Kaieteur News

Kaieteur News

PAGE 04

Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana.

Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL REMEMBERING THE CUBANA AIR DISASTER Forty-one years ago, eleven young Guyanese men and women perished in what came to be known as the “Cuban air disaster.” Wednesday October 6, 1976 will always be remembered by Guyanese as one of the most fateful days for those who died so tragically when two bombs exploded on a Cuban airline flight number CU455.

The Cuban DC 8 passenger aircraft had left Guyana for Trinidad, then on to Seawell International Airport in Barbados which was renamed the Sir Grantley Adams International Airport that same year.

From Barbados, the plane was scheduled to fly to Jamaica and then to its final destination in Havana, Cuba. It did not make it. The tragedy that struck the Cuban airline remains etched in the minds of most Guyanese.

The late President Forbes Burnham, with tears in his eyes, asked the nation not to forget them.

Shortly after the plane took off from Barbados, a bomb located in the aircraft’s rear lavatories exploded. Captain Wilfredo Perez radioed and informed the control tower in Barbados of an emergency and requested immediate landing. As the pilot tried to steer the plane towards Seawell International airport, another bomb exploded and the plane quickly went into a tail spin and descended rapidly.

Realizing that a successful landing at Seawell Airport was not possible, Captain Perez skillfully and courageously steered the aircraft away from Paradise beach which was packed with tourists and towards the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Barbados where the plane crashed.

It was the worst aircraft crash in the Caribbean region.

All 73 passengers and crew on board died. Among them were 57 Cubans, five Koreans and 11 Guyanese of whom six were students going to Cuba to study medicine and engineering. It was a sad day for Guyana which for the first time had experienced such tragedy.

Among the Cubans who died were 24 members of the 1975 Cuban national fencing team. There were many teenagers and their managers who had won gold medals in the Central American and Caribbean Championship games.

The young athletes proudly wore their gold medals on board the aircraft.

The crash sent shockwaves throughout the Caribbean and Guyana causing many to weep openly in the streets of Georgetown. It was the first terrorist attack on an aircraft in the Caribbean that was condemned by the leaders of the region. But the Cuban and Guyana governments immediately accused the United States government of being an accomplice in the attack.

They claimed that it was the work of the imperial forces in the United States and vowed to get to the bottom of it.

After a thorough examination, it turned out that both governments were correct.

Evidence revealed that several CIA-linked anti-Castro Cuban exiles conspired with members of the Venezuela Secret Police to bomb the Cuban aircraft in protest of Castro’s dictatorial policies in Cuba. This was confirmed by the CIA in 2005. The agency had concrete advance intelligence as early as June 1976 of plans by Cuban exile terrorist groups in Miami to bomb the airline but the agency did not share the information with Cuba, which at the time was a nemesis to the US. Four men who had joined the plane in Trinidad and disembarked the aircraft in Barbados were subsequently arrested and charged with the murder of 73 persons.

We will never forget Margaret Bradshaw, Sabrina Harrypaul, Seshnarine Kumar, Ann Nelson, Eric Norton, Raymond Persaud, Gordon M. Sobha, Rawle Thomas, Rita Thomas, Violet Thomas and Jacqueline Williams—who perished on that tragic day.

Sunday October 08, 2017

Kaieteur M@ilbox Send your letters to Kaieteur News 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown or email us kaieteurnews@yahoo.com

The Emily Dodson appointment may have an ethnic twist to it Dear Editor On reading Christopher Ram’s letter in Stabroek News about persons the APNU+AFC government removed but other persons they kept after it came to power, I saw where he left out two names and one situation that on the basis of perception, conjure up thoughts of the practice of ethnic politics by the present regime. No member of the current government can be that silly not to know that it must defeat perceptions that can hurt them. This government doesn’t seem to understand that cardinal rule or care to.

The case of Emily Dodson is certainly one that should cause the analyst to question whether the new dispensation isn’t practicing what the old dispensation did, that is, politics based on race. I would like to quote from two columns of mine on the Emily

Dodson’s appointment to the Public Procurement Commission.

On August 11, 2016, I wrote in a column titled, “Emily Dodson and the psyche of the PNC,” the following.

“Context is everything in life. We come now to context in the Emily Dodson’s choice. Ms. Dodson, a few months ago won a judgement in the High Court that has tremendous implications and sensitive consequences for Guyana. In that ruling, Bharrat Jagdeo could run for a third term for the presidency. Unless the Appeal Court rules, before 2020, against the third term option for Mr. Jagdeo, he can hold the presidency (if he wins) for a third term. The question David and I asked ourselves is why the APNU-AFC’s choice of Emily Dodson for the Procurement Commission taking into considerations two contextual points – there are over three hundred

lawyers in Guyana that could function competently in the Commission and secondly, would the Jagdeo case not be a logical consideration when Ms. Dodson’s name came up. It was not.

Someone in the PNC leadership felt that Ms. Dodson was the right choice and that her case for Mr. Jagdeo’s third term was not important to disqualify her. For me, logics come in. Why Dodson and not another lawyer seeing that there was the Jagdeo case? All I am asking in this column is for someone to show me the logical thinking behind the Dodson choice.”

In another column of January 9, 2017, I observed; “ A Black woman, Dodson, took Jagdeo’s case won it in the High Court and is now in front of the Court of Appeal arguing for Jagdeo to run a third time. That woman is close to (Continued on page 6)

Sunday October 08, 2017

PAGE 5

Kaieteur News

Kaieteur M@ilbox

Kaieteur M@ilbox

Racially based motive in the dismissal of large numbers of state employees DEAR EDITOR, I have watched with a sense of profound foreboding over the last 27 months as the APNU/AFC Coalition government has steadfastly and calculatedly terminated thousands of workers in the government sector. Within eight (8) weeks of being in office, one of its first acts was to dismiss 1,972 young Amerindian Community Service Officers by the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs. This has been the single largest ethnic group to have been dismissed from the government service by the new government. In fact, this is the single largest ethnic group to have been terminated since the mid-1980s when President’s Hoyte’s government reduced the size of the government sector and thousands of Afro- Guyanese lost their jobs.

The loss to Amerindian communities across the country by the termination of this large number of young people is enormous; it is estimated that $800 M has been withdrawn from the village economies, and, 10,000 people directly dependent on these persons for their livelihood have been impoverished.

Rapidly following this was the “creaming off” of the top layer of the government service – the majority of the Permanent Secretaries, Regional Executive Officers, Chief Executive Officers, Executive Directors, and Heads of Departments, were terminated, mainly IndoGuyanese. Many of these have been replaced by persons serving with or retired from the military. Thus, the first stage of the militarization of the government service had begun.

Then came the insidious and constant removal of clerical and accounts clerks in interior regions, and, then accounts and technical staff in all the regions, unauthorized transferring and demoting of staff, sending staff on administrative leave who were targeted as being PPP associates or sympathizers, or, who just happened to be IndoGuyanese or Amerindian in the main.

The government’s justification for this was that many of these persons had been candidates for the PPPC in the May 2015 general and regional elections and the government wanted a professional public service. How-

ever, this posture has been unveiled as a mere veneer as the dismissed were replaced with persons who had been APNUAFC Coalition candidates as well as known political activists of the ruling party.

In fact, while 3, 000, and, more are still losing their jobs, the government has been filling the vacancies and creating many more positions at far higher salaries than those who have been fired. One thousand (1000) new contract workers were added to the public service as exposed during the February 2016 Budget debate, and, another 1000 were found to be hired during the December 2016 debate on the 2017 Budget.

So blatant had this be-

come that after a year of these terminations of almost 3,000 people from government service, it became necessary for the government to get rid of the Chairman and member of the Public Service Commission, appointed through a parliamentary process and replace him. Thus the Public Service Commission, an independent constitutional body was now safely ensconced in the arms of the APNUAFC government to now sanctify the discrimination.

Up to September 1, 2017, the day that the Public Service Commission expired, and even after, senior and middle ranking public servants have received letters of demotion and termination while simultaneously there has been a

rush of appointments of a large numbers of persons.

One has witnessed a number of persons appointed who do not have the requisite qualifications as well as the supersession of qualified staff by juniors with little or no qualifications for these senior positions.

The establishment of the new Public Service Staff College which is headed by and managed by party activists and military men confirms many people’s views that there will be no fairness in employment, promotion, scholarships, training opportunities etc., based on merit.

Almost 2000 young people in the government have lost their jobs, the majority is between the ages of

25-40 years of age, one quarter of these are professionals with degrees and post-graduate degrees, and a large number are of Amerindian and Indo-Guyanese descent.

Their feeling of loss, disappointment and displacement in the country of their birth is agonizing. They could have gone elsewhere to work but they decided to stay and work in their country. Their feeling of no longer belonging in Guyana is heart-breaking. For those who can leave, they are doing so and snapping up jobs in the Caribbean and further afield. Hence the upsurge in emigration from our shores!

Having degutted the government service of institutional memory and knowledge (Continued on page 6)

PAGE 6

Sunday October 08, 2017

Kaieteur News

Kaieteur M@ilbox

Kaieteur M@ilbox

Beware of sexual predators bearing gifts

The government is against the legalization of hemp

caring for them but have other intentions to exploit them.

Most of the students who attended the educational and sensitization talks on child protection and abuse are from different cultural backgrounds and reside in the various sub-districts of the Rupununi which include Annai, Karasabai, Sandcreek and Aishalton village but are presently housed at the school livein facility where they attend the St.Ignatius Secondary school.

The programme was organized by Rupununi O rg a n i s e d A g a i n s t D o mestic and Sexual Violence (ROADSV) in collaboration with the Full Gospel Church of St.Ignatius village and the Assembly of God church in Lethem, Central Rupununi in keeping with the theme of Child Protection Week 2 0 1 7 : ” P artnering with Families and Communities for Positive Outcomes for Children.”

Mark Anthony Rodrigues

DEAR EDITOR The Guyana Hemp Association has called on the President David Granger and the APNU/AFC administration to inform the nation on what is causing the delay for the removal of the legislative barriers for the cultivation of Industrial Hemp and the manufacture of the wide variety of Hemp Products in the country. The GHA would like to know if the government is really keen on the establishment of the Green State and expanding economic investment so as to promote sustainable economic growth and create thousands of jobs for Guyanese mainly our youth as promised.

We are getting no feedback from the Government so we are not certain where we are at this point. Over a year now, the GHA requested a meeting, with the Head of State but were directed to meet with the Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin.

The meeting was held but to date no feedback; one of our affiliates the West Demerara Hemp Farmers Association

The Emily Dodson appointment may have...

From page 5 as well as skilled technical and managerial capacity, the government has found that it is incapable of implementing the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) as admitted by the Minister of Finance with less than 35 % expenditure by mid- year. However the government is quick to pull out its standard “bogeyman,” the PPPC, for not cooperating as the reason for their abysmal performance.

In the light of the government’s growing unpopularity even among its supporters, the government is moving to further cleanse the middle to lower ranks of the public service. Like in the 1980s and 1990s, anyone regardless of ethnicity, and more particularly AfroGuyanese, who are critical of the government, are also under the radar.

For Guyana, the human

DEAR EDITOR, The event has passed but since the theme is relevant, I would wish publication of this letter/ Over two hundred students of the St.Ignatius Secondary School dormitory in central Rupununi, Region 9 ,congregated at their Mess Hall Saturday evening on 30th of September,2017 to observe the conclusion of “Child Protection Week 2017.”

In attendance among the youthful audience at the two hour youth educational and sensitization programme were a number of officers from the Education department of Region nine who made an on the spot contribution towards the success of the occasion.

On the agenda of the programme was a skit, an interpretive dance and a poem recited by members of the two churches who came out in support of the occasion and to send a message to their very young audience on how to

From page 4 the PNC leadership and was accepted by that leadership to sit on the Procurement Commission. The same PNC leadership rejected people like Chris Ram and Anand Goolsarran that were very critical of the Jagdeo Government when the PNC was in opposition. It is my firm belief that the race card was the reason for accepting Dodson on the Procurement Commission.”

For me the Emily Dodson case is a more graphic example of race politics and maybe Ram forgot about it. I do not think the PNC would have

protect themselves from “sexual predators” and other forms of child abuse.

Pastor Jenny Forde of the Assembly of God Church in Lethem charged that young students must break the silence of child abuse by speaking out and meeting the right persons to tell them of what is taking place.

She also warned both male and female students of not allowing persons to touch them inappropriately and to look out for signs of abuse and by questioning their young peers if they have noticed any withdrawal syndrome and strange behavioral patterns.

Pastor Ramesh Barker of the Full Gospel Church in St.Ignatius village opened the programme with a prayer and during his presentation elaborated on incestuous family relationships, self-esteem among other topics and urged his audience to look out for grooming; where persons will offer gifts to young teens under the pretext of

selected under any circumstances, the way it picked Dodson, an Indian lawyer who had fought that case for Jagdeo. The PNC would have viewed him as an Indian whose politicized is Indianized.

To think the context of what Dodson did could not matter for the PNC is simply unbelievable. I think the race card was used there.

The other example is Mike Khan at the Georgetown Hospital. It has been insisted by the the Chairman of the Georgetown Hospital that the forensic audit showed Khan did not commit any illegalities. Yet he was removed but Elizabeth Harper was recalled. Even if these two decisions are not race based, then the perception among Indians is that they are. And perceptions play an immea-

surable role in elections.

Speaking honestly, I believe the race card was played in both cases.

The third case is the situation where only AfricanGuyanese lawyers were selected to prosecute former administration officials, of which ninety nine percent would be Indians. Even if no ethnic motive was at work, then the PNC and people like Nagamootoo must know it looks and will look terrible in the eyes of Indian people. Finally, even if the PNC did not want Chris Ram on the procurement commission, surely, it should have insisted on Goolsarran. The leaders of this government are not only ungrateful and unprincipled but are highly dishonest.

Their integrity should be questioned Frederick Kissoon

also requested a meeting with President Granger but were informed by letter dated 1301-2017 signed by the President suggesting they meet with the Agriculture Minister Noel Holder prior to the meeting with him. To date that meeting cannot be arranged.

Another group the Hemp for Victory Guyana Campaign requested an engagement with the Head of State but was informed by letter signed by Nancy Ferreira, Senior confidential secretary to the President, that the Head of State noted that meetings have already been held with Government officials and is not convenient for a meeting to be programmed at this time.

The same group also requested to meet with the Minister of Agriculture but were informed by letter that Hemp production is against the law.

The Guyana Hemp Association and other Hemp Associations countrywide applied to the Department of Cooperatives of the Ministry of Social Protection to be registered. As requested all documents and in some cases pay-

ment of required fees were done as instructed by officials of the unit, but now we are informed that Hemp is illegal and no registration could be approved. But these same groups were able to register as Business Enterprises at the Commercial Registry.

The Guyana Hemp Association and its affiliates are still waiting for the promises made by the Editor of the Guyana Chronicle, Mr. Godfrey Wray and the Chief Executive Officer of the National Communications Network Mr. Lennox Cornett to provide more media coverage to the Hemp lobbying programme.

The West Demerara Hemp Farmers Association wrote Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo for his intervention for the state Media to provide more publicity but was informed that the request has been sent to the Chairs of Board of Directors of NCN and GNNL for their attention.

Guyanese are still waiting for the Good Life as promised Public Relations Officer GHA

Racially based motive in the dismissal of... cost is incalculable- despair, hopelessness, and deepening impoverishment. We need to ask the “powers that be” are these young people expected to go and sell plantain chips as the government rhetoric a la 1970s is repeated ad nauseum? Is this their solution to job creation and unemployment???

The cost to the country is irreplaceable. It will take over a decade to develop and replace the loss of these skilled government servants. After all, we are only a country of 747,000. Oil will not save us here.

For those who are old enough, the last time Guyanese saw such levels of removals from the government service was during the post 1985-1990 period when the IMF Economic Recovery Programme to bring Guyana back to credit-worthiness demanded the reduction of the

public sector from 40,000 to 28,000.

The difference now is that these removals are not due to such imperatives of cost cutting and lack of financial resources, this is instead a deliberate policy of “cleansing” the government sector of persons based on a policy rooted in political vindictiveness and ethno-political discrimination. The fact that this process has been going on consistently for the past 27 months demonstrates that this is not an immediate “knee jerk” reaction of a new government in its first few months of taking office. This is a deliberate, consistent, calculated and methodical policy of the government. According to international human rights, it is no other than state-sponsored ethno-political discrimination.

Sincerely Gail Teixeira, M.P.

Sunday October 08, 2017

PAGE 7

Kaieteur News

Kaieteur M@ilbox

Kaieteur M@ilbox

Minister of Finance has uttered an amazing statement DEAR EDITOR, I have noted the puerile comments from the Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, on the issue of the current procurement process being “Fip-proof”. I can understand that Jordan, acting on instructions, must have ignored professional correctness to utter the words he did, as published in an article by Kaieteur News, under the headline ‘Procurement system has been made “Fip-proof”, on Friday (October 6, 2017).

The reservoir of professional thinking must now be almost depleted. The facts speak for themselves.

‘Fip’ Motilall was awarded a contract as a result of a process.

There was public advertisement, no secrecy.

Bids were submitted and evaluated.

Based on the evaluation report, an award was made and a contract was signed, which allowed the imposition of sanction in the event of non-performance.

While Jordan seeks to make sensational headlines with yet another soundbyte, he is still to respond to the political Opposition’s call for the evaluation report of the ‘Fip’ Motilall contract to be made public.

If there is one thing that the people of Guyana do k n o w, i t i s t h a t t h e APNU+AFC government has practiced, demonstratively so, a lack of transparency and has destroyed any sense of trust in the procurement process. Contractors and suppliers, fearing that they become targets and are denied jobs if they speak up, are some of the most fatigued and frustrated citizens, because of what presently obtains – the uncertainties, the lack of fairness and, of course, the preference for sole sourcing and annulment of tender to guarantee desired outcomes.

While Jordan claims that the APNU+AFC government has a procurement process aligned with trans-

Media exposure helped us at NAREI DEAR EDITOR, I wish to not only use this medium to highlight what is wrong in society and at my place of employment, but also to praise good efforts when I see same. I want to firstly say thank you for publishing both of my letters about what was wrong at my place of employment NAREI. I must say that those letters would have gained attention of management and I am proud to say that we have seen changes.(The media has served its purpose). I wish to also thank the director of NAREI for his swift approach in handling issues and finally awarding staff the much needed and long awaited promotions.

(Well done sir, you are certainly gaining the confidence we have in you) However there is one

small problem that I wish to have your intervention into and that is the credibility of the information given to you by one of your powerful aides. I wish to enlighten you sir that the personal issues of this person and fellow employees are what is generally responsible for most of the breakdown in relations.

I am asking of you to communicate more with your workers since the words of one employee should not be the basis for which you choose to address others Thank you in anticipation for your intervention.

Satisfied staff member

parency and accountability, the Guyanese people have been witnesses to: 1.

An individual, close to the government, who never owned a pharmaceutical bond, without responding to a public advertisement, had his services solesourced. It is a contract that costs over $14M monthly; 2. $1.4B spent on D’urban Park, where even the Auditor General cannot have access to the paper trail that documents the spending; 3.

The sole-sourcing of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies to the tune of $605M, which was done with the knowledge of senior government officials – a matter investigated by the Public Procurement Commission, whose report we await on the resumption of Parliament, and a matter that saw a Cabinet paper being presented by Minister Jordan in an effort to facilitate the cover-up of this transgression.

Are these cases, which do not, in the least, represent the only breaches of the Procurement Act, aligned with transparency and accountability? Did government go through a process ‘as transparent as possible’ before these undertakings were advanced? It is being intellectually dishonest for APNU+AFC to claim credit for establishing the Public Procurement Commission (PPC). There is a PPC today because of the magnanimous concessions of the Parliamentary Opposition, since the PPC needed a two-thirds majority vote in the National Assembly. When

APNU and AFC were in Opposition, they used the requirement of the twothirds majority for the establishment of this Commission to extract all kinds of concessions from the government and it was used as a political football.

How can Minister Jordan claim that the APNU+AFC government created a ‘transparent environment’ for procurement when there is not even information on government websites, including that of the National Procurement and Tender Administration, which is required by law. If you terminate the services of experienced professionals because of their perceived political affiliations, if you annul procurement process because you see that your favoured contractors are not going to win the bids, if you delay projects to await the availability of your favoured contractor, your Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) implementation rate will be dismal. This is a self-created problem that is directly linked to the lack of accountability and transparency in the procurement process under this Coalition government.

Spending of public monies must be rulesbased and must be done in a manner that inspires public confidence and the public’s interest must be safeguarded. No amount of rhetoric on the issue of transparency and accountability will ‘pull wool’ over the eyes of the Guyanese people. After all is said and done, the fact is that under this Coalition government, more is always said than done.

Bishop Juan Edghill

Cuss down politics every year at Dr. Jagan’s death anniversary DEAR EDITOR, The late Dr Cheddi Jagan, former president of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, has been recognized as one of the nation’s anti-colonial fighters, and advocate for independence. He died, and was mourned by Guyanese, regardless of political party and race. He received his due during the period of national mourning. Since his death, every year at the Babu John memorial, the current leaders of the Peoples Progressive Party that he founded, usually gather for what according to them is a commemoration of his person, and his contributions to the land of his birth. So they claim.

But by now we all know different, based on the content of what can only be described as highly inflammatory racist pronouncements that has for some years been emanating from that platform.

I, nor no one else, cannot dictate the form or content for any memorial observance of PPP departed leader; however, it is expected that such an occasion would be one of deep, solemn reflection on the life of the particular leader, and how his numerous thoughts cum statements compiled during his lifetime can be understood for the betterment of his country in which he lived.

Editor, as is now well known, the annual Babu John gathering has now become synonymous with busing down politics with a marked racist tone. Of course, led by BharratJagdeo, now infamous for his cussing out

style of politics, it has witnessed the further descent of the PPP/C in to the hell hole of race based politics; a most unfortunate situation for a party that has always claimed the high ground of unity of the working class.

Editor, you will agree with me when I say – not the PPP/C that we have all witnessed for the 23 years that their government was at the helm of this country.

This was a period where this party and government and its policies, defined racism in the context of Guyana.

To fan the flames of racism in a country that has experienced its fair share of ethnic tensions over the past 60 years, is dangerously reckless as it is grossly irresponsible. One would be haste to say, that as a former leader of government and state that Jagdeo ought to know better. Unfortunately, that is the only game he knows.

In fact, it has been a PPP/C party strategy to appeal to the odious fumes of racism to keep its constituents in line.

This is a strategy that often unleashes deadly beasts of its own, and with all the tragic consequences that are all too well known.

And to utilize such an occasion of a memorial to the party’s founding leader,is not only disrespectful to the late grand man of PPP politics, but clearly a desperate bid for re-gaining power. But this is seeking power by an ingrained culture that poses a dangerous threat to the peace of the Guyanese nation. All Guyanese must beware of such a man.

Earl Hamilton

PAGE 8

Kaieteur News

Sunday October 08, 2017

Sunday October 08, 2017

PAGE 9

Kaieteur News

Aurora gold mines pours recordGuyana get some breaking 18,900 ounces in September dumb leaders Dem boys seh...

Is by de grace of de Man above that Guyana still existing after all dem stupid leaders it had and still got.

Dem boys hear when Sam was president he wasn’t only blind, he didn’t have taste. He go to a wedding reception and drink kero fuh coconut water.

When Jagdeo was a li’l boy he use to go in de grocery store wid two dollar and carry home $20 goods.

Then come Donald Dumb. Dem boys hear he wife send him fuh pick up some stuff from de grocery store. She know he head ain’t too right and he don’t remember nuff things.

So fuh mek sure he bring home everything, she give him a list.

Milk — $1,000 Beef — $2,000 Oil — $3,000 Fish — $4,000 Chicken — $5,000 Total — $15,000 Donald lef de house around 10 o’clock that morning. At 3 o’clock he nah come back from de grocery store. He wife was so worried she decide to call he cell phone.

‘Hello, Donald, What holding you back? You stay too long. Wha happen?”

Donald seh how he find de milk, de beef, de oil, de fish and de chicken. But I am still looking fuh Total.”

Now come Soulja Bai. He ain’t trust ExxonMobil one moment fuh tell de truth bout how much oil dem find at de bottam deh.

He send Trotty fuh trot down at de bottom of de river wid binoculars to see if Exxon telling de truth. But dem boys see Trotty in a shop de same day when he was suppose to go down and check de oil, drinking beer and eating pone.

Dem see when Trotty go back to Soulja Bai and tell him how Exxon telling de truth.

Soulja Bai seh when Trotty was reporting to him he lips was trembling and he was rolling suh he know Trotty kaking he.

Dem boys hear he went home and tell Sandra Gyal ‘I ain’t able no more. Dem boys giving me too much kak and me too old fuh this thing.

“I going down meself wid de binoculars under de Atlantic Ocean to see fuh meself how much oil deh down deh.”

Talk half and pray that Guyana don’t get no more leader like dem dis.

Canadian-owned Guyana Goldfield Inc., which operates the Aurora mines in Cuyuni/ Mazaruni area, has set a record breaking production in September. According to the company, gold production from mining operations totalled 41,000 ounces for the third quarter ended September 30, 2017.

Last month, in its record gold production month since the commencement of mining operations, it poured 18,900 ounces. The Aurora mines is said to produce at least 160,000 ounces out of the 700,000-plus ounces that Government has projected.

The company, one of the two large scale gold mining companies in Guyana, had set between 160,000 and 180,000 ounces of gold for the year.

In the third quarter ended September 30, 2017, the mill processed an average of 6,170 tonnes per day (“tpd”) of ore at an average head grade of 2.53 grams per tonne gold (g/t Au) with gold recoveries averaging 90.3%.

“Due to mine sequencing, gold grade and, therefore, gold production are expected to be the strongest in the fourth quarter as mining is focused on the hard rock diorite ore within Rory’s Knoll open pit,” the mining company said.

With gold prices holding a heartening high, reaching up to US$1,340 per ounce but coming down to US$1,276 as of yesterday, players would

have paying keen attention to company’s performance. It trades on the market.

Although small and medium scale miners produced the majority of the 700,000 ounces last year, Goldfields and Aussieowned Troy Resources had contributed over 200,000 ounces between them. However, Troy is facing tough times with its mines because of worry over a mine

wall.

Scott Caldwell, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), noted, “After a slow start to the quarter with the inability to strip loaded carbon, the elution circuit boiler was fully repaired ahead of schedule and below the estimated budget.

“Due to the quick repair work, the Company was able to strip

the excess carbon in inventory and nearly all gold sales were realised within the third quarter for a strong finish.”

Gold has been the mainstay of foreign currency earnings in Guyana within the last decade. However, miners have been clamouring for better roads, more concessions while at the same time fighting poor weather.

Charges recommended for several...

From page 3 know why GGB did not red-flag Rasul's transactions. The gold dealer burst onto the gold trading scene last year, rapidly rising to become one of the biggest sellers to GGB. What should have raised staffers' suspicions was the fact that Rasul allegedly used a company he owned – R. Mining – to conduct the majority of his business with GGB. There was a reason for this. Under regulations, mining companies are not required to pay the two percent tax. They are, however, mandated to pay the five percent tax.

In essence, Rasul is alleged to have bought gold through his gold dealing

company, SSS Minerals, later passing it through R. Mining to the GGB. Rasul's activities have drawn the attention of not only SOCU but also the Guyana Revenue Authority.

Investigators seized vehicles and raided several city, Essequibo coasts, and Bartica properties of Rasul. His business partners were also pulled in. Among the vehicles were a Lexus SUV and Toyota pickup, both bulletproofed.

Police have also seized several guns and a significant quantity of documents. The guns belonged to Rasul's security company- more than 30 of them were seized.

PAGE 10

Sunday October 08, 2017

Kaieteur News

Govt. awards $23 million for N/A maternal unit Just over 23 million has been approved by Cabinet for the construction of the first phase of a maternal unit for the Region Six New Amsterdam Hospital. This disclosure was made by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, during Friday’s Post Cabinet Press briefing at the Ministry of the Presidency.

According to Harmon, the sum of $23,000,064 was awarded for the initial phase of the project, which will consist of labour rooms, including two private rooms that will enable husbands to witness deliveries.

The unit will also have in place an operational theatre and a maternity ward consisting of 50 beds.

Harmon disclosed on Friday that once completed, the project will enable the Region Six Health Authority to better cater to the approximately 3,000 deliveries that are done in the region annually.

The move to upgrade the Region Six Maternal Unit, follows on the heels of a directive issued by President David Granger soon after taking office in 2015 to improve maternal facilities across the country.

“His vision is to have a maternal hospital, but these steps are preliminary steps,” Harmon informed yesterday.

As part of the expanded plan, he disclosed that a number of other health facilities have been benefiting from improvement works.

He spoke of improvements at the Leonora hospital which has been extended to ensure that there is a maternal facility as well as at the hospitals in Essequibo, Bartica and also the West Demerara Regional Hospital. The Minister of State, revealed too, that hospitals at Mabaruma and Lethem will shortly be subjected to similar improvement works as well.

These measures, he said,

are intended “to ensure we place focus on our pregnant women folk.

The President...gave some clear guidance about what he would like to see for maternal unit across the country.”

Harmon said too, “We have been deploying trained doctors where there were previously medexes so that we take the quality health care to our citizens that they deserve.”

According to Harmon, the model of the New Amsterdam maternal unit will in fact be the same model that other facilities will embrace.

“This will be a part of a maternal package,” said Harmon as he disclosed that “our Minister [of Public Health] has been strong on this and she has actually visited facilities, looked at best practices and you can be assured that our pregnant women will have quality service to deliver the men and women of the future.”

Sunday October 08, 2017

PAGE 11

Kaieteur News

$$Million lost every crop…

OPM investigating cane juice dumping at Skeldon factory

A senior Berbice official says that his office has received credible information that figures are being fudged at the Skeldon sugar estate.

According to Gobin Harbhajan, representative of the Prime Minister in Region Six (East Berbice), last week a number of staffers and others handed over images and videos of sugar cane juice being dumped, ultimately affecting the final production figures.

“If it is true, then this should be a highly worrying development for Skeldon and for all Guyana. Skeldon is the newest factory for the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) and should be performing but it is the worst of the factories.

We have been spending billions to fix problems and pay workers. Now this comes out.” Skeldon, one of six factories run by the state-owned GuySuCo, did not grind for the first crop.

It has a target of 30,000 tonnes. Recent figures indicate that just over 2,000 tonnes had been produced.

Workers’ turnout at GuySuCo for the year average a miserly 60 percent, set the industry on path to one of the lowest production in years.

Harbhajan said that he immediately contacted the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) and the matter will be handed to the relevant authorities.

“Sugar and rice is life for Berbice. If sugar cane juice is being dumped then it defies why we are planting cane, spraying fertilizers and paying millions in wages to grow it and nurture it to cutting stage. We are spending tens of millions more to bring it in punts to the factories.”

This latest disclosure would follow after a critical report surfaced last month from a South African-based engineer who claimed that he too stumbled on instances of juice dumping by some staffers.

Vishal Somai had been hired several times to help fix the problems with the Chinese-built Skeldon sugar factory. The engineer said he had raised alarming questions about the operations there but there was little evidence anything was done by the management.

Somai was instrumental in recommending that Skeldon doesn’t grind for the first crop this year because of unsafe boiler conditions at that Berbice factory.

According to Harbhajan, one of the reasons for dumping of the juice was because some workers figured that if

PM’s representative in Region Six, Gobin Harbhajan they don’t get the canes off the punts in time to the loaders onto the crushers, then the backdam would run out of punts.

“By not having punts, it means the grinding will have to stop. Workers are being paid per tonnage from the punts. So in essence, someone deliberately turned a blind eye or cook the books so that works can continue.”

The PM representative said that the indications are that the figures are being adjusted secretly at the Skeldon labs to compensate for the cane juice losses.

“This points to collusion and, frankly, I am surprised that no one else has been picking up the warning signs.”

Harbhajan said that he received complaints too that the Production Department of Skeldon allegedly covered the matter up by ordering a pit in which cane stalks were also dumped, to be covered with sand.

“Two 40-ton pits have

Inside the Skeldon factory

been filled up in January 2107…one has reportedly been cleaned secretly because of investigation. This is what we are being told.”

Last December, the South African engineer had complained to the PM representative who asked him to submit a report. The matter was reported again, this time officially, to the management of GuySuCo. Somai said it is a criminal activity. People elsewhere (including South Africa) are fired instantly for acts.

“This activity directly affects the production of sugar and therefore the revenue of the company (GuySuCo). Being state-owned, the effects are even more serious as it affects taxpayers negatively.

“To make matters worse, most of the figures in the lab report are crooked to make

things “balance”.

This was confirmed by professional consultants, SKIL, who were hired by GuySuCo to perform an energy and mass balance of the Skeldon factory.

The alarming report of the engineer recommended that Government and GuySuCo seriously relook at the methods used to calculate wages and bonuses of cane-cutters and cane loading workers in both the field and the factory.

The Coalition government had ordered an inquiry into the state of the sugar industry and has even tabled a white paper in the National

Assembly on the future of GuySuCo. Billions of dollars annually is being plugged into GuySuCo to keep it alive. Despite failing fields and little cash, made worse by Skeldon, the Opposition has been appealing for the administration to hold off.

Almost US$200M was spent on the Skeldon factory and new lands, with the facilities opened a mere eight years ago. Last year December, the century-old Wales, West Bank Demerara closed its gates. Rose Hall and Enmore have been recommended for closure too, Skeldon has been slated

for privatization with a number of interest expressed already, including to the rice miller powerhouse, Nand Persaud and Company, makers of the Karibe Rice and another from Tate and Lyle.

Recently, GuySuCo, facing prospects of no monies to pay workers, asked government for a bailout. Government has released $2B in a housing land deal. However, that cash will soon run out.

The unions have been fighting tooth and nail against privatization despite evidence that workers were staying away or have drifted to greener pastures.

PAGE 12

Kaieteur News

Sunday October 08, 2017

Sunday October 08, 2017

GRA in a better position to trace offshore tax evasion - Tax Chief

GRA Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Godfrey Statia, has noted that with stringent measures now in place, the agency is in a better position to trace offshore tax evasion schemes.

He made this, among other statements at a business luncheon that was recently held by the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA).

Statia noted that offshore tax evasion is a serious problem for jurisdictions all over the world. He said that on a worldwide scale, it has been found that vast amounts of money are kept offshore and go untaxed to the extent that taxpayers fail to comply with tax obligations in their home jurisdiction.

As the world becomes increasingly globalised and cross-border activities become the norm, the Commissioner General said that tax administrations have been working together to ensure that taxpayers pay the right amount of tax to the right jurisdiction.

He said that the way businesses conduct their affairs is now under worldwide scrutiny with the advent of Fair and Accurate Transactions Act ( FA C TA ) and the Automatic Exchange of Information through the Global Forum (AEOI).

Statia said that the availability of ‘beneficial ownership’ information is at the forefront of the international agenda on tax transparency. It is a vital part of the international standards of transparency and exchange of information for tax purposes (both automatic and on request).

He said, “ Ta x Av o i d a n c e schemes, transfer pricing, over/ under invoicing, related party transactions and beneficial ownership schemes (just to mention a few) previously practised with impunity are now scrutinized and the information shared.”

The Commissioner General said that despite having only 12 tax treaties and one tax exchange of information treaty with the USA; with the implementation of ASCUDA, the signing of the Inter Governmental Agreement allowing for reporting under Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA).

With Guyana’s membership of the Global Forum for the exchange of Information, many loopholes will be closed or minimized.

Statia also took the opportunity to advise Guyanese businesses to be au fait with these new developments when making business decisions.

“The world has changed and we should change with it,” he concluded.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 13

PAGE 14

Sunday October 08, 2017

Kaieteur News

FINANCIAL LITERACY:

Our Disordered Relationship with Money Our unconscious beliefs about money In last week’s article, we discussed how money influences every financial

decision we make and the reasons for any dysfunctional relationship we have with it. In fact, the financial literacy literature in

general, as well as researchers Drs. Brad Klontz and Sonya Britt have indicated that psychological traits from childhood, though not our

fault might interfere with our financial planning process, even as we become adults.

In today’s article, which is Part 2 we will continue to discuss our disordered relationship with money and examine tips for countering the money scripts or our dysfunctional relationship with money.

Please be reminded that if we look deep into our pasts, and ourselves we can learn to recognize our negative and selfdefeating patterns of thinking about money, and replace them with better, healthier ones.

Specifically, Dr. Klontz’s research team has identified four main “money scripts” that typically operate outside of conscious awareness and are often developed in childhood, and drive our financial behaviours.

These money scripts have been found to be associated with financial outcomes, financial behaviours, and other aspects of financial health.

Money scripts and the tips for counteracting the dysfunction Money scripts patterns can predict disordered behaviours, such as financial infidelity, compulsive buying, pathological gambling, compulsive hoarding, financial dependence, and financial enabling.

Discussed below are the money scripts from Part 1 together with the additional tips that can assist us in challenging and changing these beliefs: 1. Money script #1 Money avoidance: Money avoiders believe that money is bad or that they do not deserve money. They may believe that wealthy people are greedy or corrupt, and that there is virtue with living with less money. According to Dr. Klontz, “people with money avoider scripts may be worried about abusing credit cards or over-drafting their checking account; they may self-sabotage their financial success and may avoid spending money on even reasonable or necessary purchases or give money away in an effort to have as little as possible in their control.” In this study, Dr. Klontz found that money avoiders have lower levels of income and net worth.

Action tips for Money Avoiders: Money avoidance can have a negative impact on our financial health. A key strategy for corrective action is to get into the budgeting habit.

Budgeting allows us to create a spending plan for our money; it ensures that we will always have enough money for the things we want. Monitor spending on a monthly basis and change the budget as life changes, this will allow for taking control of personal finances. Another suggestion is to generate a list

Part Two

regarding how money can be good for you and/or beneficial for the world.

2. Money script #2 Money worship: Money worshipers believe that the key to happiness and the solution to their problems are to have more money. At the same time, they believe that one can never have enough money, and find that the pursuit of money never quite satisfies them. Dr. Klontz hypothesized that, “Moneyworshiping money scripts may be associated with money disorders including compulsive hoarding, unreasonable risk-taking, pathological gambling, workaholism, overspending, and compulsive buying disorder.”

Action tips for Money Worshippers: In general, we live in societies that worship money.

Money worshippers are prone to buying things in an attempt to buy happiness. Buying new things give a thrill and are exciting, but in many cases shortly thereafter the thrill goes away. A great way to counteract this behaviour is to practice questioning your intentions before making purchases, escape buyer’s remorse. Also, always keep your priorities in mind and spend time with friends and family it helps to maintain a healthy work life balance. In addition, giving to others should be budgeted and tracked.

3. Money script #3 Money status: Money Status seekers tend to link their selfworth with their net worth.

Status lovers believe that owning the newest and best things confer status. This money script can lock individuals into the competitive stance of acquiring more than those around them acquire. Dr. Klontz’s study indicated that, “Individuals who believe that money is a status symbol were likely to be young, single, less educated, and less wealthy.”

Action tips for Money Status Seekers: Money Status Seekers focus on financial status and social standing. We all want to be successful but we must also monitor financial outcomes, especially the detrimental ones. The research literature suggests that, “Slow down before making a purchase, slow your thought process and ask yourself the following questions: 1) Why am I buying this item? 2) How will I feel about this purchase next? 3) How will I pay for this item? When you have answered these questions then look for flaws in your reasoning for buying a particular item. Determine that you are spending in keeping with your budget plans; strive to be emotionally and financially healthy.

Dr. Terence Smith, Deputy Governor, Bank of Guyana 4. Money script #4 Money vigilance: Those with this script are secretive about their finances, whether they have a lot or little. Money vigilance beliefs, including themes of frugality, anxiety, and discreetness about money, appear to be protective factors against poor financial health and destructive financial behaviours. Dr. Klontz suggests that, “While they encourage savings and frugality, excessive wariness or anxiety could keep someone from enjoying the benefits and sense of security that money can provide.”

5.Action tips for the Money Vigilant: Having financial comfort and security are critically important to money vigilant individuals, but excessive worries about money can keep up at night and bad for your health. Financial therapists recommend that we take a long vacation or buy yourself a new toy. More importantly, create space in your budget to enjoy your hard work and enjoy deeper connections with family and friends you love most.

Further, therapists have suggested that, “what’s the point of a lifetime spent in frugality, deprivation and saving if you never allow yourself or your family to enjoy it.

Concluding remarks In this article, our money scripts that represent our disordered relationships with money and the tips to assist with corrective actions were presented. The research literature indicates that humans are irrational creatures in all areas of our lives and, “the same biases, fears, and unexamined assumptions that drive us to less-than-optimal decisions in our personal lives can wreck havoc on our budgets.” The way to deal with these issues is to examine them and be prepared to counteract them.

However, without understanding the particular scripts that inform our money choices, we will never be able to pinpoint the beliefs that are holding us back from financial prosperity.

Next week we will examine some economic reasons why we struggle with money. Please continue to send your comments or questions to deputygovernor@ bankofguyana.org.gy

Sunday October 08, 2017

Kaieteur News

PAGE 15

PAGE 16

Kaieteur News

Sunday October 08, 2017

Sunday October 08, 2017

Kaieteur News

PAGE 25

PAGE 26

Sunday October 08, 2017

Kaieteur News

The corpse in Mr. Reddy’s hallway

By Michael Jordan Sixty-one-year-old Permaul Reddy should have seen the corpse the moment he stepped through his front door. After all, it was lying in plain sight in his hallway. But he insists that he didn’t notice the body until minutes later.

That’s the answer he gave me as he pointed to the spot where the body had lain.

It’s the same answer he gave the skeptical police four years ago.

Perhaps he missed it because, as he told me, he isn’t in the best of health, and his eyes hadn’t quite adjusted from the glare of the afternoon sun. But maybe it was just that his wife, seemingly murdered so easily, was the last person he expected to see lying dead in his hallway.

She was Sita Reddy, a f e i s t y, i n d e p e n d e n t 5 4 year-old, who made a good living selling poultry that she reared in the backyard of the couple’s property at Lot 139 Second Street, Craig, East Bank Demerara.

The day was Wednesday, February 1, 2012, and Sita Reddy was alone at her

The Reddys house

Lot 139 Second Street, Craig, East Bank Demerara residence. Her husband, Permaul Reddy, was out on business.

Mr. Reddy said that he called his wife around 1:00 p.m., and they spoke for about ten minutes. He said that she asked him to come home early, but as he was driving home, police stopped him near Providence and requested to see his vehicle documents.

M r. R e d d y s a i d t h a t

he’d left the documents at the East Bank Demerara firm where he worked, so he returned to collect them.

While he was there, he tried to reach his wife by phone. Despite repeated attempts, no one answered, and he caught a bus and headed home. On arrival, he saw that his front gate was shut. His son lived next door, and his gate was open. Mr. Reddy said he entered the gate, then stepped into his

house.

He immediately noticed that all of the windows in the bottom were shut. He entered the bottom flat, then used the inner stairway to reach the top flat of the four-bedroom apartment.

It was then that he noticed that the bedroom that his wife occupied was ransacked.

However, there was no sign of Mrs. Reddy.

After ‘hollering’ for her and getting no response, Mr. Reddy said he telephoned his daughter, asking her to call the police.

He then returned downstairs and this time he saw his wife lying motionless, and in a pool of blood, to the left of the hallway.

Media reports indicated that the poultry seller ’s throat was slit, and her body bore stab wounds.

The killers had reportedly made off with about $1.5 million in cash, which Mrs. Reddy had saved from her poultry sales.

They had also stripped the woman of her jewellery, including an ankle band and several gold rings that she wore. Mr. Reddy said they also took her cellphone.

He immediately alerted a neighbour. The police then arrived. They began to question Mr. Reddy. He

Sita Reddy believes that he aroused suspicion because of his statement about walking past the body. The other thing was that they had heard that the couple often quarreled, and were on the brink of a divorce.

Mr. Reddy indicated that his wife had a temper, but they got along well. He also denied that his wife had filed for divorce. Nevertheless, the police took him into custody. During that time, detectives checked him for injuries.

They released him after three days. They also detained two residents who were allegedly seen visiting Mrs. Reddy’s house to purchase chicken prior to her being found dead.

One media report also indicated that police were trying to locate a man who lived in the area.

The man’s relatives had alleged that he was in the interior, and had promised to turn him over to the police when he returned.

Mr. Reddy told me that his wife’s poultry customers would first call at the gate. She would then let them in.

Those making large purchases would go to the backyard, where she reared

her poultry; those making small purchases would order at the front.

Mr. Reddy suggested that his wife had let her killer(s) in. He also suggested that the intruders were people that she knew, so she had to be silenced.

He said that he later noticed that someone had broken or cut through a padlock on a grill door at the front entrance.

Mr. Reddy also suggests that the police ignored clues that he had shown them. He said that he had shown them a few cigarette butts and about three plastic cups that someone had left in the front yard. The widower also suggests that the killers had made a prior visit to his home.

In 2011, someone had reportedly broken into the property when the Reddys were out.

That individual had gone straight to Mrs. Reddy’s room in the upper flat and carted off a substantial sum of local and foreign currency that Mrs. Reddy had stashed.

They had also made off with most of her jewellery.

They had left other rooms untouched, just as the killers had done.

Mr. Reddy said that after that burglary, his wife had vowed to fight back with any thief she confronted in her home.

If you have any information about this or any other unusual case, please contact Kaieteur News by letter or telephone at our Lot 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown office. Our numbers are 22-58458, 22-58465, 22-58482 and 22-58491. You need not disclose your identity.

You can also contact Michael Jordan at his email address: mjdragon@hotmail.com

The Baccoo Speaks Madness has gripped the country. In recent weeks, there have been some killings that defied the imagination. Sadly, this is not the end of the period. A group of young people will attack a household solely for the purpose of enrichment.

Their lack of academic ability will cause them to seriously injure one of the occupants.

** The rivers are friendly at

this time but a lapse in concentration would cause one of the boat operators to become involved in an accident that would claim a life. There would have been more casualties but for the presence of others in the water. ** An exposed electric wire would cause serious injury to the occupant of a home.

He would attempt a job for an electrician.

Sunday October 08, 2017

PAGE 27

Kaieteur News

The ubiquity of Guyana’s psychic destruction This country has one of the world’s smallest populations. We don’t have 800,000 citizens living in Guyana. In a thinly populated society, news travels fast. News travels faster than sound these days because of the internet and social media. I’ll give you a vivid example of how the internet has made Guyana into a tiny enclave On the stroke of midnight in July 2012 outside Parliament of Hadfield Street at a 24-hour vigil we kept under the name People’s Parliament founded as a reaction to the July 2012 shooting to death of three Linden protestors, I was viciously attacked as I went to my car outside DEMICO. There was a huge crowd and the police got involved.

I went home after 1 am and mentioned not a word to my wife. The next morning my wife called me angrily. She was livid. She told me about the attack. I asked how she knew. She said all her

workmates have it on the news on their phone. All of her workmates resided far out of Georgetown, some as far as Tuschen.

In a small country like this, news about events in Georgetown reaches people in Regions 2, 3, 5, 7 and 10 as soon as it happens. Those faraway folks get it on their smart phones.

The point is in a small population people know what goes on. Yet people get murdered, robbed and needlessly endanger their lives on the seawall.

And why? Because there is a colossal psychic dissolution in this country.

Name any human in this entire land that would be aware more than any other Guyanese that the Camp Road to Ogle seawall is dangerous at nights, and it would be a policeman. Yet the leader of the highly elite squad, the SWAT team, was alone on the Industry seawall and got robbed.

You simply cannot count the number of times people got robbed with many being murdered on that section of the seawall yet a single couple can be seen every night on that site with just them and the night sky above. We just don’t know how many of them were robbed and raped. After the SWAT leader was robbed, I saw a couple on the Subryanville seawall last night and the place was desolate.

When I leave Kaieteur News, I take Clive Lloyd Drive and head east on the Atlantic highway or the old highway as some would refer to it as against the Railway Embankment. There isn’t a night I wouldn’t see a couple on that lonely seawall. I believe that many of them did not make it back to home safely. People do not like to report rape incidents. I could understand in

very large populations, citizens would not know everything that happens but in Guyana people know the danger on that seawall.

How do you explain this self-destruction? What was the SWAT leader doing at 9.15 pm on that desolate city wall? Why is it tonight if you drive pass the Russian Embassy, you will see a couple all cuddled up waiting to become victims of sadistic robbers? The explanation is psychic nihilism (see my column of Thursday, September 28, 2017, “There is a colossal, psychic breakdown in Guyana.”)

I see this psychic vacuum each day in my life. I rang the National Library to ask them to report to GWI a water leak under the road (Church Street). It was beginning to undermine the street. GWI said they never got a call from

the library. I rang GWI’s customer service dept. itself. The leak unit told me it did not get the report. Three weeks after I highlighted that situation in my column, I contacted the leak unit myself. It has been fixed. It would have remained there if I didn’t communicate with the water waste unit.

Let me end this column with another manifestation of the psychic breakdown. A 65year-old missionary was remanded on the charge of possession of one and a half gram of cocaine. All the newspapers reported his weak physical position and his inability to hear properly. Are we playing with trouble? Suppose children and grandchildren that a 65-year-old man brought up, see their elderly loved one being refused bail and decide to do something erratic.

Why in this civilised

Frederick Kissoon world a 65-year-old man cannot get bail for one and a half gram of cocaine but others have secured bail for trafficking in 187 pounds. Yes, you read correctly, 187 pounds. If you weigh a 187 pounds of chicken that could very well sink a cruise ship bigger than the Titanic. Both the Titanic and Guyana sunk a long time ago.

PAGE 28

Kaieteur News

Sunday October 08, 2017

OUR VISION FOR TRANSFORMATION OF POSTAL SERVICES The Universal Postal Union (UPU) was established in the year 1874 in Bern, Switzerland and its anniversary is celebrated on October 9 every year. The anniversary of the Universal Postal Union was declared as World Post Day by the Universal Postal Union Congress in Tokyo, Japan in 1969.

Postal services improved vastly since the 17th Century when the Mail Coach (Britain) and the express Coaches that carried mail all over the USA. Since then countries around the world developed postage systems between countries, and the services played a great role in the daily life of humans. In the Twentieth Century, access to digital communication became the order of the day and some knee-jerk reactors were certain that the internet was going to cause the demise of the Post, but they were wrong.

This year, the UPU selected as the theme for World Post Day: “Transform to remain an enabler of inclusive development and an essential component of the global economy”.

As the Minister who holds responsibility for Telecommunications, Hon. Catherine Hughes is expected to play a leading role in the observances tomorrow by the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC). The crux of this event is the re-commissioning of the recently rehabilitated Kitty Post Office on Alexander St. The building has also been outfitted with new equipment and new procedures to better serve the community, and the process of transformation is not yet complete.

This Government is leading the nation in a totally new direction from what existed in

2015. We do have to catch up and stay abreast of the technologies that now run the world, but we would not sit idly by and waste our chances for a better life.

The GPOC falls under the umbrella of the Ministry of Public Telecommunications. After the initial shock at the physical condition of every single post office in Guyana, the absence of the most basic amenities such as seating for our senior citizens who visit every month to collect their pensions, Minister Hughes set herself the Herculean task of upgrading the postal systems and services, infusing them with modern technologies such as mail tracking apps, and ensuring that the Post remains relevant and NEEDED by the citizens. In fact, this is exactly what most every country is doing/has done with their postal services. “It is easy to assume that with the prevalence of technology, the post cannot survive,” the Minister said, adding that “Those who believe that are a bit shortsighted”. Certainly the Internet leads the way in person-to-person and business communications. The internet enables immediate communication, document exchange, and even meetings among people each sitting in different countries. The internet facilitates knowledge sharing, e-learning, skills training, university studies … this list is long. But in no way does it diminish the intrinsic value of the Post.

It may surprise you to learn that not one developed country has abandoned its postal service. Instead, governments have transformed their postal systems to provide other

services, even for the people who spend the better parts of their days on Facebook, Pinterest, SnapChat or Whatsapp. To some it is also a surprise to learn that people still send letters and postcards. Here in Guyana, they must have the hard copies of birth certificates and business compliance certificates. The postal service still has to deliver gifts and light mail, and even heavy cargo sometimes.

GPOC has yet another advantage – its geographic reach. There are post offices in every single Administrative Region in Guyana even near the Pakaraima Mountains, or Jawalla Village, Upper Mazaruni. And it is the GPO that has to deliver mail to Masekenari located at the very bottom of Guyana, in the Deep South of the Rupununi.

Guyana’s inland terrain is hilly and mountainous. It is very difficult to traverse on the ground, whether by road or river. The most viable option is by air which is expensive for private carrier services. But GPO has been serving these territories for many decades, and the services are going to get better if Minister Hughes has her way. With approval, she intends to upgrade standing infrastructure (or build new ones), and modernize the systems.

The Ministry’s plans include: - Demolition of all derelict PO buildings - Reconstruction of many Post Offices giving them energy-efficient layouts and customer-friendly facilities - Computerize document handling, bill payment consolidation, money order transactions and billing systems The Post Offices slated for major rehabili-

tation in 2018 are Buxton, Charlestown and Soesdyke in Region 4; Sisters Village in Region 6; and Danielstown in Region 2. The new buildings will have electronic security, Wifi and air conditioning.

The Ministry’s objective is to create multifunctional post offices that will deliver postal and public services, enabled with internet connections and computers.

CONCLUSION This era of our lives is ALL about Transformation. The Universal Postal Union is the United Nations body responsible for postal services in the world. Only recently, the UPU awarded Brazil, Singapore, Switzerland, France, Japan and a few other developed nations for leading the transformation of their postal systems.

This is the same path that Guyana is pursuing, but with a twist, i.e. the conversion of many post office into fully equipped Community ICT hubs providing computers and facilities for eLearning, eCommerce along with public services. The first citizens who will benefit from this modernization live in inland areas.

The Poor, Remote and Hinterland Communities initiative will provide the wherewithal for their growth.

The Minister is asking citizens to be assured that the post in Guyana is moving forward with new procedures and new technologies. “There is a lot that Guyanese have to look forward to, so I wish you a happy World Post Day.”

Sunday October 08, 2017

PAGE 29

Kaieteur News

My column

When a wrong is promoted as right There is a basic rule that states, “If something accrues from an illegality then that thing is also an illegality.”

Simply put, you cannot do something wrong and claim that the end product is right.

The end product may be acceptable but certainly not right.

Robin Hood was the epitome of doing something wrong and claiming that what he did was right because he would rob the rich and give to the poor. He was glorified.

The society chose to ignore the wrong because the end result was what mattered to them. The Sheriff of Nottingham, however, wanted Robin Hood for the wrong.

Two weeks ago it transpired that Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, renewed an arrangement with ExxonMobil for the continued occupation of 600 oil blocks. There should have been nothing wrong with that but it turned out that the oil giant should not have been given more than sixty blocks in the first instance.

The upshot is that ExxonMobil has made some significant oil discoveries that could only redound to the

good of Guyana. That is a good thing for this country that has been wallowing in poverty for all of its existence.

The then President Janet Jagan allocated the 600 blocks when she should have allocated 60. Christopher Ram made this disclosure even as he criticized Trotman for failing to correct a wrong. There was talk in some circles about Trotman being unaware of the conditions; that he did not study the law.

Interestingly enough, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo said that the country should praise Janet Jagan for doing what was palpably wrong. This is the position that leads to serious problems in other areas. We often ignore wrong things for reasons best known to ourselves only to regret them later when these wrongs morph into even greater wrongs. Laws should be respected regardless of the outcome.

I am one who appreciates the operations of the oil giant. For starters, others had explored the area in which the oil giant is working and came up with nothing. Using its vastly superior technology ExxonMobil drilled to unimag-

inable depths. The company drilled to a depth of almost five miles.

Last week it announced another significant discovery making Guyana a country with a bright future in oil. The major issue is that the oil giant, given its reputation in other countries, would take the lion’s share. Some believe that it would fudge the books to expand its expenditure and thus claiming expenses beyond what it spent.

I don’t think that is possible in this day and age when there are so many ways of determining the cost of the exploration. It is not that Exxon is the first company to explore for oil so there would be comparative records.

In addition, the company has partners who would be aware of what is happening.

These partners would have had to approve the various expenditures which are no doubt humongous. In its wildest dreams Guyana could not have achieved anything like what the oil company has achieved.

Guyana is promised two per cent in royalties from every drop of oil that is extracted. It is also promised 50

per cent of the profits. The government has since said that it would take its fifty per cent in oil. Guyana has had approaches from other countries offering their refineries.

I am not aware that a decision has been taken. I also know that there has been talk about setting up a refinery in Guyana. From my layman’s point of view, such an expenditure would not be wise when we could use that money to do so many other things that we wanted to do.

What I do know is that the oil discovery has created a condition where destabilization is a distinct possibility.

The political opposition is said to be doing its best to destabilize the government because it is seeking a return to power.

This is a political party that became filthy rich when Guyana had its meagre resources. Imagine what would be the state of affairs in an oil economy. Trinidad is a clas-

sic example. Over the years there have been prosecutions for massive corrupt activities largely because that country changes its government ever so often.

Guyana has said that it would not make the mistake of forsaking those sectors that it has. Agriculture is one of the mainstays of the economy. To forsake it would be to condemn the people of Guyana to revert to the days when they imported just about everything. Trinidad is in that bind. The oil caused the people to splurge.

Today, with the lowering of the oil price, Trinidad no longer has the kind of sporting money so it has gone back to the basics. Guyana says that it has learnt from all those countries that had an oil fortune and are crying today.

But back to the initial granting of excessive blocks to the oil company. That effectively shut out any other

Adam Harris oil company that might have developed the technology and could have challenged the oil giant. Further, it would have been better to have the oil giant apply for more concessions as it progressed.

We should appreciate that something was wrong.

For Jagdeo to suggest that Mrs. Jagan should be sanctified is sending the kind of message that this country should not tolerate. Indeed I am thankful that things worked out but at the same time, principles must be adhered to.

PAGE 30

Kaieteur News

Sunday October 08, 2017

The meaning of Minamata for Guyana Excerpts from an address by H.E. David Granger to the Minamata Convention on Mercury (Geneva, Switzerland 2017.09.28) Mercury is not a plaything. It is harmful to human health and to the physical environment whether in the air, on land or in water. The use of mercury, in human products and processes, is a threat to human health and the environment. The Minamata Convention on Mercury is an important instrument and its implementation must be intensified to avoid further harm by mercury emissions and for the protection of people and the preservation of the planet. Guyana reaffirms its commitment to the implementation of the Minamata Convention.

My country set itself the goal of reducing mercury emissions by 55 per cent within the next five years and to eliminate mercury use by 2027.

Guyana, a small, low-lying, coastal state on the South American continent, is part of the Guiana Shield – an area larger than Greenland which incorporates parts of Brazil, Colombia, French Guiana, Suriname and Venezuela.

The Shield is one of the most biologically rich and diverse zones and is one of the largest blocks of tropical rainforest on the planet.

Guyana, located near the centre of the ‘Shield’, has one of the highest rates of forest cover on the planet. Guyana’s indigenous people enjoy ownership of 14 per cent of the territory and live mainly in the hinterland near to the forested areas.

The landscape is diverse – comprising grasslands, highlands, islands, wetlands, coastal lowlands, lakes, rainforests, rivers and waterfalls – is the habitat to over 467 species of fish, 130 species of amphibians, 179 species of reptiles, 814 species of birds, 225 species of mammals, thousands of species of plants and home to a wide biodiversity used for food, medicines and shelter.

The hinterland has been home, also, of extractive industries – bauxite, diamonds, gold and manganese-mining – sometimes illegally, across its long, land frontiers with Brazil, Venezuela and

Suriname.

Mercury, used to extract gold from ore, can find itself into the air, soil and rivers.

The prevention of mercury pollution is vital to protection of people’s lives and livelihoods and the sustainability of the environment.

Guyana is pursuing a model of development aimed at becoming a ‘green’ state’ – one that emphasises the extension of protected areas, the preservation of its biodiversity, the protection of the environment, the provision of eco-tourism and eco-educational services, the promotion of renewable energy generation and the sustainable management of its natural resources.

Guyana needs the Minamata Convention on Mercury. It is a means to achieve its ‘green’ development objectives. The phased reduction and eventual elimination of the use of mercury is part of its national mining policy and is consistent with its obligations under the Convention.

The Convention will be a tool to ensure both improved human health in the artisanal and small- gold-mining sector and the sustainable management of its natural resources.

The artisanal, small- and medium-scale gold-mining sector is significant to the national economy. The sector: produced over 700,000 ounces of gold or 12.1 per cent of our Gross Domestic Product (at 2006 prices) in 2016 of which 67.7 per cent of total gold production came from more than 3,000 artisanal, small- and medium-scale mining enterprises; and employs more than 18,000 persons directly and supports the livelihoods of more than 100,000 persons, indirectly. It is the country’s single, largest foreign exchange earner.

The sector, however, is associated with 41 per cent of anthropogenic emissions and re-

leases of mercury. The reduction of mercury emissions, therefore, is highly dependent on the reduction in the use of mercury in goldmining.

Mercury used in the amalgamation process in gold-mining has found its way into the waterways – rivers and creeks – and presents a threat to the country’s aquatic systems and its biodiversity. The amalgamation process can leech into the soil and waterways, affecting both humans and the ecosystems.

The rivers (the word ‘Guiana’ means land of waters) which dissect the hinterland are still used for bathing, cooking, drinking, fishing and washing in traditional communities.

Gold-mining impacts on the physical environment through the use of dredges along river banks. The discharge of mining effluent into rivers creates problems of land degradation and water pollution.

Mercury used on land, similarly, can find its way into the food chain and can be harmful to humans and the biota and abiota.

Guyana has a low deforestation rate of 0.065 per cent but gold-mining accounted for 89 per cent of deforestation over the last few years.

Guyana was among the earliest signatories to the ‘Convention’, acceding in October 2013 and ratifying one year later. Implementing began with the preparation of a draft National Action Plan aimed at advancing efforts at the phased reduction and eventual elimination of mercury and mercury products.

Commitments for our National Action Plan, developed in compliance with the Convention’s requirements, need international support. The international community – United Nations Development Programme funded Minamata Initial Assessment (MIA) and World Wildlife Fund – was involved in the preparation for the implementation of the Convention.

The Convention’s implementation will be driven over the next decade by a GEF-funded project entitled Global Opportunities for

Long-term Development (GOLD) in the Artisanal Small Gold-mining Sector – programme, one of eight such programmes undertaken with the assistance of Conservation International worldwide.

Guyana’s project is entitled: ‘A supply chain approach to eliminating mercury in Guyana’s Artisanal and Small Gold-mining (ASGM) sector: El Dorado Gold Jewelry – Made in Guyana’.

It envisages gold from at least one administrative region being produced in a manner which meets environmental and social safeguards, involves higher recovery rates and uses close to zero mercury in its processing.

The success of the implementation of the Minamata Convention on Mercury will depend on three factors: education and transfer of mercury-free technologies throughout the artisanal and small- gold-mining sector; enforcement of regulations throughout the hinterland and the mining sector; introduction of economically viable alternatives to mercury use to aid in the efficiency of gold production.

The implementation of the Minamata Convention on Mercury encourages policies and practices which eliminate or limit the use of mercury, promotes sustainable livelihoods and improves human safety.

The eradication of mercury, in countries in which gold mining is a significant economic activity, requires a holistic, phased reduction, the identification of viable mercury-free technologies and the transfer of those technologies to countries which do not possess such technologies.

I applaud the United Nations Environment Programme and the Global Environment Fund for shepherding the process which led to the coming into effect of the Minamata Convention on Mercury. The ‘Convention’ is helping us to protect the people and the planet.

Sunday October 08, 2017

PAGE 31

Kaieteur News

Commonly asked questions about appendicitis

By Dr Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine Appendicitis is the most common abdominal emergency found in children and young adults. One person in 15 develops appendicitis in his or her lifetime. More males than females develop appendicitis between puberty and age 25. It is rare in infants and children under the age of two and the risk gradually decreases as one approach the 5th decade of life. Today we will discuss some commonly asked questions about this common and potentially deadly illness.

WHAT IS THE APPENDIX? The appendix is a long, thin pouch that is shaped like a finger. It hangs down from the large intestine, which is also called the colon. There are many theories around but the function of the appendix remains unknown.

WHAT IS APPENDICITIS? Appendicitis is the name for when the appendix gets infected and inflamed. If that happens, it can swell and in some cases burst. That’s dangerous, because a burst appendix can cause infection in the belly.

WHATARE THE SYMPTOMS OF APPENDICITIS? The usual symptoms include: - Severe pain in the lower part of the belly, on the right side. (For many people, the pain starts near the belly but-

ton and then moves to the lower right side.)

- Loss of appetite - Nausea and vomiting - Fever Some people can have different symptoms, such as: - Stomach upset - Having a lot of gas - Irregular bowel movements - Diarrhoea - Feeling ill

cause death.

To prevent such fatalities, surgeries are preformed to remove the appendix (appendectomy).Due to medical advances, people rarely die from appendicitis in developed countries today. Nonetheless, the disease does maintain a 1% death rate.

IS THERE A TEST FOR APPENDICITIS?

The main treatment for appendicitis is surgery to remove the appendix. This surgery can be done in 2 ways: - Open surgery – During an open surgery, the surgeon makes a cut near the appendix that is big enough to pull the appendix through.

- Laparoscopic surgery – During laparoscopic surgery, the surgeon makes a few cuts that are much smaller than those used in open surgery.

Then he or she inserts long, thin tools into the belly. One of the tools has a camera (called a “laparoscope”) on the end, which sends pictures to a TV screen. The surgeon can look at the image on the screen to know where to cut and what to remove.

If your appendix has burst, your surgery will probably be more complicated than it would be if it had not burst.

Your surgeon will need to wash away the material that spills out when an appendix bursts. As a result, your cuts might be larger or you might spend more time in surgery.

If it has been a few days since your appendix burst and you are not very sick, your doctor might decide not to do surgery at all. That’s because the body sometimes forms a wall inside the belly, to block off the area that became infected when the appendix burst. In a case like this, doc-

Your doctor can run tests that can help him or her find the cause of your symptoms.

But if you do have appendicitis, he or she will probably be able to diagnose it just by doing an exam. Your doctor can learn a lot about your condition by pressing on your belly and talking with you about your symptoms.

SHOULD I SEE A DOCTOR? Yes. Call your doctor right away if you have the symptoms listed above. The risk of your appendix bursting is much higher after the first 24 hours of symptoms. If the appendix bursts, the surgery to treat it will be more complicated.

HOW DEADLY IS APPENDICITIS? The inflammation caused by appendicitis, when left untreated, can cause the appendix to burst. After an appendix bursts, infectious materials are spilled out into the abdominal cavity and can cause poisoning through sepsis. In extreme cases, appendicitis can lead to peritonitis, which is a much more severe version, and can

HOW IS APPENDICITIS TREATED?

tors usually give antibiotics and carefully watch the person. They might be able to avoid doing surgery right away, since it can be more difficult in people who fit this description. But many people will need surgery later to take out the appendix.

WHAT IF I AM PREGNANT? If you are pregnant and think you have signs of ap-

pendicitis, make sure you tell your doctors that you are pregnant.

They will still treat you like every other patient but will take steps to protect your unborn baby. Remember that appendicitis lasts for a short time. If your belly pain has been occurring for weeks to months, chances are it’s not your appendix. By the way, patients ask this question about their chronic belly pain more often than any other.

Dr. Zulfikar Bux

PAGE 32

Kaieteur News

SUNDAY SENIOR CUSTOMS OFFICER SENT HOME; BROKER, SCRAP METALDEALER IN CUSTODY -US$350,000 SEIZED FROM CHINESE NATIONALS COMING FROM SURINAME A prominent scrap metal dealer and a Customs broker are in custody following a major investigation at a city wharf.

This was after the discovery of forged documents, in recent days, relating to a number of containers of scrap metal at the Water Street wharf of the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL).

Several staffers of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) have since been removed from the wharf area and a senior female manager sent on administrative leave.

According to officials close to the investigation, a GRA employee noticed some discrepancies pertaining to the export licences for containers of scrap metal being sent overseas by an Eccles, East Bank Demerara businessman.

The discrepancies, especially concerns over the signatures on the documents, were brought to the attention of senior GRA officials who immediately launched a probe.

The containers of scrap metal were supposed to have left on Thursday. They were immediately ordered held. The signatures on the documents were said to have been forged.

Kaieteur News was told that the scrap metal dealer was arrested on Friday and later handed over to police. The Customs broker who handled the transaction at the wharf was also taken into custody.

The Eccles businessman is said to be a major player in the trade.

According to officials, under the system, an exporter who is licensed is supposed to submit documents from the Ministry of Business, which handles the scrap metal trade.

Together with the ministry’s approval, and with Customs entries, only then is permission granted for the scrap metal to leave Guyana.

It will be recalled that following the assumption of the Coalition Government to office in May 2015, the trade was ordered closed after it was found that bank accounts of the trade were being handled by a special unit at the Central Housing and Planning Authority, under the then minister, Irfaan Ali. The accounts had millions of dollars in them with tight control by Finance officer, Taslim Baksh, who is no longer on the job.

Auditors raised several questions about fees and other payments to the Scrap Metal Unit The administration wants to bring legislations and more control after it was discovered in the past that the demand was driving persons to steal telephone copper cables and even infrastructure at public buildings, and fences.

Kaieteur News was told that currently only Gafoors has a licence to export scrap metal.

This was one of the reasons for the entries to be scrutinized so closely when they came in a few days ago.

In recent times, GRA has reported success in cracking down on Customs fraud, with several staffers fired, sent on administrative leave and punished.

Meanwhile, it is being reported that recently, GRA’s enforcement officials seized US$350,000 in cash from two Chinese nationals who visited Suriname and was returning.

The matter is under investigation.

PROBE INTO EXECUTED BRAZILIAN LAUNCHED…FOREIGNERS ENTERING GUYANATO COME UNDER CLOSER SCRUTINY – RAMJATTAN Foreigners entering Guyana, particularly those seeking to work in the mining sector, will now face intense scrutiny to ensure that they are who they claim to be. Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan made this disclosure Saturday, while responding to questions about the fact that recently executed Brazilian, Siviomar Antônio de Oliveira, had owned vast mining concessions in Guyana, and had been granted firearm licences, while being wanted in his homeland for a series of murders.

De Oliveria was living here under the name Antonio Da Silva, and had a wife and two children.

Ramjattan disclosed that an investigation by the police into the slain man’s background appears to confirm reports about de Oliveira.

The executed man, also called “Lorão,” is said to have killed his first wife, and murdered some of his fellow inmates while in a Brazilian jail. ”He was believed to be Antonio Da Silva, and it’s now being realised that he is not the good character he seemed to be. ”What is (now) known is that we have a criminal who murdered, and who was murdered, and we now have to get those who murdered him.

We have a fair idea who the crimi-

nals are, and we will ask the Brazilian authorities to help,” Ramjattan said.

He expressed concern that other “bad characters” like de Oliveira, may be living under the radar in Guyana. ”We will have to be extra careful about these people now. I am very concerned about this revelation. ”We now have to do a major recheck of those persons, and have to maybe change how Brazilians are getting mining concessions, what checks are done before he got his gun licences. ”We have to check if there are bad characters here; we will have to get the Interpol arrangement (of background checks) and their fingerprints (checked). We will have to do these things and work along more with the Brazilian authorities.”

But he conceded that screening these individuals will be challenging, “especially when they change their names and put out new IDs.” Ramjattan declined to point fingers at anyone over the fact that De Oliveria, living here for about eight years, had acquired vast mining concessions and even had two licensed firearms.

He said that individuals coming to invest can be granted concessions under the country’s mining laws.

However, he said that individuals can be penalized if they were aware of De Oliveria’s background when he was granted the concessions. ”I want the police to do a thorough investigation. I am waiting on the complete report.”

THE STORY OF THREE CONTRACTS TO BK …$84M ECCLES WELL UNFINISHED 5 YEARS LATER More than five years after a contract was awarded to contractor, BK International, for $84.2M, a well at Eccles, East Bank Demerara, is unfinished without residents receiving a drop of water. It appears that there are little efforts or, at the very least, no public update by the Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) to resolve the situation.

This was despite the fact that BK, which prior to these well, had no experience in drilling, has collected $53.1M or 63 percent of the money.

The well is located in the new housing scheme, opened behind the Eccles industrial site, with no activities evident during visits by Kaieteur News this past week.

The Eccles project was among three wells awarded in 2011, for completion by August 2012.

However, only one well, at Hope, East Coast Demerara is reportedly up and running.

The other one, at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, is supposed to be located in the compound of the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) but was abandoned after technical problems.

BK, which has been under fire for these and a number of other

Sunday October 08, 2017

projects, including the access roads to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, was earlier this year ordered to drill a new well at its own costs at Mon Repos.

GWI said earlier this year that BK collected $34M (80 percent) of the $41.6M that had been allocated for that Mon Repos well.

However, an Investigation Report by Chartered Accountant, HLB R. Seebarran & Co. Chartered Accountants, in June 2015, submitted to the then Board of Directors, headed by Ramesh Dookoo, had placed the cost for the Mon Repos well at $75.5M with BK receiving $49.2M. The situation with the wells and the seeming inaction of consecutive administrations against BK, which has been tendering and receiving more state contracts, despite the non-delivery, have been raising significant concerns, among stakeholder, including contractors.

The accountant’s report, which can be found online, devoted a number of pages to the three wells.

GWI’s management in June 2015, in response to the findings of the Chartered Accountant, insisted that the three contracts were awarded by the National Procurement and Tender Administrative Board (NPTAB) based on their evaluation of a contractor that “had no experience in well drilling.

These contracts were consistently discussed at the level of the GWI Board and there has been consistent agreement to allow the contractor to complete the three wells.”

MONDAY MINIMUM OF FIVE YEARS NEEDED TO GET GRAAT 90% LEVEL OF EFFICIENCY – ENTITY NOW OPERATINGAT 35 PERCENT The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has some of the nation’s most qualified citizens. But even with a labour force that exceeds 1000 recruits and employment costs over $2B, this entity has been operating at an efficiency level that is less than six percent for years. It was only re-

cently that the tax authority was able to jump to 35 percent.

Even though this is a small accomplishment, it is nothing that the GRA Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia is impressed with. He told Kaieteur News that there are a number of issues preventing the agency from operating at the optimal level. As such, it will take quite some time before the tax authority can realise its true potential.

When he took over the post, some 14 months ago, Statia said he was eager to set the entity on the right track. He was keeping abreast with the daily news and had a fair idea of the areas that needed the most work, or so he thought. Upon becoming Commissioner General, Statia got a rude awakening. ”The entire infrastructure was in disrepair. The floors including the Commissioner General’s office, flooded when it rained. There was paper everywhere. The IT system called TRIPS kept tripping. The taxpaying public had to sit in tents and be subjected to the elements of the weather, with no AC or fans.

The working conditions at branch offices and wharves were even worse. All of this led to low staff morale, an absentee ratio exceeding 35 percent, staff being treated for mold and other associated illnesses, bribery, collusion and corrupt practices, and of course inefficient tax collection.”

The Commissioner General asserted that the Authority had among its cadres, more graduates than a similar private sector size company, yet was working below its capacity. ”When an OTA (Office of Technical Assistance of the United States Department of the Treasury) team visited in August 2016, they reported that GRA as a tax agency was operating at a five percent level of efficiency. Suffice to say that one year later, the same team has reported that the efficiency level has since risen to 35 percent. They have however advised that it will take a minimum of five years to get the system to the 90 percent desirable level of efficiency.”

Statia said that this time period may mean that he might not see that “promised land,” since as said on many occasions, should he be incapable of meeting the goals and objectives that he was employed and set out to do, he will be the first to say “goodbye.”

To achieve this future level of efficiency, Statia asserted that it would necessitate a partnership of all stakeholders of which the private sector should and continue to play an integral part.

DRUNK COP KNOCKS DOWN FEMALE MOTORCYCLIST An intoxicated police constable was taken into custody after knocking down a 44-year-old female motorcyclist about 14:30hrs Sunday on the Ruimveldt Public Road.

Police identified the victim as Gem Simone Hall of Lot 22 Walker Terrace Street, Castello Housing (Continued on page 33)

Sunday October 08, 2017

(From page 32) Scheme.

According to a release, the police rank was driving motor car PSS 4303 north on the Ruimveldt Public Road, allegedly at a fast rate when he struck down the motorcyclist.

Police said that a breathalyzer test done on the police constable found him to be over the legal alcohol consumption limit. The police said that all documents for the vehicle are expired.

Meanwhile, police are investigating an incident in which a woman was shot in the foot at around 21:00hrs on Saturday, at Agricola, East Bank Demerara.

A release stated that two men, both armed with handguns had an argument, during which they discharged rounds at each other.

A 26 year old female resident who was in the vicinity was shot in her left foot.

She is currently a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation in a stable condition.

EXXONMOBIL’S EFFECTS ON GUYANA’S ENVIRONMENT WILL BE UNDER SCRUTINY – AS AUDIT OFFICE GEARS TO BEGIN ENVIRONMENTAL AUDITS The Audit Office of Guyana is steadily improving to meet the growing need for accountability and transparency in Guyana. To this extent, Auditor General, Deodat Sharma has announced that he is gearing to begin carrying out environmental audits.

Sharma said that the office is aiming to look at “means of preserving our environment especially to protect our endangered sea turtle, birds and animals, as we enter the production of oil. As such we intend to carry out several environmental audits and this will be in compliance with the fourth ‘E’ of auditing. Sharma outlined the four ‘E’s of auditing to be economy, efficiency, effectiveness and environment.

He told Kaieteur News that the environmental audit is a type of performance audit. “It is a report on the environment and maybe if the gas and oil regulation is completed, we can examine it to see that there are provisions to protect our species.”

Sharma said that there will be great focus on provisions by companies for the prevention of oil spills “because that would be a huge issue.”

To carry out the task ahead, Sharma said that the Audit Office will not need more staffers but current staffers will definitely need more training.

He said that he has already started training staff members.

Sharma disclosed that he sent six people to India under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme and they have been participating in the environmental auditing. “So they are aware of what is going on.”

Also, as the captain of the ship, Sharma said that he too is trained to do performance auditing, “so I am

Kaieteur News

now forced to move towards, I have it in my horizon but I have to bring it forward now.”

The Auditor General said that while he is already preparing, he is aware that there is much to be done.

Sharma said that that he cannot say as yet about all the details of what the audit will take on. However, he expecting to roll out the service early next year.

He said that performance audit takes a year and then the auditors will have to check back to see if the recommendations have been implemented.

Already, there has been noted that Guyana needs to place more emphasis on the protection of the environment.

ExxonMobil, in its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), claims that the possibility of an oil spill is not very high. However, it said that there is a 10 percent chance that in the event of a spill, oil will reach the coast of Guyana where 90 percent of its population sits.

ExxonMobil inferred that because of the purported ‘slim’ chance of an oil spill, detailed response measures are not needed. However, with a two percent possibility of occurring, the practice around the world is that oil companies are made to cater in detail for disasters. And indeed, the impact of an oil spill will be major for Guyana and its neighbours.

There is also nothing in the EIA that speaks to how Guyana’s neighbours will be compensated.

What was clear is that ExxonMobil did not commit to bearing the legal or financial responsibility in the event of a disaster.

There is a possibility that neighbouring countries, when environmental damage occurs, can move against Guyana. If the burden is left to bear by Guyana, the country may have to pay damages equivalent to years of oil revenues.

ExxonMobil’s EIA also offers no compensation to fishermen and other Guyanese who are most likely to be affected in the case of an oil spill.

The EIA has little or no information on the role to be played by relevant stakeholders as it pertains to consultations, training and quick response measures. In the event of an oil spill, there is no oversight mechanism in place to oversee the remedial action taken by the company.

TUESDAY DECLINING INCOME… NIS DIPS INTO RESERVES THREE TIMES THIS YEAR -DEFICIT RISES; GROWING INFORMALWORKFORCEA MAJOR HEADACHE The National Insurance Scheme (NIS) continues to face some tough times from declining revenues and little returns from investments.

In fact, for this year alone, the scheme had to dip three times into its fund to pay benefits, according to NIS General Manager, Holly Greaves.

She was addressing staffers a n d o t h e r s t a k e h o l d e rs at Monday’s 48th celebrations of NIS. NIS’ pension has been critical to workers who devoted their life to their jobs but have little to fall back on after retiring. Currently, the Government of Guyana is paying just over $19,000 to eligible persons as an old age pension, every month.

According to Greaves, in her report on the performance of NIS, as predicted in the last actuarial review, the scheme’s growing benefit expen-

PAGE 33

diture has been consistently surpassing contribution income. ”These problems are consistent with a maturing scheme. The scheme has experienced two deficits in the last 10 years. The first occurred in 2011 and the second in 2016. The scheme has already dipped thrice into the Fund for 2017 to pay benefits. It is therefore imperative that the scheme generate funds in keeping with the growth in benefits.”

The other income earner for the scheme is through its investment portfolio. However, the scheme continues to be faced with low interest rates and no interest from some of its non-performing investments, the official said.

NIS has monies invested in the Berbice River Bridge and in the CLICO insurance which has since collapsed. NIS had over $5B in CLICO. The administration has initiated disbursements over 20 years to plug monies into NIS every year to replace the CLICO investments.

Greaves noted that over the last 48 years, the NIS has provided to workers and their dependents a wide range of social security benefits.

Guyana also pays benefits under the CARICOM Social Security Agreement, which only covers the payment of long term benefits.

She argued that the need for a Social Security organisation to remain relevant in a country cannot be over emphasized. ”The National Insurance and Social Security Scheme is the single thread, which spans the lives of almost every person in Guyana from birth, and even before, to death and in some cases, thereafter.”

However, she warned, confronted with the present economic challenges, aging population, rising life expectancy and increased pension payments, capturing the economically active population remains paramount for the long-term viability of the fund.

She said that there must be not only a change in strategy, but also a change in attitude and commitment by all staff to the organization. ”In a world where change is inevitable we at the National Insurance

Scheme must refuse to be complacent as individuals and as workers within our organisation.”

NIS UPS PRESSURE FOR RETURNS ON BERBICE BRIDGE INVESTMENTS -GREAVES CONFIRMED AS NEW CHIEF -TARGETS TECHNOLOGY TO REDUCE DELAYS The National Insurance Scheme (NIS), facing challenges of finding new incomes, says it is placing significant emphasis on an aggressive investment programme.

Speaking Monday at the entity’s continuing 48th anniversary celebrations, Chairman of the Board, Dr. Surendra Persaud, disclosed that the sad reality is that the NIS has not had an investment policy with little progress made. ”When the new board came into being, the NIS did not have even an Investment Manager much less a department. Recently we have again placed an advert and hopefully we can find someone with the qualifications for this position.”

He noted that two investmentsCLICO and the Berbice River Bridge–have been heavily criticized.

However, with the assistance of the Government of Guyana, the CLICO loss had been addressed. Over the next 10 years, the NIS will recover a majority of the original principal.

However, this would mean that NIS lost out on the potential of the over $5B which was sunk into CLICO. The second was the investment in the BBCI (Berbice Bridge Company Inc). ”I am happy to report that the NIS representatives on the BBCI board have been pushing for the NIS to receive the return on this investment.”

Persaud anticipated that at least one of the investments made by the NIS in the BBCI will be redeemed before the end of this year.

Next year, NIS is readying to spend a considerable amount of time on its investment portfolio. ”It will be a two-step processthe first on the realignment of (Continued on page 34)

PAGE 34

(From page 33) the portfolio with the Prudential Framework and then a relook at that framework to determine how it should be tweaked to meet the changing needs of the NIS. Finally this year we expect the actuarial review to be done.

This review will hopefully reflect on the many challenges facing the NIS and propose the changes that could cope with these new realities.”

He said that the board as well as all policy makers will spend a significant part of 2018 wrestling with those recommendations.

Meanwhile, the chairman congratulated Holly Greaves who was confirmed as the new General Manager, following the departure of Doreen Nelson.

He also said that one of his biggest concerns is the performance of management. ”This I agree might seem harsh, but let’s be honest where does the buck stop. So I ask again what was management’s excuse? At the last anniversary I mentioned the case that was sitting on someone’s desk for years. Thankfully after I mentioned that, the case was resolved.

But an NIS contributor should never had to resort to the Board or its Chairman for their case to be resolved,” he stressed.

‘PSYCHOPATH’ GUNS DOWN 59 IN LAS VEGAS -KILLER FIREDAT VICTIMS FROM HOTEL ROOM OVERLOOKING CONCERT Las Vegas, US (independent.ie)A gunman in a high-rise hotel overlooking the Las Vegas Strip opened fire on a country music festival late Sunday, killing at least 59 people and injuring hundreds of others in the deadliest mass shooting in modern American history.

The gunman, identified by police as Stephen Paddock, was later found dead by officers on the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Sheriff Joseph Lombardo said during a news briefing Monday.

The massacre marked the nation’s latest outbreak of gunfire and bloodshed to erupt in a public place, again spreading terror in an American city transformed into a war zone. The carnage in Las Vegas surpassed the 49 people slain in June 2016 when a gunman in Orlando, who later said he was inspired by Isil, opened fire inside a crowded nightclub.

Mr Lombardo said the death toll had reached at least 59 by Monday morning, a number that could rise, as police are still investigating the scene. He also said an additional 527 people were injured, though he did not specify how many were wounded by gunfire or injured in the chaos that followed.

Paddock (64) was found dead in his hotel room by Las Vegas Swat officers, police said. They believe Paddock, who had checked in on Thursday, took his own life.

Under the neon glow and glitz of the Vegas Strip, thousands of

Kaieteur News

concertgoers who had gathered for a three-day music festival dove for cover or raced toward shelter when the gunfire began about 10pm Sunday.

Police said more than 22,000 people were at the concert when Paddock began firing round after round, shooting from an elevated position that left those on the ground effectively helpless.

Police believe Paddock, a local resident, was a “lone wolf” attacker.

Mr Lombardo did not give further details on Paddock’s background and possible motivation, saying police “have no idea what his belief system was.” ”I can’t get into the mind of a psychopath,” he said during a briefing. He also said that given what police believe about Paddock being a lone wolf who opened fire, “I don’t know how this could have been prevented.”

Hotel Room Police believe Paddock smashed the window of his room with something similar to a hammer before he began firing at the people below. The gunman was found with more than 10 rifles, Mr Lombardo said, and he brought them all inside himself.

Relatives of Paddock said they were stunned by what happened. His brother Eric said their mother spoke to the FBI. WEDNESDAY WOMEN, 89, 77, FOUND DEAD IN SOUTH ROAD HOME THREE HELD WITH VICTIM’S STOLEN PHONE Police appear to be on the verge of cracking the brutal murder of 89year-old Constance Fraser, and 77year-old Phyllis Caesar, whose bound and gagged bodies were found at around 09.00hrs Tuesday in their Lot 243 Albert Street and South Road residence.

Detectives reportedly tracked down three young men, who were reportedly using a phone belonging to Mrs. Fraser. At press time, the suspects were being subjected to intense interrogation.

The women were members of the

South Road Full Gospel Assembly, located a few doors from their home.

Kaieteur News was told that Mrs. Caesar acted as caretaker for the church, and had the code for the church alarm. She also kept the keys for a nearby school in Regent Street.

A resident said that the gruesome crime was discovered when a church member turned up and was unable to gain access to the church since the alarm was on. He then enquired about Mrs. Caesar’s whereabouts.

On checking at the Regent Street school, residents found the school locked and children standing outside.

They also observed that the gate to the elderly women’s residence was locked. Residents contacted ranks at the Alberttown Police Station. Detectives, using a ladder, climbed onto the verandah, where they discovered that a door leading to the verandah was open.

On entering the premises, they found the house ransacked, then located the trussed-up and bound bodies of the two elderly women in separate rooms.

It is believed that the killers gained entry to the premises by climbing into the verandah and forcing open the same door that the police found unlocked.

Mrs. Fraser’s son-in-law, Reginald Daniels, said that the women were bound with strips of cloth. He was unable to say what the killers took, but said he was puzzled that items such as a television set was left behind, and a ring was left intact on one of the women’s fingers.

Mr. Daniels said that he last spoke with Mrs. Fraser, whom he called ‘Grandma’, last Friday. He described her as a “God fearing, gentle soul,” who had resided at her Albert and South road home for some 50 years.

Mr. Daniels revealed that thieves had broken into the home about three months ago. Relatives had installed a door and suggested to Mrs. Fraser that an alarm be installed and a guard be employed at nights.

But Mrs. Fraser, a devout Chris-

Sunday October 08, 2017

tian, declined the offer.

SCRAP METAL EXPORT PROBE…MORE FORGED MINISTRYAPPROVAL LETTERS FOUND; CONTAINERS SEIZED Investigators have widened their probe into the discovery of forged documents in the export of a number of scrap metal containers last week.

In fact, a number of other letters, believed to be forged, have since been unearthed.

The approval letters from the Ministry of Business would have paved the way for Customs officials to release containers from city wharves for export.

According to officials, on Monday, several other containers of scrap metal were ordered to be seized, pending the widened investigation.

The discovery would be worrying to not only the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), but also for other entities like the Ministry of Business.

The scrap metal trade was further restricted in 2015 by the Coalition Government pending an assessment and strengthening of systems and introduction of new legislations.

This year, to reduce the number of containers left in limbo at the wharves, Government has allowed a partial lift of the export ban.

The appearance of the Ministry of Business approval for several letters was bound to have raised red flags.

Last week, the GRA management removed the entire Customs team from the Demerara Shipping Company Limited wharf after a number of forged documents were found.

A scrap metal dealer from Eccles and his broker were both arrested and are under investigation for allegedly tendering those forged approval letters.

According to officials close to the investigation, a GRA employee noticed some discrepancies pertaining to the export licences for con-

tainers of scrap metal being sent overseas by an Eccles, East Bank Demerara businessman.

The discrepancies, especially concerns over the signatures on the documents, were brought to the attention of senior GRA officials who immediately launched a probe.

The containers of scrap metal were supposed to have left on Thursday. They were immediately ordered held.

Kaieteur News was told that the scrap metal dealer was arrested on Friday and later handed over to police. The Customs broker who handled the transaction at the wharf was also taken into custody. The Eccles businessman is said to be a major player in the trade.

LOCAL, INT’L PARTNERSHIP ENHANCES GUYANA’S CAPACITY FOR OILAND GAS SECTOR The partnership between Ground Structures Engineering Consultants (GSEC), a local geo-technical engineering company and Fugro, an international provider of geo-intelligence, is already bearing fruit.

The Fugro-GSEC alliance has resulted in training in the Fugro Houston soils laboratory for six members of GSEC staff, Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET) certification for 10 members of GSEC staff, Panamanian Seaman Book training for six members of GSEC Staff, Protected Species (marine mammals and seabird) certification for two biologists on GSEC Staff provided by ExxonMobil and Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Pilot training in the near future for GSEC personnel at one of Fugro’s ROV centres of excellence.

According to GSEC, its staff is currently conducting geotechnical laboratory tests on soil samples recovered during the Liza 1 geotechnical drilling programme.

GSEC officials stated that the intention is to confirm the competence of the laboratory technicians to replicate the results produced by Fugro and to utilize the laboratory for (Continued on page 35)

Sunday October 08, 2017

(From page 34) additional soil tests in the future based on that competence.

The Fugro-GSEC partnership agreement is also expected to build up the local content of Guyana to allow Fugro to train GSEC staff to provide services to the Oil and Gas market as they expand their presence in Guyana.

So far, GSEC has provided six soil technicians and three engineers to work on the marine geotechnical investigation for the Liza Field development, for ExxonMobil. Additionally, the GSEC staff was trained globally, by Fugro, to enhance their expertise and competencies over the period of March to June 2017.

This training will continue to progressively extend GSEC capacity to respond to demands for local content providers.

The team is expected to collect, organize and interpret project-critical, geotechnical and environmental data (both onshore and offshore) for companies like ExxonMobil. Their mission is to protect the life-cycle of the project by providing geo-related designs, asset inspections and integrity advice.

GSEC is also constructing a new building to meet the growing needs in Guyana and Fugro will also have a local office in this new location.

Fugro’s Country Manager for Guyana and Columbia, Brian Hottman insists that “in order to provide the technical data and information required to design, construct and maintain projects like this, we need to be on site to do it in a safe, reliable and efficient manner.”

It was also noted that the 10,000 sq. feet of new developed office space will have a soils and materials laboratory. All GSEC drilling operations will be operated out of this location. The building will also house an electronic lab and repository for the storage of all geotechnical, geosciences and environmental projects undertaken by GSEC/Fugro.

THURSDAY DDL EMBARKS ON US$50M EXPANSION Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin, Wednesday conducted a tour of the Demerara Distiller Limited (DDL), Manufacturing Facility, Diamond Plantation Branch.

The company, makers of the world-renowned, award-winning El Dorado rums and which the franchise on Pepsi, announced a programme of development that would see it investing $10B (US$50M) over the next three years.

During the tour, Chairman of DDL, Komal Samaroo, and other staff members explained the processes for a number of their products, according to a Government release.

The Prime Minister and Minister Gaskin also visited the juice facility and the rum plant, where they were briefed on the procurement of

Kaieteur News

fruits from local farmers for DDL’s production.

While there, the government officials spoke with two farmers who were there to sell their cherries to the company. The Prime Minister remarked, “Today we see that DDL is willing and ready to receive fruits from local Guyanese farmers because the juices that they produce, by whatever name they have them, are local juices and these are the juices that we want our families and our kids to use.”

He noted that as Guyana continues to develop, local content is very crucial to production in the country. “Local juices, biscuits, sweets drinks of all types”.

Following the tour of the facility, the Prime Minister said, “Those who say that the sugar industry is dead or will be dead, they should take a tour of DDL bond and production factories.

There is an abundant need for molasses. (There is also) an unending need for liquor, rum, and vodka.

So, I don’t see today the death of the sugar industry, Guyana will continue to produce sugar once there is a need for molasses.”

Chairman of DDL, Komal Samaroo, announced that the company is about to embark on significant investments in Guyana over the next three years. Through these, the company will be looking to increase its export earnings and diversify its income base not only in alcohol but other products such as non-alcoholic beverages.

GRANGER DEAD SET ON ‘FIT AND PROPER’ PERSON FOR GECOM’S CHAIRMAN President David Granger has made it clear that he is committed to doing what is required of him in accordance with the Constitution of Guyana with respect to the appointment of a Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

Speaking to members of the media at State House Wednesday, he said: “I will continue to do what the Constitution calls upon me to do, [which is to] select a person, who is fit and proper. Nothing the Chief Justice wrote has prevented me or

inhibited my exercise of that authority or that power.”

He was referencing the ruling on the matter by Chief Justice, (ag) Justice Roxanne George-Wiltshire in July.

The President, who was at the time responding to questions on the third list of nominees for the role of GECOM Chairman submitted by Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, explained that he has taken the time to examine the written ruling of the Chief Justice. He said that it did not interfere with his right to select a person, who is ‘fit and proper’ as required by the Constitution.

He added that now that he has had some time to study the Chief Justice report, he looks forward to convening a meeting with the Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, in the coming weeks to discuss the way forward on with matter.

Article 161 (2) of the Constitution states that, “The Chairman of the Elections Commission shall be a person who holds or who has held office as a judge of a court having unlimited jurisdiction in civil and

PAGE 35

criminal matters in some part of the Commonwealth, or a court having jurisdictions in appeals from any such court or who is qualified to be appointed as any such judge, or any other fit person…”

The criteria have been under much debate for the year whether the President was correct in his interpretation.

The matter ended up before the Chief Justice (ag) earlier this year for an interpretation of what the law says when it came to choosing a GECOM chairman.

The ruling has been criticised by some as being vague in some aspects.

In February, former Chairman, Dr. Steve Surujbally, retired after almost a decade and half at the helm of that organisation which oversees elections in the country.

The choice has been a hot button topic for both the Government and Opposition.

SWAT LEADER STRIPPED OF POST AFTER LOSING GUN, CAR IN ROBBERY Deputy Superintendent, Lonsdale Withrite, who was heading the Guyana Police Force (GPF) SWAT team, was Wednesday stripped of his post—two days after losing his service pistol and 16 live rounds in a suspected robbery on Industry Seawall, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

The Police said that the senior officer was in the company of a female when he was allegedly robbed at gunpoint around 21:00 hrs on Monday.

According to the police, the officer reported that he was pounced on by three men, one of whom discharged two rounds and relieved him of his motorcar.

The firearm and live rounds were in the officer’s bag that was in the vehicle, which was later found abandoned on the Ogle Airstrip Road, ECD.

Kaieteur News has been told that the officer initially informed ranks that he stopped at the seawall to urinate when a vehicle pulled alongside his parked car and someone jumped in and sped away.

The senior cop’s demotion comes less than a week after the Head of the Police’s Narcotics, Wayne DeHarte was transferred to Berbice after a quantity of cocaine disappeared from his office.

FRIDAY EXXONMOBIL REVEALS YET ANOTHER ‘SIGNIFICANT’ OIL DISCOVERY ExxonMobil has made yet another “significant” discovery of high quality oil offshore Guyana.

The company announced Thursday that it had made a fifth new oil discovery after drilling the Turbot-1 well offshore Guyana.

Turbo-1 is ExxonMobil’s latest discovery to date adding to previous discoveries at Liza, Payara, Snoek and Liza Deep. Following completion of the Turbot-1 well, the Stena Carron drillship will move to the Ranger prospect.

ExxonMobil said that its affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Ltd, began drilling the Turbot-1 well on August 14, this year and encountered a reservoir of 75 feet (23 meters) of high-quality, oilbearing sandstone in the primary objective.

The well was safely drilled to 18,445 feet (5,622 meters) in 5,912 feet (1,802 meters) of water on September 29, 2017. The Turbot-1 well is located in the southeastern portion of the Stabroek Block, approximately 30 miles (50 kilometers) to the southeast of the Liza phase one project. ”The results from this latest well further illustrate the tremendous potential we see from our exploration activities offshore Guyana,” said Steve Greenlee, president of (Continued on page 36)

PAGE 36

(From page 35) ExxonMobil Exploration Company. “ExxonMobil, along with its partners, will continue to further evaluate opportunities on the Stabroek Block.”

The Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometers).

Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited is operator and holds 45 percent interest in the Stabroek Block.

Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd. holds 30 percent interest and CNOOC Nexen Petroleum Guyana Limited holds 25 percent interest.

Thursday, ExxonMobil’s Senior Director of Public and Government Affairs, Kimberly Brasington, said that the company will not be able to know the real size of the resource until another well is drilled in 2018.

That well will be Turbo-2 and will be drilling in close proximity to Turbo-1. ”Only then will we have a number to go with,” said Brasington.

Brasington said, “The announcement says 75 feet of high quality oil-bearing sandstones and that literally means that we have drilled through 75 feet of the sand rock and 75 feet shows oil…So our best estimate of this find is that there is 75 feet of oil.”

Brasington continued, “When we drilled the first well at Liza-1, we knew there was oil. We made an announcement that oil is there but we had no idea how much was there until we came back and drilled the second one. ”What we did, we picked another location further away and it helped us; it gave an idea of how big is the reservoir. It is so hard to make that estimate on one well. We do not have enough data.”

However, Brasington said that the oil at 75 feet is quite “significant. If we had found 12 or a smaller number it would give a different message but the fact that it is 75 ft, it is significant enough to warrant us coming back and drilling a different well to get more information. ”So after we drill Turbo-2 next year we will be in a much better place to figure out how many barrels are in this.”

PORK-KNOCKER BUTCHERS POLICEWOMAN, HANGS SELF An intoxicated and out of work pork-knocker went berserk around 9.00 hrs Thursday, butchering police sergeant 19467 Kenisha Sheriff-Fraser, said to be his lover, in her Number 30 Village, West Coast Berbice home before hanging himself.

The body of 39-year-old Sheriff-Fraser, with her chest and stomach sliced open, and chop wounds to the forehead, left temple and limbs, was found on her bedroom

Kaieteur News

floor in her West Coast Berbice home.

A bloodstained cutlass was found near the body.

Her killer, 42-year-old Clayton Anthony, also called “Woody”, who lived in the bottom flat, fled the victim’s apartment with a length or rope, and was later found hanging from a tree in the Village.

Sergeant Kenisha Sheriff-Fraser, a mother of three, was seconded to the Registry, Renewal Firearm Licence Department as a clerk. Sheriff-Fraser and her three children together with her mother, Rebecca Barker, a Lance Corporal attached to the Weldaad Police Station, occupied the upper flat of the premises while Anthony occupied the bottom flat.

Neighbours made the gruesome discovery after hearing the woman screaming and crying in her apartment.

According to a police source, Fraser and Anthony were romantically involved and on the morning of her death the two were in the bedroom together when an argument erupted. Neighbours heard the woman screaming but thought nothing of it. But they became concerned and ran over to the policewoman’s house after hearing someone crying loudly.

According to a next door neighbour, Avril Carmichael, the double tragedy occurred some time between 8:30 and 9:45 hours. The children had all left for school, and her daughter, who would normally sell snacks, called out to say that she heard someone screaming at the house next door and that Mrs. Carmichael should check to see if the neighbour, Fraser, was having any problems.

Mrs. Carmichael recalled speaking to the perpetrator, who occupied the bottom flat of the premises, as she was making her way in to

Fraser’s home.

Upon entering the house, Mrs. Carmichael called out to her neighbour, but got no response. She then checked the bedrooms, and saw the nude and mutilated body of Fraser, also known as Tekie, on the floor.

Mrs. Carmichael managed to raise an alarm of murder, thus attracting the neighbourhood before collapsing.

Other residents reportedly saw Clayton Anthony running down the steps with a rope in hand and fleeing the scene.

SATURDAY BURNT REMAINS OF BLOCK-MAKER FOUND INCEMETERY -SUSPECTS REPORTEDLY KILLED HIM OVER STOLEN GOATS Police have detained four men after unearthing the burnt remains a missing 21-year-old Bloomfield, Berbice block maker in a cemetery around 15:00 hrs Friday.

Relatives of the missing man, first found several pieces of bones in a five-foot deep hole near the home of one of the suspects, located in the Number 55 Village Cemetery.

Police later unearthed more bones. They have since detained four men, including a tile-layer who is the victim’s employer, and three other workers.

Police confirmed that they have obtained confessions from two of the suspects, who have indicated that the victim, Mahendra Ghanie, also known as “Sanjay,” was slain because he was suspected of stealing two goats from the “boss.”

“All we found were bones, and we have to do an analysis to confirm that these are his remains,” a senior police official said.

“We also found what appeared to be fragments of a cell-phone.”

Ghanie, of Lot 196 Bloomfield Village, Corentyne, disappeared on Monday, last.

His mother, Indranie Seenarine, said her son came to her some time around 17:30 hrs and told her that “Jah Jah call fuh me go wuk.”

Sunday October 08, 2017

According to Seenarine, he was leaving for work at the cemetery yard where his employer, ‘Bobby’, and ‘Jah Jah’ live.

She said he left home about an hour later and at approximately 20:00hrs he called to say that he had arrived at his workplace at Number 55 Village Cemetery yard. She stated that she never heard from him again.

“I tried calling his cell phone the next day, but (got) no answer. I called all day and nothing”, Seenarine said.

On Wednesday, she made a missing person’s report and also tried calling her son once again.

She decided to launch a search with her children, along with other relatives. They searched the cemetery yard Friday and were about to give up when they noticed what appeared to be a hole near a fence.

The victim’s brother, Razack Ghanie, told Kaieteur News that he called on his cousin to assist him in checking the hole.

NATIONALAWARDEES URGED TO CONTINUE TO EXEMPLIFY SERVICE A group of distinguished professionals were last evening bestowed with badges of honour for their sterling contributions and noteworthy achievements at the various levels of society.

Chancellor of the Judiciary (Ag), Madame Yonette Decina CummingsEdwards headed the list of 69 women and men who were presented with awards by President David Granger during the investiture ceremony held at the National Cultural Centre, (NCC).

The Chancellor, who boasts an illustrious legal career that commenced in 1988, received the Order of Roraima, (O.R) the highest National Award conferred, last evening.

Justice Cumming-Edwards served as a Judge on the Court of Appeal of Guyana for several years and is the second woman to be appointed to the position of Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary.

During her remarks, CummingsEdwards noted that Orders of Guyana were premised on the nation gaining its Republican Status

some 47 years ago.

She emphasised therefore that the National Awards are not to be taken lightly, but should be seen as medal of appreciation to those who served the nation exceptionally.

The Chancellor urged her fellow awardees to continually exemplify service.

Of the sixty- nine awardees, there were thirty women who contributed significantly to the education, health, judicial, business and social sectors.

Acting Chief Justice, Madame Alison Roxanne Mc Lean George, received the Cacique’s Crown of Honour, (CCH) for her sterling contribution to the work of the Judiciary, along with Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Ambassador Irwin La Rocque.

Environmental activist and pilot, Annette Arjoon-Martins, who has been a driving force in marine conservation and mangrove replanting projects, was presented with the Golden Arrow of Achievement alongside Secretary-General of the Guyana Red Cross Society, Dorothy Fraser; Chief Librarian of the University of Guyana, Gwyneth George; Journalist, Julia Ann Johnson, General-Secretary of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU), Coretta McDonald; Veterinarian, Dr. Karen Pilgrim; and Veteran Educator, Gem Ann Rohlehr.

Enrico Woolford, who is known for his work in broadcast journalism, was also presented with the insignia of Golden Arrow of Achievement.

Similarly, Editor -in- Chief of Kaieteur News and Prime News, Mr. Adam E. Harris was conferred the Golden Arrow of Achievement. He was awarded for decades of contribution in the field of journalism.

Harris was employed with the State owned Guyana Chronicle and New Nation publications, for over 25 years, but is yet to receive a pension and benefits package from the Government.

The other awardees include artist and sculptor, Winslow Craig; and Human Resources Management and Organisational Development Specialist, Sandra Jones.

Sunday October 08, 2017

Kaieteur News

PAGE 45

PAGE 46

Sunday October 08, 2017

Kaieteur News

‘The future is in your hands, prevent filaria today’ - doctor urges

By Sharmain Grainger Even in a world as modern as ours, tauntings and harsh stares are still among the difficulties faced by some people who manifest signs and symptoms of lymphatic filariasis [commonly called filaria].

Although information about this disease, which could have very debilitating outcomes, is very much in the public domain, stigma and discrimination has not become a thing of the past.

But according to Dr. Allena Hercules, a Government Medical Officer [GMO], who for the past few months has been working within the Vector Control Services Unit of the Ministry of Public Health, persons should be slow to discriminate when it comes to filaria. This is in light of the fact, she explained, that anyone could be vulnerable to the disease.

She explained that although persons could be infected with the parasite that causes the disease, they may not manifest signs and symptoms until years later – sometimes as many as two decades later.

She disclosed that persons can be easily infected if they are bitten by a mosquito that had previously bitten someone already infected

Dr. Allena Hercules with the parasite.

According to the World Health Organisation [WHO], filaria is a painful and profoundly disfiguring disease which is caused by parasites classified as nematodes or roundworms of the family Filariodidea.

WHO has given credence to reports of discrimination by pointing out that since filaria is known to impair the lymphatic system, it can lead to the abnormal enlargement of body parts, causing pain and severe disability that attracts social stigma.

“The common sign is swelling and you can have swelling to the lower limbs [commonly referred to as big foot], the arms, breast and the scrotum in males. There can

also be other general symptoms such as fever and pain in the infected area.

“Persons can even mani-

fest chyluria [a milky urine],” explained Dr. Hercules.

According to the medical practitioner, chyluria is a rare condition in which lymphatic fluid leaks into the kidneys and turns the urine milky white.

Although filaria is not known to be fatal, but rather a silent disease that could severely debilitate the anatomy overtime, Dr. Hercules said that it is important to guard against it.

Here in Guyana, she noted that the disease is transmitted by the Culex mosquitoes which are known to thrive in stagnant water.

“We have been encouraging people to get rid of any collection of water that has been stagnant for a prolonged period of time. We have also been encouraging people to keep the drains in their environment clean,” said Dr. Hercules.

But since people will not always be able to control the presence of mosquitoes in their environment, she also revealed that wearing light coloured garments that cover most of the body could also help to reduce the incidence of mosquito bites. Added to this, the use of repellents, and sleeping under bed nets could be helpful.

WHO has explained that “mosquitoes are infected with microfilariae [the parasite] by ingesting blood when biting an infected host.”

Swelling of the feet is a common symptom of filaria “When infected mosquitoes bite people, mature parasite larvae are deposited on the skin from where they can enter the body. The larvae then migrate to the lymphatic vessels where they develop into adult worms, thus continuing a cycle of transmission,” WHO has outlined.

Given the simplicity of the transmission and the fact that there is no cure, once signs and symptoms are manifested, Dr. Hercules stressed the need for persons to take advantage of the treatment being readily availed by the Public Health Ministry through a recently launched campaign.

“If you already have the parasite inside of you and you use the tablets that we are offering, they can kill them and prevent the advancement of the disease,” Dr. Hercules related.

She noted that while cam-

paigns were conducted in the past, they were not effective since the target of about 65 percent of the population was not met. As such the Ministry, with the support of its technical partner, the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation [PAHO/WHO], has been able to devise a new plan to achieve its goal to reach a wide cross-section of the population.

PAHO/WHO, according to Dr. Hercules, has donated the requisite supply of tablets to help combat the spread of the disease.

“This year we are not only doing house to house visits, we are going into schools, we are going into work places and we are going to fix points or places where there are likely to be a large gathering of people during the waking hours. From past experience (Continued on page 49)

Sunday October 08, 2017

Kaieteur News

PAGE 47

PAGE 48

Kaieteur News

Sunday October 08, 2017

Sunday October 08, 2017

Kaieteur News

‘The future is in your hands...

(From page 46) we found that from going to households alone we were not able to reach a large percentage of the population,” Dr. Hercules admitted.

With the renewed efforts, she noted that the Ministry anticipates improved results.

Even persons who were reached during previous campaigns are eligible for tablets during this campaign too. Dr. Hercules said that persons are entitled to two types of tablets – 400 milligram DEC or Diethylcarbamazine and 100 milligram albendazole.

From age two to five, one DEC and one albendazole are tablets will be administered, from age six -14, two DEC and one albendazole tablets will be administered and for those 15 and older, three DEC and one albendazole tablets will be administered, she revealed.

Based on the age range of individuals, they will be required to take further doses, once annually for the next four years as well.

“Even though we may not be able to capture 100 percent of the population we will be happy once we get 65 percent or more because that would mean that our campaign would have been successful,” said Dr. Hercules.

She is appealing to members of the public to “take the tablets” when they encounter Pill Distributors who are have been trained to administer the filarial tablets.

“Encourage each other to take the tablet because if you take your tablet and someone else refuse to take theirs, you are still at risk of being reinfected...the tablets do not give a life-time immunity,” she cautioned.

She added, “Once everybody take their pills, we are certain that the adult worms will die and we are certain that we will help to arrest the spread of the disease.”

But there may be some within the population who may not be able to take the pills at the time of distribution.

These individuals, according to Dr. Hercules, include pregnant women, children below the age of two and those who are seriously ill. However, once the status of these individuals change during the following years, they will be offered the tablets as well.

Even persons already manifesting the disease are not left in the cold. According to Dr. Hercules, the Vector Control Services Unit, located within the compound of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation currently conducts a central clinic for persons with filaria.

There, she noted, that patients with the disease are managed, not only to ensure that they do not further transmit the disease, but to help ease, as far as possible, the complications associated with the disease.

“We have methods to help prevent the swelling from advancing and those patients will also receive treatment in

terms of tablets just in case they have worms living in them,” Dr. Hercules said.

But according to her, sometimes the stigma and discrimination faced by some patients can be even worse than their infliction.

“Some of our patients have told us stories of people looking at them and their family members with scorn. The reaction of some people you can’t always explain it; some people do not have the level of knowledge to assess these issues and so they react in a manner that is unwarranted,” considered Dr. Hercules.

She added, “I have heard that sometimes patients, because of their conditions are not even allowed into some public transportation.”

This state of affairs, she noted, oftentimes force patients to seek to disguise their infliction [swelling], most times by wearing oversized clothing.

Even as she condemned attempts to stigmatise those with filaria, Dr. Hercules reminded of the importance for “everyone to take the pills.

You should take the opportunity now to choose prevention than to lament in the future. The future is in your hands, prevent filaria today,” she urged.

PAGE 49

PAGE 50

Kaieteur News

Sunday October 08, 2017

Delivery method, infant diet could impact long-term health The gut microbiome of 6week-old infants appears to be affected by both delivery method at birth and the way they are fed afterward, says research published online in JAMA Pediatrics.

“Gut microbiome” refers to the diversity of bacterial life that colonizes the human gastrointestinal tract. It develops after birth and after the start of feeding, and it has been increasingly linked with health outcomes in adults.

Meanwhile, cesarean delivery has been linked with obesity,asthma, celiac disease and type 1 diabetes later in life, and breastfeeding has been related to a lower risk of asthma, obesity, infection, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes, compared with formula feeding.

It is thought that exposure to microflora present during vaginal delivery could be related to the microbiome patterns in infants, but how this happens is unclear.

Previous small studies have indicated a link between

the intestinal microbiome of infants, delivery mode and whether or not they were breastfed. Less is known, however, about how early life exposures shape the gut microbiome and its long-term effects on health.

In addition, there is evidence that human milk primes and matures the infant gastrointestinal system, potentially promoting a unique microbial colonization profile that could lead to healthy outcomes.

In the current study, researchers hypothesized that exposure to maternal vaginal microflora and/or to breast milk could cause specific microbes to be acquired in a particular order during the establishment of the core microbiome. This could represent a key mechanism underlying differences in immune development that influence lifelong disease risk.

Anne G. Hoen, PhD, of the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, and coauthors examined as-

sociations between delivery mode and feeding method with the composition of the gut microbiomes of 102 infants.

The team collected information about the delivery mode from medical records, details on feeding from questionnaires and data about microbiome composition from stool samples.

The infants were born at an average gestational age of nearly 40 weeks; 70 were delivered vaginally and 32 by cesarean section(C-section).

In the first 6 weeks of life, 70 were breastfed, 26 received a combination of breast milk and formula, and six of them consumed only formula.

Results showed a link between the composition of the gut microbiome and the delivery mode. Differences in microbiome composition between infants delivered vaginally and infants delivered by C-section were equivalent or greater than the differences in composition by feeding method.

The microbiome of infants who were breastfed exclusively was different from those who consumed formula milk or a combination.

Those who were exclusively fed formula and those who were fed the combination shared a similar microbiome composition.

There have been no long-

term longitudinal studies of the effects of early feeding method on the microbiome, but it appears that early feeding methods could have lasting effects on microbial community structure. These findings could provide one explanation for how breastfeeding benefits health both in childhood and in the long term.

The authors conclude: “Understanding the patterns of microbial colonization of the intestinal tract of healthy infants is critical for determining the health effects of specific alterable early-life risk factors and exposures.

To this end, we have identified measurable differences in microbial communities in the intestinal tracts of infants according to their delivery mode and diet, with possible consequences for both shortand long-term health.”

Limitations of the study include its small sample size and the population being from a single group in the US. Future studies could also take into account the exact proportion of the infants’ diets and timing.

Medical News Today recently reported on research suggesting that people with anorexia have a unique gut microbiotacomposition. http:/ / www.medicalnewstoday.com.

Drinking more water reduces sugar, Cancer risk falls with higher levels of vitamin D sodium and saturated fat intake Researchers suggest improving people’s blood level of vitamin D could be an important tool for preventing cancer, after their study found that the risk of developing the disease rises as vitamin D levels fall.

In the journal PLOS One, researchers from the University of California-San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine report how they analyzed the link between vitamin D and cancer to determine what blood level of vitamin D was required to effectively reduce cancer risk.

The study included all invasive cancers, excluding skin cancer.

One of the authors, Cedric Garland, adjunct professor in the UCSD School of Medicine Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, says their study is the first to put numbers on this relationship, as he explains: “We have quantitated the ability of adequate amounts of vitamin D to prevent all types of invasive cancer combined, which had been terra incognita until publication of this paper.”

Vitamin D, which is produced by the body through exposure to sunshine, helps the body control calcium and phosphate levels. It was Prof.

Garland and his late brother Frank who first linked low vitamin D with cancer in the 1980s.

They found people who lived at higher latitudes and thus had less access to sun-

light had lower levels of vitamin D and were more likely to develop bowel cancer.

Since then, further studies by the Garland brothers and others have found links between low vitamin D and other cancers, including cancers of the breast, lung and bladder.

The only accurate way to measure vitamin D in the body is to measure the level of 25hydroxyvitamin D in the blood.

The kidneys convert 25hydroxyvitamin D into the active form that helps control calcium and phosphate levels.

There has been much debate in recent years about what the recommended blood levels of vitamin D should be.

In 2010, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommended a target of 20 ng/ml for bone health, which could be met in most healthy adults (aged 1970), with the equivalent of 600 IU of vitamin D each day.

Since then, other groups have argued that the target level should be higher, at 50

ng/ml or more.

In the new study, Prof.

Garland and colleagues wanted to find out what blood level of vitamin D effectively reduces cancer risk.

They took an approach that is not normally used.

They used the results from two different types of study: one a clinical trial of 1,169 women and the other a prospective study of 1,135 women.

For some of their analysis, they kept the two data sets separate and compared them, and in another part, they pooled the data to create a larger sample.

The median blood level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in the participants in the clinical trial was 30 ng/ml, and in the participants in the prospective study, it was 48 ng/ml.

The researchers found that the rate of cancer incidence in the clinical study group (that had the lower median vitamin D level) was higher than in the prospective study group.

Based on the fact that about two thirds of our bodies are comprised of water, it may seem obvious that consuming water is important for our health. But a new study finds that by increasing plain water consumption, we can control our weight and reduce intakes of sugar, sodium and saturated fat.

The study, published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, is led by Prof. Ruopeng An, from the University of Illinois.

Though most people meet their body’s fluid requirements by drinking plain water and other beverages, we also get some fluids through certain foods, such as soup broths, celery, tomatoes and melons.

To further investigate how increasing water intake can affect parameters of health, the researchers used a nationally representative sample of more than 18,300 adults in the US from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005-2012.

The researchers asked participants to recall all foods and drinks they consumed on 2 days that were between 310 days apart.

Prof. An then calculated the amount of plain water that each participant consumed as a percentage of daily dietary water intake from both foods and drinks.

Although drinks such as black tea, herbal tea and coffee were not assessed as sources of plain water, Prof.

An did include their water content in the calculations of total water consumption.

On a daily basis, the participants consumed an average of about 4.2 cups of plain water, which accounts for just over 30% of their total water consumption.

The average calorie intake for each participant was 2,157 calories, which included 125 calories from sugar-sweetened beverages and 432 calories from “discretionary foods” - desserts, pastries, snack mixes and other foods that are not essential.

The results of the study revealed that people who increased their consumption of plain water by one to three cups daily lowered total energy intake by 68-205 calories each day and their sodium

intake by 78-235 g each day.

For purposes of the study, “plain water” was defined as water from a tap, cooler, drinking fountain or bottle.

Further results showed that the people who increased their water consumption also consumed 5-18 g less sugar, as well as 7-21 g less cholesterol.

“This finding indicates that it might be sufficient to design and deliver universalnutrition interventions and education campaigns that promote plain water consumption in replacement of beverages with calories in diverse population subgroups without profound concerns about message and strategy customization,” says Prof. An.

Sunday October 08, 2017

PAGE 51

Kaieteur News

Curl Fête Natural Hair & Beauty Expo set for today While it was formally introduced to the public as Curlfest Guyana, the management of the beloved natural hair and beauty exposition has transformed into a new and improved initiative: Curl Fete Guyana.

With bigger events in the pipeline this year, the Curl Fete team is all set and ready to take patrons on an entirely new level of entertainment and enlightenment.

According to Tameka Henry, the mastermind behind the project, and her business partner Denisha Victor who is the owner of the KoKo Natural Hair Store, the name was changed from ‘Fest’ to ‘Fête’ this year as management wanted the event to reflect more of Guyana’s Caribbean heritage.

Henry said, “You will also see that with our choice of colours, décor, music and themes at this year’s event.

Given the global scope of the natural hair movement, quite a few major cities and countries also have their own version of a natural hair expo.

There’s actually a Curl Fest in NY and we also want to be distinguished from theirs.”

The Curl Fete exposition kicks off today at the Promenade Gardens with gates opening from 10: 00 am.

The hair show starts at 6:00 pm. Tickets cost $1000 and $500 for adults and children respectively. These can be easily picked up at the following locations: Koko Natural Hair Store, FDAP

Naturalistas (Fogarty’s), Amanda’s Bridal, and participating salons. The salons taking part in the event include: Perfect U Beauty Salon, Jessica Does My Hair, Hair Plus, Kez Beauty Studio, Au Naturale, K.I.S Beauty Salon, Touch of Magic, and Sister to Sister’s Beauty Salon (Linden). The sponsors for this year’s natural hair and beauty expo are as follows: SKYY Vodka, STAG beer, Black Radiance, Always, Apple Farm, Cloud 9, Star Party Rentals, Cheese Please, 592Tees, Impressions Digital Media, and Mix 90.1FM. Here is a sneak peak of what you can expect from this distinctive exposition of natural hair and beauty this year.

1. STAG MEN DEN STAG has teamed up with Xpressions Barbershop, Charlotte Street, to give away free haircuts to the men at the expo while they knock down a few beers, play dominoes and cards in the Men Den. 2. SQUAD OLYMPICS This will feature groups of friends and family who will get a chance to compete in fun novelty games.

3. SKYY VODKA GO NATURAL In this event, the men will be given a ‘Men Den’ while the ladies will indulge in SKYY Vodka Natural Infusions fruit cocktails in the SKYY’s THE LIMIT area.

4. ALWAYS STAGES The Always brand will be sharing information on how

to select the correct pad/ tampon for different stages of your period. According to Curl Fete, it is particularly excited about this feature because menstruation is regarded as such a taboo topic. The Curl Fete team is ecstatic about being able to provide a comfortable, judgement-free zone for women to discuss this matter.

5. BLACK RADIANCE MAKEUPMATCH For this special event, the Black Radiance team (Curl Fete’s beauty sponsor) will be helping patrons to find their correct foundation match, doing makeovers and deals on their products.

6. JESSICA DOES MY HAIR Jessica, arguably Georgetown’s most famous weave and wig installer, will be doing an info session on using extensions for protective styling of natural hair, as well as the issue of alopecia.

7. PERFECT U KIDS CURLS Rhonda from Perfect U salon, will be doing a demo of kid-approved natural hair styles, as well as giving tips on kiddie hair care.

8. HAIR PLUS COLOUR Allana from Hair Plus, who is one of Curl Fete’s 2017 Curly &Boujee Natural Hair Colouring & Cutting Masterclass graduates, will be doing an info session on the pros and cons of colouring natural hair, and care tips.

9. INTERLOCKING STATION This will feature an interlocking station where attendees can observe the art and get their own haired loc/ repaired.

10. WRAP CENTURY The officials for this event specialise in creating regal kente fabric wrap crowns and will be doing a demo as well as giving away special crowns as prizes.

11. ETIQUETTE CLASS The Guyana School of Etiquette will be making a presentation on etiquette.

12. ZUMBA WITH VANILLA Curl Fete’s Zumba dance party has now become a staple of its events and this year, soca artiste Vanilla will be taking patrons through the paces and showing you all the moves.

13. EXPERT PANEL

DISCUSSION The Curl Fete team has compiled a diverse panel, varying in age, gender, ethnicity and sexual orientation to discuss and address issues relating to hair and identity.

14. KIDS ZONE This will include a special play area with face painting, games and treats for kids.

15. BIG CHOP In this area, one lucky young lady with relaxed or transitioning hair will win a free makeover, including a big chop done on stage at the expo.

16. HAIR SHOW Curl Fete promises an amazing display of creativity which will be put on stage as the salons show case their skills during the hair show, themed and free style segments. There will also be a special treat for the

ladies…a ‘buffet’ of male natural hair models if you will.

17. VENDORS 50+ vendors have registered and will have their goods and services displayed, including a fashion market with designers and boutiques, exotic Guyanese fruits from Apple Farm, a new beard growth oil being launched by a local chemist, live paintings, printed-on-spot tees and merchandise, afro print skirts, free massages, skin testing, eyebrow waxing, etc.

18. FOOD & BEVERAGES The Curl Fete team has been able to put together a long list of food and beverage vendors to keep the entire family satisfied throughout the day for this event and it is expected to include BBQ, wine tasting, exotic fruit salads, sweet treats, Trinidadian doubles and snow cones.

12 beauties vying for Miss Berbice title in “I’m a BIG deal” beauty pageant Twelve young women from Berbice are being prepared to be the change they want to see in their communities through the first inaugural I’m a BIG deal women empowerment beauty pageant.

The event is billed for Saturday, November 18 at the Albion Sports Complex Ground and will commence at 6.p.m sharp with the 12 intelligent Berbician beauties vying for the title of Miss Berbice.

A number of activities are planned leading up to the actual pageant, which includes a March, Family Fun day and a dinner and gala.

It promises to be one of the most exciting pageant experiences Berbice has ever seen and will be packed with fun for the whole family and entertainment from local stars.

Currently, the delegates are being trained, and they

will be collaborating with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Government agencies and even small groups to raise awareness on their platforms.

The brain behind the event is Capitol News senior journalist/producer Royston Drakes. He said there is a need for young women to be more empowered so that they can take up their rightful place in society and help to build Berbice by working to be a part of the solution.

The delegates selected are Clendolita Lashley, Natasha Pantlitz, Tracy Griffith, Farah Bates, Chelcia Gobin, Seeta Dalloo, Tatiana Lancaster, Kelisha Ramoutar, Jinnela Walker, Denica Henry, Shaquilla Sharpe and Latoya Williamson.

Tickets will be available soon throughout Berbice.

PAGE 52

Kaieteur News

Sunday October 08, 2017

Sunday October 08, 2017

Kaieteur News

PAGE 65

PAGE 66

Kaieteur News

Sunday October 08, 2017

Sunday October 08, 2017

Kaieteur News

STANDARDS IN FOCUS

NATIONAL QUALITY WEEK BEGINS TODAY The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) has designated October 8 to October 14, 2017 as National Quality Week. World Standards Day, which is commemorated annually on October 14, is part of the week’s celebrations and the theme chosen for the 2017 observances by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is “Standards make cities smarter”.

The following is a combined message by the ISO, IEC and ITU: Building a Smart City is highly complex. Every city faces its own challenges and requires its own mix of solutions. However, there is one common denominator that greatly simplifies this task.

International Standards support the development of tailor-made solutions that can be adapted to the particular circumstances of a given city. They contain expert knowledge and best practices, and are essential enablers in ensuring quality and performance of products and services.

In addition, they drive compatibility between technologies and help users to compare and choose the best solution available. Standards also open the door to a larger choice of products and services. They help increase competition and foster innovation. In a systems approach they enable the integration of structures or solutions from different suppliers.

International Standards make things work safely and smoothly together at every level in cities. They provide the foundation for

electricity access and all the many devices and systems that use electricity and contain electronics. They support the information and communication technologies that enable data collection, exchange and analysis, and information security.

Last but not least they provide important guidance for all aspects of city life, including energy-efficient buildings, intelligent transportation, improved waste management, building sustainable communities and much, much more.

With Standards, we can make our cities smarter, step by step. Individual islands of smartness can grow together and interconnect. It is comforting to know that International Standards will support smooth and integrated Smart City development.

The GNBS has planned a number of activities in celebration of National Quality Week, 2017. These include radio programmes, Pop up interviews with consumers and businesses, an Open Day and Exhibition at its Main Office in Sophia, a Consultation Session for stakeholders in the building sector on the Regional Energy Efficiency Building Code, and its Long Service Awards and Staff Appreciation.

In addition, on the evening of Friday October 13, the GNBS will host its first National Quality Awards where eleven local companies willbe awarded for being outstanding in the implementation of standards. For further information and daily updates, please visit the GNBS website: www.gnbsgy.org or follow us on facebook.

PAGE 67

PAGE 68

Kaieteur News

CONSUMER CONCERNS

Challenges and opportunities of the nine new towns

By PAT DIAL For nearly two centuries Guyana was content to have two towns - Georgetown, the capital of Demerara and later the whole country, and New Amsterdam, the capital of Berbice.

In the 21st Century, the Central Governments felt that a number of growing large villages should be given the status of “township.” There are now nine new townships which include Lethem, Bartica and Anna Regina.

The Central Governments have never issued any white papers giving the raison d’etre of elevating these prosperous growing villages into townships. Had they done so, each of the new townships would have been given special individual reasons for their elevation and a blueprint of individual town-planning would have been evolved.

Instead, both the Ministries with responsibility for Local Government as well as the people of these villages and their Mayors and Town Councillors merely had a vague feeling that “township” would bring greater status, better administration and in time, improved social and economic conditions. They did not quite understand that hard creative work was required of them and that there were challenges and opportunities which would present themselves which they should seize with alacrity. These new towns have been operating much as they did before when they were villages.

If these new towns are going to be able to deliver a better life to their inhabitants, they must publicize their development plans, including their aesthetic development. The early history of Georgetown should be an inspiration and guide to these new municipalities: When the British took over the three Guyana colonies - Essequibo, Demerara and Berbice - from the Dutch, Stabroek, the Capital of Demerara now came to be regarded as the administrative capital of the whole country.

The British, less than 20 years after their occupation of the colonies, began enforcing enlightened municipal laws and among their achievements, they built impressive buildings.

Such buildings include the

Law Courts, the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and the Public Building which initially housed the Governor and the Administration.

Most of the early British were in the military and they made their encampment in Kingston where they built their living quarters, barracks, fort and light house to guide the arrival of their ships.

This accounts for the street names in Kingston having military associations.

Though Kingston was essentially a military encampment, the buildings and the layout of the area were impressive by early 19th century standards.

In the next few decades, the colony developed economically and this meant that a growing import/export trade developed.

The major shops congregated in Water Street where the port was.

The store owners lived in the upper storeys above their shops.

As they became more prosperous, these business folk emigrated to the street behind Water Street, that is Main Street.

They constructed stately wooden houses in very large yards where they grew a variety of fruit trees and where children could play. On both sides of the canal which ran through Main Street, they planted large ornamental trees such as the samaan. They were acutely conscious of the aesthetic.

On the southern side of the street, they created a social and recreational complex: There was the Royal Agricultural and Commercial Society which housed a library and museum where the Guyana Museum now stands. Here much research was done and the RACS’ journals are still a mine of information. Next door to the RACS was the Assembly Rooms where concerts and plays were performed and events such as the Old Year’s Balls were held.

The Assembly Rooms complex also housed the famous Georgetown Club. The Bank of Guyana now stands where the Assembly Rooms were. Across the street from the Assembly Rooms was the St George’s Anglican Cathedral and next door to it was the Masonic Hall.

At the southern end of the street was the Tower Hotel which

catered for visitors. In a very short time, these early British were able to create a compact town which catered for the social, economic and cultural needs of the townsfolk. The nine towns were all villages and proper planning would preserve the worthwhile things in them. Each of the new towns should engage an able town-planner who should constantly exchange ideas with NGO’s and the town

council. Each town should strive after its own individuality.

It would be a creative and revolutionary step if each Council were to provide free architectural help to townsfolk who intend to build. With such planning, the new towns may be aesthetically pleasing for generations to come.

One aspect of town planning which should not be overlooked is that the town should have a

Sunday October 08, 2017 large contiguous reserve of land where market gardening and diary farming could be accommodated.

Old Georgetown was to a large extent self-sufficient in vegetables, ground provisions and milk because of its huge “back-dam”. This “back-dam” has now been converted into housing schemes.

In planning the governance of the towns, the Central Authorities should guard against the decline syndrome which overtook Georgetown in the last 50 years. From its foundation

until the 1960’s, Georgetown was a well-run town which was clean, beautiful and delightful to live in. The Administration was honest and it was unthinkable to associate any kind of corruption with it. The financial affairs were entirely transparent and this is evidenced that whenever the Town issued bonds, they were all quickly sold. Taxes were paid on time. There was never over-staffing and outsourcing of the Council’s work never occurred.

Continued on page 69

Sunday October 08, 2017

PAGE 69

Kaieteur News

Challenges and opportunities...

VACANCY Experienced s a l e s m a n , generaldomestic , p o r t e r . Apply with hand written application & recommendation @ Keyfood, McDoom Village.

P o r t e r s , r i p s a w, r e - s a w &moulder o p e r a t o r, woodmizer o p e r a t o r.

Eccles Industrial Site EBD. Call Richard 609-7675/6741705/233-2614

SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620

FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.

Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyanapassport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535.

INNOVATIVEMARKETING& PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included.

Foxtail, Supari, Royal Palm @ $1,000. Ficus & Exora 4 for $1,000. Organic potting soil.

Crotoons- Tel: 626-1044

Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigration Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496/ 662-6045

1 - 9 We e k s o l d m a l e Rottweiler pup- Call: 6271360

CANTER DRIVER/ SALESMAN, MINIMUM 3 YEARS DRIVING EXPERIENCE, FACTORY A S S I S T A N T , SECURITYGUARDSCALL: 266- 4427

Computers, office chairs, display racks, mannequins, supermarket carts, supermarket counters, freezers and chillers- Call: 6013395

Experienced qualified teachers for Secondary Dept. @ Canadian School ,Diamond .

Send resume to email:davidsukhdeo @gmail.com

I N S TA L L AT I O N S , REPAIRSAND PARTS FOR AC, FRIDGE, WASHING MACHINE, STOVE ETC: CALL NICK 627-3206, 6301600 Repairs to refrigerators, gas stoves, A/C units, washing machines. Call Lindon: 6411086/ 694-2202 B U I L D I N G CONTRACTOR, HOUSE PLAN OR JUST AN ESTIMATE.GIVE US A CALL 216-0671/692-8464/ 622-0267

30’ feet Aluminum jet boat with spares- Call: 642-7898 85 DAF Hauler with 40ft trailer- Call: 694-1258

42" LG TV $110,000- Tel: 662-9832 22FT Boat and 15HP outboard engine with seine- Call: 691-9283 2ft x2ft full-bodied porcelain tiles approximately 3200Sq ftContact: 641-4952/ 662-1991 Clean garden earth and builders waste also excavating, grading leveling done- Call: 616-0617, 6633285 CRV needs engine $750,000 negotiable- Tel: 676-0455

LEARN TO DRIVE C. Persaud & N. Outar Driving School formerly Soman & Sons Driving School @ Maraj BuildingCall: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997 (affordable packages).

EDUCATION Day Care and Pre-K classes available in Diamond Call Canadian School 2166921,216-6922

One delivery guy with motorcycle- Call: 225-7933 or visit 172 Sheriff street.

- Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc.

-CosmetologyCourses:$120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000.

Call: 647-1773/660-5257

Place for rent, can be used as an office/ restaurant at Lot 1C Hydronie Parika, E.B.ECall: 665-6138, 630-5962 Upper flat & lower flat for rent @ 26 Hill st, Albouystown- Call: 6706997 Two bedrooms apartment in Plaisance, E.C.D, 3 Bedrooms furnished house, master room inclusive- Tel: 673-4745, 603-4466, 218-1107 One apartment for rent at first street Mon Repos, E.C.DCall: 220-7330, 614-0005, 6024105

Experienced pharmacy assistant to work full time.

Part time pharmacist.

Pharma Choice Pharmcy, Durban & Louisa Row- Tel: 661-3124

VEHICLE FOR SALE Allion, Primo, Fielder Wagon, Spacio, Bluebird, 212 Carina, NZE, Honda CRV, Toyota IST, RZ & Pitbull – Call: 650-7501

Cook/ Baker for interior.

Applicants must be experienced. Call: 618-2020

Unregistered Axela 2011 $2.7M, dark interior, fully loaded, Nissan pickup extra cab $2.3M. Call: 617-5536

1 General domestic to prepare vegetarian meals.

Apply in person @ Alabama Trading 65 Robb St, Bourda Manager / Supervisor to work @ A&S Supermarket in Charity Essequibo accommodation provided.

Send application: r t i l a k @adamantiumholdings.com , contact: 223-5273/74

SALON One experienced legal computer clerk. Call: 624-7087/ 226-4283/ 258-0213/ e m a i l : husainsaphier@yahoo.com

1 Caldina wagon in perfect condition, PLL seriesContact Ganesh 664-0508 Mercedes Benz 2009 C200.

Immaculate Condition- Call 616-5933 TO LET Camp St. area middle & upper floor for office,school/other type of business. Call Richard 609-7675, 674-1705, 233-2614

1 Experience driver to work in Interior. Must have license for Car/van/canter- Tel: 665-3421 Experienced salesgirl a t C h r i s t i n e ’s Va r i e t y, Lombard street- Call: 227-8529 Salesgirls & porters, apply with written application @ 1E Dennis & Middleton streets, Campbellville.

One private tutor for grade 5 student- Please Call: 600-7388 Wa i t r e s s f o r Call: 612-2522

bar-

1 maid with cooking experience for East Bank area- Call: 614-4358 Accounts clerk for Eccles office, knowledge of Quickbooks and payrollCall: 614-4358 We buy land in Eccles, Providence, Herstelling, Farm, Covent Garden, Parfaite Harmonie. Legal fees paid- Tel: 651-1969, 6671960 Processing plant workers & labourers please contact BM Enterprise at Guyana Fishers Ltd Wharf, Houston, EBD. Tel: 227-8176/77 Wa n t e d in l a rg e quantities dried corolla bush- call: 665-1397

PEN PAL Male seek female pen pals, whatsapp only- 698-6391

Captains- valid certificate of competence as Master of Power Driven Vessel- Call: 226-1100, 226-5380

Male looking for female pen friends, possible re-marriage or discreet relationship.

Age? Contact: 668-9020/ Whatsapp!

AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MINI BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPORT & FAMILY OUTINGS, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807 WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP RATES,SPECIAL OFFERS! . CALL: 690-6494

Live in domestic, must know to cook. 1 waitress with secondary education $20,000 weekly- Call: 610-3974

Farm (100ftx 50ft) with reserve (East Bank) $3M, Farm (100ft x 60ft) $3.6M- Tel: 651-1969, 667-1960

Drivers, dispatchers and contract cars. 2 weeks free base fee- Tel: 231-0002, 2310316

Parfaite Harmonie (way upfront) 7yrs finished, one concrete wall, already cleaned $1.4M- Call: 6671960, 611-7223

1 Live- in domestic salary $60,000- Call: 669-5149

Land size 50x 198, located in Friendship E.B.D. Asking price $3.7 millionCall: 645-6498

Male & female to work Interior age 25-35. Salary $80,000 monthly. Meal & accommodation providedCall: 674-1767

1 Experienced Farm manager to work on farm in the Pomeroon river.

Accommodation provided- Call: 227-7528

DOLLY’SCARRENTAL-CALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM

Gasoline mechanic wanted for the East Coast- Call: 623-0318

Single room for male or female @ 11 Charles Street, Charlestown. Call: 223-4060

Cosmetology full course $85,000 start 16th Oct Call#227-4198 or 6426204

CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL:656-0087,6435122 ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM

LAND FOR SALE 10 & 30 ACRES OF LAND AT YARROWKABRA, LINDEN SOESDYKE HIGHWAY. CREEKAVAILABLE-TEL:6635524, 264-2967

1 Live in domestic to workCall: 674-1767

Person needed to milk cows $23,000 weekly- Call: 2332049 (after 5pm/ before 7am)

Experience accounts clerks with 4 years working experience.

Apply in person to Alabama Trading 65-66 Robb St.

Prime mining blocks located in Mourwah. Map sheets 50NE & 43NE- Call: 625-1413, 661-5307

WANTED 1 Male to look after layer birds in the Interior- Call: 665-3421

One bedroom top flat to rent in Parfaite Harmonie, $22,000- Tel: 612-1351

Purple Reign Beauty Salon & cosmetology schoolOpening Oct 16th, specializes in all hair & nailscall: 673-5987 (Hill Foot Soesdyke)

FOR SALE/RENT TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS)

Receptionist, age 2348yrs. Must be able to work shift. 233 South road- Tel: 225-0198

FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Property for rent - 2 storey house at Republic Park, E.B.D$1200US. Call 647-1773

From page 68 In their early years, the Central Authorities must give guidance and help to the new Councils so as to avoid them falling into the morass into which Georgetown fell in the last 50 years.

The decline of Georgetown and the reasons for its decline could provide a unique guide and education to the new municipalities in their drive to provide their citizens with a better life.

Experienced pastry maker, cook & salesgirl. Visit Stagedoor snackette @Lot 136 Regent road, Bourda (9am-2pm) Wanted one person to do picture wooden frames.

Must be professional- Tel: 611-7223, 651-1969 1 Maid- Call: 225-3234

New Herstelling 110ftx 60ft $4.5M. Uivlugt (new scheme) 100ftx 50ft (with reserve) 1st street $3.2M- Tel: 656-0701, 667-1960 PROPERTY FOR SALE Spacious 4 bedrooms concrete home with modern amenities @ New Amsterdam Berbice opposite N/A police station. $79M negotiableCall: 718-683-0884, 682-2046 C o m m e r c i a l p r o p e r t y.

Prime location downtown Church street- Call: 6456498 for viewings and further information.

PAGE 70

Kaieteur News

Sunday October 08, 2017

Sunday October 08, 2017

PAGE 71

Kaieteur News

Hurricane Nate targets U.S. Gulf Coast after raking Central America NEW ORLEANS (Reuters) - Hurricane Nate strengthened yesterday as it churned through the Gulf of Mexico, threatening to power into the U.S. central Gulf Coast to the east of New Orleans as a Category 2 storm after killing a t l e a s t 3 0 people in Central America.

The centre of the hurricane, the fourth major storm to hit the United States in less than two months, is forecast to make landfall overnight between S l i d e l l , L ouisiana, and Alabama’s Mobile Bay, U.S. National Hurricane Centre spokesman Dennis Feltgen said.

Nate’s outer bands will likely reach the U.S. Gulf Coast with tropical stormforce winds yesterday evening, the Miami-based NHC said.

Currently a Category 1 hurricane, Nate was 105 miles (170 km) south of the mouth of the Mississippi River yes-

terday afternoon and moving at a rapid 25 miles per hour (40 km per hour), the NHC said. Maximum sustained winds hovered just below 90 mph (145 kph), with gusts of up to 110 mph.

The NHC issued a hurricane warning from Grand Isle, Louisiana to the AlabamaFlorida border. A state of emergency was declared for more than two dozen Florida counties and for the states of Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi.

New Orleans, 30 miles (48 km) southwest of Slidell, evacuated some residents from areas outside its levee system as the storm approached.

The winds could cause significant power outages in the city, and bring storm surges as high as 6 to 9 feet (1.8 to 2.7 meters), Mayor Mitch Landrieu said.

“We have been through this many, many times. There is no need to panic,” Landrieu

told a news conference, alluding in part to Hurricane Katrina, which triggered severe flooding in New Orleans and killed hundreds of people in August 2005.

But residents of the city known as the “Big Easy” were

taking Nate in stride. At a Lowe’s hardware store in the St. Roch area of New Orleans, there were short lineups around midday and plentiful supplies of propane, generators and plywood.

“They don’t start board-

ing up until it’s a Category 3,” said employee Paula Clemons.

“We’re used to floods. Comes with the territory.”

That said, for some residents of New Orleans, memories of Katrina and Hurricane Betsy in 1965 were still vivid.

Yesterday afternoon, as Nate’s outer band pelted sheets of rain on the city, residents had filled 13,000 sandbags at a fire hall on Elysian Fields Drive, just one of five such sandbag depots in the city.

PAGE 72

Sunday October 08, 2017

Kaieteur News

US$500M PetroCaribe rice deal…

SOCU recommends contempt charges against GBTI directors Directors of the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) are facing contempt charges.

The Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) will have to decide whether the bank, controlled by the Beharry Group, deliberately refused to obey the production orders of Chief Justice Roxane GeorgeWiltshire. The Judge, on August 29, last, ordered that GBTI hand over specific information within seven days.

However, by September 7, the bank was refusing to cooperate.

The police Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), the unit which investigates financial crimes, has been attempting to get information on wire transfers and other details since last February, regarding a US$500M investigation at the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB).

This US$500 million represented credit from Venezuela for oil supplied under the PetroCaribe arrangement.

The story started in 2015 when the Coalition Government, on entering office, ordered several forensic audits to determine the financial health of a number of state agencies.

One was conducted on GRDB, an agency which collects fees and regulates the rice industry. The audit found several worrying things and the file was handed over to the police for further investigation.

GRDB was the same entity which handled the lucrative oil-for-rice deal with

- Questions raised over bank’s presence on GRDB board Venezuela.

Under the deal hammered out in the latter half of the 2000s, Guyana got oil and in turn, supplied rice. Guyana would pay part of the oil money up front and the rest over a number of years to Venezuela.

GRDB arranged for rice, taken from selected farmers and millers, to be shipped to Venezuela.

GRDB also collected hundreds of millions in US dollars in delayed oil payment monies from the Guyana government to pay rice farmers and millers.

SOCU wants to know where and to whom some of these monies went.

SOCU reportedly found that strangely, one of the directors on the GRDB was the former Chief Executive Officer of GBTI, John Tracey.

He resigned earlier this year.

What investigators reportedly found strange is why GBTI was chosen over the rest of the commercial banks to be a member of the GRDB Board.

In February, investigators reportedly asked GBTI for information on several GRDB accounts, including details of wire transfers.

While other banks were cooperating, GBTI seemed reluctant, claiming in some instances that records could not be found, or that software changes had caused the unavailability of documents.

The bank went further to state that some of the information was not certified and it would be useless in

Former GBTI CEO, John Tracey, was also a director at GRDB

DPP, Shalimar Ali-Hack

SOCU’s Head, Sydney James

case of a court case.

In August, an exasperated SOCU applied to the High Court for orders asking GBTI to hand over the information.

On August 29, the Chief Justice issued the production

orders, giving GBTI seven days to hand over the records SOCU had requested.

The bank was granted some extensions by the SOCU investigators after the court deadline passed. However,

by then it was too late. GBTI informed the court that some of the information asked for had been destroyed under the anti-money laundering legislation which allowed for documents to be shredded

after seven years.

Investigators believed that GBTI deliberately dragged its foot on the matter, allowing the seven years to pass.

On Friday, GBTI’s last ultimatum elapsed.

Investigators are reportedly now pursuing the DPP to have the GBTI directors charged for contempt.

Last week, Government officials, while not naming GBTI, confirmed that they have received complaints of non-cooperation of a bank.

The matter was raised with the Ministry of Finance, which controls the Bank of Guyana- the regulator of the financial institutions.

The case is being looked at with much interest not only because of the US$500M involved; but also it is testing the waters of new anti-money laundering laws and the fact that a bank is coming under so much scrutiny.

Cops step up hunt for mastermind in the murders of elderly women Up to press time yesterday, the cops were hot on the trail of the 37-year-old mastermind in the murders of Constance Fraser, 89, and Phyllis Caesar,77, whose bound bodies were discovered last Tuesday in their Lot 243 Albert Street and South Road residence.

Kaieteur News has been told that detectives in ‘A’ Division, searched several locations for the suspect who

is known by three aliases including “Christopher Narine, Christopher Persaud and Imran Khan,” but were unable to locate him.

Reportedly, it was the 37year-old man who recruited Steven Andrews, 28, and Phillip Suffrien, 24, to commit the heinous crime.

He had reportedly told them that he had robbed the house a few months before and got a lot of cash and valuables.

Suffrien and Andrews are among five persons who have been held for the murder so far.

The m a s t e r m i n d ’s girlfriend was found with $120,000 and other valuables she had stashed for the gang.

In their confession, the 24-year-old and the 28year-old suspects revealed that the mastermind, whom they called “Chris,” told them of the previous burglary, and they decided that they were going to raid the home again, since “it had a lot of money the first time.”

Last Monday night, Andrews kept watch as ‘Chris’ and Suffrien climbed into the verandah of the South Road premises.

One of the intruders slipped through a ‘crack’ at the top of the front door and then let his accomplice in.

Once inside, the two men immediately started hunting for valuables.

This newspaper was informed that

Phillip Suffrien

Steven Andrews

the two bandits claimed they had no idea that persons were home until they heard one of the two women snoring.

Suffrien confessed that they entered the rooms of the two elderly women and tied them up while they were sleeping.

The victims were reportedly bound, with hands behind their backs.

Kaieteur News was informed that the 24-year-old man and the mastermind then continued searching the house while demanding their victims disclose where they had their cash.

They reportedly remained in the premises for several hours, eventually leaving early Tuesday morning.

Kaieteur News was informed that the men escaped from Fraser’s Lot 243 Albert Street and South Road residence on foot.

“These men bad, they walk with TV and so in their hands. They didn’t have a getaway car,” the police source said.

The killers then headed to the mastermind’s home, where they decided on how they would split up the loot.

While a post mortem examination showed that the victims died from asphyxiation due to suffocation and manual strangulation compounded with trauma to the head, the 24-year-old suspect said that they did not torture the women.

“He said that after they got their hands on enough items and money, they left. He said that the victims might have suffocated because their faces were buried in the pillow but clearly someone is lying,” a senior police official indicated.

Sunday October 08, 2017

Kaieteur News

PAGE 73

PAGE 74

Kaieteur News

Sunday October 08, 2017

Conservative plotters told to get behind May amid Brexit fears LONDON (Reuters) Lawmakers in British Prime Minister Theresa May’s Conservative Party who are trying to oust her as leader have been told to “shut up” by senior party members, including potential rival Boris Johnson, Britain’s foreign minister.

Others in the party warned that the uncertainty over May was damaging Brexit negotiations with the European Union.

May on Friday said she would remain as leader after a former Conservative chairman said he had garnered the support of 30 lawmakers who wanted her to quit.

It followed a disastrous speech at the party’s conference earlier this week, when a persistent cough left May barely able to deliver her message, and a snap election in June in which May lost her party’s majority in parliament.

Senior figures have rallied round May, but the open rebellion coincides with crucial talks with the European

Union just 18 months before Britain is due to leave.

Johnson, who is widely considered to be the most serious challenger for leadership of the Conservatives if May were to resign, called for unity, according to media reports.

“We have just had an election and people are fed up with this malarkey,” newspapers quoted him as saying in a message to Conservative lawmakers.

“Get behind the PM. Ordinary punters I have spoken to thought her speech was good and anyone can have a cold,” he said.

“Circle the wagons, turn the fire on (opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy) Corbyn and talk about nothing except our great policies and what we can do for the country”.

EU partners are stepping up preparations for a collapse in Brexit negotiations due to fundamental divisions across Britain on what to ask for even if few believe Britain would risk crashing out into

legal limbo in March 2019.

In Brussels, officials are questioning whether May will survive even until a summit on Oct. 19, but diplomats said governments insisted they would not ease their demands to help her move on with talks on a post-Brexit transition.

Few of her 27 EU counterparts see either hardline Brexiter rivals such as Johnson or the Labour opposition of Corbyn as any better able to rally the country behind their own visions for Brexit.

Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson, a possible successor should May be forced out and who campaigned hard against Brexit last year, told the BBC the prime minister ’s critics should “put up, shut up and get off the stage”.

“I would tell my party to get its house in order, get together, knuckle down, and make sure that our first commitment, last commitment and only commitment is to the country,” she said.

Sunday October 08, 2017

Kaieteur News

Kiln-dried, dressed lumber for hurricane-affected islands - 83 Guyanese to return home

Justin and George Bulkan, directors of Bulkan Timber Works Inc, Yarrowkabra, overseeing the packing of a container of dressed, kiln-dried wood for hurricane-hit Dominica.

A Yarrowkabra, Soesdyke/Linden Highway lumber establishment has come on board with at least three containers of dressed lumber to several hurricane-hit islands.

According to Justin and George Bulkan, directors of Bulkan Timber Works Inc., several employees of clients in Dominica were badly affected, with a number of persons without any roofs.

“We just could not sit back and allow one of our clients to suffer this. We have packed a

container of high-end, kiln-dried lumber for them. We are in the processing of packing a few more,” Justin explained.

According to George, the Bulkan’s, which operates several wood kilns in what was once a glass factory, the cost of the wood is over $10M. “Dominica has been a client and we are sending this lumber so they can use. We could not turn our backs on people who needed.”

(Continued on page 76)

PAGE 75

PAGE 76

Kaieteur News

Sunday October 08, 2017

Kiln-dried, dressed lumber for...

From page 75 Bulkan has a number of large clients in Dominica, including one of the most prominent resorts there.

Dominica was badly hit when Hurricane Maria, a Category Five force, barreled down, causing widespread damage.

Prime M i n i s t e r, Roosevelt Skerrit, lost his roof and had major damage on his home. There were deaths on the island.

“We are looking at sending lumber also to other affected islands and awaiting some data before we send off the second container.”

Bulkan’s sister company,

Superior Shingles and Wood Products Inc, located in the same compound at Yarrowkabra, is also contemplating sending a shipment to affected areas, including Dominica and Barbuda.

On Friday, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, said that Guyana is bringing back 83 nationals who resided in the Caribbean and have been affected by the recent hurricanes.

At a post-Cabinet press briefing, the media were informed that local airline, Jags Aviation Incorporated, Roraima Airways, Fly Jamaica Airways, Air Services Limited, Hopkinson Mining Aviation

have all donated their services to aid in the transportation of affected persons, free of cost.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon said upon their return to Guyana, persons will be residing with their relatives. For those who have not yet identified their family members in Guyana, the Ministry of Citizenship has been working to locate their relatives.

If this should prove unsuccessful, the returnees will be housed at the Hugo Chavez Rehabilitation Centre, or at locations provided by the Guyana Relief Council.

It was also reported that a total of 11 containers have been dispatched to the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency (CDEMA), who will distribute as they see fit.

The project to aid the countries is twofold.

The first phase will be to ship containers with food supplies, while the second will be to dispatch containers with building materials.

Sunday October 08, 2017

Kaieteur News

PAGE 77

Connell, Selman in squad to face Sri Lankans (adds details, quotes) ST JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – New-ball bowlers Shamilia Connell and Shakera Selman have been passed fit and included in a 13-member West Indies Women’s squad to face Sri Lanka in the threematch One-Day International series which bowls off next week.

The Barbadian duo had been named in the 19-member training squad last month subject to clearance from the Cricket West Indies medical panel, after both suffered tournament-ending injuries during last July’s Women’s World Cup in England.

Connell was limited to just two matches, picking up a hip injury in her second outing against India at Taunton while Selman suffered a blow to the head in the opening match against Australia and never played again.

The pair will form part of

a strong unit, all of whom were part of the disappointing World Cup campaign.

Chief selector Courtney Browne said while it had been intentional to keep the core of the squad together, selection had also been based on the attitude of players during the recent camp in Trinidad.

“The final squad as we m e n t i o n e d p r e v i o u s l y, would have been based on a strong work ethic during the training camp that was held over the last couple of weeks,” Browne said.

“Focus was also placed on selecting a balanced squad, noting that some of our key players are allrounders. We have maintained a core group of players that have performed before for the team, along with a few young players and we must now allow the coaching staff to drive per-

formance.”

No place has been found again for experienced batsman Britney Cooper who was the only member of training group not to travel to the World Cup. Shanel Daley has also missed out after managing just 60 runs in five innings during the World Cup while Qiana Joseph, Felicia Wa l t e r s a n d S u b r i n a Munroe have all been overlooked.

The squad will be led as usual by Stafanie Taylor with seasoned off-spinner Anisa Mohammed as her deputy.

Experienced campaigners Merissa Aguilleira and Deandra Dottin, both with over 100 ODIs, are also in the squad.

The series will be the first for the side since the wretched World Cup cam-

paign where they managed just two wins in seven matches, and Browne said an improved performance was expected.

“We expect to see more of an overall team approach to the different facets of the game and to see more players taking responsibility for team

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You can find out interesting information if you get a chance to talk to people you respect. You will learn a great deal about yourself if you go somewhere secluded. Don't be too eager to spend money that you really don't have.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Put your energy into behind the scenes activities. Refrain from overspending on entertainment or luxury items.

You're in the mood to spend money.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Deception will play an important factor in relationships.

Patience will be of utmost importance. Your loved ones could set you off.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Dinner, theater, or a comedy club may be just the place. Try to communicate if you wish to help. You could receive recognition for a job well done.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Elders may need your help.

Take the time to sort out your personal papers and doublecheck your financial investments. Investments may be misrepresented today.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Your mind will be on matters that deal with secret affairs.

You can accomplish a great deal. Don't let others restrict you from saying how you feel about family issues.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Don't make excuses. Make changes that will heighten your appeal. You may not be happy if members of your family are not pulling their weight.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Don't count on correspondence to clear up major problems. Be sure to use your charm and diplomacy when dealing with potential new clients.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Passion is about the best way for you to relieve tension.

Travel will promote new romantic encounters. You will find their philosophies worth exploring.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) You may have a problem with someone you live with if you don't include them in your gathering. Over spending or unexpected bills could set you back. You may have difficulties with someone close to you.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You can make money if you pursue your own business. If it can make you extra cash, it will be even better. Promote your ideas now.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Difficulties with female members of your family may result in estrangement's. Your need to use emotional blackmail will only cause more conflict.

SQUAD – Stafanie Taylor (captain), Anisa Mohammed (vice-captain), Merissa Aguilleira, Reniece Boyce, Shamilia Connell, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Kyshona Knight, Kycia Knight, Hayley Matthews, Chedean Nation, Akeira Peters, Shakera Selman.

Dominant Hamilton seizes Suzuka pole...

(From page 79) Malaysia last weekend.

The pair will fill the second row but were about a second off Hamilton’s pace.

Kimi Raikkonen, who will also drop five places on the grid for an unscheduled gearbox change after a crash in Saturday morning’s final practice session, set the sixth fastest time.

Esteban Ocon was seventh-quickest for Force India ahead of Mexican team-mate Sergio Perez, Williams Felipe Massa and Fernando

E/Coast stumble after...

Sunday October 08, 2017

performance, thus realising more of a team effort in winning matches,” he said.

The three ODIs to be played on October 11, 13 and 15 at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad will form part of the new round of matches in the ICC Women’s Championship.

(From page 76) out of the ground before trying to repeat the shot next ball to one that turned a bit more and his reckless swipe went ‘miles’ into the air to be taken at cover at 157-2. His cameo 30 came from 33 balls and included three sixes and a four.

Chandrika then got one that turned from Akinie and the ball flew of the outer half of the bat and was taken at deep cover to leave the score on 172-3.

Joshua Persaud slogswept Akinie for a couple of fours, while Kamesh Yadram stroked Anthony gloriously past extra cover for four and by tea the score was 240-3. Persaud was on 44 and Kamesh Yadram on 23.

A f t e r Te a , P e r s a u d pulled Gordon for four to reach his 50 from 76 balls and 67 minutes with four fours and three sixes before sweeping Akenie Adams as he too was guilty of being out to a ‘nothing’ shot at 265-4.

Kamesh Yadram (30) was removed by Cadogan at 266-5, while Ramnarine Chetura (7) hooked Gordon for six before he was well taken at cover to give Cadogan his second wicket at 274-6.

Anthony Adams then took three wickets for one run as East Coast stumbled 2769 and claimed his sixth wicket when he removed of Royston Simion (6) as none of the last six batsmen reached double figures.

Today is the second day and play will start at 09:00hrs.

(Sean Devers)

Alonso, who completed the top 10 for McLaren.

The Spaniard, though, went into qualifying with a 35place grid penalty after his team installed a fresh Honda power unit in his car overnight, exceeding his permitted allocation for the season.

He was one of five drivers to have gone into qualify-

ing carrying grid penalties, the others being Renault’s Jolyon Palmer and Toro Rosso’s Carlos Sainz.

Frenchman Romain Grosjean crashed his Haas at the twisty ‘Esses’ section at the start of the lap, bringing out the red flags with a little over a minute to go in the session’s opening phase.

Surujnarine (101), Baldeo (75) share...

(From page 75) 165-4 to trigger a collapse with Singh going LBW to Perreira nine runs later as East Bank slipped to 171-5.

Darshan Persaud (8) was taken at first slip at 178-6 and Daniel Barker (8) was caught at cover 11 runs later as Perrier struck twice in quick succession and it was soon 206-8 when Ershad Ali (10) was bowled by Eon Hooper

and by Lunch the score 2178.

After the interval, Totaram Bishun (14) and Benn carried the score to 219 before Bishun departed and when Benn was last out to give Perriera his fifth wicket East Bank had wasted a promising start.

Scores: Upper Corentyne 262 and 201-0; East Bank 240.

(Sean Devers)

Caribbean applaud Ninvalle’s...

(From page 78) Guyana boxing, Kudos to the Caribbean family and kudos to a hand well played by AIBA.” Ninvalle and the GBA will host a meeting of Caribbean presidents on Saturday in Guyana. The meeting is being held discuss the region’s response to the current crisis in AIBA and will be attended by a high ranking team from AIBA and AMBC.

PAGE 78

Sunday October 08, 2017

Kaieteur News

Kaieteur Sports Week in Review SPORTS WEEK IN REVIEW OCTOBER 8 Over the past week several developments took place in local sports which featured rifle shooting, hockey, basketball, athletics and football among others.

Today we look back at some of the main points.

SHOOTERS IMPRESS AT RECORDED TEAM TRAINING The marksmen in contention to make the Guyana team for the Guyana National Rifle Association (GuyanaNRA) 150th/West Indies Fullbore Shooting Council (WIFBSC) Caribbean Championships have churned in some impressive performances in a simulation Short Range Match last weekend.

Competing at the newly refurbished Timehri Rifle Ranges, the Guyana Rifle Team shot an impressive 1142 points and 74 Vees after competition at the 300, 500 and 600 Yards Banks as they strategically tested the conditions all over the range.

Fullbore Captain Mahendra Persaud reported that the scores were of an exceptionally high standard.

GNRA STILL $14M OFF TARGET OF $20M BUDGET AS CHAMPIONSHIPS FIRE OFF MONDAY With Canada, Falkland Islands and two marksmen form the USA already here, the Guyana National Rifle Association (GuyanaNRA) 150th Anniversary/West Indies Fullbore Shooting Council (WIFBSC) Caribbean Championships is set to fire off on Monday next by Patron of the association, His Excellency, President David Granger at the newly refurbished Timehri Rifle Ranges.

At a press briefing hosted by the association at the Crown Mining Roof Garden, Dennis Street, Campbellville, it was stated by Fullbore Captain Mahendra Persaud that the association is short of its original budget of 20 Million Dollars of a sizeable chunk of 14 Million Dollars and they were forced to obtain a loan to purchase ammunition for what is anticipated to be the biggest shooting championships ever to be hosted in the Caribbean.

Persaud further stated that whilst they are still hopeful that Corporate Guyana would come on board, the championship which starts on Monday with the Individual segment following practice tomorrow, will be going ahead and he is anticipating a grand time by all. ”Every company now is crying out about donor fatigue, it’s something we have to live with but it’s been quite lacking this year and we still hope persons will jump on board and join us,” Persaud shared.

Secretary Ryan Sampson

Philip Fernandes informed that the AGM of the WIFBSC would also be held in Guyana on Friday (rest day) where a number of decisions would be made including participation at the PALMA Match set for New Zealand.

The other teams expected to invade these shores, Ireland and Scotland, United Kingdom, Jamaica, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago, totaling approximately 115 fullbore marksmen and women.

The newly refurbished Timehri Rifle Ranges, which has been transformed to full international standards, has been a reality due to the collaborative efforts of the GuyanaNRA and the Guyana Defence Force, mainly.

7TH ANNUAL COURTS 10K… CLEVELAND FORDE WINS 6TH OPEN TITLE; ASHANTI SCOTT IS WOMEN’S CHAMPION As expected, Cleveland “The little Kenyan” Forde blew away the competition to win his 6th COURTS 10k Male Open road race title in a time of 33 minutes 37 seconds, while Ashanti Scott won the female Open division in 43 minutes 8 seconds.

The 7th edition of this event saw a record number of participants taking the 10k route that started and finished at the COURTS Guyana Inc. Main Street branch. The Male Open division saw a repeat of last year’s podium finish as road race king Cleveland Forde was followed

by Winston Missigher (33 minutes 45 seconds) who had a photo finish ahead of Cleveland Thomas (33minutes 46 seconds).

Ashanti Scott finished over 2 minutes ahead of 2nd place Leyanna Charles (45 minutes 38 seconds) and 3rd place Joanna Archer (46 minutes 05 seconds) in the Women’s Open division. Alisha Fortune predictably was the top female Over-35 athlete and finished in a time of 51 minutes 37 seconds in the female veteran’s race. Cyrleen Phillips was 2nd followed by Carla Adams and Indira Singh 4th.

There were three age categories for the veteran’s men. Michael Davidson won the 40-50 years division, Gary Hartog was

unmatched in the 51-60 years race, while Llewellyn Gardner was on top in the Men’s Over 60 category.

Rickie Williams (35m 05s) won the Boys 16-19 category ahead of South American Youth Games bronze medalist, Anfernee Headecker (35m 58s) and Delroy Leitch (36m 52s) who finished third. Meanwhile, Maria Urquart copped the Girls 16-19 crown, finishing over 3 minutes ahead of Ann Ignacio who finished second and Sheama Tyrell was the third Under-20 young woman to finish the race.

A special 1-mile event was held for Under-16 participants. Alex Hartog (5m 47s) was the boys champion followed closely by Troy Stephen (5m 50s) and Nkruma Hutson (6m 10s) in third place.

Meanwhile, the diminutive Keshawna Harding won the girl’s 1600m (1 mile) in 6 minutes 6 seconds. Shauntell Venture (6m 27s) proudly crossed the line for a 2nd place finish, while Deshawna Harding (6m 28s) was third.

INDOOR PAN AM CUP THIRTEEN DAYS TO GO GHB PRESIDENT SATISFIED WITH PREPAREDNESS With thirteen days left before Guyana witness the start of the Indoor Pan Am Cup (IPAC), both national teams and the Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) have intensified their respective preparations to host the event which is easily the biggest spectacle to ever be staged in the sport here.

The conclusion of the Annual GTT National Indoor Championships last Sunday apart from identifying the national champions in the individual categories, also served as a dry run in the lead up to the big event scheduled to run from October 1521, at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on Homestretch Avenue.

The staging of the championships was able to identify areas of strengths and weaknesses as the GHB gear up to provide a

spectacular experience for visiting teams, fans and official members of the Pan Am Hockey Federation (PAHF).

The Cup will see participation from countries such as USA, C a n a d a , U r u g u a y, M e x i c o , Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and Argentina with host Guyana completing the tally.

According to the PAHF, this year’s competition will be one of the biggest ever in its history which dates back to 2002 with each tournament being represented by participation from North, Central and South America as well as the Caribbean The 2010 tournament in Venezuela is the biggest to date.

Meanwhile, GHB President Philip Fernandes when questioned about the Organising Committee’s performance and preparedness following the conclusion of the Championships said it was a success in his view.

“We have been running this tournament for many years and so our tried and tested formula has been working for us throughout those years. This year we brought the dates of the tournament forward in order to use it as a test event for our upcoming Indoor Pan American Cups (IPAC).”

He said the few hiccups which surfaced on the first day that caused some timing delays to their schedule were quickly rectified by the second day.

He pointed out that while the GHB has made great strides with increasing its player base through the school development programme, efforts to involve young people in different areas of the game like umpiring, judging and table management has also has also been an evolving feature.

BANKS DIH/GABA DIVISION ONE LEAGUE COLTS WALTZ TO CHAMPIONSHIP BY BOLTING PAST GUARDIANS When the final whistle blew on Wednesday night to signal the end

Colts’ top scorer Shelroy Thomas (11) alongside Plaisance’s top scorer Nikolai Smith.

of the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA)/Powerade/Malta Supreme/Rainforest Water 2017 season, Bounty Colts had successfully defended all of their titles secured in the First, Second and Under-23 divisions.

Shelroy Thomas poured in 29 points to lead the Colts to an exciting 93-86 and eventual 7-point win over Plaisance Guardians in the final game of best of three final series contested at the Burnham Hard Court, Middle and Carmichael Streets.

The entertaining triumph saw Colts Basketball Club sweeping all three divisions in 2017 season.

After wrapping up both the Under-23 and Second Division 3game finals, 2-0, Colts were in serious pressure in their bid to retain the First Division title, Plaisance forging ahead with an 11point lead during the third quarter in the final match on Wednesday evening. This followed a 21-21 tied score after the first quarter and a 7point lead after the following quarter.

Plaisance Guardians was a confident unit after winning game two of the three-game finals on Sunday night; further aided by the support of their boisterous East Coast fans who cheered them opening whistle, they were in with a good chance of jolting the Colts’ victory bid.

However, as Colts have done consistently across all three divisions this season, the disciplined unit showcased their superior fitness and the champions pressed the tiring Guardians late while reducing the deficit to 7points heading into the final quarter.

In crunch time, Guardians’ top scorer Nikolai Smith (26 points) played wonderfully but his exhausted teammates couldn’t stop the final charge of Colts as they sunk three-pointers, grabbed defensive rebounds and benefitted from numerous turnovers, when it mattered, in the divisive moments.

WORKS BEGIN AT GFF NATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE – FIFA FORWARD PROGRAMME Construction works began on Wednesday at the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) National Training Centre (FIFA Forward Programme) as the GFF gears up to create a stable home for football development in Guyana.

The key activity executed was the clearing of the field by the local contractor – S. Nabi and Sons Ltd. – to prepare same for further works.

President of the GFF, Wayne Forde, visited the site and said he was happy that works have commenced. ”We’re happy to see movement on the ground, we will be keeping our members and the general public fully informed throughout (Continued on page 75)

Sunday October 08, 2017

Kaieteur News

PAGE 79

Kaieteur Sports Week in Review (From page 74) the project.”

The first phase of the project will see the construction of the artificial turf by Greenfields, a manufacturer of artificial turf. This phase is scheduled to be completed by the end of January.

Other aspects of the facility will include dormitories, kitchen services, gym and a pool.

GAPF/FITNESS EXPRESS RAW NATIONALS LISA OUDIT (BUDDY’S) AND VIJAI RAHIM (HARDCORE BARBELL CLUB) ARE OVERALL WINNERS Buddy’s Gym’s Lisa Oudit copped the Overall Best Lifter award on the distaff side, while Berbice’ Vijai Rahim of the Hadcore Barbell Club achieved a similar feat among the males when the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPF) held its Fitness E x p r e s s s p o n s o r e d R AW Nationals yesterday at the Saints Stanislaus College, Brickdam, Georgetown.

Upper Demerara Barbel Club’s Colin ‘Mr. Clean’ Chesney, one of the strongest men in the land, reminded all of that, once again when he squatted his way to 700lbs to set the platform for his eventual triumph in the 120kg Male Masters 1 and Open divisions.

Oudit, competing in the 84kg category did not only dominate her fellow peers to win her category, but did so in style as she set new Squat, Bench Press, Deadlift and

Total records in the process.

Rahim, who has continues to improve by leaps and bounds stepped up to the 74kg class and took the top spot ahead of Donnell Perry of Life Fitness Gym. Oudit set a new National 84kg Squat Record of 130.5kg to erase the previous standard set by Jackey Toney.

Her new Bench Press Record of 60.5kg is better than the previous best held by Jackey Toney.

Oudit also set new standards for Deadlift and Total which were also previously held by Jackey Toney.

The new Deadlift record is 135.5, while the new Total record is 326.5.

Also setting new records yesterday was Total Fitness Gym’s Arif Immamdeen who competed in the 66kg class where he set new Junior National Squat, Deadlift and Total records, erasing his old marks in the process.

His new Squat record now stands at 175kg, Deadlift record is now 215kg, while the Total record is now 485kg.

GFSCA LAUNCHES GUYANA SOFTBALL CUP 7 The Guyana Floodlight Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) has launched the seventh edition of the Guyana Softball Cup yesterday at Demerara Cricket Club pavilion.

The tournament, which will be played in the Masters (Over 45) and Open categories will commence on November 3 at various venues in Georgetown and conclude two days later under lights at DCC. Some

Overall Winners! Lisa Oudit (left) and Vijai Rahim display their trophies. twenty four teams are expected to take part including 10 from North America. Following 36 preliminary round games the top four teams in each category will progress to the semi finals.

A female exhibition game is also billed for the day of the finals.

The winning team in the Open category will take home a trophy and $800,000 and the runner up a trophy and $200,000, while the champions in the Masters division will pocket a trophy and $600,000 and the runner up a trophy and $150,000.

The man-of-the-match in the finals will receive trophies, while the tournament’s MVP in both segments will be given a 14 carat gold diamond encrusted pendant cricket bat valued at $150,000,

GCB/CGI 3-day Franchise League

Surujnarine (101), Baldeo (75) share double century stand As U/C’tyne in charge An unfinished double century between Kandasammy Surujnarine and Balchand Baldeo left Upper Corentyne large and in charge in their own back-yard against East Bank when stumps were drawn on day two of their sixth round GCB/CGI three-day Franchise League contest at Port Mourant yesterday.

Surujnarine is unbeaten on 101 and Baldeo is not out on 75 as they pulverized the East Bank attack on a good track to bat to see their team

to 201 without loss by the close in their second innings after East Bank’s first turn at the crease ended at 240. Upper Corentyne had made 262 in their first innings.

West Indies U-16 Captain Sachin Singh reached the boundary seven times and cleared it once in his 192-ball and 222-minute innings, while National U-19 Skipper Renaldo Ali-Mohammed hit eight fours and a six in 55 and batted for 123 minutes and faced 92 balls.

But only Colin Benn (31), batting at number eight, of the

other batsmen, reached 15 on the large and windy ground. Legspinner Shawn Perrier had 5-67 and off-spinner David Latchaya supported with 2-21.

Earlier, East Bank resumed on 129-3 with Singh on 40 and AliMohammed on 35, and together they took the score to 168 with a 98-run fourth wicket stand with both batsmen reaching halfcenturies.

Ali-Mohammed dominated the partnership before he was bowled by off-spinner David Latchaya at (Continued on page 73)

West Berbice defeat Georgetown by eight wickets We s t B e r b i c e d e f e a t e d Georgetown by eight wickets when the Guyana Cricket Board/Cricket Guyana Inc Jaguars three-day franchise league continued yesterday.

In reply to Georgetown first innings score of 155, West Berbice resumed on their overnight 226-8 and were dismissed for 231 at Bush Lot. Shimron Hetmyer struck 137.

Bowling for Georgetown, Gajanan Suknanan grabbed 5 for 75.

Trailing by 75, Georgetown folded for 151 in their second turn at the crease to set West Berbice 77 for victory. Ovid Richardson made 24, Martin Pestano-Belle 23, skipper Paul Wintz 23 not out and Sunil Singh 17. Bowling for West Berbice, Gudakesh Motie bagged 5 for 35 and Andrew Dutchin 3 for 55.

West Berbice reached their target for the loss of two wickets.

At Young Warriors, West

Demerara were bowled out for 331 batting first with Tevin Imlach scoring 119 and Richie Looknauth 45; Karan Arjpaul claimed 4-56 and Kassim Khan 3-81.

In reply, Lower Corentyne were 146 for 8 at stumps. Alex Algoo is unbeaten on 61, while Khan made 25. Bowling for West Demerara, Mahendra Dhanpaul, Keshram Seyhodan and Akshay Persaud each picked up two wickets.

compliments of Steve’s Jewellery.

Outstanding players in the preliminary round games will also be rewarded.

Among the venues indentified are Eve Leary, DCC, Malteenoes, GCC, MYO, GDF and Ogle.

PETRA/MOE COMMISSIONS LIGHTS AT MINISTRY’S GROUND ON CARIFESTA AVENUE The Petra organization has collaborated with the Ministry of Education (MOE) to help bring development to football in Guyana with a public-private partnership that will not only benefit the ball weavers but sports in general, as another ground has been fashioned with lights. That ground is the Ministry of Education’s School Sports Complex on Carifesta

Av e n u e , w h i c h t h r o u g h a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) saw Petra investing approximately $3.8 million, to install lights, in exchange for permission to host their tournaments at a reduced cost at the facility.

Co-director of Petra, Troy Mendonca, whose company which has organized, futsal, soft-shoe, pee wee, under-18 and senior club football tournaments consistently and successfully for the past seven (7) years in Guyana, was elated during the simple commissioning ceremony of the lights, at the ground Monday night.

Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry, hailed the end product of her Ministry’s MOU with Petra, “The commissioning of the lights certainly indicates a culmination of partnership between sports and education. It also in many way signals the beginning of a new pathway with an improved facility for sport and I want to thank Petra for their partnership and all the sponsors involved.”

The GFF was represented by their head, Wayne Forde, who related with glee that Petra is an enduring friend of football in Guyana and of the Guyana Football Federation.

Ansa Mcal, sponsors of the Petra organized, Smalta girls Pee wee football tournament and is one of the entities that contributed to this Lights project being a reality.

13th Hand in Hand NP Cycle Meet

Geron Williams takes main event; Nigel Duguid wins juvenile contest Continental Cycle Club’s Geron Williams pedaled to an exciting win in the school boys and invitational feature 35-lap race at the 13th annual Hand in Hand Mutual Fire & Life Insurance Companies National Park Cycle Meet which came off yesterday.

Having been out of the sport for one month due to an injury, Williams, who also rides for Champion System - Stan’s No Tubes on the Pro circuit in the USA, clocked One Hour 16 Minutes 16 Seconds to win the race in a fourway sprint with Christopher Griffith, Raynauth Jeffrey and Kemuel Moses in that order. Paul DeNobrega and Alanzo Ambrose closed out the top six positions.

Taking the juvenile 10-lap was

Nigel Duguid in 23 Minutes 26.42 Seconds ahead of Briton John who recently returned from the World Championships, while the third place went to Marcus Keiler.

Hand in Hand’s Marketing Director Ms Shafeena Juman in remarks to the cyclists prior to the presentation of prizes expressed thanks to them and organiser Hassan Mohamed for their efforts which continues to make the event a reality. ”We at Hand in Hand Mutual Fire & Life will continue to fulfill our responsibility of empowering our youth through sports. We have been sponsoring sports events in other areas as well and will continue this commitment.”

(Franklin Wilson)

PAGE 80

Sunday October 08, 2017

Kaieteur News

GCB/CGI 3-day Franchise League

E/Coast stumble after century opening stand Anthony Adams grabs another 5-for Essequibo Left-arm spinner Anthony Adams captured his sixth fivewicket haul after Test opener Rajendra Chandrika and Brian Sattaur had posted 110 for the first wicket for East Coast on the opening day of their sixth round GCB/CGI three-day Franchise game at Tuschen on the East Bank of Essequibo yesterday.

Chandrika’s 68 lasted 157 minutes and 114 balls and was decorated with nine fours and a six, while Sattaur made 51 from 78 balls and 103 minutes with five fours and two sixes.

Joshua Persaud made 56 from 82 balls 83 minutes with five fours. Bhaskar Yadram (30) and his brother K a m e s h Ya d r a m ( 3 0 ) offered resistance as the last six wicket tumbled for 24 runs.

The 24-year-old Adams

took 6-81 to move to 45 wickets in the tournament and got support from his younger sibling Akinie Adams who had 2-73 for Essequibo who reached 6 without loss by the time bad light stopped play.

After morning rain delayed play by an hour and East Coast elected to bat in sunny conditions on a good track and Chandrika was tested by hostile short balls, but he and Sattuar provided a firm foundation for their team.

Chandrika pivoted and pulled Nealand Cadogan for six before Sattuar whipped Kevin Gordon for four and drove him for three consecutive boundaries in an over which cost 16.

Mark Williams at midon, put down what would have been a stupendous catch, diving to his left to let

off Chandrika on 13 with the score on 42 off the lively Cadogan.

The 50 was posted in 8.5 overs and the left-handed Sattuar celebrated by dumping Chaitram Persaud on the East Bank Essequibo Public Road as inspiring Bob Marley Music came from a little Pink house just beyond the Northern boundary.

Anthony Adams was introduced in the 14th over and Chandrika pulled him for four and cut him behind point for another boundary.

With a pleasant breeze blowing across the ground, Chandrika used his feet and on sweetly on-drove Persaud for four before pulling him to the square-leg boundary.

Sattaur deposited Akenie Adams for massive six, while Chandrika clipped Persaud for four and at

Anthony Adams Lunch the score was 100 without loss with both batsmen on 42.

After the interval, Sattuar swept Anthony Adams for four and reached his 50 from 100 minutes and 75 balls with five fours and two sixes while Chandrika pulled Akeeni Adams for a boundary.

Chandrika was dropped at slip by Anthony Adams off his younger sibling with the

Rajendra Chandrika ball going for four to bring up his 50 from 115 minutes, 84 balls with eight fours and a six. But when well set for a big score Sattuar played an impetuous drive off Anthony Adams and was taken at long-off to throw his wicket away with poor shot selection to leave the score on 110-1.

Bhaskar Yadram joined Chandrika and hit Akinie for six but was dropped on 12 at

Bhaskar Yadram cover by Shiv Chanderpaul, playing his first match since his return from England, off Akinie with the score on 136-1.

The 17-year-old Yadram, who was the MVP for the West Indies U-19 tours to South Africa and Zimbabwe, hit Akinie for two sixes, while Chandrika pulled a short ball for four.

Yadram dumped Akinie (Continued on page 73)

Sunday October 08, 2017

Kaieteur News

PAGE 81

Judge says BCB elections to go on Following the ruling by the Honorable Justice Navendra Singh the Berbice Cricket Board Elections must be held today, October 8, and that Vice President Dhieranidranauth Somwaroo ensures that Notices be sent to all parties in accordance with Schedule 3 of the Guyana Cricket Administration Act for the purpose of electing office bearers to the Berbice C r i c k e t B o a r d .

A number of clubs within the BCB had taken the matter back to the judge following what they termed as illegal moves by Somwaroo and his team to flout the judge’s order.

The clubs were complaining that notices were only sent to a selected

few clubs whilst others were not notified. In some other cases notices were sent to individual players with their names printed inviting them to vote on Election Day. It was also circulated that only those invited would be allowed in the election arena.

It was also noted that the election venue was set as the Classic International Hotel at Corriverton Upper Corentyne and not the usual venue at the BCB Office in New Amsterdam.

The infringements were brought to the judge via a motion filed by Executive members Rabindranauth Saywack and Albert Smith.

Somwaroo was thus summoned to court and a

hearing held on Thursday in the Berbice High Court before Justice Singh. It was decided that the meeting will go ahead today, beginning at 09:00 hrs at the said venue. It was also decided that only authentic members of the Associations and clubs of the BCB will be allowed to vote. Those members must be on a list or registered members of the said associations and clubs. Their names must be signed and stamped on a letter head or paper with the club stamp or secretary of president signature. No other will be accepted.

The Election Officer will be nominated and elected on the day of the elections by those in attendance. This was agreed to by all parties

GuyanaNRA 150th Anniversary Shoot/WIFBSC Caribbean C/ships

Teams set to practice today ahead of shoot off tomorrow; Jamaica out

By Franklin Wilson All systems are in place for what is anticipated to be a keenly contested Guyana National Rifle Association 150th Anniversary Shoot and West Indies Fullbore Shooting Council Caribbean championships which will shoot off tomorrow at the newly refurbished Timehri R i f l e R a n g e s , Ya r r o w k a b r a , L i n d e n Soesdyke Highway.

Local Fullbore Captain Mahendra Persaud yesterday confirmed that the hard work of the GuyanaNRA shooters and the Guyana Defence Force will be on display for all competitors to enjoy from today and the next seven days which will see fierce shooting unfolding daily at the individual and team levels.

Persaud, who has led Guyana to multiple Team championships in the Short and Long Range (Guyana are current defending champions) said that there is one disappointment given the fact that Jamaica will not be able to compete due to challenges with their Fireman Board.

Nonetheless, President of the West Indies Fullbore Shooting Council, Jamaican Captain John Nelson will touch down in Guyana on Tuesday.

Set to practice today are Canada, USA, United Kingdom, Falkland Islands, Ireland/Scotland, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago and Antigua & Barbuda.

Patron of the association, His Excellency, President David Granger is expected to fire the first shot tomorrow which will signal the start of action with the Individual competition commencing at the 300 Yards range; the first detail will take aim and fire the first sighting shot at 09:00hrs.

Later in the morning, competitors will compete at 500 Yards before taking aim from the 900 yards bank in the afternoon session.

Individual action will continue on Tuesday and Wednesday after which the Grand Aggregate will decide the top 60 shooters who will move on to Thursday’s final day when they will shoot together at the 300, 500 and 6 0 0 Ya r d s R a n g e s .

The top 30 will then move on to the finals which will be

shot at the 900 and 1000 Yards Ranges and the last man standing will be crowned the champion.

On Saturday the first team match would take place, the Long Range clash for the newly branded Milex/Crown Mining trophy.

On Sunday’s final day, the prestigious Short Range team match would be contested for the West Indies Fullbore Shooting Council trophy. Guyana are the defending champions in both categories.

A new Individual Champion will be crowned as defending champion Jamaican Jose Nunez will not be coming to defend his title. Nunez had dethroned Guyanese Lennox Braithwaite in a close tussle last year in Antigua and Barbuda.

Persaud ended second last year with Braithwaite who had won the Individual title from 2012-2014 placing third. There were no West Indies championships in 2015 as the West Indies competed at the Palma Wo r l d C h a m p i o n s h i p s which took place in Ohio, USA.

Quarterfinal action kicks off tonight in Hamilton Green Cup KO football Victoria ground will host the first quarterfinal match of the $1million Hamilton Green football tournament tonight from 21:00hrs. That match will be contested between Police FC and Ann’s Grove, following last night’s round of sixteen play in the mining town of Linden

at the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) ground.

This evening, fans on the East Coast will enjoy a triple header inclusive of two exhibition matches beginning at 17:00hrs.The first match will be an all-East Coast affair between Stag Elite league Champions

Guyana Defense Force getting a good warm up before the premier competition resumes against Buxton.

Meanwhile, Victoria Kings and Plaisance FC will match skills at 19:00hrs before the feature, quarterfinal match.

present.

The associations and clubs expected to participate are – Upper Corentyne, West Berbice and Berbice River Cricket Associations.

Blairmont, Albion and Rose Hall Community Centers, Police, Mental Hospital, Mounts Sinai, Kildonan, Bermine Sports Club, Port Mourant, Whim and

Chesney Cricket Clubs.

The action was brought

by Mr. A. Gossai- Attorney – at law – on behalf of Smith and Saywack.

(Samuel Whyte)

PAGE 82

Sunday October 08, 2017

Kaieteur News

Caribbean applaud Ninvalle’s appointment to EB President of the Guyana Boxing Association Steve Ninvalle has been appointed with immediate effect to the Executive Bureau of AIBA. Ninvalle was on Wednesday informed of the appointment via an email from AIBA president Dr. Ching Kwo Wu. The appointment has been applauded across the Caribbean with several administrators underlining the Guyanese meteoric rise in the sport. In the letter seen

by Kaieteur Sport, Wu pointed out that Ninvalle’s dedication to AIBA and the sport of boxing as well as his personal and professional qualities will be a great asset to the Bureau.

“As per the provisions of article 40.3 of AIBA Statutes, the EC Bureau shall function in place of the Executive Committee for all matters requiring settlement between two meetings of the Executive Committee. In view of the above, I have decided to appoint you as EC Bureau member with immediate effect, in accordance with Article 39.2 (E) of the AIBA Statutes. I trust that your dedication to AIBA and the sports of boxing in general, as well as your personal and professional qualities, will be a great asset to this important AIBA organ and I am looking forward to working with you,” Wu said in the email.

In an invited comment

Ninvalle, a member of the AIBA Executive Committee said that he was humbled, honoured and surprised by the appointment and promised to perform duties without fear or favour. “It comes at a time when AIBA is in turmoil so I’ll have to hit the ground running.

However, it is during trying times that we sometimes get acquainted with our true potential,” Ninvalle said.

The Executive Bureau is made up of four EC members and the president and makes all important decisions regarding the sport between EC meetings.

Meanwhile, boxing administrators across the Caribbean are applauding the region’s first appointment to the EB. Ralph James, former president of the Caribbean Amateur Boxing Association (CABA) and former president of the Grenada Boxing Association said that the appointment came as no surprise.

“The appointment of Mr. Steve Ninvalle, President of the Guyana Boxing Association to the Executive Bureau of the International Boxing Association-AIBA is no surprise to me.

Ninvalle has shown sound judgment throughout his presidency and in particular over the last two and a half years since his election to the executive committee of the International Boxing

Steve Ninvalle

Ching Kwo Wu

Ralph A. James

Association -AIBA. He is indeed an intelligent man and with resources at his disposal, boxing can reach new heights,” James said.

“Many would not know of the tremendous pressure he faced over the last three or so months when members of the Executive Committee of the AIBA, a majority at that, asked him to take a position of matter that eventually ended up at the international court in Lausanne, Switzerland. Quite a few presidents of the “big country” bowed to their pressure but Steve did not.

He calmly told the so called big boys, “I will first consult with my people, the people of the Caribbean whom I represent on any matter that can have serious negative and long lasting consequence in any matter not just for me personally but for the Caribbean, our interest comes before my personal interest.”

“All of Guyana ought to be extremely proud of this man as we are in the Region.

This appointment means that he will be part of the decision making team that will impact Olympic Style Boxing globally. We ought to give him all the support he needs.

What’s most interesting is that 2018 has been declared the year of The Caribbean by the AIBA, and a Caribbean man will be steering the ship.

This is also a very courageous and progressive move by President of AIBA Dr. C. K. Wu who must be congratulated as well; he’s a man of vision.

Well done Steve, we are extremely proud of this tremendous achievement,” James concluded.

President of the Trinidad a n d To b a g o B o x i n g Association Cecil Forde commended the elevation. “ T h e Tr i n i d a d a n d Tobago Boxing Association wishes to congratulate Mr.

Ninvalle on his recent appointment as an AIBA EC B u r e a u M e m b e r. T h e Association pledges our full support to Mr. Ninvalle; who in his short period in the sport of Boxing has shown great leadership qualities and; has represented the Caribbean well through hard work and determination. We look forward to working alongside Mr. Ninvalle as we foresee the successful future growth of boxing within the Caribbean and wishes Mr. Ninvalle all the best in his future goals and endeavours,” Forde said.

David ‘Shakes’ Christopher President of the St Lucia Boxing Association said that the recent appointment underlines the Caribbean meteoric rise in the sport of boxing. “To say that the Caribbean is happy would be a terrible understatement.

It is a just reward for someone who has given his all and a bit more to the sport of boxing.

There is no doubt that given his new appointment he will continue to push for the development of the sport in the world and more so in the Caribbean.

Guyana should be proud of him and we in CARICOM are proud of him and his achievement, which by extension is our achievement,” Christopher declared.

Stephen ‘Bomber’ Jones, the president of the Jamaica Boxing Association noted that the recent waves made in the Caribbean has not gone unnoticed by the top Brass of AIBA. “It’s a wonderful time to be a part of the boxing fraternity in the Caribbean.

There is a lot happening in our region where the sport is concerned and I would be hard pressed to believe that it is by accident and not design.

The communication channels between our federations are more active than ever before and this being led by our elected member in charge, Guyana Amateur Boxing President, Mr. Steve Ninvalle.

Although there are 202 member federations worldwide, the boxing community is a small one and a ripple in any pond can go a long way, so it’s extremely encouraging to see that the waves that we have been making in our region have not gone unnoticed by the top brass of the sports’ governing body, AIBA. Still beaming from Mr. Ninvalle’s election to the executive committee of AIBA three years ago, being the first Caribbean representative to do so, mind you, we are now on the verge of even higher heights now with his appointment to the Executive bureau. Make no bones about it, an elevation of any kind for one of us in the region is an elevation for all and I for one am over the moon not only because we have a trusted member in one of the highest seats, but we have the right member. Steve understands not just the needs for our region but the needs for the sport on a whole and this augers well for everybody...Kudos to Mr. Steve Ninvalle, Kudos to (Continued on page 73)

Sunday October 08, 2017

Kaieteur News

Dominant Hamilton seizes Suzuka pole with record lap Hamilton’s pole position saw him smash Michael Schumacher’s track record. (AFP/Getty Images)

SUZUKA, Japan (Reuters) - Formula One leader Lewis Hamilton smashed the Suzuka track record to seize a dominant Japanese Grand Prix pole position yesterday with Ferrari rival Sebastian Vettel lining up alongside on the front row.

The Mercedes driver produced a stunning fastest lap of one minute and 27.319 seconds for his first pole at the 5.8km track and 71st of his career.

The time shattered seven times world champion Michael Schumacher ’s previous outright best at the circuit by 1.6 seconds.

“Incredible”, said the Briton, in post-qualifying interviews conducted by his former McLaren team mate Jenson Button in front of the crowd. “It’s been a really good day and every lap was

fantastic.

“It’s my first time. I‘m running out of opportunities to get this pole, so I was like ‘I’ve got to make sure I make it stick today’,” added the Briton, who was on pole in Japan at Fuji in 2007 for McLaren.

His team mate Valtteri Bottas was second quickest, 0.332 seconds adrift but drops five places down the grid due to an unscheduled gearbox change.

The penalty will elevate Vettel to the front row of the grid, putting the two title contenders side by side for today’s heavyweight battle between multiple champions.

Hamilton, who leads the German by 34 points with just five races to go, brushed aside a suggestion about how aggressive Vettel might be into the first corner.

“I don’t know. He won’t be any more aggressive than I am,” said the triple champion.

“I’ve got eight meters. I need to make sure I keep the eight meters that I have and get a good start. Starts have generally been strong this year.”

Vettel, a four times world champion, needs a big result this weekend to close the gap after suffering successive setbacks to his bid for a fifth title.

“I‘m reasonably happy,” he said.

“I tried everything on the last run, I knew I had to take a bit more risk...I would have loved to have been a bit quicker but it’s quite amazing with the new cars around here. I love the track.”

Saturday was Hamilton’s 10th pole of the season and marked a convincing return to the top of the timesheets for Mercedes after the champions struggled for pace at the last two races in Singapore and Malaysia.

Australian Daniel Ricciardo set the fourthfastest time ahead of Red Bull team-mate Max Verstappen, winner in (Continued on page 73)

EBFA/Ralph Green U-11 League

Mocha Champs, Diamond United, Samatta Point & Herstelling win

PAGE 83

2017 COURTS PEE WEE

St. Angela’s suffer first loss in 2 years during action packed day

Tussle between two Mae’s Primary players and one from St. Stephen’s yesterday.

Two-time defending champions St. Angela’s Primary lost their first game in the COURTS Pee wee under-11 football competition in two-years, after being needled by Sophia Primary when round two of the competition concluded yesterday with some highly entertaining clashes at the Thirst Park ground.

David Weekes was the hero for the Sophia side that followed up their massive 80 win over Winfer Gardens last week with a gritty win over St. Angela’s who had played unbeaten for two seasons.

Last week, Marian Academy drew with the champions in a goal-less draw and the lads in blue

proved they were capable of scoring with a 7-0 mauling of Winfer Gardens that have now conceded 15 goals in their last two matches.

Marian Academy were led by a brace each from Bradley Walton, Michael Alphonso and Asher Adams, while Malik Baker scored one goal.

Plaisance’s St. John Bosco Orphanage had the most devastating performance yesterday after banging in 11 unanswered goals past Goed Fortune.

Jamal Ali was the most prolific scorer on the day after bagging an incredible 5 goals for St. John Bosco.

Ronaldo Harry scored a hattrick, Stephon Atkinson a brace, while Clinton Ricket scored one in the 11-goal

rout.

To p i n d i v i d u a l performances included St. Pius’ Dwayne Baptiste fourgoal effort against Soesdyke in their 5-0 loss. Haden Wellington scored the fifth goal for the St. Pius team that have won their first two games. Meanwhile, Baptiste, who scored a hattrick last week Saturday, leads the goal scoring table with 7 goals.

Besides Plaisance’s Ronaldo Harry hat-trick, two other players netted second round hat-tricks. Ian Daniels scored a triple during West Primary’s comprehensive 60 win over Supply with support from Devon Chance, Mickon Vandenburg and Richie Samroop, who all scored one goal each.

Fedel Harris was the third and final hat-trick scorer yesterday, as his efforts accounted for Stella Maris’ triumph over Timehri Primary. Harris netted in the 13th, 17th and 21st minutes of the match.

Last season runners up St. Agnes Primary played to a nervy victory over Redeemer Primary in the final game yesterday as they continue their bid to go one step closer to clinch the title.

Jamaine Crum-Ewing was the hero with a solitary strike in the dying minutes of the match that resulted in a disappointing 1-0 loss for Redeemer.

BCB Elections set for today

This Herstelling Raiders player (white) challenging his Grove Hi Tech counterpart in their clash yesterday at the Grove Playfield.

Day five of the 2nd annual East Bank Football Association / Ralph Green sponsored Under-11 League at the Grove Playfield, East Bank Demerara, produced some exciting results with one walk over being awarded to Samatta Point/Kaneville whose opponent, Agricola did not show up.

In the three matches

played, Mocha Champs trounced Diamond Upsetters 3-0, Diamond United beat Friendship All Stars 2-0, while Herstelling Raiders halted the unbeaten run of Grove Hi Tech with a 2-0 triumph.

Mocha got their goals from Daniel Bradford in the 13th minute; Jamal Harry netted his four minutes later,

while the lone female player competing with the team, Kerry Boyce added her name to the score sheet in the 29th minute.

Diamond United were gifted two own goals in their win over Friendship, while Herstelling Raiders’ goals were scored by Solomon Austin in the 7th and 20th minute.

The Berbice Cricket B o a r d t o d a y, S u n d a y 2017.10.08, would be holding its Annual General Elections a release from that body indicated. The elections would be the first to be held since December 2014 and would be crucial to the development of the sport in the ancient county.

The Eleven Clubs and Three Associations would be voting at the elections which would start at 10:30 am at the Classic Hotel & Suites in C o r r i v e r t o n .

The following clubs after consultation with their membership has elected delegates to represent them at the meeting. · Fort Canjie Hospital Club: Jevaughn Stephens & Desmond Conway · R o s e H a l l Community Centre Cricket Club: Cecil Beharry &

Ameer Rahaman · Guymine Sports Club: Albert Smith &Malcolm Peters · Chesney Cricket Club: Imran Khan &Narine Deonarine · Kildonan Cricket Club: Qualis Winter and Colin Bynoe JR · Blairmont Cricket Club: Shabeer Baksh and Vijay Farhad · Berbice Police Sports Club: Kewis Gravesande and Philbert Wilburgh · Mount Sinai Cricket Club: Jaipersaud Hardeo & Neil Rudder · Upper Corentyne Cricket Association: Dennis

De Andread, Sydney Jackman, Chatterpaul Lionel & Lakram Lachman · Whim: Arnold Deosarran & Tameshwar Harinarine. · Berbice River Cricket Association: Jason Den Hart, Irving Lyte, Sheldon Bovell, Winston Lyte.

The Clubs and Sub Association would like to state quite clearly that no one else is authorized to represent them unless authorized by Management.

Any other person who seeks to represent these clubs without permission would face legal Actions, a release informed.

t r o Sp GuyanaNRA 150th Anniversary Shoot/WIFBSC Caribbean C/ships

Teams set to practice today ahead of shoot off tomorrow; Jamaica out An overhead shot of the newly refurbished Timehri Rifle Ranges.

13th Hand in Hand NP Cycle Meet

Geron Williams takes main event; Nigel Duguid wins juvenile contest

Winner’s and other top performers take a pic with sponsors reps and organisers following yesterday’s presentation.

Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210