Guyanatimes 1 december 2017

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 3409

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Friday, December 1, 2017

Govt to release ExxonMobil contract this month

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Govt plugs $117M into "business incubator" for Berbice P17

Page 3

Oil and gas will lead investments in 2018 – Jordan Nagamootoo picketed in Berbice Page 6

... as residents decry sugar workers’ joblessness

Page 7

Outgoing P16 Cuban Ambassador lauds opendoor policy – during farewell courtesy call on President, State Minister

"Live good and productive P16 lives" – Minister Trotman to St Joseph graduates

DNA samples from murdered teacher still to be sent for overseas testing – P15 acting Top Cop

Placard-bearing protesters in Berbice on Thursday

Caricom observes World AIDS Day 2017

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Guyana, P8 Trinidad renew Framework Agreement for deepening bilateral cooperation

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BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Friday, December 1 – a nighttime retraction of 03:00h and a daytime retraction of 14:30h-16:00h and Saturday, December 2 – a nighttime retraction of 03:30h and a daytime retraction of 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, December 1 –14:20h-15:50h and Saturday, December 2 –15:00h-16:30h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Thundery showers will prevail throughout the day and evening with heavy rain showers in the late morning to late afternoon hours. Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Between East South-easterly and East Northeasterly between 2.23 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 14:45h reaching a maximum height of 2.74 metres.

Low Tide: 08:17h and 20:46h reaching minimum heights of 0.60 metre and 0.44 metre respectively.

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Govt to release ExxonMobil contract this month I

n what can be considered as bowing to public pressure after months of mounting concerns and speculation, the coalition Government has finally announced that it would be releasing the contract with US oil giant ExxonMobil this month.

This was revealed by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon at the post-Cabinet press briefing on Thursday.

According to Harmon, the issue was discussed at Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting during which an agreement was made to have the crucial document released within the next month.

“The Exxon contract with the Government of Guyana would be made public in the month of December and, that is, the contract with all its terms and conditions,” he said.

While the State Minister did not mention a specific date when the document would be made available for public scrutiny, he did note, however, that this decision was made after Cabinet’s “fulsome discussion” on the matter and after taking into consideration the many public calls.

“We’ve taken all of the issues into consideration and we also recognised that there is a need expressed by our population for greater inclusiveness, for more information to be provided and we take those into consideration as well,” he said.

The Minister continued that, “…we listen to the people and we are not deaf to the concerns that have been expressed by various sections of our community, and we believe that it is important that we take the public into our confidence with respect to not only this contract but other contracts which might affect our dealings with other companies in relation to the natural re-

sources – the national patrimony.”

Over recent months, several key stakeholders and civil society bodies have been pressuring Government to release de-

sources actually in hand.

Let’s get things in our hand, then we can go out and shout what we have,” the Natural Resources Minister had said in March when he revealed that Guyana was

ate around the world. We look forward to discussions with our partners and the Government with regard to Guyana.”

Among those calling for the release of the con-

tails of the new contract signed with the US oil giant.

Both Government and ExxonMobil had noted various concerns for keeping the document confidential.

In the interest of Guyana: one of the reasons Government had given for the non-disclosure of the contract was the ongoing border controversy with neighbouring Venezuela.

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman had stated back in March that in the event of the controversy not being settled via the current Good Officer process, then the issue would be taken before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and as such, Guyana needs to be cautious about the information it puts out.

However, when asked about the implications that the impending contract release would have on the border controversy mediation process, Harmon told media operatives that this issue would be dealt with at the appropriate time.

During a speech earlier this year, Trotman had stated that there was no need for Guyana to be making full disclosures about its contract with ExxonMobil, saying “full disclosure will not be to the national benefit or interest”.

“We have no reason to go right now and expose all our business to the world when we don’t even have the re-

to receive two per cent royalty on gross earnings and 50 per cent of the profits of the oil proceeds when production starts in 2020.

Meanwhile, when contacted, ExxonMobil Guyana’s Public and Government Affairs Senior Director, Kimberly Brasington could not say specifically whether the company was informed beforehand of Government’s intention to release the contract.

In an invited comment following Government’s announcement, Brasington told Guyana Times : “ExxonMobil supports transparency initiatives wherever we oper-

tract between Government and ExxonMobil were the Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and its leader, former President Bharrat Jagdeo, who, on many occasions, had called out the coalition regime for backpedalling on reasons given for not disclosing the document.

Other bodies such as Transparency Institute of Guyana Inc (TIGI) and the Working People’s Alliance – one of the parties that make up the majority party in the coalition Government, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) – has also made calls for the contract to be made public.

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Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 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

Winning the battle against HIV/AIDS

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orld AIDS Day, which will be observed today (December 1), brings together people from around the world to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and demonstrate international solidarity in the face of the pandemic. The Day provides an opportunity for public and private partners to spread awareness about the status of the disease and encourage progress in HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care in high-prevalence countries and around the world.

Many more people with HIV are now receiving life-saving drugs which help to keep the virus under control. But millions of people who need treatment still do not have it. For example, Sub-Saharan Africa remains the most severely affected part of the world, though some countries there have made impressive efforts in reducing fresh cases. For example, Ethiopia, Malawi and Botswana have achieved big reductions in new infections which show they are capable of controlling the spread of the disease.

In 2015, global leaders signed up to the Sustainable Development Goals, with the aim of achieving universal health coverage (UHC) by 2030. The UHC framework now lies at the centre of all health programmes. To complement the global World AIDS Day 2017 campaign, which promotes the theme “Right to health”, the World Health Organisation says it will be seeking to highlight the need for all 36.7 million people living with HIV and those who are vulnerable and affected by the epidemic, to reach the goal of Universal Health Coverage.

In the Caribbean Region, we can boast of several successes in relation to our HIV response. Programmes to prevent motherto-child HIV transmission, reduce new HIV infections and treat people living with the virus have yielded encouraging results.

Additionally, the Caribbean is the only developing region that has approached the near-universal coverage of antiretroviral medicines to prevent mother-to-child transmission. Some 79 per cent of pregnant women living with HIV now access treatment to prevent passing on the virus. According to official statistics, the Caribbean leads the world in the rates of its reduction in new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths.

Here in Guyana, there is a steady decline in the number of new reported cases of HIV infection among a significantly higher number of persons coming forward to be tested. The programmes that have been implemented have resulted in significant progress being made and should certainly be continued.

Having said that, the Region, including Guyana, cannot become complacent. In order to sustain the advances made, Governments and international donor partners need to put more money and effort towards ensuring that their HIV programmes can be sustained. For example, more needs to be done to address the prejudice and social inequities that operate to make some people, both more vulnerable to HIV infection and less likely to access prevention, testing, treatment and care services. Young people, men who have sex with men, and sex workers are among the populations that need targeted investments and more protective environments through a combination of social dialogue and increased tolerance.

HIV continues to be a major global public health issue, having claimed more than 35 million lives so far. According to WHO, in 2016, one million people died from HIV-related causes globally. There were approximately 36.7 million people living with HIV at the end of 2016 with 1.8 million people becoming newly infected in 2016 globally.

Fifty-four per cent of adults and 43 per cent of children living with HIV are currently receiving lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART). Global ART coverage for pregnant and breastfeeding women living with HIV is high at 76 per cent. The WHO African Region is the most affected region, with 25.6 million people living with HIV in 2016. The African region also accounts for almost two thirds of the global total of new HIV infections.

According to WHO, it is estimated that currently only 70 per cent of people with HIV know their status. To reach the target of 90 per cent, an additional 7.5 million people need to access HIV testing services. In mid-2017, 20.9 million people living with HIV were receiving ART globally.

While there is no cure for HIV infection, effective antiretroviral (ARV) drugs can control the virus and help prevent transmission so that people with HIV, and those at substantial risk, can enjoy healthy, long and productive lives. International development partners and Governments must continue to do what is necessary to win the battle against HIV/AIDS.

A traveller stands in a cave inside Vatnajökull, a glacier in Iceland. The glacier, once used for a location in “Game of Thrones”, is larger than the state of Delaware (National Geographic Your Shot photo)

Christmas is here, isn’t it?

Dear Editor, I would like to shed some light on the pre-Christmas, actual Christmas and post-Christmas Season and how significant it is to know the difference. Christmas is not here yet. We begin the pre-Christmas season, which is called Advent and then the actual Christmas when we commemorate the birth of Jesus and there is the Christmas Season that follows Christmas until the Baptism of the Lord.

Christmas is one of the most important days of the Church year, second only to Easter itself. It is the feast of the incarnation, the feast of God becoming flesh (the Latin “in carne” means “enfleshment”). It is a uniquely Christian teaching, the Divine choosing to become one of us. Because of this belief, God is not only Transcendent, but also wholly Immanent, Emmanuel

(God-with-us). While remaining Transcendent (meaning we must rise above our present condition to reach Him), He is at the same time Immanent (meaning He is with us as we rise toward Him).

This weekend, the Christians begin the Season of Advent. Advent means waiting or coming and we wait for the coming of someone we love. During this season, we focus on waiting for the Lord, waiting for the coming of Jesus. In Guyana, we begin the novena on December 15 to 23. Christmas Novena has its long history and tradition, which could be traced back to 1861 when Fr Benedict Schembri celebrated Christmas midnight Mass at the newly-constructed church on Main Street. This church was basically helped by the Portuguese from Madeira who spoke mostly

Portuguese. Under the “padroado” (The privilege of patronage extended by the Pope to the King of Portugal) system, initially Sacred Heart operated as “the Portuguese Church” being the centre of pastoral activities for the Portuguese community throughout Guiana. Only in 1932 was this status revised and Sacred Heart constituted as a normal parish.

The indefatigable Schembri established guilds and charitable associations, organised religious and cultural events, and generally strengthened the bonds of fellowship and faith among the Portuguese. Of particular note was the introduction of the Christmas Novena, with a 3:00 am mass on each of the nine mornings before Christmas.

This practice rapidly became a popular and enduring feature of Catholic churches throughout Guiana.

Even the “Bemdita Sajaes”, a hymn to Our Lady with words in the Madeiran dialect of Portuguese, became a much-loved feature of many an African and East Indian family Christmas.

Cleaning and decoration for Christmas play an imperative part. In all this, the Christmas tree takes precedence. The use of the Christmas tree is relatively modern. Its origins are found in the medieval mystery plays that depicted the tree of paradise and the Christmas light or candle that symbolised Christ, the Light of the world. According to custom, the Christmas tree is set up just before Christmas and may remain in place until the Solemnity of Epiphany.

The lights of the tree are illuminated after the prayer of blessing.

Faithfully, Rev Fr Jerri Dias SJ

Tax amnesty challenges Dear Editor, Notwithstanding all the offers of amnesty by the Georgetown City Council, that will wipe off all interest owed on outstanding property rates by delinquent property owners, and aside from all the longwinded, nonsensical and meaningless missives appearing in the letters columns of the dailies authored by the Town Clerk in a feeble attempt to justify its bloated expenditure, I believe the Georgetown City Council will have a herculean task convincing property owners why they should pay property rates to the municipality.

With the central government having just picked up the tab of over $400 million

that was owed to the two major garbage contractors in the city, for tasks given to them by the Council, but for which the municipality failed to pay them, and with Central Government’s decision to underwrite the costs that will be incurred by retaining these two contractors going forward, then it is crystal clear that it is our VAT and other taxes paid to the Government that are being used for refuse collection and disposal in the city and not property rates as it should be.

With the Georgetown municipality having failed for years now to build new roads and/or maintain existing roads in the Garden City, an unques-

tionable municipal responsibility which has become a responsibility of Central Government, it is evident once again that it is our State taxes and not municipal rates that are being used to foot the bill.

Another pellucid example concerns security in the city. There is a security department staffed with a large retinue of officers and ranks, yet it is the national police that have to secure the city with foot, bicycle, motorcycle and car patrols.

All the City Constabulary seems to do is chase vendors, bodyguard the Mayor and Town Clerk, and uncover inappropriate conduct by senior officers late at night in the boardroom of the

Engineer’s Department of City Hall. Again, State taxes are used for a service that ought to be provided by the Council And there are countless other examples like the Council shutting down a number of day-care centres, failing to process meat in a hygienic and humane way, creating a jungle in the cemetery, having no landfill or incinerator of its own, leaving the defogging of the city to the Public Health Ministry, etc.

Are citizens expected to pay property rates just to allow the ‘Fantastic Four’ to fly around the world?

Sincerely, James Mc Onnell

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New SOPs for fleet of Police vehicles

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he Guyana Police Force has established New Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to effectively manage its fleet of vehicles, inclusive of the vehicles recently donated by the People’s Republic of China.

Assistant Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken explained: “Coming out of our security sector reform, we have realised the Strategic Planning Unit, and they are looking at TORS (Terms of Reference). And within (those) TORs they have developed a maintenance plan; so what we are doing now is that we have decentralised logistics officers that span the seven administrative divisions and the departments. That is to be done so that, across-theboard, we will have standardisation in terms of maintaining the vehicles at the required standard as expected, so that we can have the shelf life of the vehicles.”

Assistant Commissioner Hicken says the new operating procedures would ensure there is strict accountability

Assistant Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken and Chinese Technical Training Officer Hou Jian

in regard to the Force’s fleet.

“It is expected that, with the structures we have in place, there is no room for neglect, for want of a better term; because it will be managed from the Force at the policy level, and (be) decentralised to the commanders. They have a responsibility to ensure what is decided at the policy level is enforced by them.

“It is expected, too, that

coming out of the decentralization, we will have databases in all the sub-divisions that speak to accountability for the vehicles and accoutrements in the divisions,” the Assistant Commissioner explained.

According to Hicken, built into the database is a warning system that reminds when the vehicles are due for servicing, and

that will be controlled from a decentralised level; but information will be sent to Georgetown for there to be a central database.

One of the technocrats has arrived in the country, and is moving ahead to ensure that the Force is adequately equipped with the necessary knowledge for the maintenance of these vehicles.

In keeping with the bilateral agreement between the Government of Guyana and the People’s Republic of China, technical training officer Hou Jian is currently here to conduct training in the use and maintenance of the donated vehicles.

“This training will be for a two-day duration, and it’s expected that within the two days, the ranks will be equipped adequately. We expect to have a roll-out immediately after the training would have been completed,” Hicken said.

He further said that with their allocation to the various Police divisions, the vehicles will add to their efficiency in responding to reports and carrying out an-

City Hall needs to be rescued from extreme moral, physical decay Dear Editor, In the United States an investigation by the New York Times of a movie mogul has apparently started a firestorm of alleged sexual assaults on a number of women which has gone beyond the entertainment industry to include sports and political leaders and news anchors.

In Guyana, the pioneers and leaders in the sexual abuse conflagration have been the Georgetown municipality with a constable allegedly involved not once but at least twice in the rape of two minors who were

in the custody of the City Police Department.

The difference is that in the US persons who are being or who have been accused of such improprieties are being dealt with condignly, while in Georgetown the two senior culprits who have been involved in the attempted cover-up face no sanctions, but instead have been joyriding around the world at the expense of the citizenry.

It is scandalous that a senior official of the municipality could have been caught by the security personnel late at night in a

boardroom of the Engineer’s Department at City Hall engaged in inappropriate conduct of a sexual nature with a recently employed female staffer, and yet was not sanctioned but rather rewarded with a trip to a distant and exotic location.

There is need for urgent action to be taken by the relevant authorities before our city is destroyed like the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah which is a terribly sad story that reminds us just how much God hates sin.

Being called “the Fantastic Four Effect” — City Hall is afflicted by sex-

Time for fresh ideas and approaches Dear Editor, No lesser a person than the President of Guyana has stated “that public servants must enjoy their leave when it is due”, stating that “this encourages the development of a good career system in which the subordinates are allowed to act”.

This pronouncement came based on questions he was asked about the Police Commissioner being sent on “special leave” on November 24, 2017 – the day he was slated to return to his duties following four months’ annual leave.

And we are well aware of so many other persons who were made to proceed on their accumulated leave such as the former CANU head, a Permanent Secretary, senior GRA officials, etc, and no one can find fault with this reasoning.

Having senior employees

take their vacation helps the entire company -- from the employee’s mental state and productivity, to the company’s bottom line.

But somehow the President’s viewpoint and the Government wishes seem not to matter one bit to the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown.

At this institution from the administrative head, the Town Clerk, to several other senior officers, refuse to proceed on their accumulated vacation leave and yet their Human Resources Manager does nothing about it.

Neither does the Council nor the Communities Ministry seem to have the slightest concern for this gross anomaly.

When one sees such a situation prevailing at a company, one can be assured that something is extremely wrong at that institution.

Most times, it is either cor-

ruption or financial malfeasance that these officers are sitting on and are afraid that if they leave their desks, it will all blow.

With the lack of an audit for years, with the institution totally bankrupt, with the Council owing hundreds of millions to many, many suppliers and contractors, with employees and pensioners not being paid, with most municipal services not being delivered, is it not time for these senior staffers to take their leave? Is it not clear that they are physically tired and mentally bankrupt and need some rest? Is it not time for fresh ideas and approaches from their deputies?

City Hall is broken and no one seems to want to seriously fix it.

Sincerely, Mark Roopan

ual abuse, nepotism, cronyism, bullyism, a lack of accountability, many instances of alleged fraud and corruption, bankruptcy, incompetence and fiscal squandermania.

There is urgent need for City Hall to be rescued from the extreme moral and physical decay it is suffering from.

Sincerely, Anu Bihari

ti-crime patrols.

“With the decentralisation of the 911 system, which covers 52 stations, it is expected that the vehicles will be strategically placed in proximity, so that we can reduce our response time and build back the community relations and trust with members of the public.

We expect also that the populace will be adequately policed given the resources we have, 56 in number.

“We are going to allocate adequately to the divisions, so that they can look at the housing, busy areas, shopping malls and crime-

prone areas,” Commissioner Hicken assured.

The creation of Standard Operating Procedures for management of the Force’s convoy of vehicles is a first for the Guyana Police Force, and is a direct result of the formation of the Special Projects Unit within the Force, according to Assistant Commissioner Hicken.

The fleet of vehicles, valued in excess of US$2 million, was given as a gift to the Guyana Police Force by the Government of the People’s Republic of China, to aid in effective policing locally.

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Oil and gas will lead investments in 2018 – Jordan F

inance Minister Winston Jordan has said in his budget projections for 2018 that the oil and gas industry will lead Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) next year, although Government has been cautioned not to place too much of its focus on the impending revenues that could possibly be earned from the oil and gas sector.

Delivering Budget 2018 in the National Assembly on Monday, the minister said the country’s capital account is anticipated to improve due

to strengthened net mediumand long-term capital flows in both the private and public sectors. This is despite the national current account being expected to weaken.

Jordan has said the projected FDI, particularly in the oil and gas sector, is expected to drive the US$145.2 million increase in private sector medium- and long-term capital. Importantly, also, he noted that taxes from oil and gas support activities are expected to increase by G$3.2 billion.

The IMF has cautioned

Government against any excessive borrowing or exorbitant increase in public spending ahead of the signalled start of commercial production of oil in 2020 by ExxonMobil and its partners offshore Guyana in the Stabroek bloc.

And Government is still to come clean on whether in fact a US$20 million bonus from the giant US-oil company has been received.

But despite this, Jordan told the National Assembly recently that as the country begin the transition to

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

an oil-producing nation, Government must, and will, implement prudent structural reforms and fiscal safeguards, strengthen our institution, and “…prioritize the development of our human capacity, and diversify our growth portfolio”.

“The agenda for 2018 is a product of our reflections on our mid-term as a Government, and repositioning and reprogramming based on lessons learned,” he explained.

Jordan has steadfastly held that oil is a non-renewable resource. He has said that “the finite world is looking for renewables, and one day in the future, oil will not be the preferred source of energy.”

In light of this, the minister has noted that when looking back Guyana, must be able to be proud of the choices made, and the immediate years ahead, because we have “positioned our sectors and industries to be stronger, more diversified and resilient.”

The minister has stressed, too, that Guyana has to begin diversifying its production and income generating base to ensure sustainability. This, he said, must be the country’s collective goal to which the 2018 budget is directed.

“Indeed, Budget 2018 contains allocations to strengthen and grow our private sector, as well as to improve the

efficiency and robustness of our public sector,” he added.

Further, Jordan warned of the drawbacks associated with the oil and gas sector.

He said, “The literature is replete with examples of natural resource-dependent economies being prone to greater income inequality…We must -- as a Government, as a Parliament, and as a nation -- guard against falling victim to the pitfalls that this new stream of oil resources might bring.”

The Finance Minister also gave his commitment that Government would ensure that resources are prioritised for immediate catalytic development needs, and he has signalled that Government would be implementing robust systems for the new oil and gas realities. “As we begin the transition to an oil-producing nation, Government must, and will, implement prudent structural reforms and fiscal safeguards, strengthen our institutions, prioritise the development of our human capacity, and diversify our growth portfolio,” he declared.

PSAs and SWF

Given that more oil discoveries have been announced in Guyana, Jordan said these discoveries have derisked the basin, which is estimated to contain at least 7 billion oil-equivalent barrels, and has resulted in the significant ramping up of exploration activities in other already allocated offshore blocks.

As such, Government anticipates significant interest in exploring the unallocated blocks of the derisked offshore basins. In light of this, the minister said, it is imperative that Government safeguard the rights of the nation to a fair share of resource wealth.

Jordan has said that to do so, Guyana will have to revise the existing template of the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), to be more accommodating to changing commodity prices while maintaining a level of progressivity that is responsive to profitability.

“While we strengthen our ability to negotiate more equitable PSAs, key Government agencies within the recently established Inter-Ministerial Technical Committee on Petroleum (will have) to continue to coordinate capacity building and interactions with the industry,” he explained.

The committee’s agenda in the immediate future would focus on coordinating capacity building, information sharing, as well as providing input into the development of a legal and institutional framework to support the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF).

The development of a rules-based SWF, according to Jordan, is critical to ensuring that Guyana’s resource revenues are responsibly managed within a transparent framework that promotes the highest levels of accountability. “It must be noted that the SWF will not just serve for investment, but also to save for future generations and to stabilise the economy in times of global economic instability,” he expressed.

During 2018, the Government plans to publish a ‘green paper’ to apprise the National Assembly on the proposal for the SWF, to seek feedback for further refinement, and to stimulate a national discussion to ensure that all citizens understand the benefits and the perils against which Guyana must guard in the collection and management of the impending oil resources.

Jordan has said that Guyana will continue to build capacity for effectively managing and regulating the oil and gas sector, and to ensure that systems and regulations are in place to properly and transparently account for, and manage, oil revenues.

He announced, too, that an oil and gas unit would also be established within the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). That unit, he said, “will benefit from extensive training in revenue administration within the context of PSAs.” To also prepare the private sector for rapid growth in this sector, Government will be hosting an Oil and Gas Exposition and Business Summit in the first quarter of 2018, to bring together various segments of the private sector towards creating partnerships and facilitating information-sharing for business opportunities.

“Although oil remains the main focus of this emerging sector, we are carefully exploring the feasibility of utilising natural gas as a temporary alternative for power generation. In the coming year, further steps will be taken to identify the preferred option for transporting gas onshore, including the most suitable location,” the minister further stated.

In 2017, three additional oil discoveries in the Stabroek block were announced: Payara, Snoek, and Turbot. While the quantity and quality of the latter two discoveries are still being assessed, the gross recoverable resources for the Stabroek block are now estimated to be between 2.25billion and 2.75 billion oil-equivalent barrels, making it one of the most significant global finds in recent years.

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Nagamootoo picketed in Berbice – as residents decry sugar workers’ joblessness

determine the way forward for Rose Hall Estate.

He had also claimed that closure of the estate was pushed back to sometime in 2018. Guyana Times, however, understands that the Special Purpose Unit, under the Ministry of Finance, may have brought forward the plans to discontinue the services of Rose Hall employees, which an insider pegged at 961 total workers before initial redundancy.

Contacted for comment on Thursday, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder re-

Placard bearing protestors in Berbice on Thursday

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ollowing the revelation that multiple workers attached to the Rose Hall Estate are being laid off, members of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) on Thursday protested Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo as he visited the Auchlyne Primary School on the Corentyne (Region Six) in East Berbice, he having travelled to the ancient county to celebrate his 70th birthday.

The Prime Minister was visiting the school he had attended as a child, and what was meant to be a warm occasion was soon

turned into bedlam as he was greeted by the chants from Opposition protestors decrying the closure of the sugar estates.

Their protest action comes on the heels of information disclosed to Guyana Times late on Thursday -that some 500 more workers could face the breadline in addition to the 400 which were already reported to have been laid off. The protesters have claimed that the Prime Minister had deceived his fellow Berbicians.

“We are here to remind the Prime Minister that 400 sugar workers would be on the breadline…and we are

here to remind him about his campaign promise he made over 2 years ago – that sugar is too big to fail, and that they have the solution for sugar and he would ensure that sugar workers are not on the breadline,” protestor Zamal Hussain told Guyana Times.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, had announced that the Special Purpose Unit (SPU) established under the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) would manage the privatisation/divestment process of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) and

frained from committing to a specific timeframe for the closure of Rose Hall Estate, but confirmed that the SPU is assuming responsibility for the divested estate, rather than GuySuCo. “The Special Purpose Unit falls under the Ministry of Finance and NICIL, not under Agriculture. I am not the subject minister for the Special Purpose Unit,” he clarified.

“The State Paper says that GuySuCo will not be involved in [the divestment of] East Demerara and Rose

Hall,” the minister added.

When later asked directly about when the Rose Hall Estate would be closed, this minister directed this publication to speak with the Minister of State, as he was the one who would have made the disclosure of a deferred date. However, earlier in the afternoon, Minister Harmon did not allow the full complement of questions that he would normally take at his post-cabinet press briefings. turn to page 9

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Guyana, Trinidad renew Framework Agreement for deepening bilateral cooperation

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abinet on Tuesday agreed to the renewal of the Framework Agreement for the deepening of bilateral cooperation between the governments of Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago.

The Framework Agreement was signed between the two parties in August 1999 in Port of Spain, Trinidad, and was initially

valid for ten years before being renewed for five successive periods; but it was never enacted.

However, State Minister Joseph Harmon on Thursday disclosed that during the meetings on the margins of the 28th Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), held

in February 2017, President David Granger and Trinidad’s Prime Minister Keith Rowley agreed to give effect to the agreement.

The renewal will now be for a further ten years, and provides for bilateral cooperation in trade and investment, agriculture, agro-processing, petroleum extraction, fisheries and the environment.

Minister Harmon said a high-level commission comprising the ministers of Foreign Affairs, Finance, and Trade of both countries, or their identified alternatives, will oversee the implementation of the agreement.

The renewal, the minister said, will strengthen the relationship between the two countries.

Don’t give a damn…

T

…about Sugar Workers he PNC-led APNU/AFC Government has plunged a knife into the body of sugar workers at Rose Hall, after it had told them it wouldn’t close the factory for another year. Without warning, however, just as with Wales at the end of 2016, 400 workers were informed – through letters – they were fired! And more letters have been prepared.

Just like that – just before Christmas! It has to take a special kind of disdain for sugar workers, in general, and those at Rose Hall in particular – amounting to seeing them as chattel – to fire hundreds of workers when Guyanese of all backgrounds and religious persuasions look forward to a “Merry” Christmas. Surely the PNC-led Government and the Board of GuySuCo cannot be blind to the Stygian despair into which these workers and their families have been plunged?

But it’s not moral blindness at work –- just cold, Machiavellian revenge, which your Eyewitness was informed, “is best served cold”, in the words of the master.

Back in 1976, after sugar workers struck for 135 days to demand recognition for GAWU – the longest strike in the history of the country – the PNC promptly closed down Leonora, the most militant estate. Not coincidentally, it was also solidly PPP. And it’s no coincidence that in this iteration of closures in sugar, Rose Hall has been very militant in demanding the present PNC-led Government not close the single industry that keeps the entire Canje alive.

The PNC-Government is sending a signal to PPP supporters that it will deal with them “condignly” after their resistance. It’s more than ironic that at the beginning of the year, President Granger declared March 13 as “Rose Hall Martyrs Day” because: “The Colonial Police killed 15 sugar workers on March 13, 1913, at Plantation Rose Hall. The workers had formed a group to protest (working conditions)…Sugar workers participated in the development of the economy, the pillar of which was sugar. On Rose Hall Martyrs’ Day, it is hoped that the martyrs’ supreme sacrifice would remain an inspiration to Guyanese.”

As usual, it was just nice-sounding platitudes expected from Granger. But what about Moses Nagamootoo’s message on Martyrs’ Day to the people of Berbice, on whose support he’s gotten his job and mega perks: “Today, we pay tribute to the courage of the Rose Hall Martyrs, and commit ourselves to respect and continue their struggles. We reflect solemnly on March 13, 1913 and hope that we could be inspired by the courage of our ancestors to move our country to higher levels of human existence, in their memory and as a tribute to their sacrifice.”

Firing 400 workers is a “tribute”?

…about the Constitution How many times can we allow President Granger to disrespect the Constitution before he’s called out, like Trump, by the representatives of the National Assembly who can begin impeachment proceedings?

The Constitution is the sacred document encapsulating the rules and laws that direct all of us – including the President – in the “rule of law and not of men”. But President Granger, like his hero Burnham, clearly sees himself above the Constitution, His previous traducings of the Constitution – such as with his unilateralism on the GECOM Chair insertion – seems to have emboldened him to such an extent, he’s now openly contemptuous of its strictures. Why else wouldn’t he comply with Justice George’s ruling on his interference with the Police Service Commission?

Waiting for a WRITTEN version? What nonsense!

The Constitution’s very clear that no one – including the President – can usurp the functions of Constitutional Commissions in general, and from our history and precedents, the PSC in particular.

Where will citizens draw the line on the transgressions? …about Legislation President Granger said, “I am very concerned about preserving heritage; that’s why I am repairing State House.” Really?

What about the National Trust Act, No 7 of 1972, giving that responsibility to the eponymous body?

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

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friDAY, december 1, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

President to promote green state strategy at UN Environment Assembly

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resident David Granger is expected to showcase Guyana’s Green State Development Strategy (GSDS) during his feature address at the third United Nations Environment Assembly.

The President has been invited by the UN to give the feature address at the high-level segment at the Assembly’s opening in Nairobi, Kenya during December 4-6, 2017.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, at Thursday’s post-Cabinet press briefing,

noted the invitation “reflects Guyana’s growing international profile as a leading advocate for the protection of the environment and the recognition which is being accorded to its green trajectory of development”.

Aside from promoting the GSDS, the President is also expected to press for further international action to arrest global pollution and global warming. During his attendance of the Environment Assembly, President Granger will also be delivering the fea-

ture address at a high-level side event on reducing pollution in the extractive sector.

The President has strongly advocated for the sustainable development of the environment, and has been advocating internationally for more action by world leaders to address climate change.

Meanwhile, Guyana will be represented at the 10th Caribbean Conference on Caribbean Disaster Management, which will be held in the Bahamas during December 4-9.

Nagamootoo picketed in...

Guyana Times recently saw a letter concerning a Junior Staff Redundancy Notification directed to Rose Hall Estate Field Supervisor Ramnarine Subramanian.

Dated November 26, 2017, the letter stated that a meeting had been held at the Rose Hall Estate Community Centre on November 22 in the presence of this category of workers’ union, the NAACIE (National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE). The document stated that GuySuCo no longer had job vacancies to retain Subramanian’s services, and that December 29, 2017 would be his last day with the Rose Hall Estate and GuySuCo,

and that termination of his services was in keeping with the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act 1997 (TESPA).

Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) President, Komal Chand, related on Wednesday that most of the 400 terminated workers had payments to them outstanding, and he expressed hope that the situation would not end up similar to what had obtained at Wales Estate, where, after almost one year, workers are still to be paid termination benefits.

In May 2017, Government announced plans to close the Enmore and Rose Hall Sugar Estates, sell the Skeldon Sugar Factory, reduce the annual production of sugar, and

from page 7

take on the responsibility of managing the drainage and irrigation services offered by GuySuCo. The decisions announced

by Government have been met with repeated protest actions, especially in sugar belt areas.

Those protesting the presence of Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo on Thursday have also called on Government to rescind the appointment of GECOM Chairman Justice James Patterson.

When the Prime Minister visited Region Six earlier this month to attend two graduation ceremonies, the opposition political party had picketed him, and had vowed to so do whenever he or President David Granger visits the region.

Hosted by the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CEDMA), the event will see discussions on the strengthening of regional response

mechanisms; lessons learnt from Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria and the challenges of disaster risk management. The practices and solutions will also

be highlighted during the Conference.

The Director General of the Guyana Civil Defence Commission (CDC) will be attending the Conference.

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friDAY, december 1, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

S RAIGHT Where are the incentives for workers and Private Sector?

T

his 2018 Budget was nothing but economically destructive; it failed to provide measures to effectively empower the working class and the business class. Where are the measures to motivate them to become more productive and to invest more as a means to an end? We are talking about direct policies to influence sustainable economic expansion. What this 2018 Budget does reveal, is that Guyana has a government that is out of ideas and one that is wedded to a programme of expanding the Public Sector funded by more borrowing and more taxation (property taxes going up, that is now a given). The entire strategy of this budget can be coined in one phrase – “crowding out of the Private Sector to make way for Granger’s Public Sector”.

The most interesting declaration made by the Minister was that “we did not promise that the Good Life would be achieved in our first term…” Is that so? I suspect Mr Winston Jordan is yet to be schooled in what is a political manifesto and what is in the APNU/AFC 2015 manifesto. A political manifesto is one that presents its plan for the term in office; in Guyana’s case, five years. In President David Granger’s message to the nation in the APNU/AFC manifesto, he said in his final paragraph: “This Manifesto PROMISES a bright future for all. We assure all Guyanese…. that we shall work towards ensuring that we all have a good life.” His words, not mine!

So this 2018 Budget exposes that all along those promises were nothing else but bogus from Mr Granger. He has done very much as the CEO of this counterfeit coalition of political opportunists to deny the nation national unity for all, economic empowerment for all, and social progress for all. Rather, all along the game plan concocted in the Bahamas was to set up a pension plan for a gang of a few dozen of mostly septuagenarians and octogenarians so that they can secure the good life for themselves and their householders from the sweat of the working class. So, yes the good life is happening in Guyana, but for the immediate family members in Camp Granger and Camp Nagamootoo. But the ordinary man and woman in Guyana are catching hell economically in a nation so well endowed with richness.

But what was most startling was that the economy fell short of its projection by a whole percentage point in 2017, landing now at approximately 2.9 per cent and I am absolutely convinced that it will fall to 2.7 per cent or 2.8 per cent by the time the final numbers are announced in June 2018 when the Minister issues his final 2017 numbers. It is clear that the crowding-out principle of expanding the Public Sector at the expense of the Private Sector is not working. Therefore, why this arrogance from the Cabinet Room?

Such dogmatism is an assault on this promised good life, so I just cannot understand this capricious strategy from Mr Jordan. Is this some kind of starve and feed strategy imposed on the population to achieve obsequiousness and sycophancy similar to what we saw in Venezuela and Zimbabwe? It is important that the people band together resolutely and shower condescension on this 2018 Budget because it is a document designed to further destroy the economy.

As an example, if one observes the immunisation coverage in support of a basic right – the right to life, one can see all the indicators exposing a fact that today under President Granger, our newborns are worse off than they were in 2014. On Page 86 of the Budget, you can find indicators that illustrate that the immunisation rate for diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, yellow fever, polio, and tuberculosis are all materially down in 2017 compared to 2014. As an example in 2014, some 100 per cent of the one-year-olds in Guyana were vaccinated for MMR and yellow fever. In 2017, that rate is now 69 per cent. Are we serious as a nation? We have just under a billion dollars to send Moses and Granger and their Cabinet colleagues gallivanting to all sorts of silly conferences, but we do not have dollars to immunise, protect and preserve the future of the nation?

The only good thing in this budget is that the Minister listened to people like Jonathan Yearwood and Christopher Ram and all the others who protested against the brain tax and good sense prevailed. Yippee! The VAT on education was removed that was imposed by Mr Jordan 12 months ago. For that one singularly good thing, I am grateful to the Minister.

But in the general scheme of things, this is nothing but a mostly bogus budget that expanded the imposition of centralism in Guyana, that materially contributed to a situation where the ordinary man feels undervalued. At the end of the day, without the ordinary man on your side, you must and will fall politically, economically and socially. Carry on, Jordan; you will be the undoing of President Granger and his intellectually bankrupt cabal because the people will remember you for this Please Journey share your thoughts atContinues sasesin1@yahoo.com. one. The to the Good Life – NOT!

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friDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017 | guya

official launch set for Saturday

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he official launch of Guyana’s Independence Carnival is billed for this Saturday evening in the parking lot of Marriott Hotel, Kingston, Georgetown.

The gates will be open from 20:00h, and the event will feature some of the exquisite costumes that will be on the road in May 2018.

At the launch, information will be readily available on how companies and individuals can be a part of the parade as well as the week of events leading up to the grand festival.

The official website for Guyana Carnival will also be launched on the same night.

Guyana Carnival is expected to mirror those seen in other Caribbean islands, which are known for their energetic and dynamic showcase of culture and entertainment.

Carnival in the Caribbean features revellers in elaborate costumes gyrating through the streets to the sounds of sweet soca music, booming through the speakers of various music systems.

Carnival Guyana 2018, which is themed “Genesis”, will target partyholics in the Diaspora and around the world, providing them with world-class events such as all-inclusive parties, concerts, boat rides, day tours and

a grand costume day parade through the streets of Georgetown.

The all-inclusive packages will include hotel accommodation, admission tickets, costume, food, drinks and day tours to the country's most fascinating tourist sites.

Several fashion icons have already started getting their bands ready and will undoubtedly give a glimpse of what Guyana Carnival is all about on Saturday evening.

After examining the various bands, revellers will have a choice to get registered and benefit from an all-inclusive, international standard road experience.

Patrons will receive a costume, goodie bag, lunch, snacks, free premium drinks and security all day while masquerading through the streets to some of the most versatile and renowned DJs. For more information about the evening, persons can contact the organisers at guyanacarnival@gmail.com.

F

inal preparations for the hosting of Ishara 5 – “Raja Rani – The Eternal Love”, billed for the Theatre Guild on Saturday evening, is moving apace. The final decor is being put in place for the grand event, which is expected to be epic.

Tickets for the production have been going like hot cakes and patrons are promised a show of a lifetime with thrills and a great story line.

This year’s production entails a story line that promises to entertain; celebrate friendship, love, respect, and life while taking you back in time.

The story is narrated by Maya, who is played by Malisha Bharat-Latchman. Maya

tells the st curious abo This ye different fr produced b Proceed towards a admission seating is $ $500.

Tickets office, Oro Works, Lot cast memb contact the

ER 1, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

ng of ernal d on The the epic. been are hrills

story brate while

ho is Maya

tells the story to her daughter, who was curious about their family history.

This year’s production will be very different from the other musical dramas produced by the troupe.

Proceeds from the event will go towards a humanitarian initiative. General admission tickets cost $1000 while reserve seating is $2000. Tickets for children cost $500.

Tickets are available at MTV head office, Oronoque Street; Sankars Auto Works, Lot 1 Campbellville and any of the cast members. Also, those interested can contact the group leader on 622-0601.

The man behind Mohabir Mookoorchand Persaud (MMP) Foundation T

wenty-nine-year-old Mohabir M Persaud is the founder of the Mohabir Mookoorchand Persaud (MMP) Foundation for Excellence, which was launched on October 17, 2016 with the objective of providing financial support for under-privileged students.

The non-profit organisation was officially launched at the JC Chandisingh Secondary School located in Rose Hall Town, Corentyne, Berbice, where its first scholarship was presented and 10 students were given a certificate of commitment to receive financial assistance for their Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations.

A former student of the school, the founder reached out to JC Chandisingh Secondary as the first school whose students would benefit, and now the Foundation has extended its help to students from other schools in the Region including Corentyne Comprehensive High, Lower Corentyne Secondary and Port Mourant Secondary.

The Foundation, under the theme, “One Child can change the World with an Education”, is his way of giving back to the community and to the school he attended, as his teachers and family saw potential in him and were able to help him excel in his exams.

No stranger to adversity, Persaud’s high school years were very challenging. “I did not grow up in the best possible conditions as my

family experienced struggles along the way.

But those years helped to steer me towards a path of success, 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,” he noted.

As an overseas-based Guyanese, he works two jobs with a limited sleep cycle of a maximum three hours which allows him to provide for his family and more so, helping others who are facing similar or even greater difficulties in Guyana.

The MMP Foundation celebrated its first anniversary on October 17, 2017 and was proud to say that it has positively influenced the lives of many students.

Students with the desire to strive for excellence were given necessary school supplies, travelling and Internet allowances and 41 Certificates of Commitment were issued which mean CSEC fees for 2018 will be paid for the recipients.

Any student desirous of obtaining a scholarship is required to submit a letter to the MMP Foundation, stating their circumstances and must maintain a grade of 65 per cent to be considered.

It is Persaud’s hope that this endeavour will empower students to become the future of our nation and realise their full potential,

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to surpass all goals that they may have to better themselves and make meaningful contributions to society.

Apart from being the founder of the Foundation, Persaud has a passion for fashion and design, which he has been feeding from a young age.

He was the only student to sit the Clothing and Textiles examination at his school in 2005, and was awarded as the best graduating student for the home economics department that year.

He also has done decorating for various occasions such as weddings and birthdays – something he loves. In another 10 years, he projects that the Foundation will expand countrywide and hopefully internationally.

On a lighter note, his biggest inspiration is Malala Yousafzai who said “One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world”. This statement, he noted, had a profound impact on him as it inspired him to do more through Mohabir the Foundation.

Mookoorchand Persaud

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friDAY, december 1, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

DNA samples from murdered teacher still to be sent for overseas testing – acting Top Cop

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s investigations continue into the gruesome murder of Richard Ishmael Secondary School teacher Kescia Branche, acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine has indicated that even though the DNA samples have not as yet been sent overseas for testing, police are still ques-

tioning the owner of the car linked to the teacher’s death.

This comes nearly one month after the battered body of the school teacher had been found at the corner of Princes Street and Louisa Row, Georgetown; and to date, investigators are still putting the missing pieces together to solve the

crime.

“They (samples) have not been sent as yet, but they will be sent soon,” the acting Commissioner revealed.

He, however, deemed the return of Mathew Munroe, the owner of the car allegedly linked to the death of the teacher, as a success in the ongoing probe. Munroe was

overseas, but returned to Guyana recently.

“The good news is that the suspect has returned, and the police have been able to do some further work,” Ramnarine disclosed, further telling reporters that the suspect has been questioned.

Branche, who had resided at Cummings Lodge,

Greater Georgetown, had last been seen on November 4, when she left for a night out with her friends.

Several persons were questioned and subsequently released for the young teacher’s killing. These included the father or Branche’s son, and two police officers who claimed that they had offered her a lift after see-

ing her waiting outside a Lamaha Street night spot.

Branche’s unconscious body was found in the vicinity of Princes Street and Louisa Row, Georgetown, and she was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) where she remained in an unconscious state until her death 2 days later.

16 news Outgoing Cuban Ambassador lauds open-door policy friDAY, december 1, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

– during farewell courtesy call on President, State Minister

O

utgoing Cuban Ambassador to Guyana, Mr Julio Cesar Gonzalez Marchante, has lauded the Guyana Government’s open-door policy during a farewell courtesy call he paid on President David Granger at State House on Wednesday.

The Ambassador also paid a courtesy call on Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon, at the Ministry of the Presidency, during which he thanked him for the co-operation that he received from the current administration during his tenure.

Ambassador Marchante’s tour of duty has ended, and he is scheduled to depart Guyana on December 13.

During their discussions, President Granger told the ambassador that Guyana’s medical system would not be what it is without the support of the Cuban Government over the years. “You can be proud of your tenure; it has been a very successful one,” the President told the ambassador.

Similar sentiments were expressed by the Minister of State, who also noted that, over the years, Guyana has benefited tremendously from support from Cuba in the education and sports fields. He also said he is confident that the ambassador’s hard work has helped to further strengthen relations between the two countries.

President David Granger is flanked by outgoing Cuban Ambassador Julio Cesar Gonzalez Marchante and Minister of State, Joseph Harmon at State House

“I believe that your advocacy for Cuba and the manner in which you went

about your country’s business during your tenure is commendable,” Minister

Harmon told the ambassador.

According to a state-

ment from the Ministry of the Presidency, the minister also expressed confidence that the relationship between Cuba and Guyana would continue when the new envoy has been installed.

Guyana and Cuba established diplomatic relations on December 8, 1972; and over the years, scholarships given by Cuba have increased the number of persons trained in different areas, including in health, engineering, agriculture, sports and culture.

Ambassador Marchante was accredited in June 2014, replacing Ambassador Raul Gortázar Marrero. His successor is scheduled to arrive in Guyana on December 6.

“Live good and productive lives” – Minister Trotman to St Joseph graduates

“L

ive good and productive lives based on some strong spiritual values: love God, love yourself for who you are, and find and build good healthy relationships; invest in them and protect them.”

This was the charge delivered by Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman to graduates of St Joseph High School as excitement and loud applause filled the air at their graduation and prize giving ceremony on Wednesday.

Minister Trotman told the students that the past five or more years of academic life would have moulded them for the pressures of life, which carry several challenges that

A section of the audience present

must be overcome. He added that these tests are lessons they can utilise when going forward.

“Each of you would recall the first day you got here as first formers bursting with excitement. There may have been many hard-

ships -- whether financial, death or travelling far distances; but whatever they have been, I am confident you have weathered many storms and overcome those.”

The Minister of Natural Resources, a former stu-

dent of the school, recalled the daunting task of being among the first batch of boys to enter St Joseph High School, which was an all-girls school at that time.

He related how challenging school was for him, but he said he did not allow that to deter him, as he later went on to attend renowned universities and now holds the post of Minister of Natural Resources.

The minister encouraged the graduates to believe in themselves. “You have grown from boys and girls to be young adults.

You have discovered things about yourself. God has placed skilled and abilities in you, and you have to cast your eyes forward to the lives you want for yourself. I challenge you to discover what you are good at, and hold those skills, and you will find that your life’s journey will be easier.”

According to a report from the Department of Public Information, the graduation and prize giving ceremony was held under the theme “Conquering Challenges for Success.”

The audience was entertained with dance, singing, and steelpan drumming; and proceedings concluded with distribution of prizes.

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friDAY, december 1, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Govt plugs $117M into ‘business incubator’ for Berbice

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon

W

ith the aim of nurturing micro and small businesses, Government has injected some $117.4 million towards the construction of a business incubator centre at Belvedere Industrial Estate in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon on Thursday disclosed that Cabinet has approved the award of the contract to Memorex Enterprises for works on the project to commence.

He explained that the business incubator is aimed at helping small businesses to start up their operations for the first three years so that they can be sustained afterwards.

“The key elements of the incubator are the provision of an environment where businesses can start their work quickly and can expand their operations rapidly. It supports the work of small businesses and provides for them to survive the incubation period of their businesses,” the Minister said.

Among the facilities that will be offered by this centre to budding entrepreneurs are: room space, equipment and services such as training, marketing, consulting,

organisation and management as well as legal, financial and other advisory services.

“Many small businesses, by their very nature, fail – some succeed and some fail.

So what we are doing, we are giving them a prop in that first three years…because that is usually the critical period that you identify in startup for business. So what this incubator is doing, it is taking away some of the responsibilities which a small person starting up a business will have – the research, marketing and all these services, so that it guarantees you a better opportunity of succeeding,” he added.

This project falls under the purview of the Business Ministry, which has done extensive research on the need for such a facility. Similar facilities are expected to be constructed across the country.

In his Budget 2018 presentation on Monday last, Finance Minister Winston Jordan disclosed that some $350 million has been allocated for the completion of works on the Lethem Industrial Estate and the Belvedere Industrial Estate in 2018. These facilities, he added, are expected to have

a combined capacity of about 250 to facilitate value-added production, while benefiting from economies of scale.

Jordan went on to say that support to micro and small businesses would continue next year through the creation of additional business incubators and accelerators, in Regions Five and Nine, at a cost of $36 million.

“These structures will foster the growth of businesses by facilitating the provision of support services, such as business registration, documentation, and capacity building. Further, through the establishment of business registration hubs, like the one opened in Lethem (Region Nine) this year, and the upcoming one in Mahdia (Region Eight), we will continue to improve the ease of doing business. In 2018, four other business registration hubs will be established in Regions One, Five, Six and 10,” the Finance Minister further stated.

Youman Nabi Message

Minister of Social Cohesion with responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport

S

incerest Youman Nabi greetings to you all.

Today, we join the Islamic community to celebrate the birth and life of their Prophet, Hazrat Muhammed Sahib (Peace be upon him).

Prophet Muhammed was the personification of righteousness. His teachings and deeds have been so powerful that they influenced the beginning of the world’s second largest religion, with over one billion persons now following the path of Islam.

His teachings of compassion, love, kindness, charity, brotherhood and tolerance have become universal. It is, therefore, important that we take this day to rededicate

Minister George Norton

ourselves to the ideals for which he lived his life.

I urge you, my brothers and sisters, to see beauty

in the diversity of these six peoples and cultures that dwell in the Land of Many Waters.

Let us honour this great Prophet by shattering the barriers that have divided us for far too long. Let us be kind and compassionate to all fellow beings, regardless of their ethnic background and social status. Do your part to practise and promote peace over chaos, and forgiveness over fighting and malice. Following the Prophet’s teachings is key, helping us achieve social cohesion here in Guyana and across the globe. There is forever strength in unity.

Happy Youman Nabi, Guyana!

18 news Caricom observes World AIDS Day 2017 friDAY, december 1, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

remarks, she indicated, “While we have been dealing with this devastating disease, HIV/AIDS, for over three decades, it has taught us many lessons.”

Soeknandan elaborated, “The AIDS response leveraged rights, expanded access to life saving medicines, expanded health systems, and increased access to acceptable and quality health and social protection ser-

A section of the gathering at the Caricom Secretariat’s observance of World AIDS Day 2017 participating in a candlelight activity

T

he Caricom Secretariat, in collaboration with the Pan Caribbean Partnership Against HIV & AIDS (PANCAP), has staged its 5th annual commemoration of World AIDS Day, being observed across the globe today, December 1.

The event has been in keeping with this year’s theme, which is the “Right to Health”; it zoomed in on the efforts made to allow for the much-needed access to health care for persons living with HIV & AIDS across the region.

This theme has been chosen because it has been recognised that although much strides have been made in bringing attention to this dreaded disease, persons who are infected are still not given equal access to health care services, like obtains with any other chronic disease. As such, this year’s observance is meant to bring attention to this issue.

Speaking at the ceremony hosted at the Caricom Secretariat, Vivian Rookhum, Senior Officer at-

tached to the Coordinating Unit of PANCAP, in his address on behalf of the PANCAP Director, indicated that the initiative is aimed at highlighting that everyone has the right to the highest attainable health care without discrimination and stigma. This, he noted, is echoed in a wide array of international commitments.

He outlined the significant accomplishments of his organisation, particularly as relates to the fight against HIV & AIDS. “Since its establishment in 2001, PANCAP has seen many successes, including the sharpest regional decline in HIV incidents -- by 48.1% between 2001 and 2013; decline in AIDSrelated deaths by 50% from 2000 to 2016; and ARV (Anti-retroviral drugs) coverage increased to 52% from less than 5% in 2001,” relayed Rookhum.

This, he noted, is paired with capacity building of health care providers across the region.

The PANCAP official further pointed out: “Despite

the overall gains, considerable challenges remain for the Caribbean, which (still) has an unacceptably high HIV prevalence among key populations. While 64% of people living with HIV knew their status in 2016, 36% did not; 52% are on treatment, while 48% are not.”

With that in mind, he contended that in order for there to be further reductions in AIDS-related mortality and transmission, there must be increased efforts at providing services and awareness where HIV is more heavily concentrated.

“Achieving universal access to comprehensive, high quality, integrated HIV prevention and treatment services requires inclusive and harmonised multi-sectorial action, including the removal of legal, social and cultural barriers,” expressed Rookhum.

Echoing similar sentiments was Deputy Secretary General of Caricom, Manorma Soeknandan. During her

vices without discrimination or coercion.”

Moreover, she underscored that strides made for the prevention of HIV and AIDS have paved the way for improved health care services for other chronic and non-communicable diseases.

Meanwhile, this event aligns with Caricom’s yearslong tradition of reflecting on the regional campaign to

stamp out HIV and AIDS, while assessing the efficiency of avenues available for the provision of health care services to those affected by the disease. Each year, this local aspect of World AIDS Day observance is marked by making a donation to the National Aids Programme Secretariat (NAPS) in offering assistance to persons living with HIV and AIDS.

FRIDAY, december 1, 2017

Smalta girls’ pee-wee football

commences today

– School of the Nations battle Redeemer

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he start of the Petra Organised Smalta Public Health Ministry Girls Pee-Wee Football will finally commence on today at the Ministry of Education Ground, Carifesta Avenue Ministry of Sports as the organisers made a switch from the Ministry of Sport Ground (Formerly GNS) on Thursday.

Initially the tournament was slated to kick-off on November 22, however, the organisers were forced to reshuffle their plans due to the inclement weather.

At the launching, it was disclosed the 4th edition will see 16 schools in Georgetown participating over five rounds for top honours. Co-Director of Petra, Troy Mendonca urged all

Some intense matches are expected today at the Ministry of Education Ground

stakeholders and individuals associated with the Tournament to treat it with the same vigour that is usually shown to male football tournaments.

He felt the tournament could serve as a catalyst for development of the young girls as it would afford them

the opportunity to begin careers and even spark an interest in sports as a whole.

Among the 12 matches to be contested are School of the Nations against Redeemer Primary and North Georgetown against St Angela’s Primary. Kickoff time is 10:00 hrs.

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Your spoken and written English are superb. Send resume to jannessa.kalloo@probusinessbuilders.com

NOTICE

sports

Endurance race meet to close GMR&SC season S

unday’s Endurance Race Meet will bring the curtains down on Guyana Motor Racing &Sports Club (GMR&SC) 2017 season at the South Dakota Circuit.

According to an official from the club, the meet is expected to bring out “new blood” and should be a great test for drivers.

For those who may not privy to the aspect of Motor racing, endurance racing is the form which is meant to test the durability of equipment and endurance of participants. Teams of multiple drivers attempt to cover

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Phone 664-9310 or 626-8190.

FOR SALE Mercedez Benz C200, Model-2009.

Immaculate condition. Contact number: 616-5933

taxi services GR Taxi, 24 hours. Phone: 2257878, 219-5000 or 227-2100

Waitress for bar 612-2522

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Baba is specialised in name and date of birth reading, patra reading and book opening. He is an expert in removing black magic, enmity, bad luck and gives permanent protections.

Solutions will be given to love, health, marriage, business, sexual problems and much more. Call him on 6601938 or 618-6569. Take that number again: 660-1938 or 618-6569

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a large distance in a single event, with participants given a break with the ability

to change during the race.

Drivers will be required to use the larger track for

their two-long competition.

Aside from mechanical issues, the first stop will

come after 30 minutes and drivers will be monitored by the marshals.

The likes of Brian TenPow and Shawn Seejattan have shown that they are a formidable pair, but the pair of Shiraz and Shahab Roshandin along with Anand Ramchand and Adrian Fernandes are all experienced and daunting opponents.

Five categories will be contested, 1500cc, 1600 cc, 1350 turbo charged which caters for starlets, 2000cc and Open class. Shiraz Roshandin holds the record for the laps at 128.

Jaguars 50-over League

Tucber Park, # 70 Lower Corentyne Cricket Club deliver romping towards massive wins another title D

property for sale

Maid Needed. Contact Tony: 218-0167

The grid is expected to be filled with some new breed of drivers

BCB 2nd division 40-overs competition

With regards to the notice of Sunday October 8th, 2017 placed by one Raymond Anthony also known as Raymond Ramos who is claiming prescriptive rights to both properties at 3128 Buttercup Place, South Ruimveldt Park and 469 Kiskadee Drive, South Ruimveldt Gardens, take notice that this claim by Raymond Anthony/Ramos is totally false and incorrect. The only person who has absolute rights and interest to both properties is Mr. Sydney Bunbary.

WANTED

21

Trishan Ramdass

A

ction continued this past weekend with wins for Edinburg, Tucber Park, #73 Young Warriors and #70 CC in the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) 2nd division 40-Overs competition which continued across the county.

In the New Amsterdam area, Tucber Park got the better of the Guyana Eagles Team in their game which was reduced to 35 overs per side. Batting first, Tucber Park scored 100 all out with Romel Retimiah 21, A. Williams, 14 and T. Smartt 12. Bowling for the Eagles, M. West took 2-12, G. Crandon, Martin Singh, E. Munroe and W. Dejonge took 1-17, 1-15, 1-0 and 1-11 respectively.

In their reply, Eagles managed just 58 runs in 13 overs with Martin Singh 19 and C. Lindie 14 the primary scorers.

At the Lochaber Ground, Edinburg defeated Mount Sinai by 2 runs in their match.

Batting first, Edinburg scored 101-9 while Mount Sinai replied with 99

all out in 18 overs, On the Corentyne Coast, # 70 CC defeated Bomb Squad by 112 runs in their match which played at the # 70 Cricket Club Ground. Batting for # 70 CC, Tharesh Ramgohan top scored with 71, Sayad Wazir 50, Thameshwar Ramoutar 47 and Akash Persaud 40, starred with the bat as their team scored 274 runs.

Bowling for Bomb Squad, Rajiv Mohabie took 2-59 in 6 overs while Tariq Raffique, Satesh Toolsie and Mahesh Rangasammy took one wicket each.

In Bomb Squad's reply, Jaglall Chand 40, Pashram Paran, Satesh Toolsie 23 and Leon Gonsalves 13 were the only batsmen to reach double figures. Bomb Squad were bowled out for 162. Bowling for # 70 CC, Thameshwar Ramoutar took 4-24, K. Ramjit and Karan Singh took 2 wickets each while Mohamed Deochand and Omesh Khemraj took 1 wicket each.

Over at the # 73 CC, the # 73 Young Warriors defeated the # 70 Young Blood by 3 wickets in their match which was witnessed by a large gathering from the community. Batting first, # 70 Young Blood scored 159 with batsmen C. Leacock 40, A. Persaud 40, C. Nandkisoor 24 and R Ally 7.

All the other batsmen failed to make a significant impact to the total score. Bowling for # 73 Young Warriors, Azad Mohamed took 4-28, Lakeram Latchman 2-20, Odraj Singh 2-27 while Niradj Singh and Hyresh Latchman took 1 wicket each.

Thameshwar Ramoutar

In their batting innings, # 73 Young Warriors reached their target of 160 for 7 as their batsmen Lakeram Latchman 41, Gobind Reapram 24, Darmesh Seenarine 18 and Hamant Jagdeo 13 all contributed meaningfully to their target.

Bowlers S. Khan, C, Nandkisoor and Z. Mashud all picked up 2 wickets each for # 70 Young Blood.

The Final match for the day was contested between # 77 CC and # 71 Sports Club, # 77 CC won by 97 runs. Batting for # 77 Trishan Ramdass scored 96, W. Garnett 76 while N Ramkanniah contributed 34 and W Khan 31 not out. The Key bowlers for # 71 Sports Club were T Mackintosh 2-30, N. Ally 2-30, K. Clark 2-68, N. Mohammed 1-53 and D Ramdat 1-39.

In their batting innings, # 71 Sports Club only scored 198 with S. Khan 60, B. Budhram 28, A. Gardner 24 and N. Mohamed 13.

efending 50 over champions Lower Corentyne seem well on their way their second title after keeping their grip on the competition heading into the final stages of the League.

With 27 points under their belt, the Berbice franchise still unbeaten after four rounds will enter the latter phases of the tournament with enough momentum to possibly retain their title; despite their recent weekend encounter being rained out.

Essequibo some in second with 25 points while West Demerara follows closely with 20 points, while Georgetown and Upper Corentyne have 17 and 12 points respectively.

The league recommences from December 19, 21 and 23 December.

The second and third place teams will compete in the “Play offs” set for December 28 the finals tenta-

Shivnarine Chanderpaul

tively set for December 30.

Meanwhile, in the first of two matches played Sunday, the Imam Bacchus Ground on Essequibo saw East Coast losing to Essequibo by 9 wickets after making 169 for 9 in 40 overs.

Kamesh Yadram led the way with 54 but the Essequibo spin barrage proved too much for East Coast after Ricardo Adams claimed 3 wickets while the Adams Brothers grabbed two apiece.

Essequibo then raced to 172-1 thanks to a brisk knock of 74 not out by the in-form veteran Shivnarine Chanderpaul.

The Bushlot Ground in Berbice hosted a thriller as Georgetown stole a one wicket win over West Berbice after National captain Leon Johnson grabbed 5-26 to keep the home side to 96 inside 20 overs.

Georgetown then stumbled to 98 with a wicket to spare with Robin Bacchus and Andrew Lyght Jr. hitting 22 and 17 respectively. Bowling for West Berbice, was led by Andrew Dutchin who ended with 3-11.

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

FRIDAY, december 1, 2017

2017/18 CWI/Digicel 4-day championship

Greaves' unbeaten 76 leads Pride recovery – Joseph bags 3

By Clifton Ross

J

ustin Greaves stroked an unbeaten half-century to help the Barbados Pride recover from a disastrous state against defending champs Guyana Jaguars when round five of the 2017/18 Cricket West Indies (CWI)/ Digicel 4-Day Championship bowled-off from Thursday at the National Stadium, Providence.

Pride were 282-7 from 91 overs at stumps heading into the second day with Greaves compiling 76 in his resurgent knock which included 11 fours. He will resume his innings with Mario Rampersaud who is unbeaten on four.

It was a decent outing for Pride during their first innings as Kenroy Williams showed his efficiency with the bat, scoring a very important 68 and Kevin Stoute (47) along with Shayne Moseley (43) all batting well but failed to convert pretty solid starts to useful scores.

Jaguars fast-bowler Keon Joseph who ripped through the top-order ended with 3-63, with all-round-

er Keemo Paul chipping in with two big wickets for 62 runs.

Batting first in good conditions, Pride lost their first wicket of opener Anthony Alleyne for a run-a-ball 11 when he held out to Paul which gave Joseph his first victim.

The West Indies A pacer then bagged his second when he had his A-team teammate and Pride’s skipper Shamarh Brooks trapped lbw for duck to which he followed with the dismissal of West Indies batsman Johnathan Carter who was stumped by keeper Anthony Bramble for 4 runs.

Opener Shanye Moseley continued to fight off the rampant Jaguars despite losing a few partners, taking his score to 33 at lunch as he and new batsman Kevin Stoute who was on 31.

They added 58 for the Pride for a total of 90-3 at lunch.

The left-handed Moseley, after stroking seven fours was run out by Veerasammy Permaul for 43 off 109 balls following the resumption of play in the afternoon session.

At 110-4, the Pride

Just when things seemed to be going smoothly as stumps approached, Paul delivered the breakthrough his team desired when he removed the ominous Williams leg before wicket. The former West Indies Under-19 all-rounder then followed up by removing West Indies off-spinner Ashely Nurse who was caught in slip by Leon Johnson for 13.

Greaves and Rampersud then kept Guyana at bay as both batsmen did well to preserve their wickets when curtains drew close.

Today’s action will continue from 09:00 hrs.

Justin Greaves pulls Sherfane Rutherford during his unbeaten half-century

seemed to be in a spot of trouble after losing Moseley and things got a bit more rough when Stoute edged a delivery from left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie into the waiting gloves of Bramble for a defiant 47.

Just when all seemed lost for the Pride due to the dismissals of their set batters, Williams and Greaves launched a gritty fight back which left the bowlers frustrated heading into the last session.

The tea interval saw Barbados taking their total to 178-5 with both Williams

and Greaves already settled with runs coming off their bats.

After a brief passage of looking to rebuild, Williams was the first to reach his half-century off 110 delivers with nine boundaries while Greaves took a bit of time to reach his but got there comfortably off 125 balls.

Although the pair had dug in, the champions managed to keep the boundary flow at a moderate level as their bowlers seemed to be looking to take wickets rather than contain the Pride batsmen.

SCOREBOARD Barbados Pride 1st innings A. Alleyne c Paul b Joseph 11 S. Moseley run out (Permaul) 43 S. Brooks lbw b Joseph 0 J. Carter st wk Bramble b Joseph 4 K. Stoute c wk Bramble b Motie 47 K. Williams c wk Bramble b Pau l 68 J. Greaves not out 72 A. Nurse c Johnson b Paul 13 M. Rampersaud not out 4

Extras: (nb-4, b-5, lb-1) 10 Total: (for 7 wickets; 91 overs) 282 FOW: 1-28, 2-28, 3-32, 4-110, 5-123, 6-244, 7-274 Bowlers: Joseph 17-2-63-3, Paul 13-2-54-2, Permaul 27-7-670, Motie 18-6-43-1, Rutherford 13-2-34-0, Hemraj 3-1-5-0 Guyana Jaguars XI: T Chanderpaul, C Hemraj, L Johnson, V Singh, S Chanderpaul, A Bramble, K Paul, S Rutherford, V Permaul, G Motie, K Joseph

Road to Mecca IV tips off today – champs Colts in action against Bulls

T

he journey to local basketball supremacy will begin tonight at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) when the fourth edition of Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) ‘Road to Mecca’ tips off from 17:00 hrs.

10 teams from across the country are expected to provide wholesome entertainment for fans, who will be given free entry until the semi-finals rounds.

After the march pass at 15:00 hrs and a performance by Tiffany Bonnet, the action will commence with Dyana’s Ravens coming up against Rose Hall Jammers followed by defending champions Bounty Colts and Half Mile Bulls. The final fixture pits Victory Valley Royals against Plaisance Guardians.

Unlike the previous three editions of the tournament which were contested on a straight knockout, this tournament will have a round-robin stage before the semi-final round.

President of the GABF, Nigel Hinds, declared that the federation will aim to mix quality games with good entertainment as it aims to give fans a complete product with the NBA being the

Banks DIH official Shenisa Fredericks presents the sponsorship cheque to GABF President Nigel Hinds while Banks DIH Outdoor Events Manager Mortimer Stewart, Communications Manager Troy Peters, GABF coordinators Junior Hercules and Shevon Henry and two cheerleaders look on

“benchmark”.

There will be two groups of five teams with the top two teams from each group qualifying for the semi-finals. The final

is billed for December 24.

Colts , who also holds the title of Georgetown’s best club, will battle the likes of Ravens, Amelia’s Ward Jets, Bulls, and

Jammers in Group A while in Group B, Linden’s leading club, Royals, will be joined by last year’s finalist Retrieve Raiders, along with Pacesetters,

Guardians and new comers, Kobras.

Last year Colts defeated Raiders 75 – 55 to win the national title. Outstanding junior player Stanton Rose of Colts was deservedly awarded the tournament Most Valuable Player (MVP) award while Dane Kendall also of the Colts walked away with the coach of the tournament award.

Meanwhile, the tournament is being sponsored by Banks DIH Limited under the Coca-Cola Brand. At a simple ceremony at Thirst Park on Thursday Hinds received the cheque from Shenisa Fredericks, Brand Trainee of Banks DIH Limited.

Hinds thanked Banks DIH Limited and Coca-Cola for partnering with the GABF for the yearend tournament.

Banks DIH Limited Communications Manager Troy Peters said his company was delighted to be working closely with GABF to promote the development of basketball in Guyana which will see the participation of clubs representing Upper Demerara, Berbice, East Coast Demerara, East Banks Demerara and Georgetown.

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, december 1, 2017

57th GTU/MoE National Schools Cycling, Swimming & Track & Field Championships

Different day, same script …as Williams, Skeete add 200m records to collection

Daniel Williams blazing to further glory in the Boys' U-18 200m

By Michelangelo Jacobus

I

t was just another day at the office for Daniel Williams as he powered his way to yet another record breaking run; this time in the 200M Boys U-18 race. The District 10 (Upper Demerara/ Kwakwani) athlete further tightened his district’s stranglehold on the championships helping them along to 521 points.

Williams had no real competition and ran the perfect race to cement his status as the best of the best in Guyana. The perfect start, the perfect buildup, almost the perfect finish. Williams showed that he could run much faster times as he relaxed to cross the finish line in a record time of 21.78s while Lionel Marks equalled Jason Yaw’s previous record of 22s flat for Silver while Umkosi Vancooten clocked 22.89s for bronze.

for bronze with the clock at 26:19.

Among other records to be set on day four were the Boys U-18 and U-16 1500m records. In the U-18 category Ronell Newton clocked a workmanlike four minutes 23.65s to set a new bar while Jamal Scott was good enough to take second place in four minutes 27.06s with Garvin Stephen copping bronze with the clock at four minutes 27.77s.

Murphy Nash made it two records in two days when he added he Boys U-16 1500m record to Wednesday’s 400m record that he currently holds. Nash reset the record to four minutes 21.50s “miles” ahead of his closest rival Cordel Charles who took silver with four minutes 25.51s while Joel Williams crossed the finish line in four minutes 33.72s for a distant third.

Chantoba Bright also

Tiffauna Garnett storms to the Girls' U-18 200m gold

Speaking after his 200m exploits, the World Junior 400m Silver Medalist revealed that after his tame heat, he was aiming to better the record. He will be aiming to make it a threepeat of records in the 400m today.

Meanwhile, Deshana Skeete also bettered her own Girls U-16 200m record to make it two in a row.

Skeete opened a sizable gap between herself and second placed Brianna Charles on the homestretch to cross the finish line in a new record time of 24.97s. Charles settled for silver at 26s flat while West Demerara’s Binka Joseph came in third

added to her list of growing records when she recorded 1.57m to claim gold in the Girls U-18 High Jump.

Tiandi Smith was just behind with a height of 1.54m with Joylyn Gibson claiming bronze at 1.45m.

After 93 completed events the defending champions had amassed an unassailable lead with 521 points while the surprise package West Demerara (District 3) compiled 359 points with District 13 (South Georgetown) were in third position on 335.5 points.

Today’s final day of the championships will be highlighted with the 400m individual events, the cycle

road races, various relays and the prize giving ceremony. Action is set to start at 10:00hrs.

23

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017

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

guyanatimesgy.com

57th GTU/MoE National Schools Cycling, Swimming & Track & Field Championships

Different day, same script

Pg 22

…as Williams, Skeete add 200m records to collection Deshana Skeete crosses the finish line in record time without a rival in sight

2017/18 CWI/Digicel 4-day championship

Pg 22

Greaves' unbeaten 76 leads Pride recovery – Joseph bags 3

Justin Greaves was stylish during his innings on Thursday at Providence

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