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Ghana's highly successful plan was drafted by Expert Guyana bypassed FINALLY!- Workers compacting concrete near the Port Kaituma Police Station, Region 1- part of the $155M road project in the mining area that was once red mud.

Saudi Arabia monitors “every drop - But Guyana still of oil” from a room has nothing in place Sale of GTT's shares…

PPP/C used US$25M to fund Marriott - Minister at the expense of ailing GuySuCo Sharma

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Kaieteur News

Sunday September 15, 2019

Kaieteur News

Sunday September 15, 2019

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Sale of GTT's share…

PPP/C used US$25M to fund Marriott at - Minister the expense of ailing GuySuCo Sharma

T

he problems with the sugar industry have to be laid squarely at the feet of the Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, and his party, the People's Progressive Party (PPP). So says Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Jaipaul Sharma.

The Minister was being questioned last week about the Marriott project.

The Government of Guyana has taken over the payments to Republic Bank.

However, without being saddled with that loan, the Kingston hotel is making enough to sustain itself for the time, thanks to a major oil find of 2015 and subsequent emergence of the oil and gas sector which has seen droves of investors flocking Guyana.

Appearing on Kaieteur Radio's 99.1 FM, the official made it clear that based on a forensic audit and review of the hotel in 2015 by Dr. Anand Goolsarran, it can be seen how selfishly Jagdeo operated with the people's money.

In November 2011, the

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo

Minister Jaipaul Sharma

sod was turned for the construction of the US$51M hotel. Around the same time, a deal was struck with a shadowy Hong Kong company to sell the 20 percent shares that the Government of Guyana held in the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT).

That sale netted on paper US$30M with US$25M paid.

The balance of US$5M was never received.

The money was placed under the control of the National Industrial and

Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL). NICIL is the state-owned company that handles investments for the government.

That US$25M was used

by NICIL to channel through the Atlantic Hotel Inc. (AHI), the state company that owns the shares of the Marriott Hotel in Kingston.

According to Minister Sharma, it was the same time that the Guyana Sugar Corporation was going through a tough time and needed injections of cash

Food for thought God, man and a suitcase A man died. When he realized it, he saw God coming closer with a suitcase in his hand. God: Alright son, it's time to go. Surprised, the man responded: Now? So soon? I had a lot of plans…

God: I'm sorry but it's time to go. What do you have in that suitcase? the man asked.

God: Your belongings.

My belongings? You mean my things, my clothes, my money?

God: Those things were not yours, they belonged to the earth. Is it my memories?

The mas asked. God: Those never belonged to you, they belonged to time.

Is it my talents? God: Those were never yours, they belonged to the circumstances.

Is it my friends and family? God: I'm sorry they were never yours, they belonged to the path Is it my wife and son?

God: They were never yours, they belonged to your heart.

Is it my body? God: That was never yours, it belonged to the dust.

Is it my soul? God: No that is mine.

Full of fear, the man took the suitcase from God and opened it just to find out it was empty. With a tear coming down his cheek, the man said: I never had anything??

God: That is correct, every moment you lived were only yours. Life is just a moment. A moment that belongs to you. For this

reason, enjoy this time while you have it. Anything that you think belongs to you only stops you. Live in the now, Live your life.

Don't forget to be happy, that is the only thing that matters. Material things and everything else that you fought for stays here. You can't bring anything. All go to the same place; all come from dust, and to dust all return. Ecclesiastes 3:20

urgently for a number of capital projects.

“So when you have a former president and now the Opposition Leader talk about how much he loves the country, he should also explain what he did to the sugar industry and the Skeldon sugar project and how he used money from the GTT shares to funnel it to the Marriott. He will never tell you that.”

According to Sharma, the performance of the Marriott now could not have been known in 2011 as oil and gas was nowhere in the mix.

“The projections of the Marriott were based on the entertainment section working including a casino.

That never happened.

The Marriott, like the Amaila, and the Skeldon, were all badly planned projects, which raises serious questions.

Jagdeo cannot boast of these projects when you have these evidence of poor decision-making. He had a golden opportunity to make the sugar industry in 2011 and 2012 better. He did not.”

According to Sharma, the records and documents that exist all point to a particular manner of spending.

“You got to understand that the shares in GTT were one of the most lucrative investments of the Government at the time.

When you decide to give up

the investment, lose about $500M annually, and put it in hotel project that has no guarantees at that time when it comes to revenues, then you are p layin g w ith trouble.”

GuySuCo is currently facing major cash problems.

Around 2011, it had started to lose its preferential price in the European market.

With factories aging and problems with agriculture, there was an urgent need for retooling.

The PPP had staved off closing a few poorly performing sugar estates despite recommendations from a number of reports.

That reason was

simple…a significant number of its supporters came from sugar producing areas, which would be hard hit. After coming to office in 2015, the Coalition Government closed four estates, sending home almost 7,000 of the 16,000plus workers.

While initially, there was high interest in the estates and lands, it has dwindled as world prices for sugar fell and with little incentives to continue in a sugar production direction for investors.

With elections on the horizon, the issue of sugar is expected to become a major talking point.

Sunday September 15, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Kaieteur M@ilbox

Kaieteur M@ilbox

I applaud Govt. for curtailing uncapped interests DEAR EDITOR, I applaud the government for announcing that ‘uncapped interests’ will not be recovered as expenses in oil and gas exploration and production (KN Sep 12). I salute the media and other forces for being vigilant on the oil industry exposing shenanigans and looking out for the country’s interests unlike some politicians who are only interested in their self-interests to enrich themselves off our new found fossil fuel. As I penned earlier, certain expenses (like uncapped interest rates) should not be allowed as expenses. I am pleased government is showing signs of listening and not coming across like it ‘hard ears’.

KN had reported (Aug 27) quoting petroleum expert Prof Mitro (of Texas) on uncapped interest rates being included as expenses of energy companies. This leads to all kinds of abuses, as Prof Mitro explained. Those of us who study economics (especially of operations of giant multinationals like energy companies) are familiar with their ‘unethical) practices to exaggerate expenses and to ‘double dip’ (expenses) including claiming expenses not related to operations so as to maximise their expenses and in so doing increase their own costs of doing business.

Oversight and monitoring of energy companies and conduct of their business are critical to ensuring expenses

are related to operations in Guyana and that the country is not robbed in broad daylight. As reported, Guyana gets 2% or 1% (depending on the company) in royalties after expenses and a small percentage of the profit. It is inevitable that companies would seek to pad their expenses so as to minimise the amount given to Guyana.

To understand the concept of uncapped interests rates, it is a higher than normal rate of interests paid when borrowing money for a business. When people or businesses are short of money for a project, they seek a loan. They get the loan from a lending institution such as a bank. A loan has to be repaid

often with interests over a fixed period of time. The interest rate on a loan varies.

Different banks charge different interests but they generally compete for clients offering competitive or the lowest rate in order to attract customers. Risky loans inevitably carry a higher interest rate – meaning if the bank feels the client will have difficulty to repay the loan, it will charge a higher than the going rate. The projected total interest is added on to the life of the loan. People make monthly payments (installments) to repay the total loan amount (plus interests) over its lifetime.

Borrowers shop for the lowest interest on a loan to reduce costs. Businesses in

Exxon is also robbing Guyana of its independent...

From page 4 Exxon, it is vitally important that our keen and sharp-eyed columnists stay the course and uncover and expose the Exxon/Guyana oil deal for what it is; a putrid and diabolical agreement that amounts to interminable robbery in its current form, which has compromised our political parties and defanged, if not muted some of our leading columnists.

Imagine Guyanese writing that they are bamboozled, bewildered or baffled by the insane frequency of the condemnation of hate threatening Guyana.

Alternatively, Guyanese writers stating that they are a tad tired with the wailing Jeremiahs or persons that

complain continually, irritatingly and annoyingly about the persecution-type investigations being carried out by SOCU and SARA. In our fragmented Guyanese culture, the condemnation of hate will lead to more hating; while the use of SOCU and SARA now epitomises vendetta politics.

The hate referenced is really the political divide being easily twitted out on social media by some who cannot see beyond race, and is consistent with the racebased nature of our two major parties. This will never end until we have party leaders that are willing to structure their party in a manner that is effectively multiracial.

Unfortunately, our political

leaders only pay lip-service to uniting the racial divide.

Where is President Granger or Opposition Leader Jagdeo on record, committing and insisting that Guyana obtain a Royalty in the range of 10-20%.

Truth be told; in our political structure, such positive change will only come when the office holder of the Executive Presidency of Guyana has the courage and wisdom to build a party structure that is invulnerable to the malady of racial

domination within our two major political parties and between these political parties.

Why are certain Guyanese not fit and proper to be the leader of PPP? Why are certain Guyanese not fit and proper to be the leader of the PNC? Yet each party leader, hollers from Corriverton to Mount Roraima that their party is multiracial. It’s akin to saying man has landed on the Sun! Pure poppycock.

Nigel Hinds

particular wish to reduce costs by borrowing at the lowest rate possible. But in the Guyana case regarding oil exploration and recovery, the oil companies were pursuing uncapped interest rates on loans that they expected to be considered as expenses of exploring, producing and marketing oil. This is unheard of. No company does business like this. No government signs contract like that. Uncapped means the rate can go sky high (way above normal rate) and such interests could benefit sister companies of the oil giants.

Guyana would be tagged with the loan and the high interests. Guyana has to repay the loans with the interests added on to it. So, for example, if Company X borrows US $100M at an interest rate of 10% which is probably 3% over the normal rate, then over $10 M (compounded) is added on to

the loan every year; this could be some $3M high a year than normal amount.

After ten years, A owes some $200M, which is more than $30M above normal amount.

In other words, Guyana missed out on US $30M, which could pay the salaries of over a hundred workers.

The country loses a lot of money on this uncapped interest rate.

All expenses of exploring and recovery of oil are deductible from royalty and profits of the government (not from the profits of the company). Loans are recoverable regardless of interest rates.

In effect, the oil companies pay no expenses and have no costs. In short, the nation hardly gets anything from the recovery of oil. Even in the areas of loans taken by the oil companies, Guyana has been Continued on page 6

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Sunday September 15, 2019

Kaieteur News

Kaieteur M@ilbox

Kaieteur M@ilbox

Introduce a system that requires I support this form of punishment for paedophilia foreign companies to pay taxes DEAR EDITOR, It breaks my heart to know that paedophilia, trafficking and other child sex offences have become a scourge and industry in Guyana and around the world. In Guyana, we have seen many instances where mothers are prostituting their own underage children, where fathers are sexually penetrating their own daughters, and in some cases, even their own sons. Some stepfathers are also known to take advantage of their stepchildren.

Girls are being threatened that if they “tell anyone, they will be killed along with their mother”.

There are even many uncles who are involved in paedophile activities with their nieces and nephews.

Children are being sold every day on the dark web around the world, to some of the most prominent people in society.

Victims of this kind of abuse usually undergo a series of psychological

damage and destruction as they age. Poor self-esteem, eating disorders, intense fear, horror, helplessness, depression, is just some of the many issues our youths are bombarded with.

Higher incidences of suicidal attempts, dysfunctional relationships, violence and self-destructive behaviors are becoming even more apparent in these victims.

It is evident that we are in a drastic situation when it comes to pedophilia and child sex abuse, and therefore, we need drastic action. I am therefore supporting chemical castration for good - that is not reversible.

If we don’t have the facilities for chemical castration, then we do surgical castration, where there will be no pain, or chopping of the organ.

Chemical castration is a method used to suppress sexual urges. It is already available to some sex offenders, both in prisons and communities worldwide,

except Guyana as far as I know.

Countries such as Poland, Australia, India, Indonesia and a host of other countries have already implemented this system.

A May 2016 issue of The New York Times, reported that a number of US States already use chemical castration, as part of a range of measures to reduce reoffending.

In June 2019, Will Stewart of The Mirror reported that official s i n U k r a i n e , approved the law for the use of chemical castration on convicted pedophiles and rapists.

Unlike Indonesia, where chemical castration is a non-optional punishment, Guyana should impose it as an alternative to life imprisonment or the death penalty.

The opportunity of going through counseling and guidance may be given to paedophiles and rapists, with the understanding that they will be castrated.

It has been found by many countries that have already implemented this system, that imprisonment and behavioral therapy are not particularly effective, as offenders usually repeat their crimes when released back into society.

Chemical castration is championed as an effective tool for achieving this.

Therefore, I plead with our Government to implement this system so that we can save our youths. Help us save our children.

Sincerely, Hajji Dr. Roshan Khan Chairman/Founder RK’s Guyana Security Service

and non-Guyanese workers to purchase work permits

DEAR EDITOR, Recently, public attention has been drawn to the critical discussion of the means by which we can ensure that the benefit of gas and oil be directed to Guyanese. There has been talk of a Local Content Policy, which envisages that contract and employment opportunities in the Oil and Gas sector are given to Guyanese in preference to foreigners. A New and United Guyana has expressed the view that a clear-cut means of ensuring Guyanese preference is by introducing a tax system, which exempts Guyanese individuals and businesses from taxes which are payable under the current structure, while requiring foreign companies to pay taxes and foreign workers to purchase annual work permits to live and work in our country.

We anticipate that the windfall from oil and gas, which is part of Guyana’s patrimony, will realise extraordinary benefits for Guyanese. In the near future, Guyanese workers should not have to pay income tax.

Companies owned solely by Guyanese shareholders should not have to pay corporation tax. But the many foreigners who have come here to work and will continue to come to work in the sector, the experts and expats who are recruited by Exxon, Tullow and others, should of course continue to pay income and other taxes.

Foreign companies should of course continue to pay taxes on their profits.

Guyanese students should be able to attend university free of cost, and should be able to qualify for Government sponsored scholarships and grants for study abroad where the University of Guyana does not meet needs. Public primary and secondary schools should be world class with modern facilities and world-class teachers paid salaries, which are the envy of the Caribbean. But foreigners should pay to attend our universities and schools, and should not enjoy easy access to scholarships and grants.

The sick and elderly in Guyana should have free and world-class health care provided in modern institutions by Guyanese doctors who have benefitted from the free education and easy scholarship system, and can provide health care second to none in the world.

State pensions for all Guyanese who have reached the age of retirement should enable them to live in dignity and comfort in their latter years.

Nevertheless, foreigners who come to Guyana to access our health care should pay a fair cost for their treatment. Those foreigners should not receive a State pension. Guyana is for Guyanese. Our patrimony is for us.

Whatever the means of ensuring Guyanese benefit from their patrimony, the underlying principle remains: Guyana is for Guyanese, and Guyanese must benefit. The luxuries of free education, free health, commercial opportunities and prosperity are now possible with the

advent of oil and gas.

Recently, your newspaper reported information received from Minister of Citizenship Winston Felix that nearly one thousand individuals have been granted citizenship in Guyana since 2015. One thousand! More recently, your newspaper reported that approximately one hundred applications for citizenship are made to that Ministry daily!

What is the point of any discussion on local content or preferential tax treatment or access to health and education for Guyanese if foreigners can simply apply to the Ministry, sign a piece of paper, and become Guyanese? What is the Government’s policy on the grant of citizenship to foreigners. Equally alarming, our patrimony, the benefit which we rightfully expect to enjoy from our newfound wealth, is in danger of being dissipated to foreigners by the grant of citizenship to hundreds and possibly thousands of foreigners who apply to the Ministry and sign a piece of paper. They will immediately be entitled to share in our healthcare, our education, our tax benefits and our pensions - our patrimony.

A New and United Guyana is calling on the Government to cease all grants of citizenship to foreigners unless and until stringent and clear criteria for citizenship are made available for public examination and discussion. Guyana is for Guyanese, and Guyanese must benefit from Gas and Oil. Yours respectfully, ANGU

I applaud Govt. for...

From page 5 shortchanged or given small change.

Uncapped interests are subject to abuse. The energy companies have kinship financing companies (with which they are affiliated). A similar relationship was uncovered with respect to American Airlines that charged Exxon US$2000 a ticket when the normal rate should have been $500. One needs to also verify that interest costs from loans are not mixed in from other business relations. One must seek to prevent fraud, which will be a perpetual challenge.

Energy companies should not be allowed to benefit from the production oil with loans or benefiting from interests on loans for exploration and recovery. Those of us who study oil exploration know that countries don’t allow interest rates to be deducted as expenses. In addition, companies should not borrow heavily to fund exploration and production. Companies should have enough of their own capital and business capacity or else Guyana will be a victim of uncapped interests as has been the case with countries in Africa with limited benefits redounding to the population.

Yours truly, Dr. Vishnu Bisram

Sunday September 15, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Kaieteur M@ilbox

Kaieteur M@ilbox

Does our endowment count for anything?

Bipartisan approach needed to decriminalise suicide

DEAR EDITOR, When the PSA with Exxon was first released, the public was disappointed to learn that every dime of the initial investment - cost for Exxon’s search for oil plus infrastructure to first oil, would have to be repaid from our oil resource - until it was known that it was the norm with our model of PSA. Nevertheless! The burning reality struck home. It was rightly deduced that Exxon was going to command a 50 percent share of profits from our resource without investing a dime. It was apparent that Exxon was going to share our resource with us on an equal footing. So all the talk about “the oil resource belongs to the people of Guyana” by the Government was utter trash. Since none of the signing parties, Exxon and the Govt, will have any expenditure in the search and infrastructure, it means that our endowment (being blessed with oil) counts for nothing.

The narrative should read, “The oil resources of Guyana belong to the people and the contractors that extract and sell it”.

So what happened to endowment?

Doesn’t that count for something? Should we not enjoy this gift of nature on a better footing than the oil companies extracting and marketing it?

Logic decreed that all these companies would have invested is “time”, from discovery to a point in the production phase, where the investment cost would be repaid by a computation based on a percentage of the volume and price of the oil sold (a repayment plan).

That has now changed for the worse! The adage, “Time is money”, has now come to fruition in our PSA. Recently, it was disclosed that our PSA caters for that “time” to be paid for from our resource in the form of interest at an uncapped rate, on loans incurred by these companies - an asininity that no longer prevails in PSA around the world. The red flags, much to our demise, keep popping up in our PSAs! The realities of our PSA with the Stabroek block contractors, does not require any degree of rocket science to see that the contractors can increase their profits by inflating the cost

of expenditure and cost of production, on paper. Collecting monies, they never spent, as repayment! Now it is obvious that Exxon and company can mint money, at an uncapped rate, from our resource by simply pretending that they did not have or had money to invest.

Don’t be surprised if the contractors (Exxon and partners) turn up with paperwork, sometime after production begins, to show that 70 percent or more of the cost for their search for oil and infrastructure to first oil was borrowed from one of their subsidiary companies at a rate of 35 percent - the contractors has a precedent to support this rate because it occurred in Guyana from 1985 to 1992.

In this scenario, the contractors would not be in a hurry to collect their pre production costs. They may even offer the Govt. of the day - who may be willing to accept to prove the critics wrong - a larger percentage split on profit than catered for in the PSA in an attempt to slow down collection of pre-cost. At an interest rate of 35 percent on some 2 billion US$, it would be like a secret oil well draining our resource.

On September 12, an article in KN, “Uncapped interest rates on loans will no longer be recoverable for future oil deals Govt says”, was nothing more than the usual ad hoc response from the Coalition when cornered on an issue. The article states that KN had seen Govt documents on which is written, “Interest rates will no longer be a recoverable/ deductible expense” by oil Companies. No further explanation of how this will work. This statement does not speak of cutting “cap” alone - it takes the bottle away too! When the Govt. was being chastised for the giveaway in the Exxon PSA at 2 percent royalty, the Govt. had announced that there would be better contracts in the future. Tullow Oil was later signed at 1 percent royalty, which is allowed to be recovered. This is a classic example of the incompetence, mired in collusion, exhibited by this Govt. in the handling of the oil sector - it is a similar performance in other spheres of the economy.

In their hands, the resource curse beckons!

Rudolph Singh

DEAR EDITOR, Director of the Mental Health Institute, Dr. Util Richmond-Thomas, was recently quoted in the media as being “in full support of the decriminalisation of suicide and self-harm in Guyana”.

The Director is the latest in a long line of government officials who have made this call over the years. NonGuyanese who have also made this call include British High Commissioner Greg Quinn and PAHO/WHO representative, Dr. William Adu-Krow.

However, a bill to decriminalise suicide and selfharm was moved in parliament by the political opposition in 2016. Piloted by Dr. Vindhya Persaud, the bill came about

of the Suicide Helpline.

According to the Minister, the decriminalisation could help to solve the whole issue of suicide in a more holistic manner and give persons an opportunity to reform themselves through counseling. Yet he was most vociferous in declaring that government would not support the motion in parliament in 2016.

In 2015, Minister Ramjattan also called for national consultations on the issue but nothing was ever done. However, a 2016 poll commissioned by The Caribbean Voice found that most Guyanese agreed that suicide should be decriminalised. The following were the question and responses obtained:

escapes prosecution, this person is encouraged to commit suicide.”In addition to calling for the decriminalisation of suicide, he lamented that the existing legislation makes no provision for psychological assistance to survivors.

In October last year, Attorney General, Basil Williams, was quoted in the local media as stating that plans were afoot to decriminalise suicide. Almost a year later, no move has been made towards this end.

In 2016, after the government voted against the bill, TCV called for a bipartisan committee to prepare and take another bill to Parliament but there was absolutely no response from the politicians.

Should attempted suicide be decriminalised?

Yes No Not Sure/No Response 74 8 18 partly through the work of The Caribbean Voice, more specifically Dr. Frank Anthony, a member of our Board of Directors. Although the government spoke in support of the bill, they argued that the manner in which the legislation was framed both politicised and trivialized the issue, but no explanation was ever provided to indicate how this was so.

In 2015, Minister Khemraj Ramjattan had called for the decriminalisation of suicide when he spoke at the launch

Suicide is punishable under Chapter 8:01, Section 96 of the Criminal Offences Act, which states, “Everyone who attempts to commit suicide shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and liable to imprisonment for two years.” Also, Section 95 of the Criminal Law Offences Act Cap. 8:01, states, “Everyone who aids or abets any person in the commission of suicide shall be guilty of felony and liable to imprisonment for life”.

According to Dr. William Adu-Krow, “If such a person

While we are aware that until elections, no bills can be passed in Parliament, we do repeat our c a l l f o r a bipartisan committee to be set up to craft another bill so as to eliminate ‘Politicising and trivialising’ and ensure that next time round the bill becomes law.

We also urge that this new legislation makes provision for psychological assistance for suicide survivors’. Surely, this is something our politicians can agree on?

Sincerely The Caribbean Voice

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Sunday September 15, 2019

Kaieteur News

Owner claims $60M in losses after fire guts furniture store

New Jersey court refuses new trial for Guyanese cash jet pilot

The remains of the furniture store.

One of the planes that was seized.

IN TROUBLE: Khamraj Lall

They were able to escape with merely the clothes on their backs and the key to their vehicle before a massive conflagration gutted their home and place of business, nonetheless the Jangbirs of Good Hope, East Coast Demerara are grateful to God for sparing their lives.

According to reports, on Saturday around 03:45 hrs, 57- year-old Mohan Jangbir called “Pradeep” was with his family in their Lot 248, Good Hope, East Coast Demerara home when a neighbour informed them that their furniture store adjoining their home was on fire. However, when the Fire Service arrived at the scene, there was not much that could be done as the building was already destroyed.

In an interview, with this publication, Jangbir stated that because his home was

attached to the furniture store and the blaze engulfed the property in a matter of minutes, he was unable to save anything.

“I cannot explain how this happened because I usually make sure I plug out all them electrical cords that we use in the day to make the furniture, and I don’t have any faulty electrical outlet in my workshop… the only thing I get to pick up is my car key.”

The store owner estimates his losses to be in excess of $60M. Meanwhile, persons at the scene, told this publication that after arriving at the scene the Fire Service did not had enough water to put out the blaze so they had to wait on another fire truck which arrived to assist.

The fire service is currently investigating the matter.

Guyanese-born Khamraj Lall had his application for a new trial turned down on Friday by a New Jersey court.

US judge, Anne Thompson, ordered that Lall’s motion for a new trial be denied.

In October 2018, Lall was convicted on several charges ranging from cocaine distribution to money laundering.

Lall was found guilty of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, money laundering, structuring monetary instruments, and conspiracy to commit money laundering and structuring, U.S.

Attorney Craig Carpenito announced yesterday.

Lall, 52, of Ringwood, New Jersey, was convicted on all eight counts of a superseding indictment following an eight-day trial before U.S. District Judge Anne E. Thompson in Trenton Federal Court.

According to documents filed in the case and the evidence at trial, from April 2011 through November 2014, Lall, a private pilot, smuggled hundreds of kilograms of cocaine from Guyana to New Jersey and New York on his privately owned jet and then laundered the proceeds.

The accused, who owed a private jet charter business called Exec Jet Club in Gainesville, Florida, used the proceeds of his cocaine empire to purchase jet planes, houses, and cars. He also paid more than US$2M in cash stuffed in suitcases to a Florida contractor to build an airplane hangar in Guyana.

The Government of Guyana has since taken possession of the hangar at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport at Timehri.

According to prosecutors, over a three and Continued on page 9

Sunday September 15, 2019

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Kaieteur News

More than 9,000 Venezuelan migrants in Guyana - Felix insists no plot with Haitians, other foreigners There are about 9,000 Venezuelan migrants in Guyana. So says Minister with responsibilities for Citizenship, Winston Felix.

The Minister was asked about the presence of the foreign nationals and government’s capacity to deal with increased applications for work permits and citizenship. According to figures provided, there are also over 900 foreign nationals granted citizenship in the last four and half yearseight of them Haitians.

The issue of foreign nationals has been raised by

the Opposition, which accused the government of registering them for citizenship, an accusation that is vehemently being denied.

There were 8,476 Haitians who arrived here between January and July 2019. There were 6,925 of them who reported to Brazilian immigration officials after crossing the border, which separates the two countries.

They were simply not checking in with local immigration when leaving. It was concluded that the Haitians and Cubans were using Guyana’s no-visa

policy for them to pass through to Brazil and further afield. There was evidence of a huge ring involved in moving the Haitians and Cubans to the Lethem, Region border, and the backtrack routes in Berbice.

For a number of years now also, Guyana has been dealing with an influx of Venezuelans who have been crossing the borders to flee hardships in their homeland.

There were about 6,000 of them in January. This has risen now to about 9,000, Felix confirmed. This does not include the Guyanese who

Dem boys seh...

GWI DISTRIBUTING ANYTHING BUT WATER GWI is de company dat does provide drinking water but more recently, it get involve in de sewage disposal system.

Over de years, dem boys always suspect dat GWI does do more than provide water.

All over Georgetown dem use to see water dat look like mauby or some drink.

People would turn on dem pipe and see worms. Dat was when dem realize dat GWI was into a lot of things dat was more than water. And people had to pay through dem nose because while water was cheap, wha GWI was providing was more than water.

De odda day, GWI start to provide urine through de pipes. Some people actually collect de thing. De colour mek dem tek notice but de smell really mek dem sit up. People flush dem toilet and de thing smell like if it wasn’t flushed fuh days.

People decide to go to dem neighbor who collect rainwater to get water to cook because nobody don’t know how people does cook wid urine.

And nobody ain’t call GWI to find out

wha happening. To mek matters worse, when de news come out dat GWI distributing urine, de water company ain’t seh a word.

Dem boys remember when people get red eye, dem use to wash dem eye wid urine. Of course, some of dem use diseased urine and get blind. But since is GWI providing it, dem know dat it is good urine.

Now people wondering what else GWI gon produce. Perhaps it diversifying to cope wid de demands of de oil industry. Perhaps, because it got problems wid de well pumps, it buying urine from Exxon and distributing it because Exxon seh it is environmentally conscious so it wouldn’t dump urine in de ocean.

Then again, because GWI never got money, it collecting de urine free and distributing it for a fee.

Dem boys want Soulja Bai to explain wha happening. Dem want to know if de Public Utilities Commission approve of dis new venture. After all GWI enjoying a monopoly.

Talk half and you never know wha you gon get next from GWI.

New Jersey court refuses new trial for...

From page 8 a half years period, Lall also made (or had others make) 1,287 cash deposits totaling approximately US$7.5M into more than 20 different bank accounts in New Jersey and New York, much of it in US$20 bills.

In order to avoid detection and circumvent bank reporting laws, all 1,287 deposits were for amounts less than $10,000.

In November 2014, Lall was flying one of his jets from the United States to Guyana and stopped in Puerto Rico to refuel. An outbound search of the plane revealed US$470,000 in cash stuffed into a suitcase hidden in the tail of the plane, and another US$150,000 in cash hidden under a seat.

The conspiracy to distribute cocaine carries a minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life in prison, and a $10M fine. The

counts for money laundering and conspiracy to launder money each carry a potential penalty of 20 years in prison.

The counts of structuring and conspiracy to structure cash carry a potential penalty of 10 years in prison.

US authorities had moved to seize the cash, two planes, a Lexus and other properties related to Lall. The properties were located in New Jersey, New York and Florida.

The investigations involved several agencies.

U.S. Attorney Carpenito had credited special agents and task force officers of IRSCriminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge John R. Tafur; the Morristown, New Jersey, police department, under the direction of Chief Peter Demnitz; special agents and staff of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) under

the direction of Special Agent in Charge Brian Michael; the Drug Enforcement Administration-Rochester, New York, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt; the Federal Aviation Administration, Law Enforcement Assistance Program; and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations Center under the direction of Richard T. Booth, with the investigation leading to the conviction.

In Guyana, Lall was well known with his 2014 arrest in Puerto Rico, which came as a shock.

He is said to be the owner of the Kaylees Gas Station, East Bank Demerara. He ran a limousine service and said to have flown former President Donald Ramotar.

The cases involving Lall had spanned from Puerto Rico to New York to New Jersey.

have returned from Venezuela, after living there for years.

Meanwhile, during the press conference at his office last week, the Minister defended a meeting at Critchlow Labour College with Haitians who he said complained about treatment by his staffers and delays in the processing of documents.

He said that it was not wise holding the meeting at his office, at Shiv Chanderpaul Drive as the persons being accused would have been present.

Felix also slammed a TV newscast, which he said reported on the Haitian meeting and claimed that he had offered citizenship in exchange for votes. This was “completely false and libellous”.

The Minister, at the press conference, said he has since lodged complaints with the relevant authorities and is seeking legal advice, with the view of filing a libel suit.

The newscast headlined the story as “The PNC plans

Minister of Citizenship, Mr. Winston Felix got busted”. The report claimed that a promise was made to a man involved in an alleged fake marriage scam that an ongoing police investigation will be discontinued.

Minister Felix asserted that these statements are patently false and that they were “designed to tarnish the good image and reputation of the APNU/AFC

Government”. He also noted that no efforts were made to contact him to verify the claims prior to the broadcast, instead the publishers of the newscast aired a report that was devoid of facts.

As such, Minister Felix asserted that the false report should be withdrawn and an apology issued.

Explaining how he came to meet with the group of African nationals, Minister Felix said that the Deputy Director of the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA), Mr. Aubrey Heath-Retemyer whom he has known since the early 1980s, informed him that there were some African nationals “who have issues with the staff downstairs in my Department”.

The SARA official had insisted that he had attended the meeting in his personal capacity. Minister Felix added that he felt comfortable with the foreigners visiting the office “after the matter was trashed out and I was sure about what I’m dealing with. At that [earlier] stage, I was not sure what I was dealing with”.

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Kaieteur News

Sunday September 15, 2019

Saudi Arabia monitors “every drop of oil” from a room … But Guyana still has nothing in place so.

A 220-ft digital screen where “every drop of oil” is monitored (Photo: CBS)

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a veteran in Petroleum production, has managed to take the wealth of its populace to enviable heights. Getting there meant putting in place strict systems to monitoring the Petroleum operations at its reserves. It understood that the absence of this would result in significant value leakage.

The custodian of the Kingdom’s Petroleum is the National Oil Company (NOC) of Saudi Arabia, Saudi Aramco.

In a 2008 CBS: 60 Minutes documentary, Journalist Lesley Stahl was given a tour of Saudi Aramco’s command

centre by its former Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Abdullah Juma’ah. He described it as the nerve centre of the company’s operations; a room with a 220ft digital screen, where engineers scrutinise and analyse every aspect of the company’s operations.

“Every facility in the Kingdom, every drop of oil that comes from the ground is monitored in real-time in this room, and we have control of each and every facility, each and every pipeline, each and every valve in the pipeline. And therefore, we know exactly what is happening in the system

from A to Z,” Juma’ah explains.

It is evident that there is nothing about Saudi oil operations that is not known in that command centre.

Since Guyana discovered oil in commercial quantities in 2015, some have waxed about Guyana’s potential to be like the Saudis, who live in one of the richest countries in the world.

But four years after the announcement of the significant oil find in the Stabroek Block, Guyana has nothing in place to monitor the offshore operations of oil companies like ExxonMobil, not even a legal basis to do

The country is put to shame by Saudi Arabia and, closer to home, its sister CARICOM country, Trinidad and Tobago. Unlike Guyana, the twin-island nation devotes an entire section of its Production Sharing Agreements (PSA) with oil and gas companies to the strict measurement of its oil and gas. Those provisions dictate the country’s right to measure the production and inspect the equipment used in the process.

In Guyana’s case, as if it was not bad enough that it has no legal basis to measure the Petroleum being produced, the PSAs also let oil companies take as much from the production as they need for their operations, with no limit. This issue was brought to the fore by international lawyer, Melinda Janki, who had said that Guyana’s revenues become undercut by this “willfully

obscure” provision and Guyana’s inability to monitor the oil coming up.

Furthermore, Petroleum Advisor to Government, Matthew Wilks, had said back in May that a separate agreement is being worked on to ensure the precise metering of Guyana’s oil; a Crude Lifting Agreement.

Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Godfrey Statia, told Kaieteur News last year that special officers would be trained to monitor metered oil production.

He had acknowledged that measuring oil operations offshore is vital to ensuring accountability and transparency, positing that there are documented cases where the failure to monitor has cost oil producing nations to lose billions of dollars in revenue.

The Canada-based Publish What You Pay (PWYP) has published a

detailed report, which quotes the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate as saying that “even small deviations in the volume of production can have a significant impact on government revenues.”

The Directorate’s example stated that an error of just 0.35 percent at one of its metering stations would amount to a loss of four million NOK (US$660,000).

PWYP had urged that protecting Government revenues and ensuring fair taxation depends not only on tracking the volumes of the resource produced, but also that they are applied against each relevant fiscal instrument.

Several international anticorruption agencies have urged vigilance when it comes to the determination of the volume of oil produced.

Though this matter is so dire, there is yet to be an update

by Statia, even though First Oil is less than a year away.

Sunday September 15, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Sunday September 15, 2019

Contractor accused of swindling blind couple of just over $500,000 in house repairs The tears and lamentations of a blind couple are upon a Kuru Kuru, Soesdyke contractor, who allegedly swindled a blind

couple of in excess of $500,000 in house repairs. The contractor in question was contracted to complete work at the couple’s home at 339,

‘PP’ Lamaha Park, Georgetown.

The almost tearful Brenda Nurse, 54, related that the contractor (name provided)

took advantage of the fact that she and reputed husband, Alfred Rogers, 58, are both blind and therefore executed haphazard works on their home to the extent that even the roof is unfinished.

The contractor, according to the couple, has left unfinished the kitchen area of the domicile and two cupboards, a toilet and patio.

That aside, the man has been accused of using old ‘pallet wood’ to complete window frames, and used wood used to make perimeter fences to construct a new kitchen door that has gaping spaces. The couple said he also used plywood to repair a section of the kitchen wall, leaving gaping spaces in that area too.

As she fought back tears, Nurse related that the man was recommended to her by a close male relative who lives with her. She said that when the scam was discovered by her niece who recently visited, she confronted that relative who shockingly defended the contractor.

The woman said the male relative who lives with her smokes marijuana and would erupt loudly anytime she Continued on page 62

A section of the incomplete roof

Brenda Nurse standing near one of the incomplete cupboards.

Sunday September 15, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Sunday September 15, 2019

Police rank at the middle of brutality allegations soon to know fate - Police Complaints Authority

T

he police rank at the centre of the alleged beating of a businessman, would soon know his fate. This is according to officials at the Police Complaints Authority (PCA).

During an interview yesterday with a top official, this publication was informed that investigations surrounding the alleged beating of West Front Road, Georgetown businessman, Jermaine Wilson, at the East

La Penitence Outpost has finally come to a closure just recently. He said that the Authority is about to take its next course of action, after which the file is expected to be sent to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for advice.

This development comes on the heels of an article which appeared in this publication on Thursday last, where the businessman accused police of dragging their feet on the matter which

occurred on July 19, 2019.

Wilson had reportedly suffered a broken left hand, and other injuries as a result of the incident.

On July 19, 2019 Wilson said that he visited the outpost in the company of his child mother, Jewel Bearam, to check on her brother who was held at the facility on another matter. He had attempted to seek assistance from his eventual attacker, who he said he afterwards recognized as the children father of a

woman with whom he was intimate. He said that the rank had began using profanities during their conversation, accusing him of selling drugs, and inciting that he always wanted to kill him as well.

He said the incident escalated to a point where he was handcuffed at the station, and restrained by another rank.

He said at that point he was punched in the face every time he responded to the angry taunts of the officer.

Wilson said he was also kicked about the body and fell to the floor, and even had his dread locks pulled viciously by his attacker.

Wilson said the male rank dealt him blows about the body with a wooden club, resulting in him sustaining a broken left arm, and other injuries. He said his child mother who was videoing the entire proceeding was asked to desist by a female officer.

When she refused, Wilson's attacker reportedly cuffed her twice in her abdomen, although she was well advanced in her pregnancy.

It was his child mother who released the video on Facebook that soon went viral, sparking outrage against the police in various communities.

Yesterday the official said that this is not the first such incident in which the rank has been involved, emphasizing that he has been fingered in other such related matters. In fact this publication was informed that he is before the

Jermaine Wilson the businessman who was reportedly beaten at the East La Penitence Police Outpost courts for allegedly beating another man. The official refuted claims that his department has been defending the rank, indicating that that rank will face the full brunt of the law at the conclusion of all processes for his irresponsible actions, once proven guilty.

Sources at the authority yesterday said that the rank has also been accused of using other members of the police force to intimidate the businessman during the investigations.

It was indicated that the rank stands to face several charges since he has also reportedly assaulted the pregnant child mother of the businessman.

He said that the investigations were delayed since his department is also investigating other ranks who are said to be accomplices of the rank under investigation.

The businessman indicated that just over a week

ago, he was at a wedding reception when six armed policemen humiliated him by arresting him at the event claiming that he was wanted for an alleged attempted murder.

He said he was placed into police custody and made to spend the night in the lockup.

He said around midday the following day the police conducted an identification parade but the victim quickly pointed out that he had never suggested Wilson was the man who tried to murder him. Wilson said he was released shortly after.

Claims of this story were confirmed by a PCA official yesterday.

Yesterday when officials were questioned as to why the rank still remains on the job, it was noted that it is the Police Commissioner's decision to give orders for ranks to be interdicted or sent on administrative leave as investigations progresses.

Sunday September 15, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Sunday September 15, 2019

Kaieteur News

Ashley Griffith

Sunday September 15, 2019

Meet the alluring Ashley Griffith. This endearing Sagittarian beauty simply loves children and spends quite a bit of her time at the Ruimveldt Children's Home and Care Centre. She is currently a second year student at the University of Guyana pursuing a Diploma in Social Work. Her hobby is dancing and her favourite quote, by Oprah Winfrey, is "Dare to be different. Be a pioneer. Be a leader. Be the kind of woman who in the face of adversity will continue to embrace life and walk fearlessly toward the challenge".

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Sunday September 15, 2019

Using the legal profession for public good…

Attorney-at-Law

Ronald Daniels

By Feona Morrison

S

ome of his most i m p a c t f u l litigations were done without him charging a dollar. For Attorney-at-Law Ronald J. Daniels, pro bono work, or in other words professional work undertaken voluntarily and without payment, is a way of giving back to society.

Dedicating his time to helping people is partly influenced by the help he received from many persons along his journey to becoming a lawyer. These include family members, especially his sisters, close friends, and many virtual strangers.

Oftentimes described as the well-spoken man behind the Bar table, Daniels who has been a practising lawyer for about five years remains h u m b l e d a t h i s accomplishments; and for him, he has a long way to go in terms of serving the people of the land of his birth.

Daniels was born at Wismar Hospital, Linden.

He later moved to Grove, then Kaneville on the East Bank of Demerara, where he spent most of his life. He attended Grove Primary School. His teenage years

is a 'Special Person'

were spent at the Central High. He qualified as a Land Surveying, and Building and Civil Engineering Te c h n i c i a n a t t h e Government Technical Institute (GTI) before pursuing International Relations and reading for his Law Degree at the University of Guyana.

As a prerequisite to

Guyana Bar after his mentor, prominent lawyer Nigel Hughes, presented his petition before Chief Justice Roxane George.

Daniels noted that for years he actually resisted becoming an attorney.

However, true to one of his favourite quotes, he sees where he presently is as “a man oftentimes getting to his

“

I resisted becoming an attorney. But I knew from a very tender age that God brought me here for a larger than life purpose. But I only appreciated that purpose when I left high school. I have always been advocating for students' rights in an unofficial capacity. At the Hugh Wooding Law School, I served as my Seminar Group Representative and I also served as President of the HWLS Students' Representative Council.

practise law in the Caribbean Region, Daniels later moved to Trinidad where he attended the Hugh Wooding Law School (HWLS) from where he obtained his Legal Education Certificate (LEC). In November 2014, he was admitted to the Bar in the Twin-Island Republic.

December of the same year, he was admitted to the

”

destiny on the very road he takes to avoid it.”

He admitted, “I resisted becoming an attorney. But I knew from a very tender age that God brought me here for a larger than life purpose.

But I only appreciated that purpose when I left high school. I have always been advocating for students' rights in an unofficial

capacity. At the Hugh Wooding Law School, I served as my Seminar Group Representative and I also served as President of the HWLS Students' Representative Council.”

Daniels has debated in local and international competitions in which he has distinguished himself. He has a reputation as a very competent speaker, and has received his fair share of academic awards.

Nevertheless, this father of three, who is happily married, is no stranger to overcoming challenges to get to where he is today.

Oftentimes we hear about the astronomical costs of attending law school. This, however, was not the only challenge he faced. He was forced to mature early and do odd jobs from since his high school days. His mother, Marcia Daniels, was a single parent and he reveres her as his hero.

JACK OF ALL TRADES During his time in high school, Daniels worked to maintain himself. He recalled selling magnetic earrings and clothing in school during his early high school days. A friend was his supplier. He took up varying odd jobs while studying at Ronald enjoys a moment with his hero, his mom Marcia, who dresses his d readlocks

A day out with his crew…his lovely family

Ronald Daniels GTI and the University of Guyana.

He even reminisced on his life as a bus conductor.

According to him, “I worked as a minibus conductor in the evenings from my late high school years all the way up to the University of Guyana. I operated with really little sleep. I used to tell one of my dearest friends out of jest that life is too short to waste it on sleep. My friend and I went to school during the day and worked the bus up until midnight, sometimes after midnight. Sometimes we would work as late as 2 a.m.”

He added, “On occasions that we did not work the bus, I operated as a bus tout, given that I had responsibilities. In between that, I worked as a construction labourer. The very friend and I, along with his other employees, manually installed a massive number of the Guyana Water Incorporated water pipes in

the Diamond New Housing Scheme (East Bank Demerara). We did this from about 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, after which we worked the bus until after midnight.”

He also worked rather briefly as a security guard.

Daniels taught Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) Law to lower and upper sixth form students at St. Rose's High School before attending HWLS. Prior to leaving for Trinidad, he worked as a paralegal at the highly respected Hughes, Fields and Stoby Law Firm, where he remains as a practising lawyer under the guidance of his mentor.

Asked to describe his practice in the legal field in Trinidad, Daniels had this to say, “Trinidad has definitely been and continues to be good to me. I initially started working as an associate with Mr. Richard Clark-Wills, and I did that up until January 2015. I did civil and immigration litigation, but my concentration there was criminal practice.”

He has represented innumerable persons c h a rg e d w i t h v a r y i n g offences ranging from murder, to possession of illegal arms and ammo, possession of narcotics, drug trafficking, fraud-related offences, general summary matters and private criminal charges. Since his Bar admission, Daniels says he has been back and forth between Guyana and the Twin-Island Republic. But he always comes back here; Hughes, Fields and Stoby Law Firm has always been his home.

'I LOOK UP TO HIM' Daniels shared that he “looks up” to Nigel Hughes whom he described as one of (continued on page 53)

Sunday September 15, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Governance ill-suited for modernisation

T

he style of governance since p o l i t i c a l independence has not been conducive to development. It is ill-suited for modernisation.

Given the expansive nature of relations and issues which governments have to address, there is a need for greater devolution of power.

Centralised government can no longer cope with the multiple, overlapping and multilayered aspects of governance.

Governments today are dealing with ten times the number of issues that was dealt with, say thirty years ago.

At the same time, the size of the government bureaucracy in most developed states is shrinking. Part of this shrinkage is due to the adoption of modern technology which is displacing workers and cutting costs.

Guyana, however, is going in the opposite direction. The more modern the bureaucracy, the more swollen and overstaffed it becomes. The more complex

government becomes, the more centralised is decisionmaking. The greater the demands on resources, the bigger the bureaucracy.

The public bureaucracy is now a cancer. It is sucking the life out of public administration. Merely keeping this inefficient and revenue-guzzling monstrosity alive is costing taxpayers in excess of 500 million dollars per day.

This is wanton wastage.

That money could have been put to help boost private sector development to create jobs for the thousands of young people who are unemployed. The more the government implements t e c h n o l o g y, t h e m o r e inefficient it becomes.

It is all part of what is known as cake shop management. Take for example the situation on our roads today. There is a major problem with congestion into, out of and within the city. The authorities do not have a comprehensive plan to deal with this issue. They have had over four years to develop such a plan. They have not.

Correspondingly, there is

a need for expanded infrastructure to address traffic control, regulate public transport vehicles and reduce accidents.

Now these are multiple problems, which means that the responsibility for dealing with these problems should be devolved to lower levels so that decisions can be taken and many things done at the same time. An integrated approach is needed with simultaneous action on many fronts and at all levels.

Instead, what is taking place is that decision-making is centralised and one decision is being made at a time.

Guyana is going to continue to be left behind the rest of the world. The country will retrogress and we will always be in a fire fighting mode rather than ensuring forward thinking and planning.

A country today simply cannot be run like a cake shop. The world is too modern, and too many things are taking place to allow for such a style of governance.

Once the policy is made by the government, the mechanics should be left to lower level officials who

should be held accountable for ensuring its implementation and who should be held responsible for any failures.

Things have got to change in Guyana and this change has to begin at the top because this is where the main problem is.

There is a great deal to be done; there are the resources to do most of it. What is required is for faster decision-making so as to allow for multitasking.

Guyana cannot go forward with the stone age way of doing things..

If Guyana wants to become a modern developed society, it has to dump traditional ways of doing things. You cannot overtax the business sector and still expect jobs.

Yo u c a n n o t h a s s l e Cubans, for example, who

are coming to Guyana and expect that they will continue to keep the business sector afloat. You cannot push around potential investors and expect them to invest in the economy.

Plantain chips and breadfruit chips and other small businesses cannot make the economy grow. It cannot generate the massive jobs needed to impact on unemployment. It will not

lift large numbers out of poverty. This is a catch-hand approach to helping poor people.

Cake shop management cannot run a modern economy. Never has; never will.

Kaieteur News

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Sunday September 15, 2019

Handmaiden to the tyranny of a minority

By Sir Ronald Sanders

T

here have been m a n y ignominious moments at the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS) and many farcical decisions made, but they pale in significance when compared with the events of Wednesday, 11 September 2019.

On that day 11 countries,

accompanied by the illegitimate representative of the self-proclaimed “Interim President” of Venezuela, Juan Guaidó, adopted a resolution opening the possibility of invading the sovereign territory of Venezuela with the obvious intention of achieving their self-interested goal of toppling the government of Nicolás Maduro.

The ridiculousness of the proceedings at the OAS

Permanent Council is that 16 of the legitimate 33 member states of the Organization had no vote in the resolution because they are not signatories of The InterAmerican Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance (the Rio Treaty) under which the dangerous resolution was invoked and adopted.

By a previously absurd decision, in 1975, 21 then signatory countries of the Rio Treaty decided to make

the OAS Permanent Council the body in which matters related to the Treaty would be discussed.

At that time, only two CARICOM countries were signatories to the Treaty, namely Haiti and Trinidad and Tobago.

A third CARICOM country, the Bahamas, did not join until 1982.

No CARICOM country has joined since.

Canada, a big player in the OAS, is also not a signatory.

The actual number of signatory states is now 17, although farcically, the register still shows the membership as 19 with Cuba and Venezuela as signatory states. Cuba withdrew from the OAS and, informally, from all hemispheric bodies in 1962 and Venezuela formally withdrew in 2013.

It would have been interesting to see what the present signatory countries would have done had Cuba sent a representative to the meeting. Another four of the original members of the Rio Treaty have also “denounced” it, withdrawing from membership.

These countries are: Bolivia, E c u a d o r, M e x i c o a n d Nicaragua.

In the event, 10 signatory states of the Rio Treaty and Juan Guaidó's improperly seated OAS representative, proposed a resolution, arising from this anachronistic 1947 Treaty for adoption at a meeting of the Permanent Council of the OAS. The objective of the resolution was clearly set out in an accompanying notice.

It claimed, without any supporting evidence, that “a series of developments and situations, which are as a consequence of the Venezuelan crisis, pose a threat to peace in the Americas and affect the inviolability or the integrity of the territory or the sovereignty or political independence of various American states”.

Spuriously it went on to say: “It is for that reason that measures need to be adopted by the member states of the (Rio Treaty) based on the principles of inter-American solidarity and cooperation established in said instrument”.

Venezuela was thereby set-up for “measures” that would be agreed by a twothirds vote of the Foreign Ministers of the claimed 19 signatory countries at a meeting to be held “in the second half of September 2019” when they will be attending the UN General Assembly in New York. The measures include: establishing a naval and aerial blockade of Venezuela or using military force.

If there was any doubt that the 10 governments plus Guaidó's representative had anything but military force

Sir Ronald Sanders in mind, that doubt disappeared when, by virtue of their simple majority of the claimed 19 signatories, they spurned an amendment from Costa Rica which proposed that any “measures” would exclude “those that may involve the use of armed force”.

So, clearly armed force is very much in the collective minds of the countries - the 11 g o v e r n m e n t s p l u s Guaidó's representative that eventually pushed through the resolution. The 11 countries are the original 10 proposers of the resolution Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, P a r a g u a y, D o m i n i c a n Republic and the United States of America, plus Chile that voted with them.

Alarmingly – and ludicrously – the resolution was adopted in the name of the Permanent Council of the OAS, even though 15 member states have no connection with the Rio Treaty and could not vote, and 5 of the signatory states did not support it. The latter states are: Costa Rica, Panama, Peru, Uruguay and Tr i n i d a d a n d To b a g o .

Bahamas, which is a member state, was absent.

Sadly, governments of countries, which have been the victims of invasion, supported this resolution which, in the words of the Mexican Ambassador, Luz Elena Baños Rivas, “inextricably entails the possibility of the use of force, and is contrary to international law”. Among these is the government of Haiti, a CARICOM member state.

At some point in the not too distant future, CARICOM itself will have to consider whether its member states have breached undertakings in its own treaty and whether they should abandon any effort to achieve a common foreign policy.

Failure to deal definitively with this situation would ruin CARICOM's greatest strength – its 14 votes pooled in unison.

The 1947 Rio Treaty emerged in the context of a (continued on page 50)

Sunday September 15, 2019

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Kaieteur News

---Hinds’ Sight by Dr. David Hinds---

I Stand with the Poor: A New Coalition Government must uplift them One of the weaknesses of political discourse in contemporary Guyana, is that each person or group tends to concentrate on their particular issue, as if it is the sum total of the country’s reality.

T h i s compartmentalisation has worked against a holistic discourse which in turn inhibits an overarching vision. It occurs both at the level of those who seek to influence government and those who actually govern. It is not that I am against singleissue advocacy, but what is lacking is the linkages between and among those issues—a relationship between the tree and the forest.

One would have to go way back to the early postindependence period to find broad-based political polemics on the central challenges facing the society—what was then referred to as the concourse of ideas. One is tempted to ask—”Where have all the flowers gone?”

It seems as if the brighter we have gotten, the less incisive our analysis of our society has become. This is part of what I was driving at in my column last week when I drew attention to the delinking of economic theory and theorization from the plight of the poor and the powerless in society.

I have been following the discourses on the oil contracts and more recently the local content policy recommendations.

The critiques are for the most part very sound. I myself have from time to time offered some limited critique of the contracts from the perspective of the vulnerability of small countries going into big negotiations in a high-stake global industry.

Sadly, this perspective has been downplayed by the critics who seem eager to drive home the incompetence or corruptibility of those who signed the contracts.

But what I find lacking in the critiques is their isolation from the larger meaning of the imminent oil and gas economy for a small postplantation society whose history has been mostly one of bondage. The overt and covert absence of that history from the discourses has led to an almost alien discussion among bright people.

At the risk of angering some of my friends involved in that discussion, I am arguing that unless that discourse can be broadened and further contextualised, it would in the end mean very little to the ordinary people of Guyana.

Yes, the contracts are flawed—they gave away a lot to the foreign companies.

They reek of poor decisionmaking by those representing the government and the people. So, what next?

The world moves on and the oil will begin to pump next year. How do we link advocacy for better contracts to distribution of the coming oil revenues, however depleted?

Is it that we are saying that discussion about the distribution of the coming wealth is useless because the contracts are flawed?

In other words, I ask how do the bad contracts affect or inform the distribution of the resources, beyond the fact that more would have been coming to Guyana if the contracts were better?

If you are poor, as most Guyanese are, it is the distribution that you are ultimately interested in. I am very sure that poor people hear the criticisms of the contracts and are grateful for the knowledge and oversight of government. But what about an equal oversight of the “little” that is coming?

Aren’t we equally concerned about who gets what and how?

I am asking if it’s not time to include in our critique a direct witnessing for the poor.

The same questions apply to the advocates of Local Content. The more local

content the better for Guyanese. But better for which group of Guyanese— the poor? How are poor Guyanese going to benefit directly and semi-directly from the Local Content policy proposal by both government and business advocates?

The critics of the oil contracts and the Local Content Policy have avoided getting into a discussion about the poor. Yet the logic of the post-plantation society has to be ultimately about improving the condition of the poor—about closing the gap between those who have plenty and those who have little or nothing.

When Clive Thomas and the WPA propose direct cash transfers to the poor, it comes from that perspective. But the critics say, no to cash transfers.

They instead argue for spending on social services.

Because they don’t center the poor in their analysis, the critics can’t see how both enhanced social services and cash transfers would lift the poor.

At the personal level, I have decided to support the re-election of the Coalition government. The party to which I belong, the WPA, has decided to remain in the Coalition. Neither decision was straightforward.

The WPA had complained of deliberate marginalization from decision-making within APNU and the larger APNU+AFC government. I had been, independent of the WPA, one of the most vocal critics of both the government’s public performance and the management of intra-coalition relations. Our support therefore is not slavish; it is conditional.

I stand with the poor. The rich can defend themselves.

Governments more often than not cater to them. Parties pay lip service to the poor, but they don’t turn that rhetoric into policy. That’s why the poor have remained powerless to change their

The Baccoo Speaks Contractors are up against it. Many had grown accustomed to simply collecting money and not providing the quality of work expected.

The authorities are going after three contractors, some of whom received advances but were in no position to start the work. ** Four men and a woman

target people in the Stabroek Market area.

However, two of them will be arrested when they

target a man whom they believe has money.

The plainclothes police ranks would intervene. One of those arrested would be the woman. ** Another disaster would befall a group on an outing along the Soesdyke/Linden Highway. Once more it would be a swimming disaster.

condition. One condition on which I support the Coalition is that it must center the poor in its vision and praxis for a Post-Oil Guyana.

For me, development is a multifaceted undertaking, but its central focus must always be the poor and powerless.

Progress in a post-plantation society must ultimately be measured by the extent of the movement of the poor from poverty and dependency to sustained prosperity. In other words, how has the country treated with the social inequalities that are so blatant in the society? The Oil and Gas economy must work for the poor if it will make a big difference for Guyana.

The poor want quality education opportunities and outcomes. That must mean education apartheid must go.

That must mean the advantages for the rich in the education process must go.

That must mean more Bishops’ and Queen’s College across the country.

That must mean better school buildings with classrooms, better trained teachers with better pay, better nutrition for the children, more incentives to go to school and more incentives for parents to participate in the education of their children.

The poor want better health care, but they also

want better nutrition. They want better roads in their communities, but they also want all-weather roads to bring their crops from the farmlands.

But above all, the poor want direct access to more money in their hands. That means they want jobs that pay a livable wage. That means they want to own their own small and medium size businesses that can guarantee a livable income.

They don’t want government handouts; they want government policies that put money in their hands. This is the overriding issue in the coming elections.

I cannot stop race voting.

But I urge those whose views on government and society coincide with mine or who support my political outlook and that of the WPA to demand policies in exchange for your vote, and be prepared to disturb your government if it does not follow through on promised policy.

The days for cuddling a government because we vote it into office are over. If you vote for a government, you are the best oversight, and you must exercise it. So, we are not only mobilizing people to vote for the Coalition, but we are mobilizing them for what

Dr David Hinds Walter Rodney called SelfActivity for SelfEmancipation.

The WPA remains in the Coalition not out of expediency, but because we believe that a coalition government is a qualitatively better option than a one-party majority or minority government. At the end of the day it is not just about who governs, but about what is the best path to a better Guyana that guarantees security to all its citizens, especially the poor.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper) More of Dr. Hinds’ writings and commentaries can be found on his YouTube Channel Hinds’ Sight: Dr. David Hinds’ GuyanaCaribbean Politics and on his w e b s i t e www. g u y a n a c a r i b b e a n politics.news.

Send comments to dhinds6106@aol.com

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Kaieteur News

Sunday September 15, 2019

The Pakaraima Mountain Monster

By Michael Jordan Do strange things sometimes happen in the hinterland? I mean baffling, sometimes terrifying things that cannot be easily explained away? You bet they do!

I had my own weird experience some several years ago, when a dredge owner whom I had befriended invited me to stay in his camp at Cuyuni. I readily accepted, since I saw it as an opportunity to write a few features about the interior, and to do some research for a project on which I was working. As it turned out, I almost regretted my decision.

The food was bountiful, the scenery was beautiful, but, for some reason, I could not sleep at nights in that Cuyuni camp. My hammock was near the outer perimeter of the campsite, and every single night, when I lay in my hammock, I had this intense, disquieting feeling that something or someone was staring at me from the jungle.

I couldn’t explain it. It wasn’t as if I were a stranger to the interior. I had spent almost a year at Papaya, the National Service camp in the North West.

At night, the mist was

Some of the peaks in the Pakaraimas thick and you could hear the howling of baboons from the jungle. A few of the young women were prone to a strange fit that we called ‘anta banta’. This would cause them to run screaming into the night.

But this experience at Cuyuni was different. I began to dread nightfall. I would lie terrified in my hammock, praying for daybreak and staring at the section of the forest where I sensed this malevolent presence lurked.

I greeted the end of my stay in the jungle with a sense of relief. But those nights in the Cuyuni came back to me during an interview with a resident of the Rupununi.

People who know me well know that I am curious about

so-called ‘supernatural’ experiences in the hinterland.

I asked this Rupununi resident about his own unusual experiences, and he admitted that he, personally, had never experienced the inexplicable. But he did relate some unusual but true stories about the hinterland. His view, though, seemed to be that there was a logical explanation to many of these stories, even if one of these stories was about a monster in a mountain.

THE PAKARAIMA MOUNTAIN MONSTER He told me that there is a mountain in the North Pakaraimas, and the myth is that a monster inhabits it. He said that there is heavy

undergrowth of bush at the foot of that mountain, and it was not difficult for him to imagine that those bushes concealed a cave in which some fearsome being lurked.

The story about this ‘monster’ begins with a young woman from a community of the North Pakaraimas. She had no children, and was also widowed. According to the story, her husband’s battered body was found in the village.

The superstitious looked at the injuries on the body and concluded that he had fallen victim to a ‘Kanaima’, a sort of assassin in Amerindian folklore with supernatural powers, including the ability to change into a jaguar.

Eventually, though, the woman married again; and one day, in the seventies, several residents, including the woman and her second husband, went on a fishing expedition near the mountain.

The other villagers eventually left, while the woman and her husband remained behind.

The woman, it is alleged, also decided to go home while her husband opted to continue fishing.

But nightfall came and the man failed to arrive home, and the following day, villagers launched a search for the missing man. They were shocked when they eventually stumbled on his battered body near the same mountain.

Again, some concluded that the second husband was also the victim of Kanaima’s wrath.

Because he was found near the mountain, others concluded that something had emerged from the mountain and killed the husband, before retreating again to its lair.

The woman married a third time, and all reports indicate that husband number three is still alive, having escaped the wrath of the ‘Kanaima.’

THE MYSTERY OF THE VANISHED PROSTITUTE My friend went on to tell me about another unusual incident which occurred in the North West.

‘Baby’ was a prostitute who used to travel to the

Potaro to solicit porkknockers. In the late 1970s, she eventually struck it rich, and, laden with raw gold, decided to walk from the Potaro River to Maikwak, a mining settlement some three days away for someone travelling on foot.

For reasons unknown, ‘Baby’ decided to let a male friend accompany her on the journey. ‘Baby’ never made it to Maikwak. She just vanished, never to be seen again.

The man who was accompanying “Baby’ on the journey alleged that he was walking ahead of the prostitute on a trail, when ‘Baby’ began to tire. He claimed that when he eventually looked behind him, there was no sign of ‘Baby’.

According to the man, he assumed that the prostitute had mistakenly taken another trail. About three years later, a hunter discovered a human skull in the Kopinang area.

The skull had one gold tooth, and this made some speculate that the victim was the longlost ‘Baby.’

Police were informed, and the skull and a few bones were buried at the same spot.

However, the remains were never identified.

SHARLO’S DIAMONDS There was no mystery to the third story.

‘Sharlo’ was an old St. Lucian man who had several claims in the interior. He was the licensed owner of a shotgun, which was so old that it would sometimes fall apart.

One of the mining claims that ‘Sharlo’ had was located in the Potaro, and he worked this claim with his teenaged grandson.

From all accounts, the St. Lucian’s claim was a profitable one, and it seemed that seldom a day went by without the old man locating a diamond or two.

A short distance from ‘Sharlo’s’ claim was another claim belonging to a Bartica miner known as ‘Django’.

While ‘Sharlo’s claim was productive, the claim owned by ‘Django’ yielded little.

Now, ‘Sharlo’ was an affable fellow, and every day he would go over to ‘Django’s camp and show to the younger miner the precious stones he had found.

This went on for some time, until one day ‘Sharlo’s body was found in his mining pit. He had been shot in the head with his own shotgun, which lay nearby. The

precious stones he had gathered were gone…and so was Django.

But someone had witnessed the deed.

Sharlo’s grandson would later tell police that he had peeped from the bushes and had seen Django making off with the old man’s diamonds.

Persons also recalled seeing ‘Django’ walking on ‘the line’ to Maikwak. The suspect was eventually arrested and taken to Georgetown, where he was charged and remanded for Sharlo’s murder.

But, for some reason, I am told that Sharlo’s grandson never testified against Django, and the accused was eventually freed.

They say that Django migrated to Brazil, where he suffered the same fate that he had meted out to old Sharlo.

After he had finished telling me his stories, my friend from the hinterland attempted to put his own logical spin on the events.

Explaining the myth of the ‘Pakaraima Mountain monster’, he suggested that the woman might have killed or arranged the deaths of both of her husbands, possibly because of an extramarital relationship.

In the case of ‘Baby,’ the prostitute, he suggested that the male friend who had accompanied her on the trail killed ‘Baby’ and made off with her gold.

And that set me thinking about my Cuyuni experience.

Had there really been something in the jungle? My conclusion now is that, at the time, I had been working hard on a story based on Amerindian folklore, and that my research had caused my imagination to work overtime.

Listening to my friend’s stories, and analysing my experience, I can only conclude that Kanaimas and unseen things that walked at night were far less fearsome than one’s own imagination and the treachery of false friends.

If you have any information about these unusual cases, please contact us by phone or at our Lot 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown location. We can be reached on telephone numbers 592-225-8458, 592-225-8465, 592-2258473 and 592-225-8491. You need not disclose your identity.

You can also contact Michael Jordan at his email a d d r e s s : kamarangnight@gmail.com.

Sunday September 15, 2019

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Kaieteur News

==THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN==

If true, Khemraj Ramjattan owes me an apology As stated before in several columns, I have two close friends, Raymond and Dawn Persaud, whose house is right next to the AFC head office. I visit them quite often, where mutual friends would meet as they say in common parlance to, ‘lime’.

On Thursday, my dog was lying down on the parapet outside the AFC office when one of the AFC’s important hierarchical members came over to talk. He said in the presence of AFC activist and former AFC City Councillor, Carlyle Goring, that I should let bygones be bygones and help the AFC’s election campaign because he could not see me wanting to have the PPP back in government.

I said yes, I would work with the AFC, but the AFC has to sign a legally tight document composed at my request by Nigel Hughes, agreeing to what I want if the AFC retains power. If the AFC reneges on it, then the AFC has to pay me a huge sum of compensation. He agreed and asked what I wanted.

I gave him an initial couple of demands. One was that I want to be part of the restructuring of UG to decentralise power, so that the Vice-Chancellor cannot

retain the unaccountable, colossal power that office carries. I worked for UG for 26 years giving my soul and body to that institution. I have ideas about its transformation.

Secondly, I told this AFC big wig that I want a reversal of the ban on used tyres and the removal of the requirement that imported cars cannot be more than eight years old.

As I was about to continue my demands, Carlyle Goring mentioned something that led to an outbreak of anger. Goring said that after 2015, he heard that I did something to the AFC leadership that he found insulting, and that explains why after 2015, the AFC never contacted me for the use of whatever skills I had.

Goring said that at a gathering of AFC people on the very spot, one of the most trusted lieutenants of Khemraj Ramjattan told the group why the AFC has not established contact with me.

He said Ramjattan told him now that the AFC is in power, Freddie Kissoon wants the AFC to come to him, but the same Freddie Kissoon used to come to Ramjattan when we were in the opposition and would ask him for favours.

I was angry. There and then, I asked Carlyle to ring Ramjattan’s aide at the ministry, Dianne Rajkumar, for me to talk to Ramjattan. I am not going to name Ramjattan’s lieutenant that said so, but I know he is very close to Ramjattan, and is indeed someone whose activism Ramjattan relies on.

Those who want to know his identity can ask Goring. I am not going to get a libel writ.

I never asked Ramjattan for any favour when we were in the opposition. All the assistance Ramjattan gave me was legal, and that was his obligation to Guyanese and to the fight for justice. All those court cases were filed to oppress me. I do not consider that help as personal.

It was quintessential political assistance.

I have to be stupid to want the AFC ministers I know to seek me out after 2015. Why would any human being act so stupidly? If Ramjattan told his trusted confidante that, then he owes me an apology.

Also, he and the AFC leadership, which I now consider morally detestable, know not a damn thing about human psychology.

I told Mark Benschop

when he interviewed me recently that after 2015, I did not consider it morally elevating to approach ministers to ask them for employment.

I told Benschop that is not in my DNA. I mentioned that dignity issues have to be considered when you do such things. I never contacted any AFC or APNU leader after 2015. None of them contacted me. This has been so since 2015. The AFC and PNC leaders had a right to correct the wrongs done to me by the PPP’s semi-fascist administration. The previous government removed my wife

from GO-Invest and me from UG. It was an obligation on the part of the new government to right those wrongs.

Not one minister, including my close personal friends, Khemraj Ramjattan and David Patterson, ever telephoned, emailed or spoke to me about any paid or unpaid work, which I could do for the new government.

From May 2015 to September 2019, I was never contacted.

After 2015, instead of offering me my job back at UG, Rupert Roopnaraine contacted me to serve on the Golden Jubilee planning

Frederick Kissoon committee. I never had any respect for that man.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper)

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Kaieteur News

Sunday September 15, 2019

ONE GOOD TERM DESERVES ANOTHER “We have found that the Neighbourhood and Regional Democratic Councils are not utilising their budgetary allocations and subventions to maintain the infrastructure in their communities. We find this worrying situation in Regions 5 and 6, and on the East Coast of Demerara.”

This was the lament of Party Vice Chairman, Cathy Hughes, made after community walkabouts in

June, and again during the Government’s community outreaches across the nation.

The AFC is especially concerned that residents in neighbourhoods are not getting paid for the work that they do clearing trenches and parapets, and trimming trees.

“They (NDCs) are not spending the money which they were allocated so the maintenance work is not getting done, and

unfortunately, residents are blaming central government,” she said.

“It is not surprising that situations like these are prevalent in the villages controlled by the Parliamentary Opposition.”

While walking through the villages, the ministers appealed to the NDC Chairpersons to get the work done, to make their neighbourhoods safe and

comfortable.

Issues raised by residents included “half-completed” main roads, the failure of village councils to perform simple maintenance works, and a distinct lack of vision displayed by community leaders particularly on the East Coast of Demerara.

There is a marked absence of ‘high expectation’ among citizens, the AFC’s executive has said. “There is a lot happening that indicates that the immediate future of this country is going to be bright.”

The Vice Chairman said that groups of Government officials went walking along the East Coast corridor and in many villages they encountered this atmosphere, which truth be told, is not the attitude of a people who have high expectations that their country is on the brink of a major breakthrough.

One man said, “A certain man is muddying up the waters, confusing people, telling them that this Granger government ain’t got no intention of doing the things they saying they gon do with the oil money. I said WHAT? He (expletive) is the one with no intention of sharing the money from oil that belongs to we!”

“He confusing the people!” the Haslington man shouted.

The Party Vice Chairman Hughes then implored, “I wish you had the chance to travel and experience for

yourself how people who had never heard about Guyana before 2015 ... how they now describe this country.

To them Guyana is “South America, the hottest place to be right now”. Of course, this is due to the high expectations that business people and investors in the developed countries have for this small nation that will become a global exporter of oil within a few months.

Guyana needs to be very strict with its finances now and in the future. This is to make sure that all citizens in the entire country can reap the benefits.

You, the Citizens of Guyana, have to decide whom you trust to manage the oil funds, who you can depend on to use it to develop this nation for yourself and your children.

YOU have to be able to see through the political ambitions and greed of the Opposition. YOU have to decide if they are helping you or just talking and shouting and promising with no intention to keep any of the empty promises they are making.

Yo u h a v e t o p a y attention to see who is building you up, or holding you back by refusing to provide you even with basic services like trench clearing, and potable water.

The Opposition is guilty!

They spent long years doing nothing for you, failing to provide your communities even with basic services.

In the four short years that the Coalition has been managing this economy, and in spite of the opposition’s efforts to hold us back, the government has moved

Guyana forward. There has been more development under the Coalition Government in just 4 years than the previous 23 years when the Opposition was “the Rulers” as they referred to themselves.

One of our strongest programmes is citizen security because there is no way we will allow the criminals to regain any strength and power. The security sector is more robust today, and the Safe City project is making you safer. We are keeping tabs on all the crooks Piracy is almost eliminated and Government will continue to work with our Surinamese counterparts to ensure pirates face the brunt of the law in both countries The Police Force is solving crime at a much faster rate, helped by the new machinery to perform DNA tests. And, in collaboration with international agencies like Interpol, Guyana has put a massive dent in the drug trade that was vibrant before 2015.

Government will continue to work towards improving Guyana’s global ranking. In fact, international financial and security agencies have labeled Guyana as the country with the fastestgrowing economy in the world.

Despite what the opposition is saying, Guyana is already the most attractive place for investors, so, Citizens, be encouraged.

Guyana is moving up!

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper)

Sunday September 15, 2019

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Kaieteur News

My column

We must have laws to make skills transfer mandatory In Guyana, we are accustomed to large programmes taking almost forever. The Cheddi Jagan International Airport project is just one. That programme began almost eight years ago and to this day it is still to be completed.

For starters, the contractor took some time to mobilise. Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo later explained that it was a fixed cost contract so the contractor had to finish it even if he had to go into his pocket.

Indeed, there is always the recourse to the courts, but this is sometimes fraught with the risk of the government having to complete the project, as was the case of the Skeldon Sugar factory. Mr. Jagdeo did say that the government went to court but lost the case to collect punitive damage.

In the case of the Cheddi Jagan airport project, the contractor is claiming that he is out of money, but the government says that the problem is the contractor’s.

That is why there was anger when the air bridges were taken down because of structural problems.

I am on vacation in New Jersey. Every year, I take a break from daily life to recuperate. After all, I am not a spring chicken.

Of course, I am as active as I ever was, but something at the back of my mind keeps telling me that I need to slow down.

While on vacation, I could not help but marvel at what passes for construction. For example, there is the Goethals Bridge that links Staten Island to New Jersey. Two years ago construction began on another bridge adjoining the old bridge.

This year that bridge was open to traffic with every feature in place. It is just over 300 metres longer than the Demerara Harbour Bridge, but the kind of construction that belittles the local bridge. It is high to allow for the passage of large ocean-going vessels; it is supported by large steel cables the likes of which are unknown to Guyanese.

The contractor was given a time frame to complete the project and he came in within the time frame. He knew the penalty that would have landed on him. Besides, he always has an eye on other constructions.

This weekend, the authorities in New York are installing an escalator in a subway station. This is being done in Manhattan. The project began Saturday night and would be completed by Monday morning for the rush hour traffic.

I can imagine the mass of

material that would have to be removed and the work that needs to be done. However, the contractor is up to the task. The equipment is in place and the work ethic is phenomenal. When people go to work, they work. No one wants to be fired, because the recommendation for future jobs means a lot.

A little over a decade ago, when preparations were underway for the Marriott, there was a contract to reroute the sewer. That contract went to Courtney Benn. The materials were procured and work actually began when Jagdeo, then the president, caused the contract to be revoked.

At a press conference later, he said that Guyana had lost all its skilled people. He was right, because since then contracts have been substandard.

Road surfaces deteriorate not long after construction. In recent times, the best road surface in Guyana is the West Demerara roadway that reaches to Parika. Jamaicans played a huge part in that programme.

One of the things that we do not insist on is skills transfer. Foreign contractors come with all their top brass.

Guyanese never get a chance to learn the most up to date skills. I still remember the nonsense that occurred when Guyanese were denied the opportunity to work on the Marriott during the construction phase.

Indeed that hotel towers over the city. It was constructed in what could pass as record time in Guyana.

Sadly, no skilled Guyanese got a chance to work with the leaders on that project. We would have been able to learn crucial skills in that area.

It is the same with the Cheddi Jagan airport project.

We do have engineers there, but their role in the leadership is wanting. Some of them only became involved when the project foundered.

Just this past week, the Georgetown Chamber lamented the inability of Guyana to secure major contracts with the oil companies.

Our engineers are not trained to the standards required by international companies, simply because the programme is not what is required in this day and age.

Local companies do not buy or cannot buy the sophisticated equipment. For one it is too costly and secondly, we do not have people to operate them to the maximum.

We talk of rich Guyanese but there is rich, by Guyanese standard, and there is rich according to international standard. Perhaps the rich in Guyana should consider forming consortiums. With oil the sky is the limit.

I still see what happened when Makeshwar ‘Fip’ Motilall secured the contract to build the road to the Amaila Falls. He bought used equipment and transported them to Guyana in secrecy. In the end, most of the equipment broke down and the very jungle became their graveyard. In the developed world the equipment is not substandard.

In Guyana, we work from sunrise to sundown on large projects. Others work around the clock. The contractor prefers to pay multiple shifts, and in the end his profit is larger than if he had one shift.

I see locations being closed for roadwork that lasts no more than perhaps twelve hours. These surfaces withstand the test of time and the elements.

There are Guyanese who

signal an intention to come home and contribute, but who are told that we cannot pay them. We can pay them, because in the end that money that we cannot pay goes to rehabilitate the work that was done, albeit cheaply.

The Soesdyke/Linden Highway was completed in 1968 after two years of construction.

It withstood the test of time and lasted well beyond the twenty years it was intended to last. No other roadway was so constructed.

There was skills transfer, but

those people left with the British construction company.

The Chinese do not take with them the Guyanese who work on the project, because no Guyanese was ever placed in a position to be of consequence to the contractor. Will this situation continue with the oil companies?

We should do what Singapore did when it leapt from Third World to first.

Insist on its people being placed in top positions and trained.

Adam Harris (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper)

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Kaieteur News

Sunday September 15, 2019

GUYANA - A country of bright prospects Education remains a key part of President David Granger ’s plan to keep Guyana moving forward. In just four short years, the APNU+AFC government has spent over $170 billion on education with a record $52.2 billion committed in the 2019 budget. The Coalition believes that education is central to a better quality of life for all citizens, especially our youth, giving them skills to pursue meaningful careers and achieve the good life.

It is no secret that the APNU+AFC administration inherited a public education system that was in crisis. In 2015, over half of our students were failing the National Grade Six Assessment.

However, targeted interventions, especially in numeracy and literacy, were made and this resulted in improved performance in the National Grade Six Assessment. The percentage passes in English moved from 42 percent in 2016 to 60 percent in 2018. Mathematics moved from 14 percent in 2016 to 38 percent in 2018; and

“Guyana today, is a country of bright prospects but also one of colossal complexity. A field of unprecedented opportunities lies before you.

The opportunity for engineers to build bridges and roads to open our vast hinterland and to develop schemes to exploit our hydro-electrical potential; the opportunity for geologists to develop our bauxite, diamond, gold, manganese an d quarrying resources; the opportunity for biologists, botanists, zoologists and agriculturists to expand food production; the opportunities to improve communication and human learning; the opportunity for manufacturers, shippers, builders to drive our economy Science from 28 percent to 46 percent.

APNU+AFC will continue to increase our investment in education, increase school enrolment and improve exam results. In the past four years, the government has increased the number of teachers. Over 1,800 new teachers have been trained to ensure that students get the one-on-one attention that they need. Three thousand five hundred (3,500) primary school teachers have been equipped with the necessary skills for quality delivery of the curriculum.

Under the theme ‘Every child in school’, the

government has prioritised access to educational access, attendance and achievement.

The Public Education Transport Service (PETS) (known popularly as the 5 B’s Initiative) was born out of a recognition that many parents found it costly to send their children to school.

This service has distributed 1,400 bicycles, 29 buses and 10 boats. PETS is saving parents money and, more important, it is getting our children to school without expending any money from the government coffers.

In order to prepare our children for the jobs of the future and to be more fully

forward at a faster rate…

These opportunities can be achieved only by people with a first -class education. They can be achieved only by the creation of an ‘education nation’ that brings all our people together in a knowledge society.

They can be achieved only by combining our energies, integrating our communities and working together for the common good, rather than pulling apart…. An education nation ought to be one in which intelligence prevails over ignorance, cooperation over confrontation and national integration over communal disintegration” - President David Granger prepared to be active participants in the emerging petroleum sector, greater focus has been placed on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects. The government is also expanding technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programmes so that our youth can receive training in carpentry, robotics, welding, auto mechanics and other life skills.

The APNU+AFC government has modernised our curriculum to include technical skills that focus on manufacturing, business, and the energy sector. The

Coalition, cognisant that a better qualified and skilled workforce means that Guyana can create more jobs and attract more foreign investment, has increased access to university and higher education.

Strengthened TVET, and reintroduced the Guyana Youth Corps to play a vital role in preparing students for the labour market. The Youth Corps will train young Guyanese in relevant skills to pursue a specific profession, whether that be in construction (e.g. plumbing, carpentry, masonry etc.), creative industries (graphic/ product/industrial design), or the new growing IT sector.

APNU+AFC is taking steps to improve the performance of all learners.

Modern facilities including cafeterias and sanitary facilities have been built to make sure students and teachers alike have a comfortable environment to study and work. Better drama, music and sports facilities are being established, to help foster a positive learning environment for our young people; helping them to develop non-academic skills that are vital for healthy and fulfilled lives.

The government is also providing education support grants for non-academic subject areas in order to help our young athletes, musicians and artists to advance their talents.

Speaking to a massive

crowd of more than five thousand Guyanese assembled at Union Village East Berbice- Corentyne Region, on August 1, 2019; President David Granger said; “We have a plan which will ensure that the forthcoming decade will be a “decade of development” for all Guyanese that will place emphasis on education: Every citizen has a right to education. This is a basic entitlement of all children.

Free education is an entitlement mandated by our Constitution [Article 27], which states: “Every citizen has the right to free education from nursery to university ….” The President went on to say that our expected petroleum revenues will help us to restore free education in accordance with the injunction of our Constitution at the primary, secondary and university levels.

The APNU+AFC government is creating a 21st century nation.

Our education policy aims at providing Guyanese with the knowledge, skills and values to become productive citizens in the economy of the future.

We will build an education nation. We will use or revenues from the petroleum sector to bring our people together in a knowledge society. We will use our resources to repel the dark forces of poverty, hatred and oppression that threaten to pull us apart. Ours will be an education nation, where intelligence prevails over ignorance, cooperation over confrontation, and national integration over communal disintegration.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper)

Sunday September 15, 2019

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Kaieteur News

CORONARY HEART DISEASE: The blockage around the heart that kills

By Dr Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. An estimated 3.8 million men and 3.4 million women die each year from CHD. It is basically a disease of the blood vessels supplying the heart muscle.

When they get blocked, blood containing nutrients and oxygen cannot get to that part of the heart leading to it becoming diseased.

These blood vessels are called coronary arteries and get blocked from the buildup of fatty material such as cholesterol and plaque deposits. This blockage is what is referred to as atherosclerosis and if left untreated, it can lead to a diseased heart known as CHD. Patients with CHD are at high risk of getting chest pains and an enlarged heart or worse yet, they can suffer

from a heart attack.

Understanding the process that leads to CHD may help you to take preventive measures that can decrease your chances of becoming another CHD death statistic.

We will discuss this deadly condition in detail today.

WHATARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CHD? The symptoms of CHD can be sudden but most often develop slowly over time. The main symptoms of CHD are: · Chest pain (angina) · Heart attacks · Heart failure You can also experience other symptoms, such as heart palpitations (fluttering), shortness of breath, weakness and many other rarer symptoms. Not everyone has the same symptoms and some people may not have any before CHD is diagnosed.

WHAT CAUSES CHD? As stated earlier, CHD is caused from atherosclerosis,

which occurs over time.

Atherosclerosis can be caused by lifestyle factors and other conditions, such as: · Smoking · High cholesterol · High blood pressure (hypertension) · Diabetes · Sedentary lifestyle WHAT FACTORS INCREASES YOUR RISK FOR ACQUIRING CHD? The following factors increases your risk of getting CHD: · Smoking · High LDL, or “bad” cholesterol, and low HDL, or “good” cholesterol · Uncontrolled high blood pressure · Lack of physical inactivity · Older age · Sex (Men are at higher risk but it evens off when women reach menopause) · Family history of CHD · Obesity (having a BMI

greater than 25) · Uncontrolled diabetes · Uncontrolled stress, depression, and anger · Poor diet · Alcohol use HOW IS CHD DIAGNOSED? If your doctor feels you’re at risk of CHD, they may carry out a risk assessment. This involves asking about your medical and family history, your lifestyle and taking a blood test.

Further tests may be needed to confirm a diagnosis of CHD, including: · A treadmill stress test · An Electrocardiogram (ECG) · A CT scan · An MRI scan · A coronary angiogram

HOW IS CHD TREATED? Coronary heart disease cannot be cured but treatment can help manage the symptoms and reduce the chances of problems, such as heart attacks.

Treatment can include: · lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and stopping smoking · Medicines to control atherosclerosis and other risk factors · Angioplasty, where balloons and stents are used to treat narrow heart arteries · Surgery to replace the damaged coronary artery HOW CAN YOU LOWER YOUR RISK OF ACQUIRING CHD? You can reduce your risk of getting CHD by making

Dr. Zulfikar Bux some simple lifestyle changes such as: · Eating a healthy, balanced diet · Being physically active · Giving up smoking · Controlling blood cholesterol and sugar levels Keeping your heart healthy will also have other health benefits, such as helping reduce your risk of stroke and dementia. Adopt a lifestyle that reduces your risk of acquiring coronary heart disease.

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SUNDAY GOVT. CONSULTANT CHANGES DRAFT LOCAL CONTENT POLICY TO SUIT FOREIGN COMPANIES - ENERGY DEPT. HIDES DOCUMENT FROM GENERAL PUBLIC, ONLY SENDS IT TO SELECTED FEW TO PERUSE When Trinidadian Consultant, Anthony Paul had completed the second draft of Guyana’s Local Content Policy back in May 2018, several provisions were included to ensure preferential treatment of locals. According to Paul, those provisions were inserted, taking into account, some of the mistakes his country would have made on the issue of local content.

But when time came for the final draft to be completed, the coalition administration selected British Local Content Consultant, Dr. Michael Warner for the task. For $22M, Dr. Warner not only removed key provisions that put Guyanese first, but also excluded from it, any recommendations for sanctions against foreign suppliers if non-compliance is discovered.

Kaieteur News was able to identify same after comparing the second draft with the one that Dr. Warner did.

In Paul’s draft, a strong case was made for ensuring foreign suppliers partner with locals. The Trinidadian said that partnership is crucial in ensuring the transfer of knowledge and technology.

The International Energy and Strategy Advisor called for minimum requirements to be set for ownership through equity participation in joint ventures.

But in the final draft that was done by Dr. Warner who has connections to ExxonMobil, foreign companies will not be mandated to partner with local firms. In fact, the draft policy states, “…it is the policy of the Government of Guyana to not mandate local-foreign joint ventures as a requirement for market access in the upstream petroleum sector, but instead to encourage such alliances…”

TAX BREAKS In Paul’s second draft, the Trinidadian noted that there needs to be a leveled playing field when it comes to the payment of taxes, hence his recommendation that foreign suppliers should be made to pay their fair share.

Paul went as far as to outline a mechanism by which Guyana could capture taxes from the foreign suppliers. He said that the foreign

Kaieteur News

Sunday September 15, 2019

companies doing business as agents, contractors, or subcontractors to operators should be required to register a local company and pay taxes in Guyana.

In Guyana’s third draft however, Dr. Warner removed this provision. In fact, not a single suggestion was made for locals to get the same tax breaks as the foreign suppliers so that they can have a fair shot at being competitive.

D R A F T POLICY…MINISTER’S APPROVAL NOT NECESSARY FOR FOREIGN COMPANIES’ LOCAL CONTENT PLANS The third and current draft of the Department of Energy’s local content policy leaves much to be desired. So far, Kaieteur News has uncovered a series of issues in the policy which essentially favour the international oil companies it is primarily geared at, instead of the Guyanese people it should benefit.

This time around, it has been discovered that, even though foreign companies are required by the policy to submit a report of their local content plans, it’s not entirely necessary for the Minister of Natural Resources to approve those plans.

This issue was highlighted by Attorney-atlaw Charles Ramson Jr., during the first episode of Guyana’s Oil & You, Guyana’s first radio show dedicated to issues related to the Petroleum sector, on Kaieteur Radio 99.1FM, last Friday.

In the plan, it is stated that Operators shall prepare and execute a yearly local content plan, spanning all of their Petroleum-related activities in Guyana. The plan purports this mandate to be necessary for the identification of their local content utilization levels.

The plans are to be submitted within 60 days prior to the beginning of each year. Then, within 21 days from receipt of the plan, the Minister shall invite and meet with the Operator to determine how effective the plan really is. The two parties would determine together whether modifications should be made within the policy, to ensure that it is consistent with the Contractual obligations of the Petroleum Agreement(s).

Within 21 days of that meeting, the Operator is expected to submit to the Minister a final plan. Then, within 14 days from receipt of the final plan, the Minister would approve or reject the plan and, with the latter, give evidence for his rejection and

state the policy’s objectives.

Emphasised by previous reports by Kaieteur News is the fact that the Minister’s rejection would have no teeth, since another issue that has been widely criticised about the policy is its exclusion of sanctions for non-adherence to its targets.

MONDAY GRA WILL LEVEL PLAYING FIELD FOR LOCAL SUPPLIERS IN OIL SECTOR – STATIA Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Godfrey Statia, says he is a proponent for local companies being given a fair opportunity to compete alongside foreign enterprises for contracts to supply goods to the oil

sector.

The Commissioner General revealed that locals will be given tax breaks on those supplies being imported for the industry.

During an exclusive interview, Statia noted that he is aware of the Kaieteur News article carried a few days ago which highlighted that the subcontractors for ExxonMobil as well as its affiliated companies enjoy tax breaks for their imports.

Wi t h t h a t i n m i n d , t h e Commissioner General said he supports calls that Guyanese should enjoy this privilege too. The tax chief noted however that he is not going to sit around and wait on a policy or piece of legislation to level the playing field.

“We are not waiting for a policy, we are trying to

do what we can. We are being proactive,” the Commissioner General added.

Statia said that the only problem he is perhaps fearful of is dual-purpose suppliers, meaning those firms, which divert the tax free goods that are meant for the oil sector, to other local market streams.

“So you have to devise a way to show that you are importing just for Exxon…There are some firms, you know from their supplies that it is strictly for Exxon’s operations so t h a t i s e a s y. They are bringing in specialised equipment and machinery, pipes etc for the sector…But the local companies have to be truthful because if they are caught, that tax break would be removed,” the

Commissioner General expressed.

Back in 2016, Trinidadian Local Content Expert, Anthony Paul had advised that exemptions for only foreign subcontractors is discriminatory to locals and should be addressed, whether by law or the review of contracts. In a report that he wrote on the request of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Paul stressed that such exemptions could actually undermine Guyana’s local content efforts.

The Local Content Expert recommended that the concessions, which are granted to the oil sector be reviewed to ensure that Guyana is not giving away more than it should. Paul had also suggested that a special (Continued on page 41)

Sunday September 15, 2019

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Sunday September 15, 2019

COUNTRYMAN

- Stories about life in m and out of Guyana, fro ve a Guyanese perspecti

Xenophobia and the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian E

By Dennis Nichols

ighteen years and four days ago, two monolithic skyscrapers of the World Trade Centre collapsed in New York City. Almost

simultaneously, America's Defence Headquarters, The Pentagon, was gutted, and a hijacked plane crashed in Pennsylvania. Thousands of lives were lost. From that day on, citizens of the United States became a little more

xenophobic.

As the US government zeroed in on suspect Osama bin Laden and so-called Islamic terrorists, Muslims in the United States and elsewhere began to feel the heat. Turbaned, bearded men

and hijab-wearing women were increasingly viewed with suspicion. And just weeks after 9/11, the socalled war on terror was launched in Afghanistan.

Today, in countries all over the globe, fear and intolerance of unfamiliar faces and cultures repeat an age-old refrain, from a time when, for example, Roman

and Greek citizens felt themselves superior to the so-called barbarians of that era. In the Holy Bible, the Israelites are depicted as a peculiar people destined to be different; set apart for God's purpose. Yet, in an ironic twist, they became oppressed in Pharaoh's Egypt, due at least in part to their 'strange' religious customs, obviously at odds with Egyptian polytheism.

Ha v i n g a d i ff e r e n t culture or a different perspective on how to live one's life can be justifiably threatening to a host nation's status quo, if the people feel their welfare and well-being are being disrupted or corrupted. Thus, it may be necessary for a country or community to act cautiously; e v e n f i r m l y, w h e n accommodating foreign nationals and their mores.

For example, how many Americans would be comfortable with Islamic Sharia law in their state or community?

Skepticism of, fear of, and discrimination against, foreigners, 'strangers', and ethnic minorities are spread far and wide – from the United States to the United Kingdom, in regions as diverse as Saudi Arabia, Brazil, and South Africa; and right here in the Caribbean.

My unofficial sniff sense tells me that many Guyanese are gradually waxing xenophobic towards some foreigners in our country, particularly Chinese and Haitian nationals.

The horrific hurricane that struck The Bahamas two weeks ago, has heightened an overtly xenophobic stance taken by many Bahamians towards Haitians in the island chain. It is directed toward both illegal and legal immigrants, although the former bear the brunt of citizens' verbal assaults, and the government's strict immigration policies. As help, search, rescue, and recovery efforts, spearheaded by the US, continue in Abaco and Grand Bahama, it is obvious that the Haitian population of the Abaco Islands has been hardest hit. And scapegoated.

Located in Marsh Harbour are two areas known (derisively one would assume) as The Mudd and

Dennis Nichols Pigeon Peas. They can best be described as shanty towns, and were home to thousands of Haitians, many of them undocumented and living in closely-packed, dilapidated structures made with abandoned construction materials, on low-lying, flood-prone terrain. Those locations have been all but wiped out. Hundreds may have died, over a thousand are still missing, and most of those who survived the devastation have fled.

Search-and-rescue teams, survivors, and the media all report the same lament, “The stench of death is everywhere.”

A recent Washington Post story by Latin America Correspondent, Kevin Sieff, exposed what he called 'one of the world's great faultlines of inequality' referring to the huge economic gulf between the Mudd folk and the ultrawealthy celebrity homeowners of nearby Baker's Bay. He said some 2000 Haitians from The Mudd and Pigeon Peas were employed as construction workers, cooks, and cleaners at their mansions and golf courses (NFL quarterback Tom Brady and former NBA superstar Michael Jordan stay and play golf there).

Sieff disclosed that many Baker's Bay properties and facilities were damaged by the storm. He noted that homeowners and developers there need the manual labour of Haitians to rebuild, but said there are none left except for a few who returned a week later to sift through the rubble or to find jobs with their old employers.

He added that the simple truth was that the Haitians needed to repair other people's properties so they can fix their own. An executive of the Baker's Bay Golf and Ocean Club is now considering docking a mini cruise ship off the Abaco coast (continued on page 50)

Sunday September 15, 2019

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Kaieteur News

We need strong gov't, opposition, civil society and citizens batting for Guyana

W

e are in a period of greatness and uncertainty and must tread these waters carefully. This is the first time in our lifetime the nation is poised to exploit a national resource, which if properly managed, can redound to the masses' benefit.

Political uncertainty and concerns regarding the management of this resource, if not well handled, can seriously divide this nation for a long, long time to come. We the people need assurance, across the political divide, that our collective welfare, the nation's sovereignty and management of our resources will take primacy.

We need it now.

A population growing increasingly wary of the wedge created by politicians, finds it hard to trust politicians. We are of the era when one's word is no longer seen as honour or bond. It

behooves us in the interest of self and nationhood to set aside differences for the common good.

We the people must stand up and demand of both government and opposition whom we are paying to discuss, debate and make decisions in Parliament - the nation's highest decisionmaking forum - that they return to work in the National Assembly.

The petroleum sector is virgin territory for us.

Whereas we should shy away from avoiding risk and welcoming investors, such must not come at the expense of selling ourselves short or down the drain. The cry for a Local Content Policy (LCP) that places the interest of local labour, business and our environment up front and centre must no longer be ignored by our combined elected representatives. The partisan approach has to stop.

This newspaper on 12th

September informed of a shift in government's policy that going forward, under the Production Sharing Agreements, “interests would no longer be a recoverable/deductible expense.� Though commendable that government has taken note of public outcries, it has not gone far enough. What we need is national consultation and a review of the third draft of the LCP which is said to be final. In its current iteration we must reject it.

Evidently the interest of Dr. Michael Warner, who was contracted to prepare this draft, does not converge with ours. It is cause for alarm that we are being advised that he has removed protective mechanisms put in place by previous consultant Anthony Paul, such as putting Guyanese first and meting out sanctions to the oil companies for noncompliance.

This nation has to come together. It is weakness of our people that allows foreigners to treat us anyhow. We need strong government, opposition, civil society and citizens batting for the interest of Guyana and our resources.

Governance of the country cannot be left to one party/group alone without an effective opposition.

Presently we are witnessing threats to our sovereignty not unlike what RUSAL/Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated was allowed to get away with for years under the PPP administration. RUSAL must not be repeated.

Almost two weeks ago, a young man visited my office and requested my personal attention. He showed me a

contract issued by a company in the oil industry.

This contract is not only a violation of the Constitution and Laws of Guyana, but also a departure from International Labour Conventions.

Employees of this company are being asked to sign a contract which stipulates they “may not without the prior written consent of the company engage, whether directly or i n d i r e c t l y , i n any...association including union membership..."

A call is being made to the government to fix this 'eyepass' (disrespect) now.

These foreign employers must know workers can't be in such a contract, as it violates the law and their rights. Article 147 of the

Constitution protects the right to freedom of association to join political party or trade union of choice. Section 26:2 of the Trade Union Recognition Act clearly states the employer would be engaging in violation should it seek to deny workers the right to join a trade union of choice.

At the same time, we must take note of the opposition's promise that should it be elected to office it will renegotiate the oil contracts. The PPP's track record and the nature of Guyanese politics present no guarantee contracts will be renegotiated to our best interest and any reform made by the coalition will be built on. There is enough reason to believe that this will not be (continued on page 51)

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K O

BO

Book: Another Mother Author: Ross Kenneth Urken Critic: Glenville Ashby, PhD “Meaningful figures are mere silhouettes. But suddenly, at some point after the persons left us, we want the truth.”- Ross K. Urken Ross Kenneth Urken's 'Another Mother' is a relentless search for purposefulness amid the din of daily living.

Authentic and deftly written, Urken's narrative revolves around a woman

Sunday September 15, 2019

Chasing Answers A True Story Deserving of Our Attention

named Dezna Sanderson, a woman that overwhelmingly impacted his formative years.

Dezna, the family's nanny was his anchor, the rudder in a Jewish household splitting at the seams. She was Jamaican, a glue-like figure for the Urkens.

Written with attentive wistfulness, the author scours for details, for nuances in his upbringing and that of the woman that reared him. It is her biography but very much his story; such was the bond they shared.

But retracing her life proves challenging. Dezna's sister and brother are

reluctant - mores and boundaries must be respected. Urken is undaunted, though. He delves deeper, journeying to Jamaica; a vicarious redemption ever so close.

Interestingly, 'Another Mother' offers a summative conclusion on Jamaica's Jewish roots – strange bedfellows Columbus and Morgan kept – brothers-inarms they are with Jewish explorers, pirates and privateers. For a while, Urken presses on, his suppositions on Rastafari intrigue, although an overreach some might argue.

He does not go the extra mile with his transcultural referencing, avoiding certain derailment, mindful that his was never a hermeneutical mission.

There is no reason to

second guess Urken's 'glasnost.' To Denza, long deceased, he pens his deepest sentiments.

“You were a stranger at first. You became another mother. I have been to Mahogany Hill and run my fingers along your home's sideboards, trying to absorb some of your energy, attempting to understand you. I have met your children and searched for your face in their features...I have explored your path through the 1940s, and '50s, and '60s, and '70s and '80s. And I spelunked through the corners of my memory to access our cherished time together and record it...”

In many respects, Urken's work is a celebration of cultural assimilation and coexistence. Of the latter, there are parallels between Dezna's Seventh Day Adventist faith and Judaism.

Circumstances bring the two together, seemingly rubbing shoulders but still allowing individual space.

'Another Mother' tangentially explores Jamaica's bloody political past; bloody years that forced many nationals to flee for safer and greener pastures.

“The elongated calm of uneventful years vanishing,” Urken pens. “The once-even tempo” surrendering to an existence of uncertainty. It became hard to find the right beat amid the discord. The political chaos increased and washed away their halcyon years.”

A proxy war between the United States and the Soviet Union was played out in

Jamaica with catastrophic results.

“The CIA's plan involves a complicated and stealthy operation: assassinations, the funneling of money to the JLP (Jamaican Labour Party) and arms distribution to PNP (People's National Party) enemies...the CIA has to wreck the economy from the inside out, as Communist fear remained pervasive. The whole scheme hit agricultural exports hard, particularly pineapples, dealing Dezna's family a blow.”

Against this perilous backdrop, Jamaicans fled - a providential turn of events for young Urken and his family.

Urken leans emotionally on Dezna. She redefines his Jewish identity seamlessly as he adopts her distinctive argot. His peculiar upbringing marked by a Jewish-Jamaican encoding produced a cultural oddity - a white Jewish boy with a

vernacular that spewed 'Jamaican.'

“Although I appeared a distinct outside, I knew I could reveal our surprising shared indenting simply by opening my mouth,” he recalls. “Because unlike most Jewish boys from New Jersey, I have a Jamaican accent. His was the singsong lilt of the West Indies, the humdrum of Jamaican h i l l s i d e c h a t t e r, t h e modulated thump of reggae.

But that's the honest-togoodness truth, and it all started with Dezna.”

Dezna maintained order in a dysfunctional setting, “one plagued by addiction and mental illness.” He recalls, “smashed doors [serving] as the cacophonous codas to my parents' arguments...My mother e x p r e s s e d h e r disappointment in bipolar rage episodes, which certainly did not lessen my father's desire to seek (continued on page 51)

Sunday September 15, 2019

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THE

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Sunday September 15, 2019

STORY WITHIN THE

You beat, kill women. Does that make you a man?

By Leonard Gildarie

I

have to confess that I make it a habit to not read certain stories.

Domestic violence murders, suicides, and children dying.

It affects me badly. Suicide has touched me in a personal way when it visited my f a m i l y. I u n d e r s t a n d depression and the effects it has on someone. The supposed guilt and anger and finger-pointing hurt deeply.

On Friday, something happened that has caused me to return to a topic that has bad memories for me. The sufferings of a woman.

T h e r e w a s a Parent/Teacher meeting at the school of my daughter. One woman, in her early 20s, was among the parents who were there. I was told that in the full view of parents and students, the woman was hauled out of a minibus and beaten by her former partner.

Apparently, the woman had been separated from him for almost two years. There was shared custody of the kids and a restraining order for him to keep away. The woman apparently saw him in the school and alerted the guards. Incensed, the man watched as she sought protection from a driver who placed her in his minibus.

However, she was dragged from the vehicle and dealt several cuffs.

This happened in front of parents and students. No one came to her rescue as even the driver was chucked.

The assailant nonchalantly walkedaway.

A parent placed her in her car and took her to the Golden

Grove Police Station.

The mother claimed she had been separated over a year now and had moved on and found someone else.

The father has custody of the children on weekends. He apparently forcibly took custody of the children and told her to come for them.

Fearful for her life, she refused. She believes he would kill her.

I don't care what justification there is, there can be no excuse for hitting your partner. There is absolutely no justification to kill.

A Sophia man was charged with setting his partner alight last week. Before that, at Mon Repos, a taxi driver is dead and his child and wife in hospital in what is said to be a murder/suicide gone all wrong. There are so many cases. As soon as we forget them, we are angered again by another case that shocks us to the core. Yet, the cycle continues.

This past week, former Human Services Minister, Priya Manickchand, was being interviewed on Kaieteur Radio by yours truly.

There is a whole host of protection for women.There are the courts. The laws take a dim view on the culture of domestic violence and abuse.

Restraining orders and jail time are but a few examples.

There is actually a family court in the High Court compound.

I read recently of a woman who was allegedly beaten in a West Demerara police station.

Are we for real? Why is there so much anger?

I have always been fearful of the collateral damage from

Leonard Gildarie abusive relationships.

There are the children.

That helpless look in their eyes, not fully understanding what it means to lose a father or a mother. There are the relatives, who will be left with the difficult job of picking up the pieces and not having enough to feed and clothe a few additional mouths.

Domestic violence is an issue that, like suicide, needs a national dialogue and call for actions across the land. We are hurting badly.

I work long hours. As I get older, the pains of waking up and making it through the day become worse. But I am compelled, because I want a better life for my family.

I fear dying early and not being there for them.

I do believe that there are enough resources that can engineer a countrywide response, using regional resources. The Regional Democratic Councils and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils have to move beyond projects and tax collections to playing a greater role in communities.

It means that our councillors have to understand that their jobs are more than propaganda and bottomhouse meetings.

The churches, mandirs and mosques have to adopt their communities and be available and open to be approached.

Our teachers, police, neighbours all have a role to play. We have hundreds of persons leaving for North America annually.

We are now losing our own not through natural causes, but because of someone's selfish actions. Our administration and the opposition have to understand that there is a national problem.

Within ourselves, the way we engage, the manner in which we tolerate, will chart our course forward as a nation that stands up for its people. There is much more that can be said. However, we have to begin the journey with a few steps.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper)

Sunday September 15, 2019

From page 32 Negotiating Task Force be established to handle that particular issue.

GUYANA COULD LOSE US$8 TO 16 BILLION IN INTEREST RATES FROM EXXON – CANADIAN ENGINEER Guyana’s Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) with ExxonMobil’s subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), for the Stabroek Block has fielded major criticisms for a range of provisions, or the lack thereof, which are disastrous for Guyana.

Now, Darshanand Khusial has stated that a failure to define “market rate” as it is stated in the Contract could cost Guyana billions of US dollars. Here’s how: As the PSA is currently structured, it allows the Operator to recover the loans it has taken to fund its activities in the Contract Area.

It also allows the Operator to recover the interest incurred on those loans, with not a single cap on how much of that interest can be recovered.

Khusial has stated, “Why Guyana would agree to pay interest on loans that the oil companies negotiated with their bankers is puzzling.”

But a more “egregious” flaw he pointed out is that Guyana has to pay the interest on these loans at a “market rate”.

Interestingly, “Agreed Interest Rate” is clearly and precisely defined on page 3 of the Contract, but “Market Rate”, which is used in Annex C Section 3.1 of the Contract, titled “Costs Recoverable Without Further Approval of the Minister”, isn’t defined.

“Why would the oil companies want to avoid giving a precise meaning to ‘market rate’?” Khusial questioned.

He wrote, “Esso is a company with negative equity, as [pointed out] by [Attorney-at-Law and Accountant] Chris Ram in 2018.”

Khusial determined that, now, as Esso still hasn’t produced oil, its negative equity would be even higher.

He provided that, “Negative equity means if you liquidate all your assets you still won’t be able to payoff your current loans.”

He pointed out that with ExxonMobil’s exemplary credit rating, which allows it to take out loans at lower costs than its peers, the market rate charged may be low. But that won’t apply to Guyana, since it signed the PSA with Exxon’s subsidiary, Esso, not Exxon itself.

The market interest rate

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Kaieteur News

Guyana would be paying would be on Esso’s loans, not ExxonMobil’s, said Khusial.

UK FIRM WINS CONTRACT TO AUDIT EXXON’S US$960M PRECONTRACT COSTS IHS Markit Limited, a London-based firm, has been recruited by the Energy Department to audit billions of dollars ExxonMobil and its partners said, they invested in the Stabroek Block and will move to recover starting next year.

ExxonMobil says it has racked up approximately US$960M in exploration costs. It will also try to reclaim about US$3.7B more for development costs for the Liza Phase One Project.

In its Expression of Interest (EOI), the Londonbased firm stated that it has the deepest source of information, analytics and solutions for the major industries such as oil, while noting that it has provided its expertise to clients in over 165 countries for more than 50 years. The company further stated that it understands the holistic impact of costs on upstream operations.

In terms of what it is bringing to the table for Guyana, IHS said that it has a comprehensive global database of exploration and production costs. It said that this data includes local and regional costs at the component level so as to allow for detailed comparisons.

IHS also said that it has developed proprietary software solutions and tools to gain insights into costs faced in the exploration and production sector. It said that it uses cost estimation tools such as Que$tor and Vantage paired with its rich databases to provide industry leading cost analysis.

Kaieteur News understands that the firm will be working along closely with the officials of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) on these and other related audits.

TUESDAY THIRD DRAFT OF LOCAL CONTENT POLICY “DISTURBING”, “GROSSLY OFFENSIVE” TO GUYANESE -CHARLES RAMSON JR. Following his assessment of the third draft of Guyana’s Local Content Policy, Attorney-at-Law, Charles Ramson Jr. emphatically stated that the document is not only “disturbing” but “grossly offensive” to the citizenry.

During an exclusive

interview with this newspaper last night, the Oil and Gas Consultant said he was appalled to learn that the draft policy recommends no tax breaks for local suppliers, does not require foreign companies to be incorporated or registered here, and seeks to make the local content plans and reports of the foreign companies confidential.

With respect to tax breaks, Ramson reminded that based on the provisions of the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) Guyana signed onto with ExxonMobil and its partners, all of its subcontractors as well as its affiliated companies and their subcontractors, would be given a tax free ride on imports. The same privilege however, is not stated in any contract, law or policy for locals. Considering this, the Petroleum Consultant stressed that foreign companies should not have any advantage over locals, while stating that the playing field must be leveled.

Further to this, Ramson bemoaned the fact that foreign companies are not mandated in the draft policy to register or be incorporated here before they are able to bid for contracts. “The lawyers and the accountants are the primary losers here,” added the Petroleum Consultant.

The 35-year-old also found it shocking that the draft policy would propose that the details of the local content reports and plans provided by the foreign companies to the Minister of Business has to remain confidential. The lawyer questioned, “What are they trying to hide? …” He insisted that the Department of Energy has to provide an explanation for this.

Another provision in the draft policy that Ramson took issue with, states that the local content plan of the operator can be considered approved if the respective Minister fails to respond to the submission within 21 days.

In this regard, Ramson said, “This type of affair does not happen in any law and it is highly unusual. Quite frankly, it is disturbing that it would be included in the policy to begin with. It makes me question whether the government even read the draft policy. And if they have, it is unbelievable and irresponsible for them to have it remain in the draft policy and be sent to stakeholders.

This is just grossly offensive to Guyanese…”

Ramson stressed that the foregoing issues must be corrected if local companies are to benefit the most from

the oil industry.

NO CONFIDENCE MOTION PASSED AGAINST CHIEF CONSTABLE – COUNCIL RECOMMENDS DISMISSAL By a majority noconfidence motion vote the Mayor and City Councillors (M&CC) of Georgetown expressed their dissatisfaction with the work of Chief Constable, Andrew Foo. The councillors voted to have Foo dismissed from office during a statutory meeting held at City Hall Monday. The mover of the motion, Denroy Tudor, brought a strong case against Foo for which 19 councillors voted in favour, two voted against and three abstained.

During his presentation, Tudor nonetheless requested a recommendation that Foo be terminated from duties with all of his benefits intact and that the recommendation be forwarded to the Local Government Commission, (LGC) for approval. Toward the end of the meeting the Council agreed that the LGC will ultimately have the final say as to whether Foo “stays or goes”.

But before that decision was taken, several councillors

around the horseshoe table at City Hall registered their dissatisfaction at Foo’s conduct as Head of the City Constabulary Department — a unit chiefly responsible for the security of the Council, the residents, commuters and businesses in Georgetown.

Tudor particularly stressed on Foo’s Laissezfaire approach to the work.

According to him, Foo’s actions have had a negative effect on the entire department.

“We have seen what conspires in the constabulary. This lax attitude is not just with Mr. Foo but it has translated to most of the city officers. There is a similar sort of nature that they all reflect.”

The Councillor noted therefore that it is imperative that the Council takes action to ensure that the City Constabulary Department is shifted from a downward trajectory.

VANDALS DISAPPEAR WITH 28 BATTERIES FROM CITY’S TRAFFIC LIGHTS Twenty-eight traffic lights battery units were stolen and the cabinets have been vandalised within Georgetown. According to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, its electrical

engineer has estimated these battery units to amount to approximately $2.5M. The Guyana Police Force is currently investigating the situation.

“The Ministry of Public Infrastructure pleads with citizens to refrain from destroying much needed infrastructure within our city.

Persons are asked to report any act of theft or vandalism to the nearest police station or the Ministry’s Public Relations Department on 2270799 or on Facebook at: Ministry of Public Infrastructure.”

WEDNESDAY MORE WRANGLING OVER ELECTION ISSUES… PPP OBJECTS TO ANY EXTENSION OF PERIOD BETWEEN NOMINATION AND ELECTION DAYS The People’s Progressive Party (PPP), after meeting with the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Tuesday and observing a press statement from GECOM released during the meeting, has objected to what appears to be an extension of the statutory period which separates Nomination Day from Election Day. The press statement is an (Continued on page 42)

PAGE 42

From page 41 unwelcome declaration as all the Courts, in ruling on related issues, have stressed that General and Regional Elections, consequent to the No Confidence Motion of December 21, 2018, must be held in the shortest possible time.

The GECOM press statement sought to explain a report by another section of the media that there is a lengthy gap of 55 days between Election Day and Nomination Day. To put that into perspective, a 32-day gap is provided for by law. The 2015 General and Regional Elections observed a 34-day gap, while the 2011 General and Regional Elections observed a 32-day gap.

The press statement read: “The law is clear that Nominations Day should be no later than 32 days before elections day. Therefore, any time before that number of days, even if it’s 55 days, is acceptable and in conformity with the laws of Guyana.”

It added that the time shift is justifiable, not in breach of any law, and not intended to delay the holding of elections.

To explain how GECOM arrived at that timeline, the press statement noted that, historically, when all lists of candidates were submitted and once no errors for corrections are found, the ballots were sent off to print.

It stated, “As such, some mandatory statutory timelines which took as long as 10 days after Nominations Day were bypassed and the contesting Parties list of candidates were approved and sent off for the production of ballots.”

It added, however, that it was agreed upon, on July 17 last year, by co-Chairs of the Operations sub-committee Sase Gunraj and Charles Corbin, that all statutory timelines must be adhered to.

“This proposal was subsequently presented to and adopted by the full Commission,” the statement read.

So, it stated that the ballots will be printed

Sunday September 15, 2019

Kaieteur News

overseas and the service provider has provided a 21day duration for the printing only.

“Shipping is likely to be 5-7 days which will take us to roughly 28 days.”

Then, when the ballots arrive in Guyana, “there will be a process of extracting ballots to ship overseas to all the Non-Resident Ambassadors to allow for them to vote. This will take as much as 14 days to be completed.”

All things considered, the press statement provided that Nomination Day must be held at least 55 days prior to elections day. It ended with an assurance that GECOM is committed to having elections held within the shortest possible time.

LOW-COST JETBLUE BEGINS NY-GUYANA FLIGHTS FROM APRIL – RETURN TICKETS STARTING AT US$550 Low-cost US carrier, JetBlue, has confirmed coming to Guyana and it will serve on the high-demand New York -Georgetown route.

Tickets began selling Tuesday with one-way starting at US$320 and US$550 for return.

According to JetBlue, in a statement, it is again expanding its large Latin America and Caribbean network with new nonstop service between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Georgetown, Guyana’s Cheddi Jagan International Airport (GEO).

Flights will operate daily on JetBlue’s new A321neo aircraft beginning April 2, 2020, with seats available for purchase in the U.S. starting Tuesday.

“Guyana service introduces a diverse and underserved destination to the JetBlue route map which will benefit both leisure travellers, as well as those visiting friends and relatives,” said Andrea Lusso, director route planning.

“Just as we’ve done in our

South American markets in Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, we’re introducing a new, low fare high-quality choice to travellers in Guyana.”

According to Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson: “The Government of Guyana is delighted to welcome the services of JetBlue to Guyana.”

He said that the introduction of this “immensely popular” low cost carrier will see lower ticket prices to Georgetown and provide travellers with an opportunity to fly on an airline of choice to their favourite destination.

“This agreement with JetBlue is timely and comes on the heels of continued and sustainable growth in several sectors of our economy, including, service, tourism, mining and oil and gas.”

The JetBlue statement described Guyana with pristine beaches in the north, mountain ranges to the west, vast rainforests and neverending savannahs in the south, Guyana has emerged as a playground for adventurists and modern-day explorers.

LOCAL CONTENT POLICY WILL NOT SCARE US – EUROPEAN INVESTORS TELL GUYANA’S CONTINGENT Despite recent assertions

by US Ambassador and CoChair of American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham), SarahAnn Lynch, that recent advocacy for local content

policy and legislation in Guyana could serve to create a situation that would scare away investors, European investors appear to be much more accommodating than their American counterparts (as portrayed by Lynch) of the need for Guyanese to participate fairly in the Petroleum sector.

During a recent press conference co-chaired by the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), President of the Chamber, Nicholas DeygooBoyer, said that his interactions with European companies indicate that they are happy to work with Guyanese as partners.

Deygoo-Boyer recently returned from Aberdeen, Scotland, where he formed part of a local contingent representing Guyana at the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Offshore Europe Conference & Exhibition, a biennial conference focusing on upstream oil and gas.

Chief Executive Officer of GO-Invest, Owen Verwey, said at the conference “There have been some big discoveries and, by next Friday, we will be announcing another one”, but noted cautiously at Tuesday’s press conference that the remit of announcing discoveries is that of the Department of Energy.

Guyana made presentations at the event, including an Energy

Industries Council (EIC) Guyana-specific event, where the contingent met with several companies interested in entering the Guyanese Petroleum market.

Deygoo-Boyer said that a discussion with investors was centred around local content policy, based on the draft received from the Department of Energy.

He noted that, having had a number of meetings during the conference, he “did not find anyone who felt disenchanted, disheartened or uninterested in the market, because there was talk of implementation of a local content policy and, possibly, legislation.”

THURSDAY UNCAPPED INTEREST RATES ON LOANS WILL NO LONGER BE RECOVERABLE FOR FUTURE OIL DEALS – GOVT. SAYS After holding several rounds of discussions, the government has decided to change its approach to the treatment of interests under Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs). In fact, a government document seen by this newspaper specifically states that, “interests would no longer be a recoverable/ deductible expense” by oil companies.

This move would follow recent revelations by this newspaper that the oil deals governing the Orinduik and the Stabroek Blocks allow for the operators to recover uncapped interest rates on loans taken to fund their exploration and development projects.

Kaieteur News had interviewed University of Houston Instructor, Tom Mitro, on this matter and he had categorically stated that this arrangement leaves Guyana open to the abusive use of debt by the operators.

Mitro had stressed that allowing recovery of interest rates, much less uncapped interest rates, is no longer a common practice. If it is allowed, the Consultant

stressed that it is vital to establish strict rules that prevent potential abuse.

Mitro said that the most common rule is setting a maximum debt to equity ratio that effectively limits the borrowing to no more than 60-70% of the capital costs.

Also, Mitro said that these regimes may limit the repayment period of the local computations so that interest is not excessive.

Another common rule the official pointed out is to cap the rate of interest. In this way, Mitro said that governments avoid companies pushing a lot of their corporate debt at inflated rates into the local project merely to obtain cost recovery benefit at the expense of the government.

Mitro said that there have been notable cases of abuse in the absence of rules.

In this regard, he noted that Chevron was accused by the Australian authorities of charging interest to its local affiliate at a rate that was well above actual borrowing rate merely to obtain tax recovery benefits at the expense of Australia.

“So I guess my thoughts with regard to Guyana or any country would be that permitting interest as part of cost recovery should only be considered if there are protective caps built in as noted above. Otherwise, the risks become too great of Guyana ending up inadvertently subsidizing the corporate borrowing of mega companies,” Mitro had said.

FIVE HELD FOR ALLEGED GANG-RAPE OF TEEN – SUSPECTS VIDEO ATTACK, SHARE GRAPHIC IMAGES WITH FRIENDS Police last night confirmed that five youths are in custody for allegedly drugging and raping a teenage girl.

The incident occurred last Saturday night in a Region Five community.

Kaieteur News has also confirmed that the culprits (Continued on page 43)

Sunday September 15, 2019

From page 42 recorded the entire ordeal, and posted the graphic images to their friends.

Police sources said that two of the suspects are related to a member of the Force, and that they have all confessed to “having sex” with the alleged victim. She has been medically examined, and a report was reportedly sent to the office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Wednesday.

The suspects are to be placed on an identification parade today. Sources said that they can be easily identified through the videos that they have posted.

According to an individual close to the case, the teen claimed that she was drugged and taken to an abandoned house by two youths.

About five others reportedly joined them and took turns sexually assaulting their victim.

There are reports that the alleged victim had initially denied that she was sexually assaulted, but by then the suspects had already confessed.

CJIA US$150M RENOVATION…ALL FOUR PASSENGER BRIDGES DOWN The Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) has suspended the use of its four passenger bridges to carry out emergency works in the area. The bridges were key to increase the level of comfort for passengers who are arriving and departing.

Before time, passengers were forced to make the long walk across the tarmac to the planes and to the airport terminal, in rain and sunshine.

According to sources, the decision to suspend the use of the bridges was taken Monday after it was found that the foundation which the structure was standing on was not stable.

It was only a matter of time before the safety of passengers would have been jeopardized, Kaieteur News was told.

Wednesday, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure did not give much details.

It advised that the use of passenger boarding bridges at the CJIA has been temporarily suspended.

“This scheduled suspension is required to facilitate the execution of other works of the Airport Expansion Project. We sincerely apologize for this temporary inconvenience and would like to assure you that works will be done within the shortest time possible. “ In 2011, the outgoing Bharrat Jagdeo

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Kaieteur News

administration inked one of the biggest infrastructural projects for the country.

The US$150M project would have seen a brand new terminal, eight passenger bridges and a longer runway to accommodate wide-body planes.

However, the Coalition Government after an assessment on entering office in 2015 modified the project, without much explanation, keeping the old terminal, gutting it and giving it a facelift.

A smaller building was constructed to house the arrival.

There is no viewing gallery.

The eight bridges have been reduced to four…there is simply not enough space to take more.

FRIDAY DISRESPECT OR LACK OF SUPERVISION? CHINESE CONTRACTORS FOR SHERIFF ST., CJIA HAULED INAFTER MAJOR BREACHES The Chinese contractors involved in two multi-billion infrastructural projects have been hauled in by Government for major breaches. The two projects are the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) expansion and the Sheriff Street/Mandela Avenue upgrades.

The airport project, to the tune of US$150M, has been dragging on since 2011 after it was signed in Jamaica.

The contractor, China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) has been under a cloud for allegedly using its equipment granted under duty free and other concessions, for the airport project, on another location.

The Sheriff Street/ Mandela Avenue upgrade project was awarded to Sinohydro Corporation Limited (China) for over US$31M, in December 2017.

In a rapidly deteriorating condition, the Sheriff/ Mandela link is a critical one that connects the East Coast to the East Bank Demerara, which leads to the Timehri airport.

The Ministry of Public Infrastructure has reportedly been upset with the contractor for delays that saw a late start.

According to officials, this week, the Ministry was up-in-arms with both contractors over a number of issues.

For the airport, the arbitrary decision by CHEC to cut power to four passenger bridges was the last straw.

CHEC remained defiant to have all four bridges down

although the Ministry said it had a plan.

With a few months left before the liability defects period runs out on the bridges, the contractor decided to halt operations of them on Monday citing unsafe ground conditions, which could lead to instability.

The Ministry is, however, reportedly suspicious of the timing of the contractor.

Passengers were forced to once again walk the tarmac, without the comfort of the airconditioned bridges, which are connected to the terminal building.

Thursday, CHEC officials reportedly were summoned to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure where Minister David Patterson conducted a meeting.

The contractor was reportedly told of numerous environmental and other breaches, with the Ministry signaling intentions to seek liquidated damages.

The Ministry is reportedly not buying claims from CHEC that it has busted on the project.

Contacted, Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Jaipaul Sharma, Thursday disclosed that government has taken note of the growing concerns over the execution of projects, including the airport, one that started under the previous administration.

INCREASED REVENUE DUE TO IMPROVED ADMINISTRATION NOT MORE TAXES – GRA BOSS In 2016, revenue collection at the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) stood at $151,745,525,000. But since then, GRA has seen an over 12 percent growth rate with revenue now pegged at $223,582,900,000.

The political opposition has often argued that the foregoing increase is directly linked to the introduction of more taxes. But GRA’s Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia strongly contends that this is a grossly inaccurate perception.

The tax boss noted that the increased collections are due to improvements in tax administration as well as more stringent, equitable and transparent tax policies. He also said that enhanced capacity and capabilities at GRA contributed to same.

Statia asserted that reforms at GRA included a refocused and fortified risk management, a riskbased debt management strategy, full operationalisation of the Large Taxpayers Unit to serve some 243 taxpayers and improved trade facilitation for importers and exporters as a

result of the new operating software for Customs called ASYCUDA. Further to this, the tax boss said that the stamping of alcohol and cigarettes to reduce the incidence of smuggling, and the increase in both the range and quality of services countrywide have enabled the authority to improve its collection.

The Chartered Accountant also pointed out that GRA has actually facilitated the reduction of a number of tax rates as well as introduced several measures to ease the burden on Guyanese.

In this regard, Statia noted that the authority had introduced in 2018, an amnesty programme, which allowed for previously non-compliant individuals and entities to become compliant with no punitive measure for known non-compliance. He said that this had led to a significant amount of revenue in 2019 being current and not disputed or in arrears taxes. The tax boss further argued that this is a direct result of the positive consequence of the amnesty programme.

The Commissioner General also stated that there was no introduction or amendment of any tax type that served to increase the tax burden on the Guyanese population. Conversely, he said that the government’s 2017, 2018, and 2019 budgets included a suite of measures aimed at alleviating the tax burden on the populace.

OPPOSITION PROPOSES RANDOM PLACEMENT OF POLLING DAY STAFF

…TO ENSURE QUALITY CONTROL FOR ELECTORAL PROCESS Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, met with the full commission of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) at the last statutory meeting, and engaged them in several discussions. During a press conference Thursday at his Church Street office, the Opposition Leader said that he proposed to the Commission that it implement a system of random placement for polling day officials to ensure quality control for the electoral process.

“So nobody knows where they’re going, everybody is trained and then you have a system for random placement of polling day officials. So you can’t have a pattern of behaviour.”

Jagdeo said that he raised this issue to ensure that the General and Regional Elections are credible.

He added that the recruitment process for polling day staff has to be transparent, saying that he is distrustful of the Secretariat.

Also pursuant to the holding of credible elections, he proposed having an international presence here on Election day.

“I said to the commission, when I met with them, that we must seek immediately, to have an international presence for quality control… because we need another pair

of eyes.”

He said that the President should also have a vested interest in, and advocate for, international presence.

“President Granger, if he’s concerned about credible elections, how come he’s not making the case that we can get a lot of international help?” Jagdeo asked.

He said that the presence of international actors would safeguard the integrity of several aspects of the system, including the integrity of the voters’ list and the tabulation process. It is also necessary, Jagdeo added, to have those actors develop an independent report on quality control to present to the commission and the various political parties.

Many organisations, such as the Organisation of American States (OAS), the United Nations, the Commonwealth, as well as several bilateral donors, would be willing to assist the Commission in assuring credible elections, Jagdeo said, because they have told him so.

SATURDAY GOVT. INFORMS GECOM OF CURRENT COURT CHALLENGE TO HOUSETO-HOUSE RULING Government’s appeal of Chief Justice Roxanne George’s ruling on the challenge to House-to-House (Continued on page 44)

PAGE 44

From page 43 Registration was one of the matters discussed at a meeting Friday, between the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) coalition.

That and several other aspects of the discussion have drawn the ire of Opposition-nominated Commissioners, who are accusing Government of trying to intimidate the Commission into delaying General and Regional Elections.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, Minister of Public Health and People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Chairwoman, Volda Lawrence, said that Government has been assured that the information from the House-to-House exercise will be used in the upcoming elections. But it doesn’t end there.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, had told reporters on Wednesday “There could be no question of merging the current register with the new register,” as he explained that he intends to file an application for a stay of the effects of the Chief Justice’s ruling, as Government waits for a resolution of its appeal of the ruling.

Government has raised several concerns over the aspect of the Chief Justice’s ruling, which states that persons should not be removed from the list.

According to Commissioner Charles Corbin, the Attorney General explained this matter to Justice Singh at Friday’s meeting, at her request, as she had sought clarity on what exactly Government intends to achieve from the challenge.

Corbin told Kaieteur News that the meeting was very amicable.

But Commissioners Sase Gunraj, Robeson Benn and Bibi Shadick, are now accusing Government of trying to intimidate GECOM. A press statement from the three Commissioners reads “It seems as though he [Williams] wants to delay the holding of elections until the hearing of this matter, possibly by the Caribbean Court of Justice.”

In a telephone interview with Kaieteur News Friday night, Gunraj explained that the meeting happened very abruptly, as it wasn’t scheduled until after the Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, and his delegation met with GECOM. He also said that the large delegation of nine ministers likely means it was their intention to intimidate.

Kaieteur News

Sunday September 15, 2019

NATURALRESOURCE FUND… PRIVATE SECTOR COMMISSION LOOKING TO DIASPORA FOR NOMINEE The Private Sector Commission (PSC) is looking to the diaspora to find its nominee for the Public Accountability and Oversight Committee, tasked with overlooking the operationalisation of the Natural Resource Fund.

Passed in January, the Natural Resource Fund Act lists two committees that are to ensure it is managed properly: the Public Accountability and Oversight Committee and the Investment Committee.

During a presentation of the mid-year report last month, Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, in response to questions about the country’s progression to First Oil, told members of the media that Government had sent out letters to all entities that will play a part in the fund, and that it had received from most of them, either notice of their nominee, or notice that they’re working toward naming someone.

Otherwise, he had said that Government still needs to receive nominees for two entities; the PSC and the Opposition, respectively.

The Opposition has rejected the opportunity to name any bodies. When asked about its reason for rejection during a recent press conference, Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, had said that it has differences with Government that are “more fundamental than just sitting on the body.”

He contends that the Natural Resource Fund Act was passed during a period when the Government was illegal (following the December 21, 2018 No Confidence Motion), and that that means it’s illegal. He further stated that the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) would win the next General and Regional Elections, and that it would – in no time – put all the necessary provisions in place to ensure Guyana’s readiness for oil, including a repeal and replacement of the current Natural Resource Fund in a very short period.

Of the PSC, Minister Jordan said “We have sent out letters to the PSC and they have not even favoured us with a response as to whether they are going to name their people to the different committees or not.”

The Minister had said that the accounts will be opened, but that the operationalisation of the fund would be hampered by the refusal of certain entities to name their committee members.

In a recent telephone interview with PSC Chairman, Gerry Gouveia, Kaieteur News was informed that the

Commission is currently working on naming a nominee.

The Chair noted that the Natural Resource Fund requires persons of a certain standard to perform the functions of the various committees, and provided that the PSC has resorted to looking overseas for capable candidates. Gouveia refuted any insinuation that the PSC may not have been cooperative with Government’s efforts to operationalise the fund.

HIGH COURT REVERSES ROYSTON KING’S DISMISSAL AS TOWN CLERK - DECLARES CITY HALL COI UNLAWFUL Declaring that the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) which recommended that Royston King be sacked as Town Clerk is null, void and of no legal effect, Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall on Friday ruled that the Local Government Commission (LGC) acted unlawfully in dismissing him from the post.

According to King’s lawyers, Maxwell Edwards and Patrice Henry while the judge refused to grant an order reinstating him to the post, the judge’s rulings means that King remains Town Clerk with the status quo being of September 21, 2018 when he was ordered to proceed on administrative leave.

His lawyers said that King is

still entitled to all the benefits that come with the post.

The Judge awarded costs to King in the sum of $200,000.

Reacting to the ruling, King told reporters, “I give thanks to God and my lawyers whose advice I am being guided by and to all the people who cared and reached out to me during this hard time.”

Asked whether he would return to the post, King said, “I will be guided by the advice of my lawyers.”

He, nevertheless, stated he is very happy with the court ruling and has always exercised confidence in the court system.

“Today, justice has been done and I have been vindicated,” King added. He says he now welcomes any lawful investigation the LGC wishes to undertake.

Following a CoI held from September 24 to November 30, 2018, and headed by retired Judge Cecil Kennard, King was cited for gross misconduct, abuse of office, recklessness, dishonesty, conspiracy, and misappropriation of funds.

Among the recommendations made by the CoI was for King to be dismissed.

King was sent on administrative leave, and subsequently had his services terminated. In ruling that the setting up, investigations, findings and recommendations of the CoI are null, void and of no legal effect, Justice MorrisRamlall held that the LGC had no

authority under the law to delegate its investigatory powers to a CoI, which does not form part of the LGC or the local government body.

While the Judge said that the LGC is permitted under the relevant laws to delegate its investigatory powers, such powers have to be assigned to a body within the LGC. King’s lawyers had described Justice Kennard as a stranger since he is not a member of the Local government Organ, a staff or employee, as outlined in the Local Government Commission Act. The Judge said that the LGC misconstrued itself when it formed the view that Sections 14 and 19 of the Local Government Commission Act and Article 79 of the Constitution of Guyana gave it the power to transfer its investigatory powers to an outside body. Section 14 of the Local Government Commission Act specifically deals with investigations by the commission.

CORENTYNE MOTHER ON TRIAL FOR ACCESSORY TO MURDER Lalita Bollers, 45 of Lot 1E Ramphal Street, Corentyne, Berbice, is on trial before Justice Priya Sewnarine Beharry and a mixed jury, on a charge of being an accessory in the murder of a security guard.

It is alleged that she received and comforted her son Carlos Bollers, and Yuvraj Singh, knowing that they had murdered Munesh Prem Ayasammy Munien, called ‘Tad,’ in the course of a robbery.

This allegedly happened on Sunday, April 1, 2018.

Prosecutor Mandel Moore is presenting the state’s case. Attorney at Law Tanya Warren Clements is appearing for the accused.

On Saturday, March 31, 2018, Munien’s body was found at the back of the Sukhram General and Agro Chemicals Store, at Rose Hall Town Public Road. He was employed there as the night guard. The body reportedly bore a gaping wound to the throat, head and other parts of his body. A large quantity of cash was reportedly missing from the store.

After investigation a number of persons including Carlos Bollers and Yuvraj Singh were taken into custody.

Further investigation led police to the home of Laita Bollers, where they reportedly recovered some money and other materials. She, along with the Carlos Bollers and Singh, were charged with the crime.

The woman was subsequently charged with accessory after the fact.

The Prosecution is expected to call 10 witnesses.

Sunday September 15, 2019

Enetworks to air all CPL matches The Caribbean Premier League kicked off at the Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain in Trinidad on September 4, last.

That match and all the others to come will be aired on Enetworks.

Below is a list of the dates and the respective matches.

September 15, Sunday Match 12- Jamaica Tallawahs vs Barbados Tridents (Jamaica) Local Time- 12:00, IST- 22:30 (Same Day) Match 13- St Kitts and Nevis Patriots vs St Lucia Zouks (St Kitts) Local Time- 17:00, IST- 2:30 (September 16) September 17, Tuesday Match 14- St Kitts and Nevis Patriots vs Trinbago Knight Riders (St Kitts) Local Time- 18:00, IST- 3:30 (September 18) September 18, Wednesday Match 15- Jamaica Tallawahs vs Guyana Amazon Warriors (Jamaica) Local Time- 19:00, IST- 5:30 (September 19) September 19, Thursday Match 16- Jamaica Tallawahs vs St Kitts and Nevis Patriots (Jamaica) Local Time- 19:00, IST- 5:30 (September 20) September 20, Friday Match 17- St Lucia Zouks vs Barbados Tridents (St Lucia) Local Time- 20:00, IST- 5:30 (September 21) September 21, Saturday Match 18- St Lucia Zouks vs Trinbago Knight Riders (St Lucia) Local Time- 20:00, IST- 5:30 (September 22) September 22, Sunday Match 19- Barbados Tridents vs Guyana Amazon Warriors (Barbados) Local Time- 18:00, IST- 3:30 (September 23) September 23, Monday Match 20- Barbados Tridents vs Jamaica Tallawahs (Barbados) Local Time- 18:00, IST- 3:30 (September 24) September 24, Tuesday Match 21- St Lucia Zouks vs St Kitts and Nevis Patriots (St Lucia) Local Time- 18:00, IST- 3:30 (September 25) September 25, Wednesday Match 22- St Lucia Zouks vs Guyana Amazon Warriors (St Lucia) Local Time- 18:00, IST- 3:30 (September 26) September 26, Thursday Match 23- Barbados Tridents vs Trinbago Knight Riders (Barbados) Local Time- 18:00, IST- 3:30 (September 27) September 27, Friday Match 24- St Lucia Zouks vs Jamaica Tallawahs (St Lucia) Local Time- 20:00, IST- 5:30 (September 28) September 28, Saturday Match 25- Barbados Tridents vs St Kitts and Nevis Patriots (Barbados) Local Time- 20:00, IST- 5:30 (September 29) September 29, Sunday Match 26- Barbados Tridents vs St Lucia Zouks (Barbados) Local Time- 18:00, IST- 3:30 (September 30) September 30, Monday Match 27- Trinbago Knight Riders vs Guyana Amazon Warriors (Trinidad) Local Time- 19:00, IST- 4:30 (October 1) October 02, Wednesday Match 28- Trinbago Knight Riders vs Barbados Tridents (Trinidad) Local Time- 19:00, IST- 4:30 (October 3) October 03, Thursday Match 29- Guyana Amazon Warriors vs Jamaica Tallawahs (Guyana) Local Time- 18:00, IST- 3:30 (October 4) October 04, Friday Match 30- Guyana Amazon Warriors vs Trinbago Knight Riders (Guyana) Local Time- 20:00, IST- 5:30 (October 5) October 06, Sunday Qualifier 1 – 1st v 2nd Eliminator – 3rd v 4th October 10, Thursday Qualifier 2- Winner of Eliminator v Loser of Qualifier 1 (Trinidad) Local Time- 19:00, IST- 4:30 (October 11) October 12, Saturday Final- Winner of Qualifier 1 v Winner of Qualifier 2 (Trinidad) Local Time- 17:00, IST- 2:30 (October 13) (The Caribbean Premier League is an annual Twenty20 cricket tournament held in the Caribbean. It was created in 2013 and replaced the Caribbean Twenty20 as the premier Twenty20 competition in the Caribbean. It is currently sponsored by Hero MotoCorp and consequently officially named the Hero CPL. The inaugural tournament was won by the Jamaica Tallawahs who defeated the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the final.)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 45

Wine of the week...

Magnum Tonic Wine presents

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Tek Charge Tuesdays

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at White Castle Fish Shop The Brand Managers for the Magnum Tonic Wine are elated for you to join them for their “Tek Charge Tuesday” event which will be held at the White Castle Fish shop.

There will be Magnum specials all night long, the details of which will be provided by the Magnum vixens.

Music will be presented by the Determined Family sound system. Be sure to link a crew for this weekly celebration. See you there.

PAGE 48

Kaieteur News

Sunday September 15, 2019

Benefits of Tamarind for your Health

Let’s be honest. Everyone looks to stay healthy and good looking without losing the good taste of life. Even though integral wellness is a wonderful achievement that makes you happy once you find it and keep it, if we use healthy and delicious foods in our routine to improve our quality of life with tasty choices, it’s going to be easier to keep those changes, not as a part of a diet but as a lifestyle.

Tamarind is a fruit from the family of the legumes, and its tree grows in tropical and subtropical areas. It has several names but the word Tamarind means ‘Indian date’. It has been largely used in India and also around the world because of its flavor and multiple benefits for health.

Here next we bring to you the 10 most important facts about its properties.

NUTRIENTS At first, let’s be clear about which nutrients are the most abundant in tamarind to understand better its multiple effects. In parenthesis the percentage of recommended daily intake in 100 gr of tamarind: · Calcium (7%) · Iron (20%) · Vitamin C (6%) · Vitamin A (1%) · Potassium (13%) · Niacin (12%) · Phosphorus (16%) · Magnesium (23%) · Dietary fiber (13%) CONSTIPATION AND DIARRHEA In folk medicine the laxative effects of tamarind are pretty well known, being maybe the most important use given by ancient cultures from India to Africa. Because of its important (but not excessive) content of dietary fiber, potassium and tartaric acid, it promotes defecation in those people with chronic constipation. In case of diarrhea, it’s suggested to use the leaves of the tamarind plant in infusions.

INFLAMMATION Once again, not only the fruit but also tamarind leaves are a great alternative against inflammatory processes, as acute as also those named low grade inflammation (chronic), being this last one

a very important cause of the most of chronic diseases.

Maybe the effect isn’t the most notorious or important from tamarind benefits. but it will be useful to add tamarind juice or teas (using no sugar or honey if needed) for your daily routine.

GOOD ANTISEPTIC This is another of the oldest uses given to tamarind in history, as it has proved to be a great ally against an important disease in tropical zones: malaria. It also works against menaces from viruses, fungus and infections like Aspergillus niger, Escherichia coli, Kelbsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella typhi, among others.

CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH This fruit is very rich in flavonoids and polyphenols, which are excellent for controlling the levels of HDLLDL (“good” and “bad” cholesterol) and triglycerides in blood. Its seed has also shown a relevant modulatory effect on the immune system, which helps controlling cholesterol levels but also balances your defenses and its impact on your cardiovascular system1.

PROTECTION FOR YOUR LIVER One of the most affected organs in our system due to modern lifestyle is the liver. It has a crucial role on detoxification and digestion, and it’s mandatory to help him as much as possible.

Tamarind could be a great choice to take care of the liver and should be taken as regular food in case of liver toxicity induced by alcohol or non-alcoholic fatty liver conditions.

It’s also important to remind that in order to receive the benefits of these and other natural remedies, it’s mandatory not to mix them with refined sugar and allergens like gluten and dairy products (in case you use tamarind for desserts), as this kind of ingredients produce immune reactions –in celiac and lactose intolerants and also in normal people- that won’t allow the body to absorb the benefits of tamarind and other healthy foods.

Sunday September 15, 2019

Kaieteur News

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PAGE 50

Kaieteur News

Sunday September 15, 2019

Xenophobia and...

From page 34 to temporarily lodge Haitian workers.

In the bigger picture though, successive Bahamian governments have been urged by their constituents to 'do something' about the Haitian situation in places like The Mudd and Pigeon Peas, and have made intermittent promises to get rid of Abaco's shanty towns. Now some are saying that Hurricane Dorian may have done what the government failed to do, but as Sieff alluded in his article, the country may lose the tourism and investment dollars from Baker's Bay, since there will be no, or few, Haitians left to help rebuild it. Some Bahamians don't seem to mind.

Last week, I quoted a Bahamian lady's outburst concerning rumoured looting and shooting in Marsh Harbour after the passage of Dorian. A male compatriot's contribution to Haitian xenophobic hatred was his disbelief that some Haitians and their 'clapboard house' had actually survived the hurricane after being submerged in its storm-surge waters. He suggested that this may have been due to them practicing 'voodoo and obeah' and asked plaintively, “You mean the hurricane can't kill them – they still there?

In the aftermath of Dorian, Bahamian notions of pride, its relative insularity with respect to other Caribbean nations, and its vulnerability to Mother Nature's wrath, have also been exposed. Still one of the wealthiest per capita nations in the region, it is now accepting aid from countries around the world, including some Caricom

member states it had seemingly distanced itself from.

(Bahamian Prime Minister Hubert Minnis recently reiterated that his country still does not, and will not, support the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME)'s free movement of people.

Th e B a h a m a s w i l l eventually recover from Dorian's destructive passage over its northern islands, but it will be a long and drawn-out operation, especially for Abaconians, and to a lesser extent, Grand Bahamians. For Mudd and Pigeon Peas survivors, illegal Haitian immigrants, and maybe Haitian-Bahamians too, it could be the end of a fitful dream to fully integrate into Bahamian society and the start, or continuation, of a waking nightmare. The realization of what actually happened still hasn't registered for some, and it may be months before the full social and economic impact is felt and analyzed. It is sure to hit illegal Haitian immigrants hardest.

The Haitian dilemma in The Bahamas may be just an average blip on the screen of global xenophobia, but as we say here in Guyana 'those who feel it know it'. I have lived in The Bahamas, and I have seen and heard it. Saying it isn't nice is putting it mildly. Pray for all the victims of 'misplaced' xenophobia wherever it occurs, but make a special entreaty for Haitian immigrants in The Bahamas.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper)

Handmaiden to the...

From page 24 world that had just emerged from World War II. It was a world in which CARICOM countries, except for Haiti, were all colonies, as were the majority of countries of Asia, Africa and the Pacific.

The United States was the rising, but dominant, power of the Americas, and Canada was still a dominion of the British Crown. Cuba was in thrall to mafia outfits from the US, and Latin American countries were ruled by undemocratic juntas for the most part.

It is nothing short of shameful that a handful of countries would invoke a 72-year-old, outdated treaty in today's world to try to accomplish the crushing of a government t h e y d i s l i k e . To d a y, Venezuela; tomorrow who, and to serve whose interests?

Equally, it continues to be deeply disturbing that, at the OAS, a minority of states make and impose decisions that wreck the organization's

institutional foundations and reduces it to a weapon for the interests of a few.

Peace and security is increasingly endangered in the hemisphere, as is the relevance of the OAS as set out in the obligations of its Charter: “to achieve an order of peace and justice, to promote their solidarity, to strengthen their collaboration, and to defend their sovereignty, their territorial integrity, and their independence”.

(The writer is Ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda to the United States and the Organization of American States. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London and at Massey College in the University of Toronto. The views expressed are entirely his own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper) Responses and previous c o m m e n t a r i e s : www.sirronaldsanders.com)

Sunday September 15, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 51

We need strong gov't, opposition, Chasing Answers - A True Story... civil society and citizens batting...

From page 35 upheld.

The PPP when in opposition condemned the privatisation and investment policies of the PNC administration, accusing that administration of issuing sweetheart deals, and campaigned on a commitment that a PPP government would cease such practice. Evidence will show acts to the contrary, as in investment deals with the bauxite industry in Berbice and Linden, Bai Shan Lin in forestry, the Chinese and Russian in the gold and diamond industry, etc.

Neither is their certainty the coalition grouping can return to office and/or move to expand the announced incremental change.

I t c a n n o t b e underestimated the lack of trust in society. Mistrust is at the point where some feel despite public commitment given by the opposition should it form the next government, contracts will not be re-negotiated. On the other hand, coalition supporters feel if their group

is not elected to government, they stand the chance of not benefiting from any resources of the state. The machination of the politicians in this society is contributing to heightening divisions and tension a m o n g s t t h e d i ff e r e n t races/groups, a challenge we must confront head-on as one.

We n e e d s u r e t y supported by law that would safeguard us, regardless of which party or group secures the Executive and/or Parliament. We require laws be passed with the support of more than a simple majority.

The approach will facilitate an inclusionary approach to governance as stipulated in Article 13. For our form of governance to be effective it necessitates engagement, negotiation and approval by all sides. This stands to eliminate/minimise decadesold reservations amongst the people that their elected representatives cannot rise above partisan interest.

As we proceed in this environment, conduct must never give rise to Guyana

ruing the day announcing a date for election in violation of the Constitution, requiring at least the vote of two-thirds of all the elected members of the National Assembly, to extend the period consistent with the proviso “or such longer period” as stipulated in Article 106 (7).

Likewise, we must not regret holding an election in the absence of a Local Content Policy and law with strong checks and balances to protect us, our natural resources, environment and sovereignty.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper)

From page 38 therapeutic comfort to drink.” He speaks of his Jamaican nanny in hagiographic terms – “her warmth, her honey tympanic voice, wholesome food and healing abilities.”

Urken's handwashing, his "go-to-refuge" was a result of a turbulent household. This ritualized behaviour was his way [of making] order out of entropy,” his ego defence.

Another Mother,' though, is more than an encomium. Urken, haunted by memories of his 'other mother' finds meaning in Jamaica.

Some memories are stored deep within, ever resurfacing. They can wreak havoc or become the reservoir of healing. Urken experiences the latter, a salve for his (psychological) splitting. It is in the entrails of Jamaica that Urken finds his poise and inner tranquility. It is at Dezna's gravesite and among friends, 'family,' and community that he soars, at last experiencing a kind of Confucian

Transcendence. Unpretentiously soulful, 'Another Mother' speaks to our filial piety.

Urken's psychoanalytic recount is unsettling.

He lays bare his neuroses rooted in a fractured self. His becomes an enduring search for an identity beyond culture, and Dezna, emerges as the cornerstone of this transformative journey. Conjuring Victor Frankl's 'will to meaning,' Urken reconciles his binary existence, finding wholeness, finally.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper) Feedback: glenvilleashby@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter@glenvilleashby Another Woman by Ross Kenneth Urken © 2019 Ross Kenneth Urken Publisher: Ian Randle Publishers, Kingston and Miami . ISBN: 10:9768286040 Available at Amazon Ratings: Highly recommended

Kaieteur News

PAGE 52

Sunday September 15, 2019

Visa Requirements for Bahamas Citizens Coming to U.S.

By Attorney Gail S. Seeram

T

he U.S. Embassy in Nassau is open for emergency visa appointments and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Ports of Entry are prepared, should Bahamians request to temporarily relocate to the United States.

The U.S. Embassy in Nassau is located at 42 Queen St, Nassau, The Bahamas and the phone number is 242322-1181.

All travelers applying for admission to the United States via air or sea must meet the following document requirements for admission to ensure a lawful

and orderly arrival to the United States.

1. Bahamians must be in possession of a valid, unexpired passport or a Bahamian Travel Document listing nationality as Bahamian. All other travelers arriving from the Bahamas (U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, and individuals of other nationalities) must possess a valid, unexpired government–issued passport.

2. Bahamians arriving to the United States by vessel must be in possession of a valid passport AND valid travel visa.

3. Detailed information on all visa application

requirements and processes, as well as a step-by-step guide to visa applications for Bahamians, can be found at https://bs.usembassy.gov/vi sas/nonimmigrant-visas.

4. Bahamian citizens may apply for admission to the United States without a visa at one of the CBP Preclearance facilities located in Nassau or Freeport International Airports, IF they meet the following requirements: a) Be traveling on a flight that CBP completes immigration and customs inspections in Nassau or Freeport. (*Note – Bahamians traveling on to another country and expecting to transit the

United States on their return will need a visa); b) Be in possession of a valid, unexpired passport or a Bahamian Travel Document listing nationality as Bahamian; c) Have no criminal record nor any legal ineligibility or inadmissibility as defined by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services; d) Be traveling for business or pleasure (tourism, visiting relatives, shopping, etc.) purposes for a short duration; e) All persons 14 years of age and older must be in possession of a police certificate issued within the past six months; f) Bahamians traveling through the United States to a third country must possess a valid visa for return travel through the U.S. The bottom line is that all

travelers must possess government-issued identity documents, such as passports. All travelers who arrive directly to a U.S. Port of Entry by air or sea must possess a U.S. visitor's visa.

Tr a v e l e r s w h o w o u l d otherwise qualify for the Visa Waiver Program and who travel by air from a CBP Preclearance facility in Freeport or Nassau may not need a U.S. visitor's visa.

OTHER DETAILS CBP Port Directors may use discretion and will consider all exigent circumstances on a case by case basis, in accordance with existing laws and regulations.

The American Red Cross and the Salvation Army continue to also work with local Florida governments to address any needs of evacuees who seek temporary relocation in the

Gail S. Seeram United States.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper) Attorney Gail Seeram, LL.M., J.D., BBA call | text 407-292-7730 whatsApp 407-353-1363 e m a i l : Gail@GailLaw.com l i v e c h a t : www.GailLaw.com Download FREE App: Gail Law Copyright © Law Offices of Gail S. Seeram, 2019. All Rights Reserved.

Sunday September 15, 2019

PAGE 53

Kaieteur News

Attorney-at-Law

Ronald Daniels

From page 22 the country's best attorneys. He shared that Hughes is “very down to earth and humble, and a really nice person.”

The dedicated lawyer confessed, “Ever since I met him (Hughes), I have always looked up to him. He is very approachable. Working with him has been a remarkable experience.

You don't feel as though you are working with someone who is lording over you.”

Further, the dreadlocked Daniels intimated, “His (Hughes') knowledge base is second to none; it's amazing how he has this profound command of so many legal areas and is still on top of the political scene as well… I wouldn't urge anyone to envy him for what he has accomplished, because the work he puts in is definitely deserving of that output.

He invests heavily in developing the human capital of the firm, and contributes generously in a material way to the wider society.

He sees his gifts as an instrument of service to those who cannot afford legal representation and he cultivates the culture of service at the firm.”

LONG OVERDUE Weighing in on a recent decision by government to offer

is a 'Special Person' full scholarships to qualifying students to attend HWLS, Daniels said, “This is long overdue… And I can tell you from my own experience, once you don't have the resources, it puts you in a really prejudiced position, because you are unable to progress, not due to lack of talent, but due to lack of resources.

And it is not easy being a foreign student in an unfamiliar territory without the resources to progress.

It can cause you psychological, emotional and other distress. It is not easy for students under those circumstances”.

With Guyana set to become an oil-producing nation next year, Daniels is of the view that more lawyers, more so competent ones, will be required.

In this regard, he said that the scholarship offer is a good idea once it is applied in compliance with the criteria set out. Added to that, he hopes that “the selection process for the scholarships is transparent and free from discrimination.”

“It would really assist some people who have been having challenges accessing this type of funding, and I could only hope that they would increase the scope of it.”

Keeping on a similar area of discussion, Daniels is also advocating for Guyana to get its very own law school.

He said, “This is something that I am really optimistic that the government of the day would focus on getting off the ground, because it can ease the burden on lots of our

prospective attorneys. It can also be a revenue earner for the country.”

“The last time I checked, and even in my time, HWLS was virtually overpopulated and the numbers were swelling on every admission.

So, some of that spill-over from Hugh Wooding and possibly from the other two sister law schools (Norman Manley Law School in Jamaica and the Eugene Dupuch Law School in the Bahamas) we can absorb, and if the access to our law school is competitive, we may even be able to siphon off some of the people who would ordinarily opt to go there.”

OTHERS' IMPRESSION OF DANIELS Local Columnist, Freddie Kissoon, wrote of Daniels when he was called to the local Bar, “He is a quiet but committed Guyanese; committed to justice, rights and the values that hold civilisation together.

Young Guyanese need to listen to this delivery (referring to his address to the Madam Justice George upon his admission to the Bar).

It tells of the journey of a young man from a depressed economy who went from one menial job to another, but the dream of being somebody in this life was the mental engine that drove him on. At the end of his speech, he promised to dedicate his life to the cause of human rights. Do we have another Nigel Hughes, another Khemraj Ramjattan in Ronald Daniels? I hope so.”

Posing with his mentor, Nigel Hughes Innumerable persons across the country and the Diaspora anticipate his comments on topical legal and political issues, and profess enjoyment of his witty short stories and thought-provoking poetry.

WHAT MATTERS Daniels' face lit up when he said that, “I always look forward to spending time with my wife and children. They are my crew. Also spending time with my mother…once I get that

opportunity.

That opportunity is a really coveted opportunity for me.”

But the bulk of his time is spent working, if not professionally, working in the sense of trying to assist his countrymen in understanding many legal and political issues.

This he said is, “So that they can be better informed, and they can be guided when they are making decisions which would affect them and their children's children.”

PAGE 54

Kaieteur News

Sunday September 15, 2019

Sunday September 15, 2019

PAGE 55

Kaieteur News

Forum held to empower men to stand up against domestic violence

By Trishan Craig

A

ccording to reports, women, more than men, have been on the receiving end of instances of domestic violence. But such acts are no less hurtful when perpetrated against men.

Against this backdrop, a group of men have initiated a movement aimed at empowering others to speak out on being victims of domestic violence against men and women.

This was seen as essential since oftentimes societies do not see the factors leading up to acts of violence. Take for example if a woman slaps a man to the face, society usually expects him to be the bigger person and simply walk away.

He is expected to be strong enough to take it. However, forgotten in the equation is the fact that an offence was committed in which the man was assaulted.

At a recent forum, it was amplified that many men are

suffering in silence. The panelists at the forum were men who had themselves experienced domestic violence.

They shared their experiences of being co n s t a n t l y n a g g e d a t , embarrassed or blamed for not being able to meet a need of their partner. A participant at the forum spoke of experiencing physical abuse.

As a result of their experiences, the men have made it clear that women too are perpetrators, aggressors

and abusers in cases of domestic violence.

According to them, these are some factors that can cause a man to react in ways that can end in an undesirable manner. This is certainly not acceptable and the men made this pellucid.

Moreover, the forum sought to empower men to deliberately strive to take control of their response even when they are provoked to anger.

Furthermore, a call was made for male victims of

domestic violence to reach out for help in much the way women do.

According to one of the panelist, when it comes to the social issue at hand, the figures are somewhat inaccurate, because men are far less likely to report cases of abuse or domestic violence at the hands of women.

The men also considered the fact that there have been reported instances where women were not entirely accurate in their reporting of domestic violence. It was disclosed that because men are viewed as the stronger

gender when a report of domestic violence is reported, the word of the reporting woman is often taken as gospel.

Debbie Houston, who is a psychologist, said that, “Men who are victims of domestic violence are laughed at, seen as weak and not taken seriously. Quite often because of shame, they do not even report their experiences.�

She added, “Our young men are suffering inside because a lot of times, it is not their fault. However, I'm not saying they shouldn't pay (continued on page 56)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 56

g .. n i t s. s re ure e t t In rea C

T

he white-flanked a n t w r e n (Myrmotherula axillaris) is a passerine bird in the antbird family.

The subspecies M. a. luctuosa, the silvery-flanked antwren, is sometimes split as a full species.

It is a resident breeder in tropical Central and South America from El Salvador and Honduras south to Amazonian Bolivia and southern Brazil, and on Trinidad.

The white-flanked antwren is found throughout the entire Amazon Basin as well as to the southeast in the adjacent Tocantins-Araguaia River drainage, and then in disjunct groups on the southeast coast of Brazil; it also ranges through the Guyanas on the northeast of South America to Pacific and Caribbean coastal regions of Ecuador, Colombia, and

Sunday September 15, 2019

White-flanked Antwren

(Myrmotherula axillaris)

Venezuela; also, the entire eastern Venezuela Orinoco River grouping is part of the northern Amazon range. The northern Andes cordillera bifurcates the Central American and coastal groups of the northwest from the Amazonian range.

The white-flanked antwren is typically 10.7 cm long, and weighs 8.1 g. The adult male has dark grey upperparts, black underparts, and black wings with bars of white spots. The flanks and underwings are white.

The female and immature male have brown upperparts, yellowish-buff underparts and weakly barred rufous wings. Her flanks and underwings are white, much like the male.

Males of the distinctive western race M. a. melaena have black upperparts and underparts, and the female is darker than nominate M. a.

axillaris.

This is a common and confiding bird of primary and second growth forest, usually found in small groups.

The female lays two purple-marked white eggs, which are incubated by both sexes for 16 days to hatching, in a small plant fibre and dead leaf cup nest low in a tree or shrub.

The white-flanked antwren feeds on small insects and other arthropods taken from twigs and foliage in the lower branches of trees.

It has a queep whistle followed by a trilled trrrrrr.

M. a. melaena has a two note call, naa-who and a whistled descending pee pee pee-peepee-pee-pee-puu-puu call.

Given the differences in plumage and vocalisations, the two forms may possibly be different species.

(Source: Wikipedia)

Forum held to empower men...

From page 55 for their violent behaviours, but when you learn of the things that lead up to their actions you're able to understand.”

The psychologist recommended that more time should be spent with young men educating them to have a sense of mindfulness. Mindfulness is the process of bringing one's attention to experiences occurring in the present moment. According to Houston, a simple start to mindfulness is meditations sessions in schools so that persons can know how to express themselves. This in turn would help persons to better understand how to deal with situations affecting them.

From her encounters, Houston indicated that abusers feel an intense anger, especially towards society.

Without help being extended to such a person, that person may feel as though society owes them something and they act out, Houston added.

H o w e v e r, t h e psychologist stressed that such persons are in need of support to help them understand that society doesn't owe them anything and it is up to them to rise up against their situation and do what is best.

Houston also called for more forums to reach out to men even as she suggested that such events should be chaired by persons who can speak from experience so that they can effectively

relate and empower the men to move away from a norm of domestic violence.

On the other hand, for youngsters, she spoke of the possibility of boot-camps to change their mind-set about domestic violence.

“Training should be provided to these persons and in the end use those same persons to train the newcomers,” said the psychologist as she added, “this can give the individual the opportunity to better their view of the matter.”

In closing she said, “It's an emotional thing however that a victim must want to take heed to the help given.

If you personally don't want to see change in your situation nothing will change.”

Sunday September 15, 2019

PAGE 57

Kaieteur News

La Parfaite Harmonie officially handed over to local authority

Residents of La Parfaite Harmonie gathered to witness the handing over of the community to the Neighbourhood Democratic Council, (NDC).

The La Parfaite Harmonie community has been officially handed over to the Malgre Tout/Meer Zorgen Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) from the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA).

This means that the NDC now has full responsibility for the upkeep of the community and the wellbeing of the

residents who will soon be paying rates and taxes.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), to hand over the community, was signed by Chairman of the NDC, Dolis Eadies and CHPA Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Lelon Saul in the presence of Minister within the Ministry of Communities, with responsibility for Housing, Annette Ferguson.

This event was held at the La Parfaite Harmonie Primary School.

The communities handed over were Westminster, Phase one and two, La Parfaite Harmonie, Phase one and two, Recht-door-Zee, Phase one and two, Onderneeming, Phase one and two and Schoonard, Phase one and two.

Minister Ferguson said

that with the handing over of the community to the NDC, there should be massive development in the community. However, she noted that for the NDC to effectively execute their duties, the residents need to also play their part.

“Many of us do not like to hear about taxes but we have to face the reality. For us to enjoy basic services,

Chairman of the Neighbourhood Democratic Council, (NDC), Dolis Eadies, and Central Housing and Planning Authority’s (CHPA), Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Lelon Saul, signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to officially hand over the community. that of a healthy environment, a healthy community, maintenance of our roads… it is your responsibility to work closely with your NDC to ensure that they execute their mandate, as governed by law… we must work collectively,” the Minister underscored.

However, the Minister noted that the government will ensure that all the

infrastructural works that began under the CHPA are completed.

“Despite the formal handing over of the community, to the NDC, the Central Housing and Planning Authority will still play its part in guaranteeing that the basic infrastructure is upgraded,” the Minister assured.

Continued on page 64

PAGE 60

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1 bedroom fully furnished apartment in Providence. 2 & 3 bedrooms apartments at Diamond. Fully Furnished. Contact# 682-6238/617-2666

Lorry Driver,Male and Female Factory workers.Apply in Person to R.P’s Enterprise Area ‘K’ Le Ressouvenir ECD 220-2818.

Self contain rooms for working couple/single person $32,000 monthly,light & water.

Lodge. Call: 623-0076 2 months security

Live-in couple for Essequibo Resort, Boatdriving, maintenance, housekeeping.

Tel#225-3557

Upscale (2) bedroom apartment,short or long term, more info. Call: 225-1418/6250266/601-1585

Male/Female, Office clerk.

Office Management skills.

Quickbooks, N.I.S, Payee, Computer, Driving, Customer service necessary. Tel#6414693

3 bedroom apartment (1 master room) to rent in Providence EBD, unfurnished $85,000, Semi furnished $140,000. Contact# 648-0353

1 male to work on Chicken farm in the interior. Must have experience in Chicken farming.

Contact# 680-2702

Wanted land to buy in Parfaite Harmonie anywhere in Zeelugt and Tuchen Tel# 6976311

4 bedroom newly built house 5th Avenue Diamond EBD. Fully grilled, hot & cold water system $210,000 Neg. #6963915

Wanted:Evening and day worker, female housekeeper.Age 35-50 yrs.Call:678-5206.

Newtown Kitty, Daycare, Lessons or Hair Salon. #6573274

Graphic & web designer.

Experienced only. Call #6288944/718-845-2700/email: SPECTRUMIMAGING32 @GMAIL.COM

1314 Golden Grove H/S EBD, Upper flat, 3 bedroom.

Contact#619-4490 Office & Business space to rent, High street, Georgetown.

Contact Ray’s Realty #6279685

30 acres of lease land for sale 10 minutes off the Linden Soesdyke Highway, Yarrowkabra. Contact#6690554/630-4673

Eccles (Single & Double lots) , Providence EBD, Enterprise & Paradise ECD Contact Ray’s Realty #627-9685

DRESSMAKING

Sunday September 15, 2019

Kaieteur News

One experience Driver, apply Hack’s Halaal with handwritten application 5 Commerce Str. Experienced hire car drivers and dispatcher at Ramada Georgetown Princess Hotel.Contact 265-7075/6165419.

Gasoline Mechanic and Trained Mechanic needed.Please Call:623-0318

VEHICLE FOR SALE 1-Tundra $1.7M, 1-Audi $2.4M, S2000 Honda $2.4M, 1416 Caterpillar Backhoe $3.5M, 1-Caterpillar Generator 75KVA $1.8M.Contact#6500402/603-1402.

One Mitsubishi canter long base wide front (4D35) engine in good condition. Tel#6243556/233-0159

Car King- Nissan Sylphy, 2015 and 2017, low mileage, fog FOR SALE/RENT lamps, backup camera $3.75M. 1200 Sq ft from main shipping Contact# 614-6948 port, encompassing operable 1 Toyota 2011 Year, Pitbull machine shop, also foundry bus.Never register.Cash sales for brass castings. Tel#227- only.Price 3.3M neg.Tel#6931830, Anand #416-704-2155 0388.

Kitchen assistant, Handyboy, Counter person. Apply @ Shanta’s 225 Camp St

Female cleaner Office & Home. Call: 642-9823 Maid to cook and clean for East Bank area. Call: 614-4358 1 experienced driver, must have license for car/van/ minibus & motorbus, residing in G/town between ages 2450 yrs old. #225-1429/641-5075 Experienced Female to operate hotdog cart.Must have food handlers certificate, fluency in spanish an asset.6904722.

Experienced Residential Domestic preferably from East Bank Area.2-3 days per week $3000 per day.690-4722.

Experienced Handyman & Salesgirls with 2 yrs experience. CXC maths & english. Apply @ Christine's Variety, Lombard St. Contact: 227-8529 Driver,Bond Clerk, Factory worker, must have CSEC, for more information. Please call: 223-0090 Office Asst/Accounts Clerk, 5 subjects, quickbooks, NIS, PAYE. Teamplayer, Customer Service experience. #2270176/227-0186. mimadecor12@gmail.com Annabel’s Bistro 36 Public road LaGrange is seeking cooks with baking skills to work in Restaurant.500-1500/ 675-7313.

Welder/Fabricator to work Interior. Call: 223-5180 1 music teacher (piano & guitar) to do at home teaching for two boys. Perferably from East Bank. #698-4432 Room attendant, Desk staff.Age 25-45yrs.233 South Road Lacytown/225-0198.

Counter clerk (5) subjects or more and computer literate persons. #225-9230 Experienced Driver- Apply in person, Wieting & Richter, Water Street, Georgetown.

Vacancy for: Accounts clerk, Purchase clerk, Operations clerk, Civil Engineer, Secretary, Truck drivers.

Contact info: chungsvacancy@gmail.com

1-House with (4) master bedroom $55M, 1-House with (3) bedroom $35M Gated community @ Schoonard W.B.D, 1-House with (3) bedroom @ Blankenburg $22M.Contact#650-0402/ 603-1402 Property for sale in Cummings Lodge. Contact# 648-3542/ 672-7431 1 flat unfinished concrete house located in Tuchen $4 Million #697-6311 For Properties in Campbellville & Kitty, Craig EBD. Contact Ray’s Realty #627-9685 Two Storey property, Durban Street, Ideal for Home & Business. Contact Ray’s Realty #627-9685 Charming 2 Storey Home, Enterprise C, ECD. 3 bedrooms. Contact Ray’s Realty # 627-9685 Well kept modern 2 storey concrete property, Zeelugt WCD 4 bedrooms (grilled) Contact Ray’s Realty #6279685 2 storey concrete property 11 (classey) self contained rooms, Broad St, Georgetown. Contact Ray’s Realty #627-9685 Desirable homes in Campbellville and Bel Air Georgetown. Contact Ray’s Realty. #627-9685 Modern 3 bedroom house, business area below & bond behind, Ketley Street, Georgetown. Ray’s Realty #627-9685

Needed urgently: 1 male, exp cooking on grill, multi-tasking, 4pm-2am. #675-2550/656-9313

One concrete 2 storey 3 bedroom Modern home, Melanie (public road) ECD Contact Ray’s Realty #6279685

Looking for a job & educational services?

Contact The Job Centre 43 Croal & Alexander Street or call 502-4002/600-8457

Newly constructed 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom, house overlooking the sea for sale, ECD#675-1510/613-7964

VACANCY Clerk & Domestic live-in Facilities for Berbicians and Essequibians 219-5354.

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Vacancy for female accounts clerk, must have passes in Maths & English, Apply at Alabama Trading 65 Robb St Bourda Store assistant- #624-0033, Porter #680-3863 Store supervisor, 3 subjects: Maths. English accounts. Call/ Whatsapp: 680-3863

1- (2) storey house 3 1/2 bedroom $38M- 2 washroom, 2 verendah, Land 120x45 sq ft, Cummings Lodge. #6865180 Negotiable

Sunday September 15, 2019

PAGE 61

Kaieteur News

Rights Activist repeats call for reconvening of Sexual Offences Task Force

By Feona Morrison

She has publically called out government Minister who she said have been abandoning their roles on the Sexual Offence Task Force, an integral component of the Sexual Offences Act 2010.

Rights Activist Nicole Cole, who also sits on the Women and Gender Equality Commission (WGEC), is calling for the reconvening of the Sexual Offences Task Force if the country is serious about eliminating sexual violence, especially the increasing cases involving female children.

According to Section 87 of the Sexual Offences Act, there shall be an inter-agency task force to be known as the National Task Force for the Prevention of Sexual Violence which shall have the duty to develop and implement a national plan for the prevention of sexual violence.

It also says the President shall appoint the members of the Task Force, which shall include the Ministers of Legal Affairs, Public Security, Social Protection, Indigenous People’s Affairs, Health, Local Government, Youth, Sport and Culture, senior public officers with responsibility for

law enforcement, health, human and social services and persons from nongovernmental organisation.

During an interview with this publication, Cole said that the Sexual Offences Task Force’s last meeting was held sometime in 2016. Based on information, the last report of the Task Force was in December of that same year, and it was stated therein that the Ministers of Public Health, Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Social Protection, Public Security and Public Health were signatories to a protocol to have the Task Force operational

CONSUMER CONCERNS

MINT AND TULSI

By PAT DIAL

Some weeks ago, this column dealt with folk remedies used in Guyana and particularly herbal folk remedies including tree barks. It was pointed out that little research and chemical analysis of the majority of folk remedies used in Guyana had so far been undertaken and though a herb or “bush” may contain a drug used to treat an ailment, the user does not know the quantity of the drug in the “bush” he or she is using. This results in the ‘bush’ being helpful to some users but of no help to others. For example, some local herbalists may prescribe ‘congo-pump’ for diabetes but as far as we are aware, the cure effected by that bush has been almost nil.

Some herbalists and a few users of “bush medicines” contacted us and reminded us that there were some folk cures, which Western Medicine had recognised. This was indeed true but the vast majority of such recognized herbal remedies were included in ancient pharmacopias, especially the Ayurvedic.

Among these, for example, were turmeric, ginger, garlic, cinnamon and others. Into these herbs, which Western Medicine has recognised, there have been chemical analysis and the drugs they contain have been isolated. Turmeric, though not a prescription drug as yet, has been widely recognised and used for many types of ailments including cognitive deterioration (dementia; Alzheimer) and as a painkiller. The four ‘herbs’ mentioned above together with Mint and Tulsi (Sweet Basil) are well-known in Guyana and their medicinal usage is growing.

The literatures on turmeric, ginger, cinnamon and garlic are quite voluminous but there is far less on Mint and Tulsi. Indeed, there is more on these two herbs in Ayurvedic than in Western writings. In this offering, we will highlight Mint and Tulsi.

There are 15 to 20 species of mint including spearmint and peppermint. In Guyana, the most common species used and grown is peppermint and research and analysis have been done on this plant. The main recognizable drug it contains is menthol. The oil extracted from the mint plant is used in tooth paste, gum, and a variety of beauty and other industrial products. Our focus will be primarily on its medicinal use and to a lesser extent on its culinary use.

Like Tulsi, Mint could be grown in plant pots, in the yard or in gardens and they proliferate plentifully so there is no need to buy the imported product. They could be used both dried and fresh.

In Guyana, Mint has been used mostly for medicinal purposes and to a lesser extent for cooking. Mint tea has been used to treat colds and fevers and has often been combined with other herbs such as lemon grass or ‘toyo’ and its taste turns out to be quite pleasant. With its menthol, a natural aromatic decongestant, it is also able to break up phlegm and mucus and bring relief to colds and sore throat. It is also widely used in Chinese medicine in its peppermint extract form, an example being Shilling Oil and Tiger Balm, two popular products used externally.

Crushed in lukewarm water with a pinch of salt, it is used as a mouthwash and breath freshener. A strong mint tea is used as a pain reducer and could be crushed with a small amount of spirits and tied to the forehead to relieve headaches. Many would merely use it in its peppermint oil form.

As a relief for gas and indigestion, flatulence and Irritable bowel syndrome, mint leaves and stems are often eaten or made into a very strong tea. As a treatment for calming insect bites, rashes and other such reactions crushed mint leaves mixed with a bit of coconut oil is applied to the affected skin.

Tulsi (sweet basil) has been in use for thousands of years and is an important Ayurvedic cure. It is used in Hindu religious ceremonies and is associated with Lord Vishnu, so regarded as a holy plant and has many spiritual traditions attached to it. Like Mint, it is used in cooking but they are the last ingredients placed in the food so that they would retain their taste and nutritional qualities.

It makes a tea which is used as a muscle relaxant, as an aid to digestion, to treat chronic pain, to protect heart and blood vessels and as a treatment for coughs and colds. It is an antioxidant and a natural antibiotic. It is used with oranges or lemons to make a drink as well as with ginger. It is used in various salads.

Tulsi and Mint are two herbs, two ‘bushes’, which Western Medicine now recognises and could be used with confidence since scientific research into them had been undertaken and they are never toxic. We would therefore reiterate that ‘bush medicines’ should only be ingested if scientific research into them had been undertaken as in the case of Mint and Tulsi since this will eliminate any risk.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper)

Cole, who is a WGEC representative to the Sexual Offences Task Force, said that she attended that meeting which had a few Ministers, non-governmental organization representatives and other officials in attendance. Three years later, there is yet to be another meeting which is contrary to Section 87 (4) of the Sexual Offences Act which states, “The Task Force should meet at least once every three months.”

This led Cole to repeat her reactions at a forum entitled Interrogating Sexual Violence held in July. She asked, “Why isn’t the Sexual Offences Task Force functioning? Who is responsible? When will it start functioning?’’ She lamented that the Sexual Offences Act turns 10 next years, and the Sexual Offences Task Force plays an important role in ensuring the provisions of the legislation (Sexual Offences Act) are upheld.

She expressed, “I sit on the Sexual Offences Task Force but it remains something that appears to be in still birth. It functions sometimes, you have one meeting and then nothing else happens because you have ministers who have critical roles on that Task Force and they are abdicating their duties.”

According to Cole, the issue of the non-functioning Sexual Offences Task Force is one constantly being raised by not only her, but other activists. She recalled that sometime in 2018 she attended a meeting for the

Rights Activist: Nicole Cole Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Policy Units, in which she raised the point with Akeela Doris, who heads the units. Cole recalled, “I specifically lamented to her (Doris) that Ministers were abdicating their roles.”

Among other things, Cole said that one of the objectives of the Task Force is to educate the public about the prevention of sexual violence.

However, according to Cole, if one is going to look at this objective, they must also include the Protection of the Children Act “because when we look at sexual offences in Guyana in all the counties, what we do have is the fact that the majority of sexual cases in the courts involve girls.”

“This is how the TELL Scheme remains vital to educating our children. TELL is no longer on the air and I don’t know why. I am advocating for the TELL Scheme to come back on air.

If the Task Force was

functioning, it would ensure that the TELL Scheme is never off the air. TELL is what made that eight-year-old child walked into the probation office and was able to tell of her own abuse by her father.

When the entire community knew and did nothing.”

“Do you know what help and aided that child?” Cole asked, adding, “It was the education and awareness done by the very TELL Scheme that is off air. So this is how we are falling down, the Sexual Offences Task Force has education as a key component. The education of the populace will be about all the various laws in place to protect citizens in a society.”

According to ChildLink Guyana, the aim of the TELL initiative was to improve the lives of children who are at risk of being separated from their families primarily as a result of violence and abuse of all forms. Its focus was to promote the rights of children and their protection within the family, community and school environment.

This initiative ensured that children were sensitised in the area of abuse and its effects; these also included information on how to protect themselves from and report abuse. The action also extended support to the caregivers/parents, by ensuring their capacities were developed in positive parenting to ensure that the quality of life for children is improved.

Furthermore, Cole noted that an impending survey on Women’s Health and Family Life will show that Guyana has been identified as a society with Continued on page 62

PAGE 62

Sunday September 15, 2019

Kaieteur News

PPP renews contract with Mercury Public Affairs

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has renewed its contract with the Washingtonbased political lobbying firm, Mercury Public Affairs.

During a press conference last Thursday at his Church

Street office, Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo mentioned the renewal, adding that it has been done with the same conditions and cost as the initial contract.

The firm is providing

assistance to the party in preparation for Guyana’s next General and Regional Elections. The initial contract states that Mercury Public Affairs LLC will provide strategic consulting and

management services to issues facing the client in the areas of government relations and issues management.

Worth $31.4M, effective from March 5 to June 5, 2019, the date of signing for the initial contract, according to Jagdeo, was in anticipation of Guyana being faced by a constitutional crisis – the 90day deadline that followed the No Confidence Motion.

This is likely the third iteration of the renewal. The first had expired in June and was renewed. That means the third iteration would have been renewed earlier this month.

The expected services include arranging meetings between the party’s executive branch and the Congress of the United States, the Organisation of American States, which links in connection with issues relating to the anticipated general and regional elections to take place in Guyana.

Alliance For Change (AFC)

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo Leader and Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, had said that the hiring of the US lobbying firm, Mercury Public Affairs LLC, by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) spells bad news for Guyana’s democracy, as it has been implicated in a scheme to

hide foreign influence peddling in the American 2016 elections.

Jagdeo had disclosed that he is aware of the negative reports on the firm, but his main concern is that it is bipartisan and that it is effective in getting the party’s message to the leaders of the US Government. He has also rejected insinuations that the firm is doing public relations for the party in Guyana.

Mercury is a bipartisan political strategy and consulting firm that focuses on campaigns and political communications ranging from advocacy advertising to litigation communications to media and public relations.

It is known to have provided services for leading advocacy groups, governments, political parties, NGOs, and prominent public and political figures including US President Donald Trump. Several current and former members of Mercury had active roles within some of the presidential campaigns for the 2016 US election cycle.

Rights Activist repeats call...

From page 61 “Accommodation Syndrome.” This translates to a society which shows no interest in the fact that offenders have developed an appetite for children. Known as the Child Sexual Abuse Accommodation Syndrome (CSAAS), it was proposed by Roland C. Summit in 1983 to describe how he believed sexually abused children responded to ongoing sexual abuse.

He noted five stages: secrecy, helplessness, entrapment and accommodation, delayed disclosure, retraction. According to Cole, “The Child Sexual Abuse Accommodation Syndrome is a serious one. It is how children react and adapt to survive the abuse. This is what Guyana is experiencing.”

Although Director of Public Prosecutions, Shalimar Ali-Hack recently announced that there has been an increase in convictions for sexual offences annually, sex-related offences continue to dominate the criminal assizes across the three counties. For instance, of the 301 cases listed for the June session of the Demerara Criminal Assizes, a startling 177 are for sexual offences.

Of these 177 sexual offence cases, 126 are for cases involving children; either sexual activity (no penetration) or rape (penetration).

This means that sex-related offences

accounted for 59 percent of the cases on the list.

Ali-Hack had also disclosed that the most popular offences her chambers is faced with is rape of a child under 16 years old where there is penetration, sexual activity with a child where there is no penetration, sexual activity with a child family member and this includes both penetration and no penetration, sexual activity with a child by abusing a position of trust and rape of the adult.

While Cole lauded the establishment of Sexual Offences Courts in Demerara and Berbice, which has seen tremendous work being done to dispense justice, she is adamant that the reconvening of the Task Force will ensure that there is the implementation of a much needed Sexual Offenders Registry.

“We cannot be playing a game of hocus pocus. We can’t be playing Russian Roulette…We can’t be playing any form of cricket with sexual offences. We need the registry. I have been continuing to call for a Sexual Offenders Registry. It is important because it is a part of the Sexual Offences Act. Why put things in an Act and do not implement it?” Cole continued by questioning, “Don’t we want to know who are harming our children and have them registered?”

Contractor accused of swindling...

From page 16 raises questions about the monies his contractor friend had collected. She said although the contactor collected a large sum of cash, from the reports of her niece only old materials torn down from the house were re-used.

Even old windowpanes were used the couple learnt.

The woman said when her niece raised an alarm about the sloppy work done; it had in fact confirmed her suspicions that something was amiss, since they were almost soaked in some sections of the home when it rained.

She said that when it rains, her husband would try his best to counter the problem.

But despite his valiant efforts, the woman said that an electrical fuse on which water had leaked causing an explosion in the home.

Works on the home reportedly began on June 27. According to the couple, the contractor was given a sum of $480,000 for workmanship and to purchase materials.

Nurse said her husband later gave the

contractor an additional $70,000 to complete two kitchen cupboards. She said that every time she asked for receipts and bills, the man made excuses.

The woman said she would normally ask a trusted neighbour and a relative to read details on bills she received.

The woman said that every attempt to contact the contractor has proved futile. The woman is almost hysterical since she had persuaded a close relative to borrow $300,000 from Courts Guyana Inc. to assist her in paying for the renovations. She said the additional sums were given to her by a son, who realised the home was badly in need of renovations.

Feeling betrayed and insecure in their home, the couple is hopeful that they would be eligible for some form of support to have the renovations on their home completed.

Those desirous of lending support can do so by contacting the couple on phone numbers: 682-0332 or 686 6072.

Sunday September 15, 2019

PAGE 63

Kaieteur News

Govt. donates $1M to develop STEM at New Amsterdam Multilateral A $1M cheque was handed over to the New Amsterdam Multilateral School for the development of the school in the area of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) on Friday morning. This announcement and the subsequent handing over of the cheque were done in the school’s auditorium during a visit by President David Granger and Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry.

The President said the contribution falls in line with his vision to improve education in Guyana, However, before the President and Minister Henry arrived at the school, opposition protestors took to the streets with their placards but were instructed by senior police ranks at the location to stand where the school fence ends, while government supporters were allowed to stand in front of the school taunting the protestors.

At the school, Minister Henry during an address

President Granger delivering his address.

posited that because the country is celebrating Education Month and also Amerindian Heritage Month, education plays an integral role in the development of the country since it provides an opportunity for persons to improve their lives.

“A country’s investment

in the education system is an important element to development,” Henry charged. It is her belief that if persons are not learning then the system is failing and in that regard, the government, she said, has committed to investing in education.

In closing, she

STANDARDS IN FOCUS

Standards available for products made by our Indigenous people We are already in the middle of September, Indigenous Heritage Month. This month is set aside to highlight the contributions of our Indigenous People to Guyana, our homeland.

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) has developed a number of National Standards outlining requirements, which can ensure products made particularly by the Indigenous community, are of quality. These standards include the Specification for indigenous furniture (bamboo, rattan, wicker and nibbi), Specification for Cassava Bread, Specification for Spices and Sauces and the Code of Practice for manufacture of Wooden Craft items.

Our indigenous people are well known for their fine arts and crafting abilities which have allowed them to produce classy and unique pieces of furniture from plant materials in their surroundings. Locally, and even in many other parts of the world, these pieces of furniture and other wooden craft items are in high demand and are well priced, especially when they are produced according to recognised standards. In addition, many foods originating from natives are desired dishes for many locals and visitors. Making these products in a manner that conform to the requirements of standards can add value and confidence in their quality and increase demand.

The Specification for indigenous furniture (GYS 509:2013) is a CARICOM Standard, which was adopted by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS). The standard was developed to benefit manufacturers by the harmonization of requirements for the manufacture of various types of furniture, suitable for both domestic and commercial use.

It covers material requirements, which are selected for rattan, wicker and nibbi furniture and these shall be characterized by lightness, flexibility, durability and smoothness with no hair-like strands hanging from them. Based on the standard, indigenous furniture shall be constructed with good workmanship components which shall be of quality and uniformity; and the furniture shall remain stable in an upright position when empty.

The Code of Practice for manufacture of Wooden Craft items (GCP 31:2010) is also a CARICOM Standard, which establishes the minimum requirements for the manufacture and production of wooden craft items. The standard is focused on performance than prescriptive requirements and may be applied to all wooden craft items in the manufacturing stage or at the point of sale to retailers and end consumers. The standard stipulates requirements for materials used in manufacture including wood, adhesives, finishes or finishing material, and hardware. It also includes health, safety, storage, environmental, packaging and labelling requirements.

The Specification for Cassava Bread (GYS 246:2010) specifies requirements for cassava bread and related products, intended for human consumption, obtained from the processing of bitter cassava. The standard offers guidance to makers of the product on quality requirements, contaminants, sampling, packaging, labelling, hygiene and production.

Lastly, there are many popular spices and sauces that are produced within indigenous communities, including thyme, hot pepper sauces, and the very popular cassareep. The Specification for Spices and Sauces (GYS 506:2013) provides requirements for the identification, composition, purity, hygiene in processing, labelling, sampling and testing of these spices and sauces.

The GNBS can offer technical guidance to users of the aforementioned standards. Those desirous of implementing the requirements are encouraged to acquire copies of the respective standards, which are available at the GNBS. Remember, following requirements of standards can guarantee the production of quality products and increase consumer preference.

For further information, please contact the GNBS on Tel: 219- 0066 or visit our website: www.gnbsgy.org (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper)

congratulated the school for its 90 percent pass rate at this year’s Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate examinations.

Meanwhile, before a packed auditorium of students, teachers and regional government representatives, the Head of State also placed much emphasis on the education system in Region Six as he highlighted that his government during its four years in office has “put the region at the forefront”.

Granger noted too that education has and will always

be his government’s priority even as he noted that the commitment and dedication to the sector has seen six multilateral schools developed.

It was on this very note that the President promised to reintegrate free education for all Guyanese. He mentioned that with the $170 B invested in the education sector for the year 2019, the government is spending 15 percent more than it had in 2018. This, he said, is to ensure that every child has access to quality education.

“We want children to stay

in school, I am not interested in failures, I am not interested in dunces, I am interested in equality and education is the equaliser,” the President told the students. He further went on say that while revenue will be pumped into the public education system; it is the responsibility of all the governing bodies, including the Regional Democratic Councils and the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils, to ensure that such a sector is put on the front burner.

“Our education system is capable of producing quality and I am confident that with the support from the RDC, Central government, the community etc, we will do well. I don’t dream about the past I look forward to the future,” he stressed. It was at that point that the President made the surprise announcement that he would be handing over the $1M cheque to the school, much to the delight of the teachers and students of the institution.

Also present at the event was Regional Education Officer, Bhagmattie LaCruz.

The top student for the school for 2018 and 2019 were each the recipient of an award by the President, and exercise books were also distributed to the students present.

PAGE 64

Kaieteur News

Nand Persaud installs $50M rice polishing machine

The rice polishing equipment at the Corentyne mill.

The Nand Persaud Group of Companies, which is headquartered at No. 36, Corentyne, Berbice continue to live up to their objectives

of being the best at what they do and doing things on a large scale.

The company, which has been spending millions of

dollars on its expansion drives, recently installed a $50M rice colour sorting machine to help improve the quality of their product.

The Buhler machine was sourced from England.

Known for its Karibee Rice and Pet Rice and other brands, Managing Director, Mohindra Persaud, stated that they decided to invest in the product because they want to up the standard of the product that the company produces.

Persaud stated that they noticed that the grains (paddy) brought from the field are sometimes of a very low quality, thus the quality of the rice will be bad (lot of broken, black rice etc.)

It is not likely to become better.

As such, it was decided to invest in the Buhler machine to improve the quality of the rice produced.

The machine separates the grains according to colour differences in raw rice arising from anomalies like bits of stone, bad rice, black rice, half-husked rice, etc.

A high-resolution CCD optical sensor drives a mechanical sorter to separate different granular materials, automatically sorting heterochromatic particles out of the batch of raw rice; removing such impurities in this process improves the quality of the rice.

Rice mixture travels by elevator belt into a hopper on top of the machine, from which it will flow down along chutes in the colour sorter, streamlining their flow to so that they may be scanned by CCD sensors. The moment the camera detects any colour defects, the camera instructs ejectors fitted in the machine to open the nozzle. The nozzle is connected to valves containing compressed air.

This air is then used to shoot out the defected materials from the input rice.

The company is presently constructing a $40M soiltesting lab at the University of Guyana (UG) Berbice Campus.

Sunday September 15, 2019

Forestry Commission to train over 200 persons to aid in sector development The Forestry Training Centre Incorporated (FTCI) attached to the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) continues to play a significant role in the training of stakeholders that will be able to contribute significantly to the development of the forestry sector in Guyana.

A total of 240 persons are set to undergo the training in the field of Mapping and Global Positioning System (GPS) usage. The six months training programme is scheduled to begin in October 2019, and was implemented as a way to curb the current issue of ‘over logging’ that the Forestry Commission has been experiencing with local and international logging companies for the past decades.

During an interview, Quacy Bremner, Manager of the Forestry Commission, told Kaieteur News that when a contract is signed for logging companies to operate in Guyana forests the contract would usually include basic information such as the specific acre of lands that should be operated on by the company.

Quacy Bremner, Manager, Forestry Commission However, due to the fact that Guyana does not have workers with adequate knowledge of Mapping and GPS usage, logging companies would usually go beyond the terms of the contract and freely take away unaccounted logs from Guyana’s forests without the knowledge of Forest officials.

“Training local stakeholders to work in this area will be beneficial to the country, because after completing the training

programme the stakeholders will be able to give out direct information to logging companies about the boundaries given to them to operate in Guyana Forest,” Mr. Bremner mentioned.

He further stated that, “the stakeholders will also be subjected to record keeping so if any logging company is found at any time breaching the contract terms, they will be place before the courts and the contract will be discarded.”

According to Bremner, the experts who will be training the stakeholders are overseas based and will ensure that they receive quality training that can be incorporated into ever day forestry activities. These training initiatives will be funded by the Government of Guyana, Stakeholders and Donor Agencies For the first half of 2019, FTCI trained over 100 persons in programmes such as Health and Safety, Reduced Impact Logging, Forests Inventory and Timber Grading so as to ensure the continuous development of the Guyana Forestry Commission.

E’bo police accused of shooting taxi without justification A taxi driver on the Essequibo Coast got the shock of his life last Wednesday night, when a rank of the Guyana Police Force allegedly shot at his vehicle.

The victim, who was identified as Lakeram Alli, 33, said that the incident left him traumatised.

According to the man, the incident occurred sometime around 24:00hrs Wednesday night, as he was heading home from work.

Alli said that while proceeding on the Perseverance public road, he observed a vehicle with bright headlights in his path. He swerved off the road to avoid a collision, and later realised that it was one of the force’s

La Parfaite Harmonie officially...

From page 57 Kenneth West, a resident of the community, was in high praise of the undertaking. “I was long looking forward to a day like today and I know things will be far better and we are going to enjoy the community better because facilities are going to come in place that was not here before… and we are going to work with the NDC,” West said.

Youlanda Harvey also echoed similar sentiments. “I am very happy about with the handing over of Parfaite Harmonie. Now we can pay our taxes and get a better community,” Harvey stated.

NDC Chairman Eadies assured that they will continue to work along with the Housing Authority and other agencies for the further development of the community.

Eadies also called on the residents to collaborate with the NDC to develop the community.

As it relates to the paying of rates and taxes, CHPA’s CEO noted that all the properties must be evaluated before that can happen. (DPI)

The taxi that was shot with the bullet hole evident. patrol pickup.

The police continued on their way.

“I went in the street in Zorg because I see four of my village people in the street and they were going in the same direction… when I come out back the street now, I see a vehicle behind me. The vehicle came closer to me and I hear the police horn, so I know it was the same police pickup. Then I see a police across the road in front of me with a long gun, without saying a thing he aim and shoot the car.”

The taxi driver said that when he heard the shot fired, he stepped immediately on the gas and fled the scene.

This publication understands that the bullet damaged the car’s front bumper, and front light.

The policeman was wearing blue and black police clothes and had on a

bulletproof vest.

Following the incident, four ranks have since came forward and admitted to being at the scene on the night in question.

The ranks, however, are denying the allegations of opening fire on the taxicab.

Kaieteur News understands that residents within the area confirmed hearing what sounded like a gunshot last Wednesday night.

One resident who has a security camera installed on his premises said that the camera footage recorded the incident.

The footage at one point revealed the officers returning to the scene, apparently searching for the spent shell.

Alli told this publication that he is presently pursuing legal actions and is taking the case very seriously, since it could have cost him his life.

Sunday September 15, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Sunday September 15, 2019

Sunday September 15, 2019

First batch of Guyanese from Hurricaneravaged Bahamas set to return today

A Bahamian Army Officer delivers water to the people evacuated prior boarding a ferry to Nassau at the Port in Marsh Harbor, Abaco Island, Bahamas, Saturday. Sept. 7, 2019. The Bahamian Health Ministry said helicopters and boats are on the way to help people in the affected areas, though officials warned of delays because of severe flooding and limited access. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano) The first batch of Guyanese returning home from the hurricane-ravaged Bahamas is scheduled to arrive this evening at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

Approximately 100 Guyanese affected by the hurricane had reached out to government for assistance through the Civil Defence Commission (CDC). It was reported that persons affected directly and indirectly by the Category 5 hurricane have signaled their interest in returning home.

Already, Finance Minister Winston Jordan said that Guyana will welcome everyone with open arms. At a forum last week, he said, “We have such a big land so we can accommodate everybody. We have a couple of small islands in the Essequibo, so we will want to do something about it.” The hurricane made landfall on the Abaco Islands with maximum sustained winds of 185 mph (295 km/h) on September 1. It is the strongest hurricane on record to affect the northwestern Bahamas.

The death toll of the hurricane stands at 50 and some 2,500 persons are missing. The death toll is expected to rise, according to

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Kaieteur News

reports. Some 70,000 people are said to be homeless and 5,000 have been evacuated from those islands to New Providence, where the country’s capital Nassau is situated. Presently, crews are on the islands removing debris, but these efforts have been slow to avoid disturbing bodies in the wreckage.

Guyana, several countries and international organisations have been providing relief to victims of the devastating hurricane. The CDC in his efforts has opened two bank accounts for persons to make contributions. They are Republic Bank Account #651-993-8 and Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) Accounts #011802963011. GBTI has already contributed $3M to hurricane relief efforts.

Guyana has always been supportive and receptive of victims of tropical storms. When hurricanes Irma and Maria ravaged several Caribbean countries back in 2017, many Guyanese living in those parts returned home and were reintegrated. Among those countries were Dominica, Barbuda – the sister island of Antigua, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and Anguilla.

US Appeals Court turns down Bisram’s extradition appeal US-based Guyanese-born businessman, Marcus Bisram, on Wednesday lost his extradition appeal.

According to the summary order of the US Court of Appeals, it has considered all of Bisram’s remaining arguments and find them to be without merit.

“Accordingly, we affirm the judgment of the district court.”

In January, in an ongoing saga, a New York court allowed an extradition appeal

by Bisram. According to court documents of January 24, the US Court of Appeals ordered that the extradition be stayed during the appeal.

The Clerk of Court was directed to place the appeal on the expedited calendar.

Bisram is in the custody of US authorities, after being arrested on July 2017 based on a request of the Guyana government.

He is being accused of ordering a hit on a Berbice carpenter, Faiyaz Narinedatt, a guest at a party he hosted back in late 2016.

Narinedatt was alleged to have been beaten by several men, at the behest of Bisram.

He was pushed into the trunk of a car, taken to the

REJECTED: Marcus Bisram

KILLED: Faiyaz Narinedatt

Berbice public road, dumped and run over to make it appear as if it was a hit-and-run.

Bisram was a close friend to Berbice police, contributing significantly to community policing.

After the incident, police had said, Bisram flew to New York and was not arrested until months later, in July 2017 at a New York beach front property.

The Guyana government had asked the US authorities for his extradition.

He was ordered to be sent back last year but he

immediately appealed.

Bisram migrated to the US years ago, and struck it rich there, travelling back and forth and becoming involved in charity.

His case is being closely watched as it may be the first time in years that someone with US citizenship would be extradited back to Guyana to face charges…in this case, it is murder.

Five other persons were charged for the murder of Narinedatt and have been sent to the High Court for trial before a jury.

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Sunday September 15, 2019

Sunday September 15, 2019

Kaieteur News

Perez, Scott slam centuries; Khan grabs 6

By Zaheer Mohamed Centuries by Raymond Perez and Jeremiah Scott, and a six-wicket haul by Amir Khan highlighted the opening day of the Georgetown Cricket Association Noble House Sea Foods Second Division two-day tournament which continued yesterday.

At Queenstown, host Demerara Cricket Club batted first and posted 340-9 declared against Police.

Raymond Perez blasted 18 fours and seven sixes in a fine 159 before he was stumped off Pernell London. Following the dismissal of opener Brandon Jaikarran for one, Sachin Singh and Perez added 55 for the second

wicket before Singh perished for 25. Perez timed the ball well and shared in useful partnerships with Nickosie Beaton, Dexter George and Alphius Bookie. Beaton struck seven fours and one six in scoring 53, while George made 32 and Bookie 22.

London claimed 3-49, Quinton Sampson 2-54 and Darson La Rose 2-71.

At Stumps, Police were 982 in reply. Kemol Savory is not out on 34 and London is on three. Andrew Lyght jr made 38 and Kevon Boodie 10.

At Malteenoes Sports Club, the home team are in a comfortable position to register an outright victory over Ace Warriors. Ace Warriors decision to bat

backfired as they were bowled out for 64. Rawl Enmore and Murtland Ward added 34 for the opening stand before Ward was dismissed for 14. Following the demise of Enmore for 33, the rest of the innings went downhill as no other batsman reached double figures.

Nichosie Barker had 3-3 off three overs and Delon Dalrymple had 2-11.

In reply, Malteenoes SC were reduced to 5-2, before Jeremiah Scott and Shaquille Moseley added 145 for the third wicket to stabilise the innings. Scott struck 14 fours and five sixes in a top score of 126, while Mosley made 78 with eight fours and one six.

Apart from the duo, only Jamal

Sunday September 15, 2019 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) A friend from far away could contact you by phone, email, or even in person, Aries. This person might bring great news that suddenly turns your life in a new direction.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) You might try to learn a new computer program today, Taurus. You could find it a little confusing at first, but as you continue to learn, you will find that it makes things easier for you.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Today you may stumble into an unexpected new friendship, Gemini. This could come as the result of a social event or an introduction by a close friend.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) A group meeting of some sort, perhaps job related, could take place in your home today, Cancer. Whatever business the group has planned should be taken care of quickly LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) A phone call from a close friend or love partner could bring a thrilling surprise your way today, Leo. An event has occurred that you either gave up on long ago or never dreamed of.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) If you own property, you might discover that its value has increased far beyond anything you dreamed of, Virgo. This might involve real estate, but it could also involve other resources like stocks, bonds, or family heirlooms.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) A surprising phone call or email could come your way today from a friend you haven't heard from in a long time.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Today you may discover that you have a previously untapped talent for the occult sciences. This might involve astrology, numerology, alchemy, or using oracles. A class or workshop could be involved.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) There's someone you've wanted to meet for a long time, Sagittarius, and today you might have the opportunity to introduce yourself.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Do you feel helpless in the face of problems with technology? If so, you might surprise yourself today.

Some software that you use a lot could go haywire AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) If you've been thinking about studying astrology, numerology, or other occult sciences, Aquarius, this is the day to start. There may be a school or teacher that you've been considering.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) A woman you meet at work might point you in a new direction, Pisces. You should investigate all possible options. This could be a new intellectual interest, a technological skill, or possibly a new and more lucrative source of income. It may involve an unusual field, but don't worry about that.

Jackman (10) of the remaining batsmen reached double figures as Asif Baksh picked up 4-55, Roger Aaron 3-28 and Andre Barker 2-46.

Trailing by 182, Ace Warriors were 48-5 at stumps, batting a second time. Aaron made 12 and Davendra Lall 10; Barker has so far taken three wickets while Dalrymple has two.

At Transport Sports Club, Everest CC are leading the home team by nine runs on first innings as cricket made a grand return to the venue following a prolonged absence. Batting first, Transport SC made 170 all out.

Opener Devaughn Nandan led with 61 which included five fours and three sixes; he put on 34 for the first wicket with Mark Ramsammy who made 10. Joel Spooner made 22 and Kevin Mc Adam 17; leg spinner Khan bagged 627, while David Williams had 2-36.

Everest CC finished the day on 179-8. Richie Looknauth struck 46, while Khan made 41 and Rishi Hiralall 20. Azad Mohamed in not out on nine and R. Sookdeo is on one. Azeem Azeez picked up 4-45 and Spooner 2-35.

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Briton John wins Triskits Midwest tea biscuit feature event Briton John stormed to victory in the feature 35-lap race of the Triskits Biscuit, Midwest tea biscuit cycle event which was contested yesterday at inner circuit of the National Park.

John took an early lead and maintained his dominance in the Banks DIH-sponsored event which was organized by Hassan Mohamed, to cross the finish line in a time of one hour, 19 minutes and eight seconds.

John managed to withstand the challenges of Christopher Griffith who finished second and third place Deeraj Garbaran who also secured five primes; John collected three primes. Alex Mendes finished fourth, while Adelie Hodge placed fifth and Curtis Dey sixth; the race attracted 30 starters.

Earlier, Jason Ryan Primo won the BMX 9-12 years two-lap race, while Jose Rodriguez won the 69 years division; Lennox Jackman a n d Wi l l i a m G r e e n e p l a c e d second and third in that order.

Sherwin Sampson won the Juveniles 10-lap race ahead of Mark Lewis in a time of 16 minutes and 39 seconds. Ian Jackson carted off the veterans over 50 five-lap event while

Respective prize winners with their accolades.

Andrew Spencer took the runner up spot and Kennard Lovell

third.

The veteran’s under-50 five-

lap race was won by Junior Niles in a time of 11 minutes and 59

seconds. Leer Nunes was second and Kwame Ridley third.

Warriors’ spinners bamboozle Patriots to set up fourth straight CPL T20 win CPL - Guyana Amazon Warriors continued to match Trinbago Knight Riders win for win at the top of the 2019 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) table after subjecting St Kitts & Nevis Patriots to a trial by spin at Warner Park.

The Warriors and Knight Riders have both now won four from four after this alltoo-easy seven-wicket victory for the Guyanese side.

Imran Tahir (2/17) and Qais Ahmad (3/28) led a fourman spin attack for the Warriors that reduced the Patriots to 53/5 a n d , although Shamarh Brooks engineered a recovery of sorts with a well-made 34 from 25, the innings fell away after he departed, seam finally making an impression as Keemo Paul took the last two wickets in the space of

three balls. A final total of 121 was never going to be enough and was immediately put firmly in perspective by a 24-ball 49 from Brandon King at the top of the Warriors chase.

He smashed three fours and a huge Hero Maximum over midwicket from Sheldon Cottrell’s second over to make it clear the Warriors were not about to linger over chasing down their target.

And when the Patriots tried some spin it didn’t work quite as well as it had for the visitors, with Fabian Allen’s first over taken for 16 – including two more big sixes for King.

He was run out one short of a half-century from the final ball of the Power Play, but it mattered little. By then the Warriors were already 64/1 and over halfway to their

target.

Shimron Hetmyer toeended Mohammad Hafeez to long-off for just a single looking to keep the attack going, prompting Chandrapaul Hemraj and Warriors skipper Shoaib Malik to throttle back and make sure nothing went wrong.

Hemraj edged behind off Rayad Emrit for a watchful 22, leaving Nicholas Pooran (19*) to apply the finishing touches alongside Malik (24*) as the Warriors got home with 25 balls to spare.

The start of the game was delayed by a brief rain shower and when play did begin the Warriors had got through four overs and three different spinners before a seamer was seen.

The tactic paid off, with Devon Thomas bowled by Chris Green’s first ball and just 19 runs on the board after the first four overs from Hemraj, Green and Tahir.

And even when the quicker bowlers did come on, it was still the spinners making the difference. Evans had stroked four fours in reaching 26 and was looking dangerous when he was superbly run out by a direct hit from Tahir at short fine-leg.

With the seam bowling of Romario Shepherd and Paul proving relatively expensive, Malik turned to the fourth spinner in his ranks with instant reward as Qais Ahmad had Hafeez caught for 14 by

Hetmyer at long-off in his first over. Tahir then trapped Jason Mohammed plumb lbw for just 4 to reduce the Patriots to 51/4 in the 9th over.

The Patriots took the bold decision to promote lefthander Dominic Drakes to number six in a bid to counter the leg-spin threat on the back of his record-breaking 34 not out – the highest ever T20 score by a number 11 – against Barbados Tridents last time out.

It didn’t work. He was dropped by Hetmyer on nought but caught by Ahmed two balls later to give Tahir a second wicket of an eventful over and sum up a night to forget for the Patriots.

Today a double header is scheduled for two venues as the tournament continues.

From 01:00PM the 12th Match of the tournament has been fixed for Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica with the Jamaica Tallawahs facing the Barbados Tridents.

At 06:00 PM the 13th Match, a day night (D/N) encounter at Warner Park Basseterre, St Kitts will see the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots battling the St Lucia Zouks.

Points standing TEAM M GAW 4 TKR 4 ZOUKS 3 BT 2 STKNP 5 JT 4

W 4 4 1 1 1 0

Man-of-the-match Qais Ahmad was on target with three wickets for the Warriors. (CPL) L 0 0 2 1 4 4

T 0 0 0 0 0 0

P 8 8 2 2 2 0

NRR 1.388 1.208 -0.054 -0.725 -0.787 -1.511

Sunday September 15, 2019

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Kaieteur News

4th EBFA/Ralph Green U-11 League

Be disciplined whilst you play but have fun too – Wayne Forde

The teams that participated in the march pass and launch yesterday at the GFF National Training Centre.

GFF President Wayne Forde (right) about to officially kick the ball off to signal the start of the 4th EBFA/Ralph Green U-11 League yesterday at the GFF National Training Centre, Providence, EBD.

“There are lots of good characteristics that you can build from football but above all you must have fun, enjoy the game. Be creative, test out your dribble but of course, have fun.”

Words of encouragement from Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President to the players and officials attending the launch of the Fourth East Bank Football Association / Ralph Green

sponsored Under-11 League yesterday at the GFF National Training Centre, Providence, East Bank Demerara.

Ten (10) of the twelve (12) participating teams were on hand for the opening and they

Guyana to host Hero CPL 2019 playoff double header The playoff doubleheader for the 2019 Hero Caribbean Premier League has been confirmed as taking place in Guyana for this season.

This means that there will be seven Hero Caribbean Premier League matches taking place in Guyana, with five group matches and the crucial playoff games which will decide which teams head to the final.

This year will see all four teams who make the knockout stages of the tournament featuring in matches taking place on Sunday 6 October. The first match on that day will be the Eliminator which will see the 3rd place team play the 4th place finisher.

The winner of this game will play the loser of Qualifier 1 in the semi-final on Thursday 10 October.

The second match of the day is Qualifier 1 which will see the first place team after the group stages take on the side who finished second in the table. The winner of this game will go straight to the final on Saturday 12 October 2019.

Pete Russell, the COO of

Hero CPL, said: “We are blessed to get to bring games to Guyana where the fans are out of this world. The playoff matches were a huge success last year, and with the games being a double header there will be even better value for supporters as they will get to see two games between the four best teams on one day.

We know the support we will get from Guyanese fans, at both the group games and the playoffs, will be second to none.”

Director General, Hon. Joseph Harmon, MSM said: “We are very pleased to have the Caribbean Premier League returning to Guyana in 2019.

The tournament has made a huge impact, showcasing our beautiful country to viewers around the world as well as creating jobs locally. We are delighted that the proud and passionate Guyanese cricket fans can look forward to this world-class spectacle this season. With seven matches, including the two crucial playoff games, Guyana will be at the heart of the tournament in 2019.”

First started in 2013, the Hero Caribbean Premier

League (CPL) is a franchisebased T20 format cricket tournament that combines two of the most compelling aspects of Caribbean life – dramatic cricket and a vibrant Carnival atmosphere.

Combining broadcast and digital viewership over 200 million fans watched the 2018 season to make it one of the fastest growing leagues in world cricket. In 2018 the tournament made a positive economic impact across the Caribbean of US$127million.

Trinbago Knight Riders are the current Hero CPL champions and the other competing teams are Barbados Tridents, Guyana Amazon Warriors, St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots, St. Lucia Zouks and Jamaica Tallawahs. The 2019 tournament will take place between 4 September and 12 October.

For further i n f o r m a t i o n visit www.cplt20.com.

PLAYOFFS Sunday 6 Oct Eliminator – 3rd v 4th, Providence, Guyana Sunday 6 Oct Qualifier 1 –1st v 2nd, Providence, Guyana

were all encouraged to be the best they can be during matches.

“I want to extend best wishes to all the teams, we do not know who will emerge as the champions, but go out there, play hard, play fair but above all, have fun. Let’s have an excellent competition.”

President Forde also extended gratitude to sponsor Ralph Green for his continued investment in the sport, noting that many of the players in the junior national teams including Shoran James would have been given the opportunity to develop their skills as a result of this tournament which is in its fourth year.

The executive committee of the EBFA was also commended

by President Forde for its continued commitment towards the development of the sport by making opportunities available through competitions for the youths.

“I would like to congratulate the executive committee of the East Bank Football Association for the countless initiatives they have undertaken to keep football alive not only on the East Bank but throughout Guyana. They’re setting a fine example and I want to also congratulate the coaches that have taken time to bring the teams out here and get them ready for competition.”

Over 120 players will be

battling on Saturday’s at the same venue in a league and knockout format to decide the winner of this year’s tournament.

GFF Executive Member, Dion Inniss who has responsibility for the EBFA also offered remarks, reminding the players that fair play must be practiced at all times as one team will emerge as champion but players and teams must respect each other during matches.

All the teams were presented with match jerseys, knapsacks and a ball, while the respective coaches were also recipients of a jersey each. Five matches were played.

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GISE, Star Party Rental, Trophy Stall 1stDiv Cricket

Bacchus, Sookdeo, Johnson & Dindyal hit fifties for GCC after GDF routed for 87

By Sean Devers After dismissing UG for 47 & 100 in their emphatic win in the last round GCC bowled out GDF for 87 and by the end of the first day of their two-day GISE, Star Party Rental, Trophy Stall First Division Cricket tournament for City teams, were 274-2 enjoying a lead of 187 runs yesterday at Bourda.

In steaming hot conditions on a slow track and a very heavy outfield, host GCC put themselves in a commanding position for successive victories as half-centuries from Robin Bacchus, Jeetendra Sookdeo, Test batsman Leon Johnson and West Indies U-16 batman Mavendra Dindyal by the time bad light stopped play.

Bacchus followed up his 86 in his last innings with an aggressive 70 from 64 balls with three fours and five sixes and shared in an opening stand of 124 with fellow left-handed Sookdeo who followed up his 44 against UG with 56 from 75 balls with two fours and four sixes.

Leon Johnson, on the back of his maiden First division double ton in the last match, reached the boundary four times and cleared it thrice in his unbeaten 70 from 101 and has so far featured in an unfinished 146-run third with partnership with 14-year-old Dindyal, only in his second first division game.

The right-hander finished not out on 60 from 110 balls with

Sunday September 15, 2019

Kaieteur News

five boundaries to follow-up his 46 against UG. Off-spinner Leon Andrews has so far taken 2-82 from 22 overs.

Renaldo Ali-Mohamed followed up his 8-wicket match haul in the last match with 3-17, while his opening partner Bernard Bailey (3-7) and offspinner Stephon Wilson (3-38) destroyed the Soldiers in just 31.2 overs five minutes after lunch.

Only David Rajmangal who hit two fours and a six in an unbeaten 45-ball 33 offered resistance as Damion Whitney, who was run out for 14 and former Guyana U-19 all-rounder Joshua Jones, who hit a six and four in 18, were the only others to reach double figures.

GDF lost wickets at regular intervals and after Andries (8) played around a full ball and was bowled by Bailey before Kurt Lovell (6), Damion Waldron (0) and Randy Lindore (0), who was bowled with a perfect yorker from Ali-Mohamed, three wickets had fallen with the score on 16.

Two runs later Terry Fraser (2) gloved a hook to the Keeper off a bouncer from the lively Bailey and by Lunch it was 72-7 before the innings ended just after the interval.

GCC began their chase with some measure of luck as Bacchus was dropped thrice and Sookdeo twice as they destroyed the Soldiers with heavy artillery.

Bacchus reached his 50 from 44 balls with four fours and three sixes, two of them into the top tier of Rohan Kanhai stand where Cristy, (a Yoga instructor) who jumped into the TV to take a catch during a commercial for a betting service, failed to take the catch.

But when well set for a century, Bacchus cut at one too close to him off Andries and was caught behind.

Sookdeo dumped Andrews for six to reach his 50 from 53 balls before he slashed Andrews high to point at 146-2.

After five catches were floored in the second Johnson and the elegant Dindyal took GCC to 136-2 by Tea. Both batsmen played some attractive shots with the experienced Johnson who dominated the stand.

The batting of Dindyal belied his age and he played an array of classy drives and elegant pulls but it was Johnson who got to his fifty first when he hit off spinner Lindore for consecutive boundaries and a four to reach his 50 from 85 balls with four fours and two sixes before depositing Andrews onto the GCB office to reach the 250.

Dindyal drove Andrews down the ground for a boundary to post his 50 from 86 balls with five fours just before the close.

Today is the final day and play is scheduled to commence at 09:30hrs.

Amazon Warriors helps 14 Year Old in cancer fight The Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) team have assisted 14 year old Shaniece Nahoe, who has been diagnosed with a cancerous facial tumour, in her battle for survival.

While preparing for their clash against St Kitts and Nevis Patriots (SKNP) in Basseterre in this year ’s Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL), the Warriors learnt of the Washington Archibald High School

student’s situation and immediately pooled financial resources to hand over to the family.

Nahoe, who was born in Guyana, is currently in Jamaica at the University of the West Indies Hospital with her mother, Shelly Jailall while her father and two younger siblings remain in St Kitts praying for her speedy recovery.

However, the form two student is far from full

recovery having just recently undergone her first chemotherapy session. The next session is set for the end of September and once the tumor begins to shrink, radiation treatment will begin.

Upon receiving the donation, Nahoe’s father, who was born in Guyana, thanked the Guyana Amazon Warriors for their support and wished the team well in their quest for a maiden CPL title.

(John Ramsingh)

Guyana Amazon Warriors Media Officer John Ramsingh (left) makes the donation on behalf of the team to Shaniece Nahoe’s father and siblings while in St. Kitts & Nevis.

GBTI GCC Junior girls making waves in Trinidad The GBTI GCC hockey junior girls are off to a phenomenal start in this year ’s Paragon Indoor Hockey Championships being played at the Woodbrook Youth Facility in Port-of Spain, Trinidad.

The GCC girls made their first appearance Thursday last, in the Under-16 division against Magnolias. The GBTI girls were dominant from the outset and banked 5 goals before Magnolias could finally find success in a late counterattack to score. The match ended at 5 – 1 in favour of the Guyanese.

In their second Under-16 match of the competition played on Friday 13th, the Bourda girls bettered the

score of the previous day with a 5-0 victory over Checkers then completed their penultimate Under-16 match on Saturday against Sepos and finished in fine style with a 6-0 win. The GBTI GCC girls lead the table on 9 points with Magnolias in second with 6.

Abosaide Cadogan is the current leading scorer of the competition so far with 7 goals while Sarah Klautky has 5, Madison Fernandes 3 and Haley Carpenter 1.

In the Under 21 division, the GCC girls fielded most of their U16 players in addition to 16year old Captain Makeda Harding. Their youth did not seem to faze the GCC girls’ game as they dominated this older division with a 3-0 win over

Checkers and a 3-1 win over hosts Paragon. Once again the goal scoring was led by Abosaide Cadogan with three goals and Sarah Klautky with two, while Captain Makeda Harding scored the third. The second day of Under-21 matches saw GCC repeat their outcome over Paragon by 2-0 with a field goal from Abosaide Cadogan and a penalty corner goal by Makeda Harding.

The GBTI GCC Spartans play their final two pool round matches this morning against Bishops in the Under-16 competition and Checkers in the Under-21. The team’s standing has already assured them a spot in the finals of both divisions which takes place this afternoon.

Cycling on today in Berbice The Corentyne High way is expected to come alight today as cycling returns to Berbice. The Club Fiesta, Jagdeo Racing Stables, DJ Dauren and Jugernauth Entertainment organised event is being staged in collaboration with the Rose Hall Town Council.

The race, which will be over 40 miles, is expected to ride off at 8:00hrs from the Rose Hall Town Arch Road to

Number 53 Village and back for the finish at its place of origin.

There will be categories for Open, Juniors, Veterans, Ladies and Juveniles riders.

Lucrative prizes will be up for grabs with the first six finishers in the open category set to be rewarded, while rewards will be presented to the top finishers in the other categories.

There are 10 prime prizes

up for the takings.

Berbice are expected to have their best riders on show to defend their turf including the likes of Romello Crawford, Balram Narine, Andre Green, Ajay Gopilall, Curtis Dey, Andrew Hicks, Ralph Sewnarine, Jeremiah Joseph and Mario Washington among others as they look to turn back the challenges of the invading forces.

Kaieteur News

Sunday September 15, 2019

GCOS continues support of sport

GCOS’ Leslie Black handing over a sponsorship cheque to long-serving coach of Mercury Fastlaners, Christopher Gaskin.

The Guyana Committee of Service (GCOS) whose mandate is to assist sportspersons/sports organisations and the performing arts, on Thursday last at the National Park, doled out gear and cash grants to various Track & Field clubs not only from the capital city but from Berbice and Linden.

Committee member of the GCOS, Leslie Black, in a correspondence to the media noted that for the past three years the GCOS

has been on the beck and call of the athletics community whenever support has been needed and he referenced the sponsorship of the Carifta games athletes.

Black shared that the GCOS has been able to continue assisting sports development majorly due to the proceeds of their annual raffle that was drawn last month and he thanked all those that supported the fundraising venture.

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Kaieteur News

Sunday September 15, 2019

Bounty Paper Towel & Solo Drinks Hockey Leagues

Saints and GCC clubs register wins

Watched on by a litter of supporters, play between YMCA Old Fort and GBTI GCC in the women’s second division.

The second round of the B o u n t y P a p e r To w e l sponsored Second Division and the Solo Drinks under20 Male and Female Outdoor Development Leagues finally hit off yesterday under relentless sunshine at the immaculately prepared Saint Stanislaus College (SSC) ground on Carifesta Avenue.

Six matches hit off at the venue. Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) Pitbulls

recorded a 6-0 win over YMCA Old Fort Hockey Club (OFHC) Generals with Vladimir Woodroffe leading the charge with a brace in that boys’ under-20 clash.

Saints Hockey Club (SHC) Samurai made light work of YMCA OFHC Ballerz 2-0 majorly to the finishing of Shakeem Fausette that netted a brace in the 23rd and 27th minutes, also in the boys’ under-20 division.

GBTI GCC were in their usual ruthless mood and the second division women smacked YMCA OFHC Wild Cats 12-0 in their rampaging win. Princessa Wilkie and Sonia Jardine each banged home hat-tricks in the rampaging victory, while Sandy Roopnarine bagged a brace that could’ve easily been another hat-trick at least.

Saints defeated GCC Her-ricanes 5-0 to go top of the girls’ under-20 division.

Charlia Webb and Sueann Fraser bagged braces while Kezia Chinian added the fifth.

In other results, GCC the Sequel thumped Hikers Cadets 6-0 in the men’s second division courtesy off a hat-trick from Damon Woodroffe, two goals from Alan Fernandes and one field goal from Medroy Scotland.

YMCA OFHC Aces edged YMCA OFHC Rusty 4-3 in the men’s second division as well.

Scoring for the winners were Theodore Thierens, Dominic Alleyne, Simeon Moore and Shaquon Favourite. The leagues continue this afternoon at the SSC ground on Carifesta Avenue with six more matches.

(Calvin Chapman story and photos)

GCC Pitbulls Kareem Mackenzie on the ball during his team’s 6-0 win over YMCA OF Ballerz yesterday at Saints ground.

Sunday September 15, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Kemo Paul take an excellent return catch to dismiss Sheldon Cotterell. (CPL)

t r o Sp

Briton John Warriors’ spinners wins Triskits bamboozle Patriots to set up fourth straight CPL T20 win Midwest tea biscuit feature event Guyana Amazon Warriors celebrate as they continued their unbeaten run in this year’s CPL T20 tourney. (CPL)

Briton John reacts just prior to crossing the finish line.

GBTI GCC Junior girls making waves in Trinidad

The GBTI GCC Spartans with team Manager Dominique DeGroot at left.

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