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Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana Issue No. 3023 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

October 30, 2016

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Norton wants independent probe into country’s procurement system P18

Rapist who bit off victim’s eyelid arrested P15

Thousands gathered along the Georgetown seawalls on Saturday night to get a glimpse of the Guyana Hindu Dhramic Shabha’s motorcade 2016 which culminated at the La Bonne Intention ground, on the East Coast of Demerara for a grand parade and cultural presentation (Dexter Ceres photo)

Private Sector meets with expert on budding oil industry P14 P15 Govt to challenge court order blocking Carvil Duncan tribunal

As crime spirals out of control

Moblissa fatal smash-up

Govt turns to Truck overheated, international driver allegedly experts for help went for water Govt prosecutors will trigger persecution, not prosecution – Nandlall Page 3

Page 7

Page 9

…criticises undermining of DPP Office

Renovations at Brickdam lock-ups had design flaws – Ramjattan – says tendering mistakes delayed process P8

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

NEWS

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SunDAY, october 30, 2016 | guyana-times.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Demerara – Sunday, October 30 – 14:30h-16:00h and Monday, October 31 – 05:00h-06:30h.

Govt turns to international experts for help

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Sunday, October 30 – 16:15h-17:45h and Monday, October 31 – 16:40h-18:10h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 11:00h and 16:00h daily.

WEATHER TODAY Weather: Heavy rain showers with sunny intervals can be expected throughout the day, while clear skies can be expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East North-easterly and East South-easterly ranging from 3.12 metres to 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 04:02h and 16:13h reaching maximum heights of 2.61 metres and 2.69 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 09:50h and 22:09h reaching minimum heights of 0.61 metre and 0.50 metres respectively.

fRIday, October 28, 2016

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As crime spirals out of control

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DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS IN PUBLICATION. PLEASE CALL THE HOTLINE FOR CONFIRMATION - TEL: 225-8902

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s Guyana’s crime rate continues to climb, Government has turned to the international community for help with curbing the crime situation in the country, particularly as it relates to policing its porous borders.

To this end, Guyana signed a security pact with 15 other Caribbean countries and the United States of America, targeting specific areas of criminal activities while building on social justice.

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan at an Alliance For Change press conference on Friday said law enforcement in Guyana cannot fight crime alone, hence Government’s decision to join the Caribbean-United States Security Cooperation, an initiative implemented under the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI).

According to the Minster, during a recent visit to Washington, DC, discussions were had with the other member states of the organisation pertaining to issues that are currently plaguing Guyana and the Region as a whole, such as the illicit trafficking of weapons and narcotics.

This area, he noted, is one of three pillars that the security pact focuses on.

Ramjattan pointed out that it has been observed that the Colombians, Venezuelans and others involved in the narcotics trade such as Brazil and other South American countries, are now using Guyana as a conduit.

“That is why we have been finding lots of airplanes (in the hinterland) and they are lots of others, we understand, that have flown in and flown out back carrying their stuff to Europe and North America. And now we know, they do drop offs and it’s brought to Georgetown, put in containers and that is how all these containers with rice and so on are being caught with cocaine in other countries,” the Minister stated.

Nevertheless, Ramjattan posited that Guyana was commended by the US State Department for efforts undertaken in tackling the drug trade within its borders, especially as it relates to interdictions by the efforts of the

Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU) and the Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) Narcotics Unit. He added that one such milestone in this regard is the arrest of convicted drug lord

that the second pillar of the agreement entails increasing public safety and security through programmes ranging from professionalising the law enforcement institutions

Barry Dataram, who had fled to neighbouring Suriname to avoid serving jail time.

On the other hand, the Public Security Minister also revealed that requests were made for assistance in strengthening security at the country’s borders in order to curb gun-smuggling.

“I did identify border controls because more and more the evidence is that from Brazil, we are having more small arms coming in. So whilst we have sharpened up in relation to interdictions of guns coming in from North America through our GRA (Guyana Revenue Authority) system and the (commercial) airplanes, we have to also have our eyes in the Brazilian territory which is a very long porous border too,” he outlined.

According to Ramjattan, while such surveillance will be expensive, since it would more or less come in the form of an airplane or satellite imagery, a commitment was given to help Guyana in this area.

“I don’t know but we told them we would like to have surveillance equipment, if it’s not going to be airplanes then drones that can go a good hundred miles and come back at some command centre probably in Lethem… In these exercises of trying to stop drugs and firearms from entering Guyana, if all of that is what we will require, they have made a commitment that yes there will be assistance in that regard,” the Minister asserted.

He went on to highlight

and technical assistance in training; and improving the rule of law and supporting the justice sector.

Minister Ramjattan noted that under this pillar, a new patrolling initiative will be introduced in the form of ‘bicycle brigades’. This will be specially trained and physically fit Police Officers patrolling the streets of Georgetown on bicycles.

“Good, strong looking Guyanese girls and boys on bicycles that are already equipped with their train-

ing, doing their jobs… They are going to go to Las Vegas, Nevada, for training as how to do it, what to expect whilst being on a bicycle brigade and so on. We have to start doing things like that… because we need more patrols but it is expensive to have 4x4 vehicles,” he posited.

Additional training will be done in the areas of crime scene investigations, testifying and undergoing heavy cross-examination.

Meanwhile, the third pillar is the support of justice sector reform, which will see Magistrates and prosecutors undergoing intense training – something which Guyana has already embarked on.

Moreover, Ramjattan noted that another aspect of this is the promoting of social justice through crime prevention activities. The Minister stressed that the root causes of crime need to be identified and addressed in order to fight crimes. Against this background, the US has agreed to fund a new programme – the ‘Community, Family and Youth Resilience Programme’ – in Guyana. This will see professionals working with youths, ages 10 to 25, to re-direct them from criminal pathways to productive activities.

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SunDAY, october 30, 2016

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544 223-7230,223-7231,231-0544, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

Divali and wealth

D

ivali began as an ancient festival in India during the autumn season when the last harvest before winter was brought in. At that stage of human civilisation, the harvest of grains was a critical event defining the difference between happiness and misery for ordinary people. From this perspective, grains - especially rice represented wealth and explains the worship of God as Mother Lakshimi, the giver of wealth, during Divali.

When Indians were brought as indentured labourers, they inevitably brought their culture with them. Part of that culture was not only the Festival of Divali, but the concrete societal activity that produced the festival: the cultivation of rice.

Forced to work on the sugar plantations for wages even the freed African enslaved people refused, the Indian immigrants supplemented their wages through the cultivation of rice on small, marginal plots of land for which they exchanged their contracted passage back to India.

This activity was encouraged for two reasons. Firstly, it provided a safety valve for the frustrations induced by the abysmal indentured wages boiling over and exploding with disastrous effect on the planters. Secondly, it also saved the state from paying the costs of repatriation to India that far exceeded the costs of the exchanged land. From its humble beginnings, rice cultivation grew into an industry that now far surpassed the sugar industry for which the Indians were brought.

Even in absolute terms, Guyana is now a cited player in the international trade in rice since its minuscule population allows the exportation of more than 500,000 tonnes from the 600,000 plus tonnes produced. It is rather ironic therefore, that even as Hindus yesterday and today celebrate Divali and offer their prayers to the goddess of wealth, while the harvest has been bountiful, the depressed prices of rice has plunged many farming families into the darkness of depression.

Along with the abysmal state of the entire economy, which at long last is being acknowledged by some elements of the government, this has made the prayers of Hindus during this Divali even more fervent than usual. Even in modern India, after the harvest businessmen calculate their profit and loss at Divali, which then marks the end of their business year and the beginning of a new one. Based on the comments of the local business sector, if they were to reconcile their accounts at this time, it would present a very sorry picture indeed.

But through its long and variegated history, Divali became associated with some other events - all making the point, that notwithstanding the offering of prayers, sometimes man has to take action to remove the darkness of oppression and suffering. In North India, one incarnation of God in his role of "preservation", Sri Ram, is remembered during Divali as an example of how to deal with those who would transgress the boundaries of propriety and the law.

The analogous example of his later incarnation Sri Krishna, is also remembered in South India.

The point about Divali, then, is the light that must be lit is not only in the "Diyas" or earthen lamps: it must be lit in the hearts of man whenever darkness of whatever shape or form spreads its wings and must inspire him into action to remove that darkness.

In the Hindu world view, poverty is seen as one of the worse maladies or darkness that can afflict people. Not only does poverty prevent man from supporting those causes that strengthen society, but actually influence him into dysfunctional behaviour because of the primal urge to survive by any means necessary.

At this Divali, it would be foolish not to acknowledge that Guyana has already headed into a period of darkness as far as that which Divali acknowledges is essential for a harmonious society - the generation of wealth.

We call on all, especially the government, to play their role in lighting the light of wealth for our people and country.

Happy Divali, Guyana.

guyana-times.com

guyana-times.com

SunDAY, october 30, 2016

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You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

The doctors’ dilemma Dear Editor, When the PPP/C took Office in 1992, there was just over a 150 doctors practicing in Guyana. Most of them were operating out of Georgetown and the other urban centres. An overwhelming number of them were in private practice, with some moonlighting in the public healthcare system. The cumulative result was a devastating paucity of medical personnel in the country as a whole, more particularly, in the public healthcare system and worst yet in the rural communities. By the time we

left office in 2015, the situation was transformed. There are now nearly 1400 registered medical practitioners operating in Guyana, with almost every community, wherever located, having access to a doctor.

Historically, one of the several initiatives taken by the PPP/C to address the paucity of qualified medical personnel within the public healthcare system was to negotiate scholarship programmes for our students with friendly countries. The most successful of these programmes was the multi-

year scholarship programme with Cuba. Upon the grant of these scholarships and prior to their departure to Cuba, these students were required to sign a contract with the Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Public Service, which obliged them to enter into another contract upon the successful completion of their course of study to work in the public health sector for a period of five years on certain terms and conditions contained in the said contract.

Over the years, this sec-

Building, developing character Dear Editor, A person that is considered to have good character exhibits attributes such as integrity, honesty, courage, loyalty, fortitude, and other important virtues that promote good behaviour and habits. Moreover, character marks who we are as a person, and it also highly influences the choices we make in our lives.

Abraham Lincoln once said, “Reputation is the shadow. Character is the tree.” Our character is much more than just what we try to display for others to see, it is who we are even when no one is watching. Having good character is doing the right thing because it is right to do what is right.

Many people will display good character traits on the outside of their homes and even at their jobs, but they are a completely evil person in their own homes to their wives, husbands or children.

They seemed to have a split personality when it comes to the true identity of their attitude and character.

Character is often defined as a collection of personality traits within our behaviour that shows who we are.

This is shown in our integrity, attitude, moral fibre, disposition and this shapes how we treat one another, good or bad. This is mostly true, but it goes much deeper than that. Character is who we are and it can be learnt and built when we are God-fearing.

A good effectual foundation of character is "synergistic" as each one hangs and functions with each other. It is built upon the Fruit of the Spirit which all of the other character traits are co-dependent and thus function and rest upon.

Most parents today set very bad examples for their children by teaching them to lie and cheat or even steal, thus they create the bad society we live in.

I visited a family some time ago and I heard the phone ring. The lady of the house answered call and told the caller her daughter was not at home, but her daughter was sitting just a yard

from the phone. Then she began to laugh, thinking she did something great, but she set a very bad example for her daughter to follow by teaching her to lie.

Building and developing character is not something we just learn from a book or hear from a sermon. It does not come upon us in the night, or sneak up in the day.

It does not come automatically, accidentally or suddenly. It is a process that comes from being parented in it.

Then it rests in us and in our motives. It is a slow process.

You may not realise you have it until others point it out in you.

Character is not permanent once it is formed. It requires our continual hold and practice, in God’s Word, through our prayers and the practice of His Fruit in and through us. If we can develop good character traits and attitude we will live in a country of peace, love and harmony.

Yours truly, Reverend Gideon Cecil

ond contract which the newly graduated doctors have been requested to sign, pays them a Public Service salary, with a gratuity of 22.5 per cent, payable every six months. This monthly salary is currently approximately $230,000 (gross) or approximately $185,000 (net). It is obvious that this salary is grossly inadequate. Several of these scholarship doctors, with whom I have spoken, have all indicated to me that it is the gratuity upon which they heavily depend and with which they are able to purchase a vehicle on credit, utilising a duty free concession granted to them, as part of their contract of service with the Government.

It has been drawn to my attention that the final batch of these Cuban scholars numbering 79 have returned to Guyana in 2015. They completed their one year internship, as is required, several months ago but are yet to be placed in the public health system. I raised this issue with a senior medical Administrator at Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) who was not even aware that these young doctors have not

been placed into the system, but informed me that the responsibility to do so lies with the Ministry of Public Health.

Additionally, I have been informed by a representative of these doctors that the Government has signalled to them that the payment of gratuity from the contract which this batch of doctors will be requested to sign will be removed and that these doctors will be placed on the pensionable establishment of the Public Service by virtue of which they will receive a pension when they attain the age of 55.

Most, if not all, of these young doctors are vehemently opposed to this initiative and expressed a preference for a contract similar to that which their predecessors enjoyed. In short, these doctors are arguing, and I daresay quite rightly so, that they have a legitimate expectation to serve under a contract similar to that under which their predecessors served. It appears that the Government intends to request them to sign a qualitatively different contract.

Rather than serve under the pensionable establish-

ment without a gratuity, these young professionals have expressed a preference to repay the Government the sum of money spent on them and to simply migrate.

I also spoke with Cubantrained doctors currently in the system serving under their contract and the Government has also signalled to them that their contracts will be amended to remove the payment of gratuity and to place them on the permanent establishment of the Public Service by virtue of which they will receive a pension at age 55.

These doctors have also expressed their non-support for this proposed unilateral change to their contracts. They also expressed a preference to exit the public healthcare system. If the Government obstinately pursues these proposed courses of actions the consequence on the public healthcare system and the people of Guyana will be calamitous. Needless to say, litigation looms as well.

Sincerely, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, MP Attorney-at-Law

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Page

Foundation

"Diwali- A festival full of sweet memories, sky full of fireworks, mouth full of sweets, house full of diyas and heart full of enjoyment."

guyana-times.com

D

ivali has always been one of my favourite festivals.

And I guess what has always been its most attractive feature has been the air of tranquillity that lingers in my memories as I remember my mom and I spending most of the day, puttering about the kitchen cooking up a multitude of dishes - both "sweet and salt". My personal favourites were the samosas and "aloo balls".

But before the actual day of Diwali, the house would have been given a thorough cleaning- both inside and out. I haven't been able to be home for Divali during these last two years - but to be honest I didn't miss the cleaning part! Most Hindus - and this includes my Mom - literally don't even leave a stone unturned when cleaning up for Diwali because we are symbolical- ly welcoming God into our house and who would want to welcome God into a house that’s less than spic-and-span?

By six o'clock, we would be in our pooja rooms, offering prayers to the deities, Mother Lakshmi in particular.

Mother Lakshmi

i s t h e Goddess of Light so we pray to her on Diwali, which is the darkest night of the year (Amaawas night). Families praying together and singing bhajans to Mother Lakshmi is one of the many wonderful ways that Diwali strengthens the family bond.

We would then carefully place a Diya in every room of the house - especially the ledges of the verandas - and then proceed outside where the passageways, fences and bridges would be outlined with Diyas. Because we live so close to the Ocean, the wind is invariably very strong and it's always a challenge to keep the Diya’s going. You evolve strategies like placing them where two wicks touch and keep each other lit!

Divali is a harvest festival and the underlying message - like with most Hindu festivals - is the triumph of light over darkness (good over evil).

Poverty is seen as one of the greatest obstacles to living a virtuous life, so from this perspective, banishing it through a bountiful harvest is a powerful message.

The lighting of the millions of Diyas every Diwali is significant- it means we are battling the odds and lighting up the world on the darkest night of the year. Though the moon isn't out, we're making our own light. We’re forging our own paths in this life.

And that’s important- you can only build up good Karma if YOU take action, not if someone else does it for you. And Karma is an integral part

Anu Dev

of Hinduism - we believe that we can only achieve moksha (liberation) based on our actions in life.

Sure, lighting up fireworks and cooking are really, really fun but the whole essence of Diwali is that every Diya that you light, you are making a conscious decision to end the darkness.

The darkness doesn't just mean external 'demons' like drugs, bad friends, poverty, sickness, etc, it also means tackling your own internal conflicts, like trying to fix that bad aspect of your personality or cultivating better discipline.

On Diwali, family members across the globe reconnect- whether they just call or even visit for the holiday is up to them, but the important thing is that the bond is being maintained. This Divali, I will be shuttling between north and south Trinidad, but I still hope, as I did last year, I will be in the Pooja room with my family, singing our favourite Divali Bhajans - via the magic of Skype!!

S o go out there this Diwali, light a Diya, keep on burning bright, and keep on shining.

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sunDAY, october 30, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Moblissa fatal smash-up

Truck overheated, driver allegedly went for water

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s investigations continue into the smashup at Moblissa, Linden/ Soesdyke Highway, which left two dead, new information reaching Guyana Times revealed that the truck had broken down because of overheating and the driver went in search of water.

The accident has left Bridget Alleyne, 58, of Lot 101 Barklay Street, Goed Fortuin, West Bank Demerara, dead along with another man who is yet to be identified.

The accident occurred at about 19:30h in the vicinity of the Moblissa Bridge.

The truck was transporting lumber while the minibus had three occupants including the driver, Peter Alleyne, who is a patient at the Linden Hospital Complex.

Speaking with Guyana Times, Rubyann Alleyne, daughter of the dead woman and the injured driver, explained that her mother received the brunt of the impact.

She noted that her mother’s face was completely damaged and she also sustained broken head, arms and legs, among other injuries.

The distraught daughter explained that she was at home when her brother phoned and informed other relatives of the accident. She immediately travelled to the Linden/ Soesdyke Highway but by the time she reached the accident scene, the three injured persons had already been rushed to hospital.

At the scene, she was told that the truck had overheated

Bridget Alleyne and her husband Peter Alleyne in happier times

and the driver went to a nearby creek for water to cool down the radiator. She noted that as she looked at the vehicle, the lumber was projecting and there were no reflectors or any red cloth to indicate that the truck was carrying lumber.

After speaking to her father, she gathered that as he

was heading to Georgetown and upon approaching the Moblissa Hill, another vehicle was travelling in the opposition direction and did not dim its headlights. It was then her father slammed into the parked truck.

Although the truck was parked, it failed to use its haz-

ard lights and even park lights, the aggrieved woman stated.

After the accident occurred, the driver reportedly rushed to the scene and frantically attempted to put on the light but they never came on.

The daughter is contending that if the vehicle had followed simple road rules, the accident could have been avoided.

However, she noted that her mother and father left home on Tuesday and were heading home on Friday evening when the accident occurred.

The other person in the minibus she noted, was a passenger.

Meanwhile, the Police in a statement said that both the truck bearing registration plate GMM 6461 and the minibus, BVV 3782, were heading in the same direction.

It further stated that the minibus slammed into the truck while it was moving

which is contradicting reports given by eyewitness at the scene, who said that the lorry was parked. Nevertheless, the Police had tested both drivers for alcohol consumption but there were no traces of alcohol in their blood streams.

The Police also stated that the now dead woman and the unidentified man were pronounced dead at the Linden Hospital Complex.

Investigations are ongoing as the driver of the lorry remains in custody.

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news

SunDAY, october 30, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Renovations at Brickdam lock-ups had design flaws – Ramjattan …says tendering mistakes delayed process

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ollowing calls by the helm of the Guyana Police Force for works on the Brickdam Police Station lock-ups to be fast-tracked in order to meet the needs of the city, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan has posited that the works previously done on the building had design flaws.

Ramjattan made this disclosure at a press conference on Friday hosted by the Alliance For Change (AFC), of which he is the leader. With any prison systems, the construction has to be of a specific design, especially as it relates to air circulation.

“You have to have a perfect design that will aerate if you’re not going to make it air-conditioned and there was some problems with that initial design,” he stated.

The minister explained that the contractor had indicated that with the monies allocated for the project, he could have only done works in accordance to the designs.

“It was done to specifications; but when it was done to specifications, we can’t put

The Brickdam Lock-ups under construction

prisoners in there, we gonna kill them. So now we have to have remedial works,” Ramjattan remarked.

He pointed out that his administration inherited this situation with several other projects throughout the country.

He referred specifically to the Forensic Laboratory, which he noted has to undergo remedial works in order to ensure there is equivalent temperature throughout the building for properly storing samples, among other things.

Meanwhile, as it relates to the remedial works to correct the design flaws on the Brickdam Lock-ups, the Public Security Minister noted that while monies were allocated in the 2016 Budget to complete

the facility, there were some delays with the tendering process.

Ramjattan added that the flawed tenders went back to the evaluation committee, who then returned them to the various bidders with indications of where they were “non-responsive”.

However, only one of the three bidders retendered, the Minister said, and that document is currently before the National Tender Board awaiting approval. Given that there is only one bidder, it is expected that the contract will be awarded before December 31.

On Saturday 22 October, acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine called out authorities to fast-track works

on the Brickdam lock-ups, which he said is taking too long: “It’s taking a bit too long.

It’s a key facility and should be given the requisite attention or more attention as it needs.”

According to Ramnarine, the facility is a “travesty” to law enforcement efforts in ‘A’ Division (Georgetown/East Bank Demerara) and is affecting the work of the Police in that Division.

Furthermore, Ramnarine explained that these concerns have been raised with officials but more efforts need to be undertaken to have the process expedited, given the importance of the Brickdam Lockups.

The condition of the Brickdam Lock-ups has come in for much scrutiny and criticisms over the years. This resulted in the city’s main detention facility undergoing a major overhaul back in 2009, when some $14.4 million was expended to rehabilitate the once smelly and unsightly facility that was referred to as a ‘dungeon horrible’ by a Commission of Inquiry several years ago.

Man with the plan…

S

…for Business

o who's the man with the plan for business? Well, the Minister of Business, of course - Dominic Gaskin. But it seems he didn't really set out to create the plan.

As revealed by one Shabnam Mallick from the local UNDP office, the plan for the plan was hatched when she and her staff "were brainstorming" and when some "consultant" of theirs arrived.

And that's the story of Guyana, isn't it? We've been independent for fifty years - which we celebrated in grand style earlier this year - and yet we can't even come up with a plan that addresses all the reasons, or at least some of them, as to why we're still such a basket case. So here it is, we'll go along with the foreign plan - just as we've been doing for the last 50 years. And we'll expect a different outcome!!

But we don't have to talk in generalities - let's get more granular and mention some specifics. Well… er… there ARE no specifics! The plan is pitched at such a high level of generality that it might just be talking about Timbuktu. Evidently the plan highlights the "lack of adequate infrastructure - particularly access and cost of electricity, and logistics." But let's hold it right there!

This is news? What the heck have everyone and their uncle been talking about for the last two decades as the PPP tried to get out of the mess the PNC left us in 1992?

Could Gaskin explain why his AFC supported the APNU (headed by his father-in-law) in opposing the Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Project (AFHEP)? This is an "Infrastructure" that would've specifically addressed the cost and supply of electricity! If Sithe Global hadn't walked away because of the Opposition AFC and APNU's threat to cancel the contracts, by now we would've been getting electricity from AFHEP. And we wouldn't need a new Columbus from the UNDP telling us we need "Infrastructure".

The "plan" also says we need "access to finance".

Really? Good golly Miss Molly! We never thought of that! But seems the UNDP consultant didn't tell Gaskin how to actually "access the finance". Your Eyewitness hopes it's not what the Bank of America did by laundering drugs money from Mexico, seeing that we'll soon be shipping tons and tons of rice to that country now that PM Nagamootoo clinched that deal!

Imagine the UNDP identified our "intricate tax laws" as a constraint to doing business here!! Intricate as compared to what? The US Federal Tax Code that weighs in at 72,000 pages? Yes… that’s right… we're talking about 70,000 pages of tax laws!!

Well the UNDP has to spend their hefty US denominated budget… what's Gaskin's excuse?

…for the Convention Centre

OK… by now your Eyewitness has been advised about "confidentiality clauses" in contracts between the government and private companies. He's told there might be "industrial secrets" revealing that competitors are always lurking in the background to pilfer. Like for instance that real estate contract the Public Health Minister negotiated with Larry Singh. God forbid EVERYONE finds out how to get your lessee to fund your purchase of the rented property - at a rate three times market rates!!

Anyhow, how come we aren't being told what's the "fault" with the Convention Centre, that it'll take as much money and time as it did to build it from scratch. Since this is a government-to-government contract, does it concern some earth shaking principle of international law or treaty? Or are we pivoting away from the US towards China - like the Philippines - if we get a "fixed" Centre?

Or is it, as your Eyewitness was told, the Chinese built it "back to front"? OOPS!!

...on textbooks

So what's wrong with the officials of the Education Ministry getting contracts to rewrite textbooks for our little darlings in school?

Oops! There WERE no contracts and the money was paid BEFORE the books were written!!

Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com

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SunDAY, october 30, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Govt prosecutors will trigger persecution, not prosecution – Nandlall …criticises undermining of DPP Office

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overnment’s hiring of special prosecutors to take legal action against former Government officials who have house lots at the Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara Housing Project, also known as “Pradoville 2”, is not only a flagrant attempt at political witch-hunting, but it violates the Constitution and undermines the constitutional office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), vindicating the assertion that a parallel justice system is being created.

This is according to former Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, who expressed great disturbance over Government’s move to establish a team of prosecutors to lead the case against the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) officials who acquired house lots in the Sparendaam Housing Scheme (Pradoville 2) on the East Coast of Demerara, at costs believed to be below market value.

In a video circulating on social media, Nandlall said Government is blatantly making a mockery of the criminal justice sys-

President David Granger

tem by cherry-picking persons to skew evidence in such a way to influence the Administration’s desired outcome.

The parliamentarian highlighted that a prosecutor is a minister of justice and is to impartially present evidence to support a particular charge and is professionally obliged not to have an interest in the outcome of the prosecution; but in this venture which Government is embarking, those elements are absent.

Additional evidence

Moreover, Nandlall reminded that the DPP al-

ready pronounced that there is not sufficient evidence to prosecute persons identified as culpable in the Pradoville 2 Housing Project and unless additional evidence is found, then the matter is regarded as settled or concluded.

“We are not aware of this additional evidence and here it is in usurping the functions of the DPP, the Government is now embarking upon a course to hire prosecutors after not being satisfied with the position taken by the DPP,” he surmised.

Nandlall said Government’s move to take the lead on such an initiative weakens the office of the DPP, which is the constitutional body tasked with the function of recommending criminal charges and any attempts to bypass or influence its operations are outright unconstitutional.

“It is not the function of an Executive Government to prosecute criminal offences.

The prosecution of all criminal offences is vested by the Constitution in the office of the DPP, an independent office that the Constitution said must not be the subject of any influence of external authority, more particular-

Director of Public Prosecutions, Shalimar Ali Hack

ly, political authority. Why is this office being bypassed?”

Nandlall posited.

He explained that indeed there is nothing wrong with sourcing prosecutors outside of the prosecutors’ office but the decision to hire and who to hire must be done by the DPP.

“What we will see is not prosecution but persecution and political witch-hunting. They have SARA (State Assets Recovery Agency) and SOCU (Special Organised Crime Unit) outside of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), two political units established to carry out law enforcement functions. They are staffed with politicians, they will hand their findings to politically appointed prosecutors and I predict again that they will have a special court they will appoint to hear these matters so the Government will be running a parallel criminal justice system,” he asserted, noting that it is nothing short of an abrogation of the rule of law.

The PPP Executive said the Party will support any investigation into wrongdoings and is not against the prosecution of any criminal

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall

offence but under certain conditions.

“Once it is done fairly and once the rules of natural justice are observed and once it is done in accordance with the rule of law. Those are the principles we are advocating must be complied with,” he stated.

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Esso Exploration discusses social responsibility with Govt

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team from Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) met Social Protection Minister, Volda Lawrence, as part of its stakeholders’ engagement activities, specifically related to the Liza Phase 1 environmental permitting process.

The meeting was part of an ongoing exchange of information that allows the company to identify, understand and address community/stakeholders priorities and concerns; and improve decision-making and transparency through engagement with key stakeholders.

Environmental Resources Management (ERM) has been contracted by EEPGL to support the Liza Phase 1 environmental permitting process, including associated stake-

Diwali blues S

Officials from Esso meeting with Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence on Saturday

holder engagement activities.

According to EEPGL engaging stakeholders is an important aspect of managing ongoing social and environmental performance and non-technical risks. Their engagement typically includes

Government officials, co-venturers, the community and the public at large, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civic leaders, media, employees and contractors, and industry associations.

During Saturday’s meet-

ing, the company sought to engage the Social Protection Ministry to provide information on its project and ascertain the requirement of the Ministry to ensure maximum social protection.

atiricus was mumbling to himself as he sat on his veranda and read the newspaper. His wife looked over at him from under her lids but didn't say anything.

Finally he couldn't hold it in anymore.

"So which day we celebrating Diwali?" he asked her, while putting down his paper.

"YOU want to know when we celebrating Diwali?" she asked with raised eyebrows. "Like you miss Cappo or what?"

"That's not fair," Satiricus said in an aggrieved tone.

"You know I don't drink on Diwali." He smirked virtuously.

"And I'm sure he's drinking like a fish over in New York!"

"Well, we're celebrating both days," said Mrs Satiricus, with a smile. "And it's not because you don't drink on Diwali!"

"Both days?" asked Satiricus. "Why would you want to do that? It's more work for you."

"Sato, I can't follow what those Pandits are saying about the different days," confessed Mrs Satiricus. "So I'm playing it safe. And I get you at home for two days!"

"So how many diyas we lighting this year," he asked as he looked over to his wife as she went to "turn the pot" in the kitchen behind them.

"Twenty-four," she replied, as she returned, wiping her hand.

"Only twenty-four?!" Satiricus sounded incredulous.

"But you're always trying to outdo Champa. And she always has at least sixty!" Champa was our next door neighbour and was married to Hari, Satiricus' sometimes fellow habitué at the Back Street Bar. "Boy, things really hard with Champa and Hari this year, you know," confided Mrs Satiricus. "Champa says she can only light one dozen diyas."

"Well, things getting hard with us too, you know," complained Satiricus. "Why don't you light just one dozen like Champa?"

"Well, you know how you still buy beer for the boys, not to let them know our story?" said Mrs Satiricus. "I can't have Champa and the girls know, can I?" "I hear Cappo already got a job in New York, you know," said Satiricus, suddenly.

Both he and his wife fell quiet. Satiricus thought about why he'd voted for Nagga Man and Rum Jhaat. His wife thought about getting a visa to the States.

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Deepavali is all embracing – Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha

Every light is needed F

By Ryhaan Shah

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here have been few other moments in our history when there has been such need for light over the encroaching darkness. The serial corruptions and scandals that have rocked the country since the Granger Government took office just over a year ago cannot be sustained for much longer without the eruption of a real crisis – whether social, political, or economic – that would test our fragile state.

Ryhaan Shah Fifty years after independence our fragility and vulnerability have increased and the Granger Government continues to proceed blithely onward as if all is well. There is no sense of urgency about the state of the economy, the rising crime, or about the government corruptions that are unfolding almost daily. President David Granger himself appears to be an enabler of the corrupt practices that have ominous echoes of the Burnham era.

Is the recklessness concomitant with the knowledge that their future in government is assured? Or is it that they know they will only serve one term and are therefore making as much hay as possible? Or maybe they are simply inept and clueless?

It could be a combination of factors but there was clearly a plan of action when, from the very beginning, Granger announced his super-sized cabinet of old PNC heads then rewarded them immediately with a super salary hike together with a damning justification for it. It will stop them from stealing, he said. Well, it hasn’t and everyone is looking on with trepidation as the country slides further and further into hopelessness and despair.

Simply put, there has been no positive change. The only change has been so woefully negative, that the PPP/C Opposition is claiming the moral high ground without this raising any widespread objections.

People get the leaders they deserve, the old adage goes, and as Guyanese continue to flee to northern shores for a better life, the level of competent and able leadership continues to drop. Everywhere, there appears to be square pegs in round holes – in the public and private sectors – as everyone tries to make the best from the skills and abilities that are available.

Our best boast these days is to show off the Guyanese abroad who are excelling in their jobs and studies in the US, Canada and elsewhere. They are feted and showered with praise and no one points up the harsh reality that had they stayed at home, they might never have had the opportunity to shine as brightly.

Here, their progress could have been stymied by racism, cronyism, nepotism and plain political spite. These are what determine whether you get the job, the award, the contract, and the chance to succeed.

No one can blame anyone for giving up on Guyana and the light that is needed to attract the diaspora back to develop their native country has long been extinguished as the two political sides continue to put themselves first in their battle for power; and this at the expense of progress and development.

The festival of Diwali, celebrated by the Hindu community worldwide, is a timely reminder of the need to have every kind of light in our lives, both at a personal and national level. We need the lights of justice, fairness and truth to shine brightly if Guyana is to progress. They have never been given a chance and the exodus continues because no one can see any light at the end of the tunnel that is Guyana.

Despite all the propaganda, oil will not save us. The earnings will most likely find their way into political pockets like so many other public funds have done over the years.

It is not cynicism to point out that Guyana is indeed a very rich country.

Despite the billions that have been skimmed off and stolen from the country’s coffers, we manage to keep afloat.

Think what could have been possible had there been political leaders who had put country first.

The Greek philosopher Plato observed that the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light. That can easily stand as a testament to our post-independence politics: the 23-year rule of the PPP/C, and the 28 years of the PNC dictatorship before that. Misdeeds always need the cover of darkness.

It was Desmond Tutu who said that hope is the ability to see that there is light despite all the darkness. We are all tested daily to see any glimmer of light anywhere and on this Diwali holiday weekend, we should all light a diya or a candle to help us hold to every hope.

Readers are invited to send their comments by email to shah@guyanatimesgy.com

estivals are an integral part of Hinduism.

Each festival is associated with several legends and Hndu scripture. Deepavali is primarily Lakshmi puja, when homage is paid to the Goddess Maha Lakshmi whom the Vedas describe as the eternal source of fortune and abundance. The intention in Lakshmi Pua is not merely to seek material benefits, but equally spiritual exaltation.

We must worship Lakshmi Ma to strengthen our spiritual power, which will make us triumph against all obstacles.

Negative actions are the road to ruin. A wise and intelligent approach will bear the fruit of eternal success.

Deepavali in its many dimensions addresses questions which are not only philosophical, but also economical and social. Deepavali as such, is all embracing in its significance.

Socially not only is the whole family involved in its observance, but rather the entire community participates in a spirit of visible cordiality and joy, illustrating the refreshing content of the festival.

Deepavali is celebrated close to the gravest and at a time when historically the commercial community closed their books a n d

opened new accounts.

Apart from these facets, Deepavali threatens darkness in all its names and forms and influences the emergence of an illuminate society in which there exists understanding, respect, love and cordiality.

Societies are built and sustained on foundations such as these. Deepavali serves to rekindle hope and expectation, and influence society in a positive direction. It revitalises and renews the spirit of optimism from which a new beginning can be constructed, based on equity

and noble intentions.

Observed on Amawasya (New moon – the darkest night or the 15th day of the Hindu month of Kartik), the word Deepavali literally means a cluster of lights. The festival is deeper in significance than the word suggests.

It is our fervent hope that love and fraternity which permeate this lovely festival can be nurtured and developed, to extend beyond the festive fiveday period which concludes on November 1, with Bhai Dhuj and imposes a lasting influence on minds and hearts.

Deepavali ka shubh kamnayea, a Happy Deepavali.

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SunDAY, october 30, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Private Sector meets with expert on budding oil industry

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he Private Sector Commission (PSC) met with oil and gas expert Anthony Paul, who is currently crafting a Local Content Policy for the Natural Resources Ministry as Guyana prepares for oil production.

The Commission’s delegation was led by Chairman of PSC’s Energy SubCommittee, Manniram Prashad. During the engagement, the PSC gained tremendous insight into how the local economy could benefit from providing ancillary services to the Oil and Gas sector and was able to proffer suggestions on how the private sector could contribute to the development of the sector.

This meeting came on the heels of reports that the US oil giant ExxonMobil has made its third significant discovery in its drilling explorations offshore Guyana.

According to ExxonMobil’s partner, Hess Corporation in its third-quarter earnings on Wednesday, the Liza 3 exploratory well’s net present value could be US$6.2 billion based on calculations from the Bank of Montreal (BMO) Capital Markets. However, ExxonMobil is yet to issue an official statement on this newest find.

Liza 3, the fourth well spud by the super major, is in the Stabroek block, about 193 kilometres offshore Guyana.

In late June, ExxonMobil’s drilling results at Liza 2 revealed more than 58 metres of oil-bearing sandstone reservoirs in Upper Cretaceous formations. The well

was drilled to 5475 metres at 1692 metres water depth. Drilling results confirmed recoverable resources to be between 800 million and 1.4 billion barrels of oil equivalent. Data from the Liza 2 well test is being assessed.

In May 2015, ExxonMobil confirmed its significant oil discovery at its Liza 1 exploration well, where more than 295 feet of high-quality oil-bearing sandstone reservoirs was encountered.

The Liza wells are being drilled with the Stena Carron harsh environment drillship.

On September 8, ExxonMobil announced that its third exploratory well, Skipjack (the third well drilled and not Liza 3 as reported in the local media) was unsuccessful, since it did not yield commercial quantities of hydrocarbons.

ExxonMobil spud Liza 3 after Skipjack turned up unfavourable. Skipjack was a separate prospect 25 miles northwest of the Liza wells.

The Liza 3 well, like Liza 2, will focus on testing the flank of the Liza structure to determine the aerial extent of the reservoir.

In July 2016, ExxonMobil submitted a development plan for Liza to Guyana’s Environmental Protection Agency to begin the environmental review process.

That plan calls for a pair of rigs to drill development wells from two drill centres, each with a corresponding water injection site to the east.

ExxonMobil Country Manager Jeff Simmons had announced that the US super major was likely to start production in 2020 with up to 100,000 barrels per day.

However, he noted that the estimated 100,000 barrels per day would not remain constant for the proposed 20-year period that the company would be drilling, since there would be continuous drilling and actual production of oil, causing the output to fluctuate.

According to a BMO report on Oil and Gas 360, ExxonMobil plans to use two drillships to simultaneously drill development wells beginning in 2019.

Exxon holds a 45 per cent interest in the project, with Hess holding 30 per cent, and the remaining 25 per cent belonging to China State-owned offshore oil producer CNOOC.

Younge’s Take Time and Terror

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here is an unprecedented assault on democracy and good governance unfolding under this new Government. And those who vowed in the past to speak boldly against such atrocities are now complicit because of their continued silence due to many conflict of interest scenarios in which they have found themselves.

One would have thought that by now the levels of uncertainty that permeated the country following the controversial May 2015 Elections would have been reduced significantly after the new coalition Government settled in and begun implementing their manifesto promises.

But recent decisions taken by the Executive confirmed the notion put forward that there are troubling times ahead for this country and Guyanese should prepare themselves to further endure what could be one of the most catastrophic Michael Younge periods of governance, politics and economic relations in postIndependent Guyana.

As each day passes, the Government of Guyana, by its actions and utterances, demonstrates that it does not have the requisite qualifications, professional ethics and stay of hand, moral authority, and vision to govern this great country.

Firstly, the fact that a decision could be taken by an already highly-militarised Government to now temporarily host its Cabinet meetings at Camp Ayanganna (which is the headquarters of the Guyana Defence Force) is appalling, if not totally out of order.

But citizens must not be fooled as there is method to the madness unfolding before our eyes. The coalition Government apparently has a political plan to allegedly retain power and this can only occur when the lines between the State and the military, and Government and the military become lesser recognisable with time.

There is precedence in our political history for this sort of decision-making and endeavour. Recall the actions of Prime Minister Forbes Burnham and how the military was used, coaxed and infiltrated by party loyalists to achieve political capital and maintain a status quo throughout the country.

The findings of the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry are instructive in this respect and also experts from David A Granger’s book ‘A New Road’ will prove helpful in understanding the psyche of some persons in uniform.

Citizens must not take this decision lightly, and if they fail to take a stand by speaking out against it, then they will ultimately suffer in the long run for their complacency on this and many other matters.

Secondly, it was President Granger who recommitted himself to preserving the legacy of the PNC’s founding leader Burnham by following his philosophy.

He must have known what he was saying as many believe that Burnham’s legacy is primarily characterised by rigged elections, the jailing and continued persecution of political opponents and the underperformance of the economy. Hopefully, this is not what the President meant when he made that statement.

But evidence that surfaced in the press over the past few days appear to suggest that Burnham’s legacy is definitely being followed in some shape or form.

We have learnt now from an announcement by the People’s National Congress on Friday that it was inviting the public to meet with Ministers of Government at its headquarters in Sophia.

The party’s General Secretary Oscar Clarke is quoted as saying that nothing is wrong if Government Ministers utilise the States resources to meet people at the private headquarters of the PNC to conduct what would essentially be political work for the party in power.

Surely, the damage that would be done to the party’s image and stance on the issue of misuse of state resources would be irreparable if Clarke’s argumentation is accepted and these meetings do occur as planned.

But the party will go ahead as this too was another Burnham policy which saw the lines between the State and Party being erased, so that it always has advantage when it comes to retaining political power. Recall how PNC’s flag was flown over the Supreme Court and allegedly at other public buildings.

We have also learnt that a “special” prosecution team has been set up to pursue political opponents who were in power at the time and benefited from homes in the “Pradoville” Housing Scheme, following Cabinet’s perusal of an audit completed by an anonymous individual after a probe by the State Asset Recovery Unit.

Also, another “special” prosecution team will be pursuing those who were culpable of wrongdoings exposed by an audit of Guyana’s hosting of Cricket World Cup 2007.

It would appear that the time of terror has returned as opposed to focusing on Guyana’s future, much capital and time is being spent on excising political capital through the persecution of PPP executives and other supporters inclusive of businesspeople.

While I fully support taking action against people who have done wrong and engaged in financial and other crimes, perhaps the Government’s time and energy could be better spent on fighting crime which is on the rise and causing countrywide agony…the creation of jobs and wealth to move the economy and redefining the country’s future through progressive plans.

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Govt to challenge court order blocking Carvil Duncan tribunal

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overnment on Monday will be challenging the court order prohibiting the Carvil Duncan tribunal from continuing its work.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon told media operatives during Friday’s post-Cabinet press briefing that the High Court’s order was served at a time when the tribunal completed all its hearings.

But even though the tribunal completed all its hearings, the High Court’s order is preventing the body from handing over its report to President David Granger, who had established the tribunal to investigate and recommend whether the embattled trade unionist should remain seated on several constitutional posts.

Harmon explained that the only thing left to do is for the Commissioners to submit its findings to the President but the High Court’s order is prohibiting them from embarking on this final step.

“We are a law abiding Government and since there is an order of court, we respect the order of court,” Harmon stated. Nonetheless, he said the attorneys representing the State in the matter will be moving to the Court on Monday to challenge the order. “The attorneys representing the State will be given sufficient instructions to move to the court to have that order vacated so the work of the Commission can be concluded,” Harmon said.

Justice Franklin Holder ordered the suspension of the tribunal on the grounds that it was established based upon unconstitutional advice offered by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo. According to the court documents, the High Court found that the Prime Minister’s advice to establish to tribunal was tendered unconstitutionally, unlawfully, illegally, prematurely, prejudicially, contrary to the rules of natural justice, arbitrarily, capriciously and in breach of Duncan’s legitimate expectation and is therefore null, void and of no effect.

Duncan, through his Attorney Anil Nandlall, challenged the work of the tribu-

Carvil Duncan

nal on the grounds that there is no lawful basis for its establishment since there are criminal proceedings pending in the Magistrates’ Courts and therefore, the principle “innocent until proven guilty” should be applied.

“To establish a tribunal to investigate his removal from office on the mere institution of a charge before the determination of any guilt is (an) infraction of that constitutional protection, which guarantees him innocent until proven guilty,” Nandlall had contended. Duncan was charged and placed before the courts over an alleged theft of monies from the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc. He was placed on $1 million bail last February after he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, charged with larceny after he pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Police alleged that on March 31, 2015, at Georgetown, he stole $984,900; property of GPL. It is alleged that he conspired with GPL’s then Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Aeshwar Deonarine to steal $984,900; property of the power company and that he conspired with Deonarine to commit another felony – namely he conspired to steal $27,757,500, property of the utility company.

In light of these events, Duncan claimed that President Granger and Minister Harmon offered him a “financial package” to vacate his posts as Chairman of the Public Services Commission and effectively, as ex-officio member from the Judicial

Rapist who bit off victim’s eyelid arrested

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olice in ‘D’ Division (West Bank Demerara/ East Bank Essequibo) have arrested the suspect who allegedly raped a 28-yearold Zeelught, East Bank Essequibo, woman and bit her eyelid off during the act last weekend.

The 20-year-old suspect of Anna Catherina, West Coast Demerara, who has been on the run since the incident, was arrested at about 10:00h on Saturday in the Leonora backlands, WCD. Guyana Times was told that the man was hiding there for the past week and the Police were recently tipped off about his location.

According to Police reports, the arrest was made possible with the cooperation of citizens during a sting op-

eration launched by the Police in West Coast Demerara.

It was reported that around 23:00h on Saturday last, the mother of four had left home for work and was walking through an alleyway to gain access to the main road, when the suspect emerged from the bushes and attacked her. He grabbed and dragged her into the bushes where he raped her. While committing the act, he bit off her eyelid in an attempt to keep her quiet.

He also threatened to take her life if she raised an alarm.

After he was done, the young man reportedly fled the scene, leaving his victim behind. Nevertheless, the matter was reported to the Police.

The suspect is expected to be charged and placed before the courts later this week.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon

Service Commission and the Police Service Commission, as well as the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Board.

Duncan rejected their offer and denied reports that Nagamootoo dispatched a letter to him asking him to justify why a tribunal ought not to be established to determine his removal.

Government claims that Duncan’s failure to respond to the letter which they insisted was dispatched, resulted in the decision by the President to set up the tribunal.

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SunDAY, october 30, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Anna's

Too many heads at MOIPA ?

Anna Correia

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ast week the Indigenous Peoples Affairs Ministry (MoIPA) made the headlines again much to the amusement of readers, for having paid a supplier of perishables $2.5 million, instead of a required $250,000. Someone asked if the people in the Ministry’s Accounts Department forgot to count! Apologists Anna Correia defended that it was just a mistake and that it was the responsibility of the supplier to be honest. But a difference of millions on the backs of taxpayers is a dangerous mistake, considering that the distressing state of the economy will inevitably bring its share of desperate and dishonest agents.

“Business slow” and “things brown”.

The truth is, while the MoIPA was responsible for issuing the cheque, the Finance Ministry was responsible for crosschecking and releasing the payment. The two are therefore equally responsible for this blunder. However, it is the Permanent Secretary of the MoIPA, Vibert Welch, who takes the ultimate fall for this embarrassment, since he is the financial and administrative head of the Ministry, second only to the Minister.

But one can understand the confusion which reigns within the premises of the Ministry, considering the number of heads which were taken on to manage Amerindian affairs. Yet, judging from the mediocrity of its performance and the number of gaffes committed since the Allicock administration took over, one can safely venture that the idiom “two heads are better than one” is inapplicable to the MoIPA. The number of senior officials scrambling to speak on Ministry business has caused a certain amount of confusion as to who really detains the mandate to direct and implement Indigenous Affairs policies. Perhaps this stems from the fact that the Government significantly delayed the appointment of a Permanent Secretary when the Allicock administration was installed. When Ministers Allicock and Garrido-Lowe assumed their positions in May 2015, a group of six individuals were introduced as the transition team, including three personal advisors and one technical recruit in the person of Minister Lowe’s daughter.

For some two months this new management forced the Ministry to a standstill as employees turned their fingers in fear of an uncertain future. During this period, men, such as then member of the transition team Martin Cheong, had a free pass to fire entire teams of contracted staff and remove personnel, some of whom were young Amerindian men on government payroll, now forced to work in the mines or leave the country in search of better opportunities. All but one member of staff were apolitical and therefore fired on unfounded grounds. New directives were being given, and meetings and discussions were being held between closed doors with handpicked staff who might have been privileged due to their expressed political persuasion.

During this period, the Ministry staff bore witness to what seemed like a competition between members of the transition team for the Office of the Permanent Secretary.

The decision was made to commence visits to the interior by the Ministers and this transition team, despite there not being a Permanent Secretary to oversee expenditures.

Administrative changes were being effectuated, departments rearranged, yet no one knew where the PS was going to be sitting since his office was reassigned.

It is therefore normal that when Vibert Welch assumed his duties from his improvised desk in the Ministry’s boardroom, disorder was what greeted him as he was thrown into the irregularities for which he would thenceforth be responsible. This included a lawsuit for unlawful interruption of government contract.

The delegation, whether voluntary or not, of the duties of the MoIPA Permanent Secretary comes at the detriment of the responsible management of the Ministry’s resources, and by extension indigenous beneficiaries. It is in defence of the reputation of the office he holds, as well as his record as a senior official, that Welch must maintain full control over all Ministry business on a daily basis. This should include ensuring that all staff apply the knowledge inherited from past experiences with the previous administration and are held accountable when necessary for their mistakes.

Ultimately, the failures of staff will continue to reflect the incompetency of their leaders.

Send comments to sundayarrow@gmail.com

First Lady joins cause in breast cancer awareness walk

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s the world continues to observe breast cancer in the month of October, First Lady Sandra Granger took to the streets in her stance against the disease.

The First Lady was joined by Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes, Dr Latoya Gooding of the Oncology Department of the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) along with nurses and other staffers.

The walk was organised by the Public Health Ministry in an effort to raise awareness about the importance of early detection in the treatment of breast cancer. Scores of persons against the disease joined

First Lady Sandra Granger and other marchers move apace along Church Street, Georgetown on Saturday

forces in the street along with the officials. The march kicked off from Parade Ground then followed into Middle, Waterloo, Church,

Irving, Lamaha and Camp Streets, and culminated at the starting point.

Those who participated paused at Merriman Mall

on Church Street and at the cancer treatment ward of the GPHC on Lamaha Street, to spread the message that “early detection saves lives”.

They also waved at several cancer patients warded at the hospital who looked out their windows in response to their chant.

In addition, representatives of the Social Protection Ministry, the Cancer Institute of Guyana, the Periwinkle Club, the Giving Hope Foundation, the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association and the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation participated in the event themed, “I have hope!”

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SunDAY, october 30, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Norton wants independent probe into country’s procurement system

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ublic Health Minister, Dr George Norton wants Government to establish as soon as possible a team of competent persons to launch a full-fledged investigation into the country’s procurement system in light of a number malpractices and corruption allegations surrounding the process.

The minister submitted the proposal at the last Cabinet meeting and the matter is now with Minister of State, Joseph Harmon.

During an interview with Guyana Times, Dr Norton said it is now left to Cabinet to decide how it will proceed with his proposal and the terms of reference of the investigation.

He said recommendations were made to set up a presi-

Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton

dential probe so that the person or body chosen to investigate would have subpoena powers to call on anyone to provide information on the matter.

“I took the paper to Cabinet informing them of

the necessity to have that investigation and Cabinet decided that it should be of the nature where we can subpoena persons to respond to the Commission of Inquiry,” Dr Norton explained.

The minister said he is extremely concerned about the country’s procurement system and therefore wants the probe to commence as early as possible.

“I want to investigate the entire procurement system because we were given assurances that we have enough medication to last until the end of the year and beyond, but that is not the case and we want the information we have at hand to be more accurate and more precise. I might have been using information that is not necessari-

ly too accurate and that must stop,” he explained.

Norton said measures should be put in place now to ensure the drug procurement process has adequate

ed all facts in place before it made a decision in the matter.

“At this point in time, we still have allegations and we are basically asking the

An investigation has been launched into the nation’s drug procurement system

checks and balances in place to avoid incidents of corruption and malpractice.

“We can’t wait for it to blow up in a way we can’t handle,” he opined.

The move to launch the investigation was triggered by allegations of staffers of the Public Health Ministry passing inside information to bidders seeking lucrative drug procurement contracts.

Harmon, during a postcabinet press briefing, had noted that government need-

Minister of Public Health to provide sufficient information on which any future action by the State would take place,” he had stated.

Meanwhile Government intends to revamp the entire procurement system of the Public Health Ministry.

Already, the agency is advertising the vacancy for a Public Procurement Manager since the person currently overseeing those duties is under-qualified, according to the Minister.

Earlier this year, Dr Norton admitted that the change in the procurement system resulted in the drug shortages that were plaguing the country.

The Public Health Ministry introduced a new system for the procurement of drugs and medical supplies. This was accompanied by several changes in the bidding documents which were intended to create a more level playing field among competitors.

Reports have explained that the changes saw each region submitting to Central Government, a list of drugs needed and the total sum required to make the purchases. Monies will be warranted back to the Public Health Ministry from the Regions to facilitate a centralised procurement.

Initially, this administration had mandated that the drug purchases be done at a regional level.

However, the process was later changed after some $600 million was returned to the treasury, owing to the incapacity of the regions to source their own supplies.

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sundAY, october 30, 2016

Nation’s top cyclists to converge on Digicel’s Breast Cancer Awareness race

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oday marks the 5th annual Digicel Breast Cancer Awareness cycle road race and the country’s top cyclist are expected to converge on the prestigious event.

Organisers have disclosed that

close to 70 cyclist are expected to feature in the 30-lap race and defending champion Raynauth Jeffrey will face a stern challenge from the likes of Inaugural winner, Paul DeNobrega along with national road race cham-

pion, Geron Williams, the inform Hamza Eastman and other national riders like Orville Hinds (2014 winner), Marlon ‘Fishy’ Williams, Raul Leal and Michael Anthony.

The race will begin at Camp

Last year Raynauth Jeffrey won in a time of 3:15:32 but the race will be on to see who can surpass the champion

Ayangana on Irving Street and heads into the JB Singh Highway with a turn Camp Street into Thomas land and back to the start.

Before the feature events begins, there will be novice race which will see riders go for 4 laps; this race caters for all cycling enthusiast who wish to participate in the noble event.

Head of Marketing of the telecommunications giant, Jacqueline James had a stated that the race will be dedicated towards staff member Sharon Khan and that “all participants are required to pay a registration fee of $1000 and Digicel will match the total fees collected and donate the money to the Cancer society on behalf of all racers and staff”.

Over One Million in cash prizes would be at stake for the big race where senior and junior riders will pedal for cash rewards varying from $250,000, $200,000, $150,000, $80,000 and $20,000, respectively on offer for the top five.

The top three juniors are guaranteed, $80,000, $50,000 and $30,000. Veterans Under and Over-45 will pedal off at the same time as the seniors and juniors but will only race for 18-Laps.

Today’s fixture is scheduled to pedal off at 08:00hrs with participants being asked to assembling at 07:00hrs

Inter Guiana Games Tennis…

Guyana’s girls dominate day 2

By Delvon McEwan in Cayenne, French Guiana

W

ith some courageous performances throughout the day’s competition the Guyana female players for a second successive day dominated the Girls’ singles and doubles as Guyana remain in contention for an inaugural Tennis Inter Guiana Games (IGG) title.

On the second day at the League Centre in the capital of French Guiana, Cayenne, the Guyanese girls won eight matches in the singles and doubles categories.

Surprisingly only Afruica Gentle fell short but it was a valiant effort by the teenage prodigy.

In the singles the girls won five of their single matches against the host nation while in the doubles they clean sweep in the three categories.

Fierce competition from the girls put Guyana ahead on the first morning as they raced to a 3-2 lead by noon.

Wins from Kalyca Fraser, Sarah Klautky and the spectacular Nicola Ramdyhan placed Guyana at the top of the points standing at that period.

The girls were very severe on their opponents as they won convincingly in their three morning match-

es. Ramdyhan defeated her French opponent 6-0 in two sets as she left no room for errors. Her performance should receive a perfect rating from coach Shely Ramdyhan and her other coaching staffs.

At that time Vadeanand Resaullost his boys under 12 match while Jeremiah Kalekyezi also lost his match.

However, the French retaliated to win several matches and went on to win the day as the battle between the two sides intensified. In total the French won 10 of their 18 matches on the day. With the performance on the second day the French will begin the final day as tournament leaders.

Although the French clawed their way back to the latter part of the day, the under 18 girls doubles was Guyana strong point.

Gentle and Ramdyhan showed no mercy as they walloped to a 6-1 6-2 victory. They outplayed their French counterparts in every aspect of their games.

The girls won eight of their nine matches on the day while unfortunately the boys lost all of their nine matches.

Guyana is still in contention to win the Games but the boys need a strong performance on the day to assist the girls.

YELLOW PAGES

sports

Pee-Wee Boys Under-11 Schools Football Championship…

SUnDAY, october 30, 2016 | www.guyana-times.com

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Cato’s hat-trick keeps St Angela’s title defence in check

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Action between St Angela’s Primary and Mae’s Schools on Saturday at the Thirst Park Ground

A

sublime hat-trick by Seon Cato ensured that the defending champions St Angela’s Primary progressed in the Pee-Wee Boys Under-11 Schools Football Championship which continued on Saturday at the Banks DIH Thirst Park Ground.

Cato, who moved his tally to nine goals, netted in the 8th, 16th and 24th to lead his team past Mae’s Primary 5-0, as the round-of 16 matches

commenced.

Young Cato also received support from Antwoine Vincent, who made conversions in the 18th and 28th.

West Ruimveldt Primary was also a part of a goal filled match as they eased past St Gabriel’s 3-0 with goals by Tyrese Payne (6th), Tyrese Jeffrey (19th) and Trevor Bendt (21st).

The other matches saw a closer score line in terms of the

Seon Cato (right) flanked by team captain Mark McArthur

score, as Nicholas Alphonso scored in the 20th allowed Marian Academy to edge Winfer Garden 1-0.

Matches will continue this Saturday at the same venue from 11:00h.

According to the organisers, there would not be further elimination since the remaining teams will be vying for positions one to sixteen until the tournament concludes on November 19.

GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power National Under-17...

Durant’s double leads Buxton United to victory

Kobe Durant

– Referees’ late attendance delays Georgetown leg resumption

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After defeating Victoria Kings 3-0 last weekend Paradise (red and black) were held by a fighting Ann’s Grove

he Guyana Football F e d e r a t i o n (GFF) NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power National Under-17 League continued on Saturday with two exciting matches in the East Demerara Football Association (EDFA), as Buxton United got the better of Buxton Stars FC, while Bachelor’s Adventure/ Paradise Sports Club and Ann’s Grove United played to a stalemate at the Golden Grove Ground.

Buxton continued to cement their place at the top of the table as they defeated Buxton Stars 2-0 by virtue of a double by the talented Kobe Durant who netted in the 19th and 25th minute respectively.

In the other match, Bachelor’s Adventure/ Paradise Sports Club’s winning train was stopped by

Ann’s Grove, with the two teams playing to 1-1 draw.

Randy Hamilton gave Ann’s Grove the lead at half-time as he scored in the 41st, but the Paradise unit pressed hard for a goal in the second half which eventually came when Teshwan Gordon scored in the 74th.

Today, matches continue at the same venue as Plaisance Panthers FC clash with BV/Triumph United FC from 13:00h, after which Buxton Youth Developers will be pitted against Mahaica Determinators from 15:00h.

Meanwhile, in the Georgetown Football Association (GFA) matches continue to be at halt because of a lack of referees.

Last weekend four matches were slated for the Tucville Ground but no referees were present at the

venue which meant that the matches were pushed to Saturday. However, the organiser revealed that the referees only reached the venue at 10:30h when the first match was scheduled to begin at 09:30h.

The organiser is still hopefully that matches can be played in following the weekend, providing the officials arrive at the venue on time.

Title sponsors NAMILCO, have been urging both players and persons at large to live a healthy lifestyle by indulging in the usage of its heath oriented products Maid Marian Harvest High Fibre Whole Wheat Flour, Maid Marian WheatUp Breakfast Porridge and Maid Marian Multigrain Flour among many other products.

2nd GTM Fitness Expo...

Classified Ads $5+VAT per word

Call: 223-7230 Ext 35

Jordana RamsayGonsalves, Event Organiser, explained that for the two day event, on the first day (November 5), there would be a Cancer Awareness Glow Walk from 18:00h.

Participants will be starting outside Courts (Main Street),

proceeding to Church Street, on to Vlissingen Road to end at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

On Sunday, activities will get underway at 14:00h with volleyball, Mixed Martial Arts and basketball all on show.

from page 23

Admission: Day Passes are on sale at $1500, while a Weekend Pass will cost $2000 and can be obtained from Fitness Express, Genesis Fitness Express, Axe Apparel, Space Gym and Top End Gym.

22

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2016

Abrupt end to Payless Variety Store 11-race Feature

W

ith the 5th Annual Payless Variety Store 11-race cycling meet pedalling off on Saturday, the last race, a 35-lap school boys and invitational race ended abruptly with the officials stopping the race in the 16th lap at the inner circuit of the National Park, Thomas Lands.

The race was organised by National cycling coach, Hassan Mohamed and featured serious competition throughout the ten categories but ended in a disappointing fashion for the last race, a 35-lap inTeam Cocos duo leads the pack

vitational.

In the end, the official, Joseph Britton decided it best to declare joint winners, Team Evolution’s Raul Leal and Team Coco’s Jamal John.

As the

c y c l i n g spectators were cut short of the gruelling competition, it was suggested that the race end in that fashion

due to the non-sportsmanlike conduct and failure to adhere to the officials’ regulations.

Britton, speaking with Guyana Times Sport, has stated

that it was his decision to stop the race at its junction due to the non-cooperation of the rider.

“I decided to call the race off because the riders did not stick to the rules we had made prior to the race.”

Britton went on to say that “we had agreed that the

The winners pose for a quick picture at the end of the 5th Payless Variety Store 11-race

rules would be if you get lap you would come out of the race.”

Unfortunately, the official stated that some of the riders were not adhering to that rule and were hindering the race.

It was revealed that the other riders were ‘pacing their competitors’ with almost every rider being lapped apart from the top three.

In the end, Britton de-

clared Leal and John joint winners with there being no second place. John also received five primes while Leal won three. Paul Chooweenam (Team Alanis) was declared third, followed

by Raynauth Jeffrey (Team Cocos) in fourth, Orville Hinds (Team Evolution) in fifth and Junior Niles (Team Cocos) in sixth.

In the other categories, Sherwin Sampson won the Boys BMX 9-12 three lap

race while Jaran Gorbaran won the 12-14 years three lap BMX race. Kennard Lovell won the Over50 Veterans race, while Jaikaran Sukhai (Carlton Wheelers) won the U-50 and Julio Melville won the Mountain bike race.

The top wheelsmen will now turn their sites on the Digicel Breast Cancer Awareness 30-lap race around the outer circuit of the National Park today.

guyana-times.com

sundAY, october 30, 2016

Pakistan v West Indies, 3rd Test, Sharjah…

West Indies seeking to avoid another whitewash

by Pakistan

P

akistan have already arrived in the UAE about 40 won the series, after days ago.

Jason Holder’s young taking a 2-0 lead with their victory in Abu Dhabi, team will hope they can end but the final Test in Sharjah a couple of longer waits too.

Indies have presents them with an op- W e s t won a Test portunity to set some bench- n o t s i n c e marks. In their sights is a May 2015, sixth series whitewash, and the last and a chance to time they won complete a clean one outside the sweep of West Caribbean and Indies: 3-0 Bangladesh was in the in December 2007, Tests, against South Africa to go in Port Elizabeth. w i t h The Sharjah fix3-0 in ture is West t h e Indies’ last ODIs chance to perform and creditably in Test cricket for 3-0 a while; their next series is i n t h e only in March 2017, when T20 inthey host Pakistan. ternaWest Indies Squad: tionals.

MisbahAfter taking ten wickets in u l - Haq is also Dubai, West Indies legspinner set to lead Pakistan Devendra Bishoo managed for the 49th time only one in Abu Dhabi despite bowling 46 overs in the second in Tests, and pass Test Imran Khan as the country’s mostcapped captain. Little did Jason Holder (captain), anyone think he would come Johnson Charles, Carlos this far - Misbah is 42 years BraithwaIte, Kraigg old now - when he was ap- Braithwaite, Darren Bravo, pointed captain in 2010, and Marlon Samuels, Jonathan Ashley Nurse, success in Sharjah would be Carter, an occasion for more cele- Shannon Gabriel, Alzarri Joseph, Dinesh Ramdin, bratory push-ups.

West Indies were not eas- Suliemann Benn, Evin ily beaten in Dubai and Abu Lewis, Sunil Narine, Kieron Dhabi. They pushed each Pollard.

Pakistan: Azhar Ali Test into the fifth day and Sharjeel Khan, made Pakistan bowl more (capt.), than 100 overs in the fourth Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Akmal, Sarfraz innings before the game was Umar up. There were heartening Ahmed (wk), Mohammad Imad Wasim, performances from Darren Nawaz, Bravo, Devendra Bishoo, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Shannon Gabriel and Amir, Hasan Ali, Rahat Ali, Jermaine Blackwood, but Asad Shafiq, Mohammad West Indies’ wait for victo- Rizwad, Sohail Khan, Yasir ry continues despite having Shah,, Sharjeel Khan. (Cricinfo)

2nd GTM Fitness Expo for Nov 5-6

T

he second edition of the annual GTM Health and Fitness Expo is slated to get underway at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, Homestretch Avenue for the November 5 and 6 weekend.

When the event was officially opened at the 704 Sports Bar on Wednesday last, Director of Sport Christopher Jones acknowledged the attraction and emphasis Guyanese had placed on fitness in recent times and commended the organisers for their contribution to the development of the well-being of Guyanese across the country.

At the same time the

Director of Sport Christopher Jones

Director of Sport made a commitment on behalf of the Government of Guyana to continue to support these initiatives for the betterment of the lives of all Guyanese.

A number of sponsors have also come on board for the two-day event. These sponsors included no strangers to sports, such as Banks DIH through its Powerade and Vita-Malt brands, Courts Guyana, Fitness Express, among others.

Turn to page 21

23

Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championships...

By Akeem Greene

My strategy for this meet is just to have fun – Elliot Vieira

Tobago pushed him down the points standing. rom November 12-13 the South Explaining the reason for change in Dakota Circuit will be a hive of activity fortunes, the rider said, “It was mostly as this year’s Seaboard Marine because of my brakes, they gave out in Caribbean Motor Racing Championships Trinidad the day before and threw me off (CMRC) conclude. completely of the championship since I The suspense in the trilling action did not have any way of fixing in it at expected, will be deciding who will be that time”. crowned this year’s Super Stock Looking ahead, the racer since it can go between has set his eyes on stint in three Vieiras, Canada, revealing “I have been Matthew, Stephen working out some stuff and Elliot. in Canada but it is not However, confirmed yet so probably d e f e n d i n g in the next month or so we champion Elliot will confirm”. says his main goal is The meet has already to have fun since he been dubbed as one of the is currently in third biggest to hit these shores place, 73 points in the years gone and a behind leader team from the United Mathew (166) and States is also Expected to second placed attend to challenge the Stephen (122).

Caribbean Riders.

Speaking to Tickets for the event Guyana Times are $2000 for Adults and After riding off into the sunset last year with the chequered flag, Sport Elliot stated, $1000 for Kids.

Elliot will need to produce his best performance to date to keep “my strategy for

F

this meet is just to have fun, do the best that I can do but I’m not taking out the championship out of my head because it is still possible but it will be very hard but main strategy is just have fun”.

After the first leg at Jamwest in Jamaica, Elliot was in second place but mechanical problems with his Kawasaki ZX6R during the second leg at the Wallerfield Circuit in Trinidad and

his CMRC Super Stock title (Rohindra Mahase Photography)

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2016

Sports is no longer our game, it’s our business

guyana-times.com

Pakistan v West Indies, 3rd Test, Sharjah…

West Indies seeking to avoid another whitewash by Pakistan

Page 23

There has been little joy for West Indies on this tour but the men will want to pull themselves together and the series on a high note

Inter Guiana Games Tennis…

Guyana’s girls dominate day 2 Page 20

The magnificent six as they are being dubbedGuyana girls’ after dominating day two of the Tennis IGG (Photo courtesy Neketa Forde or Youth Media Guyana)

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