Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY Everyone should celebrate Mother’s Day in honour of their mothers and to thank them for all their love and support. Every human being on earth has a mother and Mother’s love is unconditional. Mothers, like children, are the most precious gifts from God to us. We can never really thank our mothers for all they have done for us nevertheless, but we must make it a habit to keep reminding ourselves of the various sacrifices they have made while raising us. Mother’s Day is the best time to tell our mothers how much we love and appreciate them. The celebration of Mother’s Day surrounds the commemoration and honour of motherhood. And although the celebration varies from country to country, it dates back to the Greek annual spring festival which in Greek mythology is dedicated to their maternal Goddess, Rhea. In England, Mother’s Day began in the 1600s when a “Mothering Sunday” was celebrated to honour Mary Magdalene, the mother of Jesus Christ but was later expanded by a religious order to include all the mothers in England. In the United States, thanks to the pioneering efforts of Julia Ward Howe, a social activist who wrote the Civil War song: “Battle Hymn of the Republic”, and Anna Jarvis, a Pennsylvania native, President Woodrow Wilson declared May 8, 1914 to be Mother’s Day. It was to honour mothers and to appeal and acknowledge womanhood in the United States and throughout the world. In keeping with the U.S tradition that began in the early 20th century, today, most of the countries celebrate Mother’s Day on the second Sunday in May. However, different societies have devised unique ways to recognize the multifaceted roles and talents of mothers in their Mother’s Day celebrations. Over the years, the tradition of Mother’s Day celebration has changed. It has become so much commercialized, that many believe that merchants more than mothers are the greatest beneficiaries. Mother’s Day continues to be one of the most commercially successful occasions in the United States and several other countries around the world especially for the florists, gift cards and other commercial industries. This contrasts sharply with the intent to conceptualize a special day to honour and pay homage to mothers. It is true that mothers are special and hundreds of millions of people around the world will be celebrating Mother’s Day by showering them with gifts, etc. We in Guyana should honour and recognize our mothers for giving us life, raising us and for being there for us through good and bad times. We should also shower them with praises, gifts and love for being affectionate, kind and caring. As we celebrate Mother’s Day with our families this year, we must remember the mothers who were murdered and who are being sexually and physically abused by their spouses or partners for no sensible reason. Mothers are special and irreplaceable and no matter what they do or what strife they may have caused, they do not deserve to face such horrible deaths. In fact, no one should. Those who have been murdered have inadvertently become a symbol of the struggle mothers and women in general encountered daily in society. At times, one gets the impression that society has failed our mothers. And this has spelled disaster for children and, in many cases, the entire family structure, which without mothers, is delicate. Mothers are both special and precious and should be honoured and recognized not only on Mother’s Day, but also every day. It is the mother whom nature has entrusted the sacred and perhaps the most serious responsibility of nurturing and caring for children from conception to birth and to adulthood. Inherent in this loving relationship is a bond that is as deep and as eternal as life itself. It is a sense of duty like no other. Happy Mother’s Day.
Sunday May 14, 2016
Kaieteur M@ilbox Send your letters to Kaieteur News 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown or email us kaieteurnews@yahoo.com
I see a third party coming and it will be successful Dear Editor, I am not an intellectual but I consider myself acquainted with what goes on in the world because I do keep abreast with the news. World news is my daily diet. I was about to send this letter but I held back until I saw the results of the French elections. Guyana will be the first third world country to follow in the trend of dumping traditional political parties when the third force comes on the scene in two years’ time. We had Trump beating traditional rivals. We had Brexit. In France it is the same thing. Last Sunday the world saw another just born politician and a newcomer who never contested even a local government election become president of France. Everything seems to be set for
Guyana to achieve the unachievable; a new party that will sweep the old parties away. All of its leaders will be people who never faced the electorate and who never held even a touch of power. I strongly suspect that Freddie Kissoon will lead that list. Mr. Kissoon’s silence has spoken. There isn’t anyone in Guyana who is not familiar with the personality of Freddie Kissoon. You mash his toes and he will tell you where to get off. You bruise his elbow and he will fight you. You make accusations against him and the Kaieteur News is inflamed. Yet this man who thrives on arguments and debates has been silent a long time now when people write that he is the likely presidential candidate for a new party that wants to challenge APNU+AFC and the PPP
Guyana is an unpredictable country. If anyone had even hinted that Freddie Kissoon will enter politics I would have said no. The ultimate radical, Kissoon has always been a one-man band so full of philosophy and idealism that to many, he is either crazy or eccentric or adventurous. But give him his due. He is clean, honest and multi-racial. We cannot say the same for the lot that has ruled us since God knows when. Who are these people that are trying to remove the traditional party? From what I have heard through the grapevine, there is Nigel Hughes. This is an unbeatable factor that will scare the APNU+AFC boy and girls. Hughes is a crowd pleaser everyway he goes. If Nigel Hughes cannot bring a third party (Continued on page 5)
Sunday May 14, 2017
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Explanation to the eleven UG students on the Crab Island facility
Have your say Mom - it’s Mother’s Day
DEAR EDITOR, A letter published in your newspaper on May 13, 2017 by University of Guyana students on the feasibility of an on-shore base and other matters relating to the Government of Guyana’s contractual arrangement with ExxonMobil is referred. The Ministry of Natural Resources welcomes the interest displayed by this group of students and their Lecturer and avails itself to answer all questions and allay all concerns as best as possible. Where the proposed onshore base is concerned, it must be stated that though the Ministry of Natural Resources has identified Crab Island, Berbice as a very possible site, the necessary feasibility and environmental and social impact studies have not been completed and for this reason there is no sanctioned project. The Government of Guyana and the private sector are firm in their shared commitment to work towards ensuring that all support services for the oil and gas in-
dustry take place in Guyana to ensure investments and jobs for Guyanese, and to this end, are in agreement that an on-shore supply base is an imperative. ExxonMobil and the other international operators share this belief as well. The exact location has not yet been settled and arrangements are being made to formally approach an international institution to conduct the necessary studies to answer the questions of what type of onshore base Guyana will need, where it should best be located and how the corporate and financial structures should be configured. The students and young people of Guyana are reminded of government’s promise to seek the best advice that is available locally and internationally to guide its decision-making. On the wider issues of the contractual arrangements with ExxonMobil, it is reiterated that the APNU+AFC government on taking office met an agreement that was signed in 1999, and based on
advice received, chose not to make any fundamental changes and disclosures to, and about, the agreement and to respect its terms. Further, since taking office, the government has issued no new prospecting licenses for the areas referred to in the letter as these were pre-existing concessions to companies that remain in force. The Minister of Natural Resources intends to meet with students again, and to continue to share perspectives on the developing oil and gas industry. The students who penned the letter will be contacted directly. Further, the national outreach exercise, which commenced at the University of Guyana’s Turkeyen Campus, is presently on-going and the University and other institutions will continue to receive special attention as we proceed to prepare for first oil in 2020. N. Johann Earle Public Affairs and Communications Officer Ministry of Natural Resources
I see a third party coming and it will... From page 4 to victory then Guyanese are stuck in a mindset that forever will see the PNC and PPP ruling us. I doubt this will happen. Guyana is on the verge of a new party that will create history. For me the key will be the young voters. If a third party can entice voters then the game is over for our two great rivals. Young people are looking for a clean, visionary government. Someone like Freddie Kissoon is seen as person who has vision. Reading Mr. Kissoon’s daily offerings, he strikes you as a welcome
voice of reason and vision. Young people are not going to vote for the two great rivals. It is for this reason I think the third party can pull it off. I have been reliably informed that two PPP politicians will join and one from the AFC. I also heard through the grapevine that two top lawyers and three top businessmen will show their hands. There will be some who fought against the parking meters This will be a new look/ outfit full of confidence and zeal. They will take to the
streets of Guyana and entice the nation. There will be an outpouring of sympathy and emotions. All the signs are there that Guyana will turn away from the two great rivals. We have to pray that it happens. I believe it will. Make no mistake, the APNU+AFC has run out of steam and ideas. People, especially the young will turn their backs on them. The truth, Mr. Editor is that Guyanese are looking for an alternative. That alternative is about to happen. We must all chip in. Cyril Ramnarace
DEAR EDITOR, Here we are nearing Mother’s day and already fear of a strange nature is invading my cranium. No it’s not attributable to commercialism, the over-played expectation of cards, or meals out and chocolates. Mother’s Day is one national day that I could not possibly argue with. What mother does not deserve a day of recognition and reward? Where would we all be without our mothers—apart from not even being here in the first place! When we speak of mothers our praises never become clichés. According to Erma Bombeck motherhood is the second oldest profession and the largest on the job training program. Mothers
are the original designated hitters; they go to bat for their children wherever they are. The annual celebration of Mother’s Day has been observed in much the same way for centuries and all over the country sons and daughters will be very much doing the same thing. However, there has been one rather significant and rather calamitous change. All in all it is a sad development that truly sours many a home visit or restaurant gathering, but is particularly damaging on a day when the happiness of family are supposed to be the main focus — The Arrival of the Mobile Phone at Table. (Continued on page 6)
EXXONMOBIL responds to UG engineering students DEAR EDITOR, ExxonMobil’s affiliate in Guyana, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) wishes to respond to a letter titled: “Was a feasibility study done for this Crab Island facility?’ in the Kaieteur News that was published on 13 May. EEPGL is pleased at the interest shown by the students of the University of Guyana on the oil and gas developments in our country, and we are committed to engaging with students and other stakeholders on the status and progress of our operations. The title of the article “many key oil and gas questions to be answered” is what drives the many public engagements and one-onone meetings that EEPGL has participated in around the country over the past year. These engagements seek to
share the elements of a comprehensive draft environmental impact assessment (EIA), important project updates, and capacity building material. A critical component of our work at ExxonMobil is engaging with the public to answer questions on local content, technology, safety, potential and assessed impact, benefits, jobs, and other topics. There are numerous means by which we engage with public requests and share information. Information about our project, its overview and potential development plan is hosted on the ExxonMobil Guyana w e b s i t e (www.exxonmobil.com/
guyana). In addition to the website, we operate a regularly updated and responsive Facebook page (ExxonMobil Guyana), where we welcome questions and recommendations. The aforementioned draft EIA can be accessed on the EPA website. The EEPGL telephone number is 592-2312866 and our address is 99 New Market St. North Cummingsburg, Georgetown, Guyana. We welcome any enquires concerning the exploration and development of this valuable resource. Kimberly Johnson Brasington Senior Director, Public & Government Affairs, Guyana ExxonMobil
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Have your say Mom - it’s... Benschop likens Nandlall to a badly, battered animal From page 5 I do not for the briefest of moment think that there is anything more pitiable than the sight of a mother and father conversing amiably over long stemmed glasses of wine accompanied by grown adult children whose eyes are transfixed on the screens of their IPad, tablet or notebook as if in a trance. What is the point of taking your mother from her home to a restaurant if most of your time is going to be spent checking you emails or updating your accounts. Mom may have gone to considerable lengths to have her hair done, and dressed up for her special day and you will barely notice. It has simply passed you by. None of these things will be remembered — the pictures on the restaurant walls, or even the presentation of the food on Mom’s plate, let alone any snatches of genuine conversation that might take place. Instead grown adults, who are children of the Mother’s Day celebrant, will spend that special time in the restaurant doing exactly what they have been doing every day for the past dozen or so years — checking a tiny, lit screen, swiping at photos, punching out a message. How ludicrous and pathetic! This whole repugnant scenario is made infinitely worse on special occasions such as Mother’s Day when family members are expected to be showing respect to an older person, namely their mother. I am running the risk of sounding like a spoiler, but it is my fervent wish that soon restaurants would introduce No Phone Zones, similar to the current No Smoking ones.
Will it work? I sincerely hope so. Research has shown that 54 % of people said that the constant checking of phones at the dinner table is the most likely cause of dinner time argument. If my wish is realized I can see many other restaurants following suit because in addition to the behaviour being horribly insulting, the checking of phones is also a nasty and insidious snub to the restaurant, a form of arrogance that declares, “I know you’ve spent a lot of time preparing food, laundering tablecloths, thinking carefully about your décor and ambience but I am going to carry on playing Candy Crush/Angry Birds regardless. After all, do not forget I am paying. So to all mothers everywhere, be they biological, non-biological or merely standing in the gap— Happy Mother’s Day. Permit me to give you a noteworthy gem of advice on your special day, If when you take your seat, and before the meal is ordered, you find yourself surrounded by family members musing over their mobiles, simply beckon the waiter over and say: “Actually, I think we have finished here, would you mind giving me the bill?” Expect to be stared at as if you have suddenly parted company with your senses. When the hungry family complains just say in a direct tone, “It is either that or put your phones away, I am not allowing any of you to spoil my day. It’s your day after all, Have some fun, until the day is done! Yvonne Sam
DEAR EDITOR, This is in response to a predictable self-praising letter written by a man who unfortunately became the Attorney General of Guyana, Anil Nandlall. As anticipated, Nandlall strenuously attempted to preach from the mountaintop, proclaiming his innocence, and at the same time portrayed himself as a holier-than-thou creature of Mother Justice. His shameless diatribe reminds me of a badly battered wildcat, caught in the net of an experienced hunter. Mr. Editor, allow me to set the record straight, and once again expose the hypocrisy of the newly crowned High Priest of the PPP. Firstly, I expected Nandlall to say that he had ‘no contact’ with any juror during my frivolous mockery of a high court trial. And, that he had nothing to do with the removal of the case from the courtroom of then Chief Magistrate Juliet HolderAllen. His response was badly packaged, and riddled with an imaginary version of Anil’s facts. However, the public and other jurors in the case I’m certain aren’t prepared to digest that poisonous pill, in his desperate effort to put the matter to rest. What was most comical, is his statement; ‘I maintain resolutely that I discharged my duties as a Special Prosecutor and a Minister of Justice in those matters to the best of my ability and by adhering to the highest ethical standards…’ Oh Anil, thou hast no shame! So, I will borrow the famous quote from Lord Marmion of Fontenaye, as it quite fittingly describes your self-praise of noteworthiness; “Oh, What A Tangled Web We Weave When First We Practice To Deceive.” Secondly, I’m glad that Nandlall has recognized that during the PPP years in power, Guyana faced the worst crime wave in the history dating back to the brutal years of slavery, when countless humans were savagely murdered, kidnapped, tortured, etc. by the heartless slave masters. Not
surprising though, is Anil’s feeble attempt to ignore the murders of over four hundred (400) mainly young AfricanGuyanese men, done by agents of the State/PPP, or by members of PPP affiliated death squads. With that, I’m sure that Anil would have heard different versions as to why persons presumably wanted the then Director of Public Prosecution, Denis Hanomansingh, dead. In fact, my conversation, years after with the then DPP, doesn’t mirror Anil’s version of imaginary facts. However, Anil had to paint a different picture, all in the name of political expediency. Luckily, the general public understands the nature of cheap political propaganda. So, I will refrain for now in revealing what was deduced from my conversation with Mr. Denis Hanomansingh, and others close to him about his forced involvement in my case, as the players in the PPP interrupted his vacation to return and begin the process of a long and painful journey towards my years of persecution by Anil, certain members of the judiciary, police force, Bharat Jagdeo, and other senior functionaries of the PPP regime. That said, Anil, needs to be reminded of the hundreds of mothers and children who are today fatherless, as a result of the cruel PPP regime. Surely, the evidence is glaring that most of the crimes originated from notorious drug lords (Roger Khan and o t h e r s ) w h o w a nted to please the PPP regime, hence, their thirst to slaughter many youngsters in the streets, and created gang warfare, all supposedly with the blessings of very senior officials of the PPP regime. I’m sure that Anil Nandlall is aware of revelations linking the PPP to state sponsored terrorism, political executions, and jailing of individuals who dare to stand up against the brutal PPP regime. I’m sure that Anil is aware of the three other persons
(Carol-Ann Munroe, her husband Bruce Munroe, and Leonard Wharton) who faced trumped up treason charges. I’m sure Anil hasn’t forgotten about his conversations with Oliver Hinckson, after which the former GDF officer was arrested and charged with a fictitious form of sedition. Mr. Editor, the list of acts of terrorism, and other forms of atrocities under the PPP regime, and during the time Anil was the Attorney General, is far too long to mention in detail. So, for now I will remind Anil about a few known facts. Firstly, the number one accused in my ‘treason’ case, Phillip Bynoe, admitted that during his years on the ‘run’ he was in touch with very senior government officials, and high-level officers of the PPP. He has also admitted that I had ABSOLUTELY nothing to do with what transpired on the day in question at the Office of the President. And that, I was simply ‘at the wrong place at the wrong time.’ Hence, contrary to what Anil would like some members of the public to believe, the evidence contradicts his shameless public version of imaginary facts. I wish to address Nandlall’s wicked assertion and typical PPP propagandistic interpretation of who should be held responsible for the deaths of those unarmed protestors who were obviously allowed into the compound on the day presidential guards were ordered by high ranking PPP/government operatives to open fire on them. Anil and the world know that there was absolutely no evidence linking me to what transpired on that day the PPP caused the blood of innocent protestors to spill on the soil of New Market Street. In fact, in my first and only trial, 11 of the 12 jurors returned a verdict of NOT GUILTY. But, for reasons that will remain known to the lone juror, Anil, and other PPP operatives, as to why he (the
juror) received numerous amount of phone calls during the jury deliberation. Surely, Anil will continue to pretend not to have any knowledge of the actions of the questionable juror, nor would he admit calling or having any form of contact with him. And, that’s expected. In closing, Anil will at some point in time (hopefully soon) stop with the hypocrisy, and sakiwinki-like politics, in an attempt to paint a spotless image of himself, as though he’s some kind of special angel who was created in the image and likeness of his political fairy godparents, Ma and Pa. Mr. Editor, here’s a man who in a taped conversion with a senior reporter of your newspaper, threatened the lives of reporters, and staff, and also voiced sexual comments. Also, what about the millions of tax dollars he took for a personal family matter? What about the alleged duty free misconduct? What about the alleged stolen law books? What about his alleged threats to Courtney CrumEwing, who was assassinated shortly after protesting in front of the AG’s chambers? What about Anil’s driver being linked to said murder? Oh, the list can go on and on. Yet, this is the very man who wants to paint himself as an angel, and that he is now being targeted for his politics. Hopefully, this former shameless Freeloader of the State, will stop crying foul. After all, he doesn’t know what real death threats, and persecution entail. Hence, the contents of his letter “Wild, nonsensical allegations of Mark Benschop (KN, May 13, 2017) should be dismissed on the grounds of legal ineptitude, and traits of obvious mental incapacitation. Sadly, no charge has yet been instituted against the mastermind who is responsible for the assassination of activist Courtney Crum-Ewing. Maybe, Anil can tell us why. Mark A. Benschop Former Political Prisoner
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Quoting Abraham Lincoln to prove a Regional Councillor is a fool DEAREDITOR, The best known quote that describes someone who is not smart enough to realize that he is making a fool of himself was written by the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln who is credited with saying: “It is best to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.” At first, I questioned why Abel Seetaram would chose to attack me of all persons, knowing that I would not hesitate to defend my character. I did not ask for this confrontation with Abel Seetaram but I’ll be darned if I allow him to get away with something most politicians would be ill-advised to do. Even monkeys usually know which limb to jump on I was reliably informed that the former RDC Councillor, Carol Joseph encouraged Abel Seetaram to write letters attacking my character, so as to distract me from focusing on her drug addiction. But he should have known that by doing so, he opens the door for me to question his role in Region 5, and in particular, his position at the Regional Democratic Office. Soon after he was dismissed as the Region 5 Advisor to the Prime Minister, Abel Seetaram turned up at the Region 5 office of the Regional Democratic Office unannounced to the Regional Chairman. An office there was renovated at taxpayers’ expense and Seetaram moved in. To this day, his job description seems to be top secret. Even the Regional Chairman does not know what he does there. One thing is certain, this job was never advertised, nor was the vacancy ever known to exist by the Regional Chairman. And except perhaps for the REO, Mr. Ovid Morrison and the Minister of Communities, Hon Ronald Bulkan, no one else seems to know whetherAbel Seetaram has the necessary qualifications for the position he holds, or whether his job description merits any form of qualifications at all. After all, he is usually seen ‘hanging out’ in the RDC compound, and can often be heard verbally abusing and ‘cussing down’ members of the public in keeping with his usual lifestyle. So
much so, he is usually referred to as the “Chief Jankalar Officer.” Another job created by the APNU+AFC coalition to reward ‘the boys’. In a recent letter he posed some questions to me. I will try to answer them candidly: Q - Why did you still came back to live here, if it is that Guyana is so economically bad? A - When I returned home, Guyana had just experienced 8 successive years of economic growth under the PPP/C government; Guyanese were all enjoying an improved standard of living; longer life expectancy; economic stability and security; and over 100,000 house-lots were distributed to citizens, most of whom never thought they would ever be able to own a piece of land or a home of their own. In the two years under the APNU+AFC, that has all gone now. Q - What are the contributions you have made to developing Region 5? A - Although I can answer this by simply saying it is none of his business? I am proud of the work I do in the Region, defending the constitutional rights of the downtrodden; providing services free-of-cost to those seeking the services of a Justice of the Peace and Commissioner of Oaths to Affidavits; giving a voice to the voiceless; and exposing injustices and abuse of the public trust, by the likes of Carol Joseph and Abel Seetaram. Q - Why did you have to run from the country you so love, to return here? A - If Abel Seetaram or anyone else has any verifiable evidence that I ran away from the United States of America where I lived for over 23 years, I will present him with a gift of my fully paid-for V8 Toyota Tundra, fully loaded with AC and leather upholstery, so he don’t have to crash another government vehicle while driving intoxicated. And if he cannot produce such evidence, he should have the decency to publish an apology for willfully and maliciously writing lies in an effort to slander my impeccable character. Q - Why don’t you visit communities in Region 5 to lis-
ten to the residents? A - Most residents from Bath to Ithaca know where my office is located in Cotton Tree, and they visit me there every day with a host of problems dealing with birth certificates; ID cards; old-age pensions; passports; GPL; GT&T; GWI; the NDCs; drug shortages; discrimination and victimization. Most of all, they know they don’t have bribe me for providing professional services or advice to those in need as is the case with some
unscrupulous public officials operating in the area. It would not surprise me that Abel Seetaram gives his boss the impression that he is active in communities throughout Region 5 when in fact he is not. While he restricts himself to known APNU+AFC areas, the only PPP community he visits is Woodley Park/Bath Settlement where he resides. And the number of rum-shops he has money for in that community is indicative of the reason he visits
so frequently. Q - Why is it that you are always against development? A - This idiotic question clearly demonstrates that Abel Seetaram knows nothing about me. What I am against is the trampling of our Constitution; Government incompetence and abuse of power; dictatorship; wasteful spending; the misconduct of public officials; and abusive husbands who do not provide adequately for their children, and prefer to spend their money
on liquor. With the kind of reputation Abel Seetaram has built for himself in Region 5, the Hon. Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo seems to be the only one smart enough to publicly distance himself from the disgraceful public behavior of this AFC mouthpiece. Giving him a job to spy on PPP officials in Region 5 may not be enough, he may need other incentives to keep his mouth shut. Harry Gill, MP (PPP/C)
Five questions for PPP Parliamentarian, Harry Gill DEAR EDITOR, Please allow me to reply to an article that appeared in the letters column in the Sunday Kaieteur News, May 7th, 2017 under the caption “This Regional Councillor was dismissed from Govt. services and charged”. MP Gill seems to be very, very upset after I stated in an article that was published in the newspapers that he was chosen as an MP from the left over votes of the last general elections. It is the truth Harry Gill, the scraped up votes are what makes you an MP. If that is not the truth then I am willing to publicly apologize to you. Mr. Gill seemed to be so upset that he did not deal with the contents of my letter which were important. But Mr. Gill went on to lash out and attack me personally. Well, Mr. Gill I am not surprised
because I know that people like you do not want to hear the truth and more over you know that I am a threat to the PPP by speaking out and representing the people no matter their race or political affiliations. I will not attack your personal life but would like to ask you a few questions. Why did you still came back to live here, if it is that Guyana is so economically bad? What are the contributions you have made to developing Region 5? Why did you have to run from the country you so love, to return here? Why don’t you visit communities in Region 5 to listen to the residents? Why is it that you are always against development? Mr. Gill, we all know that you do what you like best and that is why you were chosen
as an MP (with the scraped up votes) above many others that struggled for your party. But because of the false news that you are spreading about people and feeding your superiors, you were chosen as an MP. I will like to educate this MP that Ms. Wade was chosen as the APNU+AFC Regional Representative in Parliament because in this region the coalition only won one seat in Parliament. MP Wade is making us proud as our regional rep because she doesn’t take false news to anyone and she visits all villages in the region, not some. Mr. Gill, you denied to walk with me to see the development taking place in the region because of you selfish and negative attitude towards me. But yet when you turn up at regional events that you
are invited to, you rush to shake hands, but I normally wait until you are about to and walk away. You know it. Here is another challenge for you as a “scraped up votes MP.” Whenever the works committee is having their visits, ask them to go. In this way you will see the development and please take a camera and show the positives of Region 5. Maybe this MP is also upset because Region 5 is moving positively forward without the support of the PPP’s regional chairman who seems to be bent on negatives. Region 5 will see lots of development in 2017. So, Mr. Gill, you can continue to do what you do best that makes you an MP. Abel Seetaram APNU+AFC Regional Councillor Region 5
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Customs head implicated in vehicle scam Questions have arisen at the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) over the importation of a motor vehicle by the Head of Customs, Lancelot Wills. Last January, Wills imported a 2008 model Toyota Harrier with an engine capacity of 2362cc. The importation of vehicles more than eight years old is prohibited. This was one of the measures announced by the Minister of Finance in his 2016 Budget speech. Yet somehow, Wills managed to not only import the vehicle but to have it cleared on concessionary terms and registered under PVV 9800 in his name. It is the normal practice that Government officials seeking duty free concessions must apply to the Public Service Ministry for approval. It is not usual for the Ministry to approve duty free concessions on vehicles with engine capacities above 2000cc to public servants. Rather, the permission for duty free concessions for these categories is reserved for judges and parliamentarians and remigrants. It would also be unusual for the Ministry to approve a duty free concession on a vehicle which is more than eight years old, given the prohibitions on the importation of vehicles of this age. The only exceptions are for
GRA’s Customs head, Lancelot Wills trucks and agricultural vehicles. Sources within GRA are questioning whether the PSM ever approved a concession for this vehicle. They have pointed out that even if such an approval was granted, the duty and taxes paid were unusual since a flat rate of duty applies to vehicles older than four years. Persons enjoying duty free concessions on vehicles over four years are required to pay a percentage of a flat rate of duty. In the instance of a vehicle of the engine capacity of 2360 cc, the vehicle imported by Wills, would have attracted a concessionary rate of duty of
$1.8M Without the duty free concession, Wills would have been required to pay $6.5M more in duties and taxes. Despite this, Wills ended up paying a mere $184, 917 representing a 10% duty. Only remigrants enjoy this rate of duty. Sources indicate that a number of persons within the GRA, with responsibility for processing the import documents, had raised concerns but these were countermanded by other senior persons within the authority. Alarm is being expressed now over the fact that attempts have since being made to have the Information Technology system compromised to show that the vehicle is still being processed for clearance as of April 10, 2017. In June 2016, Wills benefitted from accelerated promotion in the wake of a shakeup of the GRA by the Board of Directors and its Chairman, Rawle Lucas. Contacted yesterday, Wills made it clear that there is absolutely no truth to the story of anything being wrong. He referred this newspaper to direct all questions to G R A’s C o mmissioner-General, Godfrey Statia. However, the GRA chief was unavailable.
Sunday May 14, 2017
Dem boys seh...
De bogus pundits from India com back People shouldn’t mek de same mistake twice. From small dem have parents who does teach dem children tough love. Some parents does mek dem children feel de heat from a light bulb just to let dem know something hot. Of course dem got some parents who does tek things too far like a man name Alfred Griffith. He tek he two babies hands and push it in hot water. He deh in jail but none of dem jail man probably don’t know because dem woulda doctor him already. Last year dem had two people who come from India and fool nuff people how dem can read fuh dem. And of course dem boys know that dem have people who believe that dem got all kind of thing pun dem. One lady believe that somebody bad-eye she suh she go to de people from India fuh cut de bad eye. But dem boys know that is nuff stupidness. Two people from de Waterfalls paper go to dem man from India as husband and wife. De man from India put dem to sit down, close he eyes and then he tell dem wha happen to dem. He tell de boy reporter that he should not have sex wid de gyal who pretend that she is de wife fuh twelve days and how dem should go and bathe naked at midnight at de Atlantic. De woman should go one night and de man should go another night. De next day dem boys visit de man wid another man and before dem could whistle dem two people from India lef de country. Since then, de people from India think that people forget dem and dem come back. One man done call de people from India and threaten to drop some lash pun dem. Dem boys want to know how much stupid people Guyana got to mek two men run away from de police and then come back. Talk half and watch how people think everybody stupid.
East Coast $20M+ arch... From page 3 stand for decades as a tribute to corporate investment; it is recognition of Caribbean engineering talent. It is an acknowledgement of the innovativeness of our Caribbean people; it is an extension of our infrastructural development” the President said. Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, expressed profound gratitude to the company. He noted, “What we do today will have a ripple effect on our nation even when our names have faded.” He thanked everyone responsible for designing, building and erecting this monument. Minister Patterson also called for more Public-Private Partnerships. He took full responsibility for last Thursday's traffic havoc along the East Coast Demerara roadways and apologized. Managing Director of ANSA McAL Trading Guyana Limited, Beverly Harper, made reference to utterances made by the late Dr. Anthony Sabga, the founder of ANSA McAL. Dr. Sabga she said, told her, “Guyana is the future of the entire Caribbean for ANSA McAL itself.” She remembered him during the entire process of this arch. Dr. Anthony Sabga passed away at the age of 94 on May 3, last.
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US$115M PetroCaribe money transferred to GPL without formal agreement While the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/ C) is debating the plight of rice farmers in the National Assembly and continues to hammer the government for not doing “what’s best” for farmers, the party is yet to speak about the fact that its actions, while in office, is somewhat responsible for the pickle farmers are in. PPP utilized much of the money from the PetroCaribe fund which was to be used to pay rice farmers. Some of the money was plugged into projects and a huge chunk of the money was transferred to the Guyana Power and Light (GPL). PetroCaribe was an agreement struck between the governments of Guyana and Venezuela, where Guyana would receive concessionary
- No repayment schedule in place prices for oil in exchange for rice. Monies received from the exchange deal would subsequently be transferred to the PetroCaribe fund, under the purview of the Ministry of Finance. Some of the money was meant to be allocated to the payment of rice farmers and millers for rice produced to sustain the exchange. Some time back, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo indicated that GPL received US$115M while the Ministry of Housing got US$10M. US$16M was pumped into the Hope Canal project. What Nagamootoo did not state, however, was that this money was transferred without any formal agreement. The lack of
the agreement represents serious implications and means that a repayment plan, for what was supposed to be a loan, does not exist. Sources told Kaieteur that the situation is bad. “The PPP really abused the fund. They transferred that money to GPL, supposedly as a loan but never put any loan agreement or contract in place. If they had used the money correctly, they would have been able to pay farmers more.” Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, with responsibility for energy indicated that he never saw the contract. “There was no contract to govern the money that was
Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson transferred. I cannot recall ever seeing that contract but I know GPL is paying back the government money which was loaned to it from the Consolidated Fund. Continued on page 67
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Sunday May 14, 2017
Kaieteur News
CARICOM Heads concerned about non-implementation of some council decisions – SG COTED Confabulation...
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government are concerned that some of their decisions have not been complied with. This message was conveyed by the community’s Secretary-General, Irwin LaRocque, during the opening of the Forty-Fourth Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) at the Pegasus Hotel in Georgetown, last week. The COTED is responsible for the promotion of trade and economic development of CARICOM. In particular, it is required to oversee the development, operation and implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). The CSME is an arrangement among the CARICOM States for the creation of a single enlarged economic space through the removal of restrictions resulting in the free movement of goods, ser-
vices, people, capital and technology. Secretary General La Rocque informed the council that the CSME is the foundation for spurring vibrant regional growth and development. He used the occasion to remind the attendees of the important role they play in the successful implementation of the CSME. He emphasised the need for consolidation and further development of the regime. “The conference of the Heads of Government has been reviewing (CSME) and noted the significant progress of its implementation particularly with respect to its legal and institutional measures and mechanisms to support the free movement of goods, services, skills and cross-border establishment of businesses. Our leaders expressed concerns that some of their decisions have not been complied with. They lamented
CARICOM’s Secretary-General, Irwin LaRocque
the fact that some of our organs and bodies have failed to meet to consider critical aspects of the CSME. Items remain much too long on the agenda of the councils.” He said, also, that Heads of Government have
recognised the need for consultative mechanisms and addressing capacity constraints at the national level. “The observation comes against the backdrop of the slow pace in addressing some of the elements of the CSME. We have been discussing issues such as Government procurement and basic contingent rights for a decade or more without concluding on the matter. “And there are aspects of the free movement of skills regime and market access for specific products that require urgent decision. “Even as the council seeks to address these issues, it faces the challenge of non-compliance with its decisions. The basis of our integration movement is its rulesbased nature, therefore, failure to adhere to the rules which includes compliance with decisions poses a threat to the creditability of our
community,” Ambassador LaRocque lamented. The meeting of the council comes at a time when member states seek ways to enhance growth. The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has already indicated in its annual review that several countries experienced lower rates of growth last year. It is the view of the Ambassador that the onus is on COTED to make the required decisions, and determine the actions to be taken to fulfil the obligations and agree on timelines for implementation – which members must all adhere to. “Yes, we’ve done a lot. But we must do better. The Private Sector is asking for us to do better. The people of the region are asking us to do better. You can send a clear signal of the determination to make that difference by reaching an agreement on the regional policy for micro, small and medium enterprises.
“It is an opportunity to open the way for the smaller entrepreneurs to benefit from our single market.” He also emphasised the importance of the council in considering the various international developments that have taken place in recent times which will have a major effect on the region’s external trading relationships. One of these developments, the SG said, is the United Kingdom (UK)’s decision to exit the European Union (BREXIT). “Both parties are among our major trading partners. The council will have to take a decision which will allow the region to seek at a minimum, to ensure that existing markets to the UK continues after the BREXIT process in completed. “ This is important he noted since the UK market absorbs more than 22 percent of the region’s overall exports to the EU.
Sunday May 14, 2017
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Defunct Hosororo Hydropower Plant to be resuscitated As Guyana continues its pursuit in alternative clean energy in the region, Government through the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) has completed a feasibility study to resuscitate the defunct Hosororo hydropower plant. The Hosororo site is situated at the Hosororo Creek about 4.6 kilometers southwest of Mabaruma in Region One. It was in 1985 that a study done by Terrence Fletcher and Associates Limited explored the option to install a
hydropower plant at the creek. It was aimed at supplying electricity to an agricultural produce processing facility to have been built nearby. In the late 1980s, a powerhouse with a turbine of reportedly 5 kW capacity was installed using the upper of two existing concrete weirs. The project was abandoned some years after its inauguration for reasons that are still unclear. As part of its mandate to develop and encourage the
Businessman slapped with fraud related charges A business man was on Friday remanded to prison by City Magistrate Leron Daly after he appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged with three counts of fraud related charges. Ranford Williams, 28, denied all the charges after they were read to him by the magistrate. The court heard that on November 24, last, at Water Street, Georgetown, he obtained credit by a forged Bank of Baroda cheque in the sum of $170,000, to Denzel Forde knowing that he did not have the said amount in his account to satisfy the sum. The second charge read that on November 25, last, at Water Street, he obtained credit by a forged Bank of
Baroda cheque in the amount of $70,519 to Denzel Forde knowing that he did not have the said amount in his account to satisfy the sum. The last charge read that on November 26 at the same location; he obtained credit by a forged Bank of Baroda cheque in the amount of $1,500 to Denzel Forde knowing that he did not have the said amount in his account to satisfy the sum. Police Prosecutor Bharat Mangru objected to bail citing the serious nature of the offence and the fact that the defendant was convicted before of a similar offence in another court. Bail was denied and the defendant was remanded to prison, he will make his next court appearance on June 2.
Pork knocker allegedly butchers co-worker Investigators are hunting for a pork knocker who allegedly butchered hic co-worker and stole his employer’s gold mats at BK Old Road Backdam, Potaro Rover. The incident occurred some time between 23:00 hrs on Friday and 06:00 hrs yesterday. The dead man has been identified as 56-year-old Damon Scipio, a miner of Moco Moco Village, Central Rupununi. Scipio was chopped three times to the head and once to
his left wrist, almost severing it. He died on the spot. Investigation revealed that the victim, who was employed by a small scale mining company at 111 Miles Mahdia, was performing duties at the company’s camp, guarding a sluice box with two gold mats when he was attacked. Kaieteur News understands that after Scipio was killed, his co-worker escaped with the gold mats he was guarding. Investigations are ongoing.
Briber held during sting operation -Tries to have son released for gun possession Police have arrested a 39year-old man who tried to bribe a cop with $500,000 to release his son who was arrested on Friday with an illegal gun and ammunition. The suspect, who resides in ‘C’ Field Sophia, was apprehended during a sting operation and the cash has been lodged as exhibits.
The man’s 19-year-old son was held after he dropped an unlicensed .32 pistol with five rounds on Vlissengen Road and fled. He was subsequently held during a police pursuit. Both father and son are likely to make a court appearance.
development and utilisation of sources of energy, other than sources presently in use; Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) engineers with assistance from the German Agency for International Corporation (GIZ) in collaboration with the Renewable Energy and Efficiency Technical Assistance (REETA) programme has completed the feasibility study and design for the redevelopment of the defunct 5kW hydropower plant to a 20kW plant. According to Mahendra Sharma, Chief Executive Officer of GEA, the objectives of this move are to increase the energy mix of the
Mabaruma electrical grid with a clean and renewable source of energy. Additionally, the GEA hopes to gain experience in applying hydropower engineering and other multi-disciplinary concepts for sustainable rural electrification. The entity wants to garner a greater understanding of run-of-the-river hydro technology to promote and increase the use of renewable energy in Guyana. The facility is expected to be completed by March next year and about 735 households stand to benefit from the project. Additionally, upon
completion of the project the cost of energy in the community will reduce from about US$0.50 per kWh of fossilbased diesel to US$0.31 per kWh of clean energy. In light of the controversial Amaila Falls project, Sharma was asked how Government will ensure value for money, to that the CEO answered that there are a number of measures which will be employed to ensure accountability. Sharma said there will be supervision of the project during the construction phase by GEA Engineers along with their counterparts from the Hinterland Electrifi-
cation Company Inc. (HECI) and the Mabaruma Power and Light Company (MPLC). Additionally, regular updates will be provided to the Mayor and Councillors of the Region, and the general community, on the project through meetings and site visits. During these sessions, they will be encouraged to participate in the monitoring of the project.
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Sunday May 14, 2017
Kaieteur News
Region Eight spends only 10% of 2016 Health Budget
Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan
PPP MP Juan Edghill
Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) and Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) are the only regions that utilized their entire budgetary allocations for the year 2016. Region 10 was given $141.5M and Region Six was handed $394.5M. On the other hand, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) only used up 10 percent of its budget. Region Eight was allocated $30.7M but used only $2.9M. This information was mad known to the National Assembly. Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan was asked a few questions for written reply by People’s Progressive Party/Civic Member of Parliament Juan Edghill. Bulkan was asked what percentage of the total budgeted regional health allocations were expended on purchases of Drugs and Medical Supplies for each of the 10 Administrative Regions between January 2016 and February 26, 2017. The Minister’s response only covered the year 2016. He indicated that Region One (Barima-Waini) spent 94 percent of its $80.9M budget while Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) spent 80 percent of its $176M budget. Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) was among the regions with the higher budgetary allocations securing $339.6M. The region only spent 38 percent of that sum. Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) spent 94 percent of its $590M budget. Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) spent 52 percent of its $156M budget. Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) spent $95 percent of its $64M Budget and Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) spent 86 percent of its $74M budget. Another issue that came out in the answers given by
Bulkan had to do with procurement. Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, Corporate Supplies, Health International, LJ Shopping Zone, Mayfil Greene Variety Store, International Pharmaceutical Agency, CMSD Enterprise, Rite Care Pharmacy were some of the places that Region 10 bought drugs from. Region 10 sent over $11.5M at these entities which Edghill referred to as “corner shop pharmacies”. Minister Bulkan was asked the names of suppliers who may have failed to deliver within the stipulated contractual period and by what amount? Bulkan said that, “All regions reported that this was not applicable to them.” Edghill asked for the name of suppliers who may have delivered inferior or substandard drugs and medical supplies, but again it was pointed out that, “all regions reported that this was not applicable to them.” Bulkan said that all regions indicated the drug to sum expended was delivered. All outstanding sums were returned to the consolidated fund, small amounts were returned by the Regions and the bulk was returned by the Ministry of Public Health. Bulkan indicated that the procurement of Drugs and Medical supplies were not advertised in Barima-Waini to Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo Regions as they were purchased on an emergency basis or as needs arose. He said that the Upper Demerara-Berbice Region indicated that procurement for drugs and medical supplies were publicly advertised in the month of February 2016 in the newspapers (Guyana Chronicle and Stabroek News). Bulkan reported that no prequalification was done.
Sunday May 14, 2017
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Kaieteur News
TIGI wants penalties in place for Office of Commissioner of Information - Says Office has evolved into a controlling mechanism for requested data
TIGI Head, Dr. Troy Thomas Transparency Institute Guyana Incorporated (TIGI) remains concerned about the state of the Office of the Commissioner of Information which is currently headed by, Charles Ramson Snr. According to TIGI’s head, Dr. Troy Thomas, there are a number of issues regarding the Office of Commissioner which are yet to be resolved. In an interview, Thomas
said that TIGI has taken note of the fact that the Commissioner of Information is yet to submit a single report regarding his work since he assumed office in 2013. The anti-corruption advocate said that TIGI is also deeply concerned about the effectiveness of the Access to Information Act while noting that “some deep changes” need to be made. Dr. Thomas articulated that the Office of the Commissioner has proven in some instances that access to information in Guyana is a process that is extremely riddled with challenges, only to be told in the end that the information requested
cannot be provided. He said that it leaves one to conclude whether or not the Office of the Commissioner of Information is even necessary. “The next thing that is wrong is that there is no penalty for the Commissioner for refusing to carry out his functions but the only recourse is the courts and that mechanism is daunting…The law needs to be reviewed to include penalties,” expressed Dr. Thomas. Thomas said that the Office has transformed into controlling mechanism for information rather than promoting freedom of it. “We called before to scrap this thing because at every
turn there is a loophole for the office not to act on a request for information. So this needs to change so that we can begin to have value for money,” TIGI stated. From 2013 to now, Guyana has nothing to show for approximately $70M in salary costs alone, to sustain Ramson. That cost is actually more than enough to cover needed repairs at the East Ruimveldt Secondary School, the Cyril Potter College of Education and Cummings Lodge Secondary School with a few millions left to comfortably pay for much needed road upgrades in the Essequibo Islands. However, there are no
reports laid in the National Assembly to show the work he has done since his appointment. And the government in an attempt to rectify the issue is facing legal action initiated by Ramson. The matter is one that has left critics asking how soon a more “effective” person can be appointed to the position. Commentator and political activist, Dr. David Hinds, is one who believes that the government should investigate this matter with some urgency while still exercising fairness to Ramson. Hinds noted that the second problem has to do with the effectiveness of the office as a democratic medium.
Commissioner of Information, Charles Ramson Snr. “By refusing to heed requests by the government to present statutory reports of his work, he is in effect thumbing his nose at the administration. This is part of the larger problem government faces with some State functionaries who are loyal to the PPP—these functionaries use their positions to frustrate the Continued on page 14
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TIGI wants penalties in place for... AFC hosts 87 New Amsterdam female inmates From page 13 smooth operation of the government and to make it look bad. In my view, this is exactly what the current Commissioner, a known and outspoken member of the PPP, seems to be doing,” Hinds opined. The University Professor said that the Commissioner of Information is a presidential appointment; therefore, if the President is convinced that the officer is not adequately carrying out his functions, he could revoke the appointment. “If the Commissioner is indeed refusing to produce reports and is not cooperating with the government, then the President should remove him and find someone more suited,” Hinds added. The Executive Member of the WPA believes that
the president should set up a Commission of Inquiry to look into the matter to determine whether the present Commissioner is undermining the mandate of his office and the extent to which the government itself has sought to make the institution accessible to the public. Dr. Hinds stressed that the Office of the Commissioner of Information is an important State Institution that if properly advertised and staffed, could enhance public accountability. He pointed out that too much money is being paid to one person for practically doing nothing. It has been noted in the Parliament that Ramson received about $1.2M in salary along with other benefits. Ramson still refuses to
answer any questions from this newspaper, stating that he has “closed the door” on the media outlet’s Editor-InChief, Adam Harris, Publisher Glenn Lall and First Vice President and Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo. The First Vice President who has responsibility for Information has since made it clear his hands are tied on the matter. He said that President David Granger is looking into it. According to Nagamootoo, the matter was sent to the Chambers of the Attorney General, Basil Williams for advice. Williams was contacted last night to ascertain the status of the case. “I don’t know. Call me tomorrow. I’ll check tomorrow,” is all the Minister of Legal Affairs had to offer in response to questions by Kaieteur News.
AFC officials assisting with the lunch The Alliance for Change in the spirit of Mother’s Day being celebrated all across the world today, took the opportunity to spread some cheer to the female inmates of the New Amsterdam Prison yesterday. Eighty-seven inmates were treated to a scrumptious lunch provided by the leader of the Alliance for Change and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Raphael Trotman. The party leader also sent “something special” for the inmates that included cupcakes and chocolates. Public Relations Coordinator of the Alliance for Change, Ruth Johnson, told reporters that the AFC wanted to do a preMother’s Day lunch for the female inmates “so that they can feel loved and let them know the AFC cares”.
Johnson explained, “We want to let the women know that they are not alone, that they are being thought of, they are loved and even though we are on the outside we feel their pain and we understand what they are going through.” She expressed that after hearing their personal stories, which they shared to those gathered it was an emotional moment for her and the other members of the party who were present, “we hope to do this again apart from Mother’s Day, their stories were touching”. The inmates thanked the Alliance for their kind initiative and encouraged them to return. They also took part in skits, poetry, drama etc. The Party is also looking forward to have an event of a similar nature for the father’s on Father’s Day.
Sunday May 14, 2017
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Govt. applauds BK, Toolsie Persaud for stone contracts with CJIA expansion The Ministry of Natural Resources is congratulating local stone suppliers BK Quarries and Toolsie Persaud Limited for successfully competing to be awarded contracts to supply stone to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport expansion project. “The Ministry recognises the importance of not only this national infrastructural project, but also of the quarrying sector to national development. The coalition government’s policy is that Guyana’s natural resources must be utilised whenever and wherever possible for national projects. It is for this reason that the Ministry will continue to support this and other industries in the extractive sector working for the benefit of the people of Guyana.”
The ministry explained that infrastructural development is an important facet in the growth of any country and a strong extractive sector is vital for nation building. “We pledge our continued support to local entrepreneurs in the extractive sectors as they continue to invest and create jobs. The Ministry of Natural Resources as part of the government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana commits to ensuring that conducive and favourable regulatory, legal and fiscal regimes exist for entrepreneurs in the extractive industries. The Ministry thanks the two companies for availing themselves for the supply of stone and encourages them to continue to epitomise a dynamic private sector.”
On Friday, CJIA’s Chinese contractor, China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC), signed two contracts with Toolsie and BK Quarries for 95,000 tonnes of aggregate (stones). BK will supply 50,000 tonnes at a price of US$1.8M while Toolsie Persaud will have to deliver 45,000 tonnes for a contract price of US$1.7M. Last year, CHEC received flak after an announcement that a Suriname company had received a multi-million contract to supply stones to Guyana. Local suppliers had insisted that they have supplies. The CJIA expansion, to the value of US$150M, is expected to be completed this year and will see a modernize facility with more check-in booths and a longer runway to accommodate wide-body planes.
Four years for man who threw ganja over prison fence Raymond Mark, the man who threw two bulky potato bags containing marijuana over the Camp Street Prison walls, was on Friday sentenced to four years’ imprisonment by City Magistrate Leron Daly after he appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Mark pleaded guilty to the charge which stated that he on May 8, last, at the Camp
Street Prison, had in his possession 793 grams of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking. Police Prosecutor Bharat Mangru told the court that on the day in question, police officers were performing duties outside the Georgetown Prison when they observed the accused throwing two potato bags over the wall of the Camp Street Georgetown Prison.
The court heard that the bags were recovered and the suspected narcotics mentioned in the charge were found. The suspected cannabis which was then weighed, in the presence of the accused amounted to 793 grams. The defendant was arrested and he admitted to the police that he knew what was in the bags. Mark was also fined $30,000 by the Magistrate.
BK and Toolsie Quarries have received over $700M in contracts to supply the CJIA expansion project with stones.
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Sunday May 14, 2017
Kaieteur News
Rasul’s gold dealing licence suspended Authorities have not renewed the licences for embattled Bartica gold dealer, Saddiqi ‘Bobby’ Rasul. Officials of the Guyana Gold Board (GGB), over the weekend, confirmed that several gold dealing licences have been given the green light for this year but not for Rasul’s company, SSS Minerals Trading. This is because of money laundering accusations against the businessman for which there is an ongoing investigation. It means that Rasul will have no authority to buy, sell or trade in gold pending the outcome of the investigations. The officials indicated that the monitoring, to ensure that everything is above board, will be conducted by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), GGB and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC). However, it appears from photo evidence this past week that Rasul’s operations were continuing at both his
Bartica, Region Seven offices, and at the one in Kitty, Georgetown. Persons were seen going in and out. It is unclear where the gold purchased by Rasul and his company was sold. Rasul was arrested late March after the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Limited (GBTI) filed police complaints that he had allegedly defrauded them over $950M, said to be one of the biggest losses by a local bank in recent years. According to the bank, Rasul deposited several cheques drawn on his Citizens Bank account to the GBTI branch at Bartica. A GBTI manager, without carrying out the necessary checks on ensuring the cheques were cleared or had funds, authorized payment to the tune of over $950M in a space of a few days in late March. Several of Rasul’s employees and business associates were held for cashing those cheques. Rasul had allegedly not
told GBTI that his account at Citizens Bank had been closed a few days before because of suspicious transactions. The bank manager had been sent home and has been cooperating with police over the matter. Rasul was later slapped with several fraud charges and placed on $3M bail. Those fraud allegations sparked a major probe into alleged money laundering activities by the businessman. He allegedly used R. Mining Inc., a mining company he established to sell gold to the Guyana Gold Board. In so doing, he was not required to pay a two percent tax and the state lost at least $100M in taxes in just three months late last year. Because gold has been highest foreign currency earner for Guyana in the last decade, the matter was reported by a concerned Government to police. It was felt that GGB should have noticed that Rasul was constantly
Not licensed: Saddiqi ‘Bobby’ Rasul
passing a significant amount of gold he purchased from miners to the state-owned entity. This was deliberately done to evade the two percent tax, it was believed. However, GGB’s General Manager, Lisaveta Ramotar, in a statement had insisted that
her agency was not mandated to make checks on Rasul and his company to see where his gold came from. Rather, this information was passed to the regulator, Financial Intelligence Unit, and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission.
Ramotar, daughter of former President Donald Ramotar, was one of three senior officials of GGB sent home last month to facilitate the money laundering probe by the Special Organised Crime Unit, an arm of the police. The two others were the deputy head, Andrea Seelochan and Suzanne Bullen, the Compliance/Legal Officer. It was discovered that Bullen had helped established Rasul’s gold dealing company. This was recorded on official documents filed at the business registry. Rasul became one of the biggest gold dealers on the local scene last year, before his meteoric rise came crashing down last month. Investigators have raided several properties, seizing armor-plated vehicles, including a Lexus jeep, luxury bikes, documents and cash. Former Chief Justice (ag), Ian Chang, has come out of retirement to prosecute the case. On Thursday when the matter was called for report at the Bartica Police Station the prosecution made slight amendments to the charges. The matter was then adjourned to June 23, next. Rasul is being represented by Sandil Kissoon. The matter is being prosecuted by former Chief Justice Ian Chang.
Sunday May 14, 2017
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Guyana to learn from Brazil’s school feeding programmes, family farming Representatives from Guyana and twelve other countries in Latin America and the Caribbean will be in Vitória, Brazil from May 16 to 18, to learn about the Brazilian experience of School Feeding Programmes and purchasing from Family Farming. The visit is an international exchange mission promoted by the Internal Cooperation Programme between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the government of Brazil. The FAO said on Friday that during the visit, representatives from Guyana, Brazil,
Costa Rica, Panama, Jamaica, Suriname, Bahamas, El Salvador, Guatemala, Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Paraguay will get to know schools, food distribution centres, family farming cooperatives and rural lands, as well as participate in a meeting with the Municipal Government of Vitória to learn about the public policies executed throughout the municipalities in the area of school feeding programmes. According to Alan Bojanic, FAO’s representative in Brazil, the mission will contribute to strengthen knowledge about the
importance of school feeding coupled with the direct purchase of products from family farming. Bojanic also noted that the exchange of experiences could contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), signed by the members of the United Nations. “Before we had the goal of reducing hunger and poverty, now we need to eliminate food insecurity, guarantee sustainability, resilience and the good use of natural resources, and this goal permeates various sectors of society and the production chain”, Bojanic
said. This is the first time that the Brazil-FAO International Cooperation Programme will visit Espírito Santo for an international technical mission. “This technical visit is an important strategy for the empowerment for the countries’ national human capacities and broadening the vision of this topic. The National School Feeding Programme (PNAE) is a reference for other countries of the region, for its organizational structure and breadth,” says Najla Veloso, project regional coordinator. Veloso notes that the coun-
tries have constructed a new vision of school feeding programmes, adopting the topic as a social policy under the principle of human right to adequate food, which is implemented with the provision of offering healthy and local food and with actions of food and nutrition education. The project, strengthening of school feeding programmes in Latin America and the Caribbean has been executed, since 2009. The project was designed with the experiences and lessons learned in Brazil with more than 60 years of execution of PNAE, a programme that pro-
vides daily food to more than 42 million students. Information from the Ministry of Education website shows that the Government of Guyana commenced its National School Feeding Programme in February 2010. Currently, the National School Feeding Programme targets All Nursery Schools and All Primary Schools in Grades 1 and 2. The School Feeding Programme was implemented in Regions 1, 2,3,4,5,6,10 and Georgetown. Regions 7, 8 and 9 are targeted separately. The Programme consists of biscuits and juices.
Many contractors non-responsive because of simple - 7 projects re-tendered lapses – Communities Ministry It appears that contractors vying for state projects are suffering because of simple things like not submitting required documents. The Ministry of Communities yesterday met with several small contractors to discuss their mis-steps in the tendering process. The contractors were among those who bid for nine projects - seven of which they were nonresponsive to. According to the ministry, the group met with Permanent Secretary, Emil McGarrell and Procurement Manager, Michael Blackman, in the boardroom of its Fort Street, Kingston office. The PS urged the
contractors to build their capacity to perform not only small contracts but much larger ones. However, he noted that the work must be of a very high standard and must be done accurately. The PS further urged the contractors to set their own standards and core values that would guide their company during the tendering process. The official stated that all of the tenders failed due to simple administrative lapses such as forgetting to include the business registration. “We put out a tender for which you responded, but unfortunately everybody failed to meet the criteria. This is for the administrative aspect and
not the technical aspect.” The problems were because of some simple requirements. Some of the contractors failed to submit a valid registration, National Insurance Scheme (NIS) and Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) compliance, while others did not complete the tender documents or failed to attach a signature to the bid declaration form. Other tenders were deemed non-responsive due to a failure to indicate whether they are engaged in litigation, whether they are involved in ongoing projects, and for failing to provide a list of equipment. The meeting would come after the ministry advertised for
The Baccoo Speaks There is going to be another murder not associated with a robbery. A quarrel between neighbours would turn deadly. The assailant would claim a piece of property that is not his, but sometimes might takes precedence over what is right. Once more vigilante justice would prevail. ** The police are going to get lucky when they happen to be in the vicinity of a robbery. Three young men are
going to attempt a robbery on a grocery store but the proprietor would be able to take
evasive action. Fortunately there would be no shooting but alert passersby would see something amiss and alert the police who would be quick to respond. ** Guyana is racing to become the suicide capital of the world once more. A distraught woman is going to claim her life because she could not reach out to people. Her close associates would fail to detect the signs.
nine projects in recent months after evaluating the tenders, it was decided that seven of these projects would have to be retendered. The meeting was to bring the contractors to bring them up to speed with the procurement process and its guidelines. The PS stressed that there was no question as to the technical capabilities of the contractors, but all the hiccups were avoidable and of an administrative nature. He
explained the tender process and answered questions from all of the contractors. They were informed that the law requires the ministry to give notification of the responsiveness of each bid and they also have a right to request the reason for the contractors’ nonresponsiveness. The contractors were informed that they all will be allowed to re-tender and once compliant, seven of them, would each received a project.
There has been an increased push for small contractors to benefit more from state projects. In the past, there have been numerous complaints of corruption making it difficult for the smaller contractors to get a piece of the state pie. There have been improvements in the systems, thanks to tougher legislation and new personnel in a number of the procurement bodies.
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Sunday May 14, 2017
Kaieteur News
Mrs. Adams’ midnight visitor By Michael Jordan At around midnight on Friday, March 28, 2014, a neighbour of 78-year-old Yvonne Adams saw a man rapping at the elderly woman’s front door. The visitor was said to be wearing brown khaki pants. But the neighbour didn’t pay much attention, since Mrs. Adams often had visitors. Mrs. Adams, also known as Patsy Vickerie, was a remigrant who lived alone in her Amelia’s Ward, Linden home. But she was an outgoing old lady who liked to have a drink or two, and would often spend Friday nights at a popular bar near the Linden Market. She had suffered a
stroke some time ago, and her friends would assist her in catching taxis to her home after her excursions. Close friends had repeatedly cautioned Mrs. Adams to take in someone to live with her, but she had resisted the suggestion. Adams was expected to attend a wedding ceremony on Saturday, March 29, 2014, but when a taxi arrived at her home and blew his horn, he got no answer. But no one immediately suspected that anything was amiss, since some had seen the senior citizen sitting on her front verandah on Friday evening and they felt that she had overslept. But Mrs. Adams’ friends
became worried when the elderly neighbour repeatedly failed to answer her landline and mobile phones. At around 1.00 p.m., on the urging of his wife, a male resident, who had known Mrs. Adams for years, decided to check on her. The resident told Kaieteur News that he climbed up into the verandah and, on peering inside the house, saw what appeared to be a body in a passageway. A teenage boy then removed a few window panes, entered the premises and opened the front door. The resident then entered the house, and almost immediately understood why Mrs.
Adams had failed to answer her phone. The old woman lay motionless in the passageway, with blood running from her mouth and an electrical cord wrapped around her hands and neck. The slain woman’s wedding ring, gold chain and a ‘Lodge ring’ were missing, but the house did not appear to have been ransacked. There was no sign of forced entry, and police surmised that the victim had unwittingly let her killer in. But what could be the motive, and who could have committed such a heinous killing? Detectives believed that greed was the motive. Mrs. Adams travelled frequently overseas and reportedly collected two pensions. Detectives believed that she was slain by someone who knew that she had recently collected a sum of money. They believed that the killer was the same man in khaki that a neighbour had seen rapping at the Mrs. Adams’ front door at around midnight. From reports detectives received, they surmised
that the midnight visitor was a 68-year-old man who frequented Mrs. Adams’ home, and who some described as her ‘boyfriend.’ That ‘boyfriend’ often accompanied Adams to the market and to the night spots where she hung out. Hours after the body was found, police took the ‘boyfriend’ into custody. They reportedly found a key to the murdered woman’s house. However, they were unable to connect him to Mrs. Adams’ murder and eventually released him. No one else was ever arrested and police still don’t know who visited Mrs. Adams that midnight, three years ago. If you have any information about this or any other unusual case, please contact Kaieteur News at our Lot 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown location.
Yvonne Adams We can be reached on telephone numbers 225-8465, 225-8491 or 225-8473. You need not disclose your identity. You can also contact Michael Jordan at his email a d d r e s s mjdragon@hotmail.com, or telephone number 645-2447.
Sunday May 14, 2017
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Kaieteur News
An arch, an ombudsman and the clowns in a banana republic The only reason the people of this country have been able to keep their individual psyche intact is because the country is a circus and the clowns make them laugh. Sigmund Freud argued that it is through sublimation, the human is able to suppress raw instinct in the ID from overrunning the EGO. So we sublimate our compelling drives into socially positive functions and civilization survives. We survive in Guyana because even though life is unbearable, we sublimate our volcanic anger through hilarious amusement at our policy-makers and those public servants with enormous state power. The Jagdeo/Ramotar combination was indeed repressive and corrupt. But the Jagdeo/Ramotar act was one huge, hilarious moment. I don’t mean to make lightness out of domestic abuse. I am not like that and will never be like that, but to underscore my point about survival in Guyana through laughing at our post-colonial Leviathans, I need to mention the accusation by President Jagdeo’s common-law wife that he kicked her out of the marital bedroom five days after the marriage ceremony. I laughed when I
read that. It was uncontrollable laughter to see President Ramotar back-balling at the Sleep-In Hotel on Brickdam with a homeless woman who crashed the Old Year’s Night party. Satyra Gyaal went at the home of the US Ambassador and perf o r m e d a n d G uyanese, though annoyed at the diplomatic fiasco, still found what Satyra Gyaal did very funny. Much hasn’t changed since the Jagdeo/Ramotar circus left town in May 2015. There is still the circus, but under new management. I mean no insult to President Granger, but I am out there in the “hood” every day, and people talk to me about their lives in Guyana. I am dead serious when I say that people find certain aspects of Mr. Granger’s presidential deportment funny. It shouldn’t be. I am not amused at what they find funny, but they do find it so. They refer to Mr. Granger going all over Guyana and sharing out kites, caps, bicycles. In a country that cries out for visionary, transformative leadership, they are amused at this aspect of Mr. Granger’s style. Then there is the arch at Cummings Lodge on the highway. This was a painful episode that will be remembered
for a long, long time to come. If I ever become president (which is a scientific impossibility), my first policy decision, would be to remove that arch and sell it as scrap metal. Zanneel Williams, a 21-year-old journalist at Kaieteur News told me she was caught for three hours in the traffic nightmare the arch created. Thousands of young people like Ms. Williams, if they remain in Guyana, get older and have children, will tell their kids about the psychosis they endured in the traffic, all because a banana republic government wanted to please a dead businessman from Trinidad. So what is laughable about the arch? Well actually not the arch itself, but our banana republic oligarchs. After giving the Trinidadian company permission to create misery for thousands of Guyanese, the Minister of Public Infrastructure (who like his predecessor Robeson Benn will be given a nickname – I suggest archman) ran down to the site and stopped the erection. There were more facetious moments when the lady in charge of the erection said that the erection could not proceed into the night be-
cause it would necessitate having lights to keep the erection going, and that is what they don’t have. Please readers! No pun intended! Finally, another Minister will inquire about the missing ombudsman. The circus keeps us alive because it makes us laugh. Why would a country create a judge for imposing penalties on animal rights violators and when the violators appear in front of him, they tell him that he can go to hell, he can’t touch them. He and his office are then a waste of money. If we find the missing
Ombudsman, what purpose does his office serve when his paperwork is tossed into the dustbin? Shouldn’t Guyanese people find this funny? We are looking for a missing constitutional figure that has absolutely no authority. If he finds the garbage collector was in violation of the rights of his colleague, the garbage collector can ignore his findings. On a serious note; what powers does the Ombudsman have? We can end on a note on the circus. The loveliest photo I have of my daughter when she was five years old (and this isn’t
Frederick Kissoon a joke) is of a clown holding her when the circus came at the National Park a long time ago. The clowns are still here.
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Sunday May 14, 2017
Kaieteur News
THIS GOVERNMENT IS PRO-UNION (Last week we published a section of the speech delivered to the nation’s workers on Labour Day by Minister of Natural Resources, Hon. Raphael Trotman for the Government of Guyana. Today we continue his discourse) Despite the murmurings of a few, it is undeniable that this Government is pro-union and wants only what is best for the national good, and for our workers. Unions should also be able to see the bigger picture and support the thrust for a greater good. Just (recently) the United Nations Development Report - 2016 was handed over to Government, and I recommend that trade unions embrace and even adapt the theme of that report which is “Human Development for Everyone”. Trade Unions do not ever have a passive or superficial role in nation building; they always have a strategic and integral role to play and they are required to make themselves available to collaborate for the benefit of their members, our people. At this juncture, on the eve of the second anniversary of our Coalition in Govern-
ment, we can say that we have been able to fulfill many of the promises we made in our 2015 Manifesto, especially under the sub-heading: “Industrial Relations and Labour Welfare”. For example, we have restored collective bargaining which had been relegated to the doldrums for more than two decades. Even though enough gains have not yet been secured, we are off to a great start. I’m sure you can recall when we took office that the public service minimum wage was $42,703. Through negotiations and government’s own initiative, the Public Service minimum rate of pay now stands at $55,000 per month, an increase of almost 30%. A similar minimum wage increase was put into effect for non-unionized Private Sector employees. They have received an increase of 26% (or $255 per hour), the highest ever in the history of our country for this category of workers. And let’s not forget that we have increased Senior Citizens Pensions by almost 45%, taking it to $19,000 per month. Government is fully cog-
nizant of the fact that these increases are still not fully adequate to satisfy the needs of our workers past and present, but please be assured that we are doing the best we can under the current circumstances. Youth Development is a large part of our growth trajectory, so we have not only laid a National Youth Policy in the National Assembly, we are also preparing robust training programmes under the auspices of the Board of Industrial Training (BIT). These programmes are meant to equip our young people with the skills and attitudes to play the roles meant for building a productive and efficient nation. In 2015, a total of 1,540 youths were trained as tradesmen and artisans, and in 2016 that number increased to 1,593. All of this is being done to ensure that an adequate supply of well-trained, properly equipped and disciplined workers is always available to run/oversee our industries. I would therefore entreat our trade unions to support your government and its initiatives
designed to build up for our children what was deliberately broken down! The APNU+AFC government has had to take on the Herculean task of putting new policies and programmes in place to mitigate, alleviate and liberate workers from the stress and distress to which they were condemned for more than two decades. For instance, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, Chapter 99:10 provides for the establishment of a National Advisory Council on Occupational Safety and Health (NACOSH). One of the functions of that Council is to advise the Government on policy guidelines and implementation for the benefit workers in particular, and the nation as a whole. We were very upset and very disappointed in 2015 when we were informed that for several years this committee did not function. In our opinion, that was tantamount to “superlative neglect”, the abandonment of the rights and interest of this nation’s workers. How could any administration not care about its workers’ continued health and wellness? To r e m e d y s u c h a shameful situation we wasted no time in appointing a NACOSH which has so far been functioning creditably. I shall not bore you with the statistics, but I can tell you that NACOSH has contributed immensely to the crafting of a New D e c e n t Wo r k C o u n t r y
AFC Leader Raphael Trotman delivering his address at the May Day rally Programme for Guyana. Let there be no mistake … we are committed to protecting our workers, their health and safety. The people who toil in the interior mining minerals also do not fall outside this programme. Comrades, another achievement that I want to remind you of is the magnificent work being done by the National Tripartite Committee. This body has rekindled the interest of its social partners and they are all moving towards effective Social Dialogue. It is through that committee that we were able to successfully amend the National Minimum Wages Order which I mentioned earlier, i.e. fixing the Minimum Wages in the Private Sector to $255 per hour. It would be remiss of me if I fail to disclose that we are working assiduously to establish an Industrial Tribunal
that will speedily resolve a number of long existing industrial matters and bring Justice for workers, trade unions, employers and even Government itself. We are convinced that with such a Tribunal in place, many employers would be obliged to operate well within the ambit of our Labour Laws. There will be no more loopholes. Our workers will have the protection that is due to them, and their Unions would be equipped to continue their fight for justice on level ground. *** The AFC takes this opportunity to wish every single Guyanese mother (of 1 or 13) a Happy Mother’s Day today. We collectively thank you for your patience, your strength, protection and guidance. God’s richest blessings to you!
Sunday May 14, 2017
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Kaieteur News
My column
Let there be an audit of drug purchases It was just last week that I commented on child abuse. No sooner had I written a column that I learnt of a father who pushed the hands of two very young children into boiling water. Needless to say, he is in jail. He was taken to court almost immediately and he pleaded guilty. He will be spending close to eighteen months in prison. This brought back memories of the man who did the same to his son more than thirty years ago. The child had taken a piece of meat from his plate. This man also went to jail but unlike this case, the child lost all his fingers. I used to see him gambling in the vicinity of the Bourda Market. That was when I realized that the cruelty meted out to this child simply put another youngster on the streets. There is only so much the authorities could do but if only those tasked to do so could be firm. The man who burnt the hands of his two children was said to be an abusive spouse, so abusive that his wife left him. Unlike most mothers, she left the children in his care. Having said that, I am forced to look at the situation
that seems to be prevailing in the Ministry of Public Health. On Thursday, the Parliamentary opposition hosted a press conference at which the members highlighted a host of shortcomings. It transpired that there was a lot of money spent to acquire drugs, but there continued to be a massive shortage. The parliamentarians reported that in one case, the shortage was so severe that doctors in New Amsterdam could not perform some 400 elective surgeries. There was just no anaesthetic. There was the laughable piece of information. The hospital required a seal for use after fluid is drained from the cavity area. The requisition went out, but someone bought a submersible pump instead. Further, many pieces of equipment were nonfunctioning. I called Mr. Colin Bynoe, the Chief Executive Officer of the hospital, and I learnt that there were many things that contributed to the situation. He said that there was a dispenser who did wonders with drug supplies. Mandrake could not have done better. This dispenser simply made drugs disappear.
He was placed before the courts, but was kept on the job until someone got wise and sent him off. Bynoe said that this happened after the visit by the parliament committee that was visiting the hospitals on a motion that all was not well with the supply of drugs. He told me of the operations of the regional tender board and the practice of accepting the lowest bids. This permitted people to buy cheap and submit equipment that collapsed almost as soon as they were installed. He assured me that a lot has changed, that the situation is now a far cry from what it was when the parliamentary team visited. Mr. Bynoe said that politics played a very big part in the report that was eventually made by the visitors. They met quietly with a team member and fed information that might not have been entirely accurate. Yet reports from other parts of the country suggest that there is a lot wrong. Insulin is said to non-existent, as are drugs needed to treat non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. Member of Parliament Juan Edghill said that the
Minister of Public Health told him that there was a lot of pilfering; that a medical practitioner was caught with his pocket full of insulin vials. He concluded that even if this man had fifty vials that could not explain the absence of insulin in stock. I want to accept his argument, except to add that this might not have been the only person spiriting out the drugs. In one case, a shipment of drugs sent to the Suddie Hospital disappeared before it could reach its destination. These things are now coming to the surface, but I shudder to think want went on in the past. Small wonder that the private dispensaries were doing so well. They always seemed to be well stocked. I know for certain that theft is widespread at the Materials Management Unit. The evidence suggests that eight out of ten of the workers remove large supplies in collusion with the guards. An examination of some of these persons would reveal that they are wealthy beyond what their salaries could have afforded. I agree with the Parliamen-
tary Opposition that there is rampant corruption in the Health Ministry. The problem is to plug the various loopholes. Every new member put in the system is introduced to the racket, because money can buy a lot. The few honest ones are pushed out through various means. Word has it that the authorities, in an effort to stop the widespread theft of pharmaceuticals, are contemplating dispensing with generic drugs. This would mean that they would buy only brand name drugs. But I hasten to say that this would push up the medical bill to unprecedented heights. Dr Carl Niamatali once said to me that he could stop the pilfering. Pharmaceuticals imported by the government would be effectively stamped, so that if they are sold in any location the buyer would know that the drug was government supply.
Adam Harris When all is said and done Guyana has to be a very sick population for such a large volume of drugs to be swallowed up in the market place. Whatever the case, I must support Mr. Edghill in his call for an audit of the drug purchases and supplies. For me, too much money is leaking from the system, even as some sections of the society want better pay.
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Sunday May 14, 2017
Kaieteur News
Green development for all (Address by HE David Granger to the Green Multistakeholder steering Committee) The Multi-stakeholder Steering Committee (MSSC) is an important consultative mechanism. It demonstrates the Cooperative Republic of Guyana’s commitment to an inclusionary system of governance characterized by consultation, cooperation and inclusion. The Multi-stakeholder Steering Committee emerged out of the agreement of 9th November 2009 between the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and the Kingdom of Norway aimed at establishing a model of environmental governance. The MSSC was a key mechanism arising out of that agreement. The MSSC was intended to ensure that the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) process, including the Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDDplus) strategy, was undergirded by both inclusivity and transparency. The LCDS was an important first step in demonstrating how one country, could benefit while providing climate-mitigating ser-
vices for all countries. It represented a model for rewarding countries for their environmental services which their forests provide to the rest of the world. Guyana expects that, once it fulfils its obligations under the agreement, it would receive the benefits for the services which it earned and to which it is entitled. Guyana, by reconvening the MSCC, is expanding its mandate to allow it to serve as part of the inclusionary governance architecture of the evolving ‘green state’. Guyana is committed to implementing the LCDS and honouring its obligations under its agreement with Norway and to ensuring that the framework of governance and consultation is entrenched as part of that agreement. Guyana is in transition to becoming a green state. This country is developing a green development strategy that goes beyond the LCDS. It is a transformative agenda which involves green development at the household, community, regional and national levels. It is intended to impact on the livelihoods of
each and every citizen. The green development strategy will allow: protection and preserve wildlife; preservation of our lakes, wetlands and waterways; promotion the development of eco-tourism and ecoeducational tourism; extension of the protected areas system in every region; fortification of coastal zone management; graduation towards full renewable energy use; and introduction of lowcarbon, low-emission manufacturing. Guyana needs a new developmental paradigm –one that fosters human development, generates growth, promotes inclusion and reduces economic, political and social marginalization. Green development aims at human development and, specifically, at eradicating poverty and inequality, increasing employment, promoting sustainable livelihoods and building economic and environmental resilience. The green path to
HE David A Granger
development guarantees prosperity and sustainable human development. The green path to development will be defined by a process of sustained consultation and inclusivity. No one, not Government, no nongovernmental organization, no international institution claim to have a monopoly on knowledge. Stakeholders represent an important repository of accumulated experience and expertise. Guyana’s consultative and inclusive approach will
allow for a wider expression of the green development strategy. Public ownership of the strategy will contribute to better understanding. Public confidence, in turn, will contribute to the success of the strategy’s implementation. A consultative and inclusionary approach to human development – such as inequality and poverty– is at the core of government’s philosophy of governance. Consultation and inclusivity are permanent features of governance.
Policies arising from a consultative process enjoy greater public confidence. The involvement of stakeholders in decision-making is vital to the success of developmental initiatives. It ensures that everyone understands the policies which are being pursued in the public interest. This Committee – now the ‘Green’ Multi-Stakeholder Steering Committee (GMSSC) –meeting is evidence of the government’s commitment to ensuring that development is not only people-centered but that it is also people-driven. This meeting is intended to become a permanent consultative mechanism which will allow for stakeholder input and participation in the governing mechanism of both the LCDS and the green development strategy. The GMSCC has a double mandate. The first is to become part of the governance framework of the LCDS process. The second is to become an integral part of the consultative mechanism under Guyana’s Green Development Strategy. I look forward to your cooperation and to your contribution to making Guyana a ‘green state’ not only for us and our children but for yet unborn generations.
Sunday May 14, 2017
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Kaieteur News
Ruptured eardrum: When your ear pain may be more serious than you think By Dr Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine I have seen quite a few patients who had ear pains and didn’t know the seriousness of it. Sometimes ear pains are as a result of a ruptured eardrum and patients ignore it until it becomes complicated. As serious as it is, having a ruptured eardrum may not be the end of your hearing. Today we will discuss some facts about a ruptured eardrum. WHAT IS IT? The eardrum is a thin membrane that separates your ear canal (the part that is open to the outside) from your middle ear. The eardrum, also called the tympanic membrane, is involved in hearing. Sound waves cause your eardrum to vibrate. This begins the process of converting the sound waves into an impulse that travels to your brain, where it is recognized as sound. The eardrum is delicate and can be torn (ruptured) easily, most often by an infection of the middle ear (otitis media) but also by other types of trauma, including: · Inserting an object, such as a cotton swab or toothpick, too far into the ear · A very loud noise, such as an explosion · Trauma to the head, such as a skull fracture · A blow to the ear · Trauma to the ear caused by changes in air pressure (barotraumas), such as during a plane flight or scuba diving WHATARE THE
SYMPTOMS? Symptoms of a ruptured eardrum include: · Earache or sudden relief of an earache · Hearing loss in the affected ear · Bleeding or fluid discharge from the ear canal · Ringing noise in the ear The level of hearing loss depends on the size of the perforation and what caused it. Trauma to the ear or head can injure the middle ear, inner ear or both, and can cause severe hearing loss. If an explosion has torn the eardrum, you may have ringing in your ears (tinnitus) for several days, as well as hearing loss. If the perforated eardrum becomes infected, the hearing loss may worsen. HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED? Your doctor will look into your ear using an instrument called an otoscope to see if the eardrum is torn. He or she will also test your hearing. If the doctor suspects you have a ruptured eardrum but cannot see the perforation easily, he or she may confirm the diagnosis by blowing pressurized air into your ear using a special machine. HOW CAN IT BE PREVENTED? There are several steps you can take to prevent a perforated eardrum: · You can reduce the risk of a perforated eardrum by preventing middle ear infections. To help prevent infections, minimize certain environmental conditions – ex-
posure to tobacco smoke and allergens – and avoid direct contact with people with a cold or flu. · Do not insert cotton swabs into the ear canal during cleaning because this can tear the eardrum. · If an object gets into your ear, have it removed by your doctor to minimize the risk of ear injury. Don’t try to take out the object yourself unless you can see it clearly, it is soft and you can remove it easily. · Have all infections treated promptly to avoid complications. Having a throat infection can lead to an ear infection and a ruptured eardrum. HOW IS IT TREATED? If the hole is small, your doctor may allow it to heal on
its own. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics while the eardrum heals. Keep water out of the injured ear. Avoid blowing your nose, which can cause pressure changes in the ear and disrupt healing. Some holes may be patched in the office of an otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat doctor). A thin paper patch is placed over your eardrum in combination with a chemical that encourages the eardrum to heal. If your eardrum has not healed after two months, your doctor may recommend a surgery called tympanoplasty, which involves using tissue from another area to patch the eardrum. This is usually an outpatient procedure and has a high success rate.
While your ear is healing from the surgery, keep your ear dry by using cotton balls covered with Vaseline to protect your eardrum from water during showers or baths. Also, avoid blowing your nose, which can damage the healing tissue. Warm compresses, such as a warm, damp washcloth, or a heating pad set on low heat can relieve some discomfort. Your doctor also may prescribe pain-relieving medication or recommend that you use over-the-counter pain medications. WHAT IS THE PROGNOSIS LIKE? The outlook is excellent. Most perforated eardrums heal within two months without complications. Hearing loss is usually temporary,
Dr. Zulfikar Bux though some people experience some level of permanent hearing loss. Occasionally, a chronic (long-lasting) infection may cause the perforation to become permanent along with some degree of hearing loss. These cases may require surgery to fix or replace your eardrum. In any case, your best chance lies in seeing your doctor early.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday May 14, 2017
SUNDAY FIU PLAYED ITS MANDATED ROLE IN SMASHING RASUL’S GOLD RACKET– DIRECTOR It is true that the public knows little about the operations of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). However the Unit’s Director, Matthew Langevine, is adamant that the lack of public disclosures should not be interpreted to mean that no major work is being done. Langevine said last week Saturday that the unit is working very hard to execute its mandate. Langevine indicated that the FIU was involved in stopping one of the biggest money laundering/ fraud operations in Guyana. “It was a case of money laundering, so of course we played a role.” Langevine was speaking about the case of the embattled gold dealer Saddiqi ‘Bobby’ Rasul. Rasul is being investigated by the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU). Langevine said that FIU is executing its mandate in submitting reports to SOCU. He specified that the Unit provided a report to SOCU on Rasul, but refused to go into details on that. Langevine told Kaieteur News that the FIU is “in a much better place than it ever was” as it is now functioning with competent staff. He noted that the FIU coordinated the National Risk Assessment exercise, the report of which will be handed over to the government shortly. He said that public missives would be released on the operations of the Unit. FIU reports dating back to 2015 are yet to be laid. Langevine said that this too will be done shortly. He told this publication that the 2015 report is closer to readiness but the 2016 report which is supposed to be laid in June will most likely be late because the audited statements are still to be collected from the Office of the Auditor General. MULTI-MILLION-DOLLAR CONTRACT FOR WATER METERS HALTED -MINISTER’S ACTION QUESTIONED A multi-million-dollar contract for water meters of the Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) is raising questions about the oversight role of a minister. The matter to be reported to the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) was recently the subject of a Cabinet discussion. A number of Government officials disclosed last week that GWI had gone to tender for a number of contracts, including water meters and some parts. The tenders for the meters were opened, evaluated and a recommendation was made for a contractor to be awarded. However, Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, whose portfolio includes GWI, wanted to satisfy himself about the accuracy of the recommendations for the award of the contract.
The matter was later taken to Cabinet. GWI’s officials questioned the authority of Bulkan himself to investigate the contract. There were also questions about Bulkan’s authority for even asking GWI’s Procurement Department for back up documents to determine how the evaluation system was done. It was contended that GWI, although falling under the Ministry of Communities, does not have to answer directly to the ministry. The minister was said to also be investigating a number of other GWI contracts. Contacted over the weekend, Bulkan explained that as minister with responsibilities for water, he was given a number of tender documents to take to Cabinet. While declining to name any contractor or give details of amounts, Bulkan indicated that he did request Cabinet’s Sub-Committee to further examine the tenders to verify the recommendations for award of the contracts. He said that he considered this as necessary given that many lower bidders were deemed to be non-responsive and thereby disqualified. There is nothing wrong with this except that several discrepancies were noted which raised questions over the evaluation process.
Reportedly, the minister’s concerns were raised where in one case of five bidders, the four lowest were deemed non-responsive and the recommendation was for award of the contract to the highest bidder. In the case of the five bidders mentioned, the recommendation was for the award of a contract that was almost three times the lowest bidder, Kaieteur News was told. MONDAY OIL COMPANIES NEED TO BE VETTED ON EMPLOYMENT OF GUYANESE – USE OF LOCAL GOODS AND SERVICES MUST ALSO BE ON THE CARDS, SAYS CHRISTOPHER RAM There are just a few operators in Guyana’s emerging oil industry. But are we keeping a close enough watch on these companies? Do we know if they are fulfilling their obligations of their contracts? Are they hiring Guyanese? Are they using local goods and services? These are just some of the burning questions some concerned citizens are asking. They opine that it is commendable that the administration is taking steps to protect the sector and the billions expected to flow in revenue, through the establishment of a Sovereign Wealth Fund and fast tracking Guyana’s application to be a
member of an international watchdog organization of the natural resources sector. But in the meantime, local financial minds believe that there are a few simple things which could be done to hold oil operators accountable. Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram suggested in his recent writings that the Government, in particular the Ministry of Natural Resources, can ensure the review of all applications and licences to determine the extent to which operators are complying with the local content prescription in respect to employment of Guyanese citizens and the procurement of goods and services locally. Ram said that oil companies are required to incorporate local content in their operations. He emphasized that it is the duty of the Government to enforce the requirement from day one. The Chartered Accountant explained that the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Regulations 1986 contain a requirement that the application for a petroleum prospecting licence and for a petroleum production licence must contain a statement giving particulars of the applicant’s proposals. The proposals must speak to the employment and training of citizens of Guyana, while in the case of the production licence, there is the additional requirement that the application shall include a report of the goods and services required for the production and processing operations which can be obtained within Guyana and the applicant’s intention in relation thereto. In the case of the prospecting licence, Ram said that the Minister may attach such conditions as he determines. RAMSON SHOULD WORK FOR HIS $1.2M PAY CHECK If there’s one thing that the Coalition Government and Opposition PPP/C both agree on, it’s that Commissioner of Information, Charles Ramson Sr. should submit reports regarding his work as this is outlined in the Access to
Information Act. However, the Opposition is very keen on stressing that Ramson is not the “bad John” he is being made out to be or even the only person delinquent when it comes to implementing all aspects of the Act. The Party firmly believes that any discussion on the Act should take into account the functions of all parties responsible for the effective implementation of the Act and how their roles are interlinked towards achieving this goal. In a recent interview with Kaieteur News, Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira acknowledged that the law provides for Ramson to make reports regarding requests for information received. She noted however, “If he has not received requests, then I don’t know how he can provide reports…” The Opposition Chief Whip was then informed that Ramson is on record stating that he has received over 15 requests for information. Even the PPP requested information on government officials from the Commissioner of Information and the request was denied. Teixeira was then asked if she agrees that the lack of reports by Ramson makes it harder for one to assess the effectiveness of his office. In this regard, she proffered the opinion that there are a number of ways in which that can be measured while adding, “But I am not in government.” She said that one needs to ascertain whether the requests for information by members of the public are within the law. Teixeira said that the Access to Information Act makes it clear what one can and cannot ask for. TUESDAY OVER 200 PERSONS BLACKLISTED FROM LEAVING GUYANA – SOCU As the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) intensifies investigations into the 19 forensic audits that were referred to that entity, this newspaper has learnt that in excess of 200 persons have been blacklisted. It means that those persons who have been identified by SOCU cannot leave Guyana through the lawful ports. According to a government source, the list is being constantly updated as the crime unit delves deeper into suspected cases of money laundering and misuse of state funds by some officials. The source said that during the conduct of the investigations, once suspected ‘skullduggery’ is detected the blacklist order is applied for by that unit to the relevant authority. The source said that it should be made clear that blacklisting an individual is not something that is taken lightly or on a whim. A solid case has to be made before such an undertaking is made, he said. The source said that while all (Continued on page 33)
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(From page 32) efforts are being made to ensure persons who are under scrutiny by SOCU do not flee the jurisdiction, that does not mean that such is not a possibility. The government official said that collaborative efforts are ongoing with the relevant agencies to ensure that if there is a need to prosecute someone, that individual should be easily located. The source said that this recent development was necessitated in the interest of justice and ensuring that persons who have stolen from the public purse answer for their alleged crimes. Additionally, the source said that t h e a d m i n i s t r a t i o n h a s taken this position in lieu of the fact that a number of high profile officials are now living overseas and have no interest in returning. AG NO SHOW AS JUDGE RECUSES SELF FROM CARVIL DUNCAN TRIAL Justice Franklyn Holder has recused himself from the case for which embattled Public Service Commission, (PSC) Chairman, Carvil Duncan, is challenging the establishment of a tribunal set up to address his removal from the constitutional offices. Holder made the announcement during a scheduled hearing of the matter Monday. The announcement comes weeks after a verbal outburst ensued between the Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, and Justice Holder. During the hearing, the AG is said to have made egregious and disrespectful statements to the judge in court. The incident which occurred during a hearing of the matter on March 23, last, attracted much public attention with the AG denying the allegations. The Judge on the other had written to the Chancellor of the Judiciary, outlining his disappointment in Williams owing to his conduct. The J u d g e , t h e r e f o r e , d e manded an apology from the AG. But Williams refused, asking that the judge recuse himself from the case instead.
The Attorney General was absent during the scheduled hearing at the Georgetown High Court Monday. J u n i o r a t t o r n e y s J u d y Stuart –Adonis and Colleen Liverpool represented the AG’s chambers while Attorneys- at -law Anil Nandlall and Rajendra Jaigobin appeared on behalf of Duncan. Before he could have announced the decision, Justice Holder from the bench, divulged a lengthy explanation on the incident involving the AG. According to the Judge, the incident took place during the cross-examination of Diana Persaud, a witness for the applicant. During the proceeding, the judge said that the AG made certain statements, which suggested that the court was selective in recording the evidence of the witness. Justice Holder clarified however that the view was a misconception of the Williams. ”Recognising Williams’s misconception of this part of the evidence, I then read aloud the record of the court in this regard and offered that he may ask the witness the question again if he so desired since the record was showing there was in effect no answer to the question.
”Mr Williams did not take up my offer.” WEDNESDAY FOREIGN CURRENCY STABILIZED -CENTRAL BANK REPORTS EXCESS IN THE SYSTEM After several media reports of a shortage, Central Bank has been able to successfully stabilize the foreign currency system. Officials at the Bank told this newspaper on Tuesday that there is even an increase of US dollars in the system. The officials said that the excess is between US$10M and $20M. The selling rate is now between $208 and $210 for US$1 at most financial institutions. The senior officers said, “While there were reports that there was a shortage in the system, we have always maintained that this was not the case. We have said on several occasions, that there was money in the system but various tactics were being employed by a few…” Be that as it may, Kaieteur News had carried out a number of investigations in the past, all of which indicated that some banks were reporting to customers that the US dollar was not in abundance. The Caribbean Region Quarterly Bulletin 2017 report, which is on the
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Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) website, says that the Central Bank of Guyana (BOG) implemented a series of policy measures to restrict hard currency demand to address shortages in the domestic market. It noted that on February 2, 2017, BOG issued a cabinet certified directive to licensed currency dealers, which include commercial banks and non-bank cambios, to limit the spread between the buying and selling rate for the US dollar to no more than $3 while instructing commercial banks to restrict credit card purchases in foreign currency to non-business purchases. The report said that authorities claimed the measures will improve the efficiency, depth, and liquidity of the foreign exchange markets. It added, “The inflow of US dollars declined in 2016 due to drops in non-gold export sectors, lower remittances, and less FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) compared to previous years, while demand for dollars has remained steady or possibly grown, resulting in a shortage.” The report also stated that monetary authorities attempt to manage inflationary expectations by anchoring the exchange rate through frequent sterilization exercises. Even though the IDB in its special report made such an observation, Central Bank Governor, Dr. Gobind Ganga insisted otherwise. Dr. Ganga said that he disagreed with the information, while noting that reserves for last year in fact, saw an increase. The Central Bank head said that he has the figures to prove his assertions. In fact, he said that reserves at the Bank of Guyana have improved from approximately US$598M at the end of 2015 to about US$625M at the end of 2016, representing an increase of US$28M. LARGE QUANTITIES OF DANGEROUS DRUGS STOLEN FROM STATE – PETHIDINE, MORPHINE INCLUDED Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, has her work cut out for her. It has become obviously urgent that Lawrence needs to put strict measures in place to reduce or if possible eliminate, pilfering by employees in the health sector. While a figure has not been put, it is safe to state that millions of dollars in dangerous drugs have been stolen from the state. Information about the pilfering was released when Lawrence responded to written questions posed to her in the National Assembly by Member of Parliament, Bishop Juan Edghill. Minister Lawrence was asked if she had information about employees of the Ministry of Health, and, in particular the Materials Management Unit (Diamond Bond) or the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) being complicit with contractors or suppliers of pharmaceutical and medical supplies in de-
frauding the state. She was also asked to state what actions have been taken to investigate the allegations. Lawrence indicated that there was pilfering of drugs at the Materials Management Unit. She said that an employee was found with vials of insulin in his possession. Police were called to look at the matter. Lawrence said that the unidentified employee was subsequently arrested and placed on bail. She said that he never reported for duty thereafter and the matter is still engaging the police. Lawrence said that the Ministry has since put measures in place to stop pilfering. West Demerara Regional Hospital also had incidents of pilfering. The identities of the two accused were also protected in this instance. Lawrence said, “The Pharmacist and his wife were working in the main drug bond. A visit to the bond by the Ministerial Task Force found some discrepancies in the manner in which the dangerous drugs were being stored and accounted for.” She said that the Task Force returned to the hospital in February and found that the drugs ledger had been tampered with. Figures were retraced, numbers were changed. Lawrence said that the unnamed Pharmacist could not give account for several ampoules of the Pethidine, Codeine and Morphine in his possession. MAN ADMITS TO BEATING SON, CAUSING HIS DEATH Investigators in ‘C’ division have managed to secure a confession from a 40-year-old man whose son died one day after his father struck him to the head during an argument at their Better Hope, East Coast Demerara (ECD) home. The incident occurred around 07:30 hrs on Thursday. Azeez Khan, 18, died while receiving treatment at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) the following day. Initially, investigators were made to believe that the young man fell from a ladder and sustained injuries to the head. However, a Post Mortem examination done on Khan’s remains on Monday indicated that he died from haemorrhage due to blunt trauma to the head. His injury is consistent with a hit rather than a fall. Having received this information, ranks allegedly went to the teen’s neighbourhood where neighbours related that Khan did not fall but was instead struck to the head with an object. The young man’s father was subsequently taken into police custody where he admitted that he and his son were arguing and a fight subsequently started. It was during the fight that he struck the young man in the head with a piece of wood which resulted in him falling to the ground. A source said that further (Continued on page 34)
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(From page 33) investigation is required before the suspect is taken before the court.
body might have been dumped at the location in the wee hours of Sunday after the man was killed at another location. It is also believed that the victim might have been killed during a robbery. Walks of Lot 3 Bus Shed Street, Uitvlugt, was found on the roadway at Uitvlugt Bus Shed Street. The police said that Walks was wanted in connection with several reports of break and enter and larceny, as well as simple larceny. He had served an 18-month sentence in 2015 after being convicted for break and enter and larceny.
THURSDAY $1.3B FIBRE OPTIC CABLE SCRAPPED – HUGHES After months of conducting a series of inspections, the government is made to face the stark reality that like the Skeldon Sugar Factory, the Fibre Optic Cable from Lethem to Georgetown is just another humpty-dumpty. This is according to Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes. The Minister said that Government was optimistic about salvaging the cable. She said that even when checks were done and it was discovered that the cable was in a horrible state, there was still hope. The Telecommunications Minister noted, however, those moneys that were allocated to repair the cable will have to go elsewhere. Hughes told Kaieteur News that Government tried its best to save the $1.3B initiative but given its atrocious state, spending another cent would constitute a grave sin against hardworking taxpayers. Hughes said, “We had to scrap this project. And it is frustrating to me and it is disappointing that here we have another project that has turned out to be nothing but a complete waste of taxpayers’ moneys. It is sickening.” Hughes reminded that $240M was budgeted to resuscitate the troubled Fibre Optic Cable Project. She explained that $140 million was allocated to consolidate, monitor, maintain and extend the existing eGovernment Fibre Optic and LTE Network around Georgetown and along the coast from Moleson Creek to Charity. Government had set aside $100 M to repair and upgrade the Georgetown–Linden Fibre Optic Cable, Hughes said.
FRIDAY MORE THAN 125 ACHIEVEMENTS IN LAST TWO YEARS COALITION GOVT. BOASTS
She recalled that this project was abandoned by the previous Administration after it had spent over $1B. Hughes said that the lack of a feasibility study, poor planning, absence of effective project management and the use of inexperienced contractors are some of the major factors that led to the failure of this project. MURDER CHARGES TO BE LAID… WIFE LIED TO COPS TO SAVE HUSBAND BEFORE SHE DIED In what can be described as a scene out of a Shakespeare play, so was the story of a couple who lived together in their Grant 1803 Crabwood Creek home. Chan m o n i e C h a r l i e w e l l known as ‘Pelo’, 55-years-old, a few days ago told relatives that she had stabbed herself after an argument with her husband, Rishee Lakhraj, 62. She is now dead. However, Crime Chief Wendell
Blanhum, speaking with Kaieteur News, revealed that the woman’s husband who was taken into police custody, under intense interrogation, confessed to stabbing his wife. The Crime Chief told Kaieteur News that Lakhraj, after confessing to the crime, was taken for a psychiatric examination. He was subsequently deemed fit to stand trial and thus will be charged with the murder of his wife. The man told investigators that (he and his wife) were imbibing some “white rum” Friday night when an argument erupted between them. The argument escalated and he retreated to the kitchen, grabbed a knife and plunged it into the woman. The man told investigators that after he had committed the act he contemplated suicide. However, his wife told him she would say that the stab wound was a self-inflicted one. She then ran to her relatives, living a stone’s throw away and told them that she had “stabbed herself”.
Relatives who spoke to reporters had stated that they had to convince the woman to seek medical treatment, to which she agreed the following day. Upon her first visit to the Skeldon Public Hospital, relatives reported that the doctors at the institution did not treat the stab wound but rather gave her an injection and “some medication” and sent her away. Charlie succumbed to her injury on Monday. MAN, THREE SONS HELD FOR CHOPPING DEATH OF UITVLUGT ROBBER Investigators have detained a man and three of his sons for the Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara (WCD) chopping death of 36-yearold Clinton Walks, whose body with multiple chop wounds was found on the roadway. Kaieteur News understands that the men were picked up Tuesday night after ranks at the Leonora Police Station received a tip off. It is suspected that Walks’s
Two years after entering office after a slim victory at the May 11, 2015 polls, vowing reforms to reduce corruption and waste, the Coalition Government believes it has done well. On Thursday, the administration made it clear that it has more than 125 things that it has achieved, including lowering the Berbice Bridge tolls, a cleaner city, holding Local Government Elections in more than two decades, less piracy and more transparency. In a two-page spread published in Thursday’s edition of this newspaper, the coalition, which comprises A Partnership For National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC), insisted that Guyana is “moving forward”. With the region facing tough times amidst a downturn in the world’s commodity market, Guyana has not been immune from the shocks. Last year, export earnings fell by US$30M forcing the administration to release foreign currency to stabilize the rates. Barbados, Trinidad and Suriname have been coming to Guyana for the precious US dollars. Central Bank has since halted purchases of the currencies from the first (Continued on page 35)
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(From page 34) two countries. Malaysian-owned Barama Company Limited has announced a scaling back of operations giving up its 1.6 million hectares of forests, further compounding the woes in the sector. With the introduction of new anti-money legislation and tougher scrutiny from commercial banks, Government has been facing pressure to find ways to steady an economy that was further buffeted by the problems in the sugar industry. Almost $33 billion has been spent to bailout out the Guyana Sugar Corporation in the last two years. The clampdown on fuel and the drug trade have also been affecting the underground economy. The administration itself has been under pressure for a number of things, including the parking meter project for the city, VAT on private education and the closure of a number of sugar estates. The administration pointed out Thursday that it has introduced buses that offer free transportation to school children, paved the way for 4G internet for smartphones, rekindled pride in the country and lowered the crime rate. There has been an increase in salaries for public servants and almost 70,000 persons are exempted from income tax. On the labour front, collective bargaining has been restored with reduced house lot costs, better drainage and irrigation, and more pumps have been installed. ARRANGEMENTS MADE FOR GUYSUCO TO CLEAR OFF $1.5B DEBT TO NIS While the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) is still neck deep in over $90B in debt, it is still trying to make some effort to clear what it can. This can be seen in the case of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS). The state-owned Sugar Corporation owes contributions to the Scheme that is in excess of $1.5B. Kaieteur News understands that arrangements are being put in place to have this debt cleared up. This newspaper was also informed that GuySuCo is the largest defaulter at NIS. This was confirmed with NIS officials, along with Finance Minister, Winston Jordan. The issue of GuySuCo’s indebtedness is one where the NIS is also keen on addressing, as its previous management style left the company holding the strings to a number of reckless investments. The most high-risk investments for NIS remains those made into the Berbice Bridge Companies Incorporated (BBCI). The Scheme has the following investments in the BBCI: (a) Corporate bonds – $1,060,000,000 (b) Subordinated Loan – $500,000,000 (which is a debt that ranks after other debts if a company falls into liquidation or bankruptcy). (c) Preference Shares – $950,000,000 and (d)
Kaieteur News
Common Shares – $80,000,000. The ability of BBCI to pay interest/dividends/capital repayment will depend on its ability to generate profits. To-date it has made accumulated losses of $1,507,062,759 based on its 2014 audited financial statements. As a result, the investment in BBCI’s Common Shares may be impaired as the current net worth of an ordinary share is ($2.77) based on its 2014 audited financial statements. Financial analysts have noted that the Scheme’s investment in the Bridge is almost certain to be negatively affected. It was even stated that already, the ordinary shares have been impaired to a negative value, and the subordinate loans preference shares may also have been impaired.
up as far as Vlissengen Road. Several irresponsible drivers took advantage of the situation on the railway embankment road, and created three lanes as a result of their actions, causing even further havoc. Police officers were on the road, however they could not manage the traffic. Many children were late for school, and persons late for work. Even business deliveries were delayed. Persons took to social media to complain. This publication received a number of calls from angry commuters who voiced their objections. A number of students were said to have been late to Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) exams. Many citizens opined that the arch should have been done on a holiday or weekend, and several spoke of the exercise being poorly managed.
ERECTION OFARCH CREATES TRAFFIC CHAOS ON EAST COAST – CXC STUDENTS AMONG THOSEAFFECTED
SATURDAY NY COURT JAILS NOEL BLACKMAN FOR 50 MONTHS
Workers erecting an 80-ft arch at Cummings Lodge on the Rupert Craig Highway, were forced to halt works mid-morning Thursday as traffic snarled along the East Coast of Demerara highway. Beverly Harper, Managing Director at Ansa McAl Trading Guyana Limited, the company responsible for the structure, explained that the arch is in commemoration of the Anthony N Sabga Caribbean Awards for Excellence, being held in Guyana over the weekend. Works started as early as nine o’clock Thursday morning, with roads being closed between Liliendaal and Industry. In Georgetown vehicles were backed
Noel Blackman, who practiced as a medical doctor and was the former Health Minister of Guyana and Executive Member of the World Health Organization, was on Friday sentenced to 50 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release. Blackman had been accused of illegally distributing oxycodone, a highly addictive prescription painkiller. He had been facing up to 71 months, but his defence counsel had pleaded for a lower sentencing. Additionally, United States District Judge Joanna Seybert ordered Blackman, 69, to forfeit US$536,200 in illegal proceeds, according to the US Department of Justice.
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The sentence followed the defendant’s guilty plea on August 24, 2016. The sentence was announced by Bridget M. Rohde, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; James J. Hunt, Special Agent-in-Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division; and Angel M. Melendez, Special Agent-in-Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), New York. Between 2015 and 2016, Blackman prescribed more than 365,000 30-milligram oxycodone pills from “pain management” clinics that he worked out of in Elmhurst, Queens, Franklin Square, Long Island and Cypress Hills, Brooklyn. He was listed as from Valley Stream,
New York. During his guilty plea allocution before Judge Seybert last August, Blackman admitted that, in exchange for US$300 cash payments, he wrote oxycodone prescriptions for 1,920 30 milligram oxycodone pills to persons whom he knew had no legitimate medical need for that highlyaddictive drug. As described in court papers, that amount of oxycodone was worth up to US$57,600 on the street. According to court filings, on February 7, 2016, HSI agents removed Blackman from a plane at John F. Kennedy International Airport en route to Guyana and arrested him in connection with the illegal distribution of oxycodone. He was returning to Guyana to take up his position as Chairman of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. The Government of Guyana was forced to name another doctor, Dr. Carl ‘Max’ Hanoman as the new Chairman. At the time of his arrest, more than US$30,000 was found concealed in Blackman’s luggage. Following his arrest, Blackman admitted that he believed that some of his patients were addicted to oxycodone. Blackman has forefeited his medical licence and will no longer be allowed to practice medicine in the United States. “Today’s sentence should send a clear message to other doctors and medical professionals that when they abandon their oaths and act as drug dealers, we will prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law,” stated Acting United States Attorney Rohde. “Blackman violated his professional oath to put his patients’ le
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(From page 35) gitimate medical needs first, and instead chose to line his pockets with the proceeds of sales from oxycodone, which has ravaged communities in New York City and on Long Island. Together with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to vigorously prosecute illegal prescription drug distribution.” US$150M CJIA EXPANSION 62% COMPLETE - SURINAME STONE SUPPLIERS DUMPED FOR LOCAL QUARRIES China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd. (CHEC) has given its assurance that the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) expansion project will be completed by its December 2017 deadline. It is currently 62% complete. The project is progressing without any change to the original plan, according to several Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI) officials, including Minister David Patterson, during a media update/ site visit Friday. The US$138M Contract for the expansion of the CJIA was signed on November 11, 2011 between the Government of Guyana (GoG) and CHEC. The project is being funded through the Export-Import Bank of China. The Guyana Government procured the services of engineering consultants – the MMM Group and CEMCO Incorporated – and undertook the relocation of airport
facilities, moving the total cost of the project to US$150M. The Project commenced on January 16, 2013 and works were expected to last for 32 months making the initial completion date – September 16, 2015. However, due to several delays, the deadline was adjusted to December 1, 2017. Payments certified to date, for
the design and construction alone stands at US$79,013,707 with US$4,580,504 coming from local funding and US$74,433,203 from foreign funds. The sum paid thus far for supervision and consultancy services, was announced at US$3,888,812 by Permanent Secretary (PS) of the MPI, Geoffrey Vaughn.
The PS reported also that the sum of US$2,283,370 has already been expended for the relocation of airport facilities. In totality, the sum of US$85,185,888 has already been paid out. Of this sum, US$10,752,685 came from local funding and $74,433,203 from the EXIM Bank of China. The sum of G$9B was allocated
in the 2017 National Budget for the CJIA Project. Minister Patterson told media operatives Friday that the monies are almost depleted. Parliament will have to be approached for a supplementary he said. He clarified that this supplementary will in no way, add to the overall cost of the project.
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Could my irregular periods be PCOS? Did you know that there’s a hormone imbalance that may affect as many as 1 in 10 teens and young women? You might think that’s something everyone would be talking about, but the embarrassing symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are often ignored or hidden by the young women who experience them. Symptoms typically begin shortly after puberty and include irregular periods, acne, weight gain, and facial hair. Teens with PCOS may not realize that they have a medical condition and can feel embarrassed or isolated. So what is PCOS? And how is the disorder diagnosed and treated? Polycystic ovary syndrome is an endocrine disorder. While most of us associate testosterone with men and estrogen with women, there’s actually overlap between the genders. Estrogen plays a small but vital role in male health, and small amounts of “male” hormones like testosterone are typical and healthy in women and girls. TEEN ACNE TREAT-
MENT: SOLVING THE PIMPLE PROBLEM Hormones like testosterone belong to a class of hormones called androgens, and these hormones do great things for women – they help build bones and muscles and increase energy levels. They also play an important role in a woman’s sex drive and her ability to enjoy sexual intimacy. But sometimes a woman’s ovaries or adrenal glands produce excess androgens that can lead to PCOS. No one’s really sure why this happens, but risk factors include a family history of the disorder and diabetes, indicating that genetics and insulin production could play roles in the development of PCOS. What are the symptoms of PCOS? The symptoms of PCOS can be troubling for teens and young women unfamiliar with the disorder. 8 GREAT EXERCISES TO KEEP TEENS FIT Weight gain About half of young women with PCOS will have trouble maintaining a healthy
weight. Extra weight can cause or worsen insulin resistance and throw hormones further out of balance. Mood swings The hormone imbalance behind PCOS can cause abnormally difficult mood swings and increase the likelihood of mood disorders like anxiety and depression. Facial or Body Hair Noticing more body hair is a normal part of puberty for most girls, but unexplained facial hair or the growth of excess body hair on the belly, hands, or back can be devastating for teens and young women who may feel too embarrassed to take their concerns to a doctor. Acne Acne can be a normal part of being or becoming a young adult, and even moderate or severe acne doesn’t always indicate an underlying endocrine disorder. But young women with PCOS are more likely than others to suffer from acne and other skin problems. Irregular Periods The excess androgens in women with PCOS can cause
heavy bleeding and excessive pelvic pain during menstruation. However, women can experience irregular periods for many reasons, and you should always consult with a doctor if you experience significant changes in your menstrual cycle. Infertility For some women, the first symptom they notice is difficulty getting pregnant. PCOS can cause a woman to have menstrual cycles during which she doesn’t ovulate and therefore has no opportunity to conceive. How is PCOS diagnosed? If you suspect PCOS and consult with your doctor, you’ve made an important first step toward understanding your symptoms, but the diagnosis may not be quick. Before diagnosing a woman with PCOS, most doctors will want to rule out other possible causes because PCOS isn’t the only cause of menstrual irregularity and increased androgen levels. Testing usually falls into two categories: blood work to check hormone levels and a physical examination which may include an internal exam or a vaginal ultrasound. If your symptoms, lab work, and exam are consistent with PCOS and no other cause is found, you’ll be diagnosed with PCOS, and your doctor can help you form a treatment plan. 7 CHEAP HOME
REMEDIES FORACNE Is PCOS treatable? The short answer is yes, but some women find treatment more effective than others. The most common treatment is birth control medication. While designed to prevent pregnancy, these medications can also help regulate a woman’s menstrual cycle and reduce androgen levels. Once reproductive hormones are balanced, symptoms like excess hair growth and acne often improve or disappear. Other important aspects of managing PCOS include a healthy diet, exercise, and
weight loss when appropriate. A weight reduction of even 5-10 percent can increase insulin sensitivity and help balance hormones. In addition to these treatments, surgery is sometimes used to trigger ovulation in women with PCOS who are trying to conceive. Make sure you find a doctor you feel comfortable with if you’re embarrassed by your symptoms, but always consult with a doctor if you experience any changes in your body that you have questions about. http:// www.foxnews.com.
Do Your Knees Crackle and Pop? Knees that “pop,” “click” or “crackle” may sometimes be headed toward arthritis in the near future, a new study suggests. It’s common for the knees to get a little noisy on occasion, and hearing a “crack” during your yoga class is probably not something to worry about, experts say. But in the new study, middle-aged and older adults who said their knees often crackled were more likely to develop arthritis symptoms in the next year. Of those who complained their knees were “always” noisy, 11 percent developed knee arthritis symptoms within a year. That compared with 4.5 percent of people who said their knees “never” popped or cracked. Everyone else fell into the middle. Of people who said their knees “sometimes” or “often” made noise, roughly 8 percent developed knee arthritis symptoms in the next year. Doctors have a term for those joint noises: crepitus. Patients commonly complain of it, said Dr. Grace Lo, the lead researcher on the
study. She’s an assistant professor at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. But until now, it hasn’t been clear whether crepitus can predict symptomatic knee arthritis. That means people not only have evidence of cartilage breakdown on X-rays, but also suffer symptoms from it — namely, frequent pain and stiffness. “Our study suggests crepitus is not completely benign,” Lo said. “It’s a sign that something is going on in the knee joint.” Dr. Joseph Bosco, an orthopedic surgeon who wasn’t involved in the study, agreed that frequent crepitus should be checked out. “A lot of people’s knees ‘snap’ and ‘pop,’” said Bosco, a professor at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City. “Do they need to run out for knee replacements? No.” But, he added, “if you experience crepitus regularly, get an evaluation.” The findings, published May 4 in the journal Arthritis Care & Research, come with some caveats. The nearly 3,500 study participants were
at increased risk of developing knee arthritis symptoms to begin with, Lo explained. The participants ranged in age from 45 to 79. Some were at risk of knee arthritis simply because of old age, while others had risk factors such as obesity or a history of a significant knee injury. So it’s not clear, Lo said, whether the findings would translate to — for example — a 35-year-old whose knees crack when she runs. Plus, even though the study participants were initially free of knee arthritis symptoms, some did have signs of arthritis damage on an X-ray. And it was in that group where crepitus was a red flag: People who “often” or “always” had noisy knees were nearly three times more likely to develop knee arthritis symptoms as those who “never” had crepitus. According to Lo, the findings could be useful in everyday medical practice. “If patients are complaining of frequent cracking or popping in the knees,” she said, “get an X-ray.”
Sunday May 14, 2017
A Tribute to Mothers – A show with a difference By: Jacquey Bourne C o m e t h i s M o t h e r ’s night, Lindeners will be treated to a bigger and better Mother’s Night Show dubbed ‘A Tribute to Mothers’ at the Mc Kenzie Sports Club Ground. According to Winston Francis aka Darty of Darty & UC Promotions, the idea was birthed 12 years ago when on Mothers Night, nothing was happening for Mothers. “It was boring, so I said somebody should have kept a show honouring mothers in Linden and I started thinking about it then I spoke to UC and a few weeks later we had a band and a concert in the making.” Francis said that the first show was called ‘Men in Concert’ because only men performed for the ladies. However, with time, the promotion grew and the suggestion was made to include women thus renaming the show ‘A Tribute to Mothers’ and making it a yearly event with the exception of 2015 which was due to General
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Elections. “Mothers are honoured in different categories each year because we want to give back to the mothers who have contributed in some way to the Town of Linden,” Eusi Francis aka UC noted. “This year we are looking at teachers or persons who would have given service to the community over the years in the field of education. We look at different professions and the number of years these persons would have given their service to the community and of course we do enquire from others in the community and they would make some recommendations and based on that we would actually come up with some persons.” UC said previously they did more than one category but they felt it would look more ‘uniformed’ if they focused on one category a year. The other categories of mothers who were honoured before are Nurses or mothers in the
Medical field, another year ten vendors from the market were honoured for their years vending in the market. He noted that last year mothers who are in professions once dominated by men were honoured such as electricians, operators and plumbers. T h i s y e a r ’s s h o w i s slated to be bigger and better than all the years as there will be a Linden/ Berbice clash. Last year there was a clash with Linden’s Winston ‘Zar ’ Caesar of the Cannon Balls fame and Calvin Burnett of the G.T & T Jingle fame and many thought that the younger man was outstanding. “This year we are giving ‘Zar’ an opportunity to represent himself. Added to that we heard that Calvin’s mother is versatile and she is even better than him, so we decided to add her to the programme and boost it as Calvin Burnett and Mom against Zar and Tiny Duggan and see who will win; if it is Linden or Berbice. It will be fun.”
Other artistes are Malika Boyd winner of G.T &T Jingle, Charlie Couchman and others with a special performance from Mike James Drama Group. Prizes will also be given to the oldest mother, mother with the most children, most talented mother and youngest married mother. The M.C. will be popular standup comedian Kirk ‘Chow Pow’ Jardine. The group also extended special thanks to the sponsors such as Bosai Minerals Guyana Inc., Banks DIH, Hinds Service Station, Linden Enterprise Network, R&D Netzone – Church’s Chicken, Foreign Links Auto Spares, Lepps Lumbering, Lakes Electronics, Cozab’s Auto Spares, B. Harry Lumber Yard, Everpure Bernard’s Variety, People’s Choice Pharmacy, Mc Rae’s Supermarket, Romain’s Shoe World and from Overseas Ms. Coleen Muss, Ms. Sandra St. Kitts, Mr. David Thompson, Mr. Brian Allicock, Mr. Terry Melville, Mr. Linden Johnson, Mr. Dave Mc Rae and Mr. Rawle Blair.
Chanel Apologizes to Gabourey Sidibe A rep for the House of Chanel says the company is sorry Gabourey Sidibe”felt unwelcome and offended” at one of its stores. In an essay published in Lena Dunham and Girls showrunner Jenni Konner’s Lenny Letter this week, the Oscar-nominated actress said she tried to buy a pair of glasses and a pair of sandals for Empire co-star Taraji P. Henson at a Chanel store near her apartment in Chicago and was initially snubbed by a saleswoman, saying about her Pretty Woman-like moment, “I suspect it’s because I’m black, but it could also be because I’m fat.” “CHANEL expresses our sincerest regret for the boutique customer service experience that Ms. Sidibe mentioned in the essay she published on a website,” the company said in a statement. “We are sorry that she felt unwelcome and offended. We took her words very seriously and immediately investigated to understand what happened, knowing that this is
absolutely not in line with the high standards that CHANEL wishes to provide to our customers.” “We are strongly committed to provide anyone who comes in our boutiques with the best customer service, and we do hope that in the future Ms. Sidibe will choose to come back to a CHANEL boutique and experience the real CHANEL customer experience,” the statement added. In her Lenny Letter essay, Sidibe said she had actually entered the store while carrying a Chanel purse. “I was looking pretty cute. My wig was long and wavy, I was wearing new ankle boots and my prescription Balenciaga shades, and I had a vintage Chanel purse on my shoulder, over my winter coat with a fur hood,” Sidibe said. “I looked as though I were in a Mary J. Blige video. Just how I like to look!” “The glasses display was near the door, so I walked right over,” she said. “A saleswoman and I locked eyes immediately. I said ‘Hello’ before she did.
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Improving Financial Literacy is Essential to Guyana’s Economic Health Dr. Terence Smith, Deputy Governor, Bank of Guyana
So the question is what is financial literacy?
We live in an economic time when money is short and everyone is trying to find a way to do more with less. So now is a good time to reflect on the importance of financial literacy and its impact on our nation’s future financial health. As a former U.S. Federal Reserve Bank Officer and now Deputy Governor of the Bank of Guyana, I want to provide a number of generalised observations about financial literacy and why financial education is important to Guyana. To emphasise the importance of this topic to the development of Guyana, we at the Bank of Guyana are in the process of developing a national strategy for financial literacy spearheaded by the Deputy Governor. This initiative was mandated in the National Budget Speech 2016. Financial literacy challenges confront developing economies and advanced economies alike. For Guyana, many individuals still need better resources and targeted education to help them understand the most important issues affecting their finances. So families, schools, financial institutions and our government must play a role in promoting financial literacy to empower these individuals to handle financial resources effectively, with a view to sustainably improving their living conditions and those of their families.
WHAT DO WE MEAN BY FINANCIAL LITERACY? When we talk about financial literacy we are usually referring to a set of skills that allow people to manage their money wisely. Financial literacy is a broad concept that includes both information and behaviour and it is relevant for all consumers regardless of their wealth or income. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) defines financial literacy as “the combination of consumers’/investors’ understanding of financial products and concepts and their ability and confidence to appreciate financial risks and opportunities, to make informed choices, to know where to go for help, and to take other effective actions to improve their financial well being.” At its core are individual people, the aim being to develop their financial skills and abilities to such an extent that they can make decisions independently and on a financially meaningful basis. Broader concepts of financial literacy also assume that people will make better judgements about their financial affairs if they understand the relationship between their own finances and the wider economy. From the macro-economic perspective, a financially literate population is of major importance in terms of combating poverty.
WHY FINANCIAL LITERACY MATTERS Without an understanding of basic financial concepts, people are not well equipped to make decisions related to financial management. People with low levels of financial literacy suffer from that lack of knowledge at every stage of their lives. In fact, the literature indicates that people who have a lower degree of financial literacy tend to borrow more, accumulate less wealth, and pay more in fees related to financial products. They are less likely to invest, more likely to experience difficulty with debt, and less
likely to know the terms of their mortgages and other loans. They also end up borrowing more and saving less money. Alternatively, the potential benefits of financial literacy are significant. A review of the literature indicated that people with strong financial skills do a better job planning and saving for retirement. From a social welfare perspective, it matters greatly or not how people are able to manage their financial affairs wisely and live within their means. But the benefits of financial literacy extend well beyond stronger household balance sheets to the promotion of a more resilient financial
system and, ultimately to the more efficient allocation of resources within the real economy. BEST PRACTICES IN FINANCIALEDUCATION AND AWARENESS Managing one’s finances is a complex set of challenges requiring a combination of skills, judgement and resources. Guyanese families must grapple with a variety of financial decisions, ranging from choosing a bank and managing various kinds of debt to planning for retirement and purchasing insurance. Even the simplest of these decisions requires at least some basic financial knowl-
Dr. Terrence Smith edge and competency. The road to financial freedom requires practice and discipline. The financial literacy literature suggests the following simple steps to guide you on your journey: Continued on page 70
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Mother of murdered fisherman seeks public help with finding killers With her son’s first death anniversary approaching, the mother of murdered fisherman, Salman Khan, is pleading with the public for assistance with capturing his killers. During a televised interview, a grieving Bibi Khan said that her son’s killers are still out there and that “these people walking in front of me that killed my son.” She is pleading with the
public to report to police any information that could lead to the prosecution of those responsible. Salman Khan, of Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, went missing on July 9, 2016 one day after he returned home from sea. His body was discovered with multiple chops the following day at a bus shed in Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara. He was taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital
before being transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where he succumbed. Police believed that the 21-year-old fisherman might have been beaten and chopped during a robbery by persons known to him. “I calling on the police, if they could just help me to find these people (her son’s killers) let me get justice for my son. Me need justice for my son. Me can’t stay
without my son,” the older Khan cried. The woman disclosed that she has become frustrated with the tardiness in investigations. Initially, police had arrested three individuals from Tuschen since they were last seen consuming alcohol with Salman Khan on July 9, 2016. Kaieteur News understands that the fisherman had returned from sea on July 8, 2016 and went to discharge the vessel the next morning. It was reported that the younger Khan later left home to go and collect money from his boss. However, after he failed to return home at a certain time his mother called his phone at around 21:000hrs and he told her that he was with his boss and would be home shortly. But Salman Khan never returned home and
Salman Khan calls to his phone went unanswered. His mother then called his boss who told her that the young man left in a taxi with $150,000. “When dem boys go to collect their money, the boss man does buy some beers for
them to drink. The boss said that he send my son home in a taxi,” the woman had stated. A missing person’s report was filed at the police outpost where they were told that police had picked up two young men Saturday night after they were involved in an argument with some other people. Salman Khan went to the station and bailed the young men out. The two boys, Khan and two other boys were then seen drinking at the rum shop opposite the police station. Based on reports, the missing man’s family went to the West Demerara Regional Hospital and was told that an unidentified man was taken there Sunday night but was transferred to the GPHC. It was there that Khan’s brother identified his body in the mortuary.
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LAPARKAN “rewards customers Mystery deepens over boy who... in time for Mother’s Day
Vanessa Narban, GTPAK Service supervisor with Mother’s Day Prize winner Tramaine Critchlow
Laparkan joined the world in honouring mothers by rewarding three customers in the company’s Mother’s Day prize draw. By shopping online and or shipping with Laparkan, the shoppers automatically entered the Mother’s Day promotion. The three winners, Kurt French, Haimlata Harry-Paul and Tramaine Critchlow were each rewarded with silver bracelets. Laparkan took the opportunity to thank the winners for their participation and continued support. Laparkan is a leading freight forwarder in Guyana. The company has been part of the process of providing internet shopping and reliable, consistent and efficient shipping options – air and ocean at affordable rates making Mother’s Day gift-giving much easier.
STANDARDS IN FOCUS
Producing quality packaged coconut water Coconut water is quickly becoming a leading thirst quencher for many persons locally and abroad. It is creating increased demand for the product. But as the demand for coconut water grows, the onus is on producers to ensure that aspects such as quality, hygiene, packaging and storage are properly maintained. The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) has developed two standards to guide the production of this refreshing, tasty and nutritious alternative to drinking water. These standards are the Code of Practice for Packaged Natural Coconut Water (GCP 30:2013) and the Specification for Packaged Natural Coconut Water (GYS 508: 2013). Both of these standards are also CARICOM Standards, so with conformance, local producers can sell their packaged coconut water on the Regional Market. Conforming to the requirements of these standards also allows producers to demonstrate and maintain quality and satisfy consumer requirements. With conformance, no longer will consumers locally or abroad have doubts about the conditions under which locally produced coconut water is packaged, stored and offered for sale. Therefore, meeting requirements of the standards will give locally emerging brands a chance to
be successful on the local and overseas markets which will cause our producers “to smile all the way to the bank”. The scope of the code of practice sets out the recommendations for the hygienic preparation of packaged natural coconut water including harvesting, processing, packaging, storing, transporting and distributing. The standard also covers other key aspects such as labelling, the construction, design and location of facilities in which processing should occur, waste disposal, personal hygiene and quality control. Meanwhile, the Standard Specification applies to packaged coconut water composed of the undiluted, natural, untreated, clear liquid endosperm (water) of the coconut, excluding the solid endosperm (jelly) which is offered for consumption.
This standard, like the Code of Practice, addresses harvesting, quality control, hygiene and labelling. However, it also provides requirements relating to composition, physiochemical limits, defects, food additives, contaminants and microbiological limits. The GNBS, as an agency that facilitates the development and implementation of standards for business growth and development, can help to guide our coconut water producers to conform to these standards. Copies of the standards can be acquired by calling or visiting the GNBS office in the National Exhibition Complex Sophia, Georgetown. For further information, please contact the GNBS on Tel: 219-0064-66 or visit the Bureau’s website: www.gnbsgy.org
From page 17 child vanished, asking if any of them had seen him. The woman indicated that her sibling had attempted to injure the child after claiming that he was hearing voices— Daniel did not suffer any serious injuries. During the time of the little boy's disappearance, Benn said that he was using medication that would aid in preventing any mental lapses. Little Daniel disappeared the day after his mother, Natasha Adolphus, traveled to the city with her infant
daughter to take care of some urgent business. Her visit was supposed to be a short one. Recalling what transpired, Benn said, “I asked (my brother) what really happened and he told me that he and Daniel were watching TV. He said he got up and went and drank his medication and then went to bed and he fell asleep and didn't wake up till around midnight.” Benn said that her sibling further indicated that when he got up, the door was ajar and
he didn't see his son. Checks were made around the area but no one had seen the little boy. It will soon be two years and there has not been any clue as to where the little boy might be. Kaieteur News was informed that the child's mother has since migrated and the last time his father spoke to relatives, he indicated that he was in the interior. Anyone with information about Daniel's disappearance can contact 225-8473.
US$115M PetroCaribe money... From page 9 “It is paying back $1B a year. But money for the petro, that has never come up. There is no repayment schedule for that.” Asked if he thinks there was any intention to pay back, he said, “Not from what I have noticed and I have been there two years now.” The PPP/C government never made the transfer public. Also, it has said that the $3.6B Hope Canal Project came from the treasury when it was taken from the PetroCaribe fund. When the APNU+AFC
came into office, it spoke about the mishandling of the fund. Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, had even gone as far as to say that the fund went bankrupt. He said, “There is no money.” H o w e v e r, t h i s w a s proven to be a bit misleading. Auditor General, Deodat Sharma said in his report that the new government transferred the money in the account tot the consolidated fund. The AG said that over $1.9B was transferred. However, much more
was expected to be in the account. So it is possible that Harmon’s statement was relative based on what was expected to be in the account. This is what the Auditor G e n e r a l h a d t o s a y, “ C o m p e n s a t i o n Agreements were entered into between the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and the Co-operative Republic of Guyana that provided for the cancellation of the oil debt in compensation for white rice and paddy under the Guyana/ Ve n e z u e l a R i c e Tr a d e agreements.”
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WANTED Articulated/Dump truck driver for interior location, must be experienced. Call: 618-2020 for further details.
SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana p assport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535.
SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 6471773/660-5257 Hair station for rent in prime location in Georgetown, preferably a braider. Call: 6807813
Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigration Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496/ 662-6045 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158
Dried and in large quantities: Corilla bush, lemon grass, sour sap leaves. Call: 665-1397
PROPERTY FOR SALE Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461 Goat Creek, Riverfront , 75 Acres land -$7M, Lanaballi River Front, 50 Acres -$9M. Diamond -$7.5M Call: 6880087, 638-8484 Riviera Island: 145 Acres $30M, Tuschen property $5.8M, $6M, $15M. Call: 6880087, 638-8484
BUILDING CONTRACTOR, ESTIMATES, HOUSE PLAN TO BE DRAWN, ETC. CALL: 216-0671, 692-8464, 6220267
Tuschen 2 bedroom flat houses: $4.8M, $10M, $11M, land $2M. Call: 688-0087,6388484
Brian Moe @ 642-3543: Computer Technician, FB: Brian.Moe.165; Home and office visits at your comfort!!
Melani 2 bedrooms - $10M, Tuschen $11.5M & $25M, Canal #2 (15 acres) -$9M. Call:688-0087,638-8484
TOURS
Hogg Island 15Acres - $9M, De William, 5 Bedrooms house -$50M, Hague -$15M. Call: 688-0087/ 633-8484
Suriname City Tour: Independence weekend, dolphins, malls, casino, shopping May 25th -28th. Call: 665-5171/639-2663/6583758/223-7589
Contract Cars and Drivers, Nigel’s Taxi Service @ Sheriff Street, C/Ville. Call: 219-5002/ 699-6152 Straight stitch/over edge machine operators/bond warehouse worker. Call: 2222541 8:00am-4:00pm (Mon-Fri)
INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Floor sanding & Lacquering, house plans, estimate & painting, boat for Santa Mission. Call: 650-4362
Two Dynamic Individual with communications & sales techniques, computer skill @ Sparkle, Meeten-Meer-Zorg & KeyFood Mc Doom location. Two general workers to work shift system. Call: 231-6293
10 Minutes away from Georgetown, you can own your own home, now in construction, 3 bedrooms, 2 bath, concrete house. Call: 675-1510 1 Business property for sale in La Parfaite Harmonie. Call: 686-5083
Buying Wamara, TATABU, Koraroballi, Itikiborabali, fresh logs. Call: 664-5150 We pay in local currencies or US$ for land in Eccles, Herstelling & La Parfaite Harmonie. Call:684-5822/6292881 Investors needed for gold trading business in the Interior, weekly turnover. Call: 658-7553 Experienced bus and taxi drivers at Princess Ramada Hotel, Providence. Call: 6165419/ 265-7076 Uitvlugt, Tuschen, Zeelugt and La Parfaite Harmonie Harmonie. Call: 642-1252 One domestic worker to work in Trinidad. between ages of 25-35. Call: 1868- 683-1528 One maid. Attractive salary. Contact 696-9386, WhatsApp and SMS, Or call 227-5672 Experienced sand truck driver. Call: 227-8529 1 Canter Driver. Call: 629-2912 1 Accounts Clerk, preferably from E.B.D – 5 subjects CXC minimum @ gtcareers592@gmail.com Experienced shop workers, handyman & domestic to work in the Interior, age 1840yrs. Call: 231-0363 (9am4:30pm). (TIN, ID & NIS)
One two story property newly renovated. Call: 6771310
1 - Handyboy to work, living accommodations and meals are free - $40,000 per month, must be honest. Call: 6498449/ 228-5655
FOR SALE Property @ former South Central Hotel building, 218 South Road, Georgetown, prime location. Selling: Steel WING’S CAR & PICKUP chairs & Tablets. Call: 662RENTAL: LOW DOWN 9755/686-0444 PAYMENT, CHEAP REATES,SPECIALOFFERS 1 Honda V30 Magna Motor FOR THE SEASON. CALL: cycle, for parts. Call: 618-4401/ 231-5252 690-6494
Male cook - $100,000 monthly workers for 6" Land Dredge. Call: 685-0689 1 Car to buy on terms Tel: 6941258 Admin. Assistant/Marketing Personnel with at least 5 CXC passes including English language & Mathematics. Send resume to gtcareers592@gmail.com.
CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
Yamaha Outboard: 200HP 4 Stroke (2015), 175HP 4 Stroke (2015), 150HP 4 Stroke (2014), 25HP, 4 Stroke (2015). Call: 612-8661
3 Bedrooms upper flat, fully grilled with toilet, bath, kitchen, parking @ Block ‘8’ Mon Repos, E.C.D -$70,000 monthly. Call: 687-1050
Honda Generator, Honda engine, electric motor. Call: 627-7835
One newly built studio apartment @ Diamond 15X12. Call: 621-1485/ 663-2746
One land in Tuschen Phase 2 – Call: 642-1252
Two bedrooms, upper & lower flat @ Mc Doom Public Road, Married Couple/ Students - $50,000 each. Call: 643-8281 Prime Business Place to rent on Sheriff Street, for offices only. Call: 627-6740/227-8644
Owner Migrating: all items for photocopy shop, internet café, also school supplies for sale. Call: 694-1895/667-8559 1 Transported property for sale at Covent Garden, music equipment for sale. Call: 2653586
FOR RENT
4 Bedrooms top flat, semifurnished @ Ogle. Call: 222-4630
Wooden building structure only with solid greenheart beams & columns ideal for house building. Reasonable offer accepted! Call: 227-4285
Three storey 75X30 feet building/bond, open floor, 2 offices, 2 washrooms, driveways @ 25B Princes St., Charlestown. Call: 223-0654/ 225-0605
Great Deals on video games & all gaming consoles. PC, video games & repairs – Call: 672-2566; 265-3231
Building on W.C.D Blankenburg Public Road equip with tools for wash bay, tire shop, spare parts etc. Call: 269-1522/ 225-3805
1 Pajero Jeep PHH 362, 4 Wheel DR -$600,000, (1) 2" water pump (power fist) with new 2" 100ft hose- $200,000. Call: 225-3805/227-8576
Restaurant to rent at Sheriff Street opposite Sankar Colour and next to Ray’s Auto Sales. Call: 629-1522/225-3805
1 Tire Changer -$300,000 5 LG umbrella -$18,000 each, 1 imported pools table. Call: 225-3805/227-8576
1 Two bedrooms apartment for rent in Diamond New Scheme. Call: 216-2339/ 676-6313
VACANCY Office Clerk (senior/junior) with CXC English/ Mathematics, computer knowledge an asset. Call: 223-7500 Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic –Call: 223-7500. Monday-Saturday 8:15-4:15pm Boys for store/bond, warehouse work. Call: 2237500 between MondaySaturday, 8:15-4:15pm. Receptionist, male security guard, 30-40yrs @ 233 South Road Lacytown. Call: 225-0198 One Experienced Climber to install Wireless Broadband Equipment and One Domestic Worker. Call 2192226 for information. Welder/Fabricator for interior location. Applicants must be experienced with verifiable references. Call: 618-2020 Accounts Clerk for office in Eccles Industrial Site, knowledge of NIS, PAYE, VAT, Quickbooks call 614-4358. Exist for 1 cashier (male/ female) please bring written application to Mike’s Pharmacy, Bel-Air, Georgetown. One experienced legal computer clerk. Call: 6247087/ 226-4283/258-0213/ email:husainsaphier @yahoo.com One experienced nail technician & one hair Stylist at D&A Salon, Ground Floor, Courtyard Mall, Robb Street. Call: 638-7668
1 Small town ace bus. Call: 233-0269/ 616-3288 /690-8247 1 Complete Sawmill at Yarrowkabra Linden Soesdyke Highway and 1 F66 – Clarke, Ranger Skidder. Call: 609-8041/ 644-1190 Office furniture, used computers, display racks & stands for store use. Call:2258066/624-6783 7840 Ford Tractor Baldan Rome Plough Chipper, cage wheel, 16inch pump, complete music set. Call: 2282551/ 613-3175 Plucking Machine used once, modelSY60, power 1.5KW, size 66X71X95cm, serious offers considered. Call: 218-2650/692-5373 Gold and Diamond land for sale or partnership in Berbice, Middle Mazaruni, Ekereou. Call: 600-0036/ 223-1273 1 85 Daf hauler truck with trailer, swap for 1 double axel sand truck or tanker Tel: 6941258
TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS) Clarke Kent Cabs, located at Kingston, exceptional services. Email: clarkekentcabs@yahoo.com. Call: 231-0800/ 231-0801
VEHICLE FOR SALE Allion, Primo, Fielder Wagon, Spacio, Bluebird, 212 Carina, NZE, Honda CRV, Toyota IST, RZ & Pitbull – Call: 650-7501 1-620-240 Leyland DAF engine foreign used and I.S.L Cummings Engine starters, all foreign used. Call:649-8449
CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 677-7827, 6435122 ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MIN BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPOTR & FAMILY OUTING, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807
ACCOMMODATION Le Grand Hotel Penthouse, 6 Commerce St, Lacytown, Georgetown. Low rates, selfcontained, central location. Call: 592-227-1801 or 592-227-3494 Continue on page 69
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Kaieteur News
CONSUMER CONCERNS
WOULD GT&T MEET THE CHALLENGE? By PAT DIAL Some weeks ago, GTT and Digicel, our two telecommunication providers exchanged words in the media as competitors are sometimes expected to do. As consumer advocates we avoid getting involved in such exchanges or appearing to take one side or the other. Our interest and concern are simply to ensure consumers are provided with a quality service, wherever they are, at as reasonable a price as possible and in a more general way to ensure, as far as we are able, that the Government of Guyana is not in any way short changed by transnational companies. At this time, also, we are particularly anxious that the telecommunications liberalization process proceeds quickly and smoothly without any persons or companies trying to distract Government’s works towards liberalization. Over the last few years, GTT has been attacking Government for not closing down the internet cafes which had been providing consumers with cheaper international calls. GTT’s attack on Government was that the internet cafes were conducting an illegal business since they allegedly infringed GTT’s monopoly and Government allegedly lost millions of dollars in revenue. A similar attack has been made on Government for not acting on Digicel for allegedly transmitting data through Suriname.
Consumers, and also many persons in Governmental circles have been pointing out that GTT has no proprietary rights on technological advances and that such advances could not be prevented from coming to Guyana. Secondly, if GTT feels that internet cafes and Digicel’s Suriname link were illegal operations, it should’ve gone to the courts instead of calling upon Government to fight their case. The Guyana Consumers Association, both publicly and in memoranda to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), has been pointing out that the GTT monopoly contract is void since GTT had long and continuously breached its contract in very substantial ways, adversely affecting consumers. GTT could have tested or affirmed their contract in the courts if they had acted against the Internet cafes and Digicel. Many consumer people have mentioned to us that GTT’s recent attack on Government and on Digicel is really an attempt to distract Government and the consumer communities’ attention from the liberalization process and to delay it as much as possible. GTT’s apparent hesitancy over a quick liberalization contracts with their position when the Liberalization Bill was passed in Parliament in July last year. On that occasion, GTT ran full-page newspaper advertisements
with Banner Headline “LIBERALISATION” with three exclamation marks under which was a photo of GTT staff jubilantly welcoming liberalization. And in prominent green, GTT announced: this means: Lower International rates; Faster Internet; Better Customer Services; Wider Range of Products… With the promise of four such improvements in favor of the consumers, Government would be unlikely to delay liberalization. GTT is trying to preempt liberalization by trying to have higher consumer rates established so that when liberalization becomes a reality, higher rates will already be there delaying the working of market forces. The consumer would, of course, suffer from such action. GTT recent attempt to raise landline rates is an example of this. GTT was established in Guyana as a landline company. The overseas call rates were set artificially high so that these international rates would cross subsidize the landline rates. Of recent years, international rates have been falling over the world and all telephone companies including GTT have been experiencing this. Almost all telephone companies have updated their technology to adequately or successfully meet the new competition but GTT, comfortably resting on its monopoly and high rates, did not bother to update technology.
They, as a result, have seen their international usage diminishing. Instead of doing what other telephone companies have done in updating technology, they concentrated on the highly profitable cellular and DSL services. And now, though contractually obligated to cross subsidize the landline rates, they are calling on the landline consumers to pay high rates rather than honoring their contractual obligation by using a small percentage of the nonregulated services massive profits, to do the cross subsidization. In any case, the GCA has pointed out that the income which has been earned by the landline could pay to keep the landline afloat without any cross subsidization. Such Income would have been the interest on the US$60 million used to establish the cellular business and the rental of approximately US$2 million per annum to be paid by the cellular business for the use of the landline copper and fiber optic wires to transmit cellular traffic. The landline is also due for its share of income from its contribution to financing the US$30 million on the sea cable. GTT has taken to neglecting the landline: they have been taking an unconscionable time to do landline repairs or have not done so at all; they have failed to supply landlines to the large numbers who are in need of them such as the new
housing areas build by Government and private enterprise. And in other ways, they have failed to honour their contract as for example their failure to supply annual Telephone Directories. The Directories were to be of no cost to the consumer and have been so for the last 25 years. The Directories were also of no cost to GTT since they were paid for by the advertisements. Not to publish Directories is anticonsumer action. Talk of putting the Directories online is a cost to the consumer-- he has to have a computer and to subscribe to GTT’s DSL and anytime he wants to find a number he has to use electricity. The PUC must insist that GTT produce its annual directory. The GCA has always thought of GTT being able to be the flagship telecoms company of Guyana and even at this juncture it could still rouse itself to earn that status and accolade despite frittering away the consumer goodwill which former CEO Yog Mahadeo had earned for the company. It could earn that status by courting consumer goodwill, resuscitating the landline, and bringing greater efficiencies on its all-round services and avoid the temptation of trying to earn revenue by petty schemes such as clandestinely inserting voicemail on the landline without consumer agreement. Would GTT rise to the challenge?
Motorcyclist dies after colliding with parked truck
From page 68
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TO LET Business Space on Middleton St. C/Ville. Call: 650-0716/667-1896 Single room for Bachelor @ 11 Charles Street, Charlestown. Call: 223-4060
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DEAD: Michael Persid A 27-year-old rice farmer of Number 30 Village, West Coast Berbice is now dead following a collision at Golden Grove, West Coast Berbice on Thursday. The dead man has been identified as Michael Persid. According to reports reaching this publication, Persid was on his way home after an evening out with friends when he lost control
The damaged motorcycle. of his motorcycle CH 7640 and collided with a parked motor lorry. The accident occurred at approximately 23:39 hrs. Traffic Chief of B Division, Timothy Williams,
told reporters that Persid was proceeding west along the southern side of the Golden Grove Public Road reportedly at a fast rate when he collided with the parked motor lorry. He was said to be negotiating
The farmer reportedly lost control of his motorcycle and rode into this truck. a turn when he lost control of his motorcycle. Persid was picked up in an unconscious state and rushed to the Fort Wellington Hospital and subsequently transferred to the New
Amsterdam Hospital. He sustained a fractured skull and was further transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital. Persid succumbed while receiving treatment around 20:30hrs on Friday.
FOR SALE/FOR RENT American Pool Table. Call: 277-0578 EDUCATIONAL Lessons Grades 1-6: Reading, Composition writing, Grammar, Maths, Science & Social Studies @ Queenstown, G/Town. Call: 695-9625
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Kaieteur News
Improving Financial Literacy is Essential to Guyana’s... From page 65 1. Start saving for the future now: As is the case in Guyana to retire at age 55 or 60, one must consider how money will be available to live for the following 30+ years. It is critical to start putting
money away now to prepare for the future. Even if someone can only invest a small amount of money, it is worth it in the long-run. The difference in totals at retirement can be solely due to when savings started.
2. Get into the budgeting habit: Budgeting gives you control over your money. It is as simple as monitoring how much is made and how much is spent. Monitoring spending on a monthly basis and changing the budget as
life changes will allow one to take control of personal finances and free up extra money to start saving for the future. 3. Avoid debt accumulation: Avoiding debt is one of the best ways to prepare for a secure financial future. Many consumers learn that as debt builds, it becomes increasingly difficult to get out of debt. For example, knowing how to use a credit card is an important part of avoiding debt. One should only pay for things that one can afford. For those in debt, a plan should be created on how unwanted debts will be paid off. 4. Bank smart: There are many ways that you can save money while you are banking. These include monitoring fee charges, not leaving too much money in a checking account, shopping around at different banks to find the best interest rates, and using the online bill pay function if it is available. 5. Have an emergency fund: It is important to be prepared for the “just in case” aspects of life. Creating a savings account that accrues for an unexpected expense such as car repair, home repair, or needed medical expense is recommended. This account may also be needed if one is faced with being laid off. 6. Learn about investing: It will be wise to take time to learn the basics of investing.
It is critical to have a foundational understanding of managing your assets and staying away from potential scams and fraudulent transactions. 7. Set goals: Setting clear, written goals for the future and making plans to accomplish them are essential. Taking the time to write down one’s goals and aspirations will really pay off. 8. Protect your assets: It is good to ensure that one has proper insurance for self protection and for assets. Car and health insurance are must haves. Gain knowledge around what insurance options you do have and the costs. So what can be done to raise the Level of Financial Literacy in Guyana? Our nation needs its citizens to be able to manage their financial lives well. To get there, we must make a commitment to raising the level of financial literacy among Guyanese. This is an issue with broad implications for our nation’s economic health. As we move forward in formalising and coordinating an approach to achieving financial literacy throughout the length and breadth of the country our strategy will be guided by the following precepts: · Financial education must start early. Children and young people must be a target group for financial edu-
cation, they should be taught to use their resources properly at an early age, so as to avoid problems such as debt. Parents should engage in regular, constructive conversations about money matters to give children a solid foundation for financial wellbeing. · Teachers need the right training to provide financial education. A survey by the National Endowment for Financial Education found that very few teachers believe they were prepared to teach personal finance to their students. Personal finance is an important life skill and equipping school children with this skill will not only help them to participate fully in society as they move into adulthood, but will also promote national development. · One size does not fit all. Financial literacy rates vary substantially by age, race, gender, and socioeconomic status. For example, people living in rural areas are particularly vulnerable to bad uninformed financial choices. Their incomes are largely low and irregular, and thus any loss or impudent use of money has significant consequences for them. In many of the indigenous communities, even the most basic financial information is lacking. Financial literacy matters on many levels. It helps people manage their financial affairs and improve their standard of living. But it also improves the economic health of the nation. Next week I will discuss the importance of financial literacy to the financial system. Please send your comments to deputygovernor @bankofguyana.org.gy
Sunday May 14, 2017
Kaieteur News
Fifth Street Alberttown killing…
Accused told cops that victim was shot during confrontation over robbery Accused murderer, Lawrence Wayne, had given police an ordinary statement outlining the series of event which led to the shooting of Dexter Lindo in August 2014. Lindo, 26, of Shell Road, Kitty, was shot on August 23, 2014, at Alberttown, Georgetown. He was allegedly shot three times about his body and succumbed days later while receiving treatment at the Balwant Singh Hospital. Beverage outlet proprietor, Lawrence Wayne, was subsequently arrested and charged for the murder. He is currently on trial at the Georgetown High Court before Justice JoAnn Barlow and a mixed jury. In an ordinary statement, which was tendered to the court through a police witness, this past week, Wayne allegedly told police that on the day of the incident, he shot Dexter Lindo during a confrontation following a robbery that had taken place at his beverage bar. Wayne told the police that
Accused: Lawrence Wayne he received a telephone call that someone had robbed his place of business. He said that armed men had entered his Beverage Paradise stall at Merriman’s Mall, Bourda. Wayne, a licensed firearm holder at the time, told the cops that he arrived in time to see the men, fleeing the store; they left in a motor vehicle. The accused told the po-
lice that he followed the men in his vehicle and eventually caught up with them at Light and Fifth Streets, Alberttown. Wayne is said to have confronted one of the men (Lindo) and told him to “freeze.” He recalled that Lindo had already exited the car and entered a shop in the area when he then turned and pulled a gun from his waist. Wayne said that he in turn, opened fire on the man and injured him in the process. Wayne’s case is set to be concluded this week. He had vehemently denied the allegations of murder before the court. The businessman was previously discharged of the murder but the charges were reinstituted shortly afterwards. At present, the matter is being presented by State Attorneys Tamieka Clarke and Mandel Moore in the High Court. The accused is represented by Attorneys-at-law Max McKay and Stanley Moore.
In Demand: Senior Cop Says Appetite for Guns in Jamaica High KINGSTON, Jamaica – Guns are too much of a hot commodity in Jamaica and a senior law enforcer wants tough new laws to curb the demand for the guns. “Jamaica is awash with guns,” lamented Deputy Commissioner of Police Clifford Blake Friday as he addressed a forum which examined the crime situation in the country. He suggested a timely remedy would be the imposition of a mandatory minimum sentence for gun crimes, previously mooted by former police commissioner Owen Ellington. “I remember him saying that there should be a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years, and I would support it,” Blake told the forum. He warned that so serious was the problem that if Jamaica failed to act, the country’s crime woes could only get worse. “The appetite for guns in Jamaica is stronger than, maybe, cell phones or phone cards. Every young man in some of these communities wants to have a gun. When a shipment of guns comes in from Haiti, there are more buyers [than there are guns]. Persons are actually
Clifford Blake waiting on them, and unless we can find some deterring effect to cut this appetite for guns, we are going to have
serious problems, because we have too many willing users and we have too many guns,” Blake stressed.
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Police E Division honours 105 year old mother
Sitting Commander Karimbaskh, Mama Gathie, and Inspector Peters Mother’s Day being a special day, E Division Commander Senior. Superintendent Fazil Karimbaskh, visited and honoured the oldest person in the Region and possibly the country, 105-year-old mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great-great grandmother Agatha Charlotte Campbell aka Mama Gathie. The occasion was at her 35 Burnham Drive, Wismar residence on Friday. The Commander presented a hamper which con-
tained food stuff, a pair of bedroom slippers and other goodies as the centenarian’s Mother’s Day gift. According to Senior Superintendent Karimbaskh, a combined effort of all the ranks of E Division made the hamper possible. The Commander said, “Although we are in law enforcement, we have another side, the humanitarian side. However, when we received the information that she is the oldest person actually living in this Region, we decided
that the right thing to do was to give her a hamper to make her happy for the Mother’s Day as one of our humanitarian gestures. We are involved in a set of outreach programmes and we decided that this was a fitting case for us to give her a hamper so she could have some articles at home.” In sending greetings to all mothers, the Commander said that he wants the mothers to know that the police are there to protect, nurture, coach and to lead them in the right path.
Sunday May 14, 2017
Kaieteur News
CLICO plans to repay government says Duprey PORT OF SPAIN – The Colonial Life Insurance Company (CLICO) says it has a plan to pay the government back billions of dollars spent in bailing out the financially troubled regional insurance giant. Former CLICO Chairman Lawrence Duprey in a statement to the Trinidad Guardian newspaper disputed a claim by Finance Minister Colm Imbert earlier this week that government is in excess of TT$27 billion. Imbert told parliament during the mid year review of the budget that the government had so far spent $20.3 billion on the 2009 CLICO bailout. Imbert also said that overall the government could be owed as much as $27.7 billion. However Duprey told the Trinidad Guardian that the company’s shareholders have submitted a plan to repay the government in full and the government has letters to this effect. “Government is f u l l y a w a r e t h e shareholders’ agreement has expired but is continuing to operate without consulting the shareholders. The time has come to end this colossal disaster and
Lawrence Duprey remove this burden from the public’s neck,” he said. The former CLICO chairman said the government’s “determination to destroy CLICO and CL Financial is bewildering” adding that the government did not spend $20 billion on “the so called bailout as we known that approximately 15 000 policyholders representing the largest single liability are still waiting to collect their full benefits, having been forced to wait 20 years to be repaid 85 per cent of their life’s savings”. “Sadly most of these people will not live to dully
enjoy these payments, yet we’re told $3.2 billion has been spent on advisor fees and other costs. This appears to be ‘money for the boys’ while policyholders languish on the vine.” According to Duprey, the Finance Minister’s reference to expenditure is simply a promise to pay in the distant future “in the form of government bonds or some other arcane financial arrangement”. He noted that the government is “fighting all the way to the Privy Council a request for openness and transparency into the financial affairs of the ‘bailout’. A request that has been upheld as a fair and legitimate right by the high court. Yet Mr Imbert affirms in his statement that the CLICO resolution is being conducted according to the orders of the court”. Duprey added that over six months ago in response to questions raised about the missing $6 billion of statutory funds in the CLICO accounts, the Minister of Finance proposed a forensic audit into the affairs of the ‘bailout’ to date, but the audit “hasn’t been forthcoming”.
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Sunday May 14, 2017
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Windies against the ropes as... History of the Guyana National... (From page 79) Chase even though replays proved inconclusive. After the break, Younis and opener Shan Masood (21) added an invaluable 49 for the third wicket, seeing the tourists safely through the first hour. Younis faced 73 deliveries and struck three fours while the l e f t - h a n d e d Masood hit a single four in a 68-ball knock. But Gabriel intervened again in the second over following the drinks break, trapping Masood lbw with one that angled in, triggering a collapse where three wickets in all fell for 15 runs. Misbah followed four overs later, top-edging a slog at Bishoo to Dowrich
while Younis fell in the final over before tea, also top-edging Bishoo to Powell at short fine leg. The Windies were in control then and even more so when fast bowler Joseph removed Sarfraz Ahmed (4) and Asad Shafiq (13) cheaply, to leave the innings in tatters at 90 for seven, about 40 minutes after tea. H o w e v e r, Ya s i r a n d Amir came together in a 61run eighth wicket stand to put the game back in Pakistan’s favour. Yasir, caught behind off a Bishoo no-ball on 15, made the Windies pay by lashing two fours and a six in a breezy 55-ball knock while Amir, dropped by Dowrich on 17 off Chase,
struck three fours off 69 deliveries. By the time Amir slapped Joseph to Bishoo at cover, the Windies were already behind the game and Hasan Ali, put down on eight by Gabriel off Bishoo, thumped a four and a six to end on 15 from just six balls, as the declaration came five minutes before the scheduled close. Joseph was the best bowler with three for 53 while Gabriel (2-24) and Bishoo (2-54) finished with two wickets apiece. Scores: West Indies 7 for 1 (Brathwaite 3*, Powell 4, Yasir 1-2) and 249 (Chase 69, Abbas 5-46) need another 297 runs to beat Pakistan 376 and 174 for 8 dec (Yasir 38, Joseph 3-53).
Sunday May 14, 2017 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Arguments could prevail. Your partner may push buttons that infuriate you. Do not give your heart to someone who may not live up to your standards. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You are best not to discuss your personal life with others. Don't let individuals with wild schemes talk you into a financial deal that is not likely to be successful. Social activities or travel should be in your plans.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Involve yourself in group endeavors. Ask others to help, or you may feel that a burden is weighing you down. You're in the mood for love. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Concentrate on getting ahead financially and let your personal life settle down for a while. Don't get so wrapped up in being rich that you overlook the fact that your plan may not be as solid as you thought.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You can make major decisions regarding your professional direction. Use your head and do things to your liking. Relatives may play an important role in your social activities.
SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Joining organizations will provide you with stimulating romantic contacts. Be confident in your endeavors and others will believe in your efforts. If you try to manipulate emotional situations you will find yourself alienated.
CANCER (June 21–July 22) Don't be angry, but be on your guard. Your self confidence will attract members of the opposite sex Opportunities to upgrade your living standards will come through your lover or through joint financial investments.
CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Your tendency to overreact could get you into trouble. You need to get out and be an observer. Minor health problems will cause setbacks if you haven't taken proper care of yourself.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Go after your goals and don't be afraid to ask for assistance. Try to keep a low profile. Don't argue with family. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Travel opportunities must be taken advantage of. Business conducted in your own office will proceed smoothly. You will have to put those you live with in their place if they try to interfere with your work.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Spend some time with the one you love. Pleasure trips will be satisfying. Your ability to come up with original ideas will bring recognition from superiors. You'll find it easy to deal with government agencies or large institutions. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Don't let your family put demands on you. Don't even bother trying to get their approval on the things you want to do.
(From page 74) Cup (Benson and Hedges Trophy), Martinez Shield and Swettenham Trophy to name a few. The association also competed and recorded wins for the Duke of Gloucester Trophy, which is controlled by the National Rifle Association (NRA) of Great Britain and competed for among nations at Bisley - the Mecca of rifle shooting in the world. Though female membership was still infrequent, Guyana boasted a few greats.
They not only made a name for themselves locally, competing among the males, but also managed to be members of teams which competed for the Anchor Challenge Cup and the Duke of Gloucester Cup at Bisley. Members of the Association won individual events and were awarded prizes, medal and cups. Initially, shooting took place at the Thomas Lands Range. Ve t e r a n m a r k s m e n claimed the windy situation at the Thomas Land
Range was responsible for the range being classified as the best in the Caribbean. Some even said that it was better than Bisley. On the 7th July, 1964, rifle shooting was temporarily suspended because the rifle range was taken over by the Military and it is now part of Camp Ayangana. An ‘Arm Call-inOrder’ was subsequently issued by the Governor and ever since, when not in use, the rifles must be lodged at Police Stations or Military Armories for safe keeping.
Guyanese boxers fail to register... (From page 76) pounded out a majority verdict over Jakeel Cadagon in the 42kgs division. Dwane Baptiste was also in winners’ row when he pounded out a unanimous verdict over Dwayne Castello. Meanwhile, the occasion was graced by several dignitaries who all delivered brief remarks at the opening ceremony. President of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), Steve Ninvalle, urged the participants to compete fairly. He noted that while each country will attempt to establish its dominance, the pivotal idea is to retain unity and oneness among the Caribbean community. He further lauded the efforts of his executives who he said fought valiantly to realize the requisite finance for the success of the card. Mr. NInvalle be-
moaned the fact that despite such ardent efforts his team was unable to secure the necessary financing for the tournament. He said that he had dispatched the requisite document, a strategic 4 year plan to the GOA and the NSC and hoped that those officials could expedite a favourable response in the near future. Director of Sports, Christopher Jones, lauded the organizers and reiterated his Government’s commitment to the development of the sport. He said that his presence at the championships coupled with the assistance rendered
is testimony of his government’s policy to assist in the development of boxing and other disciplines. President of the Guyana Olympic Association, K A Juman Yassin, echoed the sentiments of Ninvalle and Jones. He wished the participants well and urged them to compete in the true spirit of the sport. The action continued last evening and local boxers would have aspired to reassert their dominance. The finals will be staged tonight and admission remains at $1000 for ringside and $500 for the stands.
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History of the Guyana National Rifle Association – Part One The Guyana National Rifle Association (Guyana NRA) would be celebrating its 150th anniversary in October (9th -15th) this year with the hosting of the West Indies Fullbore Shooting Championships at the Timehri Rifle Ranges. Kaieteur Sport will be featuring the history of the association in various parts as compiled by Ms. Margaret S m i t h f ro m t h e commencement of shooting in the 19th Century to 1992. Subsequently, the history of the remaining years was put together by Mahendra Persaud (Fullbore Captain), Ransford Goodluck and Ryan Sampson (Secretary of the Association) with the assistance of a few members of the Guyana NRA. P a r t O n e – I n t r o d u c t i o n Rifle shooting as a competitive sport is not new to Guyana. It dates back to the early 1790’s and was formalised in 1865, with the establishment of the Demerara Rifle Club. The latter became the British Guiana Rifle
Association and today it is Guyana National Rifle Association. The Demerara Rifle Club was formed by a Regiment of British Soldiers stationed in the then British Guiana, and, was coordinated by the succession of British Troops stationed in British Guiana thereafter. From the formation of the Rifle Club to Independence, the organisation responsible for the running of the club varied, namely: British Garrison (1878), British Guiana Militia Volunteer Force (1891), British Guiana Vo l u n t e e r F o r c e , a n d Guyana Defence Force (1966). M e m b e r s h i p , categorised under individual and block members was opened to all officers, noncommissioned officers and men on the active list of all local forces. Eventually, it expanded to all residents in Guyana over the age of fifteen (15), other than members of the active Force. Initially, competitions
British Guiana Shooters were of two types- smallbore and fullbore competitions. However, there was a lull in smallbore competition for several years, which resulted from a shortage of ammunition. Happily, in 1992, the smallbore competition was reintroduced. Originally, shooters, depending on their shooting ability, were categorised as ‘A’, ‘B’ or ‘C’ class, with ‘A’
class being the highest. However, if a shooter is selected and participates in an international competition, he immediately becomes a senior shooter and attains an ‘X’ class rating. In keeping with the other countries, the local association now uses two classes: ‘A’ class which identifies shooters who are selected and participate in an international competition.
They are referred to as senior shooters. ‘B’ class identifies shooters who have not yet competed at international competitions. They are also referred to as junior shooters. At international competitions, shooters are categorized ‘O’ or ‘X’ class depending on their shooting ability. ‘X’ class is higher. The association is entirely responsible for the
selection of teams competing in local and international meetings. As a result, teams competing, do so in the name of Guyana or the West Indies and not in the name of any particular club or organisation. Interest in the sport is still a far cry from what is desired but from the inception of the sport, the Guyanese standard of Rifle Shooting has been exceptional. There have been outstanding performances in local and international competitions. The association boosted by past greats and current shooters has maintained high standards, while a pool of talent is being developed to carry on the tradition. The Guyana National Rifle Association has recorded wins for every trophy put up for competition among Guyana, Barbados, Trinidad, Jamaica and effective 1989, Bermuda. These trophies include: Anchor Challenge (Continued on page 73)
Sunday May 14, 2017
Kaieteur News
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GCA, GDA U-17 t20 cricket semi-finals
DCC to play TSC in today’s final By Sean Devers DCC and TSC marched into today’s Final of the Georgetown Cricket Association/ Guyana Diabetic Association (GDA) Under-17 t20 cricket tournament with easy wins in yesterday’s semi-finals at Bourda. In the morning game TSC crushed MSC by eight wickets before DCC beat GYO by 34 runs to earn the right to play in today’s final from 13:00 hrs at Bourda. Malteenoes’ 160-4 against GNIC in the preliminary round is the highest total in the competition but yesterday the Thomas Lands side were restricted to 38-9 from their 20 overs by their Neighbors, which is the lowest total in the competition. Wayne McPherson (9) was the top-scorer, while Dwayne Hicks (4) hit the only boundary in the innings. Joshua Wilson, Joel Spooner and Kevlon Anderson
captured two wickets each for TSC, who reached 39-2 in 7.5 overs. TSC started their reply and Anderson began by sweeping leg-spinner Wayne Bollers for four and pulling pacer Jeremiah Scott for another boundary to finish unbeaten on 19 from 17 balls with two fours. In the afternoon game, DCC won the toss and batting on a slow track and sluggish outfield and in a slight drizzle, struggled to score freely. DCC, who reached 115-2 in 20 overs, enjoyed a solid opening stand from Gansham Premchand and Sachin Singh who added 54 in 11 overs before Premchand (23) was forced to retire hurt. Pradesh Ballikshoon had 2-20 for GYO who were limited to 81-8 off 20 overs as only Mark Fredericks (16) and Phillip Mc Turk (15) reached 15. Bookie (4-11) and pacer Nkosie Beaton (3-10) did the
damage with the ball for the winners. Earlier, Singh got going with a pugnacious drive down the ground for four off Elnathan Suknanan and was joined by Alphius Bookie after Premchand, who struggled with his running between the wickets, retired with stomach pain. Bookie executed an impeccable ‘inside out’ drive over extra cover for four off Mohendra Dindyal before smashing the ball back past the bowler next ball and added a further 53 before Bookie (16) who was stumped off of a no-ball, was bowled by Ballkishoon. Singh, miss-stumped on 36, danced into Ballkishoon and blasted him to the longon boundary as he stepped on the gas after a sedate start. Ashmead Nedd (9) was bowled by Ballkishoon in the final over before Singh was denied a half-century when he missed a sweep on 49 off the last ball of the
innings and had to settle for a leg-bye. When GYO began their reply they lost Persaud (4) and Dindyal (2) as Beaton stuck twice and never recovered from a position off 11-2 in the fifth over. An interesting Final is anticipated but rain is forecast for today.
Kelvon Anderson’s unbeaten 17-ball 19 led TSC to victory in the first semi final at Bourda yesterday. (Sean Devers photo)
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Sunday May 14, 2017
Kaieteur News
2nd edition of the Caribbean Schoolboys and Junior Boxing Tournament
Guyanese boxers fail to register a win as action gets underway They set out to prove their dominance at the youth level of Caribbean boxing but Guyanese boxers were pegged back a mite, with two decisive losses from as many bouts when the curtains were raised on the 2nd edition of the Caribbean Schoolboys and Junior Boxing Tournament at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue, Friday evening. In all, there were 8 bouts but only 4 of them were of international flavor. In this segment, 63kgs, Junior Barbadian pugilist, Tevin Brewster, turned in a classical boxing display to overcome his Guyanese counterpart, Shemar Morrison, and draw first
blood, while Trinidadian, Nickel Joseph, forced the referee to call a halt to his 75kgs (Youth) bout with another Guyanese, Akeel Mounter, in 2:32secs of the third frame. A rangy fighter, Brewster opted to box on the outside while Morrison attempted to force a toe to toe brawl. Unruffled, Brewster danced around and enforced his dominance with stiff left jabs and right crosses. The pattern continued into the second round with Morrison stitching in a few punches but Brewster refused to accommodate his tactics and wisely built up his points on the outside. Morrison managed to
lure the fleet footed Bajan into a close ranged exchange at the initial stage of the third round but Brewster quickly reasserted himself and returned to his frisky ways, jabbing and crossing at long range. The rangy Brewster then paused momentarily to slam home a wicked one two combination that rocked his man and solidified his (Brewster) lead, shortly before the final bell sounded. The Bajan was rightfully adjudged the unanimous winner. Akeel Mounter has all the tools to take command of his 75kgs (Youth) bout against Trinidadian, Nickel Joseph, but he inexplicably failed to assert his
dominance. The Guyanese stayed in control in the first stanza but his punches lacked the venom and reduced his efforts to a sparring session in the gym. The bout remained even in the early part of the second frame but at the halfway stage Mounter scored with a few timid punches. The Trinidadian then changed tactics and stayed on the outside while using long ranged crosses. Mounter managed to weave his way in but failed to take full advantage which only served to bolster Joseph’s courage. The Trinidadian came out in the final round using his height to full advantage,
forcing Mounter to cover up to stem the blows. Joseph then upped the ante and a wicked right cross landed on Mounter ’s temple and caused the referee to jump in and institute the mandatory 8 count. Mounter rejoined the fray but was tagged with another jolting straight right that attracted another 8 count. The disparity in class was apparent as Joseph advanced and connected with a thudding straight right that forced the referee to institute another mandatory 8 count, at the end of which, she rightfully halted the lopsided contest. The time was 2:11secs of the third stanza. In the first international
affair, Trinidadian, Blessing Waldrop and Jamaican, Malachi Baker engaged in a delightful three rounds affair i n t h e 7 5 k g s ( Yo u t h ) category where the former boxer prevailed. Another Jamaican, Jerone Innis ensured his country stay in contention with a crunching TKO win over St Lucian, Jwevel Matty, in 2:32secs of the third stanza. Earlier in the night, the fans were entertained with 4 bouts among Guyanese boxers in the Schoolboys category. Shaquancy Wright continued to impress with a unanimous verdict over Malichi Jones in their 37kgs shindig, while Travis Invary (Continued on page 73)
Sunday May 14, 2017
Kaieteur News
Woodpecker Products Ltd Junior National Squash Championships 2017
Younger players impress in latest action The Guyana Squash Association (GSA) is holding its second junior tournament for 2017, the Woodpecker Products Ltd Junior National Squash Championships at the Georgetown Club Inc courts and play continued on day three with fixtures in nine of the ten categories that are up for grabs. They were several noteworthy performances by all juniors but especially those in the younger age groups. In the highlight match of the evening Shomari Wiltshire had to come from behind to defeat Alex Cheeks by a three games to one score. Shomari had two game balls in the first game but Alex won the game 13 – 11. Alex then moved to 9 – 6 in the second game and it seemed as if Shomari was in a lot of trouble but he held his nerve and won the next five points to take the second game 11 – 9. Alex now seemed to be tired and Shomari comfortably won the third game 11 – 3 and then the fourth game by an identical score 11 – 3. In the girls Under 15 category Abosaide Cadogan had a straight set victory over Kirsten Gomes. Abosaide won the first game 11 – 4. The second game was extremely close but Abosaide won it 13 – 11 and then took the third game 11 – 8. Results of the all matches played on Friday evening and Saturday morning are as follows. Friday evening Boys Under 11 Louis Da Silva beat Nathan Rahaman 11 – 6, 11 – 8, 11 – 5 Shilol Asregado beat Dhiren Persaud 11 – 1, 7 – 11, 9 – 11, 11 – 4, 11 – 3 Mohyryan Baksh defeated Chad De Abreu 11 – 5, 11 – 2, 11 – 3 Girls Under 11 Beau Fernandes defeated Christiana Fernandes 11 – 1, 11 – 6, 11 – 8 Boys Under 13 James Mekdeci beat Liam Carpenter 11 – 2, 11 – 3, 11 – 3 Demetrius De Abreu defeated Zachary Persaud 11 – 4, 11 – 5, 11 – 3 Michael Alphonso beat Nicholas Verwey 11 – 2, 11 –
Shomari Wiltshire 1, 11 – 1 James Mekdeci defeated Zachary Persaud 11 – 9, 11 – 3, 11 – 6 Girls Under 15 Makeda Harding beat Abosaide Cadogan 11 – 4, 11 – 4, 11 - 6 Teija Edwards beat Jahcinta Adams 6 – 11, 6 – 11, 11 – 5, 13 – 11, 13 – 11 Madison Fernandes defeated Aliyah Persaud 8 – 11, 11 – 6, 11 – 8, 11 - 3 Makeda Harding defeated Jahcinta Adams 11 – 3, 11 – 2, 11 – 1 Abosaide Cadogan beat Kirsten Gomes 11 – 4, 13 – 11, 11 – 8 Boys Under 15 Shomari Wiltshire beat Osmond Mack 11 – 1, 11 – 2, 11 – 1 Lucas Jonas beat Mikhail Persaud 11 – 3, 11 – 2, 11 – 8 Samuel Ince-Carvalhal defeated Jason Gomes 11 – 4, 11 – 4, 11 – 3 Gianni Carpenter beat Dominic Collins 11 – 5, 11 – 2, 11 – 7 Samuel Ince-Carvalhal defeated Mikhail Persaud 11 – 1, 11 – 2, 11 – 0 Girls Under 17 Maya Collins defeated Madison Fernandes 11 – 6, 11 – 8, 11 – 9 Boys Under 17/19 Daniel Islam defeated Anthony Islam 9 – 11, 11 – 5, 11 – 0, 11 – 5 Shomari Wiltshire beat Alex Cheeks 11 – 13, 11 – 9, 11 – 3, 11 – 3 Girls Under 19 Makeda Harding defeated Sarah Lewis 11 – 6, 11 – 9, 11 – 5 Saturday morning Girls Under 11 Christiana Fernandes defeated Isabella Ramjohn
11 – 3, 11 – 7, 11 – 6 Boys Under 11 Mohyryan Baksh defeated Dhiren Persaud 11 – 1, 11 – 0, 11 – 0 Louis Da Silva beat Dhiren Persaud 11 – 2, 12 – 10, 11 – 0 Girls Under 13 Paige Fernandes beat Haley Carpenter 11 – 8, 11 – 6, 11 – 6 Kirsten Gomes beat Haley Carpenter 11 – 1, 11 – 5, 11 – 2 Boys Under 13 Demetrius De Abreu defeated Ethan Jonas 11 – 7, 11 – 5, ret Michael Alphonso beat James Mekdeci 11 – 6, 11 – 5, 11 – 4 N i c h o l a s Ve r w e y defeated Liam Carpenter 11 – 8, 11 – 2, 9 – 11, 11 – 1 Demetrius De Abreu beat Liam Carpenter 11 – 3, 11 – 1, 11 – 3 Boys Under 15 Lucas Jonas defeated Jason Gomes 11 – 9, 11 – 6, 13 – 11 Samuel Ince-Carvalhal beat Dominic Collins 11 – 0, 11 – 4, 11 – 5 Shomari Wiltshire beat Gianni Carpenter 11 – 2, 11 – 2, 11 – 1 Gianni Carpenter beat Osmond Mack 11 – 2, 11 – 0, 11 – 2 Shomari Wiltshire beat Mikhail Persaud 11 – 1, 11 – 1, 11 – 1 Girls Under 17 Makeda Harding beat Madison Fernandes 11 – 2, 11 – 6, 11 – 5 Girls Under 19 Rebecca Low defeated Sarah Lewis 11 – 4, 5 – 11, 11 – 6, 8 – 11, 11 – 3 Matches continue from 10:00 this morning with the finals.
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Kunusasha Medas-King shines at Roy Wilkins Invitational Ever since she officially burst onto the scene at the Armory Youth Jamboree with her mother as her coach, Kunusasha MedasKing showed why she would be an athlete to watch. Like her sister Kcaysha who she adores and watch everything she does, Kunusasha said that she wants to be a star and also would like to represent Guyana one day. At the tender age of 4 Kunusasha is already making her mark among the 6 & under Category. During last year’s Andy Medas-King road race where she competed, the youngster placed 7th in the 8 and under 1k race winning her first ever trophy. Since then Kunusasha has shown much interest in the sport and fast forward to the outdoor season where she was very impressive in the 800m and the long jump at the season opener at the Ichan Stadium where she ran a 23.10 in the 100m, 409.12 in the 800m and had a leap of 1.14m in the long jump, this is to show what you can get from someone that begin any sport at a young age. Just in her second outing for the outdoor season Kunusasha was able to rake a great performance defeating a 6year old boy in the process winning the 400m in a time of 1:51.50, d e f e a t i n g Av i v B l a c k 1:51.70 then went on to win the 200m in 49.40 sec., while closing out the 100m in fine style 22.40 sec. It is being said already
Kunusasha Medas-King in action recently.
she is the kid to watch, even as her sister Kcaysha won her 200m in 27.60 sec and the 400m in 1:04.40 sec way in front of the second place finisher 1:09.70 and a second in the 100m 14.10 sec the light was on the newest of the stars of the
Medas-King Family that were on display in Queens at the Jamaica High School Ground on May the 6th 2017. The youngest and newest of the Medas-King Family, Kunusasha is one to look out for in the future.
GFF/Stag Elite League ends today with triple header at GDF ground
The curtains will come down on Season Two of the Guyana Football Federation
/ Stag Elite League today at the Guyana Defence Force ground with three matches,
the feature clash bringing together the League winners, Guyana Defence Force and runners-up, Fruta Conquerors from 21:00hrs. The main supporting match will see third placed Buxton United taking on fifth placed Topp XX, while the first match of the day from 16:00hrs pits fourth placed Victoria Kings and bottom of the table, Monedderlust. The Big Four Tournament showcasing the top four teams will kick off on May 19th.
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Sunday May 14, 2017
Kaieteur News
No Guyanese in Windies women’s team an indictment on local female cricket structure Says Sean Devers The news that no Guyanese were selected on the West Indies Women’s team for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in England next month is a serious indictment to the structure and development of female Cricket in Guyana. Tremayne Smartt, Shemaine Campbell and Erva Giddings are the present West Indies players but they all lost their places on the regional team. This is disappointing but not totally unexpected to those who follow cricket in Guyana. The only County that plays female hardball cricket is Berbice, but the top players are forced to play with Male teams. Only Rose Hall Town has a female team. In Demerara the only activity on the field for the players is ‘underhand softball cricket’ while in Essequibo, the biggest supporter of the GCB, there is no female cricket yet an Essequibo team is picked. Faizul Bacchus is the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) President and has taken over from GCB President Dru Bahadur who resigned after he replaced Ramsay Ali who also resigned which raises a red flag that all is not well in the Board. Essequibo’s cricket is in a colossal mess and one wonders why the ECB continues to support the GCB which does very little for the County and has not
put any proper system to help Essequibo improve. It is embarrassing and a waste of money to have the Essequibo team compete in the Women’s inter-county tournament since some of the girls said they had never played cricket before. This begs the question who on Bacchus’s Board selected them? If inter-county female teams are selected the GCB must ensure that competitions are played in each county. If that is not done then the same ‘known’ players will be recycled and the good players will lose form due to lack of competitive cricket. I organised with Mr. Hilbert Foster for National and Demerara player, 17year-old Mandy Mangru, to play at Rose Hall Town because that was the only opportunity for her to play any cricket. There is lots of money now in Women’s cricket but the Guyanese are being stifled by a Board which shows no vision for the development of female cricket in Guyana. Meanwhile, former Test pacer Colin Stuart, the Board’s TDO, is fast losing credibility with some of his decisions and his explanation on why the GCB nominated Jaguars Assistant Coach Rayon Griffith for Coach of the year ahead of Head Coach Esaun Crandon, was almost laughable. He posted the explanation on my facebook page after I had questioned
Faizul Bacchus
Tremayne Smartt the nomination on one of my posts. The story was picked up by another reporter from another Newspaper who also questioned the nomination and asked Stuart what were the criteria for nominating a cricket Journalist of the year (print) and why the GCB did not nominate anyone. Stuart is yet to answer those questions. Stuart reportedly spearheaded the decision not the play any of the InterCounty U-17 matches outside of the city, claiming it was due to a lack of funds. Stuart was told to call Mr. Imam Bacchus in connection with playing one of the Essequibo matches at the spacious Imam Bacchus ground on the Essequibo Coast. The ground has one of the best pitches and is the second best ground in Guyana after the Providence Stadium. There is the ECB Hostel
in Essequibo where the teams could be accommodated and Mr. Bacchus would have looked after all other costs once Demerara or Berbice arrived there. Stuart never called. Stuart was also in charge of the GCB and Ministry of Education Secondary School’s cricket tournament. In the preliminary rounds the standard of the cricket was so low that some of the players, who played with an assortment of colored clothes, did not know how to hold a bat. The ‘pelting’ was so bad that a former International Umpire remarked that “if we were to take off bowlers who threw then many games would not have been played because there would not have been bowlers to bowl.” It seems as if Stuart has found himself in a compromising position and losing the respect of many who know the University
Stag/WDFA Derrick Josiah Mem. KO Football
Uitvlugt and Pouderoyen ease into semis; to face Den Amstel and Young Achievers Trayon Bobb has continued his rich vein of form when he led Uitvlugt Warriors to a 4-2 win over Wales United on Friday night last and a date with old rivals Den Amstel on Friday next in the semi finals of the West Demerara Football A s s o c i a t i o n ( W D FA ) Derrick Josiah Memorial knockout competition. Also into the final four is Pouderoyen on account of a 40-yards bullet from Ashley Harding, the lone goal of the match against Golden Warriors. For their efforts, Pouderoyen will tangle with
Young Achievers in their semi also on Friday at the Den Amstel ground. Bobb was on target for Uitvlugt in the 35th and 47th minute as Uitvlugt fought their way back after Wales had taken the initial lead on 20 minutes when Kester Alleyne found the back of the nets. Jamal Harvey converted the equalizer for Uitvlugt before Bobb scored his first to hand his team the lead which was doubled in the 38th minute, thanks to a Seon Bobb goal. Trayon Bobb’s second
goal made it 4-1 in favour of Uitvlugt but Wales were able to reduce the final score to 42, thanks to a 67th minute effort off the boot of Kurt Garnett. Pouderoyen were held for all of 53 minutes by a tough Golden Warriors before Ashley Harding took matters into his own hands and let off a 40-yards bullet that settled at the back of the nets to the delight and relief of his teammates. The respective winners from next Friday’s matches will clash in the final for a top prize of $200,000, with
Ashley Harding Pouderoyen FC the loser pocketing $100,000. The losers will contest the third place match where a third prize of $75,000 awaits the winner; the fourth place reward is $50,000.
Shemaine Campbell scholar. I read with amusement a story in this newspaper in which a senior GCB executive stated, “At the secondary schools level they are channeled into cricket clubs in their areas where their training and coaching continues.” That is totally misleading since the GCB never sent a single Coach to any school to help before the tournament commenced. When I played school cricket the National players would go to the schools to Coach and teach Teachers about the basics of cricket and would pick the school team. Now that most of the National players are contracted it should be easier. Stuart was told about this but seemed not too interested once the GBC could say they played off a school’s tournament despite how it was played and how low the standard was. The story was headlined “Jaguars’ titles a Testament of GCB Successful D e v e l o p m e n t Programmes”. The GCB’s National Franchise league was indeed a good initiative with a few flaws and the excellent training sessions of the squad along with the Academy players, helped towards the successful title defence. But the main reason why the Jaguars were so successful was because very few Guyanese were selected for the West Indies or for the several t20 Leagues around the world. They had the same group of players for most of that period and a pair of hard
working Coaches in Esaun Crandon and his assistant Rayon Griffith and were led by Leon Johnson, arguable the best Captain in the Region. Although the other teams were weakened by the loss of their key players for various reasons including verbal and legal fights with the Administrators, the Jaguars lost twice to last placed teams and did not dominate as they had done in the previous two years. Only two batsmen reached centuries, the openers failed to give the team consistent starts, too many catches were dropped and too many bad balls were bowled especially by the spinners. What was encouraging was that the pacers (Joseph, Reifer, Shepherd and Paul) took the bulk of the wickets this season. But this had little to do with the GCB, which is doing very little to prepare proper pitches that would encourage fast bowling and making very little effort to work with West Indies ‘A’ team pacer Ronsford Beaton on the technical and mental aspects of his game. The WICB First-Class tournament is the lowest standard of all the Test playing nations and a century at this level is 40 in Test cricket. That is why Guyanese players continue to struggle at Test level despite doing well enough at Regional level to make the Test team. If they really want to improve they should try to play in England even if it’s in League cricket. Last but not least, one wonders why the Attorney General Basil Williams and Sports Minister Nicolette Henry are seemingly reluctant to get an early hearing on the ‘Guyana Cricket Administration Act’ case or have the injunction quashed. After a challenge to the Guyana Cricket Administration Act 2014 by the GCB, the then Chief Justice (Ag) Ian Chang issued an order that prevented any elections of the GCB and its membership until the substantive matter is heard. Until this is done Guyana’s cricket will continue to be in limbo.
Sunday May 14, 2017
Kaieteur News
PAGE 81
Thompson claims Shanghai win with 2017’s fastest time (Reuters) Double Olympic sprint champion Elaine Thompson set the fastest time in the world this year when she won the women’s 100 metres at the Shanghai Diamond League meeting yesterday. The Jamaican left the rest of a quality field in her wake to finish in a time of 10.78 seconds, almost three tenths of a second clear of American Tori Bowie with Marie-Josee Ta Lou of Ivory Coast in third. “I was happy with my preparation and the way I executed the race today,” said Thompson, the 100 and 200 metres gold medallist at last year’s Rio de Janeiro Olympics. “I made a great start and I was able to bring it home. I am pleased with the time.” Omar McLeod saw off a stellar field to win the 110
Elaine Thompson of Jamaica competes in the IAAF Athletics Diamond League meeting at Shanghai Stadium in China. (REUTERS/Aly Song) metres hurdles in 13.09 seconds, with the Olympic champion finishing ahead of
Orlando Ortega, while Noah Lyles equalled the fastest time in the world this year in
Windies against the ropes as Pakistan chase history ROSEAU, Dominica, CMC – Fourteen wickets tumbled as a contest which ambled lazily for the first three days suddenly sprung to life on the fourth, leaving We s t I n d i e s w i t h t h e ominous task of surviving today’s final day to deny Pakistan an historic series win in the Caribbean. On a topsy-turvy day at Windsor Park, West Indies were bowled out in their first innings for 247, as the outstanding rookie seamer Mohammad Abbas claimed his maiden five-wicket haul in Tests with five for 46. Armed with a lead of 129, Pakistan slumped to 90 for seven in their second innings as West Indies wrested control before the visitors rebounded to declare on 174 for eight. Set an improbable 304 to win on a turning pitch, West Indies ended on seven for one, still requiring a further 297 runs of their target. They casualty was lefthander Kieran Powell (4) who pushed forward uncertainly to the third last ball of the day from legspinner Yasir Shah, for Shan Masood at silly point to come up with a brilliant low one-handed catch. Earlier, West Indies’ hope of getting close to Pakistan’s first innings total of 376 were dashed as Abbas ran through the lower order to pick up four of the five
wickets to fall for the addition of just 29 runs. Leg-spinner Yasir Shah failed to add to his tally, finishing with three for 126. Roston Chase, who retired hurt on 60 last evening, returned to topscore with 69 while captain Jason Holder finished unbeaten on 30. The hosts were stunned in the first over of the morning when wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich lazily wafted at a wide ball and played on to seamer Mohammad Amir off the fourth delivery without adding to his overnight 20. However, Chase and Holder held up Pakistan briefly in a small 21-run, seventh wicket stand, o f f e r i n g We s t I n d i e s precious hope. But Chase, sent to the hospital on Friday after taking a blow to the hand from Amir, failed to regain his touch and was bowled off his pads by Abbas, threequarters of an hour into the day’s play after facing 155 deliveries and striking five fours. Off the very next delivery, Devendra Bishoo edged a wide ball low to Younis Khan at second slip and on the stroke of the hour, Abbas struck again by bowling Alzarri Joseph also without scoring. Last man Shannon Gabriel also failed to score,
well taken at short leg by Babr Azam off Abbas, 45 minutes before lunch, leaving Holder stranded in an innings which lasted 87 deliveries and included three fours and a six. The veteran pair of Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan, in their final innings before retirement, then signed off their illustrious careers with little fanfare as Pakistan stumbled and stuttered in their second turn at the crease. Misbah made just two and Younis, 35, before being given a heart-felt send off as the Pakistani players formed a guard-of-honour to herald their exits. The visitors slumped to eight for two at lunch and 72 for five at tea but Yasir Shah with an unbeaten 38 and Mohammed Amir, 27, added valuable runs in the final session to frustrate West Indies. Gabriel got the first breakthrough 15 minutes before lunch when he claimed first innings century-maker Azhar Ali for three, cutting hard to point where substitute Jermaine Blackwood held onto a stinging catch. And Azam fell to the final delivery before the interval without scoring, given out caught low down at short leg by Shimron Hetmyer off off-spinner (Continued on page 73)
the 200 metres as the 19year-old stopped the clock in 19.90.
Olympic champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo from Jamaica set the fastest time of 2017 in the women’s 400 metres when she demolished the opposition to cross in 49.77, finishing almost a second ahead of secondplaced Natasha Hastings. World record holder and double Olympic and world champion David Rudisha finished fourth in his first race since September as Kipyegon Bett, last year’s world junior champion, won the men’s 800 metres in 1 minute 44.70. “I’ve had a different build up with not running in Australia this year and it was my first race of the season,” said Rudisha. “I ran a 1:45, which shows me where I’m at and it is something to build on. I hope to put some things in place to improve for my next race.”
South Africa’s Luvo Manyunga claimed the men’s long jump with a Diamond League record leap of 8.61 metres while Hellen Obiri recorded the quickest time in 2017 for the women’s 5000 metres when she blew the field away to finish in 14 minutes 22.47. Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon won the women’s 1500m in 3 minutes 59.22, the fastest so far this season, to finish more than a second clear of Ethiopian Dawut Seyaum in a commanding early season display. Bershawn Jackson claimed the men’s 400 metres hurdles in a time of 48.63, a new meeting record, to leave a strong field including double Olympic gold medallist Kerron Clement and world champion Nicholas Bett trailing.
Rising Star/Office of the President /the Guyana Community of Service
E-Networks maintain association with 5K Run
E-Networks staffer Ananja Dukhia hands over the chewue for an undisclosed sum to member of the organising committee Avril Black recently. Cable provider ENetworks maintained its association with the Rising Star / Office of the President / the Guyana Community of Service with a tangible confirmation recently. The entity added its name on the list of sponsors of the second s t a g i n g o f t h e Independence Health & Fitness 5K Walk and Run Race which is set to be held on Sunday, May 21. Staffer Ananja Dukhia handed over a cheque for an undisclosed sum to race representative Avril Black at the entity’s Head office on Camp Street. According to member of
the Organising Committee, Leslie Black, this year’s event will commence in front of the National Sports Commission on H o m e s t r e t c h Av e n u e proceed east into Vlissingen Road then turn left into Hadfield Street then south into Mandela Avenue, before returning to the starting point for the finish. Black, who has been involved in the yearly activity since its inauguration last year, told this newspaper that cash and other prizes will be up for grabs in this year’s event. He revealed that this time around an invitation has been sent out to
members of the differentlyabled society and so far the feedbnack has been positive. Black further disclosed that a small entrance fee of $200 will be charged to enter, but this is just for those participating in the run, while the walkers will enter free. The defending champions are Euleen Josiah in the female category and Winston Messinger in the men’s division. Among those listed to compete is 98 years old Hilton Lewis. The race starts at 16:00hrs.
t r o Sp Windies against the ropes as Pakistan chase history
West Indies players get together to celebrate the wicket of Babar Azam, West Indies v Pakistan, 3rd Test, Roseau, 4th day, ©AFP
2nd edition of the Caribbean Schoolboys and Junior Boxing Tournament
Guyanese boxers fail to register a win as action gets underway
Jamaica’s Jerone Enniss and St Lucia’s Jwevel Matty go toe to toe in their encounter.
Bajan Tevin Brewster about to land a right upper cut to the chin of Guyanese Shemar Morison in his split decision win on Friday Night. (Photos by Sean Devers)
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