression that his Government is

ordering the police to lock up people of East Indian descent. He was speaking at 6.30 a.m. yesterday at Piarco International Airport before departing for the United States on vacation. Rowley accused Moonilal of using the race card as he (Moonilal) is also before the court and has questions to answer. ”Nobody in this Government is involved in those in-

vestigations, driving it or encouraging it. This is an investigation that started under the last government and has now reached the point of an arrest of one individual,” he said. He said Moonilal made a comment on this matter which he (Rowley) calls a “dog whistle”. ”It is a sound to those who will hear it with its content being clear without it being spelt out,” he said.

Sunday September 03, 2017

PAGE 73

Kaieteur News

City struggles to restore water service in Harvey aftermath HOUSTON (AP) — A Texas city that lost its drinking water system to Harvey struggled yesterday to restore service, and firefighters kept monitoring a crippled chemical plant that has twice been the scene of explosions and fires since the storm roared ashore and stalled over Texas more than a week ago. Officials in Beaumont, population almost 120,000, worked to repair their water treatment plant, which failed after the swollen Neches River inundated the main intake system and backup pumps failed. The Army Corps of Engineers sent pumps, and an ExxonMobil team built and installed a temporary intake pipe in an effort to refill a city reservoir. Exxon has a refinery and chemical plants in Beaumont. On Friday, people waited in a line that stretched for more than a mile to get bottled water. In Crosby, outside of Houston, authorities continued to monitor the Arkema plant where three trailers of highly unstable compounds ignited in recent days, sending thick black smoke and tall flames into the air. A Harris

County fire marshal spokeswoman said that there were no active fires at the facility, but six more trailers were being watched. The soggy and battered city of Houston began burying its dead and taking steps toward the long recovery ahead. The school district said up to 12,000 students would be sent to different schools because of flood-damaged buildings. Harvey flooding is believed to have damaged at least 156,000 dwellings in Harris County, which includes the nation’s fourth-largest city. The storm that is blamed for at least 43 deaths. Also, fire officials in the community of New Waverly, about 55 miles north of Houston, said a 6-month-old baby was missing and presumed dead after being ripped out of its parents’ arms and swept away by floodwaters when the family fled their pickup truck last Sunday, the Houston Chronicle reported. Kim Martinez, 28, waited Saturday for insurance adjusters to come to her Southbelt/Ellington neighborhood, a devastated

middle-class area of southeast Houston. The mother of two was

hosting a watch party for the Floyd Mayweather-Conor McGregor boxing fight last

Saturday when floodwaters forced about 15 people to the attic.

They escaped the next day. Seven children were rescued by a neighbor’s boat.

PAGE 74

Kaieteur News

Sunday September 03, 2017

Anand: The truth shall set me free Trinidad Express) FORMER attorney general Anand Ramlogan says he is confident of being cleared of “scurrilous allegations” of obstruction of justice and misbehaviour in public office. He was speaking with reporters outside the Port-of-Spain Magistrates Court yesterday minutes after appearing before Senior Magistrate Nanette Forde-John. His matter has been adjourned to January 11, 2018. Forde-John read to Ramlogan, the charges relating to allegations of witness tampering in 2014. Ramlogan was not called on to plead. The charges stem from an allegation made by director of the Police Complaints Authority (PCA), David West that he (West) was asked to withdraw his witness statement in a defamation lawsuit Ramlogan had filed against then opposition leader Dr Keith Rowley for comments made about Section 34 and extradition proceedings involving businessmen Ishwar Galbaransingh and Steve Ferguson. West is

alleging that Ramlogan, in a telephone interview on October 31, 2014, promised him he would be appointed PCA director if he withdrew from the lawsuit. Ramlogan was detained by police on Tuesday morning at his home at Palmiste, San Fernando, taken to Police Headquarters in Port-ofSpain for questioning and released on Wednesday night after being charged and granted bail in the sum of $750,000. Yesterday, Ramlogan’s attorney Pamela Elder SC asked to see the search warrant. The police prosecutor agreed to provide her with it at the next hearing. Ramlogan left the court accompanied by his wife Nalini and attorneys including Gerald Ramdeen and Wayne Sturge. “It took a very long time to have my day in court,” Ramlogan said. “I remain confident that the truth shall set me free. I have no doubt that justice will prevail in this matter and that I will emerge victorious. I have every confidence in my legal

team headed by Pamela Elder Senior Counsel, and we anxiously await the day in court when the people that laid these scurrilous allegations will enter the witness box and subject themselves to the cross-examination that will prevail. “I was a bit flattered when I saw the extreme security measures this morning. Happily it wasn’t for me. I understand that another matter is in the court. “It has been a very harrowing and distressing experience to be subjected to the execution of a search warrant by such a large contingent of police officers at my home. My primary concern now is for my young children and my family, and I intend to protect them and to ensure that this trial does not affect them. “Other than that I intend to continue doing what I’ve always done, that is to fight for justice for the downtrodden and the underprivileged in Trinidad and Tobago. I expect to be back out to work at my law firm come Monday morning.”

Sunday September 03, 2017

Kaieteur News

PAGE 75

PAGE 76

Kaieteur News

Sunday September 03, 2017

Sunday September 03, 2017

Kaieteur News

Dominic Thiem and Alexandr Dolgopolov reach fourth round Dominic Thiem

Sixth seed Dominic Thiem registered a straight-set win over Adrian Mannarino to reach the US Open fourth round. The Austrian, ranked eighth in the world, beat the French world number 34 7-5 6-3 6-4 on Louis Armstrong Stadium. Mannarino served for the first set but sent a volley wide, allowing Thiem to break, and then lost seven

games in a row as he struggled for rhythm. Ukrainian Alexandr Dolgopolov also reached the fourth round with a speedy win over Serbia’s Viktor Troicki. Thiem, who has reached the quarter-finals at Flushing Meadows three times in the past four years, will play Juan Martin del Potro in the next round. The Argentine beat Spain’s Roberto Bautista

Agut 6-3 6-3 6-4 to set up the meeting with Thiem. Dolgopolov beat Troicki 6-1 6-0 6-4, hitting 24 winners and dominating with his first serve to win in just one hour and 21 minutes. This is the 28-yearold’s best run at a Grand Slam since he reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open in 2011. He will face either Spanish world number one Rafael Nadal or Argentine Leonardo Mayer in the last 16 tomorrow. Dolgopolov, whose defeat by Thiago Monteiro at the Winston-Salem Open is being investigated by the Tennis Integrity Unit, said the scrutiny was not affecting his performance. Also in the third round, Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber advanced with a 7-5 6-2 6-4 win over Australian John Millman. (BBCsport)

Sunday September 03, 2017 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Fitness or weight loss programs will help your self esteem. Update and review your personal investments. You should be getting into self-improvement projects. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Do your best, but don't make too many promises or you may exhaust yourself. Make sure that you get legal matters checked out thoroughly. Plan events like camping or white water rafting. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Health problems may prevail if you haven't been getting enough rest. The experience will be good. Use your creative talent in order to accomplish your goals. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Be aggressive and colorful, and you will get your way. Pleasure trips should be on your agenda. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You may blow situations out of proportion when dealing with the one you love. You may find that doing odd jobs around the house will be successful and appreciated by loved ones. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Try not to hurt your partner's feelings. If you can mix business with pleasure much can be accomplished. Tempers may flare if you haven't been completely honest about your intentions or your whereabouts.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Be cautious while traveling to foreign countries. Listening can be more valuable than being a chatterbox. Think twice before you speak. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You can make money through solid investment plans. Difficulties with older females in your family may turn out to be quite trivial after all. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Do things with your children and avoid situations that make you feel as if you've neglected the ones you love. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Work quietly at your own goals and forget about situations that you can do little about. Depression may put a damper on your day. Your intellectual charm will win hearts and bring opportunities that you least expect. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You must use discretion when it comes to lending money or making donations. Learn some new skills that will increase your income. You are best not to nag or criticize. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Make residential changes that will lift your spirits. Don't overextend your self in order to add luxury items to your entertainment center. Curb any jealous fits if your partner has been flirting with someone else.

PAGE 77

Karolina Pliskova fights back to beat Shaui Zhang in third round Karolina Pliskova

World number one Karolina Pliskova played down an arm injury after fighting back to beat China’s Shaui Zhang in the US Open third round. World number 26 Zhang had match point at 5-4 in the second set, but Pliskova turned it around to win 3-6 7-5 6-4. The result means she stays in the race with Elina Svitolina and Garbine Muguruza to end the tournament as number one. French

Open champion Jelena Ostapenko, seeded 12th, went down 6-3 6-2 to Russia’s Daria Kasatkina, the world number 38. Meanwhile, American Coco Vandeweghe won 7-5 46 6-4 against tenth seed Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland. Pliskova, 25, will next face Jennifer Brady in the last 16, after the American beat Monica Niculescu of Romania 6-3 4-6 7-6 (7-3). She must repeat her run to the

final of 12 months ago, at the least, if she is to remain at the top of the rankings. Ukrainian fourth seed Svitolina beat American Shelby Rogers 6-4 7-5 to progress, while Spanish third seed Muguruza plays Petra Kvitova today. Elsewhere in the women’s draw, Lucie Safarova of Czech Republic beat Japan’s Kurumi Nara 6-3 6-2, and Estonian qualifier Kaia Kanepi beat Japan’s Naomi Osaka 6-3 2-6 7-5. (BBCsport)

Rainmaster Hamilton takes record... (From page 77) be in the game. If that left the passionate Ferrari fans crestfallen at the prospect of another difficult weekend at their home circuit, the German put on a brave face. After final practice was effectively a washout, qualifying was always a battle against the elements with the session halted after just four minutes when Romain Grosjean crashed his Haas into the barriers. Hamilton occupied himself during the delay by engaging with his millions of

Unbeaten Tigers... (From page 79) one of Rangers’ defenders. Camptown’s goalkeeper, Richie Richards stepped up to the plate and calmly converted the spot kick to the bottom right of the goal to level the match. It was Camptown which missed their first sudden death penalty attempt that gifted Rangers their semi-final berth as their dream run continued. The final two quarterfinal matches will be played this evening at same venue from 19:00hrs when Santos opposes Police with feature play between home side GFC and Riddim Squad. (Calvin Chapman)

fans on social media and playing video games. He then got back in the car and did it for real. Dry weather is expected

today, which should also favor Hamilton as he bids for a third win in four years at Monza.

PAGE 77

Sunday September 03, 2017

Kaieteur News

Kaieteur Sports Week in Review SPORTS WEEK IN REVIEW GUYANESE TRIO RETURN FROM LAWYERS CRICKET WORLD CUP Charles Ramson, Sanjeev Datadin and Timothy Jonas and other members of the West Indies Lawyers Cricket Team recently returned from the Biennial Lawyers Cricket World Cup hosted this year in Sri Lanka from August 10-21. The tournament was opened by the Honourable Chief Justice of Sri Lanka and cricketing legend Arjuna Ranatunga and saw the highest number of teams competing in the tournament. Twelve teams played in two pools and the final was won by Australia which defeated the host team Sri Lanka with the West Indies finishing 4th in the tournament. The Caribbean side was captained by Trinidadian Shashi Seecharan with Guyanese Charles Ramson as the vice-captain. WU TO SEND REP TO GEORGETOWN MEETING –NINVALLE President of AIBA Dr. Ching Kuo-Wu will be represented at a meeting of Caribbean boxing administrators in Guyana on September 10. Wu recently wrote to President of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) and AIBA Executive Committee Member Steve Ninvalle informing that AIBA Executive Director William Louis- Marie will represent him at the meeting since he (Wu) is unavailable because of another meeting in Peru at the same time. Wu was invited to the meeting here by the GBA President Ninvalle to clarify the ongoing impasse that has hit the world governing body of boxing. Ninvalle’s letter to Wu stated: “Dear Dr. Wu, Presidents and their representatives of the English speaking Caribbean Countries and Dutch Speaking Suriname will gather in Georgetown, Guyana on September 10, 2017 to discuss the issues surrounding AIBA presently. BERBICE CHESS ASSOCIATION ESTABLISHED The game of chess is expected to receive a boost in Berbice with the recent election of office bearers for the Berbice Chess Association (BCA). Tasked with spreading and managing the sport in the ancient county, the meeting to establish the association was held at the University of Guyana, Berbice Campus, Tain, Corentyne. Long serving advocate Krishnanand Raghunandan who over the years has been

William Louis Marie championing the cause of the sport was elected to serve as President. Steve Leung is Vice President with the Secretary being Jaysheer Carpen and Dane Grimmond, Treasurer. Executive members are Kriskal, Winston Profitt and Walter Singh. The establishment of the BCA is the culmination of regular annually held chess activities in Berbice that began in 2007 when a number of secondary schools were presented with chess sets from the Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sports. WhenAdams swept Paul Bayne for successive boundaries to post the 100 in theninth over, it seemed as if he was seeing the as big as a breadfruit. Earlier, Halden Forde (43) and Kciward Ryan (22) added 78 for the first wicket to give Barbados a solid 78-run foundation before Man. JAMAICA BOLT TO DOUBLE TITLE AFTER BARBADOS’ CONTROVERSIAL WIN OVER GUYANA IN SEMIS On the back of an unfinished 121-run opening stand between Alvin James (57) and Loshane Myles (49), Jamaica beat Barbados

by 10 wickets at Malteenoes yesterday in the T20 final of the Tri-Nation Blind cricket series after winning the 40-over format on Friday last to bolt away with both titles. On a day blessed with glorious sunshine B2 (blurred vision) batsman James outscored B3 Myles (poor vision) as the team from Reggae Country raced to 121 without loss in 10 overs, replying to Barbados’ 120-5 in a final reduced to 15 overs due to a late start. James smashed Anthony Cummins for four and an effortless six off consecutive balls while Myles was equally dismissive as the pair played both horizontal (sweeps) and vertically (drives) bat shots on the fairly fast outfield. PANTHERS DETHRONE HORNETS TO WIN GRFU’S ONE-DAY 7S TOURNAMENT After three rounds of exciting scrums between the top four Rugby teams in Guyana at the National Park Track and Field pitch yesterday, Panthers Rugby Club overcame former champions Hornets 26-24 to win the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) one-day 7s tournament. The other two teams that participated were Police Falcons and Caribs. It was a disappointing day for the Hornets who won the previous two Rugby 7s tournaments as they lost twice to the Panthers, once in the roundrobin stage 28-19 and then in the final. The Panthers were unlucky to lose to the Hornets in the previous tournament and they solidified their chances for glory in this competition by racing ahead to a 12-0 lead early in the first half through tries from Fabian Joseph and Lance Adonis and a conversion from Godfrey Broomes.

Hornets were not going to surrender their title without a fight and came within a conversion of leveling the score but their Captain; Ryan Gonsalves missed the kick in the final seconds of the game. Lance Adonis top scored in the final for Panthers with 7 points, he was also the main man in Panthers’ first round win against Hornets with 14 points. Adonis underscored the significance of Panthers winning this tournament. GCB/CGI CONTRACTS 28 PLAYERS The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) and its Jaguar Franchise announced new contracts for the 2017/18 cricket season. Fifteen (15) players received CGI contracts for the upcoming Professional Cricket League while thirteen (13) players copped Academy contracts commencing from September 1st, 2017. The Centrally contracted players are: Leon Johnson, Raymon Reifer, Veerasammy Permaul, Keon Joseph, Rajendra Chandrika, Ramall Lewis, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Anthony Bramble, Keemo Paul, Romario Shepherd, Gudakesh Motie, Steven Jacobs, Tevin Imlack, Christopher Barnwell and Chanderpaul Hemraj. The Academy Players are: Anthony Adams, Kemol Savory, Kevon Boodie, Akshaya Persaud, Joshua Persaud, Sherfane Rutherford, Clinton Pestano, Raun Johnson, Baskar Yadram, Robin Bacchus, Raymond Perez, Ronaldo Mohamed and Rickie Looknauth. These Players would be joined by Cricket West Indies Contracted players Devindra Bishoo, Vishaul Singh and Shimron Hetemyer to commence preparation for the CWI PCL 2017/18 tournament.

GRILL MASTER OF CANJE CROWNED CHAMPIONS A brilliant all-round performance by skipper Roy Jaferally on Sunday led his team, Grill Master to championship honours in the Kares Engineering Inc.,/RHTY&SC/Patron’s Green Economy Softball tournament. Playing in front of a massive and colourful crowd at the Area ‘H’ ground, Grill Master of Canje crushed Prophecy Boys of Port Mourant by 131 runs to take home the first prize of $500,000 and the beautiful Green Economy Trophy donated by Kares Engineering Inc., and the Ministry of the Presidency, respectively. The tournament was organised by the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS, in honour of its Patron on his 72nd birthday and was geared towards educating the public about the effects of Climate Change whilst promoting the Green Economy Programme. In the semifinals, Grill Master easily disposed of Jai Hind of Albion by 9 wickets while Prophecy Boys defeated Hard Knock of Manchester by 79 runs. The winning team apart from the $500 000.00 first prize collected $105,000 from Peter Lewis for boundaries struck during their innings while Roy Jaferally took home $50,000 for being manof-the-finals. Prophecy Boys received $300,000 and trophy for the 2nd prize, Hard Knock took home $100,000 and a trophy while Jai Hind pocketed $50,000 for the 4th prize. The tournament, Foster proudly stated was the biggest of its kind for any sport in the Ancient County and expressed gratitude to the media and fans for (Continued on page 75)

The victorious Panthers team

Sunday September 03, 2017

Kaieteur News

PAGE 79

Kaieteur Sports Week in Review Roy Jaferally receives the winnings from Minister Joseph Harmon and Satyna Kishun of Kares Engineering.

From left, Marketing Manager of Courts Guyana Inc. Pernell Cummings and Head of the AAG Aubrey Hutson (From page 74) their support. GUYANA BEAT WINDWARDS FOR 4TH SUCCESSIVE 50 OVER TITLE; DETHRONED LEEWARDS FOR 15TH 3-DAY TITLE Guyana yesterday achieved the ‘double’ when they beat the Windward Islands by six runs in the final round of the Regional 50-over U-19 tournament in St Kitts & Nevis to take the 2017 Championship after dethroning the Leeward Islands in the three-day format which began in 1976, to capture their 15th title. The 50-overs tournament was inaugurated in 1998 in T&T as a replacement for the washed out three-day competition and this was Guyana’s fourth 50-overs title in a row since they dethroned 2013 champs, Windwards in 2014 at home when their 50-over Championship winning streak began under Skipper Brian Sattaur. Sattaur became the first Guyana Captain to win both three-day and one-day titles in the same year and is now joined by this year’s skipper Renaldo Ali Mohammed as they both bettered Steven Jacobs, who led Guyana to the three-day title in 2007 in St. Kitts before losing to Jamaica in the 50-over final at Warner Park the same year. At Warner Park, Guyana was spearheaded by a 91-run opening stand between the tournament’s leading run scorer Raymond Perez (77) and Joshua Persaud (40) as they were dismissed off the last ball of their 50 overs for 217. Dillon Douglas (3-32), Jahseon Alexander (2-24) and Alick Athanaze (2-43) were the main wicket takers for the Windwards, bowled out for 211 in 49.4 overs despite a 99-run second wicket stand between Wayne Edwards (43) and Emmanuel Stewart (40). GUYANA REPRESENTED FOR FIRST TIME AT IPSC XV111 WORLD SHOOT IN FRANCE

Harold ‘Top Gun’ Hopkinson aka ‘Hoppy’ has become the first Guyana to compete at the International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) World Shoot which is currently underway in France. Hopkinson, who is the Regional Director of IPSC (Guyana) which falls under the Guyana National Rifle Shooting Association, has been very active this year attending a number of IPSC sanctioned shoots, he recently returned from competing in Grenada where he excelled. Some 1600 competitors from 140 countries including fellow Caribbean nations, Barbados and Jamaica are competing in France. Hopkinson attended the IPSC General Assembly which was held on Saturday last where members elected a new President, Russian Vitaly Kryuchin who was one of three candidates contesting for the post. Hopkinson informed that he would be shooting in the Super Senior category in the Open Division, the F1 of practical shooting sports. He noted that his new gun, a Akai Custom Gun, made by Shay Horowitz of Miami, is making a power factor of 176, 16 over the needed 160. TEAM GUYANA EMERGES CHAMPS AT INT. MARTIAL ARTS TOURNEY IN SURINAME Team Guyana came out winners against their Surinamese counterparts in a just concluded International Martial Arts tournament held in the Dutch country. The 32-member Guyana team bagged a total of 79 medals (34 gold 27 silver 18 bronze). The team was led by Soke Dr. NazimYassim, Shihan Lloyd Ramnarine and Professor Dr. Christopher Norville and included a combination of students from the Guyana Mix-Martial Arts Karate Association (21) and the Guyana International Kyokushinkai Martial Arts Academy (11). Held in Nickerie, students of

the Guyana Mixed-Martial Arts Karate Association dominated the Free form and the 7 – 10 division Points Sparring while the students of Soke Nazim, The Guyana Int’l Kyokushinkai Martial Arts Academy was outstanding in the Traditional Katas, Traditional Weapons Katas Points and Full Contact Fighting. Guyana Mixed-Martial Arts Karate Association won 58 medals (20 gold 20 silver 18 bronze) and the Guyana Int’l Kyokushinkai Martial Arts Academy achieved 21 medals (14 gold7 silver). This year, we will put athletes between ages 10 – 15 years-old, those preparing for the School’s Championship, to do a ‘Golden Mile’ around Main street where we go up to Lamaha Street and return.” SEVENTH COURTS 10K RACE SET FOR OCTOBER 1ST Courts Guyana Inc. in collaboration with the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) will be hosting the 7th Annual Courts 10K Road Race on the October 1st, 2017. This event which continues to grow and garner support from athletes, gyms and other health enthusiasts from around the country, is now a part of the AAG calendar, being the largest 10K Race in Guyana. In total, Courts Guyana Inc. is investing in excess of $2,000,000 in this year’s race to ensure the success of the event as the company is proud of the growth it has seen throughout the years. The event is opened to runners in the junior, senior and master’s categories for both male and females and Courts will be handing

out $1,500,000 in cash, prizes and trophies. OLD FORT MEN AND GCC LADIES WIN OPEN CATEGORIES The Old Fort Hockey Club which has been going through a rebuilding process, showed signs of a promising future after copping the Men’s Open and Boys Under-17 titles on Sunday, the final day of the GCC/Igloo Hockey Festival. The two-day competition which was competed at the Georgetown Cricket Club miniature turf saw Old Fort competing in three male finals, the Under-17, Open and Under-21 division which they lost to GCC. The host club GCC which has the most extensive youth programme from Under-10 upwards, won 6 of the 9 categories contested, Old Fort won two while Saints HC took one victory. Saints Hockey Club put in their most impressive performance to date as

Baskar Yadram

the young club secured the top spot in the Under-14 boys division and made appearances in 3 of the 9 finals. Old Fort Damn displayed an impressive performance of hockey to win their first Open men’s division title in some time while the Pizza Hut GCC ladies continue to be the dominant team in the women’s division. Old Fort defeated Saints 6-3 in the Open final. The women’s Open final got off to a promising start with just a minute into play when underdogs, Woodpecker Hikers received a penalty against favourites Pizza Hut GCC. GCC’s Goalkeeper Briawna Gordon ensured that her side didn’t concede from the penalty and the eventual champions slowly tightened their grip as the match progressed. A hat-trick from national midfielder Trisha Woodroffe and a solitary strike from Sandy Roopnarine placed the game beyond the reach of the Hikers in the 4-1 result.

Raymond Perez

PAGE 80

Kaieteur News

Sunday September 03, 2017

Hetmyer, Dowrich keep Walton, Rochi put Amazon Windies confidence bubbling Warriors on verge of playoffs Leicester, England, CMC – Rookie Shimron Hetmyer produced a stunning unbeaten century while wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich also chipped in with three figures, as West Indies dominated the opening day of their two-day match against Leicestershire yesterday. The 20-year-old lefthander struck 128 not out at better than a run-a-ball as the Windies registered 377 for seven declared off 88 overs, after winning the toss and electing to bat at Grace Road. Dowrich also made the most of his opportunity, scoring 108 not out off 176 balls with 16 fours as he regained touch in the lead-up to the decisive third Test at Lord’s next week. He added an unbroken stand of 186 with Hetmyer for the eighth wicket after West Indies’ innings seemed to be petering out tamely at 191 for seven in the final session. Earlier in the day, lefthanded opener Kieran Powell also tuned up with a

stroke-filled 82. He batted 3½ hours, faced 154 balls and hit 12 fours and a huge six over midwicket. However, the day belonged to the exciting Hetmyer who made his Test debut against Pakistan earlier this year but is yet to feature in the ongoing Test series against England. Coming at number nine in just his third innings on tour, Hetmyer hit 17 fours and five sixes in just over two hours off 120 balls. He treated spectators to an array of breathtaking strokes on both side of the wicket, reaching his half century off 49 balls with nine fours and two sixes. He then accelerated to raise his century off 100 balls, counting 12 fours and five sixes – two of which came in the same over from off-spinner Robert Sayer. After reaching the landmark, Hetmyer continued to dominate and the declaration came in fading light as he cracked three boundaries in the final over of the day from left-arm pacer Dieter Klein.

Earlier in the day, the visitors slipped to five for two in the fourth over when opener Kraigg Brathwaite (2) and Kyle Hope (1) were both trapped leg-before in the space of seven balls. Second Test hero Shai Hope then joined Powell and they repaired the early damage, adding 48 for the third wicket. Hope counted six boundaries in a fluent 28 off 33 balls before he was bowled by seamer Richard Jones, leading to two quick wickets for seamer Gavin Griffiths, who finished with two for 70. Roston Chase was lbw for two, trapped on the crease as Griffiths got a delivery to swing in and two balls later Jermaine Blackwood fell for a duck, well held at cover from a powerful drive. Powell then began the revival for West Indies, putting on 117 for the sixth wicket with Dowrich, before Hetmyer arrived to swing the game in favour of the tourists. Left-arm seamer Dieter Klein was the best bowler with three for 77.

GOA pledge support to boxing prodigy, Keevin Allicock By Calvin Chapman Guyana’s Keevin Allicock, who claimed the Flyweight (52kg) division silver medal at the Commonwealth Youth G a m e s B o x i n g Championship in the Bahamas, last July, will be the recipient of a Guyana Olympic Association’s (GOA) development grant. During a press brief at the GOA’s new headquarters at Turkeyen, President K.A Juman-Yassin, expressed extreme happiness at witnessing Allicock cop the silver medal in the Bahamas. ”As an attacking fighter and as a mannerly young man, I believe he can go very

far. The GOA as a result will be providing him in the month of September with the sum of G$70,000 to go towards his training.” Further, the GOA will be funding Allicock with an additional G$40,000 in each successive month after his initial sum of G$70,000 to help with his preparations for a bid at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. However, the funding will continue based on conditions such as Allicock’s performances in upcoming bouts and reports from the G u y a n a B o x i n g Association (GBA) pertaining to his conduct

Indigenous Heritage Race-Walk on next Sunday The cream of the country’s Race-Walkers and a number of newcomers in all categories are expected to be competing next Sunday when the Cavaliers Sports and Tour Club stages its 10k Indigenous Heritage Month Race-Walk event at the National Park, Thomas Lands, Georgetown commencing at 06:30hrs. Trophies, medals and other prizes will be at stake in the male and female; senior, junior, veteran and differently able categories. Interested persons must be at starting line before the start. Indigenous Heritage Month 2017 is being celebrated under the theme, “Guyana’s First Peoples; Sustaining a Rich Cultural Environment”.

and training regime, Yassin explained. President of the GBA, Steve Ninvalle noted at the press brief that, “The GBA is very appreciative of the grant because we’re the first association to benefit from this initiative.” With a projected annual earnings of G$480,000, Ninvalle further stated that, “Mathematically, Allicock will be earning more than most professional boxers in Guyana on a yearly basis.” The 18-year-old glove man is thankful for this opportunity and he signaled intent to do better in his next tournament, “By the grace of God I will perform better and to the best of my ability because this was the type of support I was looking for and I am very grateful for this opportunity to better represent my country”, stated Allicock. The promising pugilist would have the opportunity to bring his words to fruition when he gloves up for the South American Youth Games in Chile, this month end.

Kingston, Jamaica, CMC – Man-of-the-Match Chadwick Walton and New Zealander Luke Ronchi slammed scintillating halfcenturies as a rampant Guyana Amazon Warriors crushed Jamaica Tallawahs by nine wickets to virtually secure a spot in the playoffs of the Caribbean Premier League. Chasing 150 for victory at Sabina Park on Friday night, the visitors stormed to their target off a mere 63 deliveries, with Walton ending unbeaten on 84 off 40 deliveries and Ronchi, 55 not out off 29 balls. The pair were utterly dominant, posting 135 for the second wicket – the highest partnership for any w i c k e t i n t h i s y e a r ’s competitition – after Sohail Tanvir perished for a firstball ‘duck’ off the sixth ball of the innings. Walton smashed eight fours and six sixes en route his half-century off 26 deliveries while Ronchi’s landmark took one delivery longer, as he counted four fours and three sixes. Opting to bat first earlier, Tallawahs rallied to 149 for seven off their 20 overs with Andre McCarthy top-scoring with 44 and captain Kumar Sangakkara getting 38. Pakistan left-arm seamer Sohail Tanvir (2-27) and pacer Rayad Emrit (2-29) both finished with two wickets apiece. The victory was the fourth on the trot for Amazon Warriors and put them in pole position to claim the last playoff spot up for grabs. They lie fourth on 10 points, four points clear

Luke Ronchi blitzed a 27-ball half-century ©Randy Brooks - CPL T20 / Getty of nearest challenger Barbados Tridents in fifth. Amazon Warriors also possess a superior net run rate meaning that Tridents will have to win their final two matches – over Trinbago Knight Riders and St Kitts and Nevis Patriots – by significant margins in order to sneak into the top four. The visitors were slumping at 26 for two in the fifth over after Glenn Phillips (10) missed a pull and was bowled by left-arm s p i n n e r Ve e r a s a m m y Permaul and Lendl Simmons (15) clipped Emrit to Gajanand Singh at midwicket. McCarthy and Sri Lankan Sangakkara then came together in a 79-run, third wicket stand and push the total past the 100-run mark. While McCarthy

faced 35 balls and struck four boundaries and three sixes, Sangakkara counted two fours and a six in a 31ball knock. However, they both fell in the space of 15 balls for the addition of 15 runs and Tallawahs were left to scramble for runs at the end to reach a competitive total. In reply, Tallawahs were in the hunt early when Tanvir gloved a lifter from pacer Oshane Thomas through to wicketkeeper Sangakkara but their hopes were completely erased as Walton and Ronchi then decimated their bowling attack. Guyana Amazon Warriors 150 for 1 (Walton 84*, Ronchi 55*) beat Jamaica Tallawahs 149 for 7 (McCarthy 44, Sangakkara 38) by nine wickets.

Calvin Ming’s Pabst Racing Team are USF 2000 Series 2017 champs Watkins Glen, USA Guyanese Calvin Ming who forms an integral part of the P a b s t R a c i n g Te a m comprising of Lucas Kohl of Brazil and Holland’s Rinus Veekay emerged as the top team of the USF 2000 Series for 2017, while Oliver Askew took the Individual Championship title. Reports out of the USA informed that the weekend motored off well with young Ming managing to lead the pack with the fastest lap times during the two Friday free-practice sessions. However, he only managed

to qualify in P6 on Saturday (yesterday) morning while h i s t e a m m a t e Ve e k a y qualified in P2 and Askew in P1. Starting from P6 in the r a c e y e s t e r d a y, M i n g quickly charged into P3 by the exit of turn #1 with Askew in the lead and Veekay in P2 very close behind. By the end of lap #1 Rinus overtook Oliver and never looked back. Ming hounded down Oliver for the entire 30 minutes race which ran for 17 laps around the world

famous Watkins Glen, 3.4 miles long circuit with 11 turns and several elevation changes. The entire Pabst Racing Te a m i n c l u d i n g i t s Manager/Owner, Tonis Kasemets - Engineer, Greg B l a s e r- D a t a E n g i n e e r, Jerome Guimont - Crew Chief for Calvin Ming, Jethro Austin - Crew Chief for Rinus Veekay, Dale Scott - Crew Chief for Lucas Kohl, Jim Giustino – Workshop Foreman, Chris Hammond Race Transporter driver are being congratulated for a job well done.

Sunday September 03, 2017

Kaieteur News

PAGE 81

Guinness Cage/Three Peat Promotions Indoor C/ship

MVP to get gold chain compliments of Y K Investments & Pawn Shop A consistent supporter of sports and sportsmen and women, Y K Investments & Pawn Shop added its name to the list of sponsors of the inaugural Guinness Cage / Three Peat Promotions Indoor Championship following the presentation of a gold chain for the Most Valuable Player. Managing Director Marlon Yenkana during a simple ceremony at the entity’s location on Regent Street pledged his support for the MVP following a request made by Three Peat

Promotions representative Rawle Welch. Yenkana speaking at the occasion said he was pleased to assist the Championship, adding that his love for sports played a pivotal role in his decision to get on board, while his long standing friendship with one of the Organisers was also instrumental in convincing him to offer his assistance. ”I have known Rawle for a long time and our association which started through business has blossomed into a friendship

Rainmaster Hamilton takes record pole at Monza

Lewis Hamilton Monza, Italy (Reuters) Triple world champion Lewis Hamilton took a record 69th Formula One pole position with a wet weather masterclass at the Italian Grand Prix yesterday while Ferrari’s championship leader Sebastian Vettel struggled. The Mercedes driver, who equaled Michael Schumacher ’s all-time record last weekend in Belgium, was more than a second quicker than closest rival Max Verstappen in treacherous conditions. The much-delayed session was one of the longest on record, ending with late drama some three and half hours after it started. Dutch teenager Verstappen and his Red Bull team mate Daniel Ricciardo both have grid penalties after power unit and gearbox changes and will drop down towards the back of the grid for Sunday’s race. That will lift Vettel from eighth to sixth, but behind Ferrari team mate Kimi Raikkonen, while Canadian

rookie teenager Lance Stroll was promoted to a stunning front-row slot for Williams. In another eye-catching performance from a hectic session full of late drama, France’s Esteban Ocon will start third for Force India and alongside Hamilton’s Finnish team mate Valtteri Bottas. That will mean Vettel has three Mercedes-powered cars between him and Hamilton in Sunday’s race. It was the fourth year in a row that the Briton has taken pole at Monza, the fastest circuit on the calendar, but he left it until the final seconds to put it beyond all doubt after Verstappen had gone fastest. The Briton did it with a monumental lap, 1.148 seconds quicker, with clouds of spray thrown up from the car as he gave it everything with one final dramatic effort. Vettel, who took his first grand prix win at Monza with Toro Rosso in 2008 after taking pole in similar conditions, never looked to (Continued on page 73)

over the years,” Yenkana disclosed. In response, Welch thanked the entity for its continued support for sports and promised to deliver an event that the business will be proud of. Over $800,000 in total prize monies are up for grabs.

Y K Investments & Pawn Shop Managing Director, Marlon Yenkana (right) hands over the sponsorship to Three Peat Promotions representative, Rawle Welch.

PAGE 82

Kaieteur News

Sunday September 03, 2017

Ricardo Adams’ unbeaten 145 puts E’bo in control at Albion; Rain wash out opening day at Wales GCB/CGI 3-day Franchise League Raun Johnson

Ricardo Adams Ricardo Adams’ unbeaten 145 and 63 from Kemol Savory rallied Essequibo to a challenging 274 as Lower Corentyne’s National Pacer Raun Johnson grabbed 5-70 to claim the second five-wicket haul on the opening day of the GCB/CGI 3-day Franchise League. Johnson got support

The rain pounds the water logged Wales ground yesterday.

from Kassim Khan who bagged 2-80 for Lower Corentyne which closed the day at 64-3 off 26 overs needing another 210 runs to overhaul Essequibo’s total.

Adams and Savory joined forces in bright sunshine at 14-2 after Kevin Boodie (10) and Ricardo Peters (3) were removed in quick succession by the

EBD/Upper Demerara trail by one run with 8 wkts intact against Georgetown Rutherford grabs 7, Bacchus hits 50 E a s t B a n k Demerara/Upper Demerara trail Georgetown by one run with eight second innings wickets intact when their GCB/Cricket Guyana Inc. Jaguars three-day Franchise league match commenced yesterday. Batting first on a difficult Lusignan pitch, East Bank Demerara/Upper Demerara were shot out for 115 in 39.3 overs just after lunch. Pacer Paul Wintz had Stephan Brown caught and bowled without scoring while and QumarTorrington trapped Sachin Singh lbw (01) as EBD/Upper Demerara were reduced to 52. Danny Narayan (07) and Ronaldo Ali-Mohamed (00) soon followed with the score on 25-4. However, Vishaul Singh and Sherfene Rutherford added 32 for the fifth-wicket before the latter was lbw to Steven Sankar for 19, Singh was the top scorer with 32 (2x4 1x6). Ershad Ali and Totaram Bishun were the only other batsmen that offered any resistance with 18 not out and 13 respectively, offspinner Gajanan Suknanan claimed 3-24 and Steven Sankar 3-38.

lively Johnson. The pair added 106 for the third wicket with both batsman playing several well struck drives, cuts and pulls as their union got stronger the longer they were together. Adams reached his 50 from 53 balls in 105 minutes while Savory got to his half-century from 62 balls in 83 minutes before he had his stumps uprooted by the towering Johnson at 1203 after reaching the boundary six times and clearing it twice while a run later Surujpaul was run out for one.

However, Adams and Tulsiram Premnauth (20) added a further 48 before Johnson struck again to leave the score on 169-5. Adams continued to play aggressively but Kevin Gordon (8) and the multitalented National U-19 all-rounder Joshua Jones (4) were both removed by Khan and at 198-8, Adams was running out of partners. Adams reached the first ton of the 2017 tournament from 136 balls and 220 minutes being left stranded five short of his 150. His innings was decorated with

12 fours and three sixes. In the other match played at the Bush Lot ground also in Berbice, Upper Corentyne made 152 before bundling out West Berbice for 93 to give the East Berbicians a lead of 59 going into the second day, today. Meanwhile, torrential rain washed out the opening day’s play between East Coast and West Demerara at the Wales on the West Bank of Demerara. A prompt start today seems unlikely as the ground remained water logged late into the afternoon.

Lozano on target as Mexico tops Panama, qualifies for World Cup

Robin Bacchus

Sherfene Rutherford

Pacer Ali-Mohamed picked up the wickets of Martin Pestano Belle (00) and Sunil Singh (02), reducing Georgetown to 172 in reply. Rutherford who impressed with his pace then bowled Marvan Prashad (04) before Robin Bacchus and Dexter Solomon steadied the innings with a stand of 71. Their resistance was ended when Solomon was lbw to one that didn’t rise above ankle from Rutherford for 29 (4x4 1x6). Bacchus survived some early nervous moments, but blossomed to hit six fours and one six before he was lbw to the Rutherford for 51.

Rutherford continued to maintain a steady line and had Wintz caught and bowled for four before trapping Sankar lbw without scoring. Devon Lord made 19 and Joshua Wade 11 down the order as Georgetown was bowled out for 136 to take a 21 run lead. Rutherford finished with 7-48 while AliMohamed had 2-27. Batting a second time, East Bank reached 20-2 with Vishaul Singh and Sachin Singh unbeaten on four each. Browne (01) and Narayan (00) are the batmen back in the pavilion, both falling to Wintz. Play continues at 09:30hrs today.

Mexico City – Mexico (5W-2D-0L, 17 points) sealed a berth in the 2018 FIFA World Cup with a 1-0 win over visiting Panama (14-2, 7) in the final round of CONCACAF qualifying on Friday night at the Estadio Azteca. Tw o m i n u t e s a f t e r coming off the bench, Hirving Lozano headed home the only goal early in the second half. The result means that the Mexicans, who needed to overcome New Zealand in a playoff to qualify for Brazil 2014, can finish no worse than third in the Hexagonal. They regained sole possession of first place and now hold a three-point advantage over secondplace Costa Rica (4-2-1, 14), which beat the United States, 2-0, earlier in the evening. Panama’s winless streak in qualifying was extended to

Hirving Lozano. Mexsport

six games. The Canaleros now sit in fifth place, one point behind Honduras – a 2-1 winner over Trinidad & Tobago and the USA. Lozano netted in the 53rd minute, heading home from six-yards out off a cross from the left side of the box by Jesus Manuel Corona, who did well to maintain possession after a challenge by defender Adolfo Machado. Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa was in tremendous form, especially

in the second half. He made a series of outstanding saves, diving left to deny Ricardo Buitrago’s free kick in the 50th minute. Twenty minutes later, he scrambled to the left post to punch away Armando Cooper’s left-sided cross, which appeared to be heading into the net. Both sides return to action on Tu e s d a y w i t h M e x i c o visiting Costa Rica and Panama hosting last-place T&T. (CONCACAF)

Sunday September 03, 2017

Kaieteur News

PAGE 83

Youth in An instinctive desire to succeed drives West Focus Dem. Sec. student/athlete, Joanna Archer One of the top performers at the recently concluded Inter-Guiana Games in Suriname was 17 year-old Joanna Archer of t h e We s t D e m e r a r a Secondary School (WDSC) who successfully defended all three of her track titles. The 800m and 1500m athlete won both individual events in addition to running a powerful third leg in the 4x400m relay that helped Guyana retain the gold medal in that event. Archer duplicated her performance of 2016 when Guyana hosted the same games at Leonora Track and Field Facility. It has been a good year on the track for Archer despite her missing the CARIFTA Games as she was able to enjoy successes at the South American Youth Games with a silver medal in the 800m and gold in the 4x400m relay. After missing the CARIFTA Games due to studies that prevented her from training regularly, she explained to Kaieteur Sport that she wasn’t really bothered because it paid off. The reward

was that she was able to secure eight (8) passes in her first sitting of the CSEC examinations inclusive of 3 ones, 3 twos and 2 grade threes. Headmaster of the West Demerara Secondary School, Harrinarine, stated that he was proud of Archer’s achievements on the track. ”Archer has always done well at inter-house and interbranch for West Demerara so it warms my heart to see her excel at the international level.” Harrinarine further explained that, “Joanna has grown and become extremely disciplined and I think that is the number one reason for her success, in both sports and studies.” Archer revealed that it wasn’t easy but it was worth it: “Especially when I had to miss weekend classes to train for the South American Games. Mathematics was my weakest subject but thanks to Headmaster Harrinarine’s extra classes, I was able to come out with a grade two.” The Under-18 athlete, who is now being offered scholarships by quite a few

Joanna Archer and West Demerara Headmaster Harrinarine

Joana Archer crosses the finish line in the 800m at this year’s Inter-Guiana Games in Suriname colleges in the United States including Essex County in New Jersey, shared that although she began competing at the Schools’ National Championships’ from the Under-8 level, it was not until Under-14 that she began to medal. ”My main motivation was my grandmother, along with other family, friends and

Trophy Stall/GRFU 7s one-day tournament scrums off today at the National Park

Lance Adonis The Guyana Rugby Football Union will culminate its 2016 season which was delayed by rain and other circumstances with the Trophy Stall 7s oneday tournament at the National Park Track and Field Rugby Field today from 11:00hrs. The top 4 teams will collide for the second consecutive week with the Panthers which finally

Osei McKenzie

Ryan Gonsalves

overwhelmed the previous champions Hornets rearing to add this title to the GRFU 7s title which they won last week Sunday. In last weeks’ competition, Panthers had played unbeaten with stellar performances from key men, Lance Adonis, Osei Mckenzie, Rondell McArthur and Godfrey Broomes and this quartet will be aiming to once again

lead their team to the top prize. Hornets will also be coming out hard as they aim to reverse the tables, they will be led by National Captain Ryan Gonsalves. Some mouthwatering exchanges are anticipated. Caribs and the inexperienced Police will all be looking to improve on their weak performances from last week.

teachers at school that encouraged me to keep

going, striving for greater heights.” When Archer was 8 years-old she lost her mom to cancer and has been living with her grandmother ever since. The student-athlete explained that her Theatre A r t s Te a c h e r, Ta n e k a Caldiera has taken up a motherly role in her life

since the third form. For the future, Archer has sights set to follow in the footsteps of her aunt, Marsha Archer, as she aims to become an Attorney-At-Law while hoping to fly the Golden Arrowhead high at the Olympic Games, one day. (Calvin Chapman)

Corona Invitational Football

Unbeaten Tigers and Rangers advance to semifinals Action between Camptown (Stripes) and the undefeated Northern Rangers on Friday night.

On Friday night at the Georgetown Football Club ground, fans witnessed the dominant and undefeated Western Tigers dismantle the youthful Pele FC 6-0 while Northern Rangers who are also unbeaten edged Camptown 4-3 on sudden death kicks from the penalty mark. Perennial favourites, Western Tigers, entertained fans in the feature game of the night by comfortably ousting Pele led by a brace from Darren Benjamin who netted either side of play, 32nd and 72nd minute. Pele would’ve been intimidated by the opposition pre-game and were definitely demoralized early in the match as Dellon Kells put the “Vicious” Tigers ahead after just 9 minutes. Jamal Pedro

doubled their lead in the 30th minute before Benjamin’s first goal two minutes later took the tally to a comfortable 3-0 in the first half. The Tigers continued to roar from the start of the second half with constant raids of Pele’s defense. Pele couldn’t cope with the organisation of Tigers’ 3-4-3 setup as they let in three more unanswered goals in that period of play; Jarel Tyrell (55) and Mark Gittens (75) added their names to the score sheet while Darren Benjamin completed his double in the 72nd minute. The young Pele side couldn’t respond with any goals of their own as they found it tough getting in behind the aggressive Tigers back line. The initial match

of the evening, the opening quarterfinal between surprise top performers Northern Rangers and Camptown, was decided on sudden death kicks from the penalty mark after a 1-1 score line after full and extra time. Rangers’ target man Sunil Logan continued his goal scoring form with a calm finish to the left of Camptown’s goalkeeper Richie Richards inside the box. Logan completed the poacher’s goal in the 19th minute after capably controlling a lofted pass staving off pressure from t w o o f C a m p t o w n ’s defenders. Before the end of the first half, Camptown equalised after they were awarded a penalty from a handball by (Continued on page 73)

t r o Sp Hetmyer, Dowrich keep Walton, Rochi put Amazon Warriors on verge of playoffs Windies confidence bubbling

Chadwick Walton muscles one down the ground ©Randy Brooks - CPL T20/Getty

Shimron Hetmyer (right) and Shane Dowrich

Calvin Ming’s Pabst Racing Team are USF 2000 Series 2017 champs

GOA pledge support to boxing prodigy, Keevin Allicock

Calvin Ming (2nd left) with members of the victorious Pabst Racing Team.

GOA President KA Juman Yassin greets Keevin Allicock in the presence of the GBA’s Steve Ninvalle (right) and GOA VP, Dr. Karen Pilgrim.

Trophy Stall/GRFU 7s one-day tournament scrums off today at the National Park 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