Kaieteur News
PAGE 04
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL EDUCATION AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT At the United Nations (UN), President Granger told world leaders that sustainable development is the pathway to improve the well-being of the masses in the world. Sustainable development offers a framework to generate economic growth, achieve social justice, environmental stewardship and strengthen governance. The Encyclopedia defines sustainable development as balancing the protection of the natural environment with the fulfilment of human needs so that these needs can be met not only in the present, but in the indefinite future. Regrettably, sustainable development is not always achievable without a price. In many situations the environment has been sacrificed on the altar of development. In Guyana as in other countries, protecting the environment has led to conflicts. But it is how we resolve those conflicts and attend to the most vulnerable in society that determines our quality of life, and a better communal living for all. Unfortunately, we live in a society where the laws are not always adhered to by some of the citizenry, and where each social class has its own set of principles and goals which inevitably lead to chaos. The government has been integrally involved in programmes aimed at transforming the society for the better. It has supported the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are geared towards ending poverty, protecting the planet, and ensuring prosperity for all.These are lofty goals that can only be attained through a rebirth of our education system. The traditional approaches to education in Guyana thus far have not adapted to the technological innovations in communication, climate change or the global economy. Our education system is failing our students. It must be transformed in order to overcome the challenges that confront the nation. Such transformation must begin with a new narrative that will inspire youths to acquire knowledge that will lead to the development of the society we desire. Our current antiquated education system is rooted in a colonial legacy that will not transform our society to a point that will lead to the realization of the nation’s sustainable development agenda. Skill development and employability with emphasis on wealth generation and accumulation cannot continue to define our education system. Guyana needs an education system with a deeper sense of purpose and integrity to empower the masses. The present education structure is a tool of social stratification that enabled the elite to have access to power and wealth and to control the citizenry. It has not only perpetuated social injustice and inequity, but it has also relegated critical thinking to the domain of the few and has purged the masses of their capacity to think critically. Even if it will be a difficult task to reform the system, given the urgency of the challenge, it must be done. The public is torn between the forces of capitalism and greed, therefore educating the masses will not be easy since they have been the products of exploitation for decades by the elite. Changes in the education system can be accomplished if our educators are driven by a moral code that places emphasis and premium on people rather than materialism. They have to ensure that all schools are truly inclusive and embracing of all races, religions and cultures. They must abandon the factory model of education and truly teach children how to learn rather than what to learn so that their minds can be liberated. It is time for educators and reformers to aspire to a broader vision and hope for an education system that takes into serious consideration, the social, ecological and economical quagmire we confront as a society.
Sunday September 24, 2017
Kaieteur M@ilbox Send your letters to Kaieteur News 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown or email us kaieteurnews@yahoo.com
High UG official accused of dishonesty Dear Editor, I wish to address various articles which have been circulating throughout the media and which have included my name as a facade for the personal agendas of others. Firstly, I would like to clarify that the headlines which involved the University of Guyana failing to release my grades on time, leading to the subsequent loss of a partial scholarship and my place at Leeds University, are all true events of 2016 and were published in an article by the Guyana Times in September 2016. Secondly, while I appreciate Mr. Kissoon’s endeavor, I’m afraid he was unaware of the timeline of the events, assuming it had occurred this year. Additionally, as I stand in an apolitical light, I cannot reciprocate sentiments from the rest of Mr. Kissoon’s article. Thirdly and most importantly, the letter published by the Registrar, Dr. Gravesande, is grossly misleading. The Registrar misconstrued my text and wholly disregarded that the University of Guyana holds responsibility for the aforementioned occurrences of 2016. In the letter by the Registrar, dated 21st September, 2017, he extracted a few lines from an e-mail correspondence we made a few weeks ago and I was infuriated to see that my words were
contorted into a context which benefited the University of Guyana. Contrary to the implication in the Registrar’s letter, UG did not actually offer to process my transcript free of cost.They carelessly delivered a copy of my transcript to the incorrect address for my visa application (despite me telling them for four consecutive days not to deliver it to said address) and the document was returned to them. When I asked for that copy to be sent to Leeds, they insisted I pay again. It was only after I argued vociferously that I should not have to pay twice for the same copy, that it was done, let’s call it, for free. Additionally, the Registrar divulged that I extended gratitude for their quick response in delivering my transcript. This was also placed out of context; I requested the document four days (three working days) before I left Guyana. Upon contacting UG a week later, my parents were told that the Exams Division was still ‘working’ on it. My thanking the Registrar was subsequent to his quick response to my exasperated e-mail inquiring why my document had not arrived; that praise was not in regard to any initial act of efficiency on the university’s behalf. In his letter, the Registrar turned a blind eye to my situation from last year
and his administration has failed to issue so much as a superficial apology. Aside from my scholarship, I lost all nonrefundable fees from last year as well as a considerable amount of refundable fees through the bank exchange rate, not forgetting a whole year of my life and goals were put on pause. Yes, I have made it to Leeds as the Registrar declared, but at an incredibly immense personal cost, which he boldly ignored. To add to the sloppiness of the administration, the University of Guyana is now attempting, eleven months after graduation and only because I brought it to their attention, to facilitate awardees from the 2016 Convocation with official acknowledgement of prizes. I am extremely displeased with the picture that was painted by the Registrar, indicating that things have gone smoothly between UG and I. I will not gratify any institution or person for their nonexistent role in my success. Finally, I do not acknowledge arguments of racism or politics as the basis of UG’s reprehensible actions as many on social media have been implying. I believe the university simply needs to own up to its mistakes and reorganize its administrative modus (Continued on page 5)
Sunday September 24, 2017
PAGE 5
Kaieteur News
Kaieteur M@ilbox
Kaieteur M@ilbox
The casino license application of Sleep-In International Hotel DEAR EDITOR, As auditor of Sleep-In International Hotel and casino Inc.; I read nonplussed and with great remorse, the letter dated August 3, 2017 and signed by the Gaming Authority Chairman, Mr. Roysdale Forde, addressed to Sleep Inn International Casino and Hotel Inc., and also letter dated August 21, 2017, again signed by the non-executive Gaming Authority Chairman, requesting information that among the other pile of snowflakes, included requests for seven years of Individual Income Tax Returns of the Directors and Shareholders. Lo and behold a request was also made for seven years of tax returns for Sleep-In International Hotel and Casino Inc., when the
casino license application clearly stated and showed the certificate that Sleep Inn International Hotel and Casino was incorporated in 2015. After four months of considering Mr. Bacchus’ application for a casino license, we have this pathetic response from Chairman Forde and his board members. At least one member of the Board was gloating and in a state of euphoria, when the Guyana Chronicle published an article on August 15, 2017, captioned “Sleepin Boss, Associates being probed for money laundering”. The Chronicle followed up in the next two days, with another slanderous article on SleepIn International Hotel & Casino Inc.; captioned “The Dutch Connection”. Under
High UG official accused... From page 4 operandi rather than try to extricate itself from the plights of frustrated students and alumni- a clear indication of its dysfunctional and callous system. At this point, I seek no gain from the University of Guyana despite being
pressed to file a lawsuit for the losses I incurred. I am putting this behind me and I hope in future, the Registrar and all others will exempt me from any further attempts at pacifying their institutional folly. Renita Chanderballi
whose directive the Chronicle made these pernicious attacks is still unknown. We learnt during the week ending September 23, 2017, from a pillar of the mainstream media that the Government of Guyana is seeking casino partners for the Marriott. I do wonder whether these partners will be asked to provide their Individual Income Tax Returns and whether this absurd request for Individual Income Tax returns extends to all investors – local and overseas. Where will this madness end? This continuing fandango, leads one to wonder, what is the purpose of sanity? Mr. Bacchus is a Guyanese who has supported all and sundry; be they
from the red party or the green party. It seems that Mr. Bacchus dream is being made impossible to achieve; frustrated by unauthorized, unmerited or ridiculous requests. Some of these requests are not covered by the Gaming Authority Act. To paraphrase words from the play Don Quixote: Clifton Bacchus has been scorned and covered with scars in his quest to obtain a casino license. Are we not our brother’s keepers? The casino license application was made by an incorporated entity on April 5, 2017. Yet Mr. Bacchus’ personal Income Tax returns are requested. It seems to me that the Board of the Gaming Authority has acted beyond the
remit of the Gaming Authority Act. My understanding of tax law is that only GRA has right of access to an individual’s tax return or same can be provided based on a request sanctioned by the President of Guyana. I appeal to President Granger to put an end to the tortuous and seemingly malicious process that Mr. Bacchus is being made to undeservedly suffer; in his quest to be a major local investor, by using the capitalist system, to make profits, create employment and become one of our great entrepreneurs. We do a disservice to our native sons and daughters, as our Guyanese entrepreneurs seek to expand their businesses and are often
treated in such a dismissive, humiliating, and ridiculous manner. How will our little “ExxonMobils”, emerge when regulation aremade interminable and circular, where logic and common sense are ignored. Did we request tax returns from the Directors and Shareholders of Exxon Mobile? How ludicrous that would be. Are we forever mentally enslaved to kowtow to foreign investors, as we trample on the rights and dreams of our local investors? We seem to be intent on having our people be hewers of wood anddrawers of water as recorded in the Bible, instead of being filled with pride and joy to see our courageous (Continued on page 6)
PAGE 6
Sunday September 24, 2017
Kaieteur News
Kaieteur M@ilbox
Kaieteur M@ilbox
Lloyda Nicholas-Griffith, me and our country
The APNU+AFC inherited a Guyana that was completely decayed
Let us start the descriptive process in stages so there can be no misunderstanding or misinterpretation by Guyanese who read this letter here. I did a column on July 18, 2017 on my encounter with Justice Navendra Singh. I haven’t seen Justice Singh in ages since he was the lawyer who did pro bono work for me when I asked him to stop the University from cancelling the appointment of Dr. Mark Kirton as Acting Vice Chancellor in 2005. That is a more than a dozen years ago. It was nice to see Mr. Singh after all these years. In that July 18th column, I reflected on how Justice Patterson granted us two NISI orders that prevented UG from removing Kirton but on the advice of UG’s lawyer, Ralph Ramkarran, UG did not comply. I went on to reflect on those days and how the PPP leaders behaved like Leviathans. I named three such Leviathans – Bharrat Jagdeo, Donald Ramotar and Anil Nandlall. I got a letter from Ralph Ramkarran threatening libel because the column damaged him in the eyes of the Guyanese people for two reasons - I referred to him as one of three Leviathans that did what they wanted to Guyana and I indicted him of perverting the course of justice by accusing him of getting UG to disregard the NISI orders. There was absolutely no evidence in the column that the word “Leviathan” referred to
Ramkarran and I produced two letters from Mr. Ramkarran in which he directed the university to disregard the NISI orders Independent of me, this newspaper examined the column as against Ramkarran’s claims. It found that Ramkarran’s missive was misleading and used the following words to describe the letter of Ramkarran; “attempts at dishonesty.’ I simply asked Ramkarran to apologize since he was not in the Leviathan picture and he did advise UG to ignore the NISI orders. I never got the apology from Ramkarran. Instead I was viciously abused by Ramkarran in his Stabroek column in which I was likened to pus oozing from a sour. Not one human in this country responded to the behavior of Ramkarran. It makes me wonder why the tumultuous fuss about Ms. Lloyda Nicholas Griffith. Next, we come to UG student, Renita Chanderballi. I got an email from a friend with the link to the horror story of Chanderballi at UG. So I published a letter last Sunday castigating UG for its egregious mistreatment of students and staff, an enduring cruelty I have witnessed for the 26 consecutive years I lectured there. I made a terrible lapse. I did not look at the date to see that the girl’s plight occurred in September 2016. I was just moved emotionally at what happened to Chanderballi and I wrote. UG replied in all the newspapers this week and chas-
tised me for bringing up old matter that occurred a year ago and that everything ended up well, UG came to the student’s rescue and the student thanked UG. Now the newspapers are in receipt of correspondence from the student saying that she stood by what was reported in 2016 and that UG’s reply to my last Sunday letter was misleading, deceitful and dishonest. In this correspondence she added more to her predicament than what was reported in 2026. In other words, not all the details were reported in 2016. So who is telling the truth, Renita Chanderballi or UG? That does not take away the right of the reader to answer the question. For me, I believe Ms. Chanderballi. So where do we go from here? Will there be voices and pens calling and writing for UG to explain? If you believe the latest intervention by Chanderballi then it justifies my criticism of what took place in 2016 even though I thought it happened in 2017. I included the name of Lloyda Nicholas-Griffith in the caption of this missive here because I wanted to highlight the morbid hypocrisy of this nation that perhaps is more evil than the hypocrisy of all other countries. After this commentary here, the days will pass and the UG saga will die. But the controversy of Ms. Nicholas-Griffith will rage on. Check the papers next week for more comments on her. What a sick society! Frederick KIssoon
DEAR EDITOR, Mr. Harry Gill, one of the PPP’s chief propagandists is at it again. In his letter published in the September 20, 2017 edition of Kaieteur News the caption states that; ‘The country did well under the leadership of the PPP’. He regaled readers with his common mantra that the APNU+AFC government is corrupt, and incompetent. He said that despite the allegations of corruption under the PPP government, there were schools and hospitals being built and roads were also being paved rapidly. He further claims that Guyanese were happy, they had jobs and money in their pockets. He hilariously said that the crime rate was still too high, but people were happy. How can the tow ever correlate? He further claimed that blackouts were diminishing and people didn’t have to
worry. My concern about people like Mr. Gill is their attempt to rewrite history for the sake of demonizing President Granger. I will agree with Mr. Gill that there was happiness in Guyana. That happiness was reserved for the top two percent in the ruling elite, their hacks and fellow travelers. Happiness was for the few who got prime lands for greatly depreciated prices while the ordinary man struggled to afford to build a modest house on the standard 50 square feet house lot. Happiness was for the ministers who almost immediately upon assuming office in 1992 bought themselves upscale Toyota Prados. Happiness was the forte of a minister’s son, who had no experience in importing cars, but was given a multimillion dollar government contract to import BMWs for an international conference. Happiness was for the few who could do
whatever they wanted, but were untouchable by the police. The public servants were definitely not happy with the unilateral 5% increases given annually by the PPP government. It took a prolonged strike, and the death of Donna Herod who was shot in cold blood to get a sensible increase imposed on the government by arbitration. The hundreds of young black men gunned down through extrajudicial means, was by no means granted the happiness that Mr. Gill speaks about. The people of Linden were very unhappy with the proposed exorbitant increase in their electricity rates, and were made even unhappier when three unarmed young men were gunned down in cold blood. The sugar workers were very unhappy with the degradation of the sugar (Continued on page 7)
The casino license application of... From page 4 investors, brave the storms and high tides to succeed in industry. Our default position seems to be one filled with envy and callousness. The government of Guyana under President Ramotar signed off on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a hotel and casino, this was followed by Go-invest, Guyana Revenue Authority, the Ministry of Finance under former President Ramotar and President
Granger approving and granting duty and tax-free imports for the hotel and casino. Knowledge without intelligence, education without common sense, envy and callousness, these are the thoughts that came to mind, when I read the letter from Chairman Roysdale Forde of the Gaming Authority. To what goal is the Gaming Authority straining? What is missing from the submission made on April 5, 2017 to cause the Gaming Authority to spin wheels, as hundreds of millions of investment dollars languish? It seems to me like cruel and unusual punishment is being inflicted on Bacchus. The rats think they are roaring. The pawns believe they are gods, with the authority to punish someone trying to do good. One can forever split hairs and look for perfection; the search for perfection will be
ad infinitum. When you look at the new buildings at 288289 Church Street, the location of Sleep-In International Hotel & Casino, you will see an impressive structure, built by Guyanese. On touring the facility, it becomes apparent that we have a world class hotel, with 150 plus rooms, a casino with all the needed equipment, swimming pool, courteous and pleasant Guyanese staff, among other amenities and services. At the core, what your eyes see is the primary requirements needed to comply with the Gaming Authority Act - for approval of the casino licenses. Marcus Cicero the Roman Statesman noted “Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others”. Our Government officials must include all Guyanese in their mission to serve and provide the good life. Nigel Hinds
Sunday September 24, 2017
Kaieteur M@ilbox
Kaieteur M@ilbox
In Guyana milk is in a can and sugar is on its behind DEAR EDITOR, My friend who now resides in London, UK sent me pictures of vegetables he cultivates in his “ allotment” which is a portion of land about forty feet by twenty feet somewhere in the City itself, and straight away, I remembered making call in the mid 1980’s for abandoned canefields just over the trench at South Ruimveldt Gardens to be so used for residents of Georgetown. This view was expressed on Consumers Corner. What has become of that useful organization, Editor, kindly investigate. The National Farmers Organization published a study in 1984 which suggested that similar lands should be provided for the eighty cattle owners in the City to keep their milk cows on
these lands. Nothing came out of that proposal. I wonder what has happened to these cows. I do not see them roaming the streets of Georgetown. If a Guyanese can go to London and cultivate food on an allotment, then I feel that we can promote the same here, just on the south Georgetown lands. Guyana has the lands, the persons who can fend for themselves; our people do not lack ambition. Look at our leaders; they are a determined self-seeking lot, full of self-worth, but only for themselves. If we can harness that selfishness to productivity, we will be led out of the sluggishness that seems to confine us. We, the people have ideas that we project in many ways. How does the cocaine pass the airport and elsewhere? We need to be given the
chance to prove our worth. Give us a break and let us breathe. About four weeks ago, I was driving through Halley Street, Wortmanville, where about five youngsters were placing broken concrete in craters/holes in the road. Yes they had a cartoon box for offerings from motorists. I contributed and told they were doing a good think. Upon reflection and with knowledge of what my friend is doing in London, I am now requesting all concerned to consider the enterprising young men. Let us find them, offer them an allotment in the south G/T areas, give them the assistance they need and let us see where this experiment will go. Up to now no effort is being made to halt the slide to non development we have been experi-
encing for decades. I remember at a big meeting at Sophia in the time of PNC governance a call was made to allow a ribbon of lands close to housing areas in the sugar belt country-wide where citizens would cultivate crops, some to raise cattle for milk purposes only. At that meeting two big ones, one from the leadership of the now faltering and bankrupt Guysuco, and the other one who promised Mr. Hoyte to provide 800,000 gallons of milk per year, asking me if the lands were my father’s property. I countered that neither was it their fathers’ Look what we have inherited; we get our milk from a can, and sugar is on its behind. Hafiz Rahaman, National Farmers’ Organization
The APNU+AFC inherited a Guyana that was completely... From page 6 industry, and the wastage incurred by the Skeldon factory. The people of Georgetown were very unhappy with years of neglect, and a government minister wishing a health crisis on the city. Freddie Kissoon was very unhappy when his contract at the University was terminated for his criticism of the government. The poor vendors that tried to ‘ketch they hand’ selling water on the roadside were very unhappy when Robeson ‘bruk up’ Benn sent his wrecking crew to seize and dump their products taking away the livelihood that Harry Gill boasts that people enjoyed under his regime. The
people of Linden were very unhappy when their television station was taken away, and they were forced the daily garbage and propaganda from NCN, parading the goat man et al. Guyanese were so happy that they were migrating in droves, even supporters of the ruling party. So Mr. Gill please use accurate facts and statistics when you wish to characterize the feelings and station of the ordinary Guyanese. The stark reality is that the Granger government inherited a country with low morale and a complete decay of the social fabric. There was corruption, cronyism, and nepotism in every segment of Guyana.
PAGE 7
Kaieteur News
There was an absence of trust in state institutions, and people lost all hope. The PPP governments were clever at creating distractions and handouts to take people’s eyes off of the real problems in Guyana, but these were there and very well affected people.Mr. Gill and his cohorts would lead you to believe that the Granger led government is incapable of competently managing Guyana. The government has demonstrated a no nonsense approach and the political will to tackle problems at their root. For example, under the
former government there was complicity and an absence of professionalism in the police force. The present government through President Granger halted all promotions, until standards were restored. The government would have no tolerance for an inefficient and corrupt police force. Is Mr. Gill aware that the President is privy to facts that are not in the public domain? For instance is there any merit to the claim that bribes were paid to secure promotions? Check your facts, check the issues and speak truth. Jerrick Rutherford
THE POOR SUFFERS FROM THE TAX ON PRIVATE EDUCATION DEAR EDITOR, The saga of the VAT on private education has not gone away and will not go away until this Government sees the light of day and the unfairness of this imposition of a tax on learning. The effect of this in reality is to say to the public, that we don’t want you to learn, we don’t want you to be educated, unless you pay us for the privilege. The arguments for and against private education have been aired over and over again but I think the final word is to ask the question, If all the private school pupils were
to present themselves at the public schools, could the Government handle the situation? And I think that the answer to that is a very clear NO! So, private education must assist. I am given to understand that Government is considering rescinding this tax in November. This is of course too late for the start of the new term, but anything is better than nothing. I really, really hope that Government is serious this time when they say they will revoke this pernicious tax. A tax-free education is the sign of an educated nation! Peter Bouchard
PAGE 8
Roraima Airways explores options as Dynamic pullout looms Dynamic International Airways (2D, Greensboro) has submitted a progress report in its Chapter Eleven bankruptcy proceedings, in which it outlines its plans to trim back Guyana flights and change its focus to an ACMI model. The North-Carolina based carrier, according to a CH-Aviation report yesterday, entered Chapter Eleven protection last July, and has been cutting back
Sunday September 24, 2017
Kaieteur News
services and staff ever since. It suspended its Asian operations in August, after an engine problem precipitated an early end to the season. Following permitting problems in Ecuador, Dynamic recently cut flights to Guayaquil. Its last remaining scheduled service is New York JFK – Georgetown Cheddi Jagan, which it plans to consolidate from 5x weekly flights down to 1x weekly flight by October 7.
After that, Dynamic may consider cutting the route altogether.
Dynamic will likely drop the Guyana route.
In pursuing its new ACMI and charter strategy, Dynamic has secured a contract with Swift Travel Services to operate a regular service between Port au Prince and Santiago de Chile Int’l until end-March 2018. A second contract, which is not yet finalised, will see Dynamic flying Miami Int’l – Havana Int’l 7x weekly, and Miami – Santa Clara de Cuba 6x weekly for the duration of 4Q17. The two contracts will utilise four of Dynamic’s five aircraft. Since filing its bankruptcy petition in July, Dynamic has cut its workforce from 192 to 132. However, to accommodate the new ACMI strategy, Dynamic will need to hire an additional eight pilots and twentytwo flight attendants. It has also engaged a new CEO, Ray Lawlor, formerly of SwiftAir (USA) (WQ, Phoenix Sky Harbor). Under its new operating structure, Dynamic says it has made significant inroads into its passenger liability and will fly off the remainder by the end of its Guyana ops. Yesterday, chief of Roraima Airways, Captain Gerry Gouveia expressed worry of the likely impact. Roraima is the local han-
Gerry Gouveia
dlers for Dynamic. He is set to meet representatives of Dynamic as early as tomorrow to discuss the developments. Dynamic has been operating the North America route to Guyana for about three and half years now, Gouveia disclosed. Annually, more than 80,000 passengers were moved by Dynamic planes, to and from Guyana. Gouveia said that he was
fearful of the ticket prices going up. Already, ticket prices from an average of US$800-US$900 have climbed to US$1,400 return to New York, the official said. Currently, Dynamic is down to two flights weekly from its five. On the high demand, New York route, Caribbean Airlines and Fly Jamaica have been the other airlines operating.
Sunday September 24, 2017
PAGE 9
Kaieteur News
Implement strong Local Content Nuff nasty wickedness Policy to avoid rape by big companies covering up - President of TT’s largest Industrial Estate Dem boys seh...
By Kiana Wilburg
A sickening thing happen in Berbice. This thing so sickening that people can’t believe it happen. A li’l boy went and follow he sisters home. He ride he bicycle just in front of dem but he never reach home. A sick big man snatch him and do him all kind of things. When de man done wid de li’l boy he throw de boy and he bicycle in de Berbice River. De village find de boy body pun a mud flat yesterday after searching fuh couple days. This same sick MF did things like that before. Is only he didn’t kill nobody. Police didn’t tek note so somebody had to be covering up. Now that he going to jail and could face de gallows, dem boys wish he get de same sodomising in prison before de rope go round he neck. De same covering up happening in Georgetown and it got sodomising just like in Berbice. It involve another li’l boy but this time is de other way round. A big man at City Hall was caught forcing this li’l boy fuh sodomise he in he own office. De story buss out when another officer ketch dem in de act. This officer give a statement And de li’l boy give a statement, too. Patsy, de woman who Chase Green, have all dem statements in she possession almost two months now. But up to now she ain’t do nutten. De whole City Hall want to know why Patsy didn’t do nutten about this incident. One officer tell dem boys he strongly believe she covering up because this shi**y business because she and de man is family. Dem related and he use to wuk wid she. Dem boys also hear this is a man who use to walk round de city and pick up li’l boys, tek dem in he office and mek dem do things to him. Patsy got all dem statements. Is not de first time this man get caught doing this type of thing. Dem boys seh is a set of covering up going on in Guyana. Four months ago a soulja slam a man head couple times into a concrete wall at a masjid. De man did object to something de soulja do inside de Masjid. This man nearly dead. He losing he sight as de days go by. De matter reach de police, de army and de DPP but to this day nutten ain’t happen. Somebody covering up this injustice. De man tell dem boys he believe he gun go blind and he would never ever get to see justice. Talk half and remember justice delay is justice denied.
With a robust Local Content Policy in hand, Guyana would be in a better position to reduce the opportunities for big companies to “rape” the country of its resources while giving nothing much in return. This was essentially the sober advice provided by Mr. Ashley Taylor, President of Point Lisas Industrial Port Development Corporation Ltd. (PLIPDECO). Point Lisas is a major industrial centre in Trinidad and Tobago and is host to the Point Lisas Industrial Estate and the Port of Point Lisas, both of which are managed by PLIPDECO. Taylor has been the President of the Corporation for eight years. During that time, the corporation has seen a lot of improvements and diversification. Taylor, during an interview with Kaieteur News in Trinidad and Tobago (TT), at the company’s headquarters, said that Guyana in developing its strategic plan going forward would be wise to stress on the “percentage of local content” to be had from companies in the sector. He stressed, “(Local Content) is going to prevent companies from just coming into Guyana and for want of a better word, ‘raping’ the resources of the country and leaving and it will ensure that at least a certain amount of the resources and revenue is utilized in Guyana to give citizens the skills, wherewithal and knowledge to develop comparable or similar type of operations for the benefit of that country.” The President of PLIPDECO also acknowledged that with Guyana’s significant oil find, many companies will be expressing an interest to get a piece of the pie. In this regard, Taylor advised that it would be prudent for Guyana’s authorities to be cautious and conduct
Mr. Ashley Taylor, President of Point Lisas Industrial Port Development Corporation Ltd. (PLIPDECO) rigorous due diligence on all companies regardless of their names, acclaimed reputation or how much money they have to invest. AREAS OF CONCERN A quick overview of Guyana’s draft Local Content Policy reveals that there are a number of measures absent; particularly those which would safeguard against
procurement fraud, nepotism, favouritism and conflict of interest. This Policy is intended to make certain that Guyanese benefit from the sector. This can be done through ensuring the use of local supplies by USA oil giant, ExxonMobil as well as making sure that the company trains and employs Guyanese. The
draft policy is currently in circulation where a number of submissions have been made thus far. This is according to Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman. Be that as it may, Transparency International cautions that several nations have been made to suffer the consequences due to grievous oversights in the Local Content Policies. The anti-corruption watchdog has pointed out that politicians and decisionmakers are usually very close to the economic elite, and in several cases are the main beneficiaries of local content requirements. As such, local content rules end up benefiting and generating revenues for governmentaffiliated individuals, failing to achieve some of their objectives such as promoting enterprise development and the broader sustainable development of the country. T r a n s p a r e n c y International said that there are several examples of conflict of interest and favouritism in the design and Continued on page 13
PAGE 10
Kaieteur News
Sunday September 24, 2017
Govt. reneges on promise to provide Guyana banks on better weather more scrutiny for state agencies with 21 new automatic stations Earlier this year, following revelations of corruption at the Guyana Gold Board (GGB), Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, told Kaieteur News that the government decided to provide more scrutiny for top officials of state agencies. Indeed, Trotman did not say how exactly the government was planning to go about providing the much needed scrutiny. But what he did say was that there will be policy to that effect. Five months later, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, has confirmed that what Trotman spoke about has not really materialized. As far as Harmon knows, Government is continuing along the same road it was travelling since entering office, nothing has changed. At last week’s post-Cabinet press briefing, Harmon was asked what increased measures of scrutiny have the government been able to implement. The Minister responded, “The extent to
Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman which government has a role in the selection of the members of the boards, it is to that extent we would exercise any amount of leverage.” He continued, “The boards are independent bodies and they function in an independent way. We do not intervene in the work of these boards. From time to time, the boards will require advice from the subject ministers and in some cases the subject ministers would come to Cabinet for
Minister of State, Joseph Harmon that advice and Cabinet provides the advice. “But in so far as the operation of these boards it is for them, it is for these boards once they have been identified and it has been published in the official gazette, we expect that they would put in place mechanisms to prevent corrupt practices and corrupt transactions.” This goes contrary to the decision Trotman has claimed government made. Trotman had said that all ministers of the APNU+AFC government are working to make sure that they can institute the highest levels of scrutiny at the various agencies for which they are responsible. He told Kaieteur News that the implications of some officials at the GGB have highlighted the need for strengthened policies but “we knew (Continued on page 57)
Guyana is expected to receive more accurate, and timely weather reports from the Hydro-meteorological Services Department of the Ministry of Agriculture. It has now been boosted with 21 Automatic Weather Stations (AWSs) to enhance its existing framework. These weather stations, together with site preparation and installation, cost US$257,000 donated under the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Climate Change Adaptation Programme (CCAP). The arrangement was facilitated by the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC). The US$26M USAID CCAP is designed to strengthen an integrated system for the implementation and financing of sustainable adaptation approaches in the Eastern and Southern Caribbean region. This initiative, the Ministry of the Presidency said, builds on both the USAID/ ESC’s Caribbean Regional Development Cooperative Strategy and the CARICOM Regional Framework for Achieving Development Resilient to a Changing Climate. In keeping with the investments planned under the programme, one such activity is the provision of the AWSs to enhance the existing network within Guyana and the wider region. Under a CCCCC commissioned study conducted by the Caribbean Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH) early this year, Guyana became the beneficiary of the weather stations. The total cost of the stations is US$215,000. Site preparation and installation costs amounted to approximately US$42,000, for a total investment of US$257,000. “They will serve to enhance the national and re-
gional network of climatological observation and early warning stations that would provide optimal coverage to address the meteorological and hydrological needs within Guyana and the sub region,” the Government release said. The prime objective is to contribute to the provision of new climate information and institutional governance to help support the needs and requirements for the many critical sectors in Guyana such as agriculture, mangrove areas, water resources management and others. Maxine Nestor, Procurement Officer of the CCCCC, said these weather stations will see greater benefits for the country, particularly for fisher
folk, farmers and other persons who are dependent on accurate weather information. “Farmers, for example, would like simple questions to be answered, more so in the face of a changing climate regime and with many unable to invest in risk transfer mechanisms such as crop insurance. These questions include, when should I farm? What is the expected duration of the wet/ dry season? When should I reap before the rainy season comes? With better spatial coverage, some of these questions can be answered, reducing losses, securing livelihoods and improving the quality of life of many small-scale farmers, among other stakeholders,” she said.
GRA official shot during robbery A 35-year-old official attached to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) was shot during a robbery early yesterday as he was entering his home at West Ruimveldt, Georgetown. Ariel Benjamin was shot in his abdomen around 04:30 hrs yesterday. He is currently hospitalized at a city hospital. According to reports, the 35-year-old of Lot 403 Cactus Street, West Ruimveldt entered his yard and as he was heading to his door, he was attacked by a lone perpetrator, who demanded his bag. The suspect reportedly shot him and grabbed the bag before escaping. Benjamin was rushed to a private hospital where he remains hospitalized. No one has been arrested.
Shot Ariel Benjamin
Sunday September 24, 2017
PAGE 11
Kaieteur News
Advancement of E-Governance project
Three new ICT hubs commissioned in September Efforts by the Ministry of Public Telecommunications to implement components of the E-governance project are moving apace with the launching of at least three Information Communications Technology (ICT) hubs in locations across Guyana. Earlier this month, telecommunications officials announced the opening of three ICT centres at Parika, East Bank Essequibo; Agricola, Greater Georgetown; and Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara. Officials close to the project noted that the opening of the new internet access points is an indication of Government’s commitment to the sector. Those close to the project have noted that this month, the Unit has commissioned its first ICT hub on East Bank Demerara. The Golden Grove Community was the first on East Bank Demerara to be connected. The hub which will be operated out of the Grove Craft Centre is expected to benefit residents of the neighbouring communities of Diamond and Craig, East Bank Demerara. With the commissioning of the hubs, hundreds of residents will now have free access to the internet. Each ICT hub has been outfitted with computers, and corresponding equipment. Thus residents will be able to access Government services, including applications for birth certificates or passports. Students will also benefit significantly as they will be able to do research, complete assignments and homework.
Through the eGovernment Unit, more than 98,000 citizens in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six and Nine now enjoy free access to the worldwide web through the hubs. Some of these communities that have received connectivity are Masakenari in the Deep South Rupununi, Good Hope community on the Essequibo Coast, Aishalton, Annai, Iwokrama, Paramakatoi and Lethem. At least 55 ICT hubs were established across Guyana, of which more than 30 are operational. Minister of Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes, had explained as part of the plan, teachers and students at 86 secondary schools, 17 technical/vocational institutes, four Regional Education of-
fices and the Teachers’ Training College, Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) have been connected to the e-Government platform through the use of computer rooms and administration blocks of these schools. The Minister stated that the Ministry had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and established a fibre optic network around the University of Guyana campus to improve internet connectivity. This, Minister Hughes said, has greatly enhanced elearning and online training opportunities for all, especially those in rural and hinterland communities. She added that the creation of ‘hotspots’ on the campus and a content filtering system for secondary
Ogle bridge to be closed for emergency repairs
The Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI) on Friday announced that it will soon commence emergency rehabilitative works on the Railway Embankment
Bridge at Ogle, East Coast Demerara, resulting in the structure’s closure. These works, MPI said, will commence on September 30, 2017 and will see the
closure of the bridge to all traffic. The bridge is currently closed to all trucks requiring a lorry license. This closure to trucks will take effect from today.
schools has also been installed in collaboration with the Ministry of Education. Hughes had promised that the sector will undergo significant transformation in 2017.
She added that $314M has been earmarked for the E-Government Project. This project, she had said includes the procurement of internet access points for
government buildings and public internet access points at a cost of $114.6M. Additionally, the Public Telecommunications Ministry will secure the E-Government Network Infrastructure and simultaneously procure remote security solutions including motion sensors and CCTV cameras at a cost of $73M. Approximately $64.2M has been allocated for the expansion of the E-Governance Network to Diamond, Timehri and Amelia’s Ward. Minister Hughes said already 22 ministries and agencies have been linked to the E-Government Network. These include the Ministries Public Telecommunication, Finance, Public Health, Social Protection, Public Security, Agriculture, Legal Affairs, Indigenous People’s Affairs, Foreign Affairs and the Presidency. Also linked are the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC), the Public Buildings and Police Headquarters.
PAGE 12
Sunday September 24, 2017
Kaieteur News
Local contractor undertakes complex project at Haags Bosch A complex project at the Haags Bosch landfill, Eccles is underway to prevent dangerous chemicals from waste tainting the ground water. The $74M project, being handled by S. Jagmohan Hardware Supplies and Construction Services, is to be completed this year. Haags Bosch is the country’s biggest landfill and was opened following the decommissioning of the reeking Le Repentir in the city. It is
located behind the Eccles housing scheme and industrial site. Haags Bosch is supposed to introduce new systems in waste management to help reduce the long term impact on the environment. With the landfill located near housing schemes and waterways, the haste to ensure that standards are adhered to has taken even more significance. The contractor, being supervised by engineers of the
Ministry of Communities, is using special materials, including HDPE liners and geotextile materials to prevent the waste from seeping into the ground and into the water below. The construction of the leachate management, using a high level of engineering, is the first of its kind in Guyana, officials of the company disclosed last week. Leachate is the liquid that drains or ‘leaches’ from a land-
fill. It varies widely in composition regarding the age of the landfill and the type of waste that it contains. It usually contains both dissolved and suspended material. In fact, S. Jagmohan will be the first contractor to execute such a highly complex and large project along with the use of modern technology to install the lining material. It involves the construction of at least four inter-connected pit-like areas, pumps and about 300 feet of leachate pipes. It will also see the construction of drains and access driveways. When completed, the
Haags Bosch operation will be capable of to safely collect, manage, treat the leachate effluent before it is allowed to be disposed in the environment. Technical experts from internationally-certified HDPE welding company, Servicios de Ingeniería Geosintética SA - SIGSA, Panamá, have been retained to help with the project. According to officials of S. Jagmohan, the design and technology adopted under the project can be used in other sector including mining and petroleum. The project is entirely un-
Ongoing works by S. Jagmohan at Haags Bosch.
dertaken by the Government and is scheduled to be completed this year. Haags Bosch was opened in 2011 with the management contract handed to BK International. However, that contractor was fired by Government for allegedly failing to deliver. An out-of-court settlement for almost $1B with reached with BK. Last year, Government hired Puran Bros. to manage the site for a year. Tenders are being evaluated currently for the hiring of another contractor to manage the site.
Sunday September 24, 2017
PAGE 13
Kaieteur News
Chinese company sold drug vessel before it was seized by St. Lucia Chinese-owned company. “Based on its investigation, IAU verified that the vessel MV Vicky B is registered to RAI but was actually disposed of via an Agreement of Sale. This was all done prior to the detention
The ‘Vicky B’ anchored in St. Lucia’s waters back in 2012. (shipspotting.com photo) Authorities are insisting that proper due diligence and other checks were carried out on Rong-An Inc. (RAI), a Chinese-owned company, that was last month granted 417,809.23 hectares of the lands that were once in the control of Barama Company Limited. Questions arose about the level of due diligence carried out on RAI by the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) after it became known last month that a vessel the company once owned, Vicky B, was seized by the St. Lucian government in 2011. Last month, St. Lucia’s Comptroller of Customs (ag), Rody Alcindor, in a notice published in the Official
Gazette of Guyana, announced that his country is moving to seize the vessel. The notice named RAI, last known address of 139 Lindley Avenue, as the owner of the vessel with the country of registration as Guyana. According to the notice, the 1960-built cargo vessel, Vicky B, is the subject of seizure by the Customs and Excise Department of Saint Lucia. The St. Lucian official said that interested parties have 28 days following the second publication of the notice to object. The notice was dated August 8th, 2017. The vessel, in late 2011, was seized after St. Lucia’s security officials, acting on
information, stopped it about six miles off the island. During a search, the officials reportedly found 30 kilos of cocaine, 46 kilos of marijuana, a shotgun, ammunition and grenades. Six Guyanese were slapped with charges by the St. Lucian authorities. The vessel had apparently been under surveillance. The boat has been held and anchored in the waters of St. Lucia since then. Responding to questions about RAI’s involvement in the St. Lucia’s incident, GFC last week explained that after the situation because known in 2011, its Internal Audit Unit (IAU) was asked to determine if there were any linkages to
Implement strong Local Content... From page 9 implementation of local content policies. The international body pointed out that this has been the case in Nigeria, where local content may easily be used by the political and economic elite to extract rents, as well as in Uganda, where close ties between senior public officials and the private sector may distort the policy-making process and the award of licences and other local content benefits. In fact, Transparency International said that studies have shown that local policies and resources are often directed to groups based on their affiliation, ethnicity and loyalty to the president. It went on to state that similarly, Angola’s local content policy has been considered highly vulnerable to exploitation by public officials and their close allies in the private sector. The global watchdog said that investigations conducted by Angolan organizations and the US government have raised questions regarding contracts awarded to companies belonging to Angolan decisionmakers. According to the investigations, in compliance with the local content law that requires international companies to partner with local companies to be able to operate in Angola, an American company entered into a consortium with two Angolan companies to participate in oil blocks. However, it turned out that the real owners of one of these local companies were the former chairman and CEO of Sonangol, the Angolan state-owned oil company (responsible for the agreement with the American company), and a minister of state. Considering the fact that instances of favouritism and conflict of interest have been seen at the level of government for over 20
years, local anticorruption advocates are calling on the APNU+AFC administration to not be remiss in ensuring that the Local Content Policy guards against the aforementioned. According to Guyana’s draft, the Local Content Policy framework seeks to address, the suite of opportunities that may arise and the approaches to be taken in selecting and developing opportunities related to enhancing the capabilities of Guyanese nationals and businesses. The Policy essentially articulates that this will be done through; training, development and employment initiatives (Capacity Development), ensuring availability of ownership participation for qualified Guyanese equity interest (Ownership Value), supplier development provisions for goods and services by locals to support sector operations (Local Content); and well-tailored social contributions for greater impact and benefits (Societal Benefits). It also describes what will be done to ensure that the activities in the petroleum sector are conducted in a manner that transparently secures the maximum benefit for the people of Guyana, while recognizing the limitations of the country and holding all actors accountable to the present and future generations of Guyanese who are the owners of the nation’s petroleum resources. Additionally, the draft policy recognizes that the petroleum resources of Guyana belong to all its citizens, and represent an asset of significant intrinsic value, which once removed diminishes the wealth of the nation, unless there is transformation in value from resources below the ground to improved quality of life above it for current and future generations of Guyanese.
of the cessel in St. Lucia. It was also established that the purchaser(s) were given full possession via the Agreement of Sale and were the culpable party at the time of that interception by St. Lucian authorities.”
GFC said that it even consulted with the Customs Anti Narcotic Unit in 2011 which advised that the operators at that time were the culpable party and not the vendor- RAI. Continued on page 61
PAGE 14
Kaieteur News
Sunday September 24, 2017
FINANCIAL LITERACY:
Adopting Correct Financial Principles Learning to control and manage your money Money is a vital part of our everyday lives. In fact, we live in a “Money
Economy” and learning how to manage our money is the key to wealth building. Some of the richest people in the world started with no money
and in a few decades have become very wealthy. However, money management is very difficult for most people. This
difficulty comes about because of our belief systems about money. Our beliefs about money influence every financial decision we make. Because our beliefs define who we are, how we act, and what we may become; it is important that we identify correct financial principles that will exert a powerful influence on our financial well-being and guide us to prosperity. The more correct the financial principles we accept, the more financial control we will have. Financial principles that enable financial control In reviewing the personal financial literature it seems that, “There can be no happiness if the things we believe are different from the things we do.” If we are not getting the financial results we want, we probably need to change our principles. The following are six correct financial principles suggested by Lynn Robbins, author of Benjamin’s Franklin personal financial secrets that we need to adopt: 1. Less outgo than income will solve our money problems – Unless controlled, spending will match or exceed our income. Therefore, if our outgo exceeds our income, then our upkeep will be our downfall. The need for more money is not the problem but a symptom. Very often, people count on a raise or other extra income to bail them out of financial trouble. It is much easier to control spending than income. Living within present income is the key to sound money management. 2. Following a budget brings greater control over important choices – A budget is a financial tool that can give us correct information about our finances. A budget is a
plan. It maps out a monthly and daily path toward financial dreams. The purpose of budgeting is not to account for every penny, but rather to establish reasonable guidelines and limits. 3. Most people spend according to emotion – Thousands of consumer goods and services compete daily for our dollar. With so many desirable things to spend our money on, it is hard for us to simple say no. Value-based sending is the opposite of emotional spending. It recognizes that spending is a means to an end – a way to get what we really want. Several things influence our spending habits, especially trying to “keep up with the Jones’ Law.” This influence indicates, “Our needs are a function of what other people have.” Keeping up with the Joneses can keep us in debt for years to come. 4. Going into debt now decreases our future options – A quotation from Benjamin Franklin says, “Rather go to bed without supper than rise in Debt.” Once in debt, interest is your companion every minute of the day and night, you cannot dismiss it; and whenever you get in its way or cross its course or fail to meet its demand, it crushes you. Therefore, decreasing our current debt will spare us from unnecessary burdensome payments, thus increasing our financial options. 5. Money can only be exchanged for things of value – Success often depends not on how much we spend, but on how wisely we spend; not more money, but more for the money. Wise money management is the management of exchanges.
Dr. Terence Smith, Deputy Governor, Bank of Guyana We exchange our money for things. Wise money management seeks to maximize the value of each exchange. Education is the key to making wise exchanges. The more we know about an exchange, the better money manager we will become. 6. Our present financial situation is a result of decisions we made based on the money principles we believe in – Adopting this principle means that we accept accountability; and instead of seeing our financial situation as hopeless and uncontrollable, we now have a road map to follow. Responsibility for finances remains with each individual. We direct our path by the choices we make, and our choices are stated by the principles we adopt. Therefore, changing our incorrect money principles will change our financial situation. Concluding remarks The question has always been asked, “If financial success is possible for so many people, why is it that so few people ever achieve their financial goals.” There are several reasons, but an important one is that we never learn how to deploy our financial assets in a controlled and principled way. No one comes into the world understanding money. Everyone learns it on the way through by taking courses, reading books and articles like this one. According to Brian Tracy, “You may save yourself weeks, months, and even years of hard work and expenditure by spending a few hours learning how money is acquired, invested, and increased with maximum safety.” With this article about money and financial principles, you are well on your way to taking charge of your finances and ensuring that you and your family thrive and prosper. Concluding remarks Next week we will examine tips to choosing a financial literacy curriculum. Thanks for all your comments and support. As usual, please send your comments or questions to deputygovernor@ bankofguyana.org.gy
Sunday September 24, 2017
PAGE 15
Kaieteur News
MMP Foundation for Excellence:
Realizing the academic potentials of Berbice students alongside available jobs. Thus, the priority lies in reducing school dropouts and providing a platform for high school students that they can build on in the future.” Currently, the MMP foundation, a fast growing NGO, has not been able to reach out to businesses for support, since funding for all activities is undertaken by the founder.
Persaud (back row, centre) is flanked by recipients of Certificates of Commitments By Feona Morrison It has been said that anyone can achieve what he sets out to do, of course, with support from family and friends and even the community; as the popular proverb says, “It takes a whole village to raise a child.” With that being said, the recently founded Mohabir Mookoorchand Persaud (MMP) Foundation for Excellence, a Non-Profit Organization, is committed to helping secondary school students in Berbice realize their full potential and mindsets of excellence which will development them into productive citizens. The MMP foundation, which is headed by Mohabir Mookoorchand Persaud, was officially launched on October 17, 2016 at the JC Chandisingh Secondary School in Rose Hall Town, Corentyne, Berbice. It was at that ceremony that the NGO issued its first scholarship and awarded 10 students with certificates of commitment to receive financial assistance for their Caribbean Secondary Examinations Council (CSEC) next year. This means that the examinations fees for the recipients will be paid by the NGO. The foundation also extended its help to students from other schools in the region including Corentyne Comprehensive High, Lower Corentyne Secondary and Port Mourant Secondary Schools. Mookoorchand, who resides overseas, is a former student of the JC Chandisingh Secondary School. He said, “The foundation, under the theme, ‘One Child can change the World with an Education’ is my way of giving back to the community, to the school I attended as my teachers and family saw potential in me and were able to help me excel in my exams.” But as a young boy attending high school, Mookoorchand experienced
Founder of MMP Foundation for Excellence: Mohabir Mookoorchand Persaud hardship as his family struggled along the way to send him to school. All of this, necessary to say, those years helped steer him towards success. Determined to provide for his family and those facing difficult times in his homeland, Mookoorchand worked two jobs to realize this goal, while battling a limited sleep cycle. “And to those individuals out there who might lose hope when faced with difficult circumstances, I would like to say to them that no struggle is too great for you to overcome. If you are willing to work hard and make the relevant sacrifices,” the founder advised. In August, the MMP foundation held it second largest back to school drive during which students from various secondary schools across the region were given necessary school supplies, traveling and internet allowances. Also, 41
Certificates of Commitment were issued to students which mean that their CSEC fees for 2018 will be paid. According to Mookoorchand, “Students with the desire to strive for excellence and desirous of obtaining a scholarship are required to submit a letter to the MMP Foundation stating their circumstances and must maintain a grade of 65% to be considered.” The back to school drive was intended to coincide with the foundation’s first anniversary which will be observed next month, since Mookoorchand’s time in Guyana is limited. However, in addition, a “Feeding Programme” will be carried out where meals will be provided for needy students during its anniversary month. The founder hopes that with this endeavour, students will be empowered to realize their full potential to be able to surpass all goals they have set for themselves and make meaningful contributions to society. Although the foundation is in its early stage with emphasis being placed on children in Berbice, Mookoorchand disclosed, “Over the next five years, it is my objective that the foundation can reach out to students in need of help throughout Guyana provided that the prerequisites are met.” He continued, “Financial assistance is not provided for students at the tertiary level as it is possible for students to matriculate themselves after completing secondary education by incorporating part time/full time studies
Mookoorchand strongly believes that education can empower students to break the chains of poverty. He emphasized that if we choose to sit back and deny those currently living in poverty the opportunity to be emancipated, then the cycle of their struggles will continue. “It is being said that the World’s top 100 billionaires
can end world poverty four times over but that cannot happen in a matter of days, weeks or months. It will take years to achieve and a lot of provisions must be place for this to happen with ample influence from governments. So by arming our young people with education, we are taking that first step towards ending poverty.”
PAGE 16
Kaieteur News
Sunday September 24, 2017
Sunday September 24, 2017
PAGE 25
Kaieteur News
TACKLING CRIME AND VIOLENCE WITHIN THE CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY (CARICOM): Part Two (Continued for last week) What has been the International Response? The most reliable and extensive knowledge about police corruption in the world’s English-speaking countries is found in the reports of specially appointed blue-ribbon commissions, independent of government, and created for the sole purpose of conducting investigations of police corruption. In their reports, most of the commissions have recommended that in order to reduce police corruption the creation of permanent external oversight over police with particular emphasis on monitoring police officer misbehaviour is imperative. Further, the recommendations from these commissions have focused in general on reforms to police culture, management, recruitment and training, disciplinary processes, and internal integrity monitoring. The remedies proposed have mostly relied on a set of contextual conditions not commonly found in small countries with small populations and with relatively weak economies, such as CARICOM States, where “everybody knows everybody”. Surveys, media accounts and observer reports all agree that police corruption in the developing world is more pervasive and visible than in the developed world. In small developing states, police corruption is an open fact of life
Some Thoughts of Fairbairn Egerton Liverpool while in the developed world, it is out of sight, generally confined to the shadowy world of vice regulation, according to a comparative study reported in the British Journal of Criminology (November, 2006). This suggests that efforts to reduce police corruption in the small states like those in the Caribbean cannot be informed by what is necessarily done in the developed world but must be based on analyses of differences in the who, what, how and when of local corruption, mindful of the need for an external component to involve the people who are very much aware of all the corruption in our societies. The Dilemma of Policing in the Caribbean In an attempt to put into context my recommendations to tackle crime and violence in CARICOM, I wish to share two seemingly anecdotal but in actuality true conversations with two police constables from a Member State that will be unnamed. It is my view that the inferences of the exchanges succinctly encapsulate the profound dilemma of policing in the Commonwealth Caribbean. Conversation No. 1: During one of my informal conversations with a female police constable in one Member State in which I was trying to get an understanding of the challenges facing the
police there, she shared with me an experience of hers. She had cause once to charge two men who had committed a traffic offence. When notice of her action came to the attention of her supervisor, she was summoned to his office and told in no uncertain terms that she should drop the charge against one of the men and only charge the other one, implying by this action that the one to be freed was a “big one”. Angered by the unlawfulness of the order from her supervisor, she rudely said to him “You do it if you wish” and walked out of his office. Conversation No.2: A friend of mine who is a Judge told me of a very revealing conversation he once had with a 19-year old police constable without him knowing that he was a judge. He said that the young policeman boasted of a 5-year plan of his to own “a house, a car and a ‘lil’ business”. What are the implications of these two conversations? Simplistic as they may seem, they are symptomatic of the two most destructive forces that undermine the rule of law in the Commonwealth Caribbean, politicization of crime and police corruption. Politicized crime can be defined as any unlawful act committed by a governing politician or official. Politicization of Crime
The Baccoo Speaks There is no end to the cruelty of man. The number of sick people is astonishing. A missing child in Berbice is the latest victim of sick people. There is going to be another missing person, this one the victim of angry people because of a deal gone sour. Good policing would ensure that the killers do not escape. ** Once more the police would have to chase down some young robbers who seem to know nothing other
than relieving people of their earnings. In this case the word will go out that there is a lot of money in a particular
household. The attack will come but neighbours will respond violently. ** Yet another fraud would be reported. Some employees at a revenue collection agency would assume that they have found a loophole in the system. They would help themselves to some money but the system is such that when one is left out he will squeal. The newspapers would have a field day reporting on the issue.
A story is told of a new government in a certain Member State that came to power after many years in the opposition. While in opposition, their members were so intimidated and prosecuted by the police on behalf of the then government that some of their members were morbidly afraid of the police when they assumed the reins of government. Can you imagine the dilemma of that new government in dealing with a police force that was used as an instrument of oppression over them? Distrust and suspicion of the police clouded their thinking and decision making in matters relating to the police until they realized that the police under their control was indeed a weapon they also could use politically. Today, with the considerable powers entrenched in the hands of our politicians by virtue of the constitutions that govern us in the Commonwealth Caribbean, can we realistically expect a body like the Police Service Commission (PSC), appointed by a President or Prime Minister, to dictate to the President or Prime Minister who should or should not be appointed as Commissioner of Police (COP)?
Given the political, social and economic realities of life in the Caribbean, with the destructive and corruptive influence of drug money in all aspects of our lives, it is no surprise to hear that a ‘big one’ could have picked up a phone and call on the police to carry out any act, ‘legal’ or ‘illegal’. The dilemma honest cops, like the young female constable referred to earlier, face is from whom can they seek recourse? If the stakes are high enough, their honest and professional functions can become a matter of life or death. The intellectual authors of crime and violence in the Caribbean will sooner than later not only hold the police hostage but also the very politicians who allow themselves to be corrupted. Confronted with challenges of corruption both externally and internally to the force, should the COP be rightfully held accountable for the efficiency and performance of the police force when he or she is not responsible for the discipline or promotions for the ranks in the force? Why should the responsibility for discipline and promotion of any rank of the police force be that of the PSC?
What are the choices of the honest COP who does not want to be politically controlled? Seeking consolation among the political opposition may present itself as an attractive option. What if the politics of a country is clouded by race or ethnic differences? How could the politicization of crime be kept in check in the small societies in which we live in the Caribbean? Because of distrust of the police, it has been the tendency of some new governments to create intelligence and other law enforcement agencies independent of the police to conduct investigations and prosecute the criminality that might have occurred under former administrations. Some have been created as a counter balance to the police which have resulted in unnecessary but understandable professional rivalries and even conflict. Historically, these initiatives have turned out to be rather short lived because they have generally been perceived to be politically motivated and personality driven. As soon as administrations change, their utility value is brought into question. Those that have continued to exist sooner or later manifest symptoms of systemic corruption. (To be continued)
PAGE 26
Kaieteur News
Sunday September 24, 2017
The hunt for the claw-hammer killer …he led cops on a chase from the US to the Soesdyke/Linden backlands By Michael Jordan It was pitch-black; cold and raining heavily when the men entered the track off the Soesdyke/Linden Highway. The rain-soaked group included armed police ranks, led by homicide boss, Michael Marks, and an informant who had promised to lead them to a dangerous fugitive who always seemed to be one step ahead of the lawmen. They hoped that the rainfall would muffle the sound of their approach, and that this time around, they would get the man some US reporters had dubbed the clawhammer killer. They could just as well have called him the Halloween murderer. The story began on October 30, 1990, in Saginaw County, in the state of Michigan. Bertha Aldridge, 18, and George Bowles, 23, were in the Perry Drug Store, where they worked, when a man with a claw-hammer attacked them. The hammerwielding attacker struck Aldridge and Bowles repeatedly in their heads. Harold Epting, a 61-yearold employee, reportedly heard a woman’s screams and on investigating, saw his two mortally wounded colleagues on the floor. The man with the hammer then attacked Epting, but although injured, Epting managed to escape. The intruder allegedly then removed US$40 from the cash register and fled the scene. A post mortem would show that Bertha Aldridge had sustained 19 ‘bashing-in blows’ which punctured her skull. Her colleague, George
Bowles, was struck six times. He also suffered a broken jaw and died of cardiac arrest caused by brain damage. Epting and another eyewitness identified the killer as 30-year-old Steven King. King, a Guyanese by birth, was also a former US paratrooper, who was employed as a cashier and stock worker at the same drug store where the killings had occurred. But King was nowhere to be found. Police in the US received information which suggested that the suspect had fled to his homeland. They contacted their counterparts in Guyana. The local cops got word that Steven King was hiding out at relatives in Grove, East Bank Demerara. The detectives staked out two houses in the community. They learned that the fugitive had indeed been around, but, apparently tipped off, had fled. But just as the trail appeared to be getting cold, they learned from an informant that King was hiding out in the vast backlands off the Soesdyke/Linden Highway. According to the informant, some of the suspect’s relatives were supplying him with meals. Police had another stroke of luck when they arrested a male cousin of King. The man confessed that King had a hideout in a densely-forested area off the highway. He finally agreed to take the hunting party there. However, he warned that the ex-soldier, they were tracking had an uncanny ability to detect the slightest of sound in the jungle. At nightfall, in almost total darkness, the infor-
mant led detective Michael Marks and his team down a meandering trail, in which an occasional snake was picked out by flashlight. Finally, they came upon a small clearing in which a cot had been set up. A man was lying on the cot. He appeared to be fast asleep. While one man guarded
bound flight to face trial for murder and robbery. During the trial, 61-yearold survivor, Harold Epting testified that King was the individual who had attacked him. Denying this, King said that he saw Epting between two men in ski-masks. He alleged that one of the men
storeroom and saw the bodies of Aldridge and Bowles. King claimed that he didn’t go to the police because he knew that no one would believe him.
She denied trying to assist in his escape. On January 3, 1993, Steven King was found guilty of murder. He was sentenced
the reluctant informant, four other ranks pounced upon the sleeping man, who awoke with a scream. The captive was Steven King. A search of the camp revealed several months’ supply of canned food. During the ensuing months, King waged a battle in the High Court to avoid extradition. But in April 1992, handcuffed and flanked by armed policemen, Steven King was taken aboard a US-
struck Epting with a tyre iron, while the other, who had a claw-hammer, kicked the elderly man as he lay on the floor. The accused also claimed that the hammer was knocked from the man’s hand as he fled with his accomplice. King claimed that Epting’s spectacles had fallen off, and that he handed the man his glasses and Epting then left the store. According to the accused, he then went to the
The accused also denied telling investigators ‘I killed two people in 20 seconds and I can kick your (expletive) too.’ According to King, what he had in fact said was: ‘How can you say that I killed two people in 20 seconds?’ King’s attorney also suggested that the investigators had framed his client. Testifying at his trial, King’s girlfriend described him as a hard worker who squirreled away his money.
to life imprisonment without parole. If you have further information on this case or any other matter, please contact us, at our Lot 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown office or by telephone. We can be reached on telephone numbers 225-8465, 225-8491, or 225-8458. You need not disclose your identity. You can also contact Michael Jordan at his email a d d r e s s : mjdragon@hotmail.com.
Sunday September 24, 2017
PAGE 27
Kaieteur News
Context rules life Ms. Nicholas-Garrett I am annoyed at the whirlpool of news that is swirling around the Communication Officer in the Office of the President, Lloyda NicholasGarrett. For me it is surreal. I can’t believe what I am seeing and reading. People in Guyana, not in Barbados, Germany, Canada, Malaysia etc but in Guyana, are demanding she resigned or be fired or be disciplined. In all places Guyana? Ms. Nicholas-Garret was discovered referring to her East Indian colleagues in her office as “coolies.” Well, that is not exactly nice. But if you are going to scold her then Guyana has to scold itself. My question is who has the moral high ground to tell the young lady what she did was ethically unacceptable? Now, please don’t get me wrong, please don’t misinterpret what the lines below are arguing. I am not judging Ms. Nicholas-Garrett on the basis on the utterance she made. My defence of the young lady is contextual. Context is
everything in life. I learnt that from Sigmund Freud and it is a fact of civilization. It cannot be argued against. Everything in life has context. In the context of what Guyana is and what Guyana has become I would tell Ms. NicholasGarrett she is stupid to resign. I would tell President Granger he would be foolish to discipline here. This is Guyana we are talking about; a country that for a long time now has frowned on the recognition of moral values, moral rules, moral standards, moral codes, ethical behavior, decent conduct, respect for laws and the dignity of fellow humans. This country does not embrace and refuses to recognize and adhere to the values that hold civilization intact. Guyana is a sickening land of hypocrisy that permeates every dimension of life in this rotten territory. This is one citizen that is going to come to the rescue of Lloyda Nicholas-Garrett because she deserved to be protected from
the hypocritical stares, depraved eyes, and repugnant remarks from a society so drained of moral redemption that it has no ethical right to criticize even one of its citizens. It has no moral right to rebuke Ms. Nicholas-Garrett. It annoys me to see the young lady’s picture in the newspapers. Really! What for? Where are the pictures of some big names in society whose misconduct is billions of times more repellant than what some persons are accusing this young public servant off? Where are the pictures of the prominent family who ordered their employees to buy their own toilet paper in the family’s downtown retail business? This is a family that just invested US$40 million to capitalize from the coming oil production. I ain’t see not one
word of condemnation. I ain’t see not one word of condemnation of the businessman who ordered his security staff to imprison NIS inspectors when they visited his work site. I ain’t see not one word of condemnation of the head of a private security firm who has more complaints against him at the Labour Department than the leaves on my guava tree. I ain’t see not one word of condemnation of well known professionals whose names were publicly listed by the NIS as not paying their contributions. I ain’t see not one word of condemnation of the wealthy classes who were publicly named by City Hall as owing billions of dollars. All these are people mentioned here can be seen on the cocktail circuit of the embassies. You think those dip-
lomats care about the moral failings of these folks? You think society would ostracize those wealthy tax-evaders who should be paying their taxes so that the Georgetown Hospital and our public schools can be maintained? I know business people in this country that do not drink local beverages and eat local ice cream and pasta and other local products. And if they know the media knows this, they wouldn’t give a damn. I would leave Ms. Nicholas-Garrett with an extract from my column of Monday, May 29, 2017 captioned, “This is my life; I live it based on what I know of people.” Here is what I wrote; “I was going into the supermarket with one of my favourite Tshirts that has my doggie’s face emblazoned on it. It had three holes.
Frederick Kissoon “My wife pointed it out to me and said I should change it. I still wore it to the supermarket. Now why would I want to wear another top because some people in the supermarket would see Freddie Kissoon with a T-shirt that has holes in it? Really! Who are these people to me? Do they care about me? Do they care what I say about them?”
PAGE 28
Kaieteur News
Sunday September 24, 2017
Preserving health & the environment by eliminating Mercury in Gold Mining Mercury is a naturally occurring element that is present in low concentrations in all living things. Elemental mercury is a heavy, silvery liquid that has had many industrial purposes. It is used in thermometers, switches, fluorescent lights, and the manufacture of caustic soda, but it is very injurious to human health. Humans have known how to use mercury to amalgamate gold for at least 2,000 years. Mercury is the only metal that is present as a liquid at room temperature. It also has the lowest boiling point of all metals which is why it evaporates or ‘burns’ easily. Mercury vapour is colourless, has no odor, and is extremely toxic. Mercury is also very ‘sticky’. When evaporated, particles of mercury easily stick to surrounding furniture, walls, skin and clothing. Clothing worn during burning can continue to emit high concentrations of mercury for many hours and can contaminate other areas, including the air your family may breathe. ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF MERCURY How does Mercury contaminate the environment? When gold miners use mercury to amalgamate gold they should be aware that they can easily contaminate themselves, their
families and neighbours, even the people living in proximity with their worksites. These people are generally the indigenous who depend on that environment to eat, earn and live. When miners do not consider the effects of their activities on the environments they work in, they could unconsciously contaminate those environments and other people living and working in it, e.g. if a mining operation does not have a ‘settling pond’, or if waste matter containing mercury is casually dumped from the dredge or boat into the river. In either case, mercury would be carried downstream and dispersed over a very wide area. It is then transformed into methyl mercury and settles at the bottom of the river, creek, trench, stream and every other natural water source nearby. Methyl mercury is easily absorbed by worms (bait for fishing), snails and insects, but the real danger is in the fishes that absorb mercury. In those fishes, mercury becomes highly concentrated. People living in interior regions, eat fish as a dietary staple. Miners eat a lot of fish. Some animals eat fish. When people in the vicinity and farther downstream of a gold mining camp that uses mercury, drink and wash in the same river, they are unknowingly ingesting the metal and they become ill. The health risks are enormous and deadly. They affect unborn foetuses, chil-
dren, toddlers and adults. (Read “Babies at Micobie born with deformities”, Guyana Chronicle 09/18). Likewise, mercury vapour emitted from open-pan amalgam burning disperses into the air. Most of the vapour settles on the ground so the soil becomes contaminated; sometimes as far as 2K downwind from the burning. Vapour is also known to travel long distances, and to stay suspended in the air. When rain falls, it comes down with raindrops. Here is an interesting fact: Even abandoned mining sites could continue to emit mercury into the atmosphere and water for many years after mining has ceased. The mercury that is released during amalgamation in or near to rivers immediately contaminates the soil, the water and the air that is breathed by miners and residents nearby and along the way for miles. In addition, microscopic droplets of mercury attach themselves to fine sand and muddy river sediments which travel easily downstream, ending up far away from mining areas. Even with the best care, even if amalgamation is conducted in enclosed ponds, elemental mercury still sticks to small particles and they disperse widely, especially during rainy seasons. Remedying and avoiding mercury contamination There are a few remedies and avoidance strategies that could prevent people from becoming ill in, or near to, or downstream of a gold mining operation that utilises mercury. The most certain prevention method is for us to gain the cooperation of miners and mining
companies to STOP USING MERCURY! Here are some examples:· Environmental ‘cleansing’ of abandoned sites which only resolves part of the problem · People should not eat fish, meat and other foods that were caught or picked in or near to gold amalgamation ponds, contaminated rivers or creeks · Amalgamation with mercury should only be carried out in ponds that were dug specifically for this purpose. These ponds must be properly lined preferably with cement · Fish for consumption should only be grown in special ponds that are protected from creek or river water that flows past/through a mining camp. The fish ponds should be dug in ‘safe’ places located some distance away from a contaminated creek or river. This is to prevent overflow during heavy rains from leeching into the waterways · Water that has been contaminated with mercury, or has been used for amalgamation, must NEVER be used for cooking, bathing or drinking · It is important that forests around mining areas are protected and are not cut down. They act as “buffer zones” by allowing sediments to settle close to the point of origin (POO) of contamination. Trees could prevent the movement of mercury from the POO downstream to where it can be transformed into harmful methyl mercury. · Residual mercury in creeks and rivers must not be allowed to reach open aquatic systems (Next: Health Consequences of Mercury Exposure)
Sunday September 24, 2017
PAGE 29
Kaieteur News
My column
Child killings are here again There is evil in every society but more recently there seems to be a surfeit of it in Guyana. People kill each other at the drop of a hat; men beat their wives to death for no other reason than she refused to give them money to buy alcohol. Of course, there are those men who accuse their women of infidelity merely on the say so of a friend or neighbor and of course, these days school children readily stab each other, sometimes fatally. Gone are the days when children waited until the end of the week to settle their differences in a good old fashioned fist fight. The incident that pushed my mind in this direction was the disappearance of a boy who was no more than thirteen years old. He had left his home on East Bank Berbice to go to a location where his sisters were attending a party. It was still fairly bright in the day but like rural folk, their mother wanted her son to escort them. His job was to prevent them from any harm. The boy found his sisters but like most boys with a bicycle he opted to cycle slowly ahead. He did not have far to go to reach home but he never did. His mother was surprised when his sisters reached home and he did not. I could imagine the shock to
the girls. The boy was just ahead of them. It turned out that sometime before his sisters could catch up, some men abducted him. At first glance I would have suggested that they were drug addicts. It turned out that they were worse. They were male sexual predators. The facts are that they grabbed the child and probably took him to one of their homes where they sodomised him. This much have been gleaned from the police. One of them reportedly told the police that when the boy lapsed into unconsciousness they threw him into the nearby river. Up to the time of writing his body is still to be found. Not so long ago there was another case involving a child, this time in South Sophia. This child simply disappeared. When his body was found it lay in a bit of swampy land just outside a neighbour’s back door. There were many suspicions. Some alleged that the woman did her best to keep people away from her back door, suggesting that she knew what would be found. People are killing children again and thinking nothing about it. Fortunately distraught
parents are not seeking to take the law into their own hands. I buried a son who died of natural causes. I am not sure how I would have reacted if someone had killed him for some unusual reason. Two people will probably spend the rest of their natural lives in jail for killing a 16-yearold child. One of the killers was the mother. I do not know the reason because that did not come out in court simply because the killers chose to deny the killing. There was a time way back in the 1960 when a man abducted and killed children, one body I recall, was found along Thomas Road. I am not sure if this man met his end at the hands of the law. We read of child killings in other countries and we say that such heinous acts happen in other countries. Today, once more they are happening here in this country. I am not even thinking about some other heinous child killings like the father who slaughtered his three children as they lay in their bed at Soesdyke. He reportedly was angry at their mother who had left him. His was an interesting case. He landed in the Camp Street jail and the prisoners there exacted some vengeance on him. I remember his sister telling me that someone called her from the jail to
hear the beating. There was a mother who, in a fit of madness, poisoned her children. That stuck in my mind because before she was even committed to stand trial, the late President Cheddi Jagan told the press that she would not hang. I do not know where she is today. The man who killed his children and that mother were in a fit of passion. The men who killed this boy must been in a fit of passion of another sort. That they can sit and talk to the police must be a rewarding experience for them. Moses’s law would have been appropriate although one should not take the law into one’s own hands. There was a case in Berbice that resulted in the
hanging of the last woman to walk to the gallows. She and accomplices snatched a girl called Lilawattie for some ritual. The law back in the 1950s did not take kindly to such shenanigans. Many years later, I remember Forbes Burnham who defended the woman, Fullington, saying that she should not have been hanged. I can’t say that I agree with him, even if she did not do the actual killing. She would have been an accomplice. I know for certain that she will never kill another child. And so we return to these two who admitted to sodomising the child then killing him. They knew that what they did was wrong so they
Adam Harris opted to dispose of the body. It is a pity society will not dispose of them. The human rights advocates will preach something akin to mercy which these men failed to show the boy. And this boy will never live to make a meaningful contribution to society, if only to help his mother out of poverty.
PAGE 30
Sunday September 24, 2017
Kaieteur News
People, peace and the planet PEOPLE First, the theme enjoins us to focus on people – people of all countries and in all circumstances. The theme is about the human condition – of people in states that are large and small; rich and poor; strong and weak. The theme is about humanity’s condition everywhere on earth. The world faces several, serious, humanitarian crises. Children, in too many parts of the world, still die from preventable diseases or go to bed hungry. Women, in some places, are denied equal opportunities to enjoy a ‘good life’. The gap between the world’s rich and its poor remains unacceptably wide. Conflicts, within states, have spawned international refugee crises which have resulted in millions being displaced from their homelands. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) represent our collective desire and determination to eradicate hunger and poverty from our planet while promoting equal opportunities in education, employment and social justice for both men and women. The adoption of the SDGs has catalysed our aspirations for a better world into concrete and forward-looking actions and objectives. The respective ‘Goals’ seek to promote respect for the inherent dignity of people and their rights as human be-
(HE David Granger, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana to the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly) ings. The advancement of these ‘Goals’, however, is being obstructed by the incidence of human rights violations and the involuntary migration of people from their homelands and by terrorism and warfare. The challenge to the UN is to resolve to reinforce respect for the rights of citizens within the governance structures of our member states. PLANET Second, a sustainable planet is humanity’s ultimate patrimony. Nothing is more vital to people’s survival. We have been indifferent too long to the need to protect the planet and now its sustainability is threatened on many fronts. Climate change is not a fiction or the invention of a few extremists. The small island states of the Caribbean and parts of North America have felt the devastating fury of a series of hurricanes – Harvey, Irma, José, Katia, Lee and Maria – to whose frequency and ferocity mankind has contributed through the reckless exploitation of earth’s resources. Hurricane Irma was a deadly, destructive portent of the extreme vulnerability and fragility of the small-island developing and low-ly-
ing coastal states of the Caribbean. Guyana is playing its part, within the limits of its resources, to provide relief to affected populations in sister Caribbean states. Guyana signed and celebrated the Paris Agreement on climate change last year in this Assembly. We renew our commitment to its goals this year. This is demonstrated most positively in Guyana’s pioneering role in global environmental stewardship. Guyana, in 1989 – three years before the Rio Conference of 1992 – had the foresight to enter into an environmental covenant with the international community by dedicating 360,000 hectares of its rainforest: “…to develop, demonstrate and make available to Guyana and the international community, systems, methods and techniques for the sustainable utilization of the multiple resources of the tropical forests and the conservation of biological diversity…” Guyana, twenty years after that international initiative, entered an agreement with the Kingdom of Norway: “…to work together to provide the world with a relevant, replicable model of how Reducing Emissions and Forest Degradation, plus conservation and sustainable forest management (REDD+) can align the development objectives of forest countries with the need to combat climate change.” Guyana is part of the ‘Guiana Shield’, one of the
world’s last remaining blocks of pristine rainforest. The ‘Shield’ is the source of 15 per cent of the world’s freshwater reserves. The ‘Shield’s’ biodiversity provides ecosystem services such as food, freshwater and medicinal products. It provides environmental services such as the regulation of the water cycle, water quality and pollination. The ‘Shield’s’ forests capture and store carbon, thereby mitigating the greenhouse effect. The ‘Shield’ is essential to life on the planet. Guyana calls on the United Nations to help protect and preserve the ‘Guiana Shield’ as a global resource for the survival and sustainability of our planet. PEACE Third, ‘striving for peace’ has been the principal purpose and preoccupation of this organization throughout its existence. A good life for the world’s peoples and the sustainable use of the planet’s resources are predicated on peace with justice, including justice within and between states. The world is weary of war. ‘Striving for peace’ must be humanity’s ceaseless quest. The United Nations is the paramount global instrument of peace. It has a vital role to play in ensuring respect for international law through the International Court of Justice and the Security Council. ‘Striving for peace’
must aim at resolving longstanding inter-state conflicts. Guyana, in this regard, supports the call for the reform of the Security Council to give even greater voice to developing countries. We iterate our support for a two-state solution to the Palestine-Israeli conflict. We affirm the right of the Palestinian people to a homeland and to a dignified existence. We demand the withdrawal of the injurious economic embargo against the Caribbean island of Cuba. The embargo frustrates that state’s right to development. ‘Striving for peace’ and the right to development have been Guyana’s deepest concern since Independence in 1966. I addressed this Honourable Assembly last September, explaining the danger we have been facing on our borders as a consequence of the territorial claims of our western neighbour – the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. I laid before the world’s nations the peril Guyana was enduring on its borders at the hands of Venezuela. Venezuela’s claim to Guyana’s territory, however, has not diminished or been diverted. Guyana remains imperilled. Disturbing developments within Venezuela have attracted the world’s attention and roused the concerns of many of us over the privations of its people. The Caribbean people wish for the Caribbean to be a Zone of Peace. The Ve n e z u e l a n c l a i m t o Guyana’s territorial integrity, however, would be a threat to that zone. Venezuela is more than four times the size of Guyana. Venezuela, however, claims two-thirds of Guyana’s territory including our maritime space. We depend on our territorial and maritime resources for development and for the release of our people from poverty. The Venezuelan claim persists after fifty-one years of Independence. An eminent international Arbitral Tribunal provided ‘a full, perfect and final settlement’ 118 years ago in 1899. Venezuela denounced that Arbitral Award in 1962 at the Decolonisation Committee of this Assembly as British Guiana strove for its Independence.
Guyana warns the world, through this Assembly, that peace will be at stake in our region if justice does not become ascendant, not only within Venezuela, but also in respect to its border controversy with Guyana. Four UN Secretaries-General have been seized of the Venezuelan claims. The choice has become one between just and peaceful settlement in accordance with international law, and a Venezuelan posture of attrition that is increasingly more blustering and militaristic. In this matter, protraction is the enemy of resolution and the ally of sustained conflict. Fortunately, as they indicated publicly, former Secretary General Ban Ki Moon and current Secretary General António Guterres have decided that, under the 1966 Geneva Agreement, if by the end of the year 2017 significant progress has not been made toward arriving at a full agreement for the settlement of the controversy, the International Court of Justice will be the next means of peaceful settlement, unless Guyana and Venezuela jointly request otherwise. Guyana has been working assiduously with the Secretary General’s Personal Representative. Guyana looks to the international community to ensure that Venezuela is not allowed to thwart the processes of judicial settlement which is the clear and agreed path to peace and justice. NATIONS, UNITED The people of the world yearn “to fulfill their potential in dignity and equality and in a healthy environment” – an attainable objective of the Sustainable Development Goals endorsed by the United Nations. Peace for the world’s peoples is the mandate of the United Nations. Peace can be achieved by addressing the world’s humanitarian crises, promoting justice within and between nations and resolving long-standing conflicts between states. Planet earth can provide a ‘good life’ for all. The planet can be protected from the ravages of climate change and the reckless damage to its ecology and biodiversity. United, the nations gathered here can fulfil the promise of the UN Charter and the theme of the General Assembly to focus on people, to strive for peace and to protect the planet.
Sunday September 24, 2017
PAGE 31
Kaieteur News
Autism: It’s not a tragedy; ignorance and stigma are By Dr Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine Last week I met a wonderful couple whose daughter has autism. I could see how much love they have for her. I also saw the pains in them from the unnecessary stigma they would have faced from society. They asked me to write about autism. Well here I am today highlighting this disorder that affects one in 68 children worldwide. I dedicate this article to this couple and their wonderful daughter and of course, all families that are influenced by this condition. What is autism spectrum disorder? Autism spectrum disorder is a brain disorder that impairs a person’s behavior and ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism spectrum disorder can be mild or severe. No one knows what causes it. What are the key symptoms of autism spectrum disorder?
To be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, a child must show signs of the disorder in early childhood. Sometimes the symptoms do not show up until the child is in school. The signs of autism spectrum disorder include problems in 2 key areas: - Social interaction and social communication – Children with autism spectrum disorder have trouble relating to others. They often don’t know how to read facial expressions, and they tend to avoid eye contact. Plus, they often dislike being touched. Many young children with autism spectrum disorder prefer not to play or interact with others. Children with autism spectrum disorder often take much longer than other children to learn to speak. Some never learn to speak. But speech is not the only thing that’s affected. The parents of children with autism spectrum disorder sometimes think the children are deaf. But deaf children who cannot speak look for other ways to communicate, such as through hand
motions. Children with autism spectrum disorder do not. They do not seem to care whether they can communicate. - Limited interests – Children with autism spectrum disorder tend to show intense interest in certain things. But they show little interest in anything else. Young children might get completely focused on things that spin or shine and ignore most everything else. Older children might become preoccupied with one topic, such as the weather, numbers, or sports. Children with autism spectrum disorder also tend to have rituals that they must follow exactly. For example, they might need to eat particular foods in a specific order, or to take the same route from one place to another – every time. If these habits get disrupted, the children get upset. What other things should parents watch for? Below are some signs
outlined by the Center for Disease Control that may indicate that a child has autism: · Not respond to their name by 12 months of age · Not point at objects to show interest (point at an airplane flying over) by 14 months · Not play “pretend” games (pretend to “feed” a doll) by 18 months · Avoid eye contact and want to be alone · Have trouble understanding other people’s feelings or talking about their own feelings · Have delayed speech and language skills · Repeat words or phrases over and over (echolalia) · Give unrelated answers to questions · Get upset by minor changes · Have obsessive interests · Flap their hands, rock their body, or spin in circles · Have unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look, or feel Should I take my child to
a Doctor? Take your child to a doctor if you see any of the signs of autism spectrum disorder listed above. You might also want to have your child’s hearing tested. That way you can find out whether hearing problems are causing some of the symptoms you see. If the doctor suspects autism spectrum disorder, he or she may refer you to a pediatrician who may: - Ask you lots of questions about your child and your family - Test your child’s abilities in lots of ways - Make sure that the child’s symptoms are not caused by another problem If your child does have autism spectrum disorder, it’s important that he or she be diagnosed as soon as possible. Some of the problems caused by autism spectrum disorder can be improved if they are caught early. How is autism treated?
Dr. Zulfikar Bux The right treatment for autism spectrum disorder depends on the age of the child, how severe the disorder is, and whether the child has any other medical problems. Autism spectrum disorder cannot be cured, but children are often able to overcome many of the problems it causes with rehabilitative therapy. We need to un-
derstand this unique condition and support those that are affected. Persons with autism do not lie, do not judge and do not play mind games. Maybe we can learn something from them.
PAGE 32
Kaieteur News
SUNDAY $$MILLION SCHOOL FEEDING FRAUD UNCOVERED IN REGION EIGHT The national school feeding programme was officially re-started by the Bharrat Jagdeo administration in 2010. State auditors have reportedly been probing the school feeding programme at Paramakatoi, Region Eight where some major discrepancies were found. Hundreds of millions of dollars were being plugged into the programme which targeted all the Regions with locally-produced biscuits and juices. Regions Seven, Eight and Nine were treated separately. Last year, $1.3B was allocated. A further $1.9B set aside this year for the national programme. However, despite the good intentions, the programme appeared to have been abused by the coordinators. In Region Eight, a vast area that has schools scattered in many of the outlying areas, discrepancies were found with two schools- the Kato Primary and Paramakatoi. Officials this past week confirmed that state auditors have been investigating spending of Region Eight, with the spotlight on the program. From last year to early this year, auditors reportedly found a number of worrying things. For example, a senior Region Eight official reportedly purchased items from her Parika, East Bank Essequibo shop. Not only were some of the items purchased not delivered, but high prices were paid for them. Auditors would have been looking at the cost for every meal which reportedly scandalously ran into thousands of dollars. There were also questions about whether the correct procurement procedures were followed in awarding the contracts. In some cases, millions of dollars were being paid to the boyfriend of a senior official after he moved there to take up a contract. MTV SUES EX-MINISTER’S WIFE FOR $41M A local broadcaster has sued Kamini Persaud, wife of former Natural Resources Minister, Robert Persaud, for over $41M. The monies represent loans and other spending that the owners of Multi Technology Vision Inc. (MTV) says were allegedly spent and taken without authorization by Mrs. Persaud, the former General Manager of the media outfit. MTV Secretary to the Board of Directors, Sasenarain Shewnarain, in court documents disclosed that the station is an established business involved in broadcasting via the airwave spectrum Channel 14 (Cable 65). He claimed that a forensic audit conducted into the financial accounts of the MTV revealed that the Respondent, Mrs. Persaud, misused funds of the media entity without
any authorisation. The audit revealed that in 2011, Persaud took a loan and personally spent over $1.5M. It went up in 2012 – the personal spending that year was $2.5M. According to the 2012 figures, MTV’s monies were unauthorisedly spent – more than $127,000 on the operations of INews, an online news website that was independent of MTV, and reportedly controlled by the Persaud family. INews was reportedly sold to the ‘Bobby’ Ramroop group in late 2015. Also in 2012, another $9M was spent to conduct some works that are in question. In 2013, MTV continued to spend monies on INews- $2.1Mwith Persaud’s personal spending amounting to $13M that year. Questionable works to the tune of $14M were also picked in the forensic audit. According to its application, MTV said Persaud was written to on August 2, demanding that she pay in 14 days. To date this demand has not been honoured. Representing MTV in the Fixed Date Application are Attorneys-atLaw Sanjeev Datadin and Siand Dhurjon. The hearing in the case is set for October 11, 2017. MTV is owned by a number of local and overseas businessmen. Last month, in a suspicious incident, MTV’s transmission tower at the Eccles Industrial Site, East Bank Demerara, came crashing down, damaging parts of the studios there and neighbouring shed. STATE AUDITORS PROBE OF GECOM’S $$MULTI-MILLION TONER PURCHASES -REPORT ON OBSOLETE RADIOS COMPLETED State auditors who last year started a major probe into the questionable purchases of millions of dollars in toners for photocopiers and printers at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) are wrapping
up their work. Giving an update this past week, Auditor General, Deodat Sharma, disclosed that the Audit Office has sent off a draft report on the purchases to Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, for his comments. He also disclosed that another major probe, this time into a $100M purchase of obsolete communications radio sets in 2015, was being finalized.”We are making progress on the matters as I speak,” the official said. GECOM is facing some burning questions following the May 2015 General Elections in which the Coalition Government, under President David Granger, was declared winner, ending the 23 years rule of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic. Months after, whistleblowers armed with procurement documents and evidence, revealed that GECOM spent hundreds of millions of dollars with little scrutiny and ended up with obsolete equipment. At the same time, the entity paid some highly questionable prices, some to the tune of millions of dollars, on items like batteries, nippers, stationery and toners. MONDAY BRAWL OVER WOMAN TURNS FIERYAS THREE HOUSES BURNT TO THE GROUND – SOPHIA MAN STABBED WITH PITCH FORK, CHOPPED TO HEAD A Sophia, Georgetown mini bus conductor is clinging to life at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) after being stabbed with a pitchfork and chopped several times in the head Sunday morning by a man, whose woman the conductor had been “tackling.” The injured man has been identified as 28-year-old Alvand Williams of ‘B’ Field Sophia. He has been listed as critical after being stabbed to the right chest with the pitchfork and chopped to the head with a cut-
Sunday September 24, 2017
lass. After Williams was attacked, his gang reportedly went in search of the suspect, Cleon Felix; and as they were hunting for him in ‘B’ Field Sophia, they burnt three houses to the ground, including where the suspect lived with the mother of his child. The woman’s name was given as “Kerry,” and she is said to be the individual at the centre of the controversy. Dexter Forde and Simone Durant, friends of Felix, are the ones who lost their homes. Felix was picked up by the police in the company of Forde and has reportedly since confessed to stabbing and chopping the 28-year-old man. According to information received, Williams was ‘tackling’ the suspect’s child mother for some time and based on what Felix told the police, the conductor “disrespected” the woman when she refused to travel in his bus a few days ago. When the woman complained to Felix, he confronted the conductor on Hadfield Street, Georgetown and an argument ensued, resulting in Felix running away when Williams rushed up to him with an object. NANDLALL SAYS GUYANA IS STILL STRUGGLING WITH CFATF/ FATF SANCTIONS Former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall says that failure by his successor, Basil Williams, to effectively lobby the removal of sanctions that were imposed by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) has left Guyana in a proverbial pickle. Nandlall told this newspaper that though Guyana has been able to pass the requisite outstanding pieces of legislation and bring itself into conformity, the sanctions which have been imposed prior to the passing of those bills still exist. He said that those sanctions are still haunting businessmen and other citizens. ”If you speak to the banking sector and you speak to the businessmen who are interacting with the banking sector, they will tell you that nothing has changed since 2015,” said Nandlall. He posited that these sanctions remain because Williams has neglected to ensure that the sanctions
were dismantled. “So we still have very oppressive and onerous requirements at the level of the commercial banks when we do transactions individually and as corporate citizens.” Nandlall said that the remaining sanctions are a strain on the business community. “It is causing undue hardship and delay in the processing of transactions.” The former Attorney General, under whom the sanctions were imposed, said that even the opening of a bank account has become very difficult. MENTALLY ILL MAN SHOOTS GUARDAFTER DISARMING GRA OFFICIAL Police have detained a mentally ill man who shot a security guard at around 01:15 hours on Saturday, after wrestling a licensed firearm away from a Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) official. The incident occurred at Silver City, Wismar, Linden. Ramano Fiedtkou, 22, of Lower Kara Kara, Linden, was shot in the back and is currently receiving treatment at the Linden Hospital. The suspect, Kareem Small is in police custody at the Wismar Police Station. It is alleged that at about 01:15 hours, the GRA official was standing at Silver City Road while in the company of relatives when the mentally ill man approached him and grabbed his firearm that was strapped to his waist. Small reportedly began firing shots aimlessly, and then ran away. The firearm and two live rounds were removed. A close relative of Fiedtkou told this newspaper that he has undergone surgery, and seems to be recovering well. ”The only problem is that he is not eating as yet, so he has to be fed intravenously.” The police are awaiting a psychiatric evaluation before he is charged. TUESDAY EXXON STARTS TALKS TODAY ON BRINGING NATURAL GAS TO SHORE FOR ELECTRICITY Government is hoping that it can (Continued on page 41)
Sunday September 24, 2017
(From page 32) eventually strike a deal where natural gas from Exxon’s Liza1 well can be brought to shore to help power Guyana. The first in a series of continued discussions on commercial and power generation issues will be held when officers of the Government of Guyana and technical members of ExxonMobil meet in Georgetown today. The technical working group is scheduled to convene today and tomorrow. It will feature technical persons from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Ministry of Natural Resources, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Business, Guyana Energy Agency, and the Guyana Power and Light Inc., along with ExxonMobil’s power generation specialists and analysts. CLICO HANDED US$40M BILL, WANTS TO VERIFY BEFORE PAYING The Bank of Guyana has recently handed representatives of Colonial Life Insurance Company (CLICO), a bill of the amount of money the company owes Guyana. Kaieteur News understands that the bill stands at just over US$40M. However, CLICO officials are not convinced that that is the true likeness of the outstanding cash. CLICO officials yesterday told Kaieteur News that they only recently received the invoice. They indicated that the invoice only reflected the money owed to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) and the accumulated interest to date. However, CLICO is contending that that cannot be the amount of money owed based on the fact that government took control of all its properties left behind in Guyana when the company went belly up back in 2009. CLICO representatives are claiming that the government is holding over US$30M from the sale of the company’s assets. One official said that he was quite taken back at the fact that there has been no liquidation report. He learnt of this after requesting for same. CLICO said that that it would like to examine a procedure that is equally beneficial to both parties to verify how the Bank of Guyana arrived at that figure. A few months back, CLICO’s Lawrence Duprey returned to Guyana with an investment plan saying that he wants to apologize to the people of Guyana and to repay what he owed. But many are still incensed about the way Guyana was treated. BUSINESSES STILL STRUGGLING, VERYLITTLE IMPROVEMENT - PSC CHAIRMAN Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Eddie Boyer, has indicated that local businesses are continuing to experience a severe downturn. However, he said that based on reports received from
Kaieteur News
members of the Commission, things are not as bad as they were a few months ago. Boyer said that some commercial businesses have picked up, but whether this upswing will be maintained is yet to be seen. He said that the slight upswing can be attributed to the reopening of school and the fact that the Christmas season is just around the corner. ”The buying and trading have started already; you will definitely see an increase in business,” said Boyer. However, the businessman said that this little improvement may not be nearly significant enough to effect a real change in the pressure being felt by business owners across Guyana. Boyer said that it is left to be seen, by the end of the year, how close will be the growth rate as compared to the rate projected by the Ministry of Finance. ”This slight upswing may not reflect any major change in the overall performance of the business sector at the end of the year. It does not look like we will achieve the growth rate that the Minister had indicated but we are all optimistic that we can maintain the slight upswing that we have seen,” said Boyer. The businessman continued, “It is not the best year so we’re hoping. We are still hoping that things will pick up further before the year is over.” CABINET TO CONSIDER BAILING OUT CASHSTRAPPED GUYSUCO Cabinet is set to discuss today the releasing monies for a cashstrapped GuySuCo. Ministers of the Government are set to meet with representatives of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) as early as today to discuss a major cash crunch situation. It won’t be the first time that a government has been asked to rescue the industry with at least $9B plugged in already for this year. According to a Government statement, a meeting was held yesterday between the Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo; Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder; Chairman of the Board of Directors, Prof. Clive Thomas and Chief Executive Officer, Errol Hanoman, to discuss urgent cash flow relative to wages, salaries and other payments at GuySuCo. “It was agreed at the meeting that as a matter of urgency, a presentation will be made at the Cabinet meeting scheduled for (today),” the statement said. It was agreed yesterday that a number of steps will be taken to ensure that employees are paid for services provided to the corporation for the past week. “The Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer were given assurances that the matter is being given the utmost consideration by the Government and the Corporation now awaits the response from Cabinet after the meeting tomorrow (today). The Chairman wishes to as-
PAGE 41
New Dem bridge pegged at US$170M; old one to be demolished
(MPI photo)
sure employees, their families and communities, that every effort will be made to resolve this matter very shortly.” GuySuCo is in dire straits. Its gradual slide started years ago and became worse after the European Union announced a phased cut to the price it was paying customers, like Guyana for prices of sugar. Coupled with Guyana’s aging factories and the construction and sinking of almost US$200M in the Skeldon project, GuySuCo’s little reserves have been eaten. It was forced to spend hundreds of millions of dollars on a factory that never made it off the ground. WEDNESDAY NEW DEM BRIDGE PEGGED AT US$170M; OLD ONE TO BE DEMOLISHED – 4 HOUSTON HOMES, LANDS BE ACQUIRED – VEHICLE TOLLS TO INCREASE 250 PERCENT; GOVT. SHOULD SUBSIDISE The Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI), amidst questions over a mega-project to build a new bridge across the Demerara River, has released the feasibility study which recommended a low-level, three-lane, 1.5km structure between Houston, East Bank Demerara, and Versailles, West Bank Demerara. According to the study, that bridge could cost up to US$170M, inclusive of financing costs and acquisition of properties along the alignment. At least four houses in Houston along with lands will have to be acquired. On the West Bank junction at Versailles, river side lands along with a timber shed will also have to be acquired. When the new bridge becomes operational, the old one at Peters Hall is to be closed and demolished. Dutch engineers, Lievense CSO, which completed the feasibility study and design for the new crossing was hired for $146M. It advised in the documents that toll tariff rates be increased 250 percent of the present rates. Along with this would
be a 700 percent increase in tolls for river vessels. The latter, the report noted, has not been increased for a while. Lievense CSO explained that the design structure for the new bridge has been kept as light and simple as possible. It was disclosed that a pre-feasibility study carried out in 2013 proposed three main alternatives for the location of the new connection- from Houston to Versailles, from Peters Hall to Meer Zorgen (the location of the present bridge), and from New Hope (further up the East Bank) to Laurentia Catherina. The consultant said its job includes site investigations, traffic and river studies, designs, environmental impact study, socio economic cost benefit analysis, financial analysis and financing and funding plan. ”The aim of the study is to support the decision making by the government on the location and configuration of the river crossing.” HIGH-RANKING FINANCE OFFICIALAMONG SEVERAL QUESTIONED IN LOTTO FUND PROBE A senior Ministry of Finance official is the latest person to be questioned by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) amidst continuing investigations. Expected to be released on bail yesterday was Vladim Persaud, the Assistant Accountant General. He was reportedly performing the duties of Deputy Accountant General when ranks of SOCU picked him up yesterday at his Main Street office. A number of lawyers visited him at SOCU’s headquarters, Camp Road, during his questioning yesterday. Other officials at the Ministry were questioned in recent days also. The probes stemmed from a number of forensic audit reports conducted by selected accountants to examine the operations of state agencies leading up to the 2015 elections where the Coalition Government took the reins of the country, ending the 23-years rule of the
People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C). Several of those reports were handed over by the Government to the police with the administration saying that the findings warrant more investigations. The David Granger administration had vowed to investigate and charge anyone found to be stealing state funds. A number of officials have been charged, among them former Public Service Minister, Dr. Jennifer Westford; former General Manager of the Guyana Rice Development Board, Jagnarine Singh, Deputy General Manager, Ricky Ramraj, rice farmers representative Dharamkumar Seeraj, and Board Members Nigel Dharamlall, Badrie Persaud and Prema Roopnarine. Yesterday, there was evidence that another probe is gathering steam. This has to do with the operations of the Lotto Fund. Government, under the arrangements with the Canadian-owned Guyana Lottery Company, receives up to 24 per cent of the proceeds. The monies are paid into a special account, the Lotto Fund, controlled by the Ministry of the Presidency and spent with the approval of Cabinet. UNION OFFICIALS ‘INVADE’ MINISTER’S OFFICE OVER RUSAL’S CONDITION Despite ongoing complaints, little is being done by consecutive administrations about the alleged labour breaches by Rusal, a Russian-owned bauxite company that has operations in Region Ten. The situation is so bad that angry union officials descended yesterday to the offices of Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Keith Scott. According to the Ministry, the team included past and present employees of the Guyana Bauxite Company Inc., Rusal’s local subsidiary, and the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GBGWU), represented by the President, Leslie (Continued on page 42)
PAGE 42
(From page 41) Gonsalves, and the General Secretary, Lincoln Lewis, “invaded” the Brickdam office of the Minister. According to the Ministry, the delegation is demanding that their grievances be addressed. Scott agreed to meet with the delegation where a number of issues that affected the employees of Rusal and their communities were raised. Among the issues was the wrongful dismissal of 62 employees between the years 2009 and 2010. ”…It was highlighted by the union that Rusal continue to refuse to have any engagement with the recognized trade union as it relates to this matter. As such, the Minister has taken the responsibility to have the matter addressed through the Labour Department of the Ministry of Social Protection.” The team also complained about the deteriorating Occupational Health and Safety of the employees since the Minister’s last visit to the work sites in Region Ten. ”The workers explained that there has been a regression of exercising responsibilities that address Occupational Health and Safety on the part of Rusal.” In one incident, last Thursday, the team said that workers were transported to and from work in defective vehicle when an accident occurred. THURSDAY NAND PERSAUD TO BUILD RICE MILL IN CUBA Nand Persaud and Company Limited, producers of Karibee rice brand, is planning to build a rice milling plant in Cuba free zone. The company recently managed to snag a major rice contract with that Spanish-speaking country. The first shipment is to leave shortly. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the shipment would be the first rice one in 40 years from Guyana to Cuba. A visiting delegation from ALIMPORT, the Cuban Import Agency for rice, arrived yesterday to finalize the shipment of rice with Nand Persaud. The Foreign Ministry disclosed that Maria Cristina Ramos Perdomo and Reynaldo Aguirre Labora are included in the delegation which will stay for a week. The deal is significant as Guyana has been struggling to find new rice markets following the loss of Venezuela in 2015. Over 100,000 tonnes of rice and paddy were being shipped to that neighbouring country in a deal that started in the late 2000s by former President Hugh Chavez. Guyana received oil in exchange. According to the ministry, yesterday, the rice deal was inked just less than two months ago between Nand Persaud and that Cuban company. Guyana’s Ambassador to the Republic of Cuba, Halim Majeed, has described the visit as a means to further strengthen the country’s economic relations with Cuba.
Kaieteur News
According to Ambassador Majeed, under the terms of the contract, Nand Persaud Limited is expected to ship 15,000 metric tonnes of rice to Cuba this month and in October. Based on the agreement between the two companies, Nand Persaud will also continue to supply rice to Cuba in 2018. During this time, the Berbice rice miller, which has made significant inroads in the region and North America with its packaged Karibee rice brand, will be finalizing plans to prepare a draft Investment Proposal to set up a rice-milling plant and warehouse in the Port Mariel Free Zone, Cuba. CARETAKER JAILED FOR DAMAGING MINISTER HARMON’S PROPERTY A man who claimed to be mentally unstable was yesterday sentenced to six months imprisonment for damaging Minister of State, Joseph Harmon’s building. Samuel
Green, 36, of Lot 99 Guyhoc, Georgetown appeared before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts where he admitted that on September 15, last, at Lot 136 Mazaruni Street, Guyhoc, Georgetown, he damaged several sections of a building owned by Harmon. Police Prosecutor, Simone Payne told the court that Minister Harmon left Green to watch over the building and to ensure that it was kept clean. The Prosecutor added that on the day in question, Green was seen with a metal bar which had he picked up from the ground and began hitting several parts of the building including the windows. The court heard that the police were notified and the accused was arrested. When told of the offence, he admitted. He was then cautioned and later charged. Senior Magistrate, Fabayo Azore told Green that the custodial sentence was imposed on him taken into consideration the amount of mon-
Sunday September 24, 2017
ies involved and the fact that he did not waste the court’s time and pleaded guilty on his first appearance. TWO DETAINEDAFTER LAD, 13, GOES MISSING A 13-year-old Overwinning Primary School student of Brother’s Village, East Bank Berbice went missing on Sunday. The lad, Leonard Archibald, reportedly left home with his sisters for a birthday party, a village away, however he never returned home. His grieving mother, Abigail Archibald, told Kaieteur News that her son was at home on Sunday, since it was his father’s birthday. However, his sisters were also invited to a birthday party in Sisters’ Village, East Bank Berbice. He opted to accompany his sisters that Sunday afternoon. ”He sister dem leff to go the birthday and he follow after them with he bicycle.” The 13-year-old’s eldest brother relayed that his brother was standing across the road from the birthday waiting on his sisters. They eventually left not long after. ”He was like a two minute in front his sisters riding and he can’t reach home. The mother ask where the boy deh and the sisters seh how he leff fuh come.
”The woman send the next brother fuh look fuh he and he seh he ain’t see he nowhere on the road”. The boy stated that neighbours came out in their numbers and formed a search party scouring the nearby abandoned houses, tracks leading to the backlands and other villages with the hope of finding the teen alive. After several hours of searching, the mother stated that they decided to file a missing person’s report at the nearest police station. Meanwhile, according to the brother of the missing teen, they suspected an individual in the said village (Sisters) who is known for allegedly “catching li’l boys and doing wrong things with dem.” There have been several reports of such happenings in the village, according to one resident. The indivual, according to one of the Archibald brothers, was seen by residents ‘acting strange’ Sunday night. However, Crime Chief of ‘B’ Division, Deputy Superintendent Gary McAllister confirmed that several persons were questioned but two were arrested and presently in police custody assisting with investigations. Young Leonard Archibald left home wearing a pair of khaki shorts on his bicycle. FRIDAY GUYSUCO GETS $2B BAILOUT IN HOUSE LOTS DEAL Government is making progress to acquire critical lands in the highdemand Region Four for house lots. This week, the administration moved closer by pinpointing sugar lands on East Coast Demerara, These lands are the property belonging to the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo). The opportunity arose after the cash-strapped sugar corporation appealed to Government for a bailout of $2B. GuySuCo is facing a dismal year projected just over 170,000 tonnes of sugar, less than what was produced last year. More than likely, it will barely reach 150,000 tonnes (Continued on page 43)
Sunday September 24, 2017
(From page 42) according to industry officials. Its new factory at Skeldon, East Berbice, did not grind the first crop compounding the low production situation. The corporation ran out of cash this month to pay workers. It turned to Government. On Monday, a meeting was held between GuySuCo; Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo; Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder; Chairman of the Board of Directors, Prof. Clive Thomas; and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GuySuCo, Errol Hanoman; to discuss urgent cash flow relative to wages, salaries and other payments at the sugar corporation. It was agreed that the matter will be treated with urgency, given that employees are awaiting their remuneration. However, Government is reluctant to just plug billions of dollars into GuySuCo at a drop of the hat. Already for the year, the corporation was allocated at least $9B (US$45M). The $2B that Cabinet has agreed to give GuySuCo will last the corporation about four to six weeks to pay workers and cover other emergency expenses. SECOND NBS SACKED MANAGER GETS HIS DAY IN COURT Former New Building Society (NBS) Manger, Kent Vincent, is set to have his day in court six years after filing a wrongful dismissal lawsuit against the financial institution. Vincent had faced charges of conspiracy to defraud the NBS of $69M, back in 2007. He had been charged along with former NBS Chief Executive Officer, Maurice Arjoon, and fellow Manager Kissoon Baldeo. The men faced a trial in the Magistrate’s Court. The matter was later dismissed for lack of evidence. Citing irreparable harm from the negative publicity and loss of salaries and benefits, Arjoon and Vincent moved to the High Court to seek redress. In separate lawsuits, both the former CEO and the Manager each claimed $550 million worth in damages from NBS for the wrongful dismissal. Arjoon was recently granted
Kaieteur News
judgment by the Court to the tune of some $79 million, six years after the case was initially filed. Kent Vincent, 56, who is now the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Food for the Poor (Guyana), has been anticipating his day in court. Kaieteur News understands that the date was fixed for hearing after the matter came up before Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire, earlier this week. Lawyers representing both the Society and the former Manager present at the Court on Monday were informed that the court will ready for first hearing of the wrongful dismissal lawsuit on November 21, 2017. FEMALE PASSENGER ARRESTED FORATTEMPTING TO SMUGGLE 67 OUNCES OF GOLD A woman who had over 60 ounces of gold in her possession is in deep trouble now. She was arrested at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri, East Bank Demerara on Wednesday night. During routine security checks, officials discovered the raw gold on her. It was undeclared. She was detained and later handed over to the police’s Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU). Investigators determined that the gold was 67.5 ounces. Head of SOCU, Sydney James, confirmed that the woman was headed to the US when she was detained. She has given a statement and the file is being sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for
advice. More than likely the woman would be charged under the Gold Board Act, which has tough punishment for smuggling and undeclared gold. The woman would likely be placed on bail until the file is returned to SOCU from DPP. It is not the first time that persons have attempted to smuggle gold through the airport. For years now, passengers have been wearing gold chains in plain sight and hiding raw gold in suitcases to travel especially to North America. In the last five years or so especially, there was a reported organized smuggling racket involving Customs officers and persons involved in the gold industry. With Guyana charging up to seven percent in royalties and taxes, smugglers have capitalized on countries like Suriname and the US where the royalties and taxes are much lower. Shortly after taking office in May 2015, the Coalition Government confirmed that a major probe was underway into gold smuggling. A significant amount of gold was making its way to Suriname, Brazil and the US. At the airport, fake and recycled
PAGE 43
Customs and other documents were being used to take the gold out undetected, with the collusion of officials there. In 2015, Government disclosed that the US’ Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) had been providing information of persons in Guyana who took gold to the US. It was found that while the gold was not being declared here, or was declared in smaller quantities, that the smugglers had to declare it in New York. The US has already yanked the visas of a number of persons believed to have been involved in smuggling of gold. Hundreds of millions of dollars in taxes and royalties were estimated lost because of the smuggling. SUSPECTS CONFESS, LEAD COPS TO CRIME SCENE… MISSING TEEN SODOMISD, DUMPED IN BERBICE RIVER After days of intense interrogation, the two suspects who were arrested in connection with the missing 13-year-old of Brother’s Village, East Bank Berbice, have confessed to killing the lad in a most heinous way. Crime Chief and Assistant Commissioner Paul Williams confirmed with this publication that the two suspects have confessed to sodomising the lad and dumping his body aback of one of the suspects’ homes in Sister’s Village, East Bank Berbice. According to information, the men admitted to abducting the teen Sunday night while he was riding along the public road. They reportedly sodomised young Leonard Archibald until he was unconscious and dumped his body along with the bicycle the lad was riding, in the Berbice River, aback the home of one of the killers. Investigators returned to the
area where the men confessed to dumping the body- this led to the discovery of the bicycle. The bicycle the teen left home with was discovered in the Berbice River, approximately 20feet from the shore, just behind the Sisters Village, East Bank Berbice, home of one of the suspects. His body is yet to be located as authorities continue to scour the waters and area. Police are to return to the area today. According to the Divisional Commander Lindon Alves, his ranks, who were in the company of villagers and relatives, found the bicycle in the Berbice River along the eastern bank. BANDIT SHOOTS ACCOMPLICE WHILE ROBBING GUARD A bandit ended up shooting his own accomplice while attempting to rob a 39-year-old security guard at Bachelors Adventure East Coast Demerara at around 23:30hrs on Thursday. The intended victim was walking along the Bachelor’s Adventure public road when two men on a motorcycle attacked him. Kaieteur news understands that the pillion rider, who had a handgun, attempted to relieve the guard of his valuables. The two men began to struggle, and the bandit discharged a round, which struck his accomplice in the right thigh. The guard reportedly then disarmed the gunman, who fled into a nearby cemetery. His wounded accomplice tried to flee the scene but was restrained by the security guard and later handed over to ranks of the Guyana Police Force. The injured bandit was then escorted to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where he (Continued on page 44)
PAGE 44
(From page 43) was treated and admitted in a stable condition, under police guard. Police have impounded the motorcycle. OPPOSITION QUESTIONS SOURCE OF $2B FOR GUYSUCO’S HOUSING LANDS The Opposition has raised questions about the $2B that will be spent to purchase lands for housing from the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo). Government announced this week that cash-strapped GuySuCo has asked for a bailout to pay workers and meet other critical expenses. It was agreed that $2B would be released but under a deal with the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) for lands. There have been no details on whether CH&PA has the monies or whether Central Government will release the funds to the authority to pay for it. The monies were released this week with CH&PA’s chief, Lelon Saul, yesterday confirming that the lands are now being identified in Regions Three, Four, Five and Six. Speaking during a press conference yesterday, Member of Parliament for the Opposition’s People’s Progress Party (PPP), Juan Edghill, questioned CH&PA’s “possession” of the $2B. He noted that it was the Ministry of Communities’ Permanent Secretary, Emil McGarrell, who had assured the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) earlier this year that all monies held by the authority would
Kaieteur News
be transferred to the Consolidated Fund. POLITICALMATURITY, CONSTITUTIONAL COMPLIANCE MORE VITAL THAN CONSTITUTIONAL REFORMS While many feel that much of Guyana’s political issues will be solved with proper constitutional reform, former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall is saying no. While he admitted that Constitutional Reform is important, Nandlall thinks that the solution to the issue is more fundamental. Nandlall said that Guyana needs more matured politicians who are prepared to stay true to the existing Constitution. The politician made his views known as he delivered remarks at the Turkeyen and Tain Talks 9, sponsored by the University of Guyana. The event was hosted at the Pegasus Hotel on Thursday evening under the theme “Constitutional Reform- To Court Brave Change or To Leave Well Enough Alone?” At that forum, Nandlall was keen to note that his position as reflected in his opinions is not synonymous to the position held by the People’s Progressive Party of which he is an Executive Member. Nandlall told those who gathered that the international community seems hell bent on Constitutional Reform. He noted, “The Carter Centre desires to see constitutional reform. The British High Commissioner has expressed his government’s disappointment at the slow movement to-
wards constitutional reform. A team visiting recently from the United Nations, advocated for constitutional reform. Constitutional reform was a major plank of the APNU+AFC’s manifesto, at the 2015 General and Regional Elections.” Nandlall said that academics and jurists alike have often described constitutions like ours, as organic and alive. He said that he subscribes to this view. “Therefore, like any other law, nay, more than any other law, our constitution must necessarily remain dynamic and under constant review with a view of reform, so that it can adapt to meet the exigencies of a changing and evolving society.” Therefore, said Nandlall, the nature and magnitude of constitutional reform must be driven and determined by the society itself, in which the constitution operates. That view is also held by the British as expressed recently by its High Commissioner, Greg Quinn. However, Nandlall said that while Constitutional reform is important, it is not the prognosis to the many political and social ills diagnosed in Guyana. Nandlall said that the last major set of constitutional reforms occurred in Guyana in 2001, where about 200 fundamental changes were made to the then constitution. NEXT STEP WITH PRADOVILLE… TWO CASES TO BE DECIDED BY POLICE LEGALADVISOR –SOCU HEAD Investigations on the controversial Pradoville Two matter have been completed, but there are other areas for further clarification. This was confirmed recently by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon and Head of the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU), Sydney James. Asked at his most recent press conference about the status of the Pradoville case, the Cabinet Secretary said that as far as he is aware,
Sunday September 24, 2017
that investigation is almost completed. But he noted that there are still some questions about the valuation to be placed on the lands. Harmon said he believes that this is the last element being considered. Kaieteur News also contacted James who confirmed that the investigation is basically completed but the Police Legal Advisor, Ms. Claudette Singh needed some clarification on the valuation aspect of the case. He confirmed that this is being addressed. Asked to say what would be the next stage when the clarification is over, James said that it would be up to the Police Legal Advisor. In early October 2015, SARU completed a report which stated that in 2010, the Bharrat Jagdeo Cabinet made a decision authorising the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) to privatise State lands. NICIL is the body tasked with overseeing the privatisation of State assets. It reportedly spent more than $200M to develop the sea front community without the knowledge and blessings of the National Assembly and other relevant authorities. The lands were then secretly sold to the former Ministers and known friends and associates of the previous regime. At the time of the sale, the report said, the lands were grossly undervalued and sold at a price substantially below the market value, thereby depriving the state of its full benefits. SARU said, “There is a direct link between the misconduct and the abuse of powers and duties of their position. The former Cabinet members knew they were doing a wrong in transferring State lands to their names and that of their acquaintances for undervalued market prices for the land. The lands were sold for $114 per square foot at the time.” “Public officers ought to carry out their duties, not for the benefit of themselves, but for the benefit of the public as a whole. If they neglect or misconduct themselves by their actions in the course of their duties, this may lead to a breach or abuse of the public’s trust. The act of the Cabinet members for their benefit is serious enough to amount to an abuse of the public’s trust.” In a letter addressed to Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan, SARU had said that based on its findings, it is requesting that Ramjattan’s Office proceed to further investigate unlawful aspects of this matter, with the aim of establishing whether criminal action should be instituted. “It is the duty of this Unit in the Ministry of the Presidency to ensure that no Minister of Government in Guyana would be the beneficiary from any acts of misconduct or unlawful conduct while being holders of Public Office.” Public servants’ salaries at negotiations stage - budget preparations continue
With the 2018 National Budget preparations ongoing, Public Servants can look forward to yet another increase in wages. This is according to Minister of State, Joseph Harmon who told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that salaries for public servants are in the ‘negotiation stage’. Minister Harmon pointed out that a committee was established to deal exclusively with the wages of public servants. According to the Minister, the committee comprises of ‘several persons from the government side and those from the Public Service Union’. Detailed discussions on how much of an increase, public servants will receive, will commence shortly between the two sides, the Minister said. Only as recent as yesterday, Minister Harmon announced that the administration is moving to standardising the employment of sweeper/cleaners as public servants. The Minister said that he is optimistic that the intervention will bring an end to the situation with the sweeper/cleaners. Regularising their employment will also ensure that they receive the same benefits as every other public servant.
Sunday September 24, 2017
Audit Office pussyfooting on NICIL transactional audit It has been well over a year, and the transactional audit into the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) is yet to be completed by the Audit Office. Heading the office is Deodat Sharma. It was the coalition administration which passed on the instruction for the Audit Office to conduct the transactional audit. But when asked for an update recently, the Government seemed to not be in the know. Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, asked whether the government has received an update on the matter, said, “The Audit office is an independent body and the Auditor General will make his own determination and statement at whatever time he considers to be necessary. As a government we cannot tell the Auditor General how he is to do his work and when he is to release his information.” The transactional audit by the AG’s office was as a result of the damning findings stemming from a forensic audit into NICIL by Chartered Accountant, Anand Goolsarran. During the forensic audit, Goolsarran discovered that in relation to the expenditure on the 2007 Cricket World Cup, NICIL had transferred amounts totaling $650 million to the Local Organizing Committee, but failed in its responsibility of ensuring that there was proper accountability for the amounts transferred. As regards the construction of the controversial 44 High Street property, formerly home to the Guyana Broadcasting Corporation, the forensic auditor found that the contract was awarded in 2007, but at the time of reporting, the building remained substantially incomplete. Goolsarran stated in his report that the building was abandoned, and the structure was expected to be torn down because the floors were not constructed to the required specifications. As the “Project
Auditor General, Deodat Sharma Executing Unit,” he said that NICIL’s role was to ensure that the works were executed according to the agreed specifications, and the entity had again failed to discharge its responsibility for this project, resulting in some $350 million of taxpayers’ funds being wasted. Goolsarran, in his report, also stated that despite the size and complexity of its operations, NICIL does not have its own procurement rules, which is a key requirement of the Procurement Act. In the circumstances, he said that it would have been more appropriate for NICIL to involve the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) in the assessment of tenders received for the award of contracts. Instead, the assessment of bids was done internally and would have lacked the level of independence, especially for large projects such as the Marriott Hotel. Given the aforementioned findings among others, Goolsarran recommended that Government commission a further independent audit to examine in detail transactions over the last six years under NICIL. He also recommended that the relevant authorities institute criminal/disciplinary actions against all those responsible for other violations, including the failure to properly account for State resources under their control.
Govt. reneges on promise... (From page 10) that this was something that needed to be done.” Trotman was asked if he sees the need to now beef up measures of scrutiny for the top brass of agencies falling under his ministry, the Minister answered in the affirmative. He added, “I believe that several ministries, not just mine, are working on making sure that there is more scrutiny. There are problems at all ministries where there are finances.” The Minister continued, “I think we all have to be vigilant and to tighten our systems. It is an ongoing effort on the part of government ministers to have tight systems in place to minimize or prevent impropriety but in the current case we have been asked to cooperate with an investigation and we are doing so. We are quite interested in the findings of the investigation.” The investigation Trotman referred to was one launched after three of the most senior officials of the GGB were sent on administrative leave as the police dug deeper into police investigations into alleged money laundering activities of gold dealer, Saddiqi ‘Bobby’ Rasul.
Kaieteur News
PAGE 57
PAGE 58
Kaieteur News
Sunday September 24, 2017
Dominica to receive US$19M insurance payout for Maria’s damage
Dominica - CCRIF SPC (formerly the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility) announced yesterday that Dominica will receive a payout of US$19.29M under its tropical cyclone policy following the passage of Hurricane Maria on September 19. This payout will be made within 14 days of the hurricane. CCRIF was designed to provide quick liquidity to governments of the Caribbean and Central America following catastrophic impacts from tropical cyclones, earthquakes and excess rainfall. Dominica also holds an excess rainfall policy with CCRIF and assessments as to whether that policy was triggered are ongoing and will be determined in the next few days. “This payout brings the total CCRIF payouts since the start of the 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season to about US$50.7 million and CCRIF’s payouts since its inception in 2007 to approximately US$120
million,” it was disclosed. CCRIF said it is an example of an ex-ante financing instrument and allows immediate injections of liquidity in the aftermath of disasters ensuring continuity of government operations and enabling critical infrastructure to be quickly restored and most importantly addressing humanitarian needs. For countries, an effective budget management strategy should allow for rapid mobilization of resources in case of a disaster, while protecting fiscal accounts. When a disaster occurs, governments must mobilize resources quickly without jeopardizing their fiscal balance. “This is generally done by building a financial protection strategy that combines a number of instruments in a risklayering approach to match potential financial needs and manage volatility on the fiscal accounts. The strategy incorporates budget allocations and reserves, as well as risk
Dominica, flattened by a deadly Hurricane Maria earlier this week, is to receive more than US$19M from a regional insurance. transfer instruments such as CCRIF. It therefore follows that in defining an optimal national disaster risk financing strategy countries should combine both ex ante and ex post financial instruments.” At least 15 persons were
killed by Maria which caused havoc in Puerto Rico also. CCRIF CEO, Isaac Anthony states, “While we are saddened by the devastation from both tropical cyclones Irma and Maria, we continue to be pleased to support our member countries in their time of need and are encouraged by the annual renewal of policies by our members. This provides some strong evidence that our model is a benefit to the region as well as a template that can be adopted and adapted by other regions of the world”. CCRIF SPC is a segre-
gated portfolio company, owned, operated and registered in the Caribbean. It limits the financial impact of catastrophic hurricanes, earthquakes and excess rainfall events to Caribbean and – since 2015 – Central American governments by quickly providing short-term liquidity when a parametric insurance policy is triggered. It is the world’s first regional fund utilising parametric insurance, giving member governments the unique opportunity to purchase earthquake, hurricane and excess rainfall catastrophe coverage
with lowest-possible pricing. CCRIF was developed under the technical leadership of the World Bank and with a grant from the Government of Japan. It was capitalized through contributions to a Multi-Donor Trust Fund (MDTF) by the Government of Canada, the European Union, the World Bank, the governments of the UK and France, the Caribbean Development Bank and the governments of Ireland and Bermuda, as well as through membership fees paid by participating governments.
Sunday September 24, 2017
Kaieteur News
PAGE 59
IDB did not fund feasibility study for new Dem. Bridge - Minister David Patterson
Minister David Patterson What the consultant is proposing that the new bridge should look like.
The Ministry of Public Infrastructure last evening corrected itself that the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) did not fund the consultancy for a feasibility study for a new Demerara River crossing. In a statement, the ministry said that it is retracting a statement issued on the evening of Thursday, September 21, 2017 in a press release. “The original statement indicated that with funding from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the Ministry advertised the Consultancy for Feasibility Study and Design for the new Demerara River
Bridge. However, the Ministry wishes to state that the Consultancy was not funded by the IDB but rather by the Government of Guyana,” MPI said. The ministry said that the mix-up arose since the IDB was funding the Feasibility Study and Design for the bridge across the Demerara River at Wismar, at about the same time. “Please note that the other statements made in the press release remain the same and the Ministry stands by these. Furthermore, the Ministry wishes to apologise for any inconveniences the incorrect statement may
STANDARDS IN FOCUS
Strengthening the functioning of the National Codex Structure in the Caribbean Region A concerted effort to strengthen the functioning of the National Codex Structure in Caribbean countries including Jamaica, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Saint Lucia and Suriname was recently concluded. This structure is designed to support the establishment of international food standards for the protection and health of consumers and ensure fair practices in the food trade. The Government of Chile concluded the two year “South-south project” which was aimed at strengthening Codex functioning at the national level of the five participating countries. The objectives of the project were to raise awareness on the importance of Codex to National Author i t i e s a n d C o d e x stakeholders in each of the five countries and to improve the knowledge and structure of each (beneficiary) country so as to effectively participate in Codex. Five main activities were conducted under this project and these included a coordination meeting
which was held in Chile in February 2016 and the sensitization mission and technical workshops. Secondly, in June 2016, a Chilean delegation met with key policymakers in Guyana to sensitize them to the importance of Codex and its work. Additionally, a national workshop was held with Codex stakeholders to increase awareness and knowledge on the importance of having a proper Codex structure in the country. Thirdly, in November 2016, a session of the Food and Agriculture Organisation/World Health Organisation Coordinating Committee on Latin America and the Caribbean (CCLAC) was held. This meeting was held to promote, guide and enhance countries abilities to effectively participate in all regional and international Codex meetings. F o u r t h l y , representatives from the five member-states also had the opportunity to attend an internship in Chile. Two delegates from Guyana’s National Codex
Committee attended the internship. The internship allowed participants to share their experiences on the functioning of Codex. It also allowed participants to explore the food safety system in Chile. Practical work was also done to develop a national procedural manual for Codex activities in Guyana. Lastly, the Project concluded in September 2017 when a delegation from Chile came to Guyana to hand over copies of the National Procedural Manuals to the Government of Guyana. Being a part of the overall Codex Structure allows stakeholders in Guyana to access food standards developed, comment on Codex standards at every stage of development, improve the competitiveness of their food businesses and allow access to allowable limits for food additives, food contaminants and pesticide residue. For further information, contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 2190065 or 219-0064 or visit the GNBS website: www.gnbsgy.org
have caused.” The study, conducted by Dutch engineering firm, LievenseCSO, was released recently by the Government to the public. However, the Opposition has written the Public Procurement Commission (PPC), which oversees state contracts, asking for an investigation into how the award was made. The Opposition said that its investigations revealed that Lievense was not among 22 companies that made a bid for the consultancy. It was also said that there is no
evidence that the tenders were ever cancelled. MPI said that the shortlisted companies failed in the evaluation and that after engagements, the Dutch company was chosen, with the approval of the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB). LievenseCSO was awarded the consultancy for $146M. The feasibility study recommended a new bridge be built linking Houston, East Bank Demerara, and Versailles, West Bank Demerara. The low-level bridge will consist of three lanes, include two flyover bridges over the pubic roads, and 11 kilometers of new roads to ensure that there congestion is eased. The old bridge should be demolished after the new one is commissioned, it was recommended.
PAGE 60
SERVICES
WANTED
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620
We’re buying land/property in Eccles Area 50’x100'.Call:592-2701885 or 592-668-1102.
Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535. INNOVATIVEMARKETING& PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigration Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496/ 662-6045 Producers of uniforms for office & factory, male & female clothing, formal gowns also. Lezon’s 97 Hadfield St. Call: 225-5948, 644-4398 BUILDING CONTRACTOR, HOUSE PLAN OR JUSTAN ESTIMATE.GIVEUSACALL 216-0671/692-8464/6220267
Going and coming, and live in waitress- Call: 666-4647, 643-9007 1 live in babysitter- Call: 680-1282 Accounts/Office Clerk Please Call: 629-9450 Bartender & waitress @ 50/ 50 Sports Bar. V/Hoop- Ally 622-5587 We pay up to $10M for land in Eccles, Providence, Herstelling, Farm, Covent Garden- Call: 656-0701,6511969 Maid – Call: 2253234 Live in waitress to work in bar. Call: 604-6606/ 692-4649 Drivers, dispatchers, contract car- Tel:231-0002, 231-0316, 219-4087, 219-4086 Urgently needed couple to work on farm from country area- Tel: 231-1408 between 8am to 1pm Security guard/ doorman for respectable establishmentTel: 227-3968
CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL:656-0087,6435122 ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM DOLLY’SCARRENTAL-CALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MINI BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPORT & FAMILY OUTINGS, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807 WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP RATES,SPECIALOFFERS! CALL: 690-6494
DRESSMAKING Jean offers courses in dressmaking, designing curtains, floral arrangement, cake decoration, 153 Barr Street, Kitty. Call:670-2653,638-8449
Sunday September 24, 2017
Kaieteur News
1 Able bodied male- Tel: 2312029, 219-4533, 616-5954 1 Truck Driver, 2 Porter- Call: 625-2685 Night Security Guards to work at Ogle, E.C.D location. Call 629/3141 Urgently needed one land to buy in Eccles- Call: 667-1960 Luxe Beauty Bar is hiring.Email applications and portfolio and photographs to support your experience in cosmetology.A resume is also useful. Send to luxebeautybar@yahoo.com. For more information call 592647-0104 One nutritionist cook. Attractive pay- Call: 696-9386 Farmers to work in Interior/ Mahadia- Call: 644-6366, 6999458 LIVE IN BABYSITTING WORK, GOOD SALARY. CALL: 699-4669 FOR SALE/RENT Tw o r o o m s s e m i furnished @ Mon Repos. Call: 658-3542
VACANCY Experienced s a l e s m a n , generaldomestic , p o r t e r . Apply with hand written application & recommendation @ Keyfood, McDoom Village.
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.
Accounts clerk for Eccles office, Quickbooks, Payroll- Call:614-4358
1 GPX 4800 Gold detectorContact Andre- 602-2104, 618-1447
Able-bodied Driver/ salesman for Leyland DAF l o r r y. I n v o l v e s l i f t i n g . Telles Steel 226-6771
236B caterpillar skid steer loader $3.9M,1-Cement Mixer Truck $3.5M, 1Honda S2000 Convertible Sport car $3M Contact #650-0402\603-1402
Cook/ Baker for interior. Applicants must be experienced. Call: 6182020 2 Experienced Pastry makers apply @ Humphrey’s Bakery & Farm Products Ltd. 38 Ketley & Sussex St. Charlestown- Tel:2257864, 227-8607 One Office Clerk, one live in maid- Tel:233-2725/ 2439 Vacancies exists for one dedicated Grade six teacher, 4th & 5th form Business teacher. Call: 264-3176, 6687705 PERSON FOR OFFICE WORK, 9AM-5PM, G/ TOWN AREA, GOOD SALARY, NO EXPERIENCED NEEDED. CALL: 641-4035/ 223-2540 One experienced legal computer clerk. Call: 6247087/ 226-4283/258-0213/ e m a i l : husainsaphier@yahoo.com PROPERTY FOR SALE Kastev, Meeten Meer Zorg, W.C.D: 3 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, verandah overlooking Atlantic ocean. Owner migrating -$36M, negotiable.Call:676-7974/615-0173 Transported property @ Grove/Diamond , 3 bedrooms, 1 selfcontained, concrete fenceCall: 660-1353, 216-4338 Big business or residential property @ Friendship road top E.B.D. $13.7M cash onlyCall: 681-1312 Land for sale @ New road VreedEn-Hoop. Charlestown Georgetown. House & land @ South Ruimveldt Georgetown. Regent St. Call: 627-9685 3- Bedrooms flat house @ Blankenburg $10.9M , $2.9M Down payment, $64,000 monthly installment Also house lots available $2.9MContact# 650-0402/ 603-1402 Spacious 4 bedrooms concrete home with modern amenities @ New Amsterdam Berbice opposite N/A police station. $79M negotiable- Call: 718683-0884, 682-2046
3 bedroom 1 flat house @ Blankenburg $11 M ( $3M downpayment) also house lots available contact #6500402\603-1402 Foxtail, Supari, Royal Palm @ $1,000. Ficus & Exora 4 for $1,000. Organic potting soil. Crotoons- Tel: 626-1044 85 DAF Hauler with 40ft trailer- Call: 694-1258 SP PlusData card printer & photocopy machinesTel:233-2725/ 650-2582 Computers, office chairs, display racks, mannequins, supermarket carts, supermarket counters, freezers and chillers- Call: 6013395 2 Used 6BT Cummins Engine - $900,000 each, 1 Used CT Cummins Engine - $1,250,000. Prices are negotiable.Call 626/ 8698, 222-1730 Furniture suitable for Beauty Salon- Call: 227-3626, 6278900 Clean garden earth and builders waste also excavating, grading leveling done- Call: 616-0617, 6633285 1-Complete 6 base music set with all amp are Q.S.E all speaker R.C.F & 1-Carina 212. Tel:698-8828
TAXI SERVICE G R TA X I S E RV I C E . CALL: 219-5000; 2271982 & 225-7878 (24HRS)
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Property for rent - 2 storey house at Republic Park, E.B.D$1200US. Call 647-1773 Two bedroom bottom flat, fully grilled, fenced, concrete yard @ Tuschen Housing Scheme. Call: 692-5525/2663973/660-0483 1- Two bedrooms apartment located @ Little Diamond, public road, E.B.D- Call: 679-3213, 265-3979 3 Bedrooms semi- furnished apartment at 59 William St. Campbellville- Call: 6464425,681-6708
VEHICLE FOR SALE Allion, Primo, Fielder Wagon, Spacio, Bluebird, 212 Carina, NZE, Honda CRV, Toyota IST, RZ & Pitbull – Call: 650-7501 Toyota Allion: AC,TV, alarm, magrims, reverse camera. In excellent condition $1.7MCall: 639-2490 1- E200 Kompressor Mercedes Benz, 1- 1990 Nissan Pathfinder- Call: 6651154 Mazda Axela, PPP series $1.2M Negotiable Call: 6789393, 667-7294 Mercedes Benz 2009 C200. Immaculate Condition- Call 616-5933
Bakery for rent at 26 New street Sparendaam, ECDCall: 623-9615, 694-3318 TO LET Self contained one bedroom tiled for couples or student. No children. Call: 643-4235 FURNISHED TWO B E D R O O M S APARTMENT, SHORT/ LONG TERM. CALL: 2227891/ 609-9202 1 Flat two bedrooms concrete house fully grilled & overhead tank at samatta Point Grove, EBD- Call: 621-0090 Lodge apartments (Vlissengen/ Durban): unfurnished, 1 bedroom - $50,000, studio $40,000, furnished (for visitors) $US600-1,000 monthly. Call: 668-7687/ 677-9638/ 6976421 Lodge (Vlissengen/ Durban): professional/ office/business space (no food retailing). Call: 6687687/ 677-9638/ 697-6421 2 Bedrooms furnished apartment for overseas guests or students- Call: 2273626, 627-8900
LAND FOR SALE Parfaite Harmonie $1.5M, Tuschen $2.5M, Zeelugt $2.5M, Uitvlugt $2.3M- Tel: 642-1252 10 & 30ACRES OF LANDAT YARROWKABRA, LINDEN SOESDYKE HIGHWAY. CREEK AVAILABLE- TEL: 663-5524, 264-2967 Parfaite Harmonie $1.5M, Uitvlugt (100ftx 50ft) $3M, Herstelling (100ftx 50ft) $3.5M. Zeelugt $1.2M- Call: 656-0701,651-1969 Farm (East Bank) 100ft x50ft, prime residential house lot with reserve (light for Christmas) $3M- Call:6560701, 651-1969 HEALTH Prostate Cancer, Heart Disease, Gall & Kidney St o n e s , M e n s t r u a l Disorders Etc. Are Cured By Herbal Remedies.Tel:676-5924, 611-5586
One single room top flat in Parfaite Harmony, W.B.D $22,000- Tel: 694-7817 LEARN TO DRIVE KITTY APARTMENTS: UNFURNISHED GRILLED, 2-BR, NEW, GRANITE, SECURE -$80,000 MONTHLY, NO AGENTS. CALL: 641-4035 2 bedrooms apartment, furnished & unfurnished in Eccles new scheme- Call: 6987807
SALON
PEN PAL
- Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. -CosmetologyCourses:$120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 647-1773/660-5257
Female 38-70yrs seeking slim males for friendship. Males 40-53 seeking slim females for friendship- Call Harmony Singles 676-6312
C. Persaud & N. Outar Driving School formerly Soman & Sons Driving School @ Maraj BuildingCall: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997 (affordable packages).
Sunday September 24, 2017
PAGE 61
Kaieteur News
CONSUMER CONCERNS
GPL needs to focus on addressing consumer complaints by PAT DIAL One of the major consumer concerns has always been the lack of reliable and affordable electricity supplies. Except for the very infinitesimal number who use solar power or use their own generators at all times, the overwhelming majority of consumers depend on the Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) for their electricity supplies. From the large number of complaints both the GPL and the consumer bodies receive from customers, it is fair to conclude that GPL would have to keep trying harder and harder to improve their service. It would be impossible to give all the various kinds of complaints consumers suffer but we will mention a few of the most common. There is the question of billing, the issue of meter-reading and estimated supplies, and the fact that it is not always easy to contact GPL by telephone.
Sometimes, also, there would be disconnections without consumers having received a bill, or disconnections after customers would have settled their bills. But the overarching complaint is the blackouts, sometimes running for very extended periods. The effects of blackouts are far-reaching: Students are unable to study; educational establishments are unable to run their classes; thousands of children do poorly or fail their Caribbean Examinations; homeowners and small shops suffer great losses and inconveniences with the destruction of perishable goods such as fish and meat owing to their freezers and refrigerators not functioning, Small shops may not be able to open owing to lack of lights and manufacturers suffer losses in labour costs and production output. The sufferings of old and sick people are intensified by blackouts. Sometimes blackouts and
power surges destroy electrical equipment. The work of the Judiciary lawyers’ offices and judges’ chambers - is stymied by blackouts. In other words, the GPL blackouts deeply affect social and economic life of the country. The bitterness of public complaints against GPL are intensified because the public feels that GPL could do better if it made the required effort. The upper echelons of GPL management and Governments over the years have been conscious of the problems and have aspired for fundamental solutions. Solar power, wind power or a nuclear power station have never been considered feasible replacements for the present system which depends on fossil fuels. Governments, as well as GPL, since the 1970’s have opted for hydropower. The attraction of hydropower is that power would be generated from one of the many waterfalls which
abound in Guyana. The main capital costs to birth a hydropower system would be roads, transmission cables and generation equipment. The technology for hydropower is not esoteric and is easily available. The main stumbling block has been finding investors for an adequate hydropower station. Under the Presidency of Mr L.F.S. Burnham, a large hydropower plant was being built in the Interior and under President Jagdeo, the Amaila Falls project was the nearest the country ever got to hydropower. Unfortunately, both projects were the victims of political discord. The one was a victim of Cold War machinations and the other was a victim of the mindless political imbroglio which sometimes submerge Guyanese Life. Last year, there was brief talk of resuscitating the Amaila falls
publication said that after the first article was published about the incident a few police officers went to his home and took another statement from him regarding the altercation. Hastings said that the following day after giving the police a statement he received a phone call and was instructed to go to the station where he met and had a confrontation with the soldier. He said that he was told by a police officer to relate his side of what transpired when he went to the Mosque to pray. The man said that after he left the station he went to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) where he was informed that the file was sent for them to recommend charges against the soldier who assaulted him. He noted that the soldier was arrested but has been released on station bail. The man said that for now he is just relaxing at home waiting for the court date since he cannot work as a result of his injuries. “Right now I’m just at home because I’m still feeling a lot of pain and still using a lot of medication.” Hastings received his injuries while he was attending service at the Masjid; he told the soldier that the young woman he had invited to sit in the male section of the Mosque was not acceptable because she was not a Muslim. He said that after the soldier and the woman left the Masjid, he too left. He said that he went outside to perform ‘wudu’ which is a ritual washing performed in preparation for prayers. It was while he was outside that the soldier confronted him and began verbally abusing him before punching him in the face and hitting his head to the wall several times until he passed out. His wife who was at the upper floor of the Masjid had to render assistance to him after she saw him lying motionless on the ground. With the assistance of a taxi driver they rushed him to the West Demerara Regional Hospital. He was then transferred to the GPHC where he was admitted and underwent several tests, one being a CT scan which showed that he sustained a fractured skull.
Affairs in partnership with the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH) and UNICEF Guyana will be hosting a one-day meeting on September 28, 2017, at the Pegasus Hotel. According to information posted on the Legal Affairs website, the meeting will engage key stakeholders to determine which conventions should be prioritised for ratification based on conclusions and recommendations emanating from the 2016 Hague conference. These include the Child Protection Convention, Apostle, Choice of Court and Maintenance. The forum will be spearheaded by Attorney General, Senior Counsel Basil Williams. The expected outcomes of
project but it became muted. GPL is thus thrown back unto its own resources in its struggle to maintain its present standards and hopefully to make some small strides forward. In this effort, GPL has been greatly favoured by the unexpected fall in fuel prices and of this windfall of funds gained, GPL would be spending $11.5 billion in upgrading. We will mention the main elements of this upgrading so that the public would be aware of what they should expect in the various locations. There would be the installation at Canefield, Berbice of a 5.5 megawatt heavy fuel generator; at Anna Regina, a 5.4 megawatt power plant; and at Bartica, a 3.5 megawatt power station. In addition, to further improve electricity supplies in Georgetown and the countryside four substations would be built at Parika, Wales, Williamsburg in East
Berbice and at Kuru Kururu. There would also be the upgrading and expanding six substations at No.53, East Berbice; Garden of Eden; Vreed-en-Hoop; Edinburgh, WCD; Kingston and Sophia. There would also be 47 kilometers of new transmission lines covering these areas. The GPL upgrading we have mentioned above are all macro projects and we welcome them but it is the smaller complaints of GPL’s deficiencies which directly and immediately affect people’s lives. GPL must consistently address these micro matters and should do so with immediacy. Most of these micro matters could be easily dealt with, and when there are inexplicable delays, they fuel a rising crescendo of resentment. We enjoin GPL to be more proactive in dealing with and solving consumer complaints.
Legal Affairs Ministry, UNICEF to Man’s sight continues to deteriorate host Child Protection Conference after beating by army officer The Ministry of Legal the meeting are priority of Guyana, UNICEF Guyana,
The injured Linden Hastings at the hospital. “It’s been four months since I was assaulted by a member of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and up to now I can’t get justice. This man slammed my head into the wall several times before I pass out and I am at the point where I can barely see.” Linden Hastings, 57, of Lot 374 Crane Housing Scheme, West Coast Demerara, suffered a fractured skull at the hands of a soldier on June 7, last, and since the incident he has been unable to see clearly. “Every day my eyes are getting worse and worse. Is from one problem to another problem. Sometimes I wake up with headache and go back to sleep with headache. This is overbearing; I am using medication but sometimes I feel as though it’s not working. My sight is so bad that I can’t even read the papers.” Commander of Police D’ Division, Leslie James, said that a file on the matter has been sent to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for advice. Hastings in an interview with this
conventions identified for the State’s consideration and key initiatives/partners identified to support follow-up on the conference recommendations. Last year, 118 participants from 25 states and overseas territories, including Attorneys General and Ministers of Justice, Chief Justices, Judges, representatives from Foreign Affairs Ministries, Child Protection Authorities, the Caribbean Court of Justice, among others, met in Georgetown to discuss the work of the HCCH, and the relevance of some of its core conventions and instruments to Guyana and the wider Caribbean region. According to a concept note, the meeting was jointly organised by the Legal Affairs Ministry and the Attorney General’s Chambers
and the HCCH. The meeting built on conclusions and recommendations adopted by the first Caribbean seminar that took place in Bermuda in May 2012, and the second meeting held in Trinidad and Tobago in June 2015. One of the outcomes was the new designations to the International Hague Network of Judges that were announced by the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. The meeting also provided an opportunity for the country to reflect on how to improve domestic and international legal architectures for children, especially as it related to issues on international adoption, abduction and Child Protection.
Chinese company sold drug vessel... From page 13 “IAU was also satisfied that there were no other business connections at that time between RAI and the operators/purchaser(s) of MV Vicky B beyond that Agreement of Sale.” With respect to the due diligence followed in granting the forest concessions last month, GFC said it that it advertised the lands in December 2016 to January 2017. Expressions of Interest (proposals) were then invited with a closing date of February 10, 2017. Some 10 submissions were made at the deadline. “The ten (10) interested parties were then requested to submit a completed SFEP (State Forest Exploratory Permit) application and a Business Plan Summary using the GFC Board approved template…” A requirement was also the payment of the application fee of US$20,000 by April 28, 2017. Five paid applications were submitted by this deadline, GFC explained.
“The GFC reviewed these and a due diligence report was prepared for the review of the GFC Board Technical Sub-committee. This report also included an asset verification of all existing local applicants, inclusive of RAI.” The vessel was not listed as an asset for RAI. “According to GFC, following the review by the GFC Board Technical Sub-Committee, final approval was determined by the GFC Board of Directors. This gives further assurance and credibility to a fully transparent process.” In addition to forestry, RAI, which has been present in Guyana for over a decade, has ventured out into the fuel business, gold mining, boat building and other ventures. Close attention is being paid to the Barama’s concessions. The Malaysian company came in the 90’s and managed to strike a major deal for 1.6 million hectares spanning a number of regions. It was the largest ever forest concession granted by the Government of Guyana.
PAGE 62
Kaieteur News
Sunday September 24, 2017
Sunday September 24, 2017
Kaieteur News
Suspected child killer attacked, sexually abused several boys With the heinous rape/ murder of 13-year-old Leonard Archibald, horror stories of similar attacks on other young boys by his depraved killer are now coming to light. Residents have revealed that the suspect, a fisherman from Sisters Village, Berbice, had attempted to commit similar acts on several young men and teens from various villages along East Bank Berbice. During a visit back to the area, several of the victims told the harrowing tales of how they were abducted, abused and sodomised by the same man. One of his first victims, now 23, stated that he was just 12 when he was attacked while on his was out from the Sisters Village backlands. “He grab meh and carry me till aback at Sisters and he hang meh pon ah tree and he lash meh cross meh jaw.” The young man, who is now a father of two, relayed that he ran as fast as he could to his parents’ house after he managed to free himself. He was then taken to the hospital for medical treatment. The matter was reported to the Sisters Village Police Station, he said, but the matter “duck down”. He claimed that the parents of his attacker offered a financial compensation to his parents, which they accepted. A 15-year-old also told this publication that he was home alone when the same fisherman walked into the
yard and began to pursue him. “He come by me and run me up the step but me bin done reach in the house and lock the door but he binna try fuh haul the window and same time me holla fuh meh neighbor and he come over and the man run downstairs and get away”. He stated that the incident took place in July and was reported to the Sisters Police Station. He was reportedly told by the ranks at that time to “come back if he try fuh do it again”. Another resident who was also allegedly attacked stated that “(the killer) is wicked. He also tried to attack me in my own house five years ago but I didn’t want it. He was touching me all over and I started to shout and chase he out.” The victim suggested that the suspect may have been “getting off” because of contacts he has with an individual in the police force. And an 18-year-old told this publication that he too narrowly escaped death two years ago after he was abducted, tied up and dumped in the suspect’s fishing boat. “I went about two village from hay when I see he on the road and he stop me and ask me fuh help he put he spray can in he fishing boat. “I go, then he hold on pon ma hand and tell me if I holla he gon kill meh and throw meh in the boat and push way the boat.” He added that the bicycle he was riding was left on the
public road and the suspect left him to retrieve it, it was then that he grasped the opportunity to escape by jumping out of the boat and swimming to shore. He ran for his safety he said, leaving his bicycle behind. The young man stated that when he eventually reached home, three villages from where he was abducted, he relayed to his mother what had transpired and they both visited the Sisters Police Station. The matter was reported but the suspect went into hiding for nearly a month. With the police showing “little interest” in capturing the suspect, they decided to drop the matter. Just two months ago, the fisherman struck again, this time attacking a 19-year-old while he was fishing at Highbury Village. “I was fishing and he attack me and hold me down, he pull down my pants and was about to pull down he own but somebody was passing same time and he run away.” The young man stated that he never reported the matter because he feared that nothing would be done by the police and he would be a victim of stigmatization. Residents and the victims who were brave enough to speak out are hoping that the suspect will face the full penalty and remain incarcerated for a very long time. Many were relieved that he was finally arrested and placed behind bars.
Iran tests new missile after U.S. criticises arms programme DUBAI (Reuters) - Iran said yesterday it had successfully tested a new ballistic missile with a range of 2,000 km (1,200 miles) and would keep developing its arsenal despite U.S. pressure to stop. The United States has imposed unilateral sanctions on Iran, saying its missile tests violate a U.N. resolution, which calls on Tehran not to undertake activities related to
missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons. Iran says it has no such plans. Britain voiced concerns about the latest test. Iran said in its announcement yesterday that the Khorramshahr missile could carry several warheads. State broadcaster IRIB carried footage of the missile test without giving its time or location. It included video
from an on-board camera which it said showed the detachment of the cone that carries multiple warheads. “You are seeing images of the successful test of the Khorramshahr ballistic missile with a range of 2,000 km, the latest missile of our country,” state television said, adding this was Iran’s third missile with such a range.
Father struck while crossing road A 50-year-old father of four who was struck down on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway while attempting to cross the road from a resort, remains hospitalized while the suspect is still at large. According to reports, the driver Richard Hyles, of 25 John Fernandes Squatting Area, was on his way to Linden when he struck the victim with his vehicle, bearing registration number HC - 3044 . The accident occurred at approximately
02:00hrs. Manager of the resort, Sharda Singh, who witnessed the accident, said it was due to the commotion by several eyewitnesses that the driver reversed in his silver Carina 212 and subsequently took the injured man to the hospital. Anthony Clenkien who is in the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) is still recovering from a surgery he underwent on Wednesday for his broken foot. Singh said that Clenkien usually works for her. He was
on his way to work on the day of the accident. Relatives of the man disclosed that Police have since launched an investigation into the matter but are concerned that the suspect has been providing investigators with false information. A sister of the victim, Beverly, explained that the driver took policemen to a spot, other than where the accident occurred. Another eyewitness has since been able to verify the accusation.
PAGE 63
PAGE 64
Kaieteur News
Sunday September 24, 2017
Sunday September 24, 2017
PAGE 65
Kaieteur News
Florida court orders Duprey to pay US$60m Trinidad Express - Former executive chairman of CL Financial Lawrence Duprey was ordered by a Florida judge in July to pay more than US$60 million to British American Insurance Company (BAICO) in damages in relation to the TT$1.9 billion Green Island project in Osceola County, Florida. The insurance company had taken Duprey and one of its former executives, chairman Brian Branker to court claiming a breach of fiduciary duties on their part by allowing it to pump billions of dollars into the real estate transaction which was executed by BAICO and British American Isle of Venice in January 2008 for the purchase price of US$295 million.
Duprey and Branker were ordered by Judge Erik P Kimball of the United States Bankruptcy Court in the South District of Florida on July 31 to each pay BAICO US$61,318,225, a total of US$122,636,450. Court documents stated that the companies had pursued the land transaction that resulted in a loss allegedly exceeding $100 million. This loss was a primary cause of the insolvency of the companies and their multi-national insolvency proceedings. It went on to state that Duprey was provided with due process in that he was personally served with process at the start of the case in January
2012 and the next month, he, through counsel, moved the court to dismiss the original complaint for lack of subject matter jurisdiction. However, this application was denied by the court in February 2013. The order denying the motion to dismiss was served on attorneys for Duprey on March 2 that year. He was given 14 days within which to file an answer, but failed to do so. In August of that year, Duprey’s attorney withdrew from the case. Nothing done with case between then and 2015, the court had granted permission for the companies to amend their claim and these amended complaints were
NEPA invites feedback on provisional development orders KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) is reminding interested parties to submit feedback on recently drafted provisional development orders by the September 30 deadline. Persons are being asked to send comments, recommendations and objections to the Town and Country Planning Authority regarding the Kingston and St Andrew and Pedro Cays, and the St Mary provisional development orders which were drafted in 2017. A development order is a legal document that outlines the framework, guidelines and policies for planning and development in communities and parishes. Its provisions cover engagements involving the usage of roadways and public services, protection and extension of amenities and the conservation and development of resources. Manager of the Local Area Planning Division at NEPA, Dwight Williams, told JIS News that the target stakeholder interests include the
Municipal Corporations in the areas where the development orders apply; community members, particularly persons owning property within the designated areas; and those with lease agreements. “We are inviting persons to view the documents and make comments or objections so that these are considered before the orders are confirmed,” he said. Williams advised that the orders have been placed at public locations across the relevant parishes, including police stations, post offices and libraries, for perusal. He emphasised that the involvement of community members was pivotal to the process “as they are able to highlight things…that they want addressed, including roads, drainage, recreational spaces and areas prone to flooding; these are the comments that we would consider when we are doing our zoning.” Williams explained that submission of the comments “may require us doing additional site inspections and consultations to address the
particular concerns raised.” These, he added, would subsequently be forwarded to the Town and Country Planning Authority outlining how it is proposed to address these. He said the Authority may, thereafter, issue instructions for amendments. Williams said following this process, the minister with the portfolio responsibility would confirm the order with or without modifications, making it a legal document to guide development.
Lawrence Duprey
sent to Duprey’s residence in Ft Lauderdale, Florida. “In the ensuing two years, Mr Duprey did nothing at all with regard to this case. In contrast, during that time the companies were quite active. With defaults in hand against Mr Duprey and certain other parties allegedly central to the failed real estate transaction, the companies negotiated with a number of other defendants and entered into settlements for amounts far below the total damages allegedly suffered by the companies. “Had the companies believed that they would have to go to trial against Mr Duprey, the marginal cost of going to trial against the settling defendants would have been low, significantly reducing the companies’ incentive to settle with them. During this time the companies par-
ticipated in extensive discovery with other defendants. “But, because Mr Duprey had been defaulted, the companies served no discovery on Mr Duprey relating to his involvement in the subject real estate transaction,” court documents stated. The documents further stated that in October 2015, having finalised negotiations with other defendants and finding themselves ready to conclude this case, the companies properly and timely filed the Motion for Judgment against Duprey and Branker. Three weeks later, more than two years after his prior counsel was permitted to withdraw in 2013, replacement counsel for Duprey filed notices of appearance. Duprey then filed a response to the Motion for Judgment and also filed the Motion to Vacate. He argued that the Court
should either dismiss the amended complaint or vacate the clerk’s default because the companies allegedly failed to properly serve him with the amended summons. He had also argued that his inactivity between 2013 and 2015 was not willful because he was 81 years old and his counsel withdrew from this case, and thus he did not realise he had an obligation to respond to the original complaint after denial of his motion to dismiss or to the amended complaint. Liable for damages However, that Motion to Vacate was also eventually denied and the companies’ Motion for Default Judgment granted. But the court said even though the amended complaint well pleaded with regard to the claims against Duprey and Branker, it stated that the amended complaint did not present a specific request for damages. The court said it was appropriate to require the companies to present evidence on the issue of damages and to permit Duprey and Branker to contest that evidence. In the end, the court found that the Motion for Judgment should be granted in part, ruling that Duprey and Branker shall be held liable for damages. The Express was unable to confirm yesterday if the court’s ruling had been appealed.
PAGE 66
Kaieteur News
Sunday September 24, 2017
Body of missing boy found on foreshore The six-day search for 13year-old Leonard Archibald came to a grim end around 15.00 hrs yesterday, when villagers and relatives found his partly decomposed body on the Kortbraadt foreshore, about two miles from his home. Scouring the area by boat, the search party spotted what they later confirmed to be human remains entangled in a clump of vines near the foreshore. “Like the boy float and he go and hook up on the vine”, Vernon Cozier, a villager who was part of the search team told Kaieteur News. He revealed that several parts of the body were “eaten away.” “He na get eye; he na get no hair; just he one hand eat out…only bone. The two foot at the bottom, bare bone deh.” The discovery came a day after a fisherman from Sisters Village, East Bank Berbice, confessed to abducting and sodomising Archibald, and dumping the unconscious lad into the Berbice River. On Friday, detectives found Archibald’s bicycle along the foreshore at Sisters Village, behind the suspect’s home. A bloody sheet was also found a short distance away. Divisional Commander, Lindon Alves, described the killing as “a heinous crime.” He said that he had reassured the lad’s parents on Friday that he and his ranks would do all in their power to ensure that justice was served. “I told the parents that this is a heinous crime and
Leonard Archibald that my heart bleeds for them, and that I will commit all my resources to solve this case.” “I want to commend all the police ranks who ensured that this was not another cold case. We have found the body and have obtained a confession.” Acting Crime Chief Paul Williams confirmed that only one of the two suspects had confessed. Asked about reports that the prime suspect had committed several sexual assaults on other young men, the acting Crime Chief said that the suspects are now being processed, and attempts are being made to have the reports verified. Kaieteur News understands that the prime suspect, Hillary Edwards, is being questioned at CID Headquarters, Eve Leary. He reportedly told investigators that he and another man abducted Archibald last week as the 13-year-old was cycling home along the Sis-
Vernon Cozier, a villager who was a part of the search party that discovered the remains of Leonard Archibald ters Village Public Road. Archibald was then sodomised until he was unconscious. His abductors dumped his body in the Berbice River, some 200 feet behind the prime suspect’s home. Archibald was abducted shortly after returning from a birthday celebration in Sisters Village where he had accompanied his two sisters. The sisters returned home at approximately 19:30 hrs, only to be told by their mother that Leonard had not arrived. The parents eventually contacted neighbours and began searching for the teen. A missing persons report was then made at the Sisters Police Station. His body is currently at the Arokium Funeral Home. He is survived by his parents and nine siblings.
Facing far-right gains, Merkel, Schulz urge undecided Germans to vote BERLIN/GREIFSWALD, Germany (Reuters) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel, poised to win a fourth term in today’s election, and her centre-left challenger Martin Schulz urged supporters yesterday to keep fighting for votes with a third of the electorate still undecided. Merkel is widely e x pected to cruise to re-election with the Schulz’s Social Democrats trailing by double digits but the farright Alternative for Germany (AfD) could emerge as the third largest party, complicating the outlook for her next coalition. A new INSA poll published by Bild newspaper showed sliding support for Merkel’s conservatives, who dropped two percentage points to 34 percent, and the SPD, down one point to 21 percent - both now joined in an unwieldy “grand coalition”. The anti-immigrant AfD, meanwhile, rose two percentage points to 13 percent, cementing its bid
to be the first far-right party to enter parliament since the end of World War Two. Merkel urged supporters to drum up votes by focussing on conservatives’ efforts on behalf of families, a pledge to avoid tax increases and emphasis on increasing security in Germany. The Christian Democratic leader also lauded the role of the European Union in providing stability in “a troubled world”. “We want to boost your motivation so that we can s t i l l r e a c h m a n y, m a n y people today. Many are still undecided,” Merkel said before heading north to her home constituency. In Greifswald, she led a crowd in practicing CPR as loudspeakers blared the Bee Gees song “Stayin’ Alive”. “I should be in better shape, with the international media here, but I’ll give it a try,” a smiling Merkel told the crowd.
First elected in 2005, Merkel remains popular in Germany but has regularly faced jeers and whistles from left- and right-wing demonstrators during rallies during this campaign. In Munich on Friday, Merkel defended her 2015 decision to admit about one million asylum seekers on humanitarian grounds, but pledged to prevent a repeat of that crisis. In the western city of Aachen, Schulz pledged to fight for every vote until polls close at 6 p.m. today. He said high voter turnout was vital to offset growing support for the AfD, whom he described as “a party of haters.” “Young people, think about Brexit. Think about Trump,” he said. “Go vote. Take this right to vote seriously, and use it.” Schulz said the SPD overcame resistance from conservatives in their coalition to push through a minimum wage, same-sex marriage and other social priorities.
Sunday September 24, 2017
Kaieteur News
PAGE 67
PAGE 68
Kaieteur News
Sunday September 24, 2017
Sunday September 24, 2017
Kaieteur News
PAGE 69
LeBron James tweets brutal response to Trump’s Steph Curry tweet Huffington Post - King James has spoken. After President Donald Trump tweeted yesterday morning he would be “withdrawing” G o l d e n St a t e Wa r r i o r s player Stephen Curry’s invitation to visit the White House to celebrate h i s t e a m ’s N B A t i t l e , LeBron James took to Twitter to give the president a piece of his mind. “U bum @StephenCurry30 already said he ain’t going!” James wrote. “So therefore ain’t no invite. Going to White House was a great honor until you showed up!” Curry recently made it clear that he would not be visiting the White House, even though his team, the G o l d e n St a t e Wa r r i o r s , won the 2017 NBA championship.
“I don’t want to go. That’s the nucleus of my belief. If it was just me, it would be a pretty short conversation,” Curry told reporters during Golden State’s media day. James has also said he would not have visited the White House if his team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, had won. “Going to the White House is considered a great honor for a champio n s hip team,” Trump tweeted. “Stephen Curry is hesitating, therefore invitation is withdrawn!” Curry played James two years in a row during the NBA finals, winning this past year. Even though the two have a rivalry for the ages, it looks like LBJ still has Curry’s back when it counts. Meanwhile, The Golden
State Warriors have confirmed that they will not visit the White House. The team released the following statement yesterday afternoon: Warriors general manager Bob Myers said Friday that the team had “had discussions” with the White House, and that it would make a decision after meeting as an o r g a n i z a t i o n . “ We i n tended to meet as a team at the first opportunity we had this morning to collaboratively discuss a potential visit,” the team said in yesterday’s statement. But those plans were done in by a tweet that President Donald Trump sent out yesterday morning, less than 24 hours after Warriors star Stephen Curry confirmed that he
Sunday September 24, 2017 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Don't jump too quickly regarding an investment that appears to be good. Try to make amends by planning a nice dinner for two. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Work diligently and you will get ahead today. You should consider getting your whole family involved in a project at home. Don't be too quick to judge your loved ones. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You may find that children are not as accepting as you have been. Travel and educational pursuits may help alleviate the stress you have been feeling. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Your time, not your cash, will do a lot more for your relationship. You would be wise to socialize with as many people as possible. You will find your personal partner taxing today. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Travel should be on your agenda. You will enjoy lavish forms of entertainment and should consider making arrangements early. Don't be too hard on yourself. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Do the necessary chores and then do things that please you. Don't go hog wild when it comes to entertainment or you could find yourself short of funds at the end of the month. Acceptance will be necessary.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) This could be a difficult day to deal with coworkers. Look into making changes to your personal papers and don't neglect those bills that have been piling up. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Spend some time with the one you love. Pleasure trips will be satisfying. Don't overload your plate. You may be overreacting to personal problems. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Consider making pleasure trips or participating in entertainment that will require energy. Look into ways that you can make extra cash. You can have an enjoyable time if you socialize with friends. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Your attitude is changing rapidly and your plate is overloaded. Difficulties with your mate may lead to estrangement. You can get ahead if you present your ideas to superiors. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Be prepared to step into the limelight if you wish to promote your ambitions. You might be overly emotional when dealing with your partner. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Family members will not be happy with the amount of time you are spending away from home. Your home environment may be volatile if precautions aren't taken.
LeBron James (left) and Stephen Curry during the last NBA finals. did not want to go to the White House: “We accept that President Trump has made it
clear that we are not invited,” the team said in the statement. It’s unclear if Trump’s
tweet indicated the entire Warriors team was uninvited, or if only Curry was. It’s also unclear if his tweet was an official revocation, or if there was even an official invitation in the first place. Such are the ambiguities of governing by capricious tweet. The Warriors had not confirmed previously whether or not they had been invited. Curry – and other Warriors players, including Kevin Durant – had previously made it clear that he would not attend a v i s i t t o Tr u m p ’s W h i t e House. Curry reiterated his intentions on Friday at Warriors media day. “I don’t want to go,” he said bluntly.
Remarkable Rossi qualifies third for Aragon MotoGP MADRID (Reuters) Valentino Rossi made a remarkable comeback to qualify third for the Aragon MotoGP yesterday just three weeks after suffering a broken leg, with team mate Maverick Vinales taking pole ahead of Jorge Lorenzo.
The 38-year-old Italian showed no signs of the injury that he suffered while riding an off-road enduro bike. Vinales finished quickest in the final free practice session and carried that form through to qualifying, sealing pole position ahead of fellow
Spaniard Lorenzo of Ducati with team mate Rossi also on the front row for Sunday’s race. Honda’s British rider Cal Crutchlow starts fourth, while Championship leader Marc Marquez is fifth after falling two minutes from the end.
Forde challenges those who question... (From page 68) be injurious to a player’s health. According to him, the aim is to develop a professional culture so that Guyana’s football could experience further development and in so doing open the doors for our players to be scouted by some of the top clubs. He touched on the slothful performance of some MAs in getting their programmes up and running and in some instances completed; informing that he was a bit disappointed. “Some members have simply neglected their responsibility to their members by failing to organize football within their jurisdiction.” Forde pointed to the GFF
projection of early 2018 as being the guiding light to reflect on the accomplishments of the preceding years.
He closed by calling on all stakeholders to get on board the development train and put football first.
PAGE 70
Sunday September 24, 2017
Kaieteur News
Kaieteur Sports Week in Review WEEK IN REVIEW SEPTEMBER 24 As is now customary we take a look back over the past week at the headline stories that made the news in local sports. Here are some of the highlights. BERBICE CRICKET BOARD ELECTIONS SET FOR OCT 8 FOLLOWING COURT RULING We start with the news that Rabindranauth Saywack, an ExExecutive of the Berbice Cricket Board of Control informed that the GCBC Elections is set for October 8 after a ruling by the Honorable Justice Navendra Singh who in chambers paved the road for this becoming a reality. The BCBC Elections was last held in January 2014. In a court action brought by Saywack and Albert Smith, both former members of the Executive Committee of the Berbice Cricket Board of Control in action # 9/ 17 /FDA, challenging the actions of Mr. Dhieranidranauth Somwaroo, the purported President of the Berbice Cricket Board to dismiss members of the Board, appoint new members and to elevate himself to the Presidency amongst other things. The Honorable Justice Navendra Singh in chambers ruled: -The life of the Executive Committee that was elected in 2014 expired in December, 2015. - That the election of Somwaroo as President of the Berbice Cricket Board is null and void and of no legal effect. -That elections of the Berbice Cricket Board of Control be held on the 8th of October 2017. -That the actions of Somwaroo as President of the Berbice Cricket Board is null and void and of no legal effect. - That Mr. D. Somwaroo ensure that Notices be sent to all parties in accordance with Schedule 3 of the
Banks DIH Outdoor Events Manager Mortimer Stewart hands over the first prize monies and winning trophy to Ol Skool ballers Captain Roy Cassou in the presence of teammates and Three Peat Promotions Co-Director Rawle Welch on Saturday. Guyana Cricket Administration Act for the purpose of electing office bearers to the Berbice Cricket Board Of Control. This decision of the Honorable Justice Navendra Singh has now cleared the way for the long awaited elections of the Berbice Cricket Board of Control. ALBERT SMITH ELECTED PRESIDENT OF GCCC, QUALIS WINTER TO HEAD KCC Former Guyana Senior Cricket Team Coach Albert SmithClements was elected to serve as the new President of the Guymine Community Cricket Club (GCCC) at its Annual General Meeting held at the Overwinning Primary School. A total of 32 members were present and discussed the required aims and goals of the club. Also discussed were measures that would be put in place to reignite activities within the community. A motion was proposed to elect an executive body and committee. The new executive members
Sonia Jardine in control for GCC ladies against Hikers
were elected unanimously by show o f r a i s e d h a n d s . The Executive Body reads: President (Albert SmithClements), First Vice President (Malcolm Peters), Second Vice President (Ronald Mars), Secretary (Angela Haniff), Treasurer (Moses Jaipaul), Public Relations Officer (Luke Latiff), Patron (Lennox Cush), Returning Officer (Ulric Cummings). The seven committee members are Bridgesh Jaipaul, Charles Shepherd, Desmond Weeks, Ashley Jones, Takerdeen, Nigel Vyphius and Seon Profit. Meanwhile, the Kildonan Cricket Club (KCC) also had its first AGM which was held at the Kildonan Community Centre. The elected members to serve are as follows: President (Qualis Winter), Vice President (Carlos Leitch), Secretary (Colin Bynoe), Treasurer (Quaicy Henry). The President and Secretary of both the GCCC and KCC will be its representative to the Berbice Cricket Board. GTT NATIONAL INDOOR HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIPS BEGINS TOMORROW The annual GTT National Indoor Hockey Championships returns to the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall for the first time in seven years as the Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) stages its first tournament on the newly installed plastic-tile floor. The tournament has been sponsored by the communications giant for seventeen years and is the top local indoor competition that determines the annual national champions. The competition commences early this year as the GHB gears up for the Indoor Pan American Cup to be contested mid-October this year. In order to prepare for the International event, the GHB will use the National Championships as a test event to ensure all systems are in working
order. To maximize the benefit to the local national teams, both male and female national teams will compete in the competition although they will not be eligible for the trophies. The competition features four divisions being Men’s First Division, Men’s Second Division, Ladies and Veterans (over-35). Matches start tomorrow, Monday September 25th from 17:00hrs and the finals will be contested on Saturday 30th September. Men’s national selections, the BLACKs and the GREENs will play an exhibition match against each other right before the final presentation. MCAULAY’S HAT-TRICK GIVES OL SKOOL BALLERS INAUGURAL GUINNESS CAGE TITLE -LEOPOLD STREET FINISHES THIRD A hat-trick of goals from Most Valuable Player Quason McAulay laid the foundation for giant killers Ol Skool Ballers convincing 3-1 win over pre-match favourites Future Stars as the curtains came down on the inaugural Guinness Cage / Three Peat Promotions Indoor Championship at the National Gymnasium. Played before a large and vociferous crowd that included Banks DIH Outdoor Events Manager Mortimer Stewart and supporters from the respective communities, the highly anticipated clash lived up to all expectations as the teams traded attacks after attacks in the opening minutes, before McAulay broke the deadlock with a clinical finish in the 9th minute. Future Stars squandered a few opportunities of their own, but were given a reprieve when a defensive error in the 12th minute allowed them back in the game. However, they paid the ultimate price for their defensive blunders and McAulay returned to inflict
another wound in the 15th minute with a cracking shot. Urged on by their fans stationed in the southern stand, Ol Skool Ballers took a 2-1 lead to the break and when many felt they would have activated their stifling defence to protect their slim advantage, instead it was their offensive efficiency that left the Stars stunned. The Ballers led by the experienced Julian Masdammer played at a tempo that suited them and it created some amount of frustration for the usually fluent Future Stars side. McAulay’s third goal was the dagger that pierced the hearts of the Future Stars band of supporters and also dashed the hopes of any comeback when he cracked the defence in the 35th minute to seal victory, the $400,000 first prize, the championship trophy and their name inscribed in the history books of being crowned inaugural champions. Future Stars walked away with $200,000 and a trophy for their efforts. In the third place playoff, Leopold Street cruised to a 2-0 win over Back Circle with Championship Highest Goalscorer Okanie Fraser and Omallo Williams, the players on target in the 18th and 30th minutes. Fraser, who ended on 8 goals, won a gold chain compliment of YK Investments, while they received $100,000 and a trophy. Back Circle got $50,000 and a trophy. SARWAN BATS FOR FOSTER AS BCB ELECTIONS LOOMS Former West Indies Captain, Guyanese Ramnaresh Sarwan informed that after speaking to some Berbice cricketers and officials he is urging Rose Hall Youth and Sports Club’s CEO Hilbert Foster, to run for the Presidency of the Berbice Cricket Board at its up-coming Elects (Continued on page 67)
Sunday September 24, 2017
Kaieteur News
PAGE 71
Kaieteur Sports Week in Review (From page 66) on October 8. The stylish middle-order batsman, feels that those who run cricket at the County and National Board levels are not working in the best interest of cricket in Guyana or the players and clubs involved. “Guyana’s cricket needs people who are genuinely interested in cricket and its development as Administrators could take the sport forward. The Boards are filled with many older persons who have been there for a long time and it is time for that to change,” said the 37year-old Sarwan. “Mr. Foster seems the type of person that can create a balance in ensuring the board is financially sound while at the same time seeing that the player’s needs are met. An example is his tremendous work at his club attracting lots of sponsorship from the business community at a time when the economy and the interest is not what it should be,” said Sarwan. Mahendra Nagamootoo is another player to call on Foster to run for the BCB Presidentcy. POONAI PHARMACY IS OFFICIAL SPONSOR OF RHTY&SC U-13 The Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club in its continuing quest to remain one of Guyana’s leading cricket clubs has officially launched an Under-13 team which is the 9th team for the Club. Poonai Pharmacy of Rose Hall Town owned by Mr. Poonai Bhigroog is the official sponsor of the team which would be known as the Rose Hall Town Poonai Pharmacy Under-13 Team. The other teams of the club are: the Farfan & Mendes Under-15, Bakewell Under-17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under-19 and Intermediate, Metro Females and Gizmos & Gadgets Under-21 and First Division. Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster said that the launching of the Under-13 team forms another important aspect of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club Cricket Development Programme. The main objectives of the Under-13 team are to expose youths to the game at a young age, to act as a feeder programme for the Under-15 team, to get the youths to understand the duties of a sports ambassador. Special emphasis would also be placed into getting youths to understand the importance of education and personal discipline. The team currently consists of thirty-four (34) players and would be Captained by Jonathan Rampersaud with Mahendra Gopilall as his deputy. Club Assistant Secretary Rabindranauth Kissoonlall would serve as the Manager with Mark Papannah and Simon Naidu as his deputies.
teams; a decision would be taken shortly. GBTI/RHTYSC INTER SCHOOL CRICKET LOWER CORENTYNE AND CORENTYNE COMPREHENSIVE COP TITLES
Male winners, Corentyne Comprehensive Secondary pictured with the sponsors, GBTI, representatives. Mr. Bhigroog expressed happiness at being afforded the opportunity to become an official sponsor of a club that he greatly respects and admires. The impact of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club on the township has been widespread and Poonai stated that his sponsorship would allow youths to achieve their full potential on and off the field. The proud sponsor stated that he was committed to a long term relationship as he was confident that the team would represent his brand well. NATIONAL DARTS TEAM OFF TO BRAZIL FOR PDAWC A five-member Guyana Darts team is in Brazil where they are competing in the Professional Darts Corporation Central Caribbean and South America Qualifier for the William Hill World Darts Championships set for London in December. The team includes national champion Sudesh Fitzgerald, Luiz Miguel Ramierz-Merlano, Lallchand Rambharose, Terrence Joseph and Victorine Chandro. President of the Guyana Darts
Association (GDA) Sheik Yassen has urged the players to stay focused and give it their best shot. Prior to their departure, members of the team were involved in training sessions at the Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) and other venues. The three-day tournament was held at the Girasol Plaza Hotel and concluded yesterday. GFF/NAMILCO THUNDERBOLT FLOUR POWER U-17 LEAGUE – BERBICE NA UNITED IS TOP TEAM AT END OF RD. 2 A walk over from Mahaicony Thunder Hawks paved the way for New Amsterdam United to end as the top team when the second and final round of the GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power National Under-17 Intra Association League ended in Berbice. A number of walk over’s were responsible for the final outcome of the second round of the nationwide league. First round winners, Paradise Invaders were unable to maintain that winning momentum and ended
the second round in the fourth position, three points from the standard of 16 which was garnered by NA United. The walk over bug bit Paradise Invaders and put paid to their ambitions of landing the double. Young Strikers also won via the walk over route from Monedderlust as did Corriverton Links and Young Strikers from Monedderlust and Paradise Invaders on September 10. Cougars FC Dwayne Alleyne ended as the highest goal scorer of the round with a total of 11 goals in seven (7); Hopetown United’s D a v e To r r i n g t o n h a s b e e n recommended for the tournament’s Most Valuable Player award for his 5 goals, numerous assists and general work ethic which enabled his team to end in the third place. The Best Goalkeeper award will go to Daniel Bowen of Cougars with honourable mention to Melroy Joseph of NA United and Alex Inness of Hopetown United Rangers; the latter club is being recommended for the Fair Play Award. The Berbice Football Association (BFA) is currently exploring the possibility of running off a playoff among the top four
Lower Corentyne Secondary F e m a l e ’s a n d C o r e n t y n e Comprehensive Secondary Male team emerged as the respective 2017 Guyana Bank for Trade & Industry (GBTI) / Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club (RHTY&SC) Softball cricket competition champions. In the grand final, Corentyne Comprehensive Secondary boys posted 58 for 4 from their allotted 6-overs; Keyron Cooper 14 and Darius Ramotar 11 were the principal scorers. Tyrese Sealey was the best J.C. Chandisingh Secondary bowler with 2 for 4 runs. In response J.C. Chandisingh was kept on tight reins and was restricted to 45 for 5. Only Marlon Naidu with 10 reached double figures. Cooper who was named player-of-the-final returned with the ball to take 2 for 7 to lead his school to victory. In the female championship match, Lower Corentyne trounced Port Mourant Secondary to emerge as the new champions, J.C. Chandisingh were the 2016 winners. Batting first, Port Mourant were restricted to 19 for 2 from 5overs, Shimeka Thompson made 9 not out with a wicket each going to Layah Kendall and Lesa Williams. Set 20 to win from 5-overs, Lower Corentyne Secondary raced to 21 without losing a wicket off just 1.5-overs. Female player-of-the-final Aliyah Henry lashed her way to 16 in a winning cause. The respective players-of-thefinals were presented with educational material as prizes while the male and female champions received trophies.
Members of the Guyana Darts team with GDA President Sheik Yassen, right.
PAGE 72
Sunday September 24, 2017
Kaieteur News
Forde challenges those who question progress made by Federation President of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Wayne Forde in an exclusive interview questioned the correctness of those who are seeking to challenge the progress made by the current administration over its almost two years in office. Forde, who took the reins of power following the termination of the Clinton Urling-led Normalisation Committee which was installed on the instruction of the World Governing Body FIFA, sought to clear the air during an interview on Friday, at the Federation’s Head Office at Dadanawa Street, Section ‘K’, Campbellville. The GFF President in opening the conversation quickly pointed to the disruption of funding due to recommendations that came out of an audit investigation c o n d u c t e d b y
Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC) specifically related to the 11-month period of the NC’s tenure. According to Forde, the audit identified a number of ‘Red Flags’ forcing FIFA to place Guyana under conditional funding thereby creating limited access to developmental funding, a situation that did not totally stymie the development of the sport here, but severely affected the Federation’s ability to offer much needed support to Member Associations (MAs) for them to execute their respective programmes. However, according to Forde, despite the scarcity of funding, the Federation has been able to achieve a lot, contrary to what is being propagated in some circles. Among the highlights he said were the participation of teams at every level
including the Olympic qualifiers for the senior team (Lady Jaguars), U17 (Boys) Caribbean championship, U-15 (Boys) French Guiana Invitational six nation tournament, U-17 (Boys) Martinique invitational six Nation tournament, where Guyana achieved a historic win over Haiti, a feat that was achieved for the first t i m e i n o u r h i s t o r y, CONCACAF U-15 (Boy) in Florida, nationwide female development League, inking (5) years Sponsorship deal with NAMILCO and the Pele Alumni organization, for the Nationwide U17 and U15 Boys Intra-Association tournament respectively, where funding and equipment were provided to every Association, the current preparation of a fine selection of U-13 (Boys) that will lead the FIFA 2026 world Cup Campaign,
Letter to the Sports Editor
AUDIT RHTYSC ACCOUNTS Dear Sports Editor, Over the years I observed the gradual rise of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club and must congratulate Mr. Hilbert Foster and his brother Alex on their excellent PR, not to mention ability to publicize their charitable and not so charitable work. One former Human resource manager at GUYSUCO even mentioned to me that the Fosters have “professionalized the art of begging”; I beg to differ and posit that these guys have perfected the art of using other people’s money. Using newspaper articles as evidence, Hilbert Foster executed about 700 activities for the year and has about 365 sponsors. This is quite
phenomenal and he must be congratulated. The problem though is assuming each sponsor gives him 200,000 Guyana Dollars, and I am aware of one sponsor giving a Million Dollars for the Patron Cup, Hilbert Foster would have collected at least 72 Million Dollars for the year. Considering that not much is actually spent on the activities since he also solicits “in kind” donations and fully utilize the” food for the poor” resources, almost all of these funds must be sitting in a bank account. Our Laws require that even Churches have their accounts audited. Recently, I saw President Granger, Patron of the Rose
Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, collecting money on behalf of the organization. I am sure that this good gentleman does not know when (if ever) the accounts of this Club/Charity/Church were audited. I am told by a former club member that the accounts were not audited in, at least, 15 years. We must not keep our heads in the sand as everyone on the Corentyne is aware that Hilbert profits off the cricket competitions and other activities so let us ensure that he accounts for the spending of donations. President Granger, the patron, must demand accountability. Yours Sincerely, Concerned Citizen of Rose Hall.
GRFU/Bounty Farm 15s; Panthers maul Yamaha Caribs 39-0 Yamaha Caribs were finally able to field a team in the Bounty Farm Rugby 15s competition yesterday afternoon but the men dressed in yellow left the National Park Track and Field pitch in taters after running into a wounded and lethal Panthers unit. Panthers which lost their first match of the season last Sunday to Pepsi Hornets, bounced back yesterday and completely
outplayed Caribs in their first match of the tournament 39-0. Six (6) players scored 1 try each for the purple outfitted Panthers, their captain, Rondell McArthur opened proceedings with the first try of the match, before Lancelot Adonis, Godfrey Broomes and Malcolm Rhodius took the score to 200 at half time. On resumption of the game, Jacques Archibald got the ball rolling again with a
try to take the score to 25 then Lloyd Anderson (7 points) and top scorer Godfrey Broomes (12 points) both followed up their second half tries with a conversion each. This afternoon at 16:30hrs, Pepsi Hornets will match strength and endurance with the Guyana Defence Force Rugby Club in a much anticipated affair at the National Park Track and Field pitch. (Calvin Chapman)
Wayne Forde playing International friendlies within the FIFA windows against Canada, Suriname and Martinique, the setting up of 13 Academies nationwide, 30 paid coaches on the Federation’s payroll as irrefutable testimony to the institution’s achievements over its two-year reign. He also highlighted the setting up of lighting systems at the Buxton Community Centre ground and a similar intention for
Bartica as the Federation’s resoluteness in accomplishing many of the objectives they campaigned on prior to being voted into office. “We are determined to meet those goals that we promised to achieve during the run up to elections and despite a few unhelpful developments we remain positive that most of them will be attained,” Forde said. He conceded that football development has still not reached its full potential, but refuted claims by some that nothing has been done, instead firing back by stating that football development has improved. “We are hoping to restructure our finance operations and this is aimed at being in a better position to offer more to our MAs so that their programmes could be executed in an efficient manner, while also positioning the Federation to resume access of the FAP funding.”
The GFF Head added that while it may seem that the current emphasis is on the development of local players, they remain open to overseas-based players being an integral part of the continued development of the sport. Quizzed on the delay in the realization of the FIFA Forward Project which is to be located at Providence, East Bank Demerara, Forde disclosed that the Lease was the cause of the delay, but confirmed that the issue has now been resolved and the way cleared for construction of Guyana’s first football home which will commence in a matter of days. He also spoke of a Plan being developed to have national players offered one year Professional contracts with the Federation, but cautioned that the proposal will have conditions attached to it such as drug testing and any other Football activity that may (Continued on page 65)
EBFA/Ralph Green U-11 League
Diamond Upsetters upstage Agricola, Grove remain undefeated, Mocha also win
Jevon Pluck (R), Dwayvon Cliffe and Jamal Cordis - Grove Hi Tech FC U-11. G r o v e H i g h Te c h continued their unbeaten run, first timers Diamond Upsetters trounced defending champions Agricola Red Triangle, Mocha Champs arrested Herstelling Raiders, while Samatta Point/Kaneville and Friendship played to a draw when rivalry in the East Bank Football Association / Ralph Green Under-11 League continued yesterday at the Grove Playfield. Grove ran away easy 4-0 winners over Diamond United thanks to a double off the boot of Dwayvon Cliffe in the 27th and 29th minute. Jevon Pluck had earlier opened the scoring in the 11th minute to break the deadlock. Diamond United looked good for most of the first half and had a few opportunities to take the lead but were denied on account of some
Daniel Bradford (R) and Neil Garraway - Mocha Champs FC U-11. excellent goalkeeping from grabbing full points from the Ramesh Persaud. match. Once Grove were able to Mocha Champs were led score, they continued in that to a big 5-3 win over vein with a brace in each Herstelling Raiders thanks to half. Their second goal was a helmet-trick, the first for converted by Jamal Cordis in the league, from Daniel the 14th minute. Bradford who hit the back of The biggest upset of the eth nets in the 11th, 14th, league came when defending 18th and 28th minutes. The champions Agricola Red other goal was scored by Triangle lost to new kids on Neil Garraway in the 13th t h e b l o c k , D i a m o n d minute. Upsetters, 2-0. Herstelling Raiders got T h e D i a m o n d s i d e all their goals from Solomon wasted little time in putting Austin in the 17th, 22nd and Agricola on the back foot by 25th minute. scoring in the first minute of The other match of the the match, Shafeek Russell d a y b e t w e e n S a m a t t a doing the honours. Point/Kaneville and The exchanges thereafter Friendship All Stars ended in were intense between the a 1-1 draw. Friendship drew sides but the Diamond lads first blood in the 18th minute sensed along that they were t h r o u g h a n A n t h o n y up to something special. Christian goal but that The insurance goal for advantage was cancelled out them came off the boot of b y S a m a t t a Russell in the 22nd minute Point/Kaneville’s Shamar which resulted in them Lyken’s 23rd minute strike.
Sunday September 24, 2017
Kaieteur News
PAGE 73
Gayle fit as West Indies look for late-tour lift ESPNcricinfo - It’s as you were following the rain at Trent Bridge, England are still 1-0 up and with a chance of taking an unbeatable lead in the series at Bristol. The brief period of play in Nottingham was not particularly encouraging for West Indies as Jason Holder and Jerome Taylor started poorly with the ball. The late-season English conditions are not to their liking, but to be fair doesn’t make cricket much fun for
anyone. It is worth asking, however, whether there is a little bit too much caution being taken by officials: there was the two-hour delay in Manchester due to a damp outfield and the call-off at Trent Bridge came shortly before the rain cleared and late-evening sunshine appeared. West Indies need a victory to give them a lift going into the final week of the tour and offer Stuart Law
Letter to the Sports Editor
Cricket Development in Berbice, Interference and or Sabotage Dear Editor, It is with disgust and anger that I pen this missive. Editor, I had the opportunity to read a letter to the Editor of the Stabroek News dated Thursday 18th September 2017,written by the Secretary/CEO of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club MS, captioned “Those in the Management of Cricket are more interested in settling old scores “. Editor, the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club MS is among the best if not the best managed Clubs both locally and regionally, and it was with surprise that, though not unexpected, that the Guyana Cricket Board would extend its Octopus like arms through its officers, in this case Mr. Colin Stuart to stifle and sabotage the growth of a Club that is deemed to be unsupportive of the tyrannical clutches of a particular official of this organisation. It is no secret that the Guyana Cricket Board sought to gain control of the Berbice Cricket Board using questionable means to install a chosen Executive Committee of the Berbice Cricket Board of Control. This attempt to seize control of the Berbice Cricket Board was successfully challenged by two former executives in the persons of Messrs. Rabindranauth Saywack and Albert Smith, in the High Court of Judicature in New Amsterdam. This court challenge resulted in a ruling by the Honorable Justice Navindra Singh in chambers on the 08-09-2017 in which the meeting to elect Mr. Somwaroo was deemed to be illegal, null and void, Mr.
Somwaroo’s election to the Presidency be null and void and of no legal effect, most importantly an order to have elections on October 8th, 2017, among other things. In the conversation with Mr. Foster Mr. Colin Stuart, Territorial Development Officer attached to the Guyana Cricket Board was pellucid when he said to Mr. Foster that he was asked /ordered sic to inform Mr. Foster that only the Guyana Cricket Board can organize cricket competitions in Guyana, however if this is so then this TDO and his bosses at the GCB have been very delinquent in organizing cricket in Guyana. These “power drunk” persons have not organized any cricket in Berbice and further have been withholding all subventions to the Berbice Cricket Board over the years, and to put the icing on the cake, they arranged loyal persons to seek a restraining order against the Berbice Cricket Board of Control in March 2015 allowing the barest of functions such as administrative, logistical and financial functions relating to teams participating in cricket competitions held by, and or representing Berbice Cricket Board. This action by Messrs. David Black and Godwyn Allicock smacks of sabotage of Berbice Cricket, the same as instructions to Mr. Foster. It is no doubt that these actions resulted in the decline of the standard of cricket in Berbice, yet these very persons now want to manage cricket in Berbice, Shame On You. Get Lost. Berbice Cricket Stakeholders Committee.
some belief that he has a group of players to work with ahead of the World Cup qualifiers next year. They have at least been boosted by Chris Gayle’s availability after he pulled out of Trent Bridge at the 11th hour. Eoin Morgan has said there is no intention of rotation for the sake of it and mentioned one of areas he wanted improvement on post the Champions Trophy was taking early wickets. In the spotlight It is unlikely that one white-ball innings will sway the selectors when it comes to the Ashes squad, but with it being named on Wednesday morning Alex Haleshas one knock left before the names are pencilled in. A month ago momentum was building for him, but since his double century against Derbyshire on August 7 he hasn’t made a half-century in any format. He has struck the ball sweetly in the T20 and briefly at Old Trafford in the first match of the series, but it appears more likely he’ll be taking up his T20 deal in South Africa than getting on a plane to Australia.
Chris Gayle is fit for today’s game against England. (Getty Images) Marlon Samuels certainly adds experience to West Indies’ middle order but needs to prove he is worth persisting with into the World Cup qualifiers next year. Stuart Law stopped short of rubberstamping any places in future squads, saying there were still decisions to be made ahead of the New Zealand tour later this year. Samuels remains West
Indies’ second-highest ODI run-scorer since the 2015 World Cup, despite not being in the side for the best part of a year, but now’s the time to show he is really up for it. Teams news In their last two ODIs on this ground, against Ireland earlier this season and the washed out match against Sri Lanka last year, England have left out Moeen Ali due to the short, straight
boundaries. If they follow a similar pattern, that could mean a spot for either Jake Ball or a debut for Tom Curran. However, in those two matches Ben Stokes wasn’t available to provide an extra pace-bowling option. Adil Rashid, however, took 5 for 27 in the Ireland game in May. Gayle has been passed fit after scans did not reveal any damage following the hamstring tweak he suffered moments before the toss at Trent Bridge. That means he should be reunited at the top of the order with Evin Lewis. Keswick Williams is a doubt having suffered a back spasm at Trent Bridge after the match had started. Pitch and conditions Seven Ireland wickets fell to spin back in May as they struggled to pick Rashid’s variations. There was also good pace and carry in the pitch. At the tail-end of the season, though, the surface could be tired. The forecast is dry for the first part of the day - this is the one day game of the series but rain is lurking later on which could mean DLS comes into play.
Benn century propels Providence to nine-run win
Colin Benn Colin Benn struck fine century as Providence defeated Ruimveldt by nine runs when the East Bank Demerara Cricket Association (EBDCA) Sterling Products Ltd/ISG T20 tournament continued yesterday at YMCA. O ff - s p i n n e r S h a w n Pooran removed Orenzo O’Neil (01) and Terrence De Cunha (08), while medium pacer Terrence Mootoo accounted for Steve John (01) to reduced Providence to 14-3 after they decided to
Dellon Walton
Lennox Andrews
bat. However, Benn and Gordon Ross resurrected the innings with level-headed batting on an unpredictable pitch. Benn struck nine fours and nine sixes in a scoring 103, while Ross made 36 as Providence posted 173-8. Pooran had 2-21, while Mootoo, Danny Narayan and Almando Doman had one each. Ruimveldt lost a few quick wickets upfront before Narayan kept them in the hunt with a run-a-ball 62. He
slammed one four and five sixes before he was bowled by Benn with his team needing 11 from the last over. Following Narayan departure, Benn delivered four dot balls before the last delivery went for a single as Ruimveldt closed on 164-8. Kelly Bovell supported with 34 while N. Persaud made 25 and Fiaz Mustapha 23. Benn crowned a fine all-round performance with 3-23 while Brentnol Ross had 227. Damian Walton and
Danny Narayan O’Neil had one each. Previously Providence beat Rome Athletics by 158 runs. Providence scored 242-6, batting first. Lennox Andrews made 93 from 40 balls with two fours and eleven sixes, while Benn made 43. Ryan Hemraj claimed 2-20 and Sheldon Chapman 2-42. Rome Athletics were sent packing for 84 in reply. Hemraj made 23 off just eight balls as Dellon Walton bagged 5-9 and Benn 2-11. (Zaheer Mohamed)
PAGE 74
Sunday September 24, 2017
Kaieteur News
Hamilton Green K.O Football Cup… Three matches set for Victoria Ground today
Metro Office Supplies renews RHTYSC Female Cricket Team sponsorship In an era where sponsorship for Sports is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain, the outstanding work of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS, continues to attract the support of corporate Guyana. On Thursday last Metro Office Supplies handed over a cheque to Patron of the Club, President David Granger for $200,000 as the Company renewed its cricket sponsorship of the Rose Hall Town Metro Female Cricket Team for the 10 successive year. Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster speaking in front a mammoth crowd at the Area ‘H’ Ground during a special Rose Hall 175 Anniversary Ceremony, hailed Metro Office Supplies as a long standing friend of Guyana’s leading Youth and Sports Club. Metro has been sponsoring the team since its formation in 2007 and the Rose Hall Town Metro Team remains the only female cricket team in Guyana. The team in 2009 won the only ever National Female Championship and over the years has produced a total of two West Indies players, ten national senior players, fifteen national junior players, while a total of 29 has played for Berbice. Shemaine Campbelle, Plaffiana Millington and Shabika Gajnabi have captain Guyana at different levels, while among the other players produced by the sponsorship are Erva Giddings, Melanie Henry, Nikita Toney, Miriam Samaroo, Dian Prahalad, Uma Matadin, Aleema Arokium, Shaneeta Grimmond, Trishanie Cort, D e b o r a h Va n d e r s t o o p , Roshella Lynch and Jacklyn Singh who have all represented Guyana. The present captain is West Indies player Shemaine Campbelle, while her
Fhaleeza Ramcharran of Metro Office Supplies presents cheque to RHTYSC Patron, His Excellency President David Granger. deputy is her West Indies counterpart Erva Giddings. Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club Executive member Elizabeth Brusch serves as the Manager, while the coach is former national cricketer Delbert Hicks. Foster expressed total frustration that no other cricket club in Guyana has found the time to establish a cricket team for females and stated that it is a sad reflection of lack of commitment and vision. The long serving Secretary/CEO proudly stated the both male and female cricketers of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club worked together and enjoy a remarkable relationship. With no cricket being played in Berbice due to lack of leadership from an ailing Berbice Cricket Board, the Management of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club arranges matches for its teams every weekend at the Area ‘H’ Ground and this allows the female cricketers to develop quickly as they have to play with their male counterparts. He expressed gratitude to the Management and Staff of Metro Office Supplies especially Chief Executive Officer Avia Lindie and Manager of the
New Amsterdam Branch Danny Ramnarine for their co-operation. Captain of the Metro Female Team Shemaine Campbelle in an invited comment expressed pleasure at the renewal of the sponsorship and pledged to make Metro proud on and off the cricket field. The support of the Company, Campbelle stated has been responsible for the rapid development of each of the female cricketers. The Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, the West Indies allrounder stated has invested heavily into the careers of its female members and she issued an appeal to all major cricket clubs to do likewise for Guyana’s female cricket to become a major force in the Caribbean. Manager of Metro’s New Amsterdam Branch, Danny Ramnarine hailed the Company’s investment as a productive one as the Rose Hall Town Metro Female Team has represented the brand very well. The Female cricketers have been outstanding ambassadors for the Company, he stated, while urging the team to uphold its high standard.
GSCL Inc Panama Guyana Cup to commence shortly The Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc (GSCL Inc) will be hosting its inaugural Panama Guyana Cup which is set to bowl off shortly. The competition which is being sponsored by Quick Office Stationery, Beifa Office Stationery, May’s and
based just a stone’s throw away from the Victoria G r o u n d , a g a i n s t We s t Demerara’s Den Amstel. E a s t C o a s t ’s M a h a i c a Determinators will then match skills with East Bank’s Seosdyke Falcons at 19:00hrs. The feature clash which begins at 21:00hrs will be an all East Coast match up when Ann’s Grove and Buxton will go all out to retain their place in the tournament and move one
step closer to the $500,000 first prize. The latest winners in the competition, which began with 24 teams, saw Linden based Winners Connection and Milerock both utilizing home crowd support to win at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground. Winners Connection whipped Kuru Kururu 4-0, while Milerock ousted East Coast based Plaisance FC 3-0 from the tournament.
Annual National Draughts Championship Commences October 1st
th
th
Football fans on the East Coast of Demerara are in for a treat as the Hamilton Green Cup, knockout football tournament is sure to provide action this weekend with the initial round of 16 clashes at the Victoria community ground today. Three matches will be played from 17:00hrs and the East Coast teams involved will look to capitalize on home support. The first game will pit Golden Grove, which is
HL Furnishing all of Panama will be played nationwide in the Masters and Open categories. No entrance fee is required and the winning teams in both segments will take home a trophy and $100,000 and the runner ups a trophy and $25,000;
the competition will be played using the white balls. Interested teams in Essequibo can contact Patrick Rooplall on 6223717, David Lukenauth in Berbice on 618-3717 and Samuel Kingston in Demerara on 619-5103.
The Guyana Draughts Association would be running off its Annual National Championship commencing October 1st. There would be four categories for this year’s Championship. The ‘B’ class competition commences the tournament when the action kicks off at the National Gymnasium on October 1st. The first six qualifiers would
join the senior players on October 8th in the conference room of the Racquet Centre, Wolford Avenue where the ‘A’ competition would be held. On October 15th the International 100 squares would conclude the regular tournament at the same venue. Then on October 22nd the schools are scheduled to compete in the junior 100
s q u a r e c h e c k s . All games commence at 11.00am and players are asked to be at the venues at 10.30am for registration. Registration fee is $300 per player except for the schools. Players must be prepared to play with the clock. At stake are trophies and other prizes. All players countrywide are invited to participate.
Adams unbeaten 95 puts Essequibo in sight of victory Ricardo Adams struck a composed unbeaten 95 to put Essequibo within sights of victory against Georgetown when the fourth round of the Cricket Guyana Inc Jaguars franchise threeday league continued yesterday at Tuschen. Georgetown resumed on their overnight second innings score of 13 without lost and scored 245 all out. Leon Johnson slammed 91, while Christopher Barnwell made 48, Steven Sankar 25 and Dexter Solomon 23. Ricardo Adams and Akenie Adams picked up three wickets each, while Keemo Paul had two. Set 193 for victory,
Ricardo Adams Essequibo closed the day on 155-5 with Ricardo Adams leading the chase. Mark Williams is unbeaten on 34, while Barnwell has 4-37.
At Bush Lot, East Coast scored 321 all out in their second innings, setting West Berbice 278 to win. Chanderpaul Hemraj made 78. At Port Mourant, Upper Corentyne posted 371 all out in their first innings. Clinton Pestano added 33 as Keyhram Seyhodan claimed 4-78 and Mahendra Dhanpaul 2-40. In reply, West Demerara were bowled out for 133 to trail by 238. Raymond Perez led with 56 while Akshaya Persaud made 34. Pestano captured 4-31, David Latchman 3-31 and Shawn Perreira 2-19. Batting a second time West Demerara were 59-1 at stumps.
Letter to the Sports Editor
DID HILBERT FOSTER WORK AT A COMMERCIAL BANK? Mr. Editor, Over the past few days your Sports writer Mr. Sean Devers seem to have acquired a keen interest in Hilbert Foster’s efforts to take control of Berbice Cricket. Devers penned quite a few articles which can be interpreted as supportive of
Mr. Foster’s expected run for the Presidency of the Berbice Cricket Board. This has caused me to get inquisitive and ask a few questions myself but since Mr. Devers may have the pole position on the questions I humbly ask that he find out, from Mr. Foster, if he ever worked at a
commercial bank. If he did, what was the reason for him leaving the job? I am looking forward to an early response. I may have a few more questions on accountability at Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club. Yours Sincerely, Concerned Cricket Fan
Sunday September 24, 2017
Kaieteur News
PAGE 75
GCB/CGI 3-Day Franchise League
Lower Corentyne scent victory after Anderson, Clements, Smith shine
Kelvon Anderson whips Rutherford for four during his 72 yesterday.
Devon Clements cover drives during his 97 yesterday.
By Sean Devers in Berbice A late afternoon burst from pacer Nial Smith and a 93-run fourth wicket stand between Kelvon Anderson and Devon Clements left Lower Corentyne scenting victory against East Bank at the end of the second day of their fourth round GCB/CGI three-day Franchise League at the Young Warriors ground in Cumberland yesterday. East Bank resumed on 132 -8 and fell for 139 as Kassin Khan finished with 44 9 a n d Ve e r a s a m m y Permaul had 3-39. Lower Corentyne, with a slim lead of nine runs were spearheaded to 279 by 34-
year-old Clements who fell three short of his century after batting for 186 minutes, facing 150 balls and four fours and two sixes. He got excellent support from Anderson whose fluent 72 lasted 174 minutes, 140 balls and was decorated with six fours. This was after Alex Algoo (36) and Wahid Edwards (37) had added 70 for the first wicket. Off-spinner Ershad Ali (5-49) and pacer Keon Morris (3-36) bowled well for East Bank who were tottering on 43-5 after being set 289 as Smith ripped the heart out their batting in an incisive spell of 5-19 on a track which offered a bit more pace yesterday. Scores: Lower
Corentyne 148 & 279, East Bank 139 & 43-5. After dismissing East Bank 12 minutes into day two the Hosts were off to a solid start as National U-19 batsman Algoo got off the mark with a boundary off Sherfane Rutherford in the first before Edwards took a liking to pacer Keon Morris; smashing him for six fours and a six. With the partnership worth 70, Steven Jacobs got rid of Edwards, while 15 runs later Algoo was removed by left-arm spinner To t a r a m B i s h u n , b u t Anderson, who made 44 in the first innings, was joined by Seon Hetymer and the pair took the score to 117 before Hetymer (9) was dismissed by Ali and by
Lunch the score was 123-3. After the interval, Anderson whipped Rutherford for four and reached his 50 from 132 minutes from 109 balls with four fours, before Clements lofted Darshan Persaud for six to the delight of a small but vocal crowd. After Clements reached his 50 from 122 minutes and 99 balls with two fours and two sixes, Anderson effortlessly lofted Bishun for six over long-on as he bowled too slowly on this track. Anderson whipped Rutherford for four, while Clements lofted Bishun out of the ground. Anderson rocked back and pulled his Guyana U-19 Captain Renaldo Ali-
Hurricane Nial Smith blew away the East Bank top order yesterday. Mohammed for four before hitting a full toss from Ali to short mid-wicket to throw his wicket away when well set for a hundred with the score on 210-4. Jason Sinclair pulled a long hop from Ali for four but then got one that bounced and did not turn from the off-spinner and gloved a catch to slip at 2145 and when Ali, who bowled impressively, got rid of Hakeem Hinds (5), Clements was beginning to put his foot on the gas. When Permaul (11) was LBW off of Morris at 257-7 Clement was in danger of running out of partners the two more batsmen fell cheaply and with last man Raun Johnson at the crease, Clements dumped Ali for a
huge six to move to 97 but in trying to repeat the skied a catch to Jacobs at cover. East Bank began their run chase in horrendous fashion as the Nial Smith show began. The slimly built pacer, who is the son of Guyana’s most successful U-19 Coach Albert Smith, got rid of Sachin Singh (8), Romaine Muniram (0), Jacobs (5), night watchman Bishun (1) and Corwin Austin (0). Mark Robe (13) and Rutherford who fought fire with fire and hooked a tired looking Smith for two fours and slapped him for another to end unbeaten on 12. Today is the final day and East Bank needs another 246 with five wickets in hand.
GISE, Star Party Rental & Trophy Stall 1st Division 2-day Cricket
GNIC reach 156-9 declared vs. UG 18-1 on day 1
Ug’s wicketkeeper Devon George about to run out GNIC’s Stephon Campbell. One match is being contested in the Georgetown Cricket Association’s 1st Division 2-day tournament sponsored by GISE, Star Party Rental & Trophy Stall this weekend, that match is between University of
Guyana and GNIC Cricket Club at the Malteenoes Sports Club ground. Yesterday was the first day of the match which was delayed by 3 hours due to rain. Ronale Bourne scored a
top knock of 84 runs which was the backbone of GNIC’s 156 tally. Bourne had much luck in his innings but wasn’t lucky enough to reach a threefigure score; he utilized all his good fortune after being
dropped 3 times including a sitter off the bowling of Michael Shalim by UG’s wicketkeeper Devon George when he was on 66. GNIC were cruising on 115-2 after lunch before UG’s keeper, George,
redeemed his drop catch by running out Stephon Camp b e l l w h o h a d shared in a 106-run partnership with Bourne to spark a collapse after an initial recovery from 9-2 early on.
After GNIC’s 156-9 declaration, at the close of play at Malteenoes, UG were 18-1, having lost opener, Melroy Stephenson for 4 runs, bowled by Deswin Butts. (Calvin Chapman)
t r o Sp
GRFU/Bounty Farm 15s; Panthers maul Yamaha Caribs 39-0
Yamaha Caribs (yellow) were no match for the Panthers (purple) who won 39-0 yesterday.
EBFA/Ralph Green U-11 League
Diamond Upsetters upstage Agricola, Grove remain undefeated, Mocha also win
Agricola Red Triangle’s Brandon Narine (#3) clears the ball against Diamond Upsetters yesterday at the Grove Playfield.
Gayle fit as West Indies look for late-tour lift Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210