December 4, 2016 by Guyana Daily News

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS Mining Associations Want Concessions Restored PAGE 2

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2016

The Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) and the Guyana Women Miners Organisation (GWMO) are calling on the government to rethink the measures in the budget, in order for the industry to stay afloat. This was noted in a release on Friday, where the bodies noted that the government is failing to deliver on its promises. The body noted that in the 2017 budget, measures such as a 3% reduction in the price of gold sold to the Guyana Gold Board and the removal of concessions to the sector will only lead to lower declarations. The bodies noted that there will be no growth in 2017 without the mining sector, because it was the mining sector which cushioned the decline of the other industries. The country saw a 33% growth which was due to the mining sector. The bodies also noted in the statement that they are “saddened to say that the 2017 Budget has no good news for miners”. According to the associations, no fuel concessions were ever given to the small miners even though there was an agreement between the government and the miners. The agencies are blaming the Guyana energy Agency for what they are calling unrealistic expectations, which caused the concessions to be retracted. The GGDMA and GWMO said that the government promised to return those concessions but to date has failed to do so. “We cannot do more with less,” they added. “If the concessions are not restored there will be a definite contraction of production. We will find it difficult to replace aging vehicles (an excavator has a life of 3-5 years in the interior). The sector will see additional downtime due to additional costs for quality equipment and fuel. The sector will see higher costs for startup and upkeep due to additional VAT on items previously acquired at concessionary rates. This downturn will see a significant spillover effect that will affect every sector of the Guyanese economy. There will be a fall in production and spending all around. This will make 2017 a very dismal year, one which we feel the government will not be able to tax itself out of,” the two entities noted. The GGDMA and the GWMO is calling for th Government to restore the concessions or the

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS IMPORTERS: GOVERMENT FAILING TO STOP SURINAME SMUGGLING PAGE 3

Many local importers have complained about Government’s failure to curb smuggling of goods from Suriname, which they claimed is causing tremendous financial burden on their business. One prominent importer in Georgetown told the Guyana Daily news that he cannot compete with items smuggling through Suriname. He identified items like Ocean Brand Sardine, Jack Mackerel, Plastic Bags, 1 Liter oil, 5 Liter oil Evaporated Milk and Condensed Milk. “Our import duty on these items are in excess of one million dollars per container and the smugglers are paying nothing, how can we compete?” the importer said. He further noted, “The government continues to lose millions in custom duty, this is why they have to tax water and electricity from the poor, one importer complained that these smuggled goods are not checked for quality, labelling requirements and the other hassle we have to go through from Food & Drugs.” Interestingly, one importer pointed out that the label ingredient of the Evaporated and Condensed milk which is being smuggled from Suriname contains the same ingredient that was rejected by Food and Drugs resulting in significant loss to the importers. “These are the reasons why import revenue have decreased sharply and importers complying with the law suffers the consequence,” said the businessman. He also stated that Styrofoam is still being smuggled from Suriname and still being sold throughout the country. “What happen to the green economy the Government continues to tout?” Smuggling of these items from Suriname into Guyana could be costing the treasury as much as $1 billion in revenue loss while the illegal cross-border entry of consumer goods manufactured in various other countries including India, China, Vietnam and countries in South America continues to render the playing field uneven for the many local importers. The

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2016

more serious losses were accrued to the treasury since the mark up that vendors get on consumable items is lower than the taxes that they are required to pay to the state. The estimated losses resulting from the evasion of the various taxes could well exceed $1 billion considering that importers are operating legally.

Picture Showing Smuggled Items From Suriname

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS Continuous labour survey to be conducted in 2017 PAGE 5

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2016

New continuous Labour Force Survey (LFS) will address data gap and will shape the country’s employment policy. This was announced by Minister of Finance Winston Jordan, whilst delivering the 2017 National Budget to the National Assembly on Monday last. Jordan said that the Government has prioritised the undertaking of a continuous LFS, which will be launched in the second quarter of 2017, with support from the country’s development partners The Minister said that, for too long, Government has “laboured in the dark, not knowing our rate of unemployment, or which demographic group requires greatest attention.” He said that the continuous LFS will allow for the Government to generate and disseminate timely data, especially in critical sectors such as health and education Minister Jordan said that the LFS compared to the Census, will collect data in a more detailed way, and with the highest level of regularity, “as it will be an ongoing survey conducted over four continuous quarters. According to the Minister, already, preparations are underway for the continuous LFS. Minister Jordan said that personnel are being trained to capture data in the field, some of which will be done electronically for the first time Jordan said that over 80 persons will be trained by the end of 2017 in the use of handheld devices so that “all information previously collected on paper would now be collected electronically.” The Finance Minister added that the datasets to be collected for the Survey include size, location, gender and educational profiles, occupational status and industry, age structure, and regularity of work The LFS is a monthly survey which measures the current state of the labour market. It is used, among other things, to calculate national and regional employment and unemployment rates. The survey results are used to make important decisions regarding job creation, education and training.

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS Government intends to create four new municipalities PAGE 6

Government intends to create four new municipalities and a number of Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDCs). The creation of the eight new Local Democratic Organs (LDOs) was announced by Minister of Finance Winston Jordan, as he delivered the Budget 2017 to the National Assembly on Monday. Kuru Kururu and Yarrowkabra, in Region 4, Baracara, in Region 6, and Aranaputa, in Region 9 will all be designated NDCs “to enable the citizens to have direct control over the development of their communities,” the Minister said. Additionally, he said, capital towns will be identified for Regions 3, 4, and 5, following the identification of Mahdia as the capital town in Region 8. “These capital towns will serve as the official seat of governance and the central hub for the provision of public services,” the Minister said. The additional LDOs will join the three new towns – Bartica, Lethem and Mabaruma that were recently added to the six existing towns and 65 NDCs. The creation of the new LDOs is part of Government’s plan to ensure the rights of citizens to participate in decisionmaking in their municipalities and neighbourhood councils. It also part of government’s democratisation of local government for the planned economic take-off of the towns and regions. Towards this goal, Government successfully held Local Government Elections on March 18, 2016, after a hiatus of 22 years. Since these elections, the elected 71 LDOs have commenced the process of constituency engagement and community consultations with the various stakeholders, so as to get a sense of the priorities and inform their annual work programmes. Further, building on efforts to promote an inclusive democracy, and guided by the principles of strategic planning, government has begun working with the LDOs on plans of actions to guide the implementation of localised priority recommendations and actions. Minister Jordan reported that, this year, Government successfully completed the updating of six plans of action for municipal development to guide the implementation of localised priority recommendations and actions for Georgetown, New Amsterdam, Rose Hall, Linden, Anna Regina, and Corriverton. (GINA)

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Flash back: Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman stands among the ﬁrst councillors of the Bartica municipality. Region Seven Chairman, Gordon Bradford and Frederick Mc Wilfred of the Political Division of the Ministry of the Presidency are also in photo

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS Guyana to host CARICOM 28th Inter-Sessional Meeting PAGE 8

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2016

Minister of Finance Winston Jordan during this week’s presentation of 2017 budget announced that in February next year, Guyana will be chairing the 28th Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The meeting will seek to address “critical regional issues, including the implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). Jordan pointed out that at the multilateral level, within the framework of development cooperation between the European Union and the African, Caribbean, and Paciﬁc Group of States (ACP-EU), “Guyana will examine the option of pursuing an E-Visa regime, which is expected to reduce the cost of and improve access to visa applications and processing for foreigners wanting to visit the country. The government, Minister Jordan said, “will also, continue exploring new options and avenues for growth and development, while we continue to engage our partners in critical issues such as human rights, democracy, environmental sustainability, trade, and investment at various multilateral fora, including UNASUR, Mercosur, and the United Nations.” The Ministry of Foreign Aﬀairs has been allocated $5.2B in the 2017 National budget to boost Foreign Policy, Economic Diplomacy, and Diaspora Relations. (GINA)

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SuperFoods To Appeal Chief Justice’s Decision - Sayscontainer It is Political And Baseless should not be allowed in the Laboratory is non-functional and he country. Director of the Food and Director Department, Marlon Cole, had refused entry to Ahmad’s container, currently detained by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), after it was established that Ahmad was attempting to import Moi sweetened condensed milk, a product made from vegetable fat-based milk, and not a dairy product as is required by Part IV, Division 5 (Dairy Products) (13) of the Food and Drug Regulations of 1977.

depends on documentations coming with the product from the country of origin in order for it to enter the market. However, Superfoods owner told this newspaper that MOI Sweetened condense milk has all the necessary documentation coming with it from the country of origin, such as; 1. Free sale Certificate 2. Psycho Sanitary Certificate 3. Certificate of Analysis

A c t i n g C h i e f J u s t i c e Yo n e t t e Cummings Edwards Owner of Superfoods Inc has planned to appeal a ruling made by Acting Chief Justice Yonette Cummings Edwards, on the basis that it is baseless, spiteful and very political. The owner noted that the decision of the judge to rule in favour of the Food and Drug department is another example of businesses being victimized by this department. “I will appeal this case to the fullest,” he said. The Chief Justice discharged the Order or Rule Nisi of Certiorari in the matter brought on May 23, 2016 by businessman Raﬁk Ahmad against the Government Analyst – Food and Drug Department for refusing his container of sweetened condensed milk entry into Guyana. The acting Chief Justice found that the respondent, Government Analyst-Food and Drug Department, had demonstrated good reason why the

However, the proprietor asserted that many other condense milk that is sold in Guyana and around the Caribbean are vegetable base which is approved by the Food and Drug of America (FDA). He said large quantities of Condense Milk are imported by Jamaica which shares the same food and drug standard as Guyana. Vegetable based fats are scientifically proven to be a healthy choice as compared to animal fat. According to the labels on the on the MOI sweetened condense milk, it is made with skimmed milk and vegetable fats base. Many businesses have called for the Director to be fired for unethical behavior. Chief Executive Officer of the Sueira Manufacturing Guyana, Frank Sanichara said that the Director is targeting his business because the director would ask for certain documentations regarding the importation of a product, but when the documentations are produced, Mr. Cole changes his requirements. The Guyana Daily news asked Mr. Cole how is it that he determines the standards of a product entering the country, to w h i c h h e s a i d t h e d e p a r t m e n t ’s

4. Food and Health Certiﬁcate from the Ministry of Health in Malaysia. The owner further noted that the very product is being smuggled across the border from Suriname and is being sold on the market without any interference from Food and Drug. He said, “this is hypocrisy to the fullest and this is why the Guyana economy cannot progress.”

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GAWU Detects Increasing Political Interference In Sugar Industry revealing and is at odds with previous pronouncements by the Government.

The apparent heightening of political interference within the sugar industry in recent weeks and months is of concern to the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and by extension thousands of sugar workers. In a press release the media, the union quoted Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman at a recent postCabinet press brieﬁng saying “…administrative staﬀ of the Wales Sugar Estate, West Bank Demerara would have to wait a bit longer as government continues to identify alternative estates for their placement”. GAWU have said that they found the Minister’s announcement startling and

The Union recalled that the Government last year advised that the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GuySuCo) would operate independently and its administration would be conﬁned to the Board and Management. In fact, the union q u o t e d t h e C o r p o r a t i o n ’s Chairman, Professor Clive Thomas in the November 01, 2015 Kaietuer News article:- “GuySuCo’s recent success is also proof that political interference was a severe toxic element in the industry and to the Corporation. That is done with.” In view of the “toxic” repercussions that political interference brings it, the union said that it was in indeed surprising that fairly straightforward, administrative decisions concerning the Corporation have attracted and are attracting Cabinet’s attention. GAWU said that this represents a major shift in attitude by the Government to the sugar industry. It would be interesting to

learn of the motivations behind the seeming change. They also said that they are concerned about what other decisions are being addressed about the industry at the Camp Ayangana meetings.

Another concern to the union was that at same post cabinet brief, the minster was again quoted as saying “…the question becomes now, what to do with lands, so government is looking at several options”. According to the union, this revelation, conﬁrms its suspicion that there was and still is no clear roadmap regarding the future of Wales Estate. GAWU is contending that if simplistic and straight-forward decisions are being considered at the highest levels of Government then the sugar industry can very well be on a perilous path in which political considerations could very well take precedence over other important considerations vital to the industry’s success. The union is urging the decision-makers to carefully consider the path they have embarked and the serious repercussions they can have on morale and the proper functioning of the allimportant sugar industry.

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Education Minister Should Come Clean On Durban Park Project – WPA Member Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine

Executive Member for the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), Dr. David Hinds is calling on Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine to explain to the nation what his role was in Homestretch Development Inc, a company which was created to collect donations for the construction of the Durban Park project. President David Granger had said during his televised program the Public Interest “Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine has not committed any error. In fact, he was a representative on the company that was formerly established. We have not concealed the company. He represented the government’s interest because the celebrations which we had aimed at, at that time of the establishment of the company, concerned largely the 50th anniversary celebrations. So please don’t attach any blame or any fault to him.” But Dr

Hinds noted that Roopnaraine should speak for himself by explaining to the public his role in the company and why he was party to keeping that information secret. “My thinking is this matter will not go away tomorrow and I implore my leader, colleague and friend not to hide behind the President’s explanations, but to speak for himself. I do not believe that Dr. Roopnarine has engaged in any impropriety, but when his integrity is called into question, he owes his party and the country an explanation. Dr. Roopnarine has a history, political legacy and tradition to uphold.” Dr. Hinds said that the government should disclose the details surrounding the project. “If there is nothing to hide—and I believe there was nothing sinister—then why not make the information public? Like many of the problems this government has created for itself, this one speaks to a culture that privileges secrecy when openness is the wiser and politically sensible way to go,” he noted. Dr. Hinds noted that the government should be responsible and not put itself in a position that would embarrass itself. Finally, Dr. Hinds further noted that if the government continues to get into these issues, then they might have something to hide.

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PPP/C Rejects President’s Statement On Durban Park Fiasco nothing criminal about the Durban Park project.” President David Granger on his televised programme “The Public Interest” said Homestretch Development Incorporated (HDI) was established solely to facilitate completion of the D’urban Park Development Project in time for Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebration in the absence of budgetary allocations, following the May 2015 elections.

General Secretary of the PPP/C, Clement Rohee The People’s Progressive Party/C (PPP/C) has rejected the explanation by President Granger to the eﬀect that “there was

General Secretary of the PPP/C, Clement Rohee at Party’s weekly press conference said that the justiﬁcation advanced by the President in respect to the Durban Park project which he described as a national scandal is a cover-up of “horrendous proportions.” Rohee said that this is not the ﬁrst time the President has had to stick his neck out in defence of his “untamed and get-rich quick Ministers” who are developing a reputation for becoming involved in one scandal after other attracting as they go, national attention. The last scandal being the Norton Street Drugs Bond which the President had to condone especially since his Party

Congress was bold enough to shun the national outcry condemning the subject Minister’s involvement in the scandal and for misleading the National Assembly.

The Former Minister said that a similar cover-up was demonstrated when Cabinet appointed a small committee comprising of Norton’s Cabinet colleagues to investigate one of their own and that the outcome could not have been otherwise. Rohee criticize the government that their actions were illegal and was done to plunder the Force Account. “Dressing up a series of breaches of Section 16 of the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act and Section 216 of the Constitution as an “unusual course of action” claiming that the “establishment of a company was expedient at the time” and is “not a secret one” are all excuses and justiﬁcation for a series of illegal acts to plunder the Force Account at the Ministry of Infrastructure.” He stated. Thee PPP/C is contending that dad it not been for a Motion by the Parliamentary Opposition on Private Members’ Day this “revelation would have never seen the light of the day.”

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Planes Grounded After Collision At CJIA A parked Fly Jamaica 767 aircraft was severely damaged after the wings of a Caribbean Airlines plane that was attempting to park, collided with it, causing damages to the stabilizer of the aircraft. The Passengers and crew members of the Fly Jamaica plane had just disembarked when the incident occurred at around 7:40h Tuesday morning. According to reports the Caribbean Airlines ﬂight had just arrived from New York and was heading to its parking area on the tarmac when it connected to the back of the Fly Jamaica Plane. There were no injuries reported. However, as part of the probe by the GCAA, both planes will have to remain grounded. The Pilot for the Caribbean Airlines plane is expected to provide a statement and face questioning by investigators today as the probe begins. Reports further stated that Fly Jamaica has been forced to postpone its service to Toronto today as a result of the incident.

Guyana Fails to Meet Projected Economic Growth Targets Finance Minister, Winston Jordan has described the economic performance for Guyana this year as “dismal” as the country has failed to reach the projected targets for the 2016. The country achieved an economic growth of a mere 2.6 percent from the projected 4.4 percent while was the revised to 4 percent. During his presentation of the budget to the National Assembly, Minister Jordan indicated that gold continues to be the only booming industry, since “the economy felt the drag of dismal output performances in sugar, rice, forestry, and construction, including housing”. While he said that the international price of gold rose by over 7 percent in 2016, he also related that the industry may face downward pressures in 2017, in light of a likely increase in interest rates in the US and the tapering off of the European Central Bank’s (ECB) bond buying programme. Jordan attributed the failure to meet projected targets to “several unexpected developments” including “the downsizing of Barama and Demerara Timbers Limited’s operations in the forestry sector; structural changes and ongoing strikes in the sugar industry; and the slow pace of implementation of the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) conspired to reduce the real growth rate to 2.6 percent.” In addressing the Agriculture and Forestry sectoral performance, Minster Jordan said that “this sector is expected to contract significantly in the second half of 2016 with dismal performance expected for all sub sectors, except fishing and other crops.” The minister said that recovery in 2015, sugar is projected to decline by 18.7 percent, to reach 188,000 metric tonnes in 2016. In the rice industry, due to continued uncertainty in the rice industry, the minister said that output is expected to reach 600,000 metric tonnes in 2016, representing a decline of 12.8 percent from the levels achieved in 2015. The minister said that the Mining the forestry subsector is expected to contract significantly by 33.3 percent, principally as a result of Barama halting the production of logs and the UK's restriction on greenheart logs originating from Guyana. The manufacturing sector is projected to contract by 7.1 percent, as a result of the dismal performances in sugar and rice, as well as

a small decline in other manufacturing. On the bright side, both the fishing and other crops sub-sectors performed creditably, with growth recorded at 11.8 percent and 2.5 percent, respectively. Growth in the fisheries sub-sector is expected to be augmented by the introduction of deep float pelagic tuna production. Despite the high risk, the mining and quarrying sector is projected to grow by 35.7 percent in 2016, the highest in over a decade. The bauxite industry is expected to grow by 9.6 percent, while the other mining and quarrying sector 8 is projected to rise by 22 percent, mainly on account of a 92.5 percent increase in sand production and a 9.2 percent increase in stone production.

Finance Minister, Winston Jordan

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VAT To Be Paid On Water, Electricity Bills The APNU+AFC had promised in its 2015 election campaign that within the first 100 days in office the rate of the Value Addes Tax (VAT) will be reduced from 16%. A year later and the VAT was reduced by 2 percent; this was announced by Finance Minister Winston Jordan during his 2017 budget presentation. How will this benefit the working class and poor citizens of the country? Many persons believed that the 2 percent reduction is being recovered by the introduction of VAT on electricity and water. The minister admitted that the Guyanese economy is taxed and that legitimate businesses are threatened with the high tax rate “high and multiple taxes." The Minister was very bold to announce additional VAT even after sharing those sentiments, as a result businesses will be affected tremendously, adding to the already burdensome high energy cost in the manufacturing sector. "I propose to increase the VAT threshold from $10 million to $15 million. It was found that a significant number of persons were unable to maintain proper records to meet the minimum threshold requirement for VAT registration. As such, this measure will allow the GRA to concentrate on the cohort that makes the bulk of VAT payments, since there will be a smaller tax base and consequently less VAT registrants to administer,” the Minister noted. The Minister further stated that 14 percent VAT on electricity consumption in excess of $10,000 per month and VAT will be attached to water consumption in excess of $1,500 per month.

Education Sector Gets Largest $43.1B Cut Of Budget 2017 The education sector has been allocated the largest cut of the national budget with some $43.1B or 17.2 per cent of the budget. Finance Minister Winston Jordan said that the government’s annual allocation to the sector is in recognition of the definitive role that it is expected to play in changing the country’s development trajectory. Minister Jordan said that in tackling problems which beset the sector, the causes must be address at the core. Towards achieving this goal, he explained that in the $43.1B allocation to the sector, a sum of $1.9 B will provide for the school feeding programme and $578M for the purchasing of textbooks. Together with the President’s 5 Bs Programme, Minister Jordan said that these measures are expected to result in improved attendance, attentiveness, and productivity. Further, to address issues of overcrowding and facilities’ improvements over $3.5B has been allocated to construct, extend, rehabilitate and maintain schools, teachers’ quarters and other buildings. Within this, Minister Jordan said, several new schools are slated for completion including Yurong Paru and Hiowa Nursery Schools in Region 9, Bamia Nursery and Primary in Region 10, and Baramita Nursery in Region 1. A total of 481 trained teachers were added to the pool of qualified teachers in the public school system this year. Minister Jordan said that in 2017, Government aims to add 600 more to afford each student increased quality contact time. Budget 2017 also provides for about $2.4B to be invested to improve learning outcomes of students, at the secondary level, with the aim of expanding the pool of employable, certified labour that can adequately bridge the skills gap. Minister Jordan said that

special focus will be placed on improving access for persons with disabilities. Further, $2.5B has been allocated for Technical Vocational Education (TVET) interventions countrywide, the Minister said. This investment will see the expansion of TVET programmes into the four hinterland regions. Budget 2017 also caters for the on-going repositioning of the University of Guyana (UG) and the efforts to generate revenue and pursue investments that will create a more financially sustainable institution. For 2017, the Government has allocated $2.9B to support UG’s operations and construct a teaching and learning complex for mathematics and science. Minister Jordan said that the Student Loan Agency will be restructured to ensure institutional sustainability, achieve efficiency in processing of student loans, enable an electronic database to improve client interactions and improve customer service.

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS Former Employees Charged With Stealing From Gafoors PAGE 20

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2016

Dean Williams, 26, and Ricardo Khemraj, 24, this morning appeared in the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Delon Bess, charged with the oﬀence of simple larceny which they allegedly committed between October 14 and November 12, 2016. The duo was granted bail in the sum of GY$100,000 each and will return before the Chief Magistrate on December 6, 2016 for continuation into the matter. Williams and Khemraj, who are both residents of the Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara and former employees of Gafoors, pleaded not guilty to the act. Williams' lawyer, in his bail application noted that the stolen items were recovered. It is alleged that between the dates in question the duo stole a quantity of lights, property of Sattaur Gafoor valued at GY$81,000.

Father Of Four Charged With Discharging Firearm Thirty-four -year old Leon Smart today appeared at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court charged with discharging a loaded firearm at Rajesh George. The accused was granted bail in the sum of GY$150,000 and will return before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on December 5, 2016 for continuation into the matter. The father of four was unrepresented and pleaded not guilty to the charge. The application to be granted bail was not objected to by the Police led prosecution, however the stipulation was attached that Smart must report to the Agricola Police Station every Friday for the duration of the matter. It is alleged that on November 25, 2016 at Princess Street, Georgetown the accused discharged a loaded firearm at the Virtual Complainant, with intent to maim, disable, disfigure or cause grievous bodily harm.

$37.2B Allocated To Infrastructure Sector budgeted for the rehabilitation of stellings at Bartica, Supenaam,

The infrastructure sector is set to receive a massive $37.2 Billion out of the $250 Billion 2017 budget. Minister of Finance Winston Jordan during his presentation of the 2017 budget said that an infrastructure network that can support rapid economic development requires huge capital investments. “This is especially true of Guyana with its sparsely populated town and village centres scattered over its 214,970 square kilometres. Recognising this, we have allocated $37.2B to narrow the infrastructure deficit in the country, even as we pursue other financing options, including Public-Private Partnerships (P3s), for the large scale transformative projects,” Minister Jordan explained. The allocation is an increase from 7.6 percent in 2015, to a proposed 14.9 percent in 2017. Minister Jordan noted that the 2017 Budget is intended to kick-start the government’s development agenda by investing heavily in critical infrastructure, power, transportation, and logistics, among other areas. The Finance Minister indicated that the government has been waiting for over five decades to bridge the coastal and hinterland divide, and create national and hemispheric inter-connectivity with the Linden to Lethem corridor. According to Minister Jordan, for 2017, several infrastructural projects onboard include; Commencement of the first phase of the Linden to Lethem Road project which spans Linden to Mabura Hill, Commencing of work on a permanent fixed bridge across the Essequibo River at Kurupukari, seeking funding to construct a road from Parika to Goshen, followed by the construction of a bridge from Monkey Jump to Bartica, complementing the bridge crossing the Essequibo River at Kurupukari, resurfacing and rehabilitation, where necessary of the Linden-Soesdyke highway and pursuing negotiations for the dredging of the Demerara River, in order to reduce the need for high frequency, low capacity, offloading of vessels among others. For 2017, the sum of $294M has been

Mazaruni, Morawhanna, New Amsterdam and Rosignol, while $240M has been allocated to recondition the Malali, Sandaka, and Lady Northcote vessels. Approximately $295M will be used to purchase a barge and dock several vessels. The continued maintenance and upgrading of the stellings and vessels will facilitate a normalised and safer flow of private and commercial traffic across our waterways. Sea and river defences remain as critical to Guyana’s safety and future, given the effects that climate change is having across the country. A total of $2.5B was allocated towards the construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance of sea defence infrastructure in Regions Three, Four, Five and Six. The sum of $385M has been set aside to complete rehabilitation of nine airstrips across the hinterland and to commence rehabilitation of three more. This represents an interim intervention by the Government, pending negotiations with the Caribbean Development Bank for a larger project, of about US$15M, to upgrade aerodromes and airstrips.

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Finance Minister, Winston Jordan

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Worst Budget In The History Of Guyana – Jagdeo Says

Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo has labeled the 2017 budget as the worst he has ever seen in the history of Guyana. Jagdeo, a former Finance Minister and former President, said that the ﬁscal package was “ominous” and that not much thought had gone into its formation. Jagdeo deemed the entire budget presentation as “immensely unresourceful” highlighting that it may more than likely “kill the Private Sector.” Speaking at a post budget presentation

press brief, the opposition Leader said that the proposed tax measures outlined in the Minister’s presentation will no doubt bring untold hardships on ordinary people and be remembered for the “disincentives” to private investment.

and the list of other proposed tax measures will have a negative eﬀect on citizens. “The tax measures are so numerous that it will wreak havoc. Imagine a logger is at home now thinking what he will do next.

“I was sitting there; one thought came to my head. That it was immensely unresourceful, but as we got to the latter part of the Budget, particularly when he (Finance Minister Winston Jordan) announced the measures, I changed that assessment to immensely ominous for the future of Guyana, for the future of job creation and growth, and business development and for the future of welfare and growth in beneﬁts to ordinary people,” Jagdeo expressed. The former president pointed out that the imposition of a 14 percent Value Added Tax (VAT) on water and electricity consumption,

These tax measures will kill the Private Sector. At one point I was taking notes and I stopped. It is unbelievable. I did not expect this,” Jagdeo said. The Opposition Leader heavily criticize the government on the “increased” taxation, which he said can be linked to the ‘fact’ that Government has no strategy to generate revenue so they sought to tax average Guyanese in an already depressed economy. Jagdeo said the budget was ﬁlled with lots of old rehashed information and his party would highlight these issues when the debate begins on December 5.

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Government To Reduce Use Of PreTrial Detention For Minor Crimes The government will review its pre-trial detention policies and push for alternative sentencing as it work towards reforming the justice sector in the coming year. Minister of Finance Winston Jordan, during his 2017 budget presentation on Monday in the National Assembly, said that the government will reduce the burden on the prison system by implementing a comprehensive institutional strengthening programme aimed at inﬂuencing the use of penal and rehabilitation policy and law. This will be done through the “Support for Criminal Justice System Programme”, Minister Jordan pointed out. “Ultimately, we intend to reduce the use of pre-trial detention for persons accused of minor, non- violent, oﬀences by aggressively promoting the use of

alternative sentencing options such as probation, community service, restitution, and fines,” Minister Jordan explained. The strengthening of the legislative framework is also being done to enhance capacity to prevent money laundering and arrest the financing of terrorism. “To this end, the Government has embarked on a tailored technical cooperation programme aimed at formally assessing the money laundering and terrorist financing risks,” Minister Jordan noted. While Guyana, was cleared from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) watch list in October in this regard, the government must prove its effectiveness in being able to convict those who launder money and pilfer state assets if it is to remain off the watch list. The capacity of the judicial system will

have to be developed in order to meet this requirement. “The Government continues to place the highest priority on the maintenance of a strong justice system, given its role in upholding our civil liberties and maintaining the rule of law,” Minister Jordan said. Additionally, the government pledged to work assiduously in the area of constitutional reform. “An administrative secretariat will be established to manage the reform process and support the consultations,” Minister Jordan stated. Minister Jordan said that in 2017 consultations across the 10 administrative regions will be done by the Constitutional Reform Commission. The consultations are expected to last for two years with over 100 communities being engaged in the process for which $80M has been allocated.

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Police Force Gets New Gym The Seelall Persaud Fitness Centre, which is located in the compound of the Felix Austin Police College was officially declared open on Wednesday. The facility which cost some $21.2 million is fully equipped with some $6 million worth of equipment. The facility will be open to all members of the Guyana Police Force both present and past. Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan said the facility will play a great role in ensuring that police men and women keep in shape as is required by the job in which they do. “It is important for us to understand that law enforcement, being an indispensable institution, to ensure law and order, requires certain facilities of the personnel that populate it,” the minister said. “And the administration of the day does make that special effort to ensure that these facilities are provided,” he added. Police Commissioner Persaud also explained that the the gym was part of an initiative aimed at building the Moral of the GPF. “The Force management team having considered that morale in the Force was extremely low, decided on a range of initiatives to rebuild morale in the Force,” the top cop noted. “Some of the welfare initiatives would have included initiatives targeting both members of the Force and their families, he further noted. Seelall also stated, “The objective of the fitness centre is to improve the health and well-being of the persons that use it.” The top cop also applauded the efforts of Assistant Commissioner, Nigel Hoppie, for his efforts in making the gym a reality. The gym will be managed by Assistant Commissioner, Paul Williams, Mr. Williams stated that he hopes that in the future, each division of the Police Force would become equipped with a similar facility.

We Are Not Manufacturing Crime Statistics - Ramjattan Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan on Wednesday refuted claims that the crime statistics being reported by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) were not reflective of the current crime situation. Speaking at the signing of a 3 million Euro agreement between the Guyana government and the European for the Seaport Cooperation Programme (SEACOP), Minister Ramjattan said that ““those nay-sayers who are giving the impression that we are manufacturing the statistics, that is not true, and this administration, and this Ministry and all those involved in law enforcement are not going to do that..” Ramjattan said that some 300 persons have already received training at a regional and international training level since the coalition administration took office last year resulting in better trained police ranks. The Security minister said that more people are coming forward and speaking out and giving statement resulting in in more crime being reported. He said that all things are helping in reinforcing a “renewed confidence” in law enforcement. Minister Ramjattan made reference the murder of a Berbice carpenter for which the mastermind, US-based Guyanese Marcus Bisram, behind that homicide is now wanted by Interpol for not only allegedly paying to have the carpenter murdered but also being accused of paying officers at the Skeldon Police Station to corrupt the file. There were allegations that Bisram also attempted to bribe the family. The minister also urged more citizens to speak out against rogue cops. “Massive amounts of drugs, cocaine, meth, and cannabis sativa have this appealing effect on even law enforcement officers getting corrupt,” Minister Ramjattan said about the number of former police officers reported in the press in connection with criminal activities. “That is why I told the people, I want them to speak out against rogue cops and cops that are corrupt,” Ramjattan said on his recent trip to Skeldon, “silence would be condoning and silence is violence.” Guyana is now part of 26 other countries in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean which have signed on to the SEACOP programme. As part of the project, the United Kingdom will provide an advisor to the Ministry of the Presidency from January 2017. EU Ambassador Jernej Videtic said the Guyana Public Security Minister, partnership in the initiative would have a global impact since Guyana is seen as a Khemraj Ramjattan trans-shipment point for narcotics.

LOCAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS President Granger Lauds Guyana/Barbados 50-Year-OldFriendship PAGE 27

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 201

President David Granger and First Lady, Ms. Sandra Granger joined Barbadians to celebrate that nation’s 50th Anniversary of Independence at three national events, which were observed with pomp and ceremony, despite inclement weather that resulted in major schedule changes. The Head of State attended the Toast to the Nation event held at the Barbados Defence Force Headquarters at St. Ann’s Fort, the Reveal of the 50th Anniversary of Independence National Monument at The Garrison Savannah and the Golden Anniversary Spectacular Mega Concert at Kensington Oval. Prime Minister Freundel Stuart, who welcomed the President and First Lady to the event, described the Guyanese Head of State as his friend and colleague and emphasised the 50-year-old friendship between the two countries. Speaking at the Toast to the Nation event, he said, “I am very pleased to have here… my friend and colleague, the distinguished President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. His presence here, this evening, is of great importance because Guyana in 1966, as well, on May 26 went into Independence and earlier this year itself celebrated its Golden Jubiliee. I was there for that celebration and I am very pleased to welcome President Granger and Mrs. Granger here to Barbados. The warmth and the hospitality and the generosity of Guyana can be unbounded.” That generosity was illustrated later in the evening when President Granger delivered a gift of a painting depicting the national bird of Guyana, the Canje Pheasant, which was created by Guyanese artist, Ms. Merlene Ellis, to the people of Barbados on the occasion of their 50th Independence Anniversary. The President also gifted Prime Minister Stuart with a Winslow Craig crafted, wooden sculpture called the ‘The Chief Witness to the Environment’. Reading the artist’s description of the work, the Guyanese Head of State said “The visual imagery is derived from a combination of Indigenous Guyanese petroglyphs, patterns and weaving designs.” Presenting the gifts, he said, “We would like you to have these two gifts as a symbol of the 50-year friendship between our two countries, which is seen today November 30 and of course the fact that Barbadians have been coming to Guyana for over 50 years as welcomed migrants.” Significantly also, Guyana has played a role in the Barbados celebrations with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) delighting the crowd gathered at the reveal of the National Monument event with a spectacular fireworks display. In addition, weather permitting, GDF paratroopers, supported by the Air Corps will display their skill, at today’s Independence parade at the Garrison, Savannah, which had to be rescheduled from yesterday, because of heavy rains, which resulted in some flooding. A total of 25 GDF members are participating in the Independence activities. Also attending the 50th Anniversary of Barbados Independence events is Prince Henry of Wales, KCVO, familiarly known as Prince Harry. The Prince, who delivered a message on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II at the Toast to the Nation event, and will be arriving in Guyana on December 2, 2016, greeted the President and the First Lady at the Toast to the Nation President David Granger event.

LOCAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS Red House Hosts Reﬂection On The Life And Work Of FidelCastro Members of the Peoples Progressive Party (PPP), oﬃcials of qualifying it as the most important event that happened in PAGE 29

the Cuban Embassy and guests, gathered on Wednesday evening on the terrace of the 19th century, 3-storey colonial style Red House, located in High Street for an evening of reflection on the life and work of the late leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro Ruz. Former President Donald Ramotar, politician and former president of Bharrat Jagdeo, General Secretary of the PPP Clement Rohee, along with the Cuban Embassador, Consul, and guests enjoyed narrations on Castro’s life. Cuban Embassador, Julio Cesar Gonzales Marchante, was the first to take the podium. He emotively expressed the impact of Castro, not only in the shaping of Cuba, but in the world, as the titan and leader that he was. Marchante spoke of the many privileges that Cuba enjoys today thanks to the sacrifice made by Castro and the ‘Rebeldes’ (denomination given to the Cuban guerrilla) back in the 50s when they battled the ‘empire of the north’, as Cubans like to refer to USA, and won. Marchante stated that –“Fidel built a nation and a principle. A path to follow”- stressing on the need to continue to harvest his ideal, and the cause he sacrificed for. The Cuban ambassador also mentioned the privilege of serving in Guyana in representation of his country. Finishing his speech with part of the historic discourse given by Fidel on May 1st 2000, later declared by the government as ‘Cuban Oath’: “Revolution is the sense of the historic moment; is to change all which must be changed; is complete equality and liberty; is to be treated and to treat others as human beings; is to emancipate ourselves by ourselves and with our own efforts; is to challenge dominant powerful forces within the social and national scope and realm; ;is to defend values in which we believe at the price of any sacrifice; is modesty, unselfishness, altruism, solidarity and heroism; is to fight with audacity, intelligence and realism; is to never lie nor violate ethical principles; is the profound conviction that exists no force in the world capable of confounding truth and ideas Revolution is unity, is independence, is to fight for our dreams of justice for Cuba and for the world which is the base of our patriotism, our socialism and our internationalism,” Fidel Castro Ruz. Former president Donald Ramotar took the podium and with fervor in his voice narrated the countless times he had the opportunity to speak with the late mandatary. “Today he rests”- he started –“but for us, the generation that I grew up in, Fidel Castro was dominant in our lives. From the time I joined the party he was already a centrum of his nation and Latin America. The relationship between Guyana and Cuba has come a long way. Cheddi Jagan met Fidel in Habana in the 60s, and was a tremendously courageous thing to do at that time, when the majority of LatinAmerica and the Caribbean leaders refused to recognize the Cuban government”- Ramotar mentioned how he is proud to support the Cuban Revolution from the very beginning, he stated that this was not only a revolution “transcended Cuba”,

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2016

Latina-America and the Caribbean.” Ramotar referred to Fidel as a leader with charisma.

Leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro Ruz

continued on next page...

LOCAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS We Are Willing To Collaborate With The Government – Jagdeo PAGE 30

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2016

Parliamentary opposition leader Bharrat Jagdeo said that he and his party would be willing to work with the government to remove the bulk of taxes that the budget has placed on Guyanese citizens. Jadgeo had offered to meet with the government to share ideas and create incentives to help “grow Guyana.” “We are prepared, if such a process is initiated, we are willing to collaborate with the government to share our ideas to grow Guyana, create incentives and enhancing welfare for Guyanese without implementing these draconian measures,” Jagdeo said on Friday at a news conference at the Office of the leader of the opposition. Dr. Jadgeo shifted blame for the 2017 budget from Finance Minister Winton Jordan to President David Granger. He said the president should gather his ministers to listen to all of the concerns and remove “all of these offensive policies that will harm all the people of this country and it will destroy our productive sector.” The opposition leader called on the president to withdraw the 2017 budget or examine the concerns about the “offensive, oppressive measures” which he believe would “devastate the lives of many poor people and will cause the productive sector to regress.” Jadgeo heavily criticize the government for implantation taxes on Internet data, saying at it goes against the government’s own ICT strategies and their push knowledge-driven economy strategy. He flayed the government for the introduction of a 14 percent Value Added Tax (VAT) on water and electricity as well as private education and health services. He also reiterated concerns of the business community and citizens about the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) new power to block VAT debtors from Parliamentary opposition leaving the country and the garnishment of bank accounts of persons who owe taxes. leader, Bharrat Jagdeo The Opposition Leader said he was inclined to support the idea of garnishment but only if there is a court ruling.

Public Security Ministry To Enforce Protocol For Police Donations

Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan

The Minister of Public Security will examine new protocols for the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to receive donations so that professionalism is not compromised. Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan on Wednesday in the Ministry’s boardroom, Brickdam, said he will examine establishing protocols that stipulate that donations to the GPF be made through the Ministry. The current operational protocol states that donations to the GPF must be made to the Commissioner of Police. Minister Ramjattan noted that this protocol will be enforced in the meantime so that police oﬃcers’ professionalism is not compromised. Donations by businesses often help to meet an immediate need of police stations and oﬃcers, Minister Ramjattan noted. “Indeed there are times when the police and or the CPGs (Community Policing Groups)… require the assistance of businessmen and there are genuine businessmen who give without wanting anything in return, and who will never compromise the professionalism of the police force,” the Minister pointed out. However, Minister Ramjattan emphasised that donations received from businesses do not guarantee any protection if they break the law. “We do not want to see businessmen giving and expecting that they, having committed a crime, will now see that CPG group or police force compromising the investigation thereafter,” Minister Ramjattan said. (GINA)

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Focus On 2016 National Budget- Ram & McRae Growth in Real GDP of 2.6% compared with initial and revised targets of 4.4% and 4% respectively. Growth was 3.0% in 2015. Inflation is projected at a rate of 1.3% compared with an initial target of 2.0%. Negative inflation of 1.8% was recorded in 2015. Overall balance of payments deficit of US$29.2 million compared with US$107.7 million in 2015, improving by 72.9%. The 91-day Treasury bill rate decreased marginally from 1.92% in 2015 to 1.89%. The Central Bank rate of the Guyana dollar to the US dollar remained stable at $206.5 while the average market commercial bank mid-rates for the US dollar and the Euro depreciated by 0.2% to $208.21 and 2.0% to $226.17 respectively. The market mid-rates for the Pound Sterling and Canadian Dollar appreciated by 12.3% to $273.93 and 0.3% to $158.82 respectively to September 2016. Current Revenue of $174.8 billion compared with $161.7 billion in 2015, an increase of 8.1% and a shortfall of $1.5 billion or 0.9% from that budgeted. Current Expenditure of $179.0 billion, an increase of 10.9%. Merchandise exports and imports are projected to increase by 19% to US$1.4 billion and by 4.4% to US$1.6 billion respectively. Current account deficit of US$100.8 million (2015: US$181.5 million); and net inflows on the capital account of US$71.6 million (2015: US$71.4 million). Overall fiscal deficit of $38.4 billion compared with $9.3 billion in 2015 and budgeted amount of $33.2 billion. `Gross external reserves at September 30, 2016 for Bank of Guyana of US$610.4 million, an increase from US$598.5 million in 2015, or 2.0%. Size of the Budget: $250Bn, 8.7% increase 2017 Targets Growth in Real GDP of 3.8%. The inflation rate projected is 2.5%. Balance of payments is expected to reverse from an overall deficit of US$29.2 million to an overall surplus of US$20.0 million. Current revenue of $186.02 billion, an increase of 6.4%. Current expenditure of $193.36 million, an increase of 8.0%. Current account to register a deficit of US$45.3 million. Capital account to register a surplus of US$65.2 million compared with the revised and budgeted 2016 of US$71.6 million and US$163.1 million respectively. Overall fiscal deficit of $42.4 billion, an increase of 10%. Ram & McRae’s Comments 1. 2016 showed the second lowest growth rate in the last decade, with a 2.3% in 2009. Average over the last five years of 3.92% down from a high of 5.2% in 2013. 2. Despite the low growth rate, current revenues increased by 8.1%, which will partly be on account of Government agencies now being required to pay VAT on several inputs. 3. New Consumer Price Index targeted for the end of 2017 4. In health care, extremely troubling declines in the socio-economic indicators. The crime numbers may be correct however, the perception is of a different reality with a spike in robberies, some of which may not be included in the serious crimes statistics.

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Prince Harrys Lands In Guyana Prince Harry of Wales departed from Barbados this Friday as he embarked on the final leg of his 15-day tour of the Caribbean. The Douglas DC-3 Guyana Airways in which he was traveling, landed on the Eugene F. Correira International Airport, around the 13:00hrs. He was welcomed by a soldiers and officials, who arranged a small but warm ceremony. The ‘Land of Many Waters’ will enjoy the presence of the 32-year-old monarch, for the period of three days. The Prince’s visit to Guyana will wrap up his two-week visit to the Caribbean on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II. The Prince's first engagement will be visit President David Granger. Later this Friday, Harry will lay a wreath at the national independence monument and in the evening attend a reception hosted by the British High Commissioner Greg Quinn. During this two weeks, Harry has visited Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines as well as Barbados. The visit to the Caribbean coincides with the 50th Anniversary of Independence for Guyana, the 50th Anniversary of Independence for Barbados, and the 35th Anniversary of Independence for Antigua and Barbuda. Born in London, England as Prince Henry Charles Albert David, on September 15th, 1984, the Prince is the second son of Charles, Prince of Wales and the late Princess Diana of Wales. Source: https://www.royal.uk/prince-harry-visitcaribbean

Prince Henry of Wales

Prince Harry on his arrival to the Eugene F. Correira International Airport, Guyana

INTERNATIONAL PAGE

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2016

A Day Like Today and lyrics, providing structure to his verses by adding ‘links’ in

Jay Z was born Shawn Carter on December 4th 1969, in Brooklyn, New York. He and his three siblings were raised by their mother, Gloria Carter, after their father, Adness Reeves abandoned the family. Carter besides being a trouble maker since small, was always ‘one children band’. He would take buckets and use them as drums, or any kitchen wears and transform them into any musical instrument. According to his mother, he used to wake up his siblings in the middle of the night ‘banging out’ drum patters on the kitchen table. Carter grew up in the ‘Marcy Houses’. This was a housing project in Brooklyn's Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood, implemented to accommodate families will low resources. During his childhood Carter started to show interest for rapping. The rap battles and the rapid lyrics of the songs, captivated the young Carter. He started to create his own tunes, giving him the possibility of participating in this friendly ‘rapping clash’. His debut as rapper revelation was at the ‘Show and Prove’, on the 1994 Big Daddy Kane album ‘Daddy's Home’. He rapidly became a familiar face on street shows and gigs. With no major label to give him a record deal, Carter sold CDs out of his car and, with now entrepreneur and music producer Damon Dash and Kareem Biggs, created Roc-A-Fella Records as an independent label in 1995. Jay Z released his 1996 debut album ‘Reasonable Doubt’ with the collaboration of acclaimed producers such as DJ Premier, DJ Clark Kent and American rapper The Notorious B.I.G But Carter needed a stage name. He was first called Jazzy, but was soon shortened to Jay-Z, and stayed. In 1998, Jay Z released Vol. 2 ‘Hard Knock Life’ which spawned the biggest hit of his career at the time. This album became Jay Z's most commercially successful album. It was certified 5× Platinum in the United States and has to date sold over five million copies. In 1999, he collaborated with Mariah Carey on ‘Heartbreaker’, a song from her seventh album, ‘Rainbow’. That same year he released Vol. 3 ‘Life and Times of S. Carter’. The album proved successful and sold over 3 million copies Jay Z was building a name, and was doing it right. During the decades that follow he became a ‘Hybrid’ of a rapper. He would defy the rules of this musical genre, often described as ‘a master of the flow’. He would dominate rhythm

order to make them rhyme. He has established himself as a successful entrepreneur with a business empire spanning across a variety of industries ranging from clothing lines, beverages, real estate, sport teams, and record labels. Today Jay Z, is one of the most acclaimed rappers in the music industry. He is one of the world's best-selling artists of all time, having sold more than 100 million records, while receiving 21 Grammy Awards for his musical work, and numerous additional nominations. Source: http://www.biography.com/ people/jay-z-507696

Jay Z is turning 47 today. Let’s celebrate with him

Slingerz boat cruise featuring Bennie Man today Anthony Moses Davis, better known by his stage name ‘Beenie Man’ will be the featured performer today, when Slingerz Family in collaboration with Promoter Blackboy hosts its epic boat cruise. This most expected event, will be the grand Finale of the weekend. The ‘boat party’ you can’t aﬀord to miss, the Bennie Man extravaganza of December. A signature event of the Slingerz Family, which guarantees to give you a weekend worth remembering. The cruise will leave the Parika Stelling and travel to Supenaam, Essequibo Coast. After a brief recession the cruise will follow the same trajectory back to the Parika Stelling. Along with the artist invited, the show will also feature local singers Gully Ras, Selector Face, Stichie One Man Band, accompanies by 12 boat ride models. Tickets for the cruise cost $3000 in advance and $4000 at the Stelling. Advance tickets can be picked up at all Two Brothers locations, White Castle Fish Shop and Mark’s Beer Garden. An experience not to be missed. Music, high quality performances and outstanding service. All guaranteed to be

provided this Sunday 4th of December on the Essequibo Coast. Source: https://www.facebook.com/ kingbeeniemann/