Kaieteur News
PAGE 04
Friday September 09, 2016
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
Editor’s Note; If your sent letter was not published and you felt its contents were valid and devoid of libel or personal attacks, please contact us by phone or email.
The PPP and PNC are ethnic A SMOOTH BEGINNING parties that have to change EDITORIAL
We commend all stakeholders who on Monday ensured a smooth beginning to the new school year. According to the Ministry of Education, with the exception of a few hiccups, all schools were opened and the first time students were made to feel comfortable in their new school environment. However, where facilities were not yet ready for use, alternatives were identified and all students were accommodated so as to ensure no loss of teaching time. This could well be a first for the Education department. At the start of every term, there has always been the usual litany of complaints and problems, with schools not being ready or teachers being absent. This time around, however, the Education Minister, educators, principals, teachers and parents all worked together to ensure a positive start to the school year. The task now, however, will be for the stakeholders to employ the same or even a better formula to keep up this kind of excellent performance in coming years. The factors that led to the recent success were based on meaningful dialogue between all stakeholders. While things went well in most schools, in some areas traffic disruptions caused some absenteeism. However, better coordination with the police in future could prevent roadblocks during the start and dismissing periods of schools in the city. While the Ministry of Education and all stakeholders can commend themselves, they must not become complacent. They must continue to address some of the serious issues that remain at various schools. They must keep up the same levels of collaboration, communication and responsiveness throughout the year. But this must be done in the spirit of true alliance in which everyone is duly respected and the voices, particularly of our teachers, are allowed to be heard. It should not be a rarity that schools open without hindrances. The authorities must continue to conduct routine maintenance checks on schools during the term so that repairs can be made if possible at the end of the school year. With an education review planned for next year based on the findings of the Commission of the State of the Education system, we must hope that everyone can build from this promising start. The election storm is way behind us and now that the dust has settled, it is time for the ministers to get on with the business of the nation. And while we congratulate the new Minister of Education for doing an excellent job in steering the system in a relatively new direction in just over a year, we certainly must not forget the embarrassing missteps of the past. We must acknowledge the changes that the minister has brought to the task of providing a pleasant school environment for students. Unfortunately, there can be no honeymoon period for the minister; he must address the compelling issues currently facing the education system if we are to achieve high standards in delivering quality educational services to the youths. Among these issues are an education master plan that clearly articulates the role of education in fulfilling the national development agenda; upgrading of the inadequate school plans for delivering a 21st century education; a new holistic curriculum aimed at improving the pass rate in mathematics and the other sciences; the prevention of the high rate of school drop-outs in the country; and a thrust towards a more inclusive education system that embraces all of our diversity and provides opportunities for the excluded and marginalized. Parents and teachers must be engaged in the process so that their concerns and contributions are valued and allowed to factor in the policy framework. We must strive for more smooth beginnings.
Dear Editor; The concept of power sharing has been “beaten to death” for umpteen years and gotten nowhere. David Hinds was the main proponent. Also neither of the two ethnic parties, PPP and PNC, has shown any interest. I am opposed to Hinds’ concept of power-sharing as well as to Suriname’s consociationalism (two opposing combinations, each comprising of a faction of the ethnic groups). Why? Power sharing in Suriname had broken down in the 1980’s and led to chaos and riots which provided the opening for the Bouterse coup. Power sharing, if tried in Guyana will lead to the same fierce competition (called “outbidding”) between the ethnic factions for available benefits. Also, power sharing is not democracy. So what is democracy in a multiracial society? First what it is not. It is not strict ethnic voting for ethnic parties and one ethnic group alone (comprising 51% of the electorate) electing an ethnic party to power; and that party gets elected every election cycle for 25 or more years. That is ethnic triumphalism – and the excluded ethnic group will forever be seething and planning riots and coups. I have enunciated two basic principles that will produce genuine democracy in a multiracial society: (1) Get rid of ethnic parties. Ethnic parties only encourage and perpetuate strict (or excessively high rates of) racial voting. Forbes Burnham and Cheddi Jagan were nothing but ethnic demi-gods. As a society we must undo their legacies of ethnic voting. Both PPP and PNC are perceived as ethnic parties, notwithstanding their denial.
(2) With the existence of nonracial parties, a sizeable pool of Swing Voters (comprising of both Africans and Indians) will emerge. This group will vote on Issues – and will change their vote each time the party in power performs badly. This group will be the catalyst to ensure that there are regular “democratic turnovers”, every two or three election cycles. There will be reduced political and racial tensions in the society, knowing that an unpopular govt. will be voted out at the next election. Conditions in Guyana today are well suited, if not ideal, for the above two principles to work themselves into the body politic, providing the two ethnic parties are less stubborn about holding on to the age-old ideology of “racial purity cum window-dressing”. How so? (1) PNC cannot win an election in Guyana on the basis of African votes alone. This should be the compelling reason for it to transform itself into a genuine non-racial party – and make itself attractive to all races that inhabit Guyana. (2) With the declining share of Indians in the population, PPP also cannot win any future election on the basis of Indian votes only. PPP also must begin transitioning into a genuine non-racial party. Will these two age-old parties change? Pressure must be brought to bear from the ABC countries and their representatives in Guyana to gently nudge them to change. The optics at these parties’ conventions are obscene – they are overwhelmingly dominated by one ethnic group only. It is an
anachronism for ethnic parties to continue to flourish in a multi-racial society in the 21st century as they do in Guyana today. I feel compelled to comment on what is happening in Guyana today. The Afro-ethnic PNC got into power through a coalition with the AFC – but immediately upon acceding to power the AFC lost all its power and influence on policies and direction. It became the old PNC back in power. Over 85% of all positions on Govt. boards and Ministries went to Africans. It is as if it was a vengeance thing to humiliate the Indian population. Bear in mind that all of this is happening in a society where Indians comprise 42-45% of the population. The army and police are already dominated – at least 90% strong – with Africans. The public, civil, teaching services are already overwhelmingly dominated with Africans If the Coalition was intended to be a consociational coalition (meaning representing the two major racial groups in some reasonable proportions) – then something went terribly wrong. AFC itself was not an Indian party – but it is doing a coalition with an African party. The result: the majority of Cabinet officers from AFC were Africans. Also, the fiddled constitutional arrangement – the Prime Minister cannot succeed to the presidency; also the Prime Minister has been denuded of the normal powers in a Prime Ministerial portfolio. These powers were handed over to a new creation, Minister of the Presidency – all working to strengthen the powers of (Continued on page 5)
This is what Guyana has become Dear Editors; Please allow me to make this brief comment via your media. The Ogle incident where persons posed as employees of the Ministry of Health is not singular. It is happening regularly in several communities. The danger here is that some of these imposters will
meet resistance at some point in time and life and limb will be lost. And persons justifiably defending themselves and their properties will be charged. Bandits have more rights in this country than law-abiding citizens. My suggestion to residents: Keep telephone numbers of the police stations nearest to you, phone numbers
of your neighbours and relatives and go on a calling splurge if you feel threatened. And, do not give persons access to your yard without alerting someone nearby. This is the Guyana we live in today. You never know who is who. T. Jadunauth
City Constables are harassing drivers Dear Editor; David Ramnarine Acting Commissioner of Police recently boldly read the ‘Riot Act’ to members of the anti-crime patrol and traffic ranks in relation to corrupt and other unlawful activities. This was done in the presence of their supervisors, commanders and members of the print and electronic media. Apparently, the traffic ranks in Georgetown have stopped harassing
drivers, demanding and taking away their documents. However, a new group has emerged. Some members of the Georgetown City Constabulary who are tasked with enforcing traffic laws in the city particularly around the markets and bus parks have taken up the slack left by the police ranks. They are harassing drivers and seizing their documents for ulterior motives. Is there a separate law for the
police ranks and that of members of the City Constabulary in the performance of their duties? What is good for the goose is good for the gander. Could the Georgetown Town Clerk, Mr. Royston King who is the Head of the City Constabulary correct this sad state of affairs? Clinton Conway Assistant Commissioner of Police (retired)
Friday September 09, 2016
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Kaieteur News
REGION 3 Chairman replies to criticism of his conduct DEAR EDITOR, I wish to respond to letter captioned ‘Regional Chairman was loud at the Regional Democratic Council Meeting dated Saturday, September 3, 2016 that was published in the Guyana Chronicle. It must be noted that the writer of the article (Prameshwar Ramdial) of La Jealousy, Region 3 was not present at the meeting nor does he exists in the above name village of Region 3. The person who is the writer of this article appears to be mischievious in his writing. I know who the individual is. I wish for the public to note the following:1. The Regional Executive Officer, Mr.Denis Jaikarran was late for the RDC statutory meeting that morning, since he had a
caucus inside of his office with the APNU/AFC Councillors of the Region. 2. When the meeting was scheduled to begin, Mr, Denis Jaikarran was in his office and the Deputy Regional Executive Officer, Ms. Ameena Hinds was sent by me to call him. 3. He subsequently came in a haste and sat at the head table without saying good morning, which is a norm. 4. The meeting then commenced and the Regional Executive Officer who is the Clerk of the Council was asked to respond to an issue emanating out of ‘Matters Arising” to inform the council on a letter he was supposed to write to the Minister of Business garnering information on the seizure of work pertaining to the Plantain Chip Factory in Wakenaam.
At this point, the Regional Executive Officer stood up saying that he has nothing to say on the matter since a perpetrator was on the television last evening; speaking on the issue. I subsequently asked the Regional Executive Officer to respond to the specific issue that was before the council. Again, the Regional Executive Officer said that he had nothing to say on the issue, picked up his books and instructed the APNU/AFC Councillors and Heads of Department to leave the meeting followed by the Deputy Regional Executive Officer. According to the Public Service Rules the REO is the Head Public Servant in the Region and should be professional at all times. 5. The writer is contradicting himself when he stated at the
beginning saying, seven APNU/ AFC Councillors walked out of the meeting and later in a subsequent paragraph he stated nine councilors walked out of the said meeting. It seems that this writer does not know simple mathematics and need to go back to Nursery School. Please note that a decision was taken by the council; at its last statutory meeting held in July 2016 for the Clerk of Council who is the Regional Executive Officer to write the Minister of Business, for him to supply to the council a copy of their report that was done by his Ministry pertaining to the effects of the cessation of works on the Plantain Chip Factory in Wakenaam. This was a decision of the council and not of the Regional Chairman. No report was ever sent to the council on the issue
The PPP and PNC are ethnic parties... From page 4 the African faction in the coalition. A moment ago I mentioned that the changing demography in Guyana makes it suitably poised to move towards a genuine democracy. On the other hand, the daily operations of the Coalition govt. makes it unlikely. Racial cleavages only harden with each passing day. And, racial politics become more institutionalized. The AFC perceived as an Indian party charged with bringing in Indian votes is destined to be wiped out at the next elections. Where does this leave Guyana? We are left with an unreformed PPP and PNC, both practicing the same racial politics from the Cold War days. In 2020 elections, we would see a replay of the purest form of the “old grudge matches between Africans and Indians” from the
1960’s. This is a most retrograde step, but this is where Guyana is heading. Embedded in these racial grudge matches is the incentive to rig elections. I often wonder about something called Ministry of Social Cohesion. If all the jobs in govt. are going to Africans and in the cases of (alleged) racial discrimination, is it not the duty of Social Cohesion Ministry to speak out? Case in point: All the audits on Indira Anandjit (the dismissed Permanent Secretary at the Attorney General’s office) came back negative – no wrongdoing. She complained to the offices of Prime Minister and Ministry of the presidency. Still nothing could be done to save her job or transfer her to another comparable position. Is it Kafkaesque and something to do with her race. . All of this spells a bleak future
for Guyana. It is precisely the hardening of racial politics playing out in Guyana today that drive Bisram to keep pushing for power sharing. Mr. Dev. advocates “federalism” – empowering local government and decentralizing police administration. Empowering local govt. is not an alternative to “ethnic triumphalism” which is the source of our political disease in Guyana. Bisram sees Switizerland as a model. Switzerland is indeed a model of ethnic/tribal harmony – but it took 800-years to develop that state of political and social harmony. Every group lives in its own “canton” (village/town) practicing its local democracy – and all the cantons got together at the federal level to share power via a constitutional formula. The problem in Guyana is that Africans and
Indians live not in separate villages or regions – but are mixed throughout the whole country. Let me summarize: I advocate the end of ethnic parties. Each party will pander to attract supporters of the outside racial groups, and they will succeed if there is a new party culture and if the leadership positions in the party are open to anyone regardless of racial identity. Pandering must be seen as a good thing at this stage in the evolution and transformation of party politics. This singular development, if realized will produce the other criteria – higher levels of cross-racial voting, sizeable pool of Issues Voters, regular turnovers of power. Mike Persaud
mentioned above as was stated by the fictitious writer. It was said by the writer that the Regional Executive Officer is seen as a God in the Region. I wish to state the following for the general public to be the judge:(a) The Regional Executive Officer does not communicate with the Regional Chairman who is the elected Head of the Region. (b) The Regional Executive Officer has reduced the Chairman’s fuel to five (5) gallons daily (Monday to Friday) and none on weekends. This is hampering the Chairman’s movements inside the Region since the fuel is totally inadequate for an eight cylinder vehicle to use daily. As an elected official the Chairman is entitled to sufficient fuel on a daily basis. It must be noted that the Regional Executive Officer assigns on a daily basis (Sunday to Saturday) to known APNU/ AFC activists vehicle to traverse the Region daily using the Region’s driver. It should also be noted that these activists are not employed by the Regional Administration of Region 3 and therefore are not entitled to a vehicle. Many days the Chairman has to wait for the Regional Executive Officer to sign the fuel book which he sometimes does not until the next day. This hampers the Chairman’s movement for that particular day. (c) The Regional Executive Officer has never attended the Chairman’s weekly meetings
since his assumption in the Region on 2015/10/01. (d) The Regional Executive Officer has withdrawn his Heads of Department from attending monthly meetings with the Regional Chairman. (e) The Secretary and the driver to the Regional Chairman contracts were not renewed but other staff members older than them had their contracts renewed. Presently the Regional Chairman does not have a driver to work after 16:30hrs and during the weekends. (f) The Regional Executive Officer spends the Chairman’s allocated monies without his knowledge. Those monies were spent on political activities for APNU/ AFC. (g) For Emancipation Celebrations all staff was attained by the Regional Administration for the event. It must also be noted that persons of certain communities were given hampers while nothing of that sort was done for Indian Immigration Celebrations, in the Region. I can go on and on but I am asking the Public to determine if a man of that nature is compared to God, then where are we heading? Be your own judge. Julius Oliver Faerber Regional Chairman Region 3
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I see corruption all over in Region 6 governance DEAR EDITOR, I have been arduously following the letters written by RDC Councillor, Mr H. Yusuf with relation to the total disregard for any serious consultations with stakeholders in Region 6 and would like to agree with the facts which he so blatantly outlined and which I do feel warrants my input. During the last Local Government Elections, I contested as a candidate for the National Congress o f P r o g r essive People’s Alliance and won a seat in the 52-74 NDC. I am aware of the political considerations which would take precedence over socioeconomic considerations for the betterment of the NDC, hence my choice not to be affiliated to any political party. I am also aware of the directives which would normally be handed down by high officials of a certain political party. I was duly elected as a Councillor and the Vice-Chairman of the Works Committee and had since been dumbfounded by the corrupt practices which are evident at the RDC and NDC levels. This is done by the people who are supposed to have the Region’s development at
heart. There were many project proposals from the 52-74 NDC which were sent to the RDC but many of these did not gain favor at that level and to my dismay no explanations were given. Furthermore, there were projects which were in the RDC 2017 Proposal but which were not prioritized by the NDC and again, there were projects which should not have been done, but found its way into the RDC’s Estimates. For instance Item 20 in the RDC Estimates which is the rehabilitation of #59 Main and Cross NOPR was already done last year, and the few holes in it were already repaired by the NDC yet it found its way into the 2017 Estimates. If proper consultation was done then this would not have happened since there are roads that were never done and were completely overlooked- for instance, the 71/72 Sideline Road (East). This particular road was in the NDC Budget for the past 4 years and never gained favor with the RDC. If any consultation was done then this road would have been in this 2-17 Proposed Estimates.
When I read that the 2017 Capital Estimates were done by just the Regional Vi c e - C h a i r m a n a n d t h e R e g i o n ’s E n g i n e e r, i t became clear why this type of anomaly would give rise. It is also evident that there are lots of substandard work done in my NDC and which was certified by the same Engineer and the Regional Vice-Chairman. For instance, the #52 First Cross Street and Middle Walk SOPR was done about three weeks ago and is already rapidly disintegrating. If the bill of quantities was properly adhered to then this would not have happened. There is massive corruption at all levels in Region 6 and I am calling on the relevant authorities to reconsider scrapping the entire RDC 2017 Estimates and let it be done in the proper manner, especially the Capital Expenditures Estimates. This type of corruption is eating away at the development of the Region and should not be tolerated by anyone. Lakram Singh Vice Chairman Works Committee 52-74 NDC
Royston King is a runaway train that must be stopped DEAR EDITOR; If you thought that Carol Sooba was arrogant and repugnant during her tenure as Town Clerk, think again, Royston King “takes the cake” for this sort of behavior. Many people felt sorry for him when he was placed in handcuffs and brought before the court, for charges during the last administration. But now I guess those people must be having second thoughts about their misplaced sympathy. This man presents a picture of arrogance and his tyrannical display portrays him as a heartless man without a
human face, he behaves as though he is a “King” and we are all his servants. The holding of Local Government elections which was supposed to end the dictatorial behavior at City Hall has so far proven ineffective. King’s highhanded removal of the vendors has made Robeson Benn look like an angel. If you drive around Georgetown today “after the Jubilee” you will find the trenches on Vlissengen Road once more overtaken with weeds thus, preventing the Church Street canal from draining properly. Also many of the gutters and
alleyways are once more consumed with bush. Cleaning the city is not a one off thing but must be done on a scheduled and regular basis if we are to maintain a clean city; this is where King should be focusing his efforts. The “White Elephant” car park on East Street, the controversial Parking Meter contract, the indiscriminate removal of vendors, the waste of funds in constructing unnecessary structures in Merriman’s Mall, are all part of King’s legacy which is shaping up to be a catastrophe. Michael Anthony
Friday September 09, 2016
NAREI replies to criticism of its administration DEAR EDITOR; The National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) wishes to address several inaccurate statements raised by a “concerned employee” in a letter captioned ”Complaints against the Administration of NAREI” that was published in Kaieteur News on September 8, 2016. NAREI was formed in 2011 and is governed by the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute Act (2011). All employees are contracted and based on performance their contracts are renewed. Even as management monitors the performance of staff regularly to ensure efficiency and effectiveness, employees are appraised on an annual basis. The payment of gratuity is based on an employee’s performance and work completed for three months ‘resident service’. Therefore, if the employee is not on the job he or she cannot be assessed. However, mothers are entitled to their maternity benefits from the National Insurance Scheme. Furthermore, Cuban
graduates working at NAREI are directly employed by the Ministry of Agriculture and assigned to the institute. Management is pleased to inform that there is no gap in the organization currently. In fact, measures have been put in place to make NAREI more functional with the recent restructuring of its organogram. There is a new Finance Manager and in the case where there was a Deputy CEO and an Assistant CEO there is now only an Assistant CEO. The previous structure allowed for redundancy. Also, an Administrative Manager was hired, a post that was held by the previous Human Resources /Administrative Manager. A Senior Human Resources Officer is managing the Human Resources Department that is staffed with knowledgeable personnel. Furthermore, capable officers are carrying out the duties of Coastal Crop Extension Coordinator and Regional Crop Extension Officers (Regions 3&6). Researches are executed at the Institute based on work programmes and budget
prepared by respective departments and approved by the Chief Executive Officer and the Board of Directors. NAREI is provided with adequate funding to execute all its research and extension work. It is important to note that the B o ard of Directors is appointed by Cabinet and not NAREI. NAREI’s management cannot give directives to or influence the Board. The Board is responsible for ensuring adherence to the Institute’s policies. This concerned employee has never brought to the attention of management the issues listed. NAREI does not believe in having employees feel disgruntled or disheartened. Such feelings are counterproductive to the Institute accomplishing its mandate. Management is always open to suggestions that will positively impact on the Institute in keeping with its policies. Sharon Blair Senior Human Resources Officer NAREI
An exposition on the meaning of change DEAR EDITOR; In this world of changing values and high-tech analogies that appear authentic, yet spurious and artificial, we would be alarmed if the truth be told. A young person comes on stage and declares, I want to change the world with this rendition, poem or song. And so they expostulate with tenacious passion and amazing energy. A preacher comes on Sunday morning and preaches down fire from Heaven and declares change is here. An athlete on the track and footballer on the field want to change the fortunes of their club or team and change the world. These ambitions are real, and the essence of change is more than what is seen or
heard. The reality is more challenging than the perception. The core issue of change lies within one’s inner being. The question should be asked: should I embrace a degree of change from within or should I continue to pursue change from without? Editor, one may have all the necessary support systems [family, friends, finances, degrees, accolades in place to win a war), but if the mind is programmed to think less than what is perceived then real change will be a passing thing. Change can only be change when the mind is engaged in a process of change from within. What good [change] can be done for a captain of a huge ship for fifteen [15] years, whose knowledge and experience in navigating through many storms and
dangers on the high seas cannot be debated: When in reality he stumbles in his drunken stupor when he is on land? What can be said of a national footballer whose skills gain him victory at most games, but off the field, he lands in trouble with the Law? What could be said of a brilliant politician who sat in parliament and vigorously debated a Bill with such convincing arguments that won him the day, but in the darkness of night is imbibing and womanizing? Yes Mr. Editor, do we really need to embrace a perspective of change that is superficially and callously prepared so that the real dynamics of change is overlooked? Can we as a people for fifty years [Jubilee] embrace a moral and ethical way of life that clearly spells out change? Yes we can! If and when we embrace a more excellent way! Changing the world you live in before, changing the world around you, will bring great rewards. Pastor Vanrick Beresford
Friday September 09, 2016
Kaieteur News
PI into KNews grenade attack commences
WANTED: Shemar Wilson
Janeil Howard
Leroy Williams
Alfie Garraway
The preliminary inquiry (PI) into the offence-causing explosion by way of grenadeallegedly committed in the vicinity of the Kaieteur News office, Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, commenced yesterday before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. Alfie Garraway, 36, of Norton Street, Lodge, Georgetown; Janeil Howard, 20, of 322 Section ‘C’ Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara and Leroy Williams, 25, of 11 Durban Backlands, are accused of conspiring together with other persons to cause an explosion by way of grenade, likely to endanger lives and cause damage to property.
The offence allegedly occurred on June 4. Garraway was granted $300,000 bail by the High Court. The other accused remain on remand. Garraway is being represented by Attorney Stanley Moore in association with attorney Glenn Hanoman. Attorney Neil Bollers is representing Williams, Howard is still unrepresented. When the case was called, Police Constables Darson LaRose and Dillon Pyle were called to testify in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Both policemen are attached to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ruimveldt Police Station and Prashad Nagar
Police Outpost, respectively. The police witnesses were cross-examined and reexamined by the attorneys and Police Prosecutor Neville Jeffers. The matter continues today, when two other policemen are scheduled to take the stand. According to reports, on the day in question, a security staffer heard an unusual sound near publisher of Kaieteur News Glenn Lall’s vehicle, which was parked on the western side of Saffon Street. On checking the front of the vehicle, the staffer spotted a grenade lying near one of the front tyres. Video footage from the company’s CCTV cameras
showed a grey-coloured vehicle, slowing as it approached Lall’s vehicle. The driver accelerated after the explosive device was thrown. S h e m a r Wi l s o n a l s o known as ‘Abdue’ is still wanted by the police for questioning in relation to the grenade attack. He is 20 years of age and his last known addresses have been given as 43 North Sophia and 51 West La Penitence, Georgetown.
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UNDP local chief meets with GECOM Chairman The new United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative, Mikiko Tanaka, has paid a courtesy call on the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission ( G E C O M ) , D r. St e v e Surujbally. GECOM said yesterday that during their discussion, Dr. Surujbally g a v e M s . Ta n a k a a background of the Guyana Elections Commission and its workings. “The United Nations has always provided support to GECOM, notably in the areas of Civic and Voter Education, Information Technology, Logistics, inter alia, over the years,” GECOM said in a statement of the meeting. The newly appointed UNDP local chief explained that while she acknowledges the Chairman’s point of the importance of maintaining the integrity of the electoral processes, she could not at this point in time commit to any specific
Friday September 09, 2016
$600M Cunha Canal project to commence soon - Scheduled for Dec. 2018 completion
UNDP’s new local representative, Mikiko Tanaka, during her recent courtesy call on GECOM’s Chairman, Dr. Steve Surujbally. assistance from the UNDP. R a t h e r, t h i s w o u l d require strategic discussions with the Government of Guyana — as part of defining development assistance priorities in coming years. “Dr. Surujbally took the opportunity to apprise the
UN Resident Coordinator about the just concluded 8th Cycle of Continuous Registration. The Chairman also indicated that the Claims and Objections period will commence on the 17th October, 2016.” The two officials “agreed that GECOM plays an integral role in the n a t i o n ’s democratic development, and therefore both institutions remain committed to achieving greater success in the electoral processes.”
The Cunha Canal project which will be funded at a cost of over US$3M (G$600M) and which is said to significantly benefit residents and farmers on the East Bank Demerara, will soon commence. The project is to be executed by the Ministry of Agriculture through the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) while being administered by the World Bank. It is scheduled for completion by December 2018, and is funded through the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF). The Cunha Canal is located on the western side of the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) and discharges water from the conservancy and local areas into the Demerara River. It is a key element of both the EDWC and the East Bank Demerara drainage systems but because of limitations does not function efficiently. Frederick Flatts, CEO of the NDIA explained: “We will be rehabilitating the intake structure from the conservancy the head regulator that’s in a bad state right now. We also will be rehabilitating the sluice at Land of Canaan. The sluice was known as the Correia sluice many years ago.” The main objective of the project is to increase the capacity of the Cunha Canal to drain the EDWC and local agricultural areas adjoining it. Its execution will see other
Frederick Flatts, Chief Executive Officer, National Drainage and Irrigation Authority enabling works being undertaken. “We will also be building a new public road bridge to allow water from the Cunha Canal to pass out to the river, and also if we are doing the sluice and the regulator at the conservancy, we will have to do the entire channel including the outfall channel,” Flatts explained. The contract for the project was signed in February 2016 by Finance Minister Winston Jordan and World Bank Representatives. It was subsequently handed over to the Ministry of Agriculture. At that time Minister Jordan had said: “We’re happy that farmers and various aspects of the population and businesses that cover this wide area that
the canal traverses will have some level of relief brought to them, and I hope in the context of future interventions, both from GRIF and the World Bank, that together these can mitigate the effects over time of climate change on Guyana’s economy.” The EDWC provides flood control during the wet season and provides irrigation wate r to agricultural lands during the dry season, especially important for rice and sugar production which represent 4.3 and 3.8 percent of the country’s GDP respectively. It also provides drinking water to urban areas. The EDWC covers an area 571 kilometres (km) and stores approximately 250 million cubic metres of water at the maximum safeoperating water level. It is dammed on three sides by a shallow earth embankment 67 km long, lying parallel to the Demerara River, the Atlantic Ocean and Mahaica River. A series of canals controlled by sluices drain water from the EDWC in order to reduce water levels and avoid overtopping or stressing the dams which may increase the risk of structural failure. The 2005 floods left the dam in a weakened state and highlighted vulnerabilities in other flood mitigation infrastructure to adequately drain flood water quickly.
Friday September 09, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Changing the face of government The plan of the new administration to change the face of ministries must not be taken literally. It must not be seen or interpreted as a recipe to purge the public service and public sector of persons perceived to be supportive or supporters of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC). Prior to last year, there had not been a change in government for twenty-three years. Prior to that, there was no change for twenty-eight years. This fact does not justify the high level of suspicion and vengefulness which has been demonstrated since the new government came to power. You cannot simply decide on a policy of changing the face of government without changing the nature of government. You cannot set about a policy to ensure a complete overhaul in personnel in most government ministries and not reinvent government to become a servant rather than an overlord of the people. The new administration has now settled. The more settled it is, the more brutal it has become. It does not seem to understand that not only is it tarnishing its own image, but it is also in the process, defeating the very notion of social cohesion which it is championing. How can there be social cohesion when changing the face of government involves changing personnel, some of whom have been removed arbitrarily from their jobs? How can you convince the people of New York, who under one year ago were protesting against the govern-
ment based on their perceptions of what was behind the decision to send home persons who worked in the New York Consulate? The long absence of power has allowed too much ill-feelings and suspicion to be bred about the staff within the public service and public sector. Most of these persons are not political at all, and are merely doing their jobs, but because they were appointed under the previous administration, they have been deemed to be political. Guyana has a high unemployment rate. A great many supporters of the government are looking for jobs. Now that the government has changed, they feel that they should be replacing those who are working within the public service and public sector. Many of them have little or no experience, but they want to get top jobs and work above their own abilities. There are many overseas persons who want to come back to enjoy the fat salaries, because many of them are retired or unable to find jobs where they reside overseas. The government is therefore under a great deal of pressure, politically, to cleanse the government of persons appointed under the PPPC administration, and to employ their own supporters. There are a lot of people lining up for jobs. But there are too many pretenders out there, too many pretenders also within the government; persons who pretend to know what they are about, who are filled with bluster but short on brains. Guyana has always had a shortage of skilled personnel.
There are many persons who are being employed by the new government who are being paid to do nothing, because someone else is doing the work and they are posing and taking all the credit for someone else’s work. They are not doing the work, because they cannot do the work. Some of them cannot write a proper letter. Many of them are poseurs. Changing the face of government should not be about changing personnel alone. It should be about changing the way government operates. It is about putting government to serve people and to
solve problems. Unfortunately, this cannot be achieved by replacing one set of staff with another. It cannot be done by changing the face of government. The nature of government has to change. The acting Police Commissioner is trying his best to bring about change in the police force. He is not going to succeed unless he changes the way the police operate. It is no use asking the police to stop harassing motorists. They will continue to do so because they have the power of lawful use of coercion, and because certain
practices have become germane to how the force operates. Changing the face of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has to mean changing the nature of the organization. This should begin by reducing fines, since high fines, rather than becoming a deterrent to criminal activities, serve as an incentive for bribery. The second thing to do is to privatize certain operations of the police such as the issuance of passports and fitness for motor vehicles. If the GPF privatizes these operations, as a start, they will be on their way to reinventing their organizations. This is
where the change must begin. The nature of government has to change. It cannot be a source of enrichment for political acolytes of the government or “jobs for the boys”. The best government is no government. But since there has to be a government, then the next best form of government has to be small government.
PAGE 10
Friday September 09, 2016
Kaieteur News
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
Why the fuss now about the pregnant lady at NCN? What Lennox Cornette did was wrong. What he did cannot be justified. And in some countries he would have lost his job. I am a very liberal guy, but I would
support some sanction against him. In the world of feminist philosophy, it is unthinkable to use a woman’s pregnancy to determine how she must
appear at her workplace. But as outrageous as that appears and outrageous as it is, what Cornette did is normal in Guyana, and Cornette to
my mind believed he was doing what was right given the nature of Guyanese society. This primitive descent at NCN only made the news and we only acted because the lady in question raised hell. Her name is Natasha Smith. But do you know how many Natasha Smiths this country has that have remained silent and accepted the cultural barbarism that has overtaken Guyana? If Ms. Smith was typical of the Guyanese slave mentality, NCN and Guyana would have escaped censure. Ms. Smith would have accepted being taken off, would have got her child, and would have been relegated to a section of the newsroom after she returned. This is what Guyana has become and I rather suspect Cornette was operating inside the zeitgeist that Guyana has been living with since the death of Forbes Burnham and the rise of neoliberalism in Guyana under Desmond Hoyte. This country is a backward, primitive landscape where outdated anthropological, cultural, aesthetic and philosophical values have resurfaced and become the norm. Poor Cornette thought he was doing the right thing. If only Natasha Smith wasn’t different, Cornette, NCN and Guyana would have accepted moving the pregnant lady and putting her in the kitchen to make coffee and do the dishes. I am typing this column on Wednesday night and there is a whole page advertisement in one of the newspapers in Wednesday’s edition, and the three persons in it are all Caucasian. President Granger has
come out against the outdated dress code, but his sincerity has to be questioned. It is more than a month since he denounced the dress code, but my friends who work at the Office of the President told me that there has been no circular to staff about modernizing the dress code. The same, ancient, conservative misplaced dress code still operates at the Office of the President. They are still turning back women at the Office of the President who do not dress like colonial aristocrats. It is in these circumstances one must understand the psychology of Lennox Cornette. The 17th century dress code sign is still at the Cultural Centre. The Ministries still enforce the silly dress code. It is still very much alive at all the magistrates’ courts and at the High Court. As much as we find what Cornette did distasteful, Cornette lives in a country where the Rasta hairstyle of a motor-car driver brings about police suspicion, where white-faced, blonde hair dolls were at the table of the President and other dignitaries at the Golden Jubilee dinner; where white skin is preferable in all types of advertisement to dark skin; where women cannot wear sleeveless dresses in any public institution; where cross-dressers are hauled before the courts; where newspapers, contrary to what obtains in the rest of the world, because of squeamish attitudes of readers in Guyana, shape certain words to appear like this - “sh…t,” “bu..sh..” A word like arse which one finds common place in newspapers in the rest of the world, the
Frederick Kissoon Guyanese media avoids. We use words like “buttocks,” instead. Against this kind of cultural reversion to a colonial zeitgeist that we see all over Guyana, Cornette probably thought it was perfectly acceptable not to have a pregnant woman before the cameras at NCN. One must try to put one’s self in Cornette’s mental frame. Here you have a country where women are forbidden to wear sleeveless dresses and tops at any public buildings, so then why should a woman with a loose dress, the kind that pregnant women wear, read the news looking like that. Those who criticize Cornette are right to do so, but they must take their aesthetic modernness, cultural assertions and ideological convictions to their logical culmination. If it is wrong to remove a pregnant TV anchor from reading the news, then it cannot be right to have a billboard advertising the benefits of insurance and have a Caucasian guy all dressed up in a pinstripe suit opening the door of the insurance company for you to walk in and buy your policy. I saw a company billboard with that image. I doubt Guyanese protested that. Why a Caucasian guy in a pinstripe suit?
Dem boys seh...
Soulja Bai starting a circus It look like if it is every day that de government starting a circus. When you go to a circus you does see nuff somersaulting. Even de clowns does flip and flop all over de place. Yesterday, de Waterfalls paper report how de government appoint a convicted fraudster to serve as ambassador to Kuwait. This is a man who help de company he work with to forge financial records and fool de U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. When he appear in front of de judge he wipe he mouth clean and then run to Guyana because he couldn’t get any work in de States. He couldn’t even vote there. He didn’t expect to get ketch. But is de man who appoint him. He claim how he check. Dem boys want to know how he check. Now Kickers Carl seh he gun mount an investigation. He don’t have to investigate nutten. De Waterfalls paper direct him to de information but he telling people how he can’t tek a newspaper report. But he boss tekking dem same reports seriously. Dr Nutten tie up a deal wid Larry fuh a storage bond. In two months ee pay Larry de
money Larry spend to buy de bond. Dem boys kick up a fuss. In fact, dem mek nuff noise and dem didn’t stop until Soulja Bai order a probe. Old people always seh you don’t ask de devil to try case in hell. Soulja Bai select three of ee own people and when dem done dem seh how Nutten didn’t do nutten wrang. De amount of noise dem boys mek send Soulja Bai to somersault. He now seh how Nutten shouldn’t have rent de bond and that de deal was bad. “Cabinet has concluded that the arrangement was undoubtedly undesirable. Cabinet also considered the options and recommendations in the report of the Cabinet Sub-Committee tasked with reviewing the decision of the Ministry of Public Health to lease facilities at Sussex Street.” That is wha dem send out. All it mean is that dem done wid de bond deal, but nobody ain’t seh if dem gun tek back de money from Larry. Dem boys looking at that. Talk half and look out fuh more somersaulting.
Friday September 09, 2016
PAGE 11
Kaieteur News
Sole sourcing in disguise?
Payments suggest contract splitting at GECOM As state auditors continue their probe of a $100M purchase of communication radios for the May 11th 2015 elections, there are disturbing indications that all was not right with the procurement systems at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). According to Government records of spending at the entity, one businessman at the centre of the radio supply probe received almost $290M in contracts for supplying items to GECOM last year. There is nothing much wrong with that, except that the businessman, Michael Brasse, had at least three companies that were doing business with the commission. And if that does not seem suspicious enough, the pattern of payments seems to suggest that some amount of contract-splitting was involved, so as not to alert auditors and others who would have been watching. Three companies linked to Brasse - Mobile Authority, MTech Business Solutions and
According to payment records, GECOM last year appeared to favour one businessman, doling out almost $290M in contracts. Mibra Trading - eased up doing business with GECOM after the elections results came out and the David Granger-led administration was sworn in. According to records seen by Kaieteur News, Brasse appeared to be a preferred supplier for
stationery for GECOM. He delivered items such as toners, office furniture and equipment, photo paper and scanners, printing accessories, and even Duracell batteries. Shortly before the elections, on April 5th, he was paid $99,560,000. This was for
HF radios. For this, a business called Mobile Authority was used. The Audit Office of Guyana has started an investigation to determine the procurement procedures used and whether the radios can be accounted for. GECOM has refused to
comment on the radio purchases from Mobile Authority, only saying that there is an ongoing probe by the Audit Office of Guyana. GECOM in a statement said: “Thank you for contacting us with reference to the “Audit Story” carried in your newspaper. However, as referenced in your story, an investigation is being conducted by the Audit Office of Guyana and as such, we will not be able to provide answers at this time.” The financial records would also tell a story of some strange payments made to Brasse’s companies. For example, on February 3rd, 2015, there were six payments totaling over $43.2M – four of them were for toners while two payments were for the supply of stationery. Why there was not one order for toners is unclear. Strange enough, two of the payments to M-Tech Business Solutions were similar - that is, two amounts for $2,492,590 - representing payments for stationery. On February 13th, M-Tech received a payment of almost
$15M for office furniture. The business entity received three major payments between February 9th and February 25th totaling - $43.6M for photo paper, stationery and office furniture. It was clear that compared to other entities, Brasse and his businesses received the hog’s share. In May, Brasse’s businesses were paid on six occasions, for contracts totalling $144M. These were for the HF radios, four contracts for the supply of toners and one for Duracell batteries. There was not much business for the businessman after elections, until late September when he was paid over $376,000 for the supply of electrical items. For this supply, he used a business called Mibra Trading. GECOM’s Chairman, Dr. Steve Surujbally, when contacted, explained that the Commission is not involved in the day-to-day operations of the secretariat as there are staffers designated for that purpose.
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Kaieteur News
Friday September 09, 2016
Canadian Company hired to restructure GPL’s management GPL’s Main Street Head Office
Cabinet, during its meeting last Tuesday, approved a $1.6B contract for the provision of consultancy services for the implementation of a Management Strengthening programme for Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL). The contract was awarded to Manitoba Hydro International Limited. This was made known by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon at this week’s PostCabinet Press Briefing held at the Ministry of the Presidency. Harmon explained that the project is part of a European Union (EU) and Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Power Utility Upgrade Programme (PUUP) which will be rolled out in phases. Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson, further explained that the first com-
ponent of the project involves the improvement of capacity building for the executive management of the power company. The IDB’s Website has indicated that GPL is facing various challenges in trying to provide additional electricity on an efficient and reliable basis, which includes high levels of electricity losses. As Guyana’s energy demand increases, the distribution infrastructure will experience greater stress, and in turn, this will challenge GPL’s management and its ability to manage electricity supply. The Minister was asked about whether this project will include the hiring of foreign managers. She said that she could not pronounce whether persons overseas will be hired. She was also asked if there will be any increase in
electricity tariffs, to which she said, “the power company does not foresee any increases currently”. Ferguson added that the second component of the project will focus on the improvement of the company’s loss reduction programme. She noted that currently, loss reduction stands at approximately 29.3 percent, and
it is expected that this project will contribute to a reduction in technical losses by about 23.8 percent. “With these monies being released, we will see a more effective and efficient GPL at the managerial level, and that of the services being provided to the populace in Guyana,” Ferguson said. Recent reports have indi-
cated that the EU-IDB funded project will also cater for capital works, which include acquiring prepaid smart meters and upgrading the distribution systems and other facilities to improve electricity distribution. Tenders for this component of the projects are currently being reviewed. There will also be an adequate number of prepaid meters being available by year-end, and the implementation of smart meters. The use of a more advanced meter, installed to a high standard in a secure manner, has delivered acceptable returns for large consumers. Thus, through PUUP, GPL intends to implement a welldesigned social management strategy to be the mechanism which encourages consumers to embrace the project. Meanwhile, the IDB has indicated that previous experiences in Guyana and other countries in the Latin America and Caribbean region have proven the importance of approaching electricity loss reduction measures in a way that tackles both technical and commercial losses, while highlighting the value of supporting improvements in management practices and operational systems.
The three main components of this loan reflect this approach with the expected results: a sustained trend in overall loss reduction; an improved and accountable management performance against consistent Key Performance Indicators and within minimum international standards; and more modern, efficient, and reliable operational systems in GPL. This new programme will rehabilitate approximately 830 kilometres of GPL’s distribution network by implementing an integral approach to tackle overall losses while strengthening GPL’s management and technical capabilities. The total estimated budget is US$64,573,000. The IDB’s financing will consist of up to US$22,500,000 in credit from Ordinary Capital loan resources for a 30-year term, with a 6-year grace period. A second IDB credit will total up to US$15,141,750 Ordinary Capital/Fund for Special Operations “parallel loans” for a 40-year term, with a 40-year grace period. The European Union is expected to contribute €19,375,000 (equivalent to US $26,931,250) through a Project Specific Grant (PSG), which will be administered by the IDB.
Friday September 09, 2016
PAGE 13
Kaieteur News
Cabinet mulls shortening lease for controversial drug bond After facing weeks of grueling criticisms from various anticorruption advocates, Cabinet members went back to the drawing board and unanimously decided that it is in the nation’s best interest to explore the possibility of shortening the lease for the controversial Sussex Street Bond contract. In a statement to the media yesterday, Cabinet said that it was recently engaged in full and thorough discussions on the issue of the storage of government pharmaceuticals at Sussex Street facility which is owned by Lawrence Singh of Linden Holdings Inc. Cabinet concluded that the arrangement was “undoubtedly undesirable” and considered the options and recommendations in the report of its Sub-Committee which was tasked with reviewing the decision of the Ministry of Public Health to lease the Sussex Street facility. The three-man committee consisted of Minister of State Joseph Harmon, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo. Specifically, Cabinet said that it explored a range of options including shortening the lease period for the rental of the Sussex Street facility while expediting the search for another facility. Government said that it also agrees to secure its own
- Starts search for another facility
Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo pharmaceuticals storage facility and is inspecting suitable sites. Cabinet also stated that the options of purchasing, constructing or leasing will also be explored. It noted however, that the conditions for the storage facility to be located within proximity of the Georgetown port and be easily accessible, remain applicable. Though it has, out of necessity, taken some time to arrive at these decisions, Cabinet said that it is satisfied that significant advances have been made on this matter and when the full menu of actions is completed, the best arrangement, in the interest of the people of Guyana, will be concluded. Cabinet noted that the Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton has taken responsibility for the embarrassing situation and
has publicly expressed regrets over the controversy that the rental of the Sussex Street bond has caused. The Government also recommitted itself to managing the affairs of the state in a transparent and accountable manner and to respect public opinion at all times. Cabinet also pledged to be vigilant with regard to all contracts and arrangements, and gave assurances that efforts will continue to strengthen the delivery of health care services which, for too long, “have been held hostage by close friends and cronies of the previous administration”. The body of high level ministers also acknowledged the frank expression of views by a wide cross section of the Guyanese society, which it said it “respects as vital to true participatory and inclusionary democracy”. Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo had said that the possibility of a fire and the issue of traffic congestion were just two of the many reasons considered for embracing the Sussex Street contract. He had also stated that committee members who visited the Sussex Street bond were satisfied that it was
suitable for use as provided for under the contract. He said that the members recommended that the bond be used until the Government is able to build an alternative facility. “We are not justifying in a long-term sense that this is a facility that has long-term viability. We are saying use it because of the necessity that has emerged for a period by which time a new bond would be acquired.” The Prime Minister had said that when the bond proposal came to Cabinet initially, the issue of traffic congestion affecting the access to medical supplies at the Diamond facility was not raised. He had said that it might be used as a rationalization for the continued use of the Sussex Street bond. Nagamootoo said what was advanced was the necessity of a new site , consequent upon the demand of the New GPC for Government to either pay a rent for the facilities or take its drugs elsewhere. Nagamootoo said that when Government made it clear that the New GPC was not going to be enjoying sole sourced contracts anymore and that “an era of
Public Health Minister, Dr. George Norton competitiveness” is what is going to take over, “we were basically told to take our drugs and get lost.” Nagamootoo was then asked if this was the case, then why not store the drugs at the Diamond facility which, according to an international report, has the capacity to store all of the nation’s drugs and even more. The Prime Minister said however that he could not comment on this. Nagamootoo explained that he did not visit the
facility. He made it clear that it was Trotman who visited the facility and was the one chairing the committee. The Prime Minister emphasized that he was just a member of the team. “When the team visited, they reported that the Diamond facility was encumbered and that it couldn’t accommodate the additional stocks. But I have since seen another report in the newspaper saying that the bond has space to accommodate 2,300 pallets and the bond was only utilizing under 1,600. If that is the case, then in spite of the contract being signed, we should not rule out a forensic scrutiny at Diamond facility…I would not rule out reassessment of the facility at Diamond.” Nagamootoo was also asked why the committee did not address the fact that they gave a contract to someone who is inexperienced in the storage of drugs and pharmaceuticals. He had stated that Government is not renting the contractor but the facility.
PAGE 14
Kaieteur News
Friday September 09, 2016
Cabinet grants ‘no objection’ to over $3B in contracts
- Kingston Goods Wharf, Bartica Stelling to be rehabilitated
- No. 36 Village to get new Primary School Cabinet’s primary focus during its most recent meeting was to ensure that the Government’s Public Infrastructure Projects and contracts are rolled out in a timely manner. This was disclosed by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, during a PostCabinet Press Briefing yesterday at the Ministry of the Presidency. Harmon reported that Cabinet granted its ‘no objection’ to several contracts. These contracts accumulated to over $3B Guyana Dollars. A contract in the sum of $1,504,534,866 was awarded to a Canadian Company for the provision of Consultancy Services for the implementation of a management strengthening programme for the Guyana Power and Light (GPL).
ROADS AND BRIDGES Cabinet also gave its no objection for the rehabilitation and construction of miscellaneous roads in Region Two (Pomeroon/ Supenaam) which includes: the rehabilitation and construction of Morris Street Good Hope, Essequibo, to the tune of $22,187, 670. This contract was awarded to Mohammed Fawaz Bacchus Construction. Also getting approval was the $18,236,160 contract for the rehabilitation and construction of the easternmost (last) street in the Charity New Housing Scheme. This contract was awarded to Y. Bhola Construction Services. Harmon said that during the Government’s Ministerial outreaches to Essequibo in the past, these two roads were subjects of serious
complaints that were made to the Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo and himself. He said that this intervention is a response to those complaints. No objection was also given for the construction of the Kuru-Kururu Main Road in Region Four (Mahaica/ Berbice) to the sum of $67,322,610. This contract was awarded to Khemraj Nauth Contracting. Cabinet also gave its no objection for the rehabilitation and construction of urban roads in Region Four which include: Lot One, for the rehabilitation /construction of the “D” Field Main Access Road, Sophia. The contract was awarded to the JR Construction to the tune of $26,834,460.; and Lot Two, the Rehabilitation/ construction of the Pattensen Road Network in the sum of $75,779,545. This contract was
A section of the goods wharf at Kingston, Georgetown.
awarded to Handel Garnett. Lot Three of the project, which is for the rehabilitation and construction of the Guyhoc Main Access Road, was also given the go-ahead. This contract in the sum of $22,081,460 was awarded to R&B Investments. The green light was given for the contracts to repair the four-corner junction in Bartica and the maintenance of a back road also in Bartica, to the tune of $16,149,400 and $13, 201,360 respectively. Both contracts were awarded to BK International Incorporated. For the rehabilitation of sections of the Linden/ Soesdyke Highway, no objection was given for an additional $37M to the existing contract to rectify the many depressions along the highway. Harmon said that because the depressions were much deeper than anticipated, the extension was needed. Bardon Construction Services is to carry out those works. No objection was given by Cabinet for the construction of groynes at Cullen, Essequibo Coast. The contract in the sum of $23,562,400 was awarded to Deodat Singh Construction Firm. For the provision of designs, and supervision service to aid in the construction of a sluice at Herstelling, East Bank Demerara, the contract in the sum of $18,075,000 was approved and awarded to SRKN’gineering. The go-ahead was also given to the $60,532,600 contract for the rehabilitation of the concrete bridge at Number 51 Village,
Corentyne. The contract was awarded to Anirudh Ramcharitar Construction Firm and General Contractors. STELLINGS, WHARVES AND SCHOOL No objection was given to the rehabilitation of the Bartica Stelling which falls under the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD). The contract was awarded to Courtney Benn Contracting Services Limited to the tune of $240,353,032. The Goods Wharf at Kingston Georgetown is expected to see some works done also. The contract in the sum of $58,944,800 which was awarded to M. Sukhai Contracting Services, was also given the green light. The reconstruction of the T&HD Central Workshop and Administrative Building in the sum of $47,977,453 was awarded to Gupta Contracting Services. Cabinet also gave its no objection for the extension of school buildings at New Amsterdam; the School of Nursing. The contract in the sum of $25,509,643 was awarded to Doodnauth Contracting and Supplies. The contract for the construction of a Nurses’ Hostel, New Amsterdam, in the sum of $49,178,952, was also approved and awarded to Beresford Harry Constructing Service. For the construction of a building to facilitate classrooms in the Upper Corentyne Technical Institute, approval was given to a contract in the sum of $18,605,310. It was awarded to Gupta Engineering Services. Meanwhile, no objection
was given for the construction of a Primary School at Number 36 Village Corentyne. Memorex Enterprises was awarded the contract in the sum of $30,130,362. The go-ahead was given for the rehabilitation of the Linden Foundation Secondary School in the sum of $19, 276,850. The contract was awarded to JR Edmondson Building Works. HEALTH CARE Approval was given to the $15,910,660 contract for the construction of an outpatient building at the New Amsterdam Hospital. This contract was awarded to contractor, O’Neal Jordan. For the supply of Pharmaceuticals and Medical Supplies - selected items – the contract in the sum of $20,070,810 was approved and given to Ansa McAl Trading Limited. For the contract to provide selected medical supplies in the sum of $554,936,688, Cabinet gave its no objection and awarded the contract to the New GPC Incorporated. Cabinet also gave the green light for provision of selected medical items in the sum of $94,329,049. The contract was awarded to Global Health Care while the Western Scientific Company Limited was awarded the US $36,248 contract for the provision of pharmaceuticals, medical laboratory supplies and other materials for the Ministry of Public Health. Finally, for the provision of selected items, in the sum of $79,589,677, Cabinet approved and awarded the contract to the New GPC Inc.
Friday September 09, 2016
PAGE 15
Kaieteur News
Berbice businessman murder PI…
Magistrate postpones matter due to bat-infested courtroom
Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh
Murdered: Shameer Ali – Mursalin
The Preliminary Inquiry (PI) into the murder of Berbice Businessman Shameer AliMursalin was postponed for a fortnight due to issues of bat infestation, which has been reportedly plaguing the Springlands Magistrates’ Court, in East Corentyne, Berbice. The matter which is ongoing before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh has seen a number of adjournments. On the last occasion, the main witness, Rocky Profitt was ordered into police custody to facilitate further crossexamination in the matter. Profitt was ordered to return to court yesterday, for the cross-examination. However, when he and the other witnesses turned up, they were told that all court proceedings would be postponed for the day. Kaieteur News understands that the postponement was due to concerns raised by Magistrate Singh over the physical conditions of the
Springlands Magistrate’s Court. As such, the Magistrate adjourned the matter until September 22. The main witness was therefore ordered to return to court on that date to face further cross examination in the matter. This newspaper was told that the Springlands Court has been plagued by issues of bat infestation for some time now. Employees attached to the Court expressed concerns that their superiors in Georgetown have been ignoring their calls for infrastructural improvements. “The ceiling is damaged and the bats live there. When you come to work in the morning the place is covered in dust and rat dropping and the smell is just terrible. It causes my skin to itch and break out in rash,” one court personnel stated. “We would be glad if the relevant persons… the Chancellor or whoever is responsible, would pay more attention to the Springlands
The ceiling of the courtroom
Court,” another added. Kaieteur News has been following the matter for which Berbice businessman, Dennis Veerasammy and two of his employees, Basheer Harrinauth and Delroy Fraser are before the court for the murder of Shameer AliMursalin, called ‘Kazac,’ a trader, of Grant 1805 Weld Tank Dam, Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, Berbice. The victim was fatally shot to the head on October 24, 2015. The case attracted media attention after it was reported that Magistrate Singh had allowed the main witness, (Rocky Profitt), to testify without permitting him to review the evidence or sign his deposition. This took place in mid-
August. The witness had not been attending court and the Magistrate had issued a warrant for his arrest. During a previous hearing, Police Prosecutor, Bernard Brown had explained to the court that he was informed that Profitt had been seeking medical attention at a city hospital. According to the prosecutor, the witness was unable to attend court due to issues related to his health. However amidst public debate over the uncertified evidence (deposition), Profitt returned to court last Monday, September 5. He was allowed to review and sign his evidence after explaining to the Magistrate that he was ill and could not
attend court. After the evidence was re-read to him by the Magistrate, Profitt told the court that he had no difficulty with the information therein. He then signed. The witness also provided a medical certificate to support his reason for being absent at the previous hearings. The witness faced questioning from Attorney Chandra Sohan, who appeared for the number one accused. Sohan also crossexamined another witness,
Jagdeo Ramdass. An arrest warrant was also issued for Ramdass on the last occasion. However, following crossexamination by Sohan, Magistrate Singh ordered that the main witness remain in custody at the Springlands Police lockups, pending further cross-examination from another attorney from Legal Aid, who was expected to enter an appearance on behalf of the other two accused. That attorney did not show up.
PAGE 16
Friday September 09, 2016
Kaieteur News
Govt. must seriously commit to prosecuting those who abused laws, public resources - Goolsarran Former Auditor General Anand Goolsarran is greatly concerned that after the obvious abuse of the country’s financial laws and the brazen misuse of taxpayers’ dollars, government is not taking serious action against NICIL’s former CEO, Winston Brassington and Former Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh. He said that it is troubling for Guyana’s sake that these persons who were in control of the country’s purse strings have not been held accountable, and in fact are not even present to answer important questions about any of their decisions. Goolsarran said that Government must step up to
the plate and demonstrate to a now vigilant nation that it is serious about impeaching those who violate the nation’s laws and misuse public resources. Many have questioned whether certain ministers within the Government are genuinely interested in bringing particularly Brassington before the courts, for his actions against the nation. Anti-corruption advocates have also questioned whether the current Minister of Finance Winston Jordan has truly displayed an interest in seeing Brassington face the full extent of the law. While Goolsarran shares these sentiments, he said that
he would not put all the blame on the Finance Minister, even though he would have an influential voice at the level of Cabinet. BRASSINGTON DESECRATED VARIOUS LAWS The Chartered Accountant also reminded of his forensic audit report on NICIL which details how Brassington desecrated various laws and misused NICIL for the private gains of the former Cabinet. In that report, Goolsarran made the recommendation for a transactional audit to be done on the entity. He was however, taken aback by the decision of Cabinet to hand Phase II of the NICIL forensic
audit to the Audit Office. In this regard, the forensic auditor said, “It was the same office that gave a ‘clean bill of health’ on the accounts of NICIL during the period 20022012 when all the discoveries were made. And, please don’t forget the mother of all conflicts of interest that existed then between the Audit Office and the Ministry of Finance where the former Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh was the Chairman of NICIL while his spouse at the Audit Office had overall responsibility for the audit of the accounts of NICIL.” Goolsarran continued, “And also, please do not forget the statement by the former Minister that the audits of NICIL’s ‘subsidiaries’ must be contracted out to Chartered Accountants in public practice, but the audit of NICIL must remain with the Audit Office.” Goolsarran said that the aforementioned is just the tip of the iceberg of corruption that continues to remain anchored in the entity’s soul. The former AG said that Cabinet’s decision, disappointing and troubling as it may be, leaves one to wonder just how interested this Government is in returning Guyana to a state of transparency. GROSS CONSTITUTIONAL AND LEGISLATIVE VIOLATIONS Turning his attention to Dr. Singh’s transgressions, Goolsarran recounted that the former Minister of Finance committed gross constitutional and legislative violations when he authorized $4.554 billion to be issued from the Consolidated Fund without parliamentary approval. The Chartered
Finance Minister, Winston Jordan
Former Auditor General, Anand Goolsarran
NICIL’s Former CEO, Winston Brassington
Former Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh
Accountant emphasised that Dr. Singh violated the nation’s budget laws and related constitutional requirements. “He has also violated the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act which prohibits the gifting of State lands. In this regard, one would recall that the former Minister transferred State lands to NICIL by way of a deed of gift. NICIL in turn sold the lands to third parties. Ashni Singh also violated the Public Corporations Act by approving the transfer of State lands from NICIL to third parties,” Goolsarran pointed out. With this in mind, the
Chartered Accountant said that Government must uphold its election promise to ensure that those who abused their offices would face the courts. Goolsarran said that it is over 15 months since the administration is in office, and notwithstanding the efforts of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), “it is time for the government to not talk, but demonstrate a serious commitment to taking the appropriate disciplinary actions against all those who have been involved in the violation of our constitutional, legislative and regulatory frameworks relating to the use of public resources”.
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Kaieteur News
Friday September 09, 2016
Why pay 40 million, when 15 million will do? Buxton Primary and Hendon’s Nursery schools have been housed in the same building for almost 36 years. However Buxton Primary was officially established in the 1840’s, some 170 years ago. In Budget 2016, the sum of 15 million was allocated for repair works on the building five million for the nursery school and 10 million for the
primary school. The Schools were also visited by Regional Executive Officer, Region 4, Pauline Lucas, who highlighted some issues with the building. Lucas requested that Regional Engineer, Elon Austin, do a condition report in which it was suggested the building be demolished and replaced. However the suggestion
was not supported by the information in the accompanying report. Anthony Hicks, Regional Councilor, Region 4 who is also a Civil Engineer, said in July during a Council meeting, he would have rejected the report submitted by the Regional Engineer and the subsequent suggestion that the school be closed indefinitely.
Following that meeting, a group of Buxton residents would have met with the Regional Administration to discuss the issue. At the forum, Hicks said he had highlighted the fact that the building was not structurally sound. A second condition report was done by an engineer out of the Ministry of Education. Hicks added, the engineer submitted a verbal report suggesting that school would need repairs to the tune of 40 million. This too, the Councilor said he rejected. Hicks said based on his experience as a Civil Engineer, the structure could be rehabilitated with the 15 million allocated. That aside, Hicks disclosed that there are some other issues that have brought about the idea of indefinite closure. The Region 4 Councilor said the Education Department is
contending that a Nursery School and Primary School should not share the same facility. The Councilor said this contention was not supported by any evidence. Additionally the Education Department, Region 4, is of the view that the number of students at both schools is too low, with 70 at the primary level and 65 at the nursery level. It was noted by Hicks that the community has sufficient children to allow the school to have its full complement of students. Moreover, it is the job of the Education Ministry to place students in school, adding that children from the community are sent elsewhere. The Councilor said this is against the “rule” established by the Education Ministry, as they would often tell parents, that students must go to a school close to their home or close to their parent’s place
of work. “Why you would want to close down a school, because you are failing to do your work. That is, to provide the school with enough children”. It was also disclosed that the Education Department, has not sent a representative to the school’s closing exercise in the past 10 years. This, he said, is unacceptable. Hicks said he has heard statements from the Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, that Buxton needs a new school. “To this I say no! Buxton does not. It would be a waste of resources that are scarce at this time. Why would you want to demolish and rebuild a school for 40 million dollars when you can repair it for 15 million?” The Councilor said, what is really needed in Buxton is the proper monitoring and implementation of the curriculum.
Leonora Diagnostic Centre to be upgraded to maternity care facility Cabinet has granted its approval for the award of a $74.4 million contract to Builders Hardware and Quality Timber Project Company for the expansion and capacity building at the Leonora Diagnostic Centre (LDC), so that the centre can be upgraded to a maternity care facility. This upgrade will now see women being able to access the full range of maternity services, both pre-birth and post-delivery health care, at the facility, and is intended to ease the burden on the maternity ward at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). This announcement was made by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon at this week’s post-Cabinet press briefing, which was held at the Ministry of the Presidency yesterday. This project, according to the Minister, comes after President David Granger’s visit to the GPHC’s maternity ward last December, where he was appalled at the conditions he witnessed. Early this year, the President visited the Diamond and Leonora Diagnostic Centres, where he explored opportunities for providing more maternity centres, so that pregnant women would have more options for pre- and postdelivery care. Minister Harmon said that Government, under the stewardship of President Granger, is committed to ensuring that the quality of healthcare, which is available to women at the public health
care institutions, is greatly improved. “This project at the expansion of the Leonora Diagnostic Centre arose out of a concern, which was expressed by His Excellency when he visited the maternity ward of the GPHC. His major concern at that time was the condition under which pregnant women were treated and in the manner in which they were making deliveries. “He called upon the Minister of Public Health and myself to go around and find a proper place where some extension in the hospital can cater to maternity cases to deal with the conditions under which women were required to give birth. The LDC was one of the areas, which has been identified that has the space and can be, with some adjustment, be able to provide that facility so that the women who are coming from Bartica and Regions Two, Three, Seven, Eight, and other places, don’t have to come to Georgetown,” Minister Harmon said. Those visits by the President were designed to give him a first-hand look at some of the challenges faced by both health providers and patients. According to a release from the Ministry of the Presidency, the President had noted that the fact finding mission provided the Government with an idea of the capacity for the expansion of maternity facilities to other locations. “We wanted to see the challenges that face the
ordinary patients who came in off the road; mothers particularly, and we want to see what measures needed to be put in place in order to provide a better quality health care,” President Granger had said on his visit to the Centres. With this focus in mind, the Government, in 2015 had allocated $23.2B to the health sector to ensure that the delivery is much improved with $133.1M of the sum being spent on the upgrading and equipping of the GPHC in an effort to increase the capacity of the Maternity unit by 50 beds. In 2016, $28B or 10.9 percent of the National Budget was allocated to the sector. Subsequently in April 2016, the President commissioned a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Bartica Regional Hospital, which was upgraded to become a fu l l - f l e d g e d regional maternity facility, within his first eight months in office. The Bartica Regional Hospital caters not only for Region Seven residents, but also those from areas like Saxacalli, Essequibo Islands – West Demerara (Region Three), River’s View, Upper Demerara-Berbice (Region 10) and more recently, residents of Parika, who choose to travel to Bartica rather than to the city. Works are expected to be undertaken at various other institutions in the coming months, as the Government continues to push for quality healthcare, especially for women and children.
Friday September 09, 2016
Schoolgirl brain dead following accident Relatives of 11-year-old Hema Singh have been informed that it is just a matter of time before they have to bid her their final goodbye, since she is brain dead. Singh is a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC)’s Intensive Care Unit. Her mother, Nalini Sukhu said that she has been informed by the doctors at the hospital that her daughter ’s condition is deteriorating. “Basically what they are saying is that she just has a little life left and it is only a matter of time. They still have her on the life machine,” the woman said. She explained that her daughter ’s brain is still swollen. No surgery can be done now on her brain. Singh also called “Amesha” of 19 Tenez Ferme, Canal Number One, West Bank Demerara, suffered a broken left leg and head injuries. The accident occurred on August 27, last. The driver has been released on station
Hema Singh bail. According to information received, Singh was crossing the Canal Number One Public Road, when she was struck down by a car bearing registration number PPP 5344. Sukhu said that she had sent her daughter to buy garlic from a grocery van that was passing on the public road when the accident occurred. “I was sewing and when I see she (Hema) stopped the van, I continued sewing and
all I hear was ‘blam’ and when I look up, I see a child in the air,” Sukhu recalled. She said that when she rushed out, a neighbour had already removed her daughter from in front of the vehicle and soaked her head with water. “The driver came out of the vehicle and was arguing with some boys who were asking him if he didn’t see the child,” the woman said. The driver took Singh and her mother to the West Demerara Regional Hospital before she was eventually transferred to the GPHC. Sukhu explained that at the scene of the accident she was informed by the driver of the grocery van, that her daughter needed more money to purchase the garlic, hence, she was returning home for the rest of the money when she was struck down. The driver, according to Sukhu, claimed that the child was walking over the road, instead of running. Hema Singh would have started the Patentia Secondary school this term.
High-handedness abounds in treatment of Bourda Market vendors The Deputy Mayor of Georgetown Sherod Duncan has attributed the recent ban on vending on Robb Street between Alexander and Bourda Streets, to the highhanded culture of governance which the administrative body of the City has grown accustomed to. Duncan, in a recent interview, said that it is unfortunate how the vendors were treated when the ban was initially instituted. He said that the manner in which it was done goes against what President David Granger had urged the Council to embrace, which is consultative governance. When asked if he was aware of the decision to suspend vending in the area, the Deputy Mayor said that he had no such knowledge. Duncan was further grilled to explain how he was not aware of the decision for the simple reason that he is now the Acting Mayor of the Capital City. To this, he responded that he would not describe it as a breakdown in communication, but rather it is just how the administration is accustomed to working, which is, to make decisions on its own. On Tuesday last, Town Clerk Royston King suspended vending in the Robb Street area. King along with security personnel had
- Deputy Mayor visited the area and announced that “as of now” they would have to cease vending there until further notice. Based on reports, the Town Clerk did not offer the upset vendors any explanation for the order. He left without entertaining any questions or comments from the vendors. This is the kind of behaviour to which Duncan referred. He considers the lack of consultation and the autocratic behaviour of the City’s administration towards vendors, residents and persons who come into the city to transact business, as regrettable. On Wednesday, King held a meeting with the vendors at City Hall where he informed them that they would be banned permanently from selling on Robb Street if they fail to keep the area clean and continue to encroach on the roadway, thereby obstructing traffic. He told them that the decision to institute the ban
Deputy Mayor of Georgetown, Sherod Duncan was as a result of the vendors breaching an agreement where they promised to keep the environs clean and to have proper receptacles to dispose their waste. King’s actions were condemned, because it caused vendors to lose out on much needed income as they were prevented from plying their trade. The day’s losses were estimated to amount to millions since the majority of their goods were perishables.
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Kaieteur News
Relatives await DNA results to determine identity of burnt victim Relatives of Elvis Ceres are eagerly awaiting word from the Guyana Police Force to determine whether the burnt remains found during a blaze at a house in Wales, West Bank Demerara on June 30, last, are that of their loved one. Around 01:30 hrs, firefighters were called to put out a blaze at an unoccupied house located at Lot 1 Goedverwagting, Wales. A body was later found among the rubble in the bathroom area of the property. Ceres had worked for the owner of the property and disappeared around the same time of the fire. Relatives have suspected that the remains found in the burnt property might be those of the 53-yearold man. Yesterday, Ceres’ reputed wife, Beverly McTurk confirmed that ranks had taken DNA samples from the victim’s son and brother in July last, to send to Trinidad and Tobago for testing. McTurk said that relatives are awaiting the result of the tests so that they will be able to move forward with this matter. She claims that since the samples were taken, they haven’t heard from the police as yet.
Kaieteur News was able to verify that the DNA samples have not been sent for testing as yet. When the remains were discovered, residents in the area had assumed that it might have been those of a vagrant, who managed to sneak his way into the property to seek shelter for the night. However, it was later suspected to be Ceres. He was employed by the owner of the house, Elizabeth Sattaur. He had also visited the property to assist in the installation of surveillance cameras. McTurk said that she last saw the father of five, three days before the fire when he visited her home to give her money to take their son to the dentist. He informed her that he was going to work on the East Coast of Demerara and would return in a few days. McTurk and Ceres were not living together at the time since they had an ongoing case before the court. “The Wednesday (day before the fire) he called and say that he coming home the
night or the next morning, and I tell him when he come let him call, but I didn’t get a call from him,” the woman recounted. She said that when he failed to contact her on Thursday (June 30), she called his phone, but the call went straight to voicemail. She was later informed of the fire but never suspected that the burnt corpse might be that of her reputed husband. Elvin Ceres only worked at the Wales house; he didn’t have keys to the property at the time. However, the police suspect that he might have cut extra keys when he was in possession of the original keys. They believed that when the fire started, Ceres woke up and panicked. They assumed that he ran into the bathroom to get water but by then, the entire top flat collapsed on him. A post mortem examination revealed that the person whose remains were found among the rubble, died from smoke inhalation. The cause of the fire was electrical in nature.
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Friday September 09, 2016
Kaieteur News
MOCA To Probe PNP Campaign Money Scandal The Gleaner - The Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) is to launch an investigation into the People’s National Party (PNP) campaign money scandal. Already, the Office of the Contractor General has started a probe into claims that large Chinese firms were required to pay agent fees to PNP operatives, a portion of which would go to the party. Wednesday night, a high-ranking police officer said as soon as the OCG covered certain ground work, MOCA will begin its investigation. The PNP has been under increasing scrutiny since the publication of a leaked
report of party treasurer Norman Horne. The report claims that some senior party members pocketed money collected from donors in the 2016 General Election campaign. The scandal deepened after former transport minister Dr Omar Davies publicly rejected assertions that he collected agent fees from Chinese contractors in Jamaica. The PNP General Secretary Paul Burke had reportedly claimed at a PNP National Executive Council meeting that the agent fees ranged from one per cent to one point five per cent. He is also reported as saying the portfolio minister was responsible for selecting agents to whom ‘agent fees’ would be paid by large contractors.
Pregnant Women Flock To Rogue Doctors For Abortions Amid ZIKV Fears The Gleaner - Health authorities are reporting that an increasing number of Jamaican women are turning to rogue doctors to conduct abortions amid fear of the Zika virus (ZIKV) and birth defect. The revelation made at a Gleaner Editors’ Forum has reignited discussions as to whether the antiabortion rules should be relaxed, at least for pregnant women who may have been infected by the Zika virus. Zika can cause microcephaly - a medical condition where a baby is born with a small head which could lead to developmental problems. Health Minister, Dr Christopher Tufton, says the ministry has taken note of a higher than usual abortions in the country. He says the ministry
Dr Christopher Tufton believes the fear of pregnant women getting ZIKV may be playing a role. N a t i o n a l Epidemiologist, Dr Karen Webster-Kerr, indicated that while there are no hard numbers to confirm that more abortions are taking place, the Ministry of Health has reason to
believe that this is the case. The government has been encouraging Jamaican women to delay getting pregnant because of the risks associated with ZIKV. Member of Parliament for North West St Ann, Dr Dayton Campbell, has called for pregnant women who are positive for the Zika virus to have the option to do an abortion. Campbell also recently put to Parliament, the suggestion for Government to consider making abortion services available to pregnant women who are confirmed to be carrying a baby with microcephaly. However, Dr Tufton says the Government is not considering relaxing the law. As at September 2, there were 501 suspected Zika cases among pregnant women, 35 of which were confirmed after lab tests.
Call For Double Salary For Civil Servants To Stimulate St. Kitts Economy BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – Opposition Leader Dr. Denzil Douglas is suggesting that government double the salary of civil servants. He made the call for the one-off extra month’s pay on the grounds that it would help stimulate the economy. Dr. Douglas said the twinisland federation’s public servants are hardworking, but “nervous and uncertain of their own survivability in the public service”. And he said those civil servants, as well as the private sector would benefit from the move. “I advise very strongly that the government pays a
Dr. Denzil Douglas
double salary for the celebration of the 33rd Anniversary of Independence so that there can be some economic stimulus and stimulation in the economy at this critical time,” he said. Back in December 2014, while Dr. Douglas was still
Prime Minister, the government paid civil servants twice their usual pay as a demonstration of its gratitude for their hard work. He said at the time that the bonus would help to boost morale and provide an added stimulus to the economy.
Friday September 09, 2016
Kaieteur News
Clinton criticises Trump for remarks on security briefing, Putin Reuters - U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton slammed Republican rival Donald Trump yesterday for talking about things he learned in classified intelligence briefings and for praising Russia’s Vladimir Putin as a better leader than President Barack Obama. Speaking to reporters the day after a New York security forum featuring separate appearances by the two candidates, Clinton also criticized the businessman for saying U.S. generals had been “reduced to rubble” by Obama’s policies. At the televised forum on Wednesday night, Trump said he was “shocked” by information he got during the briefing. “What I did learn is
that our leadership, Barack Obama, did not follow what our experts ... said to do,” Trump said. Clinton, who was secretary of state during Obama’s first term, said Trump’s comments on the briefing were “totally inappropriate and undisciplined.” “I would never comment on any aspect of an intelligence briefing I received,” Clinton said before boarding her campaign plane. As nominees for the Nov. 8 presidential election, she and Trump are entitled to receive intelligence briefings. Clinton said Trump’s praise of Putin as a better leader than Obama was “not just unpatriotic and insulting to the people of our country,
as well as to our commander in chief, it is scary.” “It suggests he will let Putin do whatever Putin wants to do and then make excuses for him,” Clinton said. Trump fired back at Clinton, saying her comments were an effort to make up for a poor performance during the security forum. “Hillary C l i n t o n i s always complaining about what’s wrong,” he said during a campaign stop in Cleveland, where he visited a charter school a n d proposed federal spending on “school choice” programmes. “I just watched her on the tarmac. She tried to make up for her horrible performance last night,” Trump said.
Farm boost of $30 billion aimed at helping Africa ‘feed itself’ NAIROBI (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - African farmers are set to benefit from tens of billions of dollars pledged by African leaders, development banks, the private sector and international donors at a conference in Nairobi this week. Commitments of more than $30 billion have been made so far at the African Green Revolution Forum, to transform agriculture on the continent over the next decade - said by organisers to be the largest package of financial commitments to Africa’s agriculture sector to date. Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta pledged $200 million to help 150,000 young farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs gain access to markets, finance and insurance in the next five years. “I challenge fellow heads
of states in Africa to accelerate their investment in agriculture for the benefit of the continent as a whole,” he said. Around 70 percent of Africa’s population depends on agriculture for food and income, but many farmers are still struggling with poverty and poor nutrition. A report released on Tuesday by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) said African countries that took early action in the past decade to invest in agriculture had reaped the rewards, enjoying higher economic growth and a bigger drop in malnutrition. But much more funding was needed to expand progress across sub-Saharan Africa, it said. The African Development Bank (AfDB) answered that call, saying yesterday it would invest $24 billion in
African farming over the next ten years, a 400 percent increase over its previous commitments. “I want Africa to feed itself and develop with pride,” said AfDB president Akinwumi Adesina. P a r t o f t h e b a n k ’s funding will support an international programme to get modern agricultural technologies to millions of small-scale farmers in Africa. The bank will also help them access commercial loans. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation pledged to contribute at least $5 billion to African development over the next five years, of which around a fifth will be used to expand crop and livestock research, strengthen data, and improve systems to deliver better tools, information and innovations to farmers.
Duterte tells regional leaders, U.S. not to lecture Philippines on rights VIENTIANE (Reuters) - Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte yesterday defended his country’s human rights record at a regional summit in Laos, urging East Asian leaders and the United States to help Manila eradicate the scourge of illicit drugs. Duterte swept to power in May on promises to wipe out crime and corruption within six months, pledging to wage a war on drug dealers and crush widespread addiction in a country of 100 million. The toll in his government’s twomonth war on drugs reached 2,400 last week, with police saying about 900 people
died in police operations, and the rest were “deaths under investigation”, a term human rights activists call a euphemism for vigilante and extrajudicial killings. Setting aside a prepared speech, Duterte spoke for more than five minutes about human rights and his campaign against drugs during the East Asian Summit in the Laotian capital of Vientiane, according to one Indonesian diplomat at the meeting. “Let me tell you about human rights,” the diplomat quoted Duterte as saying while displaying a picture of Filipinos killed by American soldiers about a century ago.
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LAND FOR SALE 85.6 Acres titled farm land with timber/water access, located @ Loo Creek E.B.D River. Call: 625-8589; (518) 859-5313 SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Repairs at low cost: Fridges, air- conditioners, washing machines, TVs, microwaves, freezers- Call:6294946 or 225-4822
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RX8 Mazda, price $1.5M. Call: 602-6024 One RZ minibus, good condition -$900,000 and 1 Nissan Bluebird 2009 series. Call: 645-9921/ 265-0204 2002 Verossa, PPP 5997$2.3M- Call: 660-3004 2004 IST, PPP 3461 -$1.5M. Call: 660-3004 3 TON CANTER ENCLOSE AND OPEN BACK WITH 4D ENGINE, PRICE -$3.6M, NEVER REGISTERED – CALL: 617-2891 AT192, 212, Allion, Premio, Hilux Surf, BRR, RZ & Pitbull, Pajero Junior, Spacio: Cash / terms- Call:680-3154 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: 680-3154 Nissan Sylphy PTT 3955, excellent condition, dark blue, vehicle used three months only, $2.3M negotiable- Call: 266-2947; 662-6091
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30 Acres at Yarrowkabra Linden, Soesdyke Highway. Creek available. Call: 6635524/ 661-5033
Transported land for sale @ Craig E.B.D just off the main Road 100X60 -$4M negotiable. Call: 600-832/6832138
Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 Repairs to LED, Plasma, LCD and other electronic items. Abdul Electronics. Call: 2250391
Friday September 09, 2016
Kaieteur News
PROPERTY FOR SALE Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461
1 Canter driver from WBD area ( La Parfaite Harmonie), must be able bodied & have sound secondary education. Call: 618-4257
House and land for sale in Sharpe Street Leonora, price negotiable. Call: 686-3512
Land to buy @ Tuschen, Zeelugt, Uitvlugt, La Parfaite Harmonie, best price offered. Call: 642-1252
One end lot, concrete structure 24X40 – Contact Nirmala Singh: 265-3769/ 6533381
Labourers & experienced garbage truck drivers. Kindly contact: 670-7920
Brand new property @ Craig E.B.D 3 rooms, 1 self contained, House: 28X45ft land: 90X50ft -Call: 679-8091 or 718-213-6496 Residential Property for sale, located at second Avenue, Diamond, East Bank Demerara, price $14M negotiable. Call: 609-7863 / 691-2372 6 Bedrooms house at Lot 2 Coghlan Dam, Pouderoyen. Call: 672-3992/ 618-7483
One bartender, security & cleaner. Call: 668-8332/ 638-5303 One live-in couple to work in Mahaicony River; must know about cows. Call:2256571/ 644-6905 Receptionist, desk staffs (male) between 25-45yrs apply within 233 South Road, Lacytown. Call: 225-0198 Workers for land dredge, 1 male cook for interior $100,000 monthly. Call: 6942310 (8:30am-4:30pm)
One general domestic & one gardener. Apply @ R.Sookraj & Sons, 108 Regent Street opposite GBTI. 1 Cleaner for growing business, must have excellent recommendations. Call: 655-1560 from 08:00hrs15: 00hrs Mon-Fri. One legal computer clerk. Phone: 624-7087; 226-4283/ e m a i l : husainsaphier@yahoo.com Delivery Riders – Call: 2235273/4 One handyman between ages 30-40. Contact:223-5273/4 1 Male able bodied clerkCall: 616-5954; 231-2029 Gardeners apply in person at Nirva Supermarket, 49 Sheriff & Craig Street. Call: 227-5771 Experienced cashier age 30 & older, salesgirls apply @ American Variety Store, 140 Regent Street & Light Street Georgetown.
WANTED Carpenters & Masons. Call: 602-9469 1 Domestic worker within GTCall: 25-35yrs. Call: 223-9677 We buy land in La Parfaite Harmonie, Eccles, Providence, Herstelling & Farm – Call: 6585897/673-2692 Straight Stitch/over edge sewing machine operators – Call: 222-2541 8:00am4:00pm, Mon-Fri A person to supply bagged cow mold on a continuous basis, (must be dry & crush). Call: 219-0468/ 648-1821 (Continue page 31)
Friday September 09, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Coomacka residents complain about non-operational bus, toilet facilities at primary school
From page 30
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Vreed-en-Hoop Junction: office, church, storage bond lessons, internet, stationery & photocopy shop, other place -$20,000 per month. Call: 603-6400 2 Apartments @ 62 Victoria Avenue Eccles. Call: 6672536; 628-0016
Coomacka Primary School By Jacquey Bourne Despite the fact that a school bus was given to the residents of Nottinghamshire, Siberian/Old England, Coomacka and Three Friends Communities, through the President’s 5 B’s initiative, parents are still peeved that they have to pay for transportation in order for their children to get to school, and do so on time. Parents complained that for the first time on Monday the first day of the new school year, the bus arrived at 7:55 a.m. and by then the children had left. They also complained that while they are grateful for the bus, the road needs to be repaired.
According to one parent, the bus was unable to climb the hill because it is too low and the road has a lot of potholes. “The first day de bus start to wuk, it bruk down because it low and de road ent good, it stick up. Dat bus will not last two weeks on de road.” Other parents claimed that the bus went back to Linden and never worked again, and it is unfair for the children to have a school bus and still not be able to utilize it because of wrong advice given to the President. “When de President de come in to give de bus, dem bring he through BOSAI road that good, so de man think de road good. These leaders in
Linden think dem smart.” The parents are urging the relevant authorities to repair the roads. They say that an alternative route could be used, but the road will have to pass through the De Clous land, but they are certain that it will be allowed. “All the land at the back is dem De Clou land and de road could run from Teacher Ruby in Old England on the trainline straight up to Yariabo. All de people want is for the authorities to write a letter telling them that they will grade the road and they will allow it, but dem ent want do that. We got good good laterite by New Haven, all they got to do is bring a grader and grade it and spread it on
de road and it good, but dem ent doing nothing. We want good roads so de bus could run.” Another issue affecting the school children is that the washrooms are not functioning in the Primary school. One parent said that the children are being sent home to use the wash room. “On Monday the children had half-day school because two lil children mess up dem skin. Two months they had to fix dem toilet, now school open they still fixing. De children can’t go to school like that.” When this reporter visited the school, men were working on the washrooms and the Head Teacher Ms. Verda Wilson Thom said that those facilities were okay.
Murders, rape reports down for second consecutive month For the second consecutive month, police have reported a significant drop in serious crimes ranging from murder to rape. A release issued yesterday by the Police Public Relations Department stated that there was an 18 percent decrease in serious crimes at the end of August, relative to the same period last year. There was a 10 percent reduction in reports of murder; a seven percent decrease in gun-related robberies; a 17 percent decrease in armed robberies where other instruments were used; a nine percent decrease in robberies where no instruments were used; a 19 percent decrease in robberies with violence; a combined 40 percent decrease in break and enter and larceny, and burglary; a 20 percent decrease in rape; and a 38 percent decrease in larceny
from the person. In July, the Force had recorded a 16 percent drop in murders, a nine percent decrease in gun-related robberies; a 12 percent decrease in armed robberies where other instruments were used; a 22 percent decrease in robberies with violence; a two percent increase in robberies with aggravation; a 17 percent decrease in rape; and a 21 percent decrease in break and enter and larceny. Burglary is down by 15 percent while larceny from the person decreased by 35 percent. The data was significant, in that, previous crime data had regularly shown an increase in incidents of rape. The statistics were comparative to July 2015. But the Guyana Police Force once again recorded a rise in road fatalities. Eightyseven fatalities were recorded
at the end of August; seven more than for the same period last year. There was a reduction in serious and minor accidents, but again an increase in damage accidents. Speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol and inattentiveness, continue to be the main causes of fatal accidents. The Guyana Police Force has charged 48,585 persons with traffic offences so far this year. This includes 18,053 for speeding of which 7, 133 have been fined; 1,168 for driving under the influence of alcohol of which 268 have been fined; 1, 108 for unlicenced drivers of which 631 have been fined; 2,016 for overloaded minibus of which 872 have been fined and 476 for using cell phones whilst driving, of which 268 have been fined. The Force also used the opportunity to point out that, to date, 87 officers and other ranks have benefitted from Overseas Training from India, China, USA, Russia, Argentina, Jamaica, etc. in Financial
Investigation, Fingerprinting Identification, Maritime Interdiction and Prosecution, (d) Countering Organised Crime, Public Order Maintenance, Cyber Training, Footwear Impression and Identification, Counteraction against Terrorism and Extremism, and Surveillance and Counter Surveillance. Currently there are over two hundred and sixty ranks undergoing the Basic Recruit Training at the three Police Colleges. Meanwhile, the COPs and Faith Community Network continues to assist significantly in invigilating and marking of the Learner Driver Theoretical Examinations. In terms of Juvenile Offenders, to date they have dealt with 321 such cases countrywide, including 189 males and 132 females, who have been spared the ignominy of the Criminal Justice System, due to their intervention between the Complainants/ Reporter, Victims and Police.
2 Bedrooms apartment with toilet & bath @ Lot Q19 Pigeon Island, Chateau Margot E.C.D. Call Bibi: 2206799/ 603-9547 1 New & spacious 2 bedrooms apartment 5th Avenue Diamond, New Scheme. Call: 610-0652/ 6878113 Restaurant/Bar or doctor’s office, business place, at Lot ‘C’ Hydronie Parika –Call: 664-9245; 665-6138 Bottom flat supermarket located @ First Bridge Diamond E.B.D- Call: 6017749; 216-3069; 626-7064; 691-4808 Fully furnished 2 storey house with 3 AC bedrooms, security & sensor lights, etc at Gated Community. Call: 685-5845; 668-8714; 612-3400
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. 1-Hyster Forklift With 1000 Series, Perkins Engine$1.2M, 1-CAT DP-40 3-Ton Forklift-$2.9M. Contact#6500402 2 Tug boat (ocean going), 12000 HP, 1-2200 HP. Call: 6630633 1 Gas station in Cotton Tree Village Berbice. Call: 6630633 57 Acres transported land before Soesdyke Junction also power tools. Call: 2654180; 615-3054 Cargo Trawler. Call: 682-8724; 616-5954 Carpets, water tank, printer, stereo & speakers, tea cups & saucers, plants & plant pots, massage oil, baby strollers. Call: 231-1284/2239719 Household, Restaurant & hotel Items: 3pcs living room set, ceiling fans, 4X3ft glass sliding doors, clothing. Call: 231-1284/ 223-9719
Bachelor’s Apartment to rent. Call: 233-0327 from 5:00pm to 9:00pm
Elevator (good condition) Diesel Generator (23KVA, 110/220V). Call: 231-1284/ 223-9719
Self-contained rooms in Prashad Nagar. Tel: 227-2993
1-4 Piece Stereo set, 1 bass box -$65,000. Call: 665-4944
2 Flat building, 3 bedrooms, Broad Street. Call: 223-9677
Pit bull pups for sale, already vaccinated. Call: 625-0356
Newly renovated three bedrooms top flat @ Pike Street, Blygezight. Telephone and Parking- Call: 601-3268/ 227-2543 Liquor restaurant & bar, E.C.D - $80,000 monthly. Call: 6007228 for information House to rent, top flat, 3 bedrooms @ Diamond Housing Scheme –Call: 6194490
Aluminum heat resistant paint, 2 USA made, 37 KVA transformer, 120-240V, S.Q.D – $350,000 each. Call: 2653541/ 6163411 Dachshund pups mixed with Pekingese for sale-$20,000 (one female only remaining). Call: 677-2476 PROPERTY FOR SALE Kitty - $40M, Tuschen -$9M, Zeelugt -$8M, no agents, serious enquiries only. Call: 662-0176 High value transported land and 2 bedrooms newly built house, Greater Diamond E.B.D -$14M negotiable. Call: 265-4338
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Friday September 09, 2016
Opposition election challenge to be heard by Trinidad appeal court next month PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad — The court of appeal in Trinidad has set aside three days next month to hear the opposition United National Congress (UNC) appeal against the dismissal of its five election petitions challenging the result of last year’s general election. Attorneys for the opposition party, who filed the appeal last week Thursday, were informed on Tuesday by the court’s registry that the appeal would be heard between October 17 and 19, the Trinidad Guardian reported. The UNC is challenging the decision of High Court Judge Mira Dean-Armorer, who last month dismissed the UNC’s claim that the election should be invalidated because the Election and Boundaries Commission (EBC) was not allowed to extend the poll by one hour due to heavy rainfall in Trinidad. While Dean-Armorer had agreed with the UNC that the
Mira Dean-Armorer EBC acted illegally, she ruled its error did not materially affect the result of the election, in which People’s National Movement (PNM) beat the UNC by a 23-18 margin. The party claims that the judge erred in speculating over its decision to file petitions for only six marginal constituencies, San Fernando West, Tunapuna, St Joseph, Toco/Sangre Grande,
Moruga/Tableland and La Horquetta/Talparo. The UNC also contends that the judge was wrong to dismiss its evidence of the unknown consequences of the EBC’s decision as speculation. “It was not known from the evidence before her how many people were aware of the commission’s directive and how those people who were aware of it would have reacted to it. “These unknown consequences meant that the learned judge could not properly have found with certainty that the breaches did not materially affect the outcome of the election,” the appeal states. The local court has ultimate jurisdiction over all election challenges and its ruling in the case will be final as there is no right of further appeal to the United Kingdom-based Privy Council, the country’s final court of appeal. (Caribbean News)
Venezuela’s Capriles says govt. supporters ‘besieged’ him Caracas (AFP) Venezuelan opposition leader Henrique Capriles said that armed supporters of the leftist national government “besieged” him and other travelers at an airport on the island of Margarita. News of the incident came as thousands of Venezuelans staged rival protests Wednesday, with the opposition pressing for a referendum on recalling President Nicolas Maduro. Two-time presidential candidate Capriles blamed Maduro for the airport incident, accusing him of “looking for a death.”
Capriles said the others managed to get out after he intervened with airport authorities, but he was trapped for much longer. “We were besieged for four hours by the government’s armed bands,” Capriles said in a video disseminated on social media site Periscope after he left the airport. Oil giant Venezuela’s once-booming economy has gone into meltdown as crude prices have crashed since mid-2014, triggering a severe financial crisis. Outrage is mounting as the country grapples with
crippling shortages of vital supplies like food and medicine, threatening Maduro and the socialist “revolution” his late predecessor, Hugo Chavez, launched in 1999. The head of the ruling socialist party, Diosdado Cabello, scoffed at Capriles’ accusations. “Since nobody pays attention to him, he charges that they are persecuting him. He’s hearing voices. Who would be persecuting him,” Cabello said on his weekly programme on the government-run television station.
PNM marks first year with list of achievements Trinidad Guardian - In marking its first year in Government, the PNM Wednesday sent out a listing of its achievements, including the resumption of work on what was considered as T&T’s biggest “white elephant,” the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba. The cost of repairs to the stadium had been estimated at $90 million. An estimated $800 million was already spent to construct it. Construction on the Brian
Lara Stadium began in May 2005 with an initial cost estimate of $275 million. The stadium, which has a capacity of 17,000, was to be completed before the hosting of the Cricket World Cup in 2007 but was hit with multiple delays and cost overruns. Wednesday’s listing was despatched by PNM’s general secretary Ashton Ford. However, it contained an obvious mistake where it listed three blunders made by
the former administration, the United National Congress (UNC) as PNM achievements. They were: Shutdown of Special Anti-Crime Unit (SAUTT); insulted Jamaicans (ATM slur) and insulted St Lucians in despair when in hurricane they were told that in order to get aid from T&T they must agree to buy from us. Those three were listed as 35, 36 and 37 under PNM Government Achievements after one year and also listed as the last three points in the comparison listing to the UNC blunders after their first year.
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Iraq gears up for late-year push to retake Mosul from Islamic State
Displaced children, who fled from the Islamic State violence, are seen at Debaga Camp in the Makhmour area near Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Azad Lashkari /File Photo Reuters - The U.S.-led war on Islamic State has depleted the group’s funds, leadership and foreign fighters, but the biggest battle yet is expected later this year in Iraq’s northern city of Mosul, where Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared his “caliphate” two years ago. The jihadist insurgents have lost more than half the territory they seized in Iraq and nearly as much in neighbouring Syria, but still manage to control their twin capitals of Mosul and Raqqa, symbols of the state they sought to build at the heart of the Middle East. Military and humanitarian preparations are now in full swing to retake Mosul, the largest city under the ultrahardline group’s control. American troops are establishing a logistics hub to the south, while the United Nations warns of the world’s
most complex humanitarian operation this year. Iraq’s recapture over the summer of Qayyara airbase and surrounding areas along the Tigris river 60 km (nearly 40 miles) south of Mosul have set the stage for a big push on the city, which commanders say could start by late October. Whether Islamic State makes a final stand in Mosul or slips away to fight another day remains in question, but Baghdad expects a fierce battle and the international coalition backing it is preparing for one. The densely populated river valley may hold obstacles for the military, though Islamic State appears to be putting up relatively little resistance, possibly to conserve fighters for a showdown in Mosul where their forces are estimated at between 3,000 and 9,000. Hardcore fighters have
likely slipped out already through the desert and into Syria, while many top leaders and foreign fighters have been killed in targeted air strikes, according to Major General Najm al-Jabouri, the Mosul operation’s commander. He told Reuters that victory by year’s end would be easy, in keeping with pledges by Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi. “We will go to Mosul, they will go to Tel Afar. We will go to Tel Afar, they will go to Baaj,” said Jabouri, referring to IS-controlled districts 70 km (44 miles) and 140 km (87 miles)west of Mosul, respectively, which can be used to reach Syria. “We will go to Baaj, maybe. It depends on the situation in Syria. They can get to Syria but the situation there is not like before. It is not a safe haven for them now.”
U.N. nuclear agency says Iran sticking to nuclear deal VIENNA (Reuters) - Iran has kept to a nuclear deal it agreed with six world powers last year limiting its stockpiles of substances that could be used to make atomic weapons, a report by the U.N. nuclear agency found. T h e c o nfidential report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) seen by Reuters did not point to any violations in Tehran’s observance of the deal which was opposed by hardliners inside Iran and by skeptics in the West. “Throughout the reporting period, Iran
had no more than 130 metric tonnes of heavy water ... Iran’s total enriched uranium (up to 3.67 percent purity) stockpile did not exceed 300 kg,” the report said, citing the nuclear deal’s limits on the two substances. Earlier this month, a U.S. think-tank said Iran had been secretly allowed to overstep certain thresholds in order to get the deal through on time, but a diplomat said no limits had been exceeded apart from one incident which the agency reported in February.
Friday September 09, 2016
In about-face, Kerry heads to Geneva to meet Russia’s Lavrov Reuters - U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry will meet Russia’s foreign minister in Geneva about a ceasefire deal for Syria, the State Department said yesterday in a sudden about-face after saying it did not believe a meeting was worthwhile. Less than an hour after the U.S. State Department said it had no travel to announce for Kerry, spokesman John Kirby announced that the top U.S. diplomat would meet his counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, today. The Russian minister arrived in the Swiss city yesterday. “Their discussion follows recent conversations on Syria and will focus on reducing violence, expanding humanitarian assistance for the Syrian people, and moving towards a political solution needed to end the civil war,” Kirby said in a statement. It was unclear what led to the change of plan. Kerry and Lavrov have spoken four times in two days to try to reach an understanding on
how to halt the violence in Syria and open up humanitarian delivery routes into cities such as Aleppo. In Geneva, Lavrov met with U.N. Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura, who has the diplomatic task of trying to end the five-year war, which has claimed an estimated 400,000 lives and driven tens of thousands of refugees into Europe. nThe United States and Russia have backed opposite sides in Syria’s civil war, which shows little sign of ending after 5-1/2 years of violence in which half the prewar population has been uprooted. Moscow supports Syrian President Bashar alAssad, whom Washington believes must eventually go. “We’re just not at a point where we believe ... that it’s worth his while to go have a meeting,” State Department deputy spokesman Mark Toner had told reporters earlier. He said Kerry was willing to meet when the two sides are closer to an agreement and the United States believes it would be useful.
U.S. links Venezuelan official related to Maduro to drug probe Reuters - A U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agent testified yesterday that a probe of two nephews of Venezuela’s first lady began after a drug trafficker cooperating with authorities told him of a meeting arranged by her brother, a top police official. The agent testified in Manhattan federal court about the origins of the probe of Franqui Francisco Flores de Freitas and Efrain Antonio Campo Flores as he detailed how two key informants deceived investigators to conduct drug deals. The testimony came during proceedings in which lawyers for the nephews of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s wife, Cilia Flores, sought the suppression of evidence against them and statements they gave after their November 2015 arrests. Both men are fighting charges that they worked with others to try to send 800 kg of cocaine from Venezuela to Honduras so it could be
imported into the United States. In court, DEA Special Agent Sandalio Gonzalez testified that the probe began after a cooperating witness in Honduras, a drug trafficker called El Sentado, told him in October 2015 a Venezuelan official named Bladimir Flores was going to send his nephew to meet with him. “He (cooperating witness) indicated that these individuals wanted to fly drug-laden planes to Honduras with flight plans,” Gonzalez said. Gonzalez did not elaborate on the role of Bladimir Flores. He is the brother of Cilia Flores and serves as inspector general of Venezuela’s investigative police, known as CIPCP. Bladimir Flores could not be reached for comment. The nephews’ case, an embarrassment for Maduro as Venezuela experiences political and economic struggles, was brought last year amid a series of U.S. probes that have linked individuals connected to the Venezuelan government to drug trafficking.
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Pacquiao made retirement U-turn to continue his ‘journey’ While Manny Pacquiao’s political career became a priority after he announced his “retirement” from the ring in April, he says the lure of continuing his journey in boxing ultimately led to his comeback. Seven months after defeating American Timothy Bradley in Las Vegas in his much trumpeted farewell to the sport, the Filipino southpaw will return to the same city in November to challenge World Boxing Organization welterweight champion Jessie Vargas. Though Pacquiao is an eight-division world champion and one of the greatest boxers ever, the whole experience of preparing for that Nov. 5 fight feels strange as he will be competing for the first time as an elected senator in his homeland. ”This is very different,” a smartly dressed Pacquiao, 37, told Reuters after holding a joint news conference with American Vargas in the chic surrounds of The Beverly Hills Hotel.
”This is my first fight since I was elected as a senator and it’s a big challenge for me to try to get the belt and become a champion again, to win the fight as a senator. ”It’s also a big challenge for me to get back in the ring again and to prove that I can still manage serving the people and also be a successful boxer.” Pacquiao (58-6-2) was elected to the Philippines’ senate in May. Asked what had prompted his decision to come out of retirement, Pacquiao smiled: “The main reason is because when I hung up my gloves, I realized that the sport that I loved, I was no longer active with that. ”And then I realized that boxing still liked me and I liked boxing so why am I not continuing my journey in boxing? So I changed my mind and decided to continue my journey. “I want to fight more fights after November. I am already satisfied and happy with what I have done
in boxing. Now I want to continue and give honor to my country.” For Pacquiao’s experienced trainer, Freddie Roach, the Filipino’s abrupt U-turn on his retirement decision was always likely. “Manny still knows what he does best, and that’s boxing so him making a comeback this quickly wasn’t a big surprise to me,” the bespectacled Roach told Reuters. ”I know he still loves boxing, he still has a lot of fight left in him. In his last fight, he showed a lot of the old Manny. I liked that a lot and I hope it carries over to this fight.” Pacquiao’s unanimous decision win over Bradley in April was his first fight in nearly a year after his loss to Floyd Mayweather. The 27-year-old Vargas (27-1) beat fellow American Sadam Ali in March to claim the WBO welterweight crown and has won 10 of his bouts via a knockout or stoppage, with his only defeat coming via a points loss to Bradley in June 2015. (Reuters)
War break as top... (From page 37) out to Quincy Boyce (GDF) last year but there was nothing to be ashamed about since the latter fighter is made of quality stuff and ought not to be underrated. He also will be on show over the next three nights. Otherwise, fans could look forward to keen contests from boxers of the Essequibo Gym, Young Achievers, Andrew Lewis Boxing Gym, Rosehall Jammers and Caryll’s Gym among others. The first bell rings at 20:00hrs tonight.
Manny Pacquiao & Jessie Vargas during the press conference. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson
Friday September 09, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Be careful when dealing with superiors. You may have major blowups with someone you love if you don't back down. Rather than making a scene, communicate quietly about the way you feel. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You can handle situations that require contact with institutions or large corporations. Take the time to do your job correctly or you may find yourself looking for a new one. Come to your own conclusions rather than taking the word of someone else. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Be prepared to have relatives or close friends introduce you to new and exciting individuals. You must use discretion when it comes to lending money or making donations. You need to get involved in groups that offer physical activities. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Difficulties with children will surface if you try to break a promise you made. Try to address the real issues in order to turn things around. Brunch, a long walk, or a quiet dinner will secure your position in the relationship. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Do not get involved in joint financial ventures. Don't avoid situations that may deteriorate; try to mend them. Your mate needs extra attention and is feeling rather insecure when you're not in sight. Your support and concern will help. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Be sure to sidestep those who are eccentric or unpredictable. Help children with important
projects. Finish projects that have been hanging over your head. LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You may have been too agreeable to someone who just wanted to use you. You can make personal changes that will enhance your appearance and bring you greater popularity. You may have a problem with coworkers if you try to tell them what to do. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You can surprise members of your family, which in turn will bring you a pat on the back. Elders may get you going today. If you can get away for a vacation, do so. SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) Just be yourself. Try not to get upset or angry without having all the facts. The answers can only come from within. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You're in the mood to spend time with your lover. Your mind will be wandering to exotic destinations. You will reach the most people if you speak out at an organizational function. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Rather than making a scene, communicate quietly about the way you feel. Be careful signing important contracts today. Gambling will be a waste of time and money. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Opposition is present and you should be prepared to counteract it as best you can. You can anger others quickly today. Avoid overspending on items for your home. You could be quite erratic regarding your personal relationship.
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Serena Williams suffers shock loss to Karolina Pliskova Czech 10th seed Karolina Pliskova outplayed Serena Williams to reach the US Open final and end the American’s reign as world number one. Williams, 34, double faulted on match point to lose 6-2 7-6 (7-5) to Pliskova who will face Angelique Kerber who defeated Carolina Wozniacki (6-4 6-3) in tomorrow’s final. The result guarantees
that Germany’s Kerber will overtake Williams at the top of the rankings after the US Open. Wi l l i a m s h a d a l s o hoped to win an Open-era record 23rd major singles title. She remains tied with Steffi Graf for both Grand Slam titles, and the WTA record of 186 weeks as world number one. Pliskova went into the match on a 10-match winning streak and with the
F1 needs Bernie Ecclestone in charge, says Sir Stirling Moss
most aces on the WTA Tour this year, and it was that shot which carried the Czech to victory. It took Williams 50 minutes to earn her first break point as the Czech nullified her returns, while attacking the American’s second serve. That brought Pliskova two breaks as she raced through the first set in just 26 minutes, and the home crowd on Arthur Ashe Stadium urged on Williams as the six-time champion fell behind midway through the second set. Williams sparked into life, finally breaking Pliskova’s serve - to love but the anticipated comeback was cut short in the tie-break. The r e w e r e a f e w signs of nerves as Pliskova let a 3-0 lead slip but from 5-4 in
To face Angelique Kerber in tomorrow’s final
Karolina Pliskova front, Williams produced a forehand wide, a backhand long and a double fault to end with 31 unforced errors. ”I don’t believe it,” said Pliskova, who had never made it past the third round of a Grand Slam in 17 prior attempts. “I knew I had the chance to beat anyone if I
played my game. I am excited to be in the final and to beat Serena as she is such a great champion. ”Even when she was down a set and break she was still fighting. I had to fight hard to win.” The second semi final match ended on a bit of a
Angelique Kerber bum note as Caroline Wo z n i a c k i m i s t a k e n l y pulled out of forehand on the baseline, thinking that Angelique Kerber has strayed long. She fought valiantly but she was just did not have the same form and quality as her opponent. (Reuters)
Teams offered chance to invest in F1 after takeover Chase Carey (left) and Bernie Ecclestone Formula 1 still needs Bernie Ecclestone after its £3.3bn takeover, says former driver Sir Stirling Moss. Ecclestone, the s p o r t ’s 8 5 - y e a r- o l d billionaire chief executive, is to stay in his role for three more years after US firm Liberty Media agreed to buy a 35.3% stake from CVC Capital. And Briton Moss, 86, believes that can only be good for F1. “He is exceptionally important thank goodness we’ve got him for three years,” said Moss. Ecclestone will be joined at the helm of the sport by new chairman Chase Carey, vicechairman of 21st Century Fox. Speaking to BBC Sport on Thursday (yesterd a y ) , Ecclestone joked the pair were “dictators”. Carey added: “This is a great global sport and one where we’re just going to keep trying to build on what Bernie’s built over the last four decades. ”This is an evolution. We’re going to work t o g e t h e r. T h e b e s t businesses are partnerships where people work together
as a team.” Moss, who raced between 1951 and 1961 and has retained a keen involvement, says the development under Ecclestone has been exceptional. ”Motor racing now is really good, you look at the pits and they are all nicely organised, and everything works well,” he added. “He’s done so much for the sport and brought it forward enormously. Look where we are now.” Ecclestone has had a strong grip on Formula 1 since becoming chief executive of the Formula One Constructors’ Association (FOCA) in 1978. His controlling nature has been advantage to the sport, according to Moss. ”As long as he controls it properly what does it matter? It’s what you need. He’s a dictator but he can get it done. “It’s an amazing thing to see a man like that. He can call anyone up in the world and they will stop what they are doing and speak to him. He’s a very big man.” (BBCsport)
Formula One teams will be given the chance to invest in the sport after Liberty Media’s takeover but the smaller ones are hoping the new owners will also help them become more competitive on the track. ”The philosophy of American sports franchises is to try and keep it as equal as possible and as competitive as possible,” Force India deputy principal Bob Fernley told Reuters yesterday. ”So I’m hopeful that, as an American company with good knowledge of sports franchises, that will be one of their key objectives - to create as level a playing field as possible.” U.S. cable TV mogul John Malone’s Liberty Media announced on Wednesday that it had acquired an initial 18.7 percent stake in Formula One from controlling shareholder CVC Capital Partners. The company hopes to complete a deal for the remainder by the first quarter of 2017. A joint statement by CVC and Liberty Media said teams would be “given the opportunity to participate in the investment in Formula One” with details to be agreed in due course. New Formula One chairman Chase Carey said
Formula One drivers start the Russian F1 Grand Prix in Sochi, Russia, October 11, 2015. REUTERS/Grigory Dukor/File Photo some had already expressed an interest in investing. ”The teams have done very well; payments to the teams have increased significantly. We think there’s real growth in the business and we think everyone should benefit from that growth,” he added in a later conference call. ”We’re all partners in the business – simply, Formula One and the teams should basically grow the business going forward.” A spokesman for former world champions McLaren, one of those who would have the resources to buy into the sport, said the company was “confident that it will be a positive step for Formula
One”. Fernley said the idea of teams becoming stakeholders was something Force India had proposed to CVC two years ago, with little response. ”We gave them the detailed plan of how that could work, but CVC weren’t interested from their point of view,” he said. “But the devil’s in the detail so until we see what they (Liberty) are actually offering, it’s difficult to be able to comment.” Privately-owned Force India, and Swiss-based Sauber, have had financial p r o b lems an d f iled a complaint last year asking EU authorities to investigate
the sport’s governance and distribution of revenues. That is continuing, with the EU recently issuing requests for further information. Top teams Mercedes, Ferrari, McLaren, Williams and Red Bull currently receive special payments in recognition of past performance, in addition to prize money. Figures published by B r i t a i n ’s A u t o s p o r t magazine showed Ferrari’s share of the revenues in 2013 came to an estimated $166 million, including a $32 million bonus and $62 million special payout. Force India were paid $59 million, Sauber $52 million. (Reuters)
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Friday September 09, 2016
Brook says he will feel the fear and shock Golovkin Kell Brook admits to feeling fear but says he is ready to inflict a first career defeat on Kazakh knockout specialist Gennady Golovkin when they meet in a London ring tomorrow. Golovkin, who boasts a perfect 35-0 record with 32 KOs, puts his WBC and IBF middleweight belts on the line against unbeaten IBF welterweight champion Brook who has moved up two weight divisions for the biggest fight of his career. Amiable as a dapper Golovkin appeared at a news c o n f e r e n c e y e s t e r d a y, describing his love for London and its people, he has proved a ruthless beast inside the ropes and is
regarded as the best poundfor-pound boxer in the world, dominating the middleweight ranks. ”There is fear for me in this fight, but that will make me so sharp,” Briton Brook, who recovered from a lifethreatening stabbing while on holiday in Spain two years ago, told reporters across the Thames from the O2 Arena that will stage the contest. ”That fear is healthy because I need to be switched on throughout the fight. This is my moment. I’m going in there to win. Very confident I’m going to shock the world.” Golovkin’s trainer Abel Sanchez warned Brook that
Gennady Golovkin and Kell Brook pose after the press conference. Reuters / Andrew Couldridge Livepic he was in for a rude awakening on Saturday (tomorrow), questioning the wisdom of moving up to middleweight for the first time. “It takes more than a 10-week scientific experiment to topple
Gennady Golovkin,” he said. Golovkin’s WBA belt is not up for grabs as that ruling body refused to sanction the fight, saying it was concerned about Brook’s safety in the 160lbs division. However, Brook says it
United and City will have players worth more than £600m on show at Old Trafford Tomorrow’s Manchester derby at Old Trafford is set to be the most expensive game in history, with United and City boasting sides worth a combined total of more than £600million. With new bosses on both sides of the city, United manager Jose Mourinho and City chief Pep Guardiola both splashed the cash this summer in a bid to earn bragging rights over their rivals and challenge for the Premier League crown. The spending splurge, which has seen the likes of Paul Pogba and John Stones move to the red and blue sides of the city respectively, means hundreds of millions of pounds worth of talent will take to the field for what is undoubtedly the biggest game of the season so far. While both managers may yet make some late changes, Pogba’s expected presence in the United midfield following his £89m switch back to England means Mourinho’s side will be worth a total of £328.1m. That far exceeds the value of City’s possible team, with six of Mourinho’s likely side having cost the club £30m or more when they arrived at Old Trafford. Former Chelsea boss Mourinho has never been afraid to splash the cash and after taking over at United this summer, he’s done so again in a bid to return the club to the top. Pogba’s move - the deal is worth up to £100m with agents’ fees included - was the dominant story of the summer window but Eric Bailly’s £31.5m arrival from Villarreal was another transfer brokered by Mourinho. Luke Shaw is another £30m man expected to line up in the United defence, with the attacking trio of Wayne Rooney, Juan Mata and Anthony Martial having cost the Premier League giants a total of more than £100m. All three are expected to start behind Zlatan Ibrahimovic, another summer arrival who moved to United on a free from French side Paris Saint-
John Stones – Manchester City Paul Pogba – Manchester United
Germain. United’s stellar cast list of names has seen the stardust return to the club but City aren’t exactly short of talent either. Guardiola forked out £168m on Stones, Leroy Sane, Ilkay Gundogan, Gabriel Jesus and Nolito in the window just closed as he stamped his mark on the Etihad squad. England defender Stones, a £47.5m arrival from Everton and Nolito, who has hit the ground running in England, are the two men to have gone straight into Guardiola’s side following their arrival at the club. Both are likely to start at Old Trafford, with £13.8m man Nolito in contention to begin the game up front in the absence of suspended star man Sergio Aguero. Raheem Sterling, who cost City £44m when he joined from Liverpool in 2015, is another contender to begin in the lead attacking role following his stunning start to the new season.
Wherever he plays, Sterling is an almost certain starter with £54.8m Belgian international Kevin De Bruyne the most expensive player in the City side. De Bruyne has proved money well spent for City so far but alongside Fernandinho (£30m) and David Silva (£25m), the former Chelsea man is likely to be part of a City midfield worth just shy of £170m. The £600m total figure, of course, doesn’t take into account the value of the respective men on both benches, including £26m United winger Henrikh Mkhitaryan. It’s worth noting too that the absent Aguero, who cost £38m, would have been a certain starter had he been available. It all adds up to a game worth serious cash in terms of the talent on display, once again showcasing the Premier League as the richest league in the world. (MailOnline)
is a natural step and that he will finally be able to fight at 100 percent. ”When I’ve had to take weight off to make 147 (lbs) it’s meant I fight at 60 or 70 percent,” Sheffield’s Brook, who owns a 36-0 record, said. “You are going to see the full 100 percent.” Brook’s trainer Dominic Ingle also played down concerns that his charge was moving out of his depth. ”We used to have to take muscle off him (to make the weight),” he said. “This is not a big guy versus a small guy. This is two middleweights. We’ve left no stone unturned to prepare for the fight. “No one is giving Kell a chance. But he
is coming to win.” Golovkin is eyeing a 17th consecutive middleweight title victory. Many had hoped he would fight Mexican Saul Alvarez but their proposed showdown fell through. His promoter Tom Loeffler said finding opponents willing to climb into the ring with Golovkin was difficult, which is why Brook’s challenge has stoked such interest and meant 17,000 tickets sold in nine minutes, according to promoters Matchroom. ”Brook is a champion, u n d e f e a t e d . H e ’s n o t scared,” Golovkin said. “Respect. He’s a fighter.” (Reuters)
Real and Atletico fail to overturn two-window transfer bans as FIFA rejects their appeals Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have lost their appeals against oneyear transfer bans by FIFA for breaking rules protecting underage players. Yesterday, FIFA’s Appeals Committee dismissed challenges by both clubs after transfer embargoes were imposed in January. The bans were later frozen pending the appeals verdicts. The Madrid clubs have been blocked from registering new players until January 2018. The teams can make deals to sign players but cannot register them to play. ’Both clubs are to serve a transfer ban that prevents them from registering any players at national and international level for the next two complete and consecutive registration periods,’ FIFA said in a statement. ’The transfer ban applies to each club as a whole - with the exception of the women’s, futsal, and beach soccer teams - and does not prevent the release of players.’ Both clubs denied wrongdoing in the matter, which was related to signing teenage players whose registration was accepted by the Spanish Football Federation. The players involved featured in games from 2005 to 2014. Real Madrid said in a statement yesterday it
Zinedine Zidane ‘lamented’ the decision, calling it ‘unfair.’ The club said it will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, and it was optimistic about a reversal of FIFA’s ruling. Atletico have yet to officially comment on FIFA’s announcement. FIFA also upheld fines of £700,000 for Atletico and £280,000 for Madrid. It said both clubs ‘have been issued with a reprimand and a warning and given 90 days in which to regularise the situation of all minor players concerned.’ Barcelona served a similar sanction for 2015 after stalling the transfer ban to enable them to sign players in the 2014 window. The Catalan club signed players such as Arda Turan and Aleix Vidal after the ban took effect again, but couldn’t register them until after the ban period. (MailOnline)
Kaieteur News
Friday September 09, 2016
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Regent Household Plus Clive Gobin Memorial Golf on tomorrow cricket to bowl Local g o l f e r s w i l l once again trek to the Lusignan Golf Course (LGC) tomorrow this time to compete in the Household Plus/Regent Household Electronics sponsored golf Tournament. LGC President Oncar Ramroop expressed sincere appreciation for the Household Plus/Regent Household Electronics ready involvement in supporting the club through sponsorship. Ramroop has assured that their contributions would go a far way in enhancing the sport in Guyana. Prizes on offer tomorrow will be for 1st to 4th place as well as
Regent Household Electronics Assistant Manager, Ms Farzana Hamid presents the sponsorship cheque to LGC’s Public Relations Officer, Guy Griffith.
Best Net, Nearest to The Pin, and Best Gross. The executive
committee of the LGC is considering adding their bit to the prizes.
Paralympics: Belarus delegate banned after carrying Russian flag at ceremony
off September 10 The second annual Clive Gobin Memorial cricket competition is set to get underway tomorrow at the Zorg Sports Club ground on the Essequibo Coast. The competition which will be played on a roundrobin basis at the Under-16 level involves Abramville, NOC, Johanna Cecelia and Aurora Secondary schools as well as Zorg Sports Club and will be played on a 20over basis. Speaking with Kaieteur Sport yesterday, Organiser Debra Daniels said that they will also host a female open T20 tournament using the plastic balls. She informed that there will be a ceremony to declare the competition open as well as the Zorg SC members’ pavilion which was recently renovated by the Gobin family which has undertaken to maintain the building.
Clive Gobin Prior to the finals which will be played on October 2 at the said venue the club will be staging a female softball competition starting at 08:30hrs. Entrance fee is $5,000 and teams can
contact Debra Daniels on 6 0 2 7 11 0 o r D a v i n a Goberdhan on 673 5792 for information on registration. Clive Gobin was a former member of the Zorg Sports Club.
ICC hands official warning to Durban, Port-of-Spain
Athletes from Belarus take part in the opening ceremony. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes A member of the Belarus delegation who carried a Russian flag at the Paralympic opening ceremony to support his country’s near-neighbor that is banned from the competition was stripped of his accreditation, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) said yesterday. The man, identified by Russian media as Andrei Fomochkin, director of the Republican Centre of Olympic training for Athletics in Belarus, was hailed as a hero by both Russian and Belarusian officials. But his action fell foul of the IPC’s ban on political gestures. “The IPC will be speaking to NPC Belarus
this morning (yesterday) to remind them that political protests are forbidden at the Paralympic Games,” the IPC said in a statement, adding that the individual had been identified and his accreditation canceled. The statement did not name the person. In Russia, where the ban for state-sponsored sports doping has been fiercely contested, there was high praise for Fomochkin. “A hero has appeared today amongst us,” Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told Interfax news agency. ”(He) showed solidarity with people who were disgracefully treated in an inhumane way in not being
allowed to compete at the Paralympics,” Zakharova added. Russia’s Paralympic Committee head Vladimir Lukin enthused: ”During this difficult period, he remembered us... It’s great that the Belarusians thought about the closest country to them, about Russia. We won’t forget this.” In Belarus, the Foreign Ministry also commended Fomochkin. ”This was the right thing. Our sportsman acted in a serious, manly and f r i e n d l y w a y, ” t h e Ministry’s press secretary Dmitri Mironchik told RIA Novosti. “If we need to answer for these gestures, then we will answer,” he added. (Reuters)
The ICC has handed official warnings under its pitch and outfield monitoring process to Kingsmead in Durban and the Queen’s Park Oval in Port-of-Spain. Kingsmead hosted the first Test between South Africa and New Zealand from August 19 to 23, and the Queen’s Park Oval the fourth Test between West Indies and India from August 18 to 22. Both matches were heavily curtailed because of outfield conditions. Andy Pycroft and Ranjan Madugalle, the match referees for the two Te s t s , b o t h r a t e d t h e outfields “poor” in their official reports. Madugalle and Geoff Allardice, the ICC’s general manager, reviewed CSA’s response to the “poor” rating, while Allardice and match referee David Boon reviewed WICB’s response. Since this was the first occasion either ground had received a “poor” rating, the grounds stood to receive either a warning or a fine not exceeding USD 15,000, along with “a directive for appropriate corrective action”.
”The sanctions take into account Durban and Port of Spain venues’ history of producing good conditions for international cricket and commitment by both the boards to take appropriate steps to ensure similar events are not repeated in future,” an ICC release said.
In all, 11 sessions out of 15 were lost to a wet and soft outfield at Kingsmead. Only 22 overs of play were possible in the Port-of-Spain Test, with no play at all on days two, three, four and five d es p ite larg ely s u n n y weather. (ESPNcricinfo)
Curacao appoint new head coach ahead of Scotiabank Caribbean Cup third round St. John’s, Antigua – The Curacao Football Federation announced the appointment of Remko Bicentini as national Head Coach ahead of their third round Scotiabank CFU C a r i b b e a n C u p Qualifiers. Bicentini who was assistant to Patrick Klivert in the Curacao national team setup will take charge for Group 3 encounters versus Antigua and Barbuda and Puerto Rico, as Curacao seek to make their first appearance at the next edition of the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Remko Bicentini Remko Bicentini is a former professional footballer at Dutch side NEC where he played as a central defender.
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Friday September 09, 2016
Former WICB officials call for forensic audit of board
Anthony Deyal Former presidents and officials of the West Indies Cricket Board have urged CARICOM to conduct a forensic audit of the board in order to save West Indies cricket from “absolute and total downfall”. Six former officials Ken Gordon, Pat Rousseau, Anthony Deyal, Charles Wilkin, Bruce Aanensen and Imran Khan - have claimed that the current WICB administration under Dave Cameron has seemingly become “untouchable”, and not doing anything would lead to the “inevitable demise” of cricket in the Caribbean. ”We must reinforce the message that West Indies
Charles Wilkin cricket belongs to the people of the West Indies, not to the WICB,” Gordon, WICB president from 2006 to 2008, said. “It may be timely to call for a forensic audit of the organisation. We need to lift the clouded veil which now s u r r o u n d s t h a t b o d y. Answers are required and this can be a first step to return to the transparency required of a body which is a major beneficiary of regional resources and private sponsorship. ”Many lovers of the game have said to me, ‘What can we do that would make a difference?’ The WICB seems to be untouchable. I say to them and to all cricket lovers who are concerned,
Pat Rousseau let the call for a forensic audit be loud and clear. We need to save our cricket and this has to begin with getting the WICB right. It would be entirely legitimate for CARICOM to fund such an exercise and I urge that they consider doing so.” Asked for a reaction, the WICB told ESPNcricinfo that it has hired global c o n s u l t a n t s PricewaterhouseCoopers and KPMG to conduct the audit operations. “We maintain an internal and external audit system with PWC and KPMG respectively. You may refer to them for any additional inquiries you may have,” a WICB spokesperson said.
Over $2M up for grabs in 6th annual Courts 10K event
Bruce Aanensen
Imran Khan
Ken Gordon ©Trinidad & Tobago Express
Gordon first made the call for an audit in July and has renewed his plea in light of the WICB’s refusal to accept the latest CARICOM reform proposal and the controversial removal of Darren Sammy as captain of the West Indies T20I team. Rousseau, who served as president of the board from 1996 to 2001, said all sporting bodies need to be carefully monitored. “There should be an assurance that there is certification by an independent group that proper governance procedures are followed at all times. I would commend to all the governments in CARICOM that they create special legislation that brings all the sporting associations under an obligation to observe good governance principles and to protect the finances of the association.” Deyal, WICB’s corporate secretary between 2006 and 2008, supported Gordon’s call and also urged for an audit of country boards. ”I strongly support the
call. Mr Gordon has made a strong case for following the money and has proposed as the mechanism a forensic audit of the individual boards which own the WICB and of the WICB itself. There is a deep threat of the absolute and total downfall of West Indies cricket. It’s a process which is fully underway and at this stage seemingly inevitable.” Wilkin, a former chairman of the board’s governance committee, suggested that unless the board heeds the calls for change, CARICOM governments should “refuse permission for use of the stadia and refuse them access to regional cricket grounds”. ”The real leverage which CARICOM has, if it seriously wants to force the WICB to change, is the control of most of the stadia used for international matches,” Wilkins said. “The WICB will not be able to host touring teams if t h e C A R I C O M governments refuse permission for use of the stadia and the various other
permits required under local law.” Wilkins said he was skeptical about CARICOM’s unity considering the emergence of factions within the regional body. In June, Antigua Prime Minister Gaston Browne had stated that he would categorically reject the CARICOM’s call for dissolving the WICB. Imran Khan, a former WICB communications o ff i c e r, a l s o f e l t t h e CARICOM’s refusal to give the WICB access to certain grounds could have an impact. “Two things need to happen: mass fan boycott, and CARICOM governments refusing the WICB access to grounds which they own or control or have influence over,” Khan said. “CARICOM can no longer delay taking decisive action to rescue the regional game from the cauldron of incompetence from which it boils. To not act is to contribute to the further deterioration of the regional game and to be complicit in its inevitable demise.” (ESPNcricinfo)
T&T to host 2017 regional table tennis tourney Courts Guyana Inc. in collaboration with the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) will be hosting its much anticipated sixth annual Courts 10K Road Race on September 25 and follows on the heels of the record breaking event held last year. The event has now become a fixture on the AAG calendar and usually enjoys the support of some clubs, athletes and gyms every year with last year having the largest registration in the history of the race. Courts Guyana encouraged by that success is plunging in excess of
$2,000,000 into this year’s race and according to a release, the company was heartened by the growth it has seen throughout the years. The event is opened to runners in the junior, senior and masters categories for both males and females and Courts will be handing over $1,500,000 in cash, prizes and trophies to the respective winners. The race will commence at Courts Main Street Store at 06:00hrs and a 3K event will be held simultaneously for staff members of the company as the brand continues to promote healthy lifestyles even
among its staff. The first to third place winners for both male and female staff members will be awarded with cash prizes and trophies. The races will commence at Courts Main Street and follow a prescribed route. The release added that Courts is proud to be able to continue to host this event and make good on its commitment to sports in Guyana. Also on board is the National Sports Commission that will be assisting with the logistics of the event. Registration for the event closes on September 23.
Guyana to host Cadet and Junior Championships Trinidad and Tobago has been confirmed as host nation of the 59th Senior Caribbean Regional Table Tennis Federation (CRTTF) next year, the fourth time it will be hosting the event after doing so previously in 1996, 2002 and 2006. The confirmation was made when the CRTTF held its Annual General Meeting during the ongoing 58th CRTTF Championship in Santo Domimgo, Dominican Republic on
Monday last. Trinidad won the bid at last year’s hosting of the meeting during the 57th CRTTF in Martinique and on Monday it was confirmed by delegate Ian Joseph, the national Team Manager while the reserve host is Jamaica. Guyana will host the Cadet & Junior Championship with Cuba as reserve. Jamaica has been confirmed as host for the
Mini & Pre-Cadet Championship with the reserve host as Dominican Republic. The following countries made bids as hosts for CRTTF Championships in 2018 Mini & Pre-Cadet Championship—Curacao, Cuba and Dominican Republic; Cadet & Junior Championship- Jamaica and Dominican Republic; S e n i o r Championship—Cuba and Dominican Republic.
Friday September 09, 2016
Kaieteur News
NAMILCO rewards Boyce/Jefford Classic Overall Ind. Champs
Finance Controller of NAMILCO Mr. Fitzroy McLeod (center of athletes, Alita Moore to his right and Winston George) along with other top brass of NAMILCO and Mr. Boyce of the Boyce /Jefford Track and Field Classic with the athletes following the presentation. Following the conclusion of the seventh Boyce/Jefford Track and Field Classic at the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) Ground in L i n d e n r e c e n t l y, t h e National Milling
C o m p a n y o f G u y a na (NAMILCO) has rewarded the top male and female overall individual champions. S p r i n t e r s Wi n s t o n George and Alita Moore were both recognized by
NAMILCO for their respective efforts which landed them the titles as the best individuals having accumulated 30 points each. The performances of both athletes propelled the
Guyana Police Force their third successive Boyce/Jefford Track and Field Classic overall title and 1M top prize. Both athletes were presented with $50,000 each from NAMILCO.
Buddy’s Gym powers GAPF Raw Nationals
Buddy’s Gym Supervisor Mervyn Moses (2nd right) hands over cheque to GAPF’s representative Demetri Chan in the presence of Nawaz Sheriffudeen (left) and Sohail Hussain. Long time corporate supporter Buddy’s Gym has once again showed its commitment to sports development and in this case, powerlifting. They have flexed their financial muscle in support of the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPF) Raw Nationals which will take place on
Sunday September 18 at the Critchlow Labour College, Wo o l f o r d Av e n u e . Buddy’s Gym Trainer Mervyn ‘Spongy’ Moses a former powerlifter recently handed over a cheque for an undisclosed amount to one of the competitors Demetri Chan on behalf of the federation. Meanwhile, the
federation has disclosed that registration for this event closed on September 5th last and executives are now in the process of fine tuning logistics with all officials involved, towards having smoothly executed and exciting competition. Athletes are reminded that ‘weigh-in’ for the event will start at 08:00hrs and will
close at 09:30hrs. Athletes who show up will not be considered for weigh-in and therefore will not be able to compete but will be welcome to cheer on other athletes who are on time. All competition dues and fees paid for this event are non-refundable. Tickets for this event cost $500.
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Lennox Blackmore Nat. Intermediate Boxing Championships
War break as top gyms resume battle for dominance The raging battles of yore which pitted the skills of boxers from the Republican Boxing Gym (REP) and their Guyana Defense Force counterparts will resume when the curtains go up on the Lennox Blackmore National Intermediate Boxing Championships under the auspices of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), at the National Gymnasium Mandela Avenue tonight. Boxing historians would remember those days when the Republican boxers were most feared and dominated the scene. Those fans will also remember that the GDF had licked its wound and rebounded with decisive victories and has once again retained the title as champions in last year’s tournament. However, of recent, Republican boxers have shown vast improvement and the soldiers are now required to dig deep to overcome their nemesis. This was evident in subsequent tournaments when the Republicans turned in a wonderful display to walk off with the spoils including the 2014 edition of this tournament at the M&CC Municipal Centre, East Ruimveldt. This did not go down well with the soldiers and they were anxiously awaiting an opportunity to repair the damage. This opportunity will be presented over the next three nights when the best of the best enters the square jungle to establish their dominance. One cannot forget the decisive nature of Mickle Sancho’s (GDF) demolition of Lawrence Lewis (REP) where the soldier unleashed a wicked two fisted assault on his man that had him covering up and forced the referee to institute a mandatory 8 count and eventually wave the bout off at 2:18secs into the 2nd round. The GDF then enforced its dominance when Colin Lewis dished out a two fisted attack that forced the referee to halt his bout against Kurt Kendall (REP) at 1:04secs of the second round to upkeep the tempo. Another bout between light/heavyweights, Lawrence Lewis (REP) and Mickle Sancho (GDF)
Diwani Lampkin ended 2:18secs into the 2nd round after the soldier unleashed a wicked two fisted assault on his man that had him covering up and forced the referee to institute a mandatory 8 count and eventually wave the bout off. The Republicans were to bounce back and dished out their share of leathers and had eventually prevailed as the overall champions. The GDF boxers were disappointed then and they are still fuming which means that the war will continue over the next three nights and the soldiers will not rest until the championship is back in their camp. This might be more easily said than done since the Republicans have improved immensely and will be out to prove that the 2014 feat was no fluke. Even amidst the bitterness between the two top gyms one cannot simply discard the other institutions. The Forgotten Youth Foundation (FYF) has been anything but forgotten thanks to the efforts of such stalwarts as lightweight, Diwani Lampkin. A skillful boxer, Lampkin has also demonstrated a propensity to fight close up thus surprising his opponents. On the inaugural night of last year’s championships he was required to fight twice and he came through successfully on both occasions. He compiled a better array of combinations from the onset while his crisp right crosses were a joy to behold as he used them to keep his man at bay and come out victorious. Then there is Orin Bancroft, another product of the FYF. He did not do so w e l l i n l a s t y e a r ’s tournament but his skill should be able to stand out providing he could attain the requisite condition. He lost (Continued on page 32)
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Friday September 09, 2016
Tenelec Inc. maintains ties with BCB Te n e l e c I n c . o f Washington USA has once again renewed its sponsorship with the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) by sponsoring their two innings Under-15 and First division 50-over round-robin competitions. Speaking at the launching ceremony which took place recently at Albion Estate, President of the BCB Anil Beharry expressed gratitude to Bobby Deonarine and Tom Gruntzel of Tenelec Inc. for their continued support. He added that this company has been providing vital support for the board for over a decade and is a major player in the success of Berbice cricket. He pointed out that all the Berbicians currently representing the county, Guyana and the West Indies are products of these competitions, making special mention of Narsingh Deonarine, Devindra B i s h o o , Ve e r a s a m m y Permaul, Assad Fudadin, Brandon Bess, Keon Joseph, Royston Crandon, Shimron Hetmyer and Gudakesh Motie among others. Beharry closed by saying that while the BCB is in favor of the national league the GCB should bring back the Inter County senior competition, emphasizing that it is the pinnacle of the career of any local cricketer that doesn’t make the n a t i o n a l t e a m .
Bobby Deonarine, third from right hands over sponsorship cheque to BCB President Anil Beharry in the presence of other board members and representatives of GCB. Vice President of BCB and Human Resource Manager of Guysuco, Albion Estate, Vemen Walter spoke of the importance of human resources in the success of businesses and private individuals. He urged the gathering, made up of many young and aspiring cricketers, to make full use of this opportunity and touched on the importance of discipline, hard work and commitment. Walter further mentioned that even those who do not make it to the top, can still lead a comfortable life financially. BCB Member Imtiaz
Essequibo reach 8-1 before rain stops play
The umpires during an inspection of the field yesterday. Essequibo reached 8-1 after three overs before rain prevented further play at the Everest Cricket Club when the third round of the Guyana Cricket Board Jaguars three-day league commenced yesterday. Batting after winning the toss against East Bank Demerara, Essequibo lost
Kevon Boodie lbw to Ryan Shun for five in the second over of the day’s play. Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Avenash Persaud were on one each when a heavy shower sent the players off the field, leaving sections the outfield waterlogged. Play is expected to start at 09:30hrs today.
Bacchus who is also President of Albion Cricket Club expressed his gratitude to the sponsors and reminded the gathering that the most important stakeholder of the game is sponsorship. Secretary of the Guyana Cricket Board and Director of WICB, Anand Sanasie,
graced the occasion and commended the BCB for securing such a significant sponsorship in a time when obtaining sponsorship is a difficult task. He commended the BCB in being able to secure such long lasting partnerships and thanked Mr. Deonarine for
his continued input into the game in Berbice which contributes meaningfully to the youths. Sanasie informed that the GCB will construct a state of the art Indoor Facility and Board Office in the county. In response, Mr Deonarine, a partner of
Tenelec Inc, praised the work of the BCB adding that he is happy to be able to give back to the sport in the county of his birth while first Vice President of the BCB, former international umpire Dhireindranath Somwaru thanked all sponsors, BCB and the media.
GCB’s Jaguars 3-day Franchise Cricket – Rd 3
Waterlogged outfield causes 1st day abandonment at GCC Although the boundary boards were brought in to the minimum size allowed and sun was out in all its glory from 11:00hrs until the rain retuned just after 15:15hrs the opening day of the third round of the GCB’s Jaguars 3-day Franchise League between Georgetown and East Coast was abandoned yesterday at Bourda due a soggy out field and a wet area on the pitch. Just beyond the ‘pulled in’ boundary boards looked like ‘Lake Bourda’ and despite the hard work from the ground staff the decision by Umpires Edward Bowen and Nandkumar Shivsankar to call off the day’s play at 14:20hrs after an inspection at 14:00hrs,was never in question. This was after torrential rain accompanied by thunder and lightning drenched the venue for 30 minutes from 10:00hrs and seeped under the covers. Georgetown, denied a victory over East Bank at Everest due to rain, before going down to Lower
The water lodged beyond the pulled in boundary near the GCB office at Bourda yesterday. Corentyne at Albion, were desperate to play yesterday since they are in the penultimate position on the points table of the eight-team League. East Coast, in second position behind Lower Corentyne, would have been keen to continue their unbeaten run after registering wins against West Demerara and East Bank. GCC Secretary Graeme Alli, who is also the Club Captain, explained after the drain surrounding
the ground was cleaned earlier this year the ground was not being flooded as before when it rained. ”But since the Agriculture Ministry blocked off the Reagent Street Koker three months ago to facilitate construction work outside their compound, the backwash water from the Regent Street trench drains into the ground and causes flooding to the ground which also houses the GCB office.” Alli disclosed.
Alli informed that despite calls to the Ministry and City Council it is still unclear how much longer work on the Agriculture Ministry project will last and who is responsible for blocking off the Koker. The GCC official informed that the club will use a pump to help get the water off of the ground today. Play is scheduled to commence at 09:00hrs today but a prompt start looks highly improbable. (Sean Devers)
Kaieteur News
Friday September 09, 2016
PAGE 43
GMR&SC ‘Dragz War 2’ International Meet
Boodhoo expects rivetting rivalry with Suriname With interest in this segment of motor racing at an all time high, fans of Drag racing are in for a treat when the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) stages its ‘Dragz War 2’ International Meet on October 2, at the South Dakota Circuit. This has been confirmed by President of the GMR&SC Raj Boodhoo, who spoke to Kaieteur Sport recently about the emerging popularity in the sport and what fans could expect on race day. According to Boodhoo, over the past two years there has been a significant increase in the amount of participants in the sport and he pointed to the close camaraderie among the competitors and the affordability of components for their machines as some of the chief reasons for the upsurge in interest in this segment. He said that with the high cost of preparations to compete in the traditional format and the current
Mayor’s Cup K.O Cup Weeks of competitive football is expected to climax this weekend when the Guyana Police Force tackles the Western Tigers Football Club for top honours and the $700,000 top prize as the curtains come down on the Mayor’s Cup Football championship at the Tucville Ground on Sunday afternoon; the runners up receive $300,000 and the Ansa McAl trophy. Even as the ‘Tigers’ bare their claws to maul the law enforcement officers, football fans are assured of another potentially riveting affair when Ann’s Grove (East Coast) takes on Federal Wi n n e r s ’ C o n n e c t i o n (Linden) to close off the podium spots and cart off the $200,000 and the John Fernandes trophy in the third place playoff. Officials of both teams, Police and Western Tigers, are confident of securing the coveted prize and have promised to enter the game firing on all cylinders. “We’ve come a long way and cannot afford to falter just as
Flashback! Anand Ramchand (immediate right) and Peter Daby line up at a previous Drag Meet, at the South Dakota Circuit. economic climate, more and more competitors are finding it difficult to be competitive against those who can afford to prepare better or have already been gobbled up by the big corporate entities in terms of sponsorship. He was happy with the support that Suriname has
given to Guyana to revive the sport and expressed thanks to the neighbouring nation on behalf of the GMR&SC. ”Drag racing is getting more and more popular and apart from the collaborative work that the GMR&SC is doing to include other countries, the local competitors are also
forming alliances with other countries to make every Meet a success,” Boodhoo said. He added that with Guyana’s recent outstanding performance in the Dutch territory, he anticipates a day of keen rivalry for the overall and individual titles. Among
the top contenders who will represent Guyana are Rondell Daby in his Toyota Supra, Peter day and Sanjay Persaud in their Mazda RX 7, Anand ramchand, who drives an assortment of cars with the Mitsubishi Evo, being the most notable of his range.
Sean Persaud also did well in his Toyota Wagon was a hit in Suriname and he is expected to continue his dominance of the category. The price of admission is children $500 and adults $1000 and the event is sponsored by GTT, Fly Jamaica and Ansa McAl.
Western Tigers will attempt to arrest Police Force in Sunday’s final
Phillip Rowley we are about to brace the tape,” said coach of Western Tigers, Calvin Allen. He said that his boys are well primed up and are going hard for a win. Indeed, the boast is no idle one as Allen has a plethora of competent players to support his ambition. Randolph Wagner is his centre forward and has proved his capability in this department. Then there is the prolific goal scorer, Dwayne
Daren Benjamin Mc Clennon who controls either the left or right flank coupled with efforts from centre midfielder, Phillip Rowley, with support from Daren Benjamin and Romell Legall, all competent players who could easily turn the tide in their team’s favour. Allen’s boasts must not be taken lightly when one notes that his men had removed every team that attempted to block their progress; Den Amstel
received a 7-2 whipping and the ‘Tigers’ replicated that feat against Lindeners, Eagles United. Ann’s Grove fared no better and was dealt a 4-1 whipping. The ‘Tigers’ are in ripping form and their opponents may do well to note that the West Ruimveldt outfit has only just distinguished themselves after winning the Georgetown Premier League just over a month ago. Coach of the Guyana Police Force, Dwayne Bobb, has respectfully submitted that the ‘Tigers’ had been on a roll but he remains adamant that his boys are ready for whatever that team brings to the field. The Police had finished 3rd in the league and their coach feels that they are ready to take on the Tigers. “We’ve had an excellent tournament so far and aim to continue in the same winning vein,” said coach Bobb. He admitted that this particular accolade has
always eluded them as the officers were only able to advance to the quarter finals stage in every attempt so far. “We are out to change our fortunes and have a competent squad to support our ambitions,” said Bobb. He mentioned such players as strikers, Quinci Holder and Anthio Wallace who will receive support from defenders, Travis Jones and Winston Tanner while Darius Frank has demonstrated acute competence between the u p r i g h t s . “ We h a v e demonstrated an exciting brand of football all through the tournament and fans could expect a similar performance in the finals,” Bobb assured. Meanwhile, fans will receive a bonus when Grove, Kingston and North East La
Penitence battle among themselves for a grand winner take all prize of $30,000 put up by Sparta Boss. This tussle gets underway at 17:00hrs sharp. The fourth place finishers will receive $100,000 and the Ministry of State trophy while Ricks and Sari has also donated hampers which will go to the winning team. The tournament’s top goal scorer will be gifted with a three piece suite compliments of AH&L Kissoon Furniture Store while Top Brandz of Broad and High Streets, distributors of Interstate vehicle batteries, is among the key sponsors on board. Other sponsors are Aruwai Resort, Top Brandz, Ansa McAl, Minister of State Joe Harmon and John Fernandes.
t r o Sp Over $2M up for grabs in 6th Serena Williams annual Courts 10K event suffers shock loss to Karolina Pliskova Lennox Blackmore Nat. Intermediate Boxing Championships
War break as top gyms resume battle for dominance
Marketing Manager of Courts Pernell Cummings (left) hands over the cheque to President of the Athletic Association of Guyana Aubrey Hutson at the entity’s Head Office yesterday.
Tenelec Inc. maintains ties with BCB
Former WICB officials call for forensic audit of board
Former WICB president Ken Gordon: ‘We must reinforce the message that West Indies cricket belongs to the people of the West Indies, not to the WICB’ © Associated Press 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