Kaieteur News

Sunday October 04, 2015

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur M@ilbox

Kaieteur M@ilbox

GuySuCo must be run as the business it is, free from political interference

Social Cohesion cannot exist where there is ethnic discrimination and violation of human rights

DEAR EDITOR, Recent letters and statements in the press on the condition and possible fate of GuySuCo, encouraged me to participate in a recent Moray House seminar on the Sugar Industry. For the record, these were the key points of my presentation, which was entitled: “RETURNING GUYSUCO TO PROFITABILITY”.

In summary, I concluded that: a) Cost of production must be drastically reduced while Revenue must be significantly increased, by the measures outlined below. b) Sale of additional Cogenerated power to GPL must be actively pursued. c) Future sales of GuySuCo lands must be at commercial values. d)Debt: Note that of the $82 billion debt that was recently highlighted, $25 billion is for the Skeldon project and $26 billion is an accounting provision for the payment of pensions when employees reach the age of 60. GuySuCo should not be categorized as bankrupt, since its convertible assets are far greater than its debt. e) GuySuCo must be run as the BUSINESS it is, free from political interference, by a fully staffed management team and a supportive Board.

1.As an Introduction, GuySuCo’s 16,942 employees and its socio-economic and financial contributions to the communities it serves (community centers, dispensaries, drainage and irrigation) and to Guyana (Foreign Exchange, Port Mourant Training Center, past annual Sugar Levy payments), were highlighted.

2.To return it to viability, the objective must be to increase the 3 inter-related Ps, Production, Productivity and Profitability.

3. HUMAN RESOURCE strategies must be emphasized, with the objective of reducing labour costs from 60% to 40% of total operational costs within 5 years. To achieve this, a compact must be agreed with the trade unions to review current customary practices, to identify those considered ‘obsolete’ or detracting from the 3P’s and to secure their ‘buy-in’ for amendment or removal Available human resources must be audited to identify performance and competency gaps at the individual, functional and group levels and to develop approaches/mechanisms/ programs to adequately address these.

Employee morale and commitment must be rebuilt

through the necessary orientation, coaching, rotation, and training programs.

The Organization Structure, Job Evaluation, Performance Appraisal and Compensation systems must be reviewed.

4.

AGRICULTURE strategies are critical for the 3 Ps. The focus must be on improving sugar yields in the field. The adage: “Sugar is produced in the field, the factory only extracts it” is still very much applicable. 2014 yields were 50-60% of yields achieved 10 years ago. The mantra must be “BACK TO BASICS”.

The Cane breeding programmust be resuscitated to produce high yielding varieties The Organizational structurehas to be regularized at the senior level.

Privatization based Husbandry systems,must be introduced, whereby gangs of workers self-manage plots and are paid incentives according to the increased Continued on page 6

DEAR EDITOR, We the concerned and aggrieved residents of Four Miles Community of Port Kaituma, North West District, Region One, would like to personally inform the Honourable President, His Excellency Brigadier David. A. Granger as well as the Minister of Social Cohesion, Ms. Amna Ally that unless there is, equal rights for all Guyanese/ residents in this community, social cohesion can never be achieved!!

It should be noted that contrary to the reports being made by the supporters of the previous administration, we, the concerned residents are not anti “Amerindian Rights”.

Many of us are Amerindians or descendants of same. We are a mixed community.

However, “Amerindian Rights” can never supersede “Human Rights”.

The demarcation of our community as an Amerindian

village and the violation of our rights to legally obtain individual lease for the lands which we occupy and applied for, sends us a very negative message.

Mr. President, the Minister of Indigenous People affairs. Mr. Sidney Allicock, his Advisor, Mr. Mervin Williams and our very dear Member of Parliament, Mr. Richard Alleyne were made aware of the circumstances put, for whatever personal reasons, did nothing to warrant a thorough investigation into the matter nor to remind you that our sentiments regarding this matter has not changed since your last visit to that community. (such blatant disregard for our sentiments reminds us of the PPP/C Government whom we voted out.)

Mr. President, we the concerned residents do

believe that you are an honourable gentleman with good intentions for the people of this great land of ours, but these actions of theirs sheds a very negative light on the APNU/AFC government and unjustly on you as a leader, our elected leader. We are disgruntled and will not accept what we deem inhumane acts of blatant disregard for our rights! (Nothing can justify these leaders’ actions to us.

We have suffered enough! We voted for a change and, it is time for that change!

Concerned Residents, Four Miles Community, Port Kaituma

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Kaieteur News

Kaieteur M@ilbox

Sunday October 04, 2015

Kaieteur M@ilbox

GuySuCo must be run as the business... Surely Roopnarine couldn’t have missed the From page 5 yields. This system was successfully tried at Uitvlugt in 2001-2002, when 10 workers were allocated 100 hectares and production increased by 30% while cost of production was reduced by 50%. It should be tried in all estates and implemented asap, once similar results are realized.

5. The FACTORIES are in relatively good condition, despite the shortage of capital.

Management must work closely with the Human Resource Department for skills, knowledge training and work ethic, improvements.

Also, management to work closely with field staff to ensure minimum burning to grinding time, maximum pol in cane, maximum utilization of factory capacity, all of which result in minimum tonnes cane to tonnes sugar (TC/TS) conversion.

The production and packaging of high-value specialty sugars must be supported.

6. In FINANCE, the Capital program must be completed within the budgeted year.

A full time team, which includes field and factory personnel, must monitor cost control and ensure rolling cost forecasts are strictly adhered to. Cost-effective procurement and improved control of inventory and services must be implemented. These measures

will save billions annually.

7. In MARKETING, relations with our main customers must be improved, by timely supply and improvements in sugar and molasses quality.

Additional value added sugar products should be pursued to complement the Demerara Gold brand. Mauritius produces 10 value added sugar products.

Revenue stream can be improved by converting more bagged sugar to packaged sugar, which has a minimum net premium of US$100 per tonne).

The Demerara Gold trademark registration must be pursued for North America.

Branding and Cobranding must be done with hotels and supermarkets, locally and regionally.

GuySuCo must use its geographical location to acquire more regional markets, since it can ship smaller tonnages on a regular basis, at a premium, as opposed to the large tonnages to be ordered to get the world market price.

8.COGENERATION of power from bagasse can be a major profit center for GuySuCo. Government of India or/and CDB should be approached to finance the acquisition and installation of Cogeneration units (high pressure boilers and turbines) for GuySuCo’s factories, by MayJune 2016.Dr Warren Smith did indicate recently that grant funds are available for alternative energy projects, as these.

In India and many other sugar producing countries, sugar is now a by-product of the factories, since their main source of revenue is selling power to the grid.

GuySuCo has the unique advantage of having two crops per year and its factories are well located to link to the grid.As such, GuySuCo’s factories can export over 50 MW of continuous power to GPL’s grid from Cogeneration, thus earning significant revenue while saving foreign exchange.

9. TOPICAL ISSUES: Diversification: GuySuCo occupies less than 10% of our coastal arable lands. Any proposed alternative crop should be initially evaluated on nonsugar lands before any decision is taken to convert sugar lands.

Letter writers, kindly note this point.

Closure: World sugar market prices are currently low, as are those of many internationally traded commodities eg. Oil, Ethanol, Copper, Rice, Gold.

These prices are cyclical and we need to adopt strategies for sustainability at this time. It must also be recognized that international sugar consumption is increasing exponentially.

Poor Performance: The 3 Ps have declined due to flawed political policies, political interference and mismanagement. Cost of production during 2002-4 was US$0.16 per lb, while production averaged 320,000 MT. Land transfers: GoG has transferred thousands of acres of prime GuySuColands on EBD and ECD todevelopers who are making billions while GuySuCo gets nothing.

Financial support from GoGshould be treated as a separate fund, either to increase share capital or to be converted into a loan to be repaid over 20 years. Note that GuySuCo paid a sugar levy of approximately $5 billion a year during 1976-1998, a significant percentage of the national budget during that time.

V.Oditt GuySuCo Chairman 1993-2003.

PPP’s millions of inglorious pathways

DEAR EDITOR, I refer to a letter by Lomarsh Roopnarine (“Speaking against this regime does not make one a PPP supporter,” KN Sep 29, 2015) in which he referred to me as the extremist of the extremists.

In this same letter sent to another newspaper, Roopnarine called me a bush columnist and lip kisser.

Obviously KN editors removed those offensive labels, but I am not surprised at what certain mind-sets have become when they left this country long ago.

Here are the words of Roopnarine; “That the PPP was corrupt in the second half of its tenure in office, that the PPP lost its sense of direction, that some Ministers were incompetent and unprofessional, that the PPP was not transparent in transactions, and that Bharrat Jagdeo should not lead the opposition are views shared and accepted by this writer.” (end of quote) The obvious question is when did Roopnarine embrace these evaluations? Certainly not when the PPP was in power. I will not be insulting to Roopnarine as to question whether he can do a Google search. But this I can say; for the 23 years that the PPP was in power, a Google search would find that there isn’t even a word, much less a line, much less a paragraph, about what Roopnarine now admits are the egregious faults of the PPP when in power. But let’s move because after all - better late than never.

Let’s offer more quotes of Roopnarine; He writes; “Look at Freddie Kissoon, the extreme of extremists continues to propagandize and glorifies an inglorious

start of the APNU/AFC.” Three questions come up.

When did Roopnarine find his pen so that he can evaluate the new administration by using harsh assessments?

The answer is that he discovered his instinct to criticize governmental behaviour after the PPP left office. After all, there is no manifestation of such an instinct during the 23 year old hegemony of the PPP. The second question is if after four months the APNU-AFC Government has started in an inglorious way then surely Roopnarine couldn’t miss the millions of inglorious pathways of the PPP which strangely didn’t elicit a condemnation from him The third question relates to me. If I am the extremist of all extremists, could Roopnarine identify some PPP extremists?

Let’s examine the devious, dangerous, deceptive polemical outline of Roopnarine. Unfortunately, so full of over-confidence that they can hoodwink readers, PPP supporters like Roopnarine cannot see that they are exposing their contradictions which in the process expose their open partisanship which dents their credibility.

I will ask readers to read carefully the words and logic of Roopnarine. The double standards the PPP embraces are there and they aren’t hard to find. Now here is Roopnarine in his own words; “Many PPP supporters are being released from their postings but valid explanations are not provided for this action.

To fire those who do not support the regime and place loyalists may be a false sense of satisfaction, since this

policy has the potential to weaken rather than strengthen solidarity in an already deeply divided society. Moreover, the campaign trail of the coalition reveals a movement away from unilateral high-handedness to multilateral cooperation.” (end of quote) Now read below the words of Roopnarine which can only be interpreted as perverse reasoning. Roopnarine writes; “What was the new regime thinking when they chose Christopher Ram and Anand Goolsarran to be part of the forensic audit? These individuals are staunch critics of the previous administration. I support a forensic audit of the current forensic audit.”

I doubt Chris Ram would dignify Roopnarine with a response, but this is inexcusable nonsense in any polemical exchange. Roopnarine tells us it is wrong to fire PPP supporters that the new government came and met but this very man in the same breath says the country’s top accountancy brains must not be used in the service of the state because they were staunch critics of the previous PPP Government.

I ask every decent mind in Guyana if that is nauseating, irrational reasoning. The Government of Guyana must not use the talent of Ram and Goolsarran because they were critics of the past government.

In other words, educated Guyanese who were involved in denouncing the PPP when in power, must become ineligible for employment. I know Chris Ram very well, and I can just imagine the expression on his face when he read that nonsense from Roopnarine. You find all types in this world some of whom are simply unbelievable Frederick Kissoon

Sunday October 04, 2015

Kaieteur News

Russia says to step up air strikes in Syria Reuters - Russia said yesterday it will step up air strikes in Syria, escalating a military intervention which Moscow says is weakening Islamic State militants but which Western powers say aims to support President Bashar al-Assad.

A senior Russian military officer said Russian jets based in western Syria had carried out more than 60 sorties in 72 hours across Syria. “We will not only continue strikes... We will also increase their intensity,” said Andrei Kartapolov from the Russian army General Staff.

Russia’s air campaign in Syria, where a U.S.-led air coalition and fighters on the ground from regional states are already entangled in a four-year-old civil war, has drawn strong criticism from the United States and its allies.

President Barack Obama, wary of military commitments in the Middle East after America’s costly war in Iraq, warned President Vladimir Putin he was defending a crumbling authoritarian ally and could be sucked into a “quagmire”.

Britain’s defence minister

Bashar al-Assad

said that only one in 20 Russian air strikes in Syria were aimed at the hardline Islamic State forces, which control large parts of eastern Syria and western Iraq.

Michael Fallon accused Russia of dropping unguided munitions on civilian areas, and against Assad’s Western and Gulf-backed enemies.

Russia says that it is targeting Islamic State with precision bombs, and that the raids are having an impact.

“The strikes were carried out around the clock from the Hmeymim air base along the whole depth of the territory of Syria,” Kartapolov said,

referring to an airport near Syria’s Mediterranean coast where Russian jets are based.

“Over three days we were able to undermine the terrorists’ infrastructure and significantly reduce their military potential.”

The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least 39 civilians had been killed since the start of the Russian air strikes on Wednesday. It said 14 fighters, mostly Islamic State militants, had also been killed.

Russia said in the last 24 hours it had targeted a command post and underground weapons bunker near Raqqa, the eastern Syrian stronghold of the Islamic State militants, as well as a weapons store in Maarat al-Numaan.

Maarat al-Numaan, in Syria’s northern province of Idlib, is not known as an Islamic State base. Most fighters in the area are from the al Qaeda-linked Nusra Front, the Islamist Ahrar alSham and other insurgent groups, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group.

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Kaieteur News

Sunday October 04, 2015

Vatican sacks gay priest after highly public coming out

Monsignor Krzystof Charamsa smiles as he leaves at the end of his news conference in downtown Rome yesterday. REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - The Vatican yesterday dismissed a gay priest from his Holy See job on the eve of a major Church meeting for a highly public coming out that challenged the Roman Catholic teaching that homosexual acts are a sin.

Monsignor Krzysztof Charamsa, a Polish theologian, had worked at the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith, the Vatican’s doctrinal arm, since 2003. He was also sacked from his jobs teaching theology at pontifical universities in Rome.

Charamsa, 43, told Italy’s Corriere della Sera newspaper that he was gay and had a partner in an interview published yesterday.

The Church does not consider homosexuality a sin but priests, whether heterosexual or gay, are meant to be celibate.

Charasma also held a news conference with his partner and gay activists at a Rome restaurant.

They had planned a

demonstration in front of the Vatican but changed the venue several hours before it was due to have started.

The Vatican said the dismissal had nothing to do with Charasma’s reflections on his personal life, which it said “merit respect”.

But it said giving the interview and the planned demonstration was “grave and irresponsible” given their timing on the eve of a synod of bishops who will d i s c u s s family issues, including the Church’s position on gays.

It said his actions would subject the synod, which Pope Francis is due to open today, to “undue media pressure”.

At the news conference, Charamsa said he wanted to make “an enormous noise for the good of the Church” and apply “good Christian pressure” on the synod not to forget homosexual believers.

“This decision of mine to come out was a very personal

one taken in a Catholic Church that is homophobic and very difficult and harsh (towards gays),” he said.

He suggested that a study be made of how many homosexuals work in the Vatican. “We can’t continue showing contempt and offence towards homosexuals,” he said.

The issue of homosexuality and the Church has dominated the aftermath of the pope’s visit to the United States last week.

“I ask the pope to be strong and to remember us, homosexuals, lesbians, transsexuals and bisexuals as children of the Church and members of humanity,” Charamsa said.

The Vatican has been embarrassed by a row over the pope’s meeting during his U.S. trip with Kim Davis, a Kentucky county clerk who went to jail in September for refusing to honor a U.S. Supreme Court ruling and issue same-sex marriage licences.

Sunday October 04, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 9

Dem boys seh...

GRDB official fired, Minister says audit now threatened Is now people know As the fallout of the forensic audit into the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) continues, a senior GRDB official said to have been co-operating with the auditors, has been dismissed on the orders of GRDB General Manager Nizam Hassan.

Junior Finance Minister Jaipaul Sharma, who bears oversight for the audits, is up in arms as the individual had already aided in uncovering questionable activities at GRDB. Last week forensic auditors combing through GRDB uncovered that $100M was “borrowed” from the agency by Guyana Rice Producers Association (GRPA) General Secretary Dharamkumar Seeraj, reportedly to pay farmers who had supplied paddy but were left being owed for extended periods.

The decision to fire the individual is reported to have been taken on Wednesday by Hassan, who has been functioning as General Manager since July. He replaced Jagnarine Singh,

Junior Finance Minister, Jaipaul Sharma

GRDB GM, Nizam Hassan

who resigned from GRDB ahead of the impending audit into the agency.

When contacted yesterday, Sharma revealed that the man’s dismissal was in fact not the first instance that a co-operating employee was dismissed from GRDB. The Minister related that when he was first informed of the dismissal, his immediate concern was to ascertain if the official was qualified.

However, Sharma said

that the official was indeed qualified, being the holder of a Master’s Degree.

“I see it as preventing me from carrying out my audit,” Sharma noted, adding that he will take it up with Hassan in order to secure a resolution.

In a letter to Hassan seen

by Kaieteur News, the official can be seen requesting an explanation for the GM’s decision to dismiss him. The official’s letter went on to note that no reason for firing him

Lusignan merchant granted bail on fraud charge A merchant was ordered to post $50,000 bail after he was slapped with two charges of fraudulent conversion, when he appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Friday.

Toney Ramnarine, of Lot 6 East Lusignan, East Coast Demerara, pleaded not guilty to the charges after they were read to him by Magistrate Ann McLennan.

During August, at Water Street, Georgetown, it is alleged that he fraudulently converted a quantity of male and female clothing entrusted to him by Komal Chan, to his own use and benefit.

Chan had given the articles to Ramnarine for him to sell and return the proceeds.

The second charge alleges that between April 1 and September 4, at Regent Street, Georgetown, Ramnarine, was entrusted by Ranita Pariah with a quantity of gift sets valued $100,000 to sell and return the proceeds.

But instead, the defendant fraudulently converted the items to his own use and benefit.

Ramnarine pleaded not guilty to both charges.

When given a chance to address the court, the defendant admitted that the items were given to him by both Chan and Pariah to sell.

Ramnarine explained that he was unable to sell all the goods because the market is hard. He added that he did not steal the money.

Police Corporal, Deniro Jones, presented the prosecution’s case. He was not opposed to the defendant being granted pre-

trial liberty.

This matter was deferred until October 9, when it comes up before Magistrate Fabayo Azore.

Meanwhile, in another case, two men were given a second chance after charges of break and enter/larceny Continued on page 71

was provided in the termination letter.

The missive was reportedly written on Thursday, one day after the dismissal. In it was stated that while the GM “claimed it was a Board decision, the Board would not meet until Friday, October 2, 2015.”

According to the 1994 GRDB amended Act, Part 3, Section 17 (3), “the Board may employ a secretary and such other officers and employees as the Board may require for the purposes of carrying out its functions under this act, and the power to remove and to exercise disciplinary control over any person so employed shall be vested in the Board.”

Citing the GRDB Act, CoChairman of the Rice Producers AssociationAction Committee (RPA-AC) and Board Director Jinnah Rahman made it clear that there was no reason to dismiss the employee, save in an effort to silence the staff of GRDB and as an act of vindictiveness.

He also noted that the dismissal could not have come about following a Board meeting as the only meeting scheduled for last week was on Friday. That meeting, Rahman observed, was “arbitrarily” cancelled.

“The Board of Directors never discussed the man’s matter,” Rahman stated.

why Donald so slow Dem got some sayings that does lef people thinking long and hard. Dem also got scientists who research some things and mek nuff interesting discoveries. These things now form conversation.

Doctors know that de bigger de brain de more intelligent de person or de animal. Scientists now find out that de ostrich eye more big than its brain. Guyana got some politicians like that.

How else dem could expect to thief and get away wid it.

De discovery bout de eye is something else. Nuff fish don’t blink but de shark can blink wid both eyes.

Guyana politicians don’t find this strange.

When people telling a lie dem does blink nuff that is why dem politicians who was in de last government walking and blinking all de time. Blinking tun a habit.

A snail can sleep for three years. Donald too. He start sleep from de time he get swear in and when he wake up he run and call elections and lose. He is de only person who ever serve a three-year term in Guyana.

A goldfish got a memory span of three seconds.

Dem boys seh that de Pee Pee Pee did believe that de whole Guyana was like a goldfish. That is why de party do nuff things and believe that people woulda forget.

Now dem worried if people really got memory like a goldfish because if that is de case people done forget dem.

Then dem boys remember de people who got de skills.

De other day dem open a magazine and dem find some interesting facts.

Dem read how a British doctor seh that in he country dem got doctors who can take a lung out of one person, put it in another, and have that person looking for work in four weeks.

A Canadian doctor then seh, “In my country, medicine is so advanced that we can take half a heart out of one person, put it in another, and have them both looking for work in two weeks. “ Dr Luncheon seh, “You guys are way behind, We just took a man with no brain, Donald, mek him president of Guyana, and now the whole country looking for work.

Talk half and don’t accept that you is a goldfish.

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Kaieteur News

Sunday October 04, 2015

Venezuela showing two faces on - tells UN one thing, border controversy tells Venez. another Despite the intervention of the United Nations (UN) last week, the Venezuelan administration seems to be sending mixed signals as to whether it is genuinely interested in solving the territorial controversy with Guyana in the spirit of peace and cooperation.

Venezuelan VicePresident Jorge Arreaza in his capacity as Chairman of the Presidential Commission on the Essequibo delivered sharp words on the matter to the Spanish speaking nation.

His address was televised but was later released yesterday by Venezuela’s Ministry of Popular Power for Foreign Affairs.

Arreaza expressed that the rulers of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, “undoubtedly motivated by dark transnational interests and puffed by imperial corporate centers, have taken an arbitrary, illegal and unilateral attitude to ignore the Geneva Agreement and refuse to activate the Good Offices according to International Law.” He said that Venezuela “once again deplores the absurd and irrational actions taken by the current government of Guyana to ignore its international obligations, citing false protections based on lies and subterfuge in order to create a situation of aggression against Venezuela, with the obvious involvement of imperial forces.”

Continuing, he reiterated

Venezuelan Vice-President Jorge Arreaza earlier claims that the 1899 Arbitral Award was an imperial fraud and is in fact null and void.

He emphasized that Venezuela suffered 116 years of the fraud since the implementation of the action of imperial agents who sought to take away Essequibo.

Arreaza contended that the 160 thousand square kilometers of continental territory and water areas form an indivisible part of Venezuela’s territory.

The Vice President went on “We express the profound outrage at what this ominous date represents in the history of world diplomacy, which showed the vilest face of systematic depredation that British Empire perpetrated against the territorial integrity of many nations of the world through the misappropriation of more than two million square kilometers on our planet.”

The Vice President said that the “arbitration fraud” which occurred in Paris, France on October 3, 1899 summarized the criminal act of diplomatic piracy.

He recalled that well into the twentieth century, the British Empire, the then colonial occupier of British Guiana (now Guyana), in its intentions, expressed in the “barbaric Arb i t r a t i o n fraud”, chose to get rid of the issue when granting independence.

He is of the opinion that the Geneva Agreement of 1966 between the parties is law in both countries and recognizes the validity of his country’s claim which has seen unreservedly null and void, the Paris award of 1899.

But several local experts on Law of the Sea have made it clear that the Geneva Agreement is not a law in Guyana or anywhere else, contrary to what the Vice President said. “More importantly, the Agreement does not seek to allocate land nor does it supersede or overthrow the 1899

Arbitration Award.”

They even reinforced to Kaieteur News that it makes no mention of the 1899 Arbitration Award being null and void or of Venezuela having additional land within Guyana’s borders.

They stressed that “This press release is a testimony to the dishonesty of the Venezuelan administration.”

On Friday, President David Granger said, “As far as I am concerned this territory belongs to Guyana and any attempt by Venezuela to use armed force to prevent Guyana from exercising its sovereignty over its land or sea space or airspace is illegal.”

Granger said that there were commitments made on the part of Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro on installing ambassadors between the two countries.

However, there were no guarantees made by Maduro that there will be no further aggression, should Guyana continue to pursue development possibilities in Essequibo ahead of any

President David Granger solutions to the border controversy.

Any such solution is to be arrived at by the Special United Nation’s delegation tasked with investigating the situation.

The Head of State also updated the media on other interventions made on the matter as facilitated by UN Secretary General, Ban KiMoon.

He said, too, that the Venezuelan troops that were deployed in the Cuyuni area in western Guyana have been

withdrawn.

He opined the agreements do bode well for the restoration of normalcy on the border.

On the matter of developing the Essequibo, the President said, “We would certainly like to proceed and this is the undertaking which we have given foreign investors; we are calling on the international community to preserve the security of our country, our territorial integrity.”

He said Guyana has embraced the diplomatic course of action to prevent, forestall or inhibit Venezuela “from behaving in a lawless manner.”

He had said while the controversy with Venezuela over the border has persisted for 50 years, there has been no full scale invasion of Guyana and as such, influence by the Americans has probably worked in preventing the controversy from degenerating into violence.

(KIANA WILBURG)

Guyanese is St Kitts and Nevis’ youngest DPP Another Guyana-born jurist has continued the rich tradition of his countrymen of holding down top legal posts in the Caribbean.

Arudranauth Gossai, a Guyanese Hugh Wooding Law School Graduate has been appointed Acting Director of Public Prosecutions for St. Kitts and Nevis.

At age 36, Mr. Gossai, former Crown Counsel in the St Kitts and Nevis Attorney General’s Chambers is believed to be the country’s youngest DPP. According to reports he has been appointed to act in the post for three months and made his first appearance at Court in his

new position on Thursday.

Gossai worked in St. Kitts and Nevis’ Attorney General’s Chambers from 2005 to 2012 and during his stint as Crown Counsel, he also served as a member of the legal team representing the government on several high profile ‘political’ cases.

He moved into private practice in 2012 working as an Associate Attorney with Gonsalves Parry.

Mr. Gossai has served as Counsel to the National AIDS Secretariat, and in various capacities with the Saint Christopher and Nevis Bar Association. He is currently a member of the Association’s Disciplinary Committee.

Arud, as he is popularly

called, holds a Bachelors of Social Sciences Degree in Business Management from the University of Guyana (1999); and a Bachelors of Law from the University of Guyana (2002).

Gossai was admitted to the local bar in 2004 and to the St Kitts bar two years later.

The post of DPP had been vacant since September 21, following a legal settlement between the former DPP and the Attorney General.

The former Director of Public Prosecutions, Travers Sinanan, had filed suit against the Attorney General Vincent Byron Jr., challenging the government’s decision not to renew his contract.

Arudranauth Gossai According to a source, the new DPP of St Kitts is a close relative of local Attorney-at-Law Bernard Da Silva.

Sunday October 04, 2015

Kaieteur News

The story of a 94-year-old breast cancer survivor (Written by Halima Yusuf, granddaughter-in-law of Zackeeran Khan) Her story is one of love, honesty, courage and a positive attitude that is sure to inspire you in many ways.

Zackeeran Khan was born on July 29, 1921 in Bloomfield-Berbice, British Guyana. She was married at the age of 15 and had 11 children. Although her father strongly believed in education and most of her brothers became doctors, the proper thing during those times was to marry her to a decent young man who would provide stability.

Her husband was a hardworking baker and gradually worked his way to acquiring a Petroleum business which provided a good life for the family. At the age of 47 her husband died, and with their youngest child only four years old, Zackeeran, decided to take “the bull by the horns.”

With barely a high school education she was left to take care of the business and provide for the family in a very male-dominated society.

Despite the obvious challenges, her positive attitude would not allow her to falter. She focused on the things that mattered most- her children and being able to provide a solid foundation for their future.

Zackeeran understood the importance of financial security, but stressed humbleness and fairness to her children while promoting higher education for her daughters. She broke barriers and sent her unmarried daughters to the United States and England to study.

She would often say, “If you do honest work, you do not have to worry and everything will be all right.”

She ran the family business successfully, which still operates today and is a milestone in the community.

She was able to help her own family, and, for anyone that needed her help and support, she was always ready and willing.

Her courage and humility are exposed in her mannerisms, and I chuckle every time I remember the story that was told to me of when she first came to visit the United States.

She was having a waffle for breakfast one morning and noticed several purple flecks, so she picked them out one by one, threw them in the garbage and ate the rest of the waffle. When the family came home she quietly told her daughter that she thought it was time to throw the waffles away because

Halima Yusuf they had spoiled. But, of course, they were simply blueberries.

She often reminisces about her travels to Florida and how much fun she had visiting Disney World and all the other enjoyable places.

She loved Elvis Presley’s music and was sad when Jim Reeves passed away.

At 85 years old, with very little knowledge of breast cancer and still living alone in Guyana because she refused to live with any of her children, she was diagnosed with stage-two breast cancer and decided to have one of her breasts removed.

When asked, what does she think about losing her breast, she simply smiled and said, “I do not need those things at my age.” It did not matter what came her way, she always seemed to find a positive outlook on life.

A few weeks after her mastectomy our family visited her, and she was more concerned that we had something to eat and did not travel too far.

Her only worry in life was that she never wanted anyone to go out of their way for her.

At 94 years old my grandmother is finally slowing down, not because of her cancer but because she lost strength in her legs. Her

voice is still as young and confident as a 16-year-old, with her words carefully chosen.

Zackeeran is still passionate about education, and advocates that all the boys should have a good job before they get married because it is expensive to take care of a family. She also believes that girls should seek knowledge and take all the education they can get, so that they can take care of themselves as well.

A month ago I visited her, and as I stroked her beautiful white hair she told me stories of her childhood and the things she never did. I learned that, at 94 years old, she has never cut her hair or wore red, and that she loves everything white from her teacup to her sheets.

Although she vividly remembers her childhood, she does not like to speak of anything painful that happened in her life. Instead, she would say,” Some memories of the past can really hurt, so you try hard not to think of them.”

Her only regret now is that she cannot take care of herself. Her daughter and family treasure every moment with her and cater to all her needs, for which she is grateful. As a partial vegetarian for most of her life, she feels very lucky to have a son-in-law that loves to cook for her and wakes up early before leaving for work to specially prepare all her meals.

Zackeeran never remarried and thinks that she has been away from her husband too long.

On a daily basis,she talks about her mother whom she was close to and spent much of her life with, up until her mother died 19 years ago at the age of 95. Zackeeran often calls out loudly in her sleep, “Ma.”

Page 11

National tree planting day gives fillip to food production Under the theme, “Exploiting our strengths, advancing agricultural developments,” Guyana celebrates Agriculture Month. A significant activity that marks the month is National Tree Planting Day. On Friday, Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder, and his Permanent Secretary, George Jervis, urged Guyana, through the media to make the most of the day.

Cognizant of the fact that investing in a Green Economy has several benefits to not only enhance food security but also to reduce poverty and improve nutrition, Holder placed emphasis on the initiative.

The event is held under the theme, “Plant a Tree for a Green Economy.” It is on the Ministry’s calendar of activities for Agriculture Month 2015.

It will focus on greening the economy with the aim to overcome environmental degradation and economic decline through planting trees.

Alluding to the importance trees play in climate change, the Minister said that every tree planted is another step forward in the country’s battle to save the planet.

He echoed the call for society to have a change in its mindset and come on board with the initiative, not because of the environmental

- Thousands of trees planted contribution which the country stands to benefit, but the fact that it can reduce energy consumption for air conditioning and making heat less oppressive.

Minister Holder said that tree planting also fosters community spirit and pride, bringing people together for a meaningful purpose that can build bridges and promote the understanding that brings communities together.

As trees grow, they contribute to reducing climate change by removing carbon dioxide from the air, storing carbon in the trees and soil, and releasing oxygen into the atmosphere.

Throughout the initiative, the Ministry of Agriculture is committed to planting 150,000 fruit trees, but hopes to have this increased to 500,000 by the end of 2015. The Mayor and City Council of Georgetown will be planting 1000 trees within the municipality.

George Jervis, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, urged everyone to plant a tree. He expressed preference for a fruit tree.

He explained that those unable to find to a tree could access one at the National Agriculture and Research Institute (NARI) for plants at a subsidized price of $100.

He asked that citizens not only plant in their yards and parapets but on the dams in the communities and in every available public place where the tree will not be an encumbrance.

HUGO CHAVEZ CENTRE PLANTS The response to the initiative was good. Whether it was as good as the Ministry would have liked is yet to be confirmed.

However, social media was booming, showing several citizens photographing the tress they planted. Even the Ministry of Social Protection jumped on board.

The Ministry said that self sufficiency is critical to reducing poverty and ensuring food security and thus it is embracing, seeking to ensure the homes and care institutions under its mandate are so equipped.

The process began yesterday with the Hugo Chavez Centre for Rehabilitation and Reintegration at Onverwagt, West Coast Berbice, Region Five. The Centre hosted a tree planting exercise.

Several persons, led by Minister of Social Protection, Volda Lawrence, planted trees in the large compound to kick start an extensive farm that (Continued on page 71)

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Kaieteur News

Sunday October 04, 2015

Proposals pour in for Project Restore Guyana Even as the multidisciplinary Task Force to restore Guyana as a land of great attractiveness and prosperity is set to complete its regional outreaches, it has already begun receiving proposals from several municipalities and regions for enhancement projects.

This is Phase One of the programme, according to Head of the National Task Force Secretariat for “Project Restore Guyana”, Dr. Sewnauth Punalall.

The Secretariat Head said that the Task Force is set to wrap-up the regional outreach as soon as tomorrow.

According to Dr. Punallall, the National Taskforce is on its final visit, in Mabaruma, Region One. Prior to visiting Region One, a team headed by Major General (Ret’d), Joseph

Singh, visited Region Seven on September 29.

There he met with more than 30 persons in a meeting held in the boardroom of the Bartica hospital. According to the Secretariat Head, issues such as the need for a new landfill site, proper roads and improved water supply and problems affecting small miners were raised. Stressed as well was the need for the Regional Administration to put in place the necessary services and space critical for creating a township, a status that Bartica is set to attain in May 2016.

The Task Force would have completed visits to the other Regions in August and September.

Cabinet approved the establishment of the multidisciplinary Task Force, which includes representatives from

the business sector, professional organisations and members of civil society, to aid with the transformation of Guyana under the new Government.

This was in response to the sustained call from the citizenry for a cleaner, safer and more sustainable environment.

The regional visits have been to inform the Regions and Regional Administration of the various areas of responsibility which have to be dealt with by the Taskforce, under “Project Restore Guyana,” and which must be

executed by the various areas.

These responsibilities are in regard to national drainage, solid waste management and the removal of derelict vehicles, traffic management, sustainable countrywide renewal, welfare management of the homeless addicted and the mentally challenged.

The Task Force has had committees set up along these lines, each headed by senior Government officials, the exception being the Public and Stakeholders Consultation Committee, which comprises community representatives.

Project Restore Guyana is being rolled out in three phases.

The first phase which immediately follows the regional outreaches, will go until May 2016, and will address critical interventions within the Regions, as submitted by proposals from the Regional Administrations.

Dr. Punalall explained that whatever is captured in these proposals that are not executed in Phase One will be executed in Phase Two (which goes until 2017) or Phase Three (which goes until 2020).

Thus far, the Task Force

has received information from the Municipalities of Corriverton, Rose Hall, New Amsterdam and from the Regional Democratic Councils of Regions Five and Six on projects and interventions that they are seeking to have implemented in their communities and Regions under Project Restore Guyana, Dr. Punalall said.

He advised that projects that will be implemented in Phase One will be selected based on three criteria - critical to human lives, the environment and the economy. (GINA)

ICT genie is out of the bottle - Education Minister At the open day ceremony held at Cyril Potter College of Education on Friday, Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine reminded those in attendance of the government’s plans of distributing one laptop per teacher across the country.

It was President David Granger who in 2011

recognized the need for teachers to be au fait with the latest technology. He committed himself to the distribution of one laptop per teacher throughout the country. President Granger delivered on his promise in September. In relation to Information and Communications Technology,

(ICT) the Minister said that the “genie is out of the bottle, we can’t put it back in.”

Children are now being seen as masters of the new technology and it is imperative that teachers keep up with them, he said. The programme to provide laptops to the teachers was said to already be established and some teachers have already received theirs. The trainees of CPCE are also slated to receive laptops.

“Children armed with tablets and teachers armed with the latest technology and

the computers, we will in fact be taking the necessary big steps we need to take to enter the twenty-first century,” said Roopnaraine.

This initiative will build on the recently established “Guyana Improving Teacher Education Project”, of 2014 which saw the students and teachers along with lecturers of Cyril Potter College of Education receiving laptops.

Questions arose regarding the sustainability of the project but with the support of Government, the distribution of laptops to teachers will be sustained.

Sunday October 04, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 13

Govt. pushes to revamp public service With responsibilities such as the provision of health, security, and educational services, Guyana’s public service has a significant role to play in the development of this nation.

But even with this mammoth responsibility Guyana’s public service is apparently underperforming and therefore reforms are necessary to bring it up to standard.

These statements were made by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, during the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) 21st Biennial Delegates’ Conference held at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre. The convention came to an end on Friday.

During his remarks, Harmon opined that the public service played the crucial role of delivering

services to the citizenry. He said too that the Guyana Government viewed the public service as “the engine of the executive”.

He continued, “The government cannot function without the public service; you are involved in one of the most important tasks of national life: the delivery of public service. To the nation, services such as education, health, public security and infrastructure all depend on your delivery.”

He further said that the quality of the public service is a key determinant of the quality of life in Guyana’s society. Therefore, he went on, the public service needed to be efficient to create an environment in which the populace can benefit from a good life.

“A good life is not possible in Guyana without

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, during his address at the GPSU conference. good public service,” he added. He went on to stress that it is necessary to pay more attention to the purpose of the public service.

Furthermore, he said, the projected enhancement of the public service comes at a time when the country is

Differently able persons will have yearlong public assistance - Volda Lawrence

Minister Volda Lawrence is flanked by Head of the CC&PA Ann Green (right) and MP John Adams at the workshop.

Differently able persons will no more be subjected to six- month tranches of public assistance anymore.

They have begun receiving continuous financial benefits from the new government. In addition, these persons will also not have to be taken to the office to be evaluated; the Social Welfare Officer will have to (do their work) visit them.

Those were the words of Senior Minister of Social Protection Volda Lawrence.

Lawrence was responding to concerns from a group at a recently held workshop at the St Francis Community Developers Multipurpose Hall at Portuguese Quarters, Port Mourant Corentyne Berbice, which looked at legal issues surrounding sexual offences involving children.

The workshop was part of a series of activities held to observe Child Protection Week, which is being observed under the Theme ‘Strengthen Families to Protect Children’.

The Minister stated that the government is serious with its drive of a good life for all Guyanese and the administration has taken a

number of initiatives to fulfill this mandate.

Differently able persons will not be left behind.

To this end, the Minister added that a Bill is soon to be tabled in the National Assembly to ensure that at least two disabled persons are employed in every government agency.

In terms of the Pensioners, the Minister stated that the government will be moving to enhance the payment of pensions.

“I want to say that 2016 will be the last year for booklets; the Ministry will be going high-tech come 2017.”

Also of concern, she said, is the lack of specialized Counselors to deal with victims of sexual abuse. The Minister said that efforts are being made to attract trained persons to deal with the various issues.

“We are working assiduously to deal with all the various issues we inherited .We do not have persons within the system to deal with the various areas of ailments. We need specialized people to deal with our children, street people, the elderly and other social ills affecting our country.”

Minister Lawrence stated that the Ministry is looking to collaborate with various International agencies for funding to attract skilled persons to work in these areas.

She also touched on the issue of establishing a juvenile holding centre in the Region. “We have to ensure that Georgetown doesn’t become the hub of everything so we have to decentralized services.”

In that light, Lawrence challenged Alex Foster, President of the SFCD to find a building in Berbice, which could be used as a holding centre fo r d e l i n q u e n t children. She said that in collaboration with Minister of National Security Khemraj Ramjattan, efforts a r e b e i n g m a de to save those children from falling through the cracks.

The workshop was attended by a number of NGO’s including the police, orphanages, religious organisations, the legal fraternity, social workers, University Of Guyana Students, representatives of the National Psychiatric Hospital, nurses and teachers among others.

embarking upon a process of democratic renewal and the pursuit of national unity. He said too that if there is to be an efficient public service then frank approaches must be taken to deal with issues.

He emphasised that things must not be “hidden under the carpet” but rather brought to light and worked upon.

“If we are to have an efficient public service, we

must not pull punches; we must be frank about what we need,” he stressed.

Additionally, he said, a new approach to the type of public servants Guyana needs must be considered.

“What we are going to do in a small space of time is to indicate a new roadmap for the type of public servants that we are looking for in this administration and in the administrations to come,” he explained.

He continued, “We need a public service that is reliable – reliable and accessible – that is responsive to the needs of our people.” He further said that these positive developments must occur in all regions of Guyana, “on the coast and in the hinterlands, in urban and rural Guyana”.

He also noted that the public service must serve as a conduit of historical knowledge and collective experience so as to facilitate the continuum of public life.

“You can’t have a public service that can’t remember

things, that loses documents, that files documents in a wrong way and destroys documents. This is what we call the continuum in public life and this is the responsibility of a responsible public service,” he said.

He said that this knowledge and experience must be available to the political administration at any given time so that public policy can evolve in an ordered, progressive and developmental way.

REFORMS NEEDED However, he said, progress cannot be achieved if the public service does not comprise of persons with integrity and who are willing and able to give advice without fear, favour, partiality or prejudice. These persons must also possess strict administrative drive, Harmon added.

“We believe that this can only be achieved if the public service is firmly based on a system of merit and political Continued on page 67

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Kaieteur News

Sunday October 04, 2015

Botched Brazil Cable renders US$10M Towers useless Bharrat Jagdeo’s grand Information Communication Technology (ICT) scheme is falling apart daily and Guyanese are learning more and more, the level of indebtedness in which he has

plunged the nation.

Kaieteur News continues to be at the vanguard of reporting on corruption and other questionable deals in which billions of taxpayers’ dollars were mismanaged.

Today there are ‘54 Long Term Evolution Towers (LTE) across the country’ —built at a cost of US$10M. GT&T’s former Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Yog Mahadeo, drew

reference to the fact that it is not just the money used on the Fiber Cable from Brazil that has gone down the drain; there is also now limited scope for the 54 LTE towers.

He described the cable strung as currently “irreparable.”

USELESS TOWERS On the matter of the now useless towers, Dr. Mahadeo told Kaieteur News that GT&T already has in place its own distribution network for its bandwidth supplied to consumers, including Government.

As such, the telephone company will have no use for the 54 LTE Towers, to service the eGovernance Project.

The LTE Towers were built as part of Jagdeo’s grandiose scheme to link a Fiber Optic Cable from Brazil, supplying bandwidth to a Fiber and LTE network that was set up across the country and its Coast from Moleson Creek to Anna Regina.

Much of the project financing which has to date cost in excess of US$100M, comes in the form of loans from China, monies that will have to be repaid using tax dollars.

Dr. Mahadeo did posit that government could possibly use the network in a drive toward liberalization and maybe sell the infrastructure to a private company so that they can compete in the industry.

The revelation by Dr. Mahadeo has underscored the fact that Jagdeo not only

retarded Guyana’s technological evolution, but indebted its people to the tune of billions, monies that will take a number of years to repay.

This could have all been avoided if Jagdeo had initially taken up GT&T’s offer five years ago when the telephone company landed a submarine fiber optic cable in Guyana from Suriname, capable of supplying the country’s demands, 10-fold.

By the time GT&T’s fibre optic cable landed in Guyana, Jagdeo had already announced that Government had made a down payment for its own fiber optic cable coming from Brazil.

He said that the government’s cable will facilitate eGovernance—an ambitious plan to increase efficiency in the public service. His refusal to use GTT’s fibre optic cable infrastructure however, meant that Guyana was literally kept in the ‘technological dark age’ while it awaited the Brazil cable.

The new coalition government is now being credited with promoting Guyana with the roll-out, of its pilot phase of the eGovernance service.

ICT experts indicate that had Guyana been using the GTT internet service all along, its ICT sector would by now be five years more advanced than where it is currently.

“He (Jagdeo) instead opted to invest billions of tax dollars on a cable from Brazil,

a cable that is yet to see the light of day and in the process, literally retarded Guyana’s technological growth.”

Compounding the situation is the fact that the Guyana Government had agreed to pay a Brazilian company for bandwidth to the cable for the eGovernance project.

Since the cable project has never been completed, Government has been unable to use any of the bandwidth available but nevertheless had to make its contracted payments. That contract has since been terminated.

This publication was told that a forensic audit is currently being undertaken regarding expenditure that would have been utilized on the project thus far, and at the completion of that exercise the administration would be in a better position to say how much was spent for bandwidth never used.

The Brazil cable was to have been connected to a fiber optic network that was strung along Guyana’s coast (Moleson Creek to Charity) and allow for the transmission of high speed data, video and voice communication.

The data network project is committed to the establishment of one centralized facility, which will host most of the government’s ICT applications, offer internet service and support operational and maintenance services. The Data Center will be established in Georgetown.

Sunday October 04, 2015

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Sunday October 04, 2015

Captured cell phone bandit confesses to another robbery As detectives continue to interrogate two gunmen who crashed their getaway car near Criminal Investigation Division (CID) headquarters, Eve Leary on Friday, at least one of the suspects has confessed to one other robbery.

The robbers have been identified as Adam McDonald of Amelia’s Ward and Jermaine Daley, of Norton Street, Lodge.

The robbery, to which one of the men confessed, happened on Wednesday at Sandy Babb Street, Kitty where two armed men held up the proprietor of a grocery store and escaped with over $1.7M in cash.

Owner, 20-year-old Amina Habibbulla, said she was about to close one of the doors to her shop when two men appeared in front of her and instructed her not to move.

She said that they ransacked the shop before escaping on a CG motorbike with money she had in the store to pay a supplier.

While the other robber remains tightlipped, his accomplice is providing police with enough information, which could very well help them to solve a number of other robberies.

- Third suspect remains at large

The crashed car

The gun that was recovered Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum confirmed that the third suspect in Friday’s get away remains at large.

According to reports, a large quantity of the stolen items was recovered in a house at Norton Street, Lodge.

Meanwhile, this newspaper was reliably informed that the confessed robber has reportedly told police that he previously rented cars from a particular taxi base five times before.

It is unclear if the robber used the same rented car he

crashed on Friday all five times. It also cannot be confirmed if he used the car(s) to commit other robberies.

This newspaper was informed that the police will be questioning the owner of that base to determine whether he intentionally rented the car(s) to the men, knowing they were going to commit robberies.

Investigators will also be matching the dates on which the men rented the car(s) to robberies committed during that time.

“We will look at the dates and make comparisons to

other robberies to make a connection,” a police source said.

Kaieteur News was told that victims of robberies will be shown the cars and the men who rented them, to determine whether the men in custody are the perpetrators.

On Friday, the robbers crashed the car while quarreling over their loot.

The bandits and an accomplice had just robbed the Elite Mobile Cell Phone Store on Parade Street, Kingston, from which they had carted off cash and 15

high-end phones, a total of some $3M. Kaieteur News was told that the two arrested robbers had locked the door to the business premises, while their accomplice (who is at large) held a handgun and demanded valuables.

They collected several high-end phones and money.

However, greed reportedly got in the way and a quarrel broke out between the men over the ill-gotten gains.

The men eventually crashed their car in the vicinity

of the police headquarters, Eve Leary.

Kaieteur News was told that a senior police rank looked through the windows and saw that the two men who exited the car were acting suspiciously.

One of them allegedly whipped out a gun and amidst shouts of “he got a gun” Felix Austin Police Training College trainees ran in the direction of the robbers.

The two men were captured while the third suspect escaped after fleeing into a nearby yard.

E’bo rice farmers want Govt. help Already plagued with numerous factors that continue to challenge the rice industry, rice farmers are turning their attention to the government to intervene to save the sector.

They want government to subsidise fuel and fertilizers.

“We want someone in authority to come and sit with us and let us have a discourse to save the rice industry.”

One Anna Regina rice farmer who is still in the process of completing his

harvesting for this present crop, lamented that cost of production far exceeds the cost a farmer would invest to cultivate a single crop.

The farmer contended that they are on the losing side since millers are paying $2000 for “A” grade which is the highest grade of paddy.

The farmer said that a lot of rice farmers on the Essequibo Coast are receiving “sample grade” which is referred to as damaged paddy. The farmer added that in this case the

miller would place a random cost to such grade of rice.

Another farmer who has completed harvesting eighteen acres of paddy said that he lost over $800,000 of what he has invested and is certain that he would lose more in his next phase of harvesting.

Rice farmers countrywide and partic u l a r l y in E s s e q u i b o c o n t i n u e to complain about the low price they are receiving for a bag of paddy.

(Yannason Duncan)

Sunday October 04, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 25

Insomnia: Difficulty Sleeping

By Dr. Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine Insomnia is a persistent disorder that can make it hard to fall asleep, hard to stay asleep or both, despite the opportunity for adequate sleep. It is a common complaint during patient visits and can affect our health in the long run. Our body needs its rest to rejuvenate tissues and organs so that they can function effectively. Insomnia prevents this and leads to stress on organs which contribute to many medical illnesses over time.

What are the symptoms of insomnia?

People with insomnia often: * Have trouble falling or staying asleep * Feel tired or sleepy during the day * Forget things or have

trouble thinking clearly * Get cranky, anxious, irritable, or depressed * Have less energy or interest in doing things * Make mistakes or get into accidents more often than normal * Worry about their lack of sleep Common causes of Insomnia • Stress. Concerns about work, school, health or family can keep your mind active at night, making it difficult to sleep.

• Anxiety/Depression.

You might either sleep too much or have trouble sleeping if you're depressed. Insomnia often occurs with other mental health disorders as well.

• Medical conditions. If you have chronic pain, breathing difficulties or a need to urinate frequently,

Despite the best efforts there are too many young men who are aimless and therefore gravitate to the violent side of life.

They are being captured in record numbers but the system is such that they reappear on the streets in a short while.

One group having been just released would return to the life they know.

The difference is that this time some of them will not face the law because there are those equally aimless who also have guns.

The police are going to be running around in circles. ** Road accidents are becoming endemic. In Berbice some young drivers would seem bent

you might develop insomnia.

Examples of conditions linked with insomnia include arthritis, cancer, heart failure, lung disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), overactive thyroid, stroke, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.

• Change in your environment or work schedule. Travel or working a late or early shift can disrupt your body's sleep rhythms, making it difficult to sleep.

• Poor sleep habits. Poor sleep habits include an irregular sleep schedule, stimulating activities before bed, an uncomfortable sleep environment, and use of your bed for activities other than sleep or intimacy.

• Medications. Many prescription drugs can interfere with sleep, including some antidepressants, heart and blood pressure medications, allergy medications, stimu-

on consigning cars to the graveyard. A mixture of careless driving and alcohol would conspire to ensure that Guyana records higher than usual road accidents.

Computers are going to help put a clamp to the number of careless drivers who use the roads. ** I did tell you about the medical developments.

Another is underway and cancer patients are going to get the kind of help they were seeking all along.

A private company is going to introduce a piece of equipment that would revolutionise cancer treatment.

Of interest is that this piece of equipment would offer help to diabetics.

lants (such as Ritalin), and steroids.

• Caffeine, nicotine and alcohol. Coffee, tea, cola and other caffeine-containing drinks are well-known stimulants that will keep you awake.

Alcohol is a sedative that may help you fall asleep, but it prevents deeper stages of sleep and often causes you to awaken in the middle of the night.

• Eating too much late in the evening. Having a light snack before bedtime is OK, but eating too much may cause you to feel physically uncomfortable while lying down, making it difficult to get to sleep.

What can I do at home before help?

• Exercise and stay active.

Activity helps promote a good night's sleep. Get at least 20 to 30 minutes of vigorous exercise daily at least five to six hours before bedtime.

• Check your medications.

If you take medications regularly, check with your doctor to see if they may be contributing to your insomnia. Avoid or limit naps.

Naps can make it harder to fall asleep at night. If you can't get by without one, try to limit a nap to no more than 30 minutes and don't nap after 3 p.m.

• Avoid or limit caffeine and alcohol and don't use nicotine. All of these can make it harder to sleep. Avoid caffeine after lunchtime.

Avoiding alcohol can help prevent restless sleep and frequent awakenings.

• Don't put up with pain.

If a painful condition bothers you, make sure the pain reliever you take is effective

enough to control pain while you're sleeping.

• Stick to a sleep schedule. Keep your bedtime and wake time consistent from day to day, including on weekends.

• Avoid large meals and beverages before bed. A light snack is fine. But avoid eating too much late in the evening to reduce the chance of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and improve sleep. Drink less before bedtime so that you won't have to urinate as often.

• Use your bed and bedroom only for sleeping or intimacy. Don't read, work or eat in bed. Avoid TV, computers, video games, smartphones or other screens just before bed, as the light can interfere with your sleep cycle.

• Make your bedroom comfortable for sleep. Close your bedroom door or create a subtle background noise, such as a running fan, to help drown out other noises. Keep your bedroom temperature comfortable, usually cooler than during the day, and dark.

Don't keep a computer or TV in your bedroom.

• Hide the bedroom clocks.

Set your alarm so that you know when to get up, but then hide all clocks in your bedroom, including your wristwatch and cellphone, so you don't worry about what time it is.

• Find ways to relax. Try to put your worries and plan-

Dr. Zulfikar Bux ning aside when you get into bed. A warm bath or a massage before bedtime can help prepare you for sleep.

• Avoid trying too hard to sleep. The harder you try, the more awake you'll become.

Read in another room until you become very drowsy, then go to bed to sleep.

• Get out of bed when you're not sleeping. Sleep as much as you need to feel rested, and then get out of bed.

If you can't sleep, get out of bed after 20 minutes and do something relaxing, such as reading.

Then try again to get to sleep. If these remedies fail then you have a higher chance of having a medical cause for your insomnia and you should visit your doctor.

There are different therapies and medications which your doctor will explain and figure out the best option for your insomnia. We all need our sleep if we want to be at our best when we are awake.

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Kaieteur News

Sunday October 04, 2015

I dialed a murdered girl’s phone and got an answer

By Michael Jordan I dialed Sheema Mangar’s phone number a few days ago.

Of course I didn’t expect to get an answer. After all, Manger had been dead for five years. And the person who had killed her had snatched her Blackberry before dragging her to her death.

But guess what?

Someone answered. The individual was a young man; at least he sounded young. I think I said ‘wrong number’ or some such mundane thing, before hanging up.

I suspect that there’s no real mystery to what happened. The company to which the phone was registered may have just transferred the dead bank clerk’s number to another user. It’s happened before, and I’ll ask the young man how he got Mangar’s number the next time I call.

But you must admit that what happened was pretty damn strange; a strange happening in an already strange case.

There are so many unanswered questions that linger, including these three: Who killed Sheema Mangar? Was the killer just a petty thief who was after a cell phone? Is he dead as some policemen suspect?

Most of you already know the whole sad story, from what happened that night, to how they say the investigation was botched. In case you don’t, here’s what happened.

Around 6:30 p.m. on Friday, September 9, 2010, 21year-old Demerara Bank employee Sheema Manger, left her workplace and headed for Camp Street and North Road. It was at this spot that she would catch a bus that would take her to her parent’s home at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara.

It was while she was waiting with other commuters and some of her colleagues, that a man walked up to her and snatched her Blackberry phone.

One woman who was nearby recalled seeing a dark-

Sheema Mangar

Remembering Sheema Mangar: Relatives at the scene of Sheema’s murder complexioned man in a red sweater run past her from Norton Street into Camp Street.

She then saw a young woman, later identified as Mangar, screaming and running behind the man.

According to the eyewitness, the man entered a grey or ‘fawn-coloured’ car that was parked a short distance from the Methodist Church in Camp Street.

Mangar then stood in front of the car while shouting: “Give me back my phone.”

Instead, the occupants of the vehicle drove forward, crushing the woman under the wheels. They then dragged Mangar over North Road, before driving east up Church Street.

According to the eyewitness, the man entered a grey or ‘fawn-coloured’ car that was parked near the Methodist Church in Camp Street.

The young woman then stood in front of the car while demanding that the man give back her cell phone.

In response, the occupants of the car drove

forward, crushing Mangar under the wheels of the car, and dragging her to Church and Camp Street.

Leaving the injured woman on the roadway, the occupants of the car sped east up Church Street.

The eyewitness said that she never saw the licence number.

Mangar was taken to the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, where she succumbed a few hours later.

By this time, police officials had turned the case over to their homicide ranks, since they were treating the matter as a murder.

On Monday, September 12, detectives picked up a 31year-old man from Kingston.

The man, who had previous brushes with the law, drove a silver-grey car. The vehicle’s bumper and bonnet were slightly damaged.

According to police sources, they had picked the man up because informants had suggested that he might be the driver of the car that killed Mangar.

The crime scene experts found a single strand of hair on the vehicle, and they believed that the hair might be Mangar’s.

Four days later, police revealed that they had unearthed no further evidence and had released the suspect on station bail.

He was still a person of interest and was ordered to lodge his passport with the police. Detectives also impounded another vehicle.

Under this one, they retrieved what appeared to be a piece of green fabric, similar to the skirt that Mangar was wearing

when she was run over.

The impounded cars were both Toyotas but different models- one an AT 192 and the other an AT 212.

But police suffered a setback when they learned that the medical staff who were treating Mangar had disposed of her bloody clothing when she arrived at the hospital.

Detectives were left to take samples from another uniform that Mangar owned.

Samples from that uniform, and from the fabric found under one of the vehicles, as well as what appeared to be a spot of blood, were sent to a Barbados laboratory.

But none matched Mangar ’s DNA or her clothing. A police official said that the hair sample was not sent because it had no root to enable a DNA sample to be taken.

And because no police ranks had accompanied Mangar to hospital, detectives had lost out on the possibility of getting a dying declaration that may have helped identify her killer.

But who was Mangar’s killer? Was his motive merely robbery? To find out, I returned to the scene of the crime two weeks ago, around the same time I put through that call to the dead bank clerk’s number.

I was hoping that I would meet someone who had been there on the very night, and who could offer a fresh perspective on what had happened.

I was lucky.

The person I met recalled seeing a man running to a

vehicle, which was parked some distance from the Methodist Church in Camp Street. The eyewitness recalled seeing Mangar standing in front of the car and shouting “Give me back my phone,” before the vehicle struck her down and dragged her over North Road.

The eyewitness did not recall Mangar ever shouting ‘thief.’ That individual felt that Mangar knew the individual who had snatched her phone.

That eyewitness is convinced that the killer was waiting for Sheema Mangar, and that Mangar knew him.

Mangar’s mother, Radica Thakoor, also seems to doubt that her daughter’s attacker was merely after her phone.

“I don’t think so,” she told me recently. “She (Sheema) was a quiet person, she know better than that,” she added, referring to the notion that her daughter would pursue a thief just to retrieve a phone.

She said that Sheema had lost two other expensive phones and had not reacted in this manner.

“The first was left in a bus; the second one, somebody picked her bag, and she just let it go. The first was a Razr, the second was a Samsung.”

But then Mrs. Thakoor also says it is possible that her daughter reacted the way she had because she never expected such a violent response.

“She must not have expected somebody to do her anything, because of how me grow she. Many days me sit down and try to figure out what really happen.”

Meanwhile, detectives

close to the case remain convinced that this was just a case of an innocent victim confronting a violent thief.

One source said that after having two cell phones stolen from her, Sheema Mangar was determined not to be a victim a third time.

The source also revealed that one of the men that they had detained, and whose car they had examined, met a violent end less than two years after Mangar’s murder.

It was in 2012 that this suspect and another man were cornered in a Georgetown alley, after attempting to rob a business couple.

The suspect in Mangar’s murder was shot dead.

Mrs. Thakoor is convinced that the police can close this case and end her five years of torment.

“If they have a heart, I believe they will solve this matter,” she had told Kaieteur News a few years ago.

“If they lose their child, they will feel how I feel. They are not just police officers, they are fathers. They go home to a family too. I feel it’s not just the samples only, if they truly want to solve this they can.”

If you have any information about this unusual case or any other, please contact us at our Lot 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown office, or by telephone.

We can be reached on telephone numbers 2258473, 22-58458, 22-58465, or 22-58491. You need not disclose your identity.

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

Sunday October 04, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 27

== THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN ==

Here is the evidence of what this country is like I am not an arts critic. I know a little about music (forgive my chauvinism but I have one of the largest private music collection of countless genres). I have good scholarly grasp of literature to enable me to make plausible review of films, books and plays. One wonders what would have become of an arts critic in Guyana if we had a thriving music industry, a movie industry (like Jamaica) and a theatre that puts on monthly plays. If that reviewer wasn’t made of stern stuff and brimming with self-confidence then he/she could have easily succumbed to self-imposed exile Imagine the crucifixion if the reviewer accused the playwright of a poor script.

Imagine the decapitation if the reviewer was harsh on the acting ability. Imagine the denunciation if the singer was advised on their pitch. Rolling Stone magazine classified Celine Dion as one of the poorest singers around.

Imagine the pyrotechnics if the novel was dismissed as rambling aridness. Could a reviewer have survived the narrow-mindedness in this country if we had the

industries in those art forms listed above? I wonder how I would have made out. I did a review of the Lion King at the Theatre Guild and was critical of the lack of voice modulation ability of one of the actors. A letter-writer replied and said the column should have been thrown in the waste-basket.

There was no defence of the actor just an angry vilification of the reviewer.

That is the way it goes in Guyana. And the evidence of this narrow-mindedness is ubiquitous. I picked up this paper to read a letter-writer’s vexations about my criticism of a magistrate. He said my rebuke goes back over a year.

But there was not one line of where I went wrong about the magistrate.

There wasn’t one area of my criticism of the magistrate that was cited so I could have agreed and offered an apology. The letter was all about Freddie Kissoon being a man with a troubled past.

Freddie Kissoon is an attention –seeker. Freddie Kissoon hates people and it went on and on like that. I am still to find out which remark about the magistrate that was wrong so I could redeem

myself.

I picked up the paper and read the caustic condemnation by the letterwriter, GHK Lall. I never met this gentleman. Never spoke to him. Had no grievance against him.

He wrote; “I heard from reliable sources a few years back about the funding for Mr. Kissoon’s house…he should have known better…He not only compromised himself, he contaminated himself too…Yes he has deteriorated.” My wife was livid when she read that. Up to this day she shows exasperation when that issue comes up because she said we built our house with our savings.

The story of businessmen helping to build my home first appeared at the speeches of

President Jagdeo and PPP General Secretary, Donald Ramotar at the observance of the death anniversary of Cheddi Jagan in 2007. Then Mr. Ramotar wrote a letter in Kaieteur News to that effect.

No doubt Mr. GHK Lall heard about that thus his accusations against me.

There were three factors to note in Mr. Lall’s letter – I compromised myself, I am a contaminated person.

I have deteriorated in character. Despite several pleas in this newspapers (see my KN column of March 29, 2015) and the Stabroek News for Mr. Lall to cite just one, not several but just one example where I compromised myself, I am contaminated and I have deteriorated, Mr. Lall has refused to be open and frank with me. A commentator,

social activist, educator and human rights activist is accused of serious character flaws for which society ought to comment on but my accuser wrote back to say just name the businessmen.

Mr. Ramon Gaskin then got into the act and wrote in this newspaper that in taking money from these businessmen it was a sad day for journalism because I lost my independence and became, “like the rest of them.”

Up to this day I don’t know who the “rest of them” referred to. Then the editorin-chief of the Stabroek News, Mr. Anand Persaud, got in the act. In a response to an online comment on the issue, he attached a note saying I must come clean. Up to this day I don’t know what I must come clean with. Messrs. Lall,

Frederick Kissoon Gaskin and Persaud have not given me the any information for which I could offer a defence. I cite this example of Lall, Gaskin and Persaud because it typifies the hazard of being a critic in the Guyanese society. Surely, a commentator must accept criticism but not the examples listed above.

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Kaieteur News

Sunday October 04, 2015

BLUEPRINT FOR UPGRADING PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE …

- achieving Category I aviation listing, safer bridge for the Demerara River “Domestic Aviation has proven to be one of the keys to unlocking (the potential for a fully developed Hinterland), bringing our people together, developing our communities and exploiting our natural resources,” H.E. President David Granger said at the September 2015 commissioning of Trans Guyana’s new Raytheon 19seater Beechcraft. He used the opportunity to urge stakeholders, including the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCCA) and private aircraft owners, to move ahead quickly with their plans to “unlock the socioeconomic potential of Guyanese and bridge the (geographical) distance between the Coastland and Hinterland”.

Statistics from the Ogle International Airport show that approximately 13,500 passengers pass through it monthly. These stats are growing rapidly which makes it imperative for all operators and oversight bodies to put every measure in place to

ensure that the services are safe and reliable.

The GCAA is a satellite of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure. It is already committed to returning this sector to a position of full compliance with the regulations laid out by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). Their target for the end of 2015 is 70 percent effective implementation.

ICAO is a specialized agency of the United Nations that has codified the principles and techniques of international air navigation. It fosters the planning and development of international air transport to ensure safe and effective aviation growth among all of its member states.

In addition to ICAO compliance, the GCAA is simultaneously pursuing United States Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Category One safety rating under their International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) Programme.

Achievement of Category I status for Guyana will enable local air carriers to initiate direct service to the US or upgrade their current level of services, and to participate in reciprocal code-share arrangements with U.S-based carriers, among other benefits.

This is progress and is in keeping with Government’s promise to achieve International Category I rating during its first term of office.

In addition, the GCAA will continue to improve and develop Aeronautical Surveillance using the Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast System (ADS-B) which was introduced in 2014 to upgrade air traffic control and ultimately accommodate a larger volume of traffic in Guyana’s airspace.

Civil Aviation is also in the process of developing the requisite safety and security legislation in keeping with these new initiatives while internally boosting the quality of technical training for existing staff and new hires to

strengthen their institutional capacity. Their immediate plans also include the purchase of a new Air Traffic Control Simulator.

The Ministry has revised the expansion blueprint for the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

Of primary importance was the change that had to be made to the perimeter demarcations.

The new plan will see only fifteen (15) families being relocated due to their very close proximity to the airport.

The Government has identified a parcel of land adjacent to their current location at Timehri and the appropriate infrastructure is being installed including roads, electricity, water and other essential services.

When all is ready in the new housing area, the Government has committed to providing assistance to each family before and during their relocation.

BRIDGING THE DEMERARARIVERATAN ALTERNATIVE LOCATION Minister Patterson has spoken on several occasions about the vulnerability of the Demerara Harbour Bridge which links the East Bank of

Demerara with the West, at Peter’s Hall and SchoonOrd (Joe Vieira Park). Today the 6,074 foot long floating bridge is 37 years old having been commissioned on 2nd July 1978. It took 25 months to be constructed with assistance from the British government.

The basic design though was created by Guyanese Captain John Patrick Coghlan. Here are some interesting facts:* Following the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Forbes Burnham approached from Peter’s Hall and Deputy PM Ptolemy Reid from Schoon Ord to meet in the middle of the bridge in a symbolic gesture of East meeting West.

• The original idea for the bridge was proposed by Captain John Patrick Coghlan in 1952 completing extensive feasibility studies that included estimated traffic, toll, funding avenues, a hydrographic survey, and a subsoil analyses.

His proposal was first rejected by Sir Frank McDavid, Financial Secretary and Treasurer of the colonial government. *The bridge is a quarter mile long and 24 feet wide with two traffic lanes. Vehicles traveling on the bridge should not weigh more than 72,000 pounds.

• There are 61 spans including a high level span and two retractor spans • The East and West approaches to the bridge were constructed with a total of 395, 000 clay bricks laid over some 99,565 square feet. *It was the first time that such a massive bricklaying project was undertaken in Guyana. Only one of the workers involved in the fiveweek project had any experience in bricklaying. The bricks were manufactured at the Bel-Lu Clay Brick Factory, WBD which was at the time manufacturing about 100,000 bricks per week.

• The total cost of the Demerara Harbour Bridge was $37.8M. The cost was divided into several sectors:- bridge components - $29.7M; bridge spares - $2.8M; cranes and pile-driving equipment $1.1M; additional electrical components - $600,000; and construction expenditure $3.6M. • Of the nine (9) Guyanese engineers who worked on the bridge, eight (8) were graduates of the University of Guyana’s Faculty of Technology. They were Rickford Lowe, Hamlet Hope, Winsley Pearson, Prem Singh, Winston December, Baburam Singh, James Dukhan and Paul Henderson. (www.landofsixpeoples.com) The Demerara Harbour Bridge was designed to last only 10 years.

As it ages, the need for repairs to the flotation units, retractor spans, electrical systems and almost every component of the structure becomes more constant and costly. Its bitumen surface has also degraded significantly.

The Public Infrastructure Ministry will soon commission the requisite surveys (including soil composition, distance, cost and skill availability) on both banks of the Demerara River to come to a determination on the most feasible location for a new structure.

Thousands of people utilize the bridge for daily or occasional commute to work, to shop, to transport produce, to attend school, to access the two airports, the Essequibo Coast, Bartica and some Hinterland regions.

It cannot be overemphasized just how vital it is for the government to provide safe, reliable infrastructure to link our numerous towns and districts, to foster the development of business enterprises, and to educate our children.

Sunday October 04, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 29

MY COLUMN

The Best Plan Goes Awry Life can never be straightforward because no matter how you plan something will go wrong. On Friday I was sitting in my office when I got a phone call.

The police were after some men one of whom had displayed a gun.

The shocking truth is that all this happened outside the offices of the Criminal Investigations Department at Eve Leary.

Immediately I said that somebody had gone stark raving mad. I just couldn’t imagine that crime had reached the stage where people would take their criminal activities to the offices of the police.

The result is that I rushed a cameraman to capture this latest attempt at madness. He got some shots.

When he left the office he was under the impression that the men were robbing someone on the seawalls outside the Eve Leary offices.

The truth was something else.

The men had actually committed a robbery somewhere else in the city.

They then drove to the seawalls to divide the loot. Of

course, there are not too many people there so the division could be conducted in peace and undisturbed.

Someone once said that there is no honour among thieves. That has to be true because something went wrong. The belief is that the bandits fell out over the division. So violent was the disagreement that they ended up crashing the car. They then came out and so it was that one of them displayed the gun.

Two things people advise against. Thieves should never attempt to escape when they are in the vicinity of a school that had just dismissed. I remember a man who went to the home of a pig farmer in Beterverwagting to steal a pig.

The art was to take a hammer and strike the pig on its head.

That would render the pig unconscious. The man would then proceed to kill the animal in the pen and fetch away the carcass. The man succeeded in entering the pig pen and using the hammer on the animal but the homeowner spotted him.

He decided to run, scaling

fences in his bid to escape. He ran toward St Mary the Virgin Anglican School which had just dismissed for the day. The noise of the chase alerted the children and they joined in.

Try as he might the man could not shake off the children.

At one stage he hid under a bridge and disappeared from view. By then the police had joined the chase and the man might have escaped detection but for the school children.

One of them spotted a pair of eyes under a bridge and raised the shout.

The man slipped from under the bridge but he could not get far. He was caught.

The two men on the seawalls did not cater for a group of recruits who had just finished a training stint. That is the second saying. Never try to run or commit a crime when a group of police recruits have just been released from a training stint.

They heard the shout of “gun� and they came out of the compound like ants from a disturbed nest.

They gave chase after the men who were certainly not the fittest.

It was no laughing matter but those who witnessed the

happening laughed. The men ran until they literally dropped.

The police recovered a gun.

There are other instances of people throwing caution to the wind and committing crimes in full public view. All too often the nation would hear of a man snatching something in the vicinity of a municipal market. He does not get far because public spirited citizens respond to the shouts and would invariably catch the thief.

There then follows the cursory beatings and the man is handed over to the police.

But what about those who gun down people in the full view of spectators? Recently there has been a lot of that in East Ruimveldt.

There must be a vendetta because so far three men have been shot and killed. One of the killings was exceedingly tragic. There was this young man who was warned that some gunmen were seeking him.

Reports are that the young man hid. People also said that he had a gun. He came out of hiding when he believed that the men had gone but he should have

realized that people would have told the hunters that the young man was in the area.

The hunters found him and shot him dead.

There are those in the society who say that the killers and gunmen are ridding the society of evil people and thus giving the police less work. I am from the old school that teaches that life is precious.

Of course we have only one life so when we lose it that is the end of that.

Yet one cannot understand this mad rush by some to relieve people of money and valuables. People even travel great distances to do this.

Yesterday the police issued a bulletin that stated how some people went to a

Adam Harris house at Crane West Demerara and stole more than $2 million.

It turned out that these people had travelled from Kitty on the other side of the river. They have been caught.

Fortunately for them they did not have to run from police recruits.

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Kaieteur News

Sunday October 04, 2015

Entrepreneurship, Innovation and the shaping of tomorrow

By Lance Hinds Guyana has, and continues to suffer acutely for the migration of university graduates and professionals seeking greener (if not just green) pastures in more enabling environments.

This state of affairs severely affects the ability of the Private Sector to become a fully effective, competitive force with the ability to challenge for business opportunities in the region and further afield.

It is understood that migration is a natural phenomenon and not particular to Guyana.

There is a critical need, however, for all stakeholders to begin to develop a series of initiatives that will build an enabling, progressive environment that convinces our citizens to remain and provide significant inputs into the local economy.

It is estimated that the size of the economy at the end of 2014 was just under US$3 billion. It is clear that it is either not large or diversified enough to provide the employment, growth and the across-the-board revenue generation needed at this time.

Guyana, like many of its fellow CARICOM countries, has become increasingly

uncompetitive in global markets, on account of the low-value-added in their main exports whether it be raw materials or food commodities.

Along with this, our economies have become even more dependent on imports, resulting in an unfavourable balance of payments and additional pressure on the availability of foreign exchange.

The issue of the size of economy is sometimes a bone of contention in some business circles…with the main discussion surrounding whether it should have been larger given the natural resources that we have.

Guyana’s economy is the fifth largest in the Caribbean, behind Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Suriname and Barbados. Note that the last two countries are smaller than we are not only in terms of size, but also population.

There is a legitimate conclusion that after almost 50 years of independence, the economy, for a variety of reasons I suspect known to all, has underperformed.

Back, however, to the matter at hand. If we are going to work on expanding and/or diversifying the economy, entrepreneurship and innovation must be fostered

and supported by all the country’s stakeholders and policymakers. These two pillars are the keys to our transformation and ultimate economic success.

Traditional ways of production and services, such as importing machinery and equipment or foreign investment, are simply not enough to confront the challenges of inclusive economic development.

The culture of innovation must be developed and nurtured. We must encourage high school and university graduates to tap into their creativity and channel it into creating new, exciting business. I have found that there are a lot of young people with great ideas who are unable to convert them into sustainable incomegenerating operations. A way must be found to harness these ideas and support the impetus of moving them from thought to finish.

At the policy level, there is a need for the creation of a national innovation system that will focus on the creation and expansion of innovative businesses.

Innovation policy must coordinate the implementation of policies that complement the strengthening of institutions

and new programmes focused on the promotion of business innovation and innovative entrepreneurship.

Greater emphasis must be placed on innovation in the services, intellectual property, creative and ICT sectors, as well as exploiting the possibilities in traditional sectors like tourism and agriculture.

This, of course, is not the responsibility of the government alone. Business support organisations (BSOs) must realize that critical to their long term sustainability, and even existence, is the creation of new businesses, to continue the advocacy and lead the way to sustainable economic growth and long term prosperity.

These organizations must be open to directly and aggressively supporting the growth of new businesses, and most especially those by the youth in our society.

The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), for example, has been working with local, regional and international partners over the past four years to develop a series of interventions to help encourage the further development of entrepreneurship and innovation. There has been a particular focus on youth entrepreneurship, since research has shown alarmingly that there is low income generation in this sector and that unemployment levels are near 40 per cent.

It is clear that the current business and productive sectors cannot significantly reduce unemployment levels in the short term.

The Chamber is currently working on a medium to long term plan to develop a business incubator to support the further development of ideas and concepts being conceived by young innovators.

The latest effort in this regard is a collaboration between the GGCI and Scotiabank on a new initiative called LivePitch. The concept is based on two television shows called SharkTank and Dragon’s Den, in the United States and Canada respectively. In these two shows, participants present their ideas and services to group of investors (The ‘Sharks’ and ‘Dragons’) who after listening to the presentations, ask questions about viability and related areas, and decide whether they are going to invest or not.

LivePitch is a modified version of these two programmes. In this instance it will be the culmination of the ongoing Scotiabank business plan competition, where the finalists will be required to present (or “pitch”) their ideas/concepts on television before a group of experienced professionals and a live studio audience.

The contestants will be required to present a comprehensive overview of their business concepts and also convince the evaluators

Lance Hinds based on their understanding of the target market, their production, sales and distribution models, and their vision of the company in terms of revenue projections and sustainability.

The winner of LivePitch will be awarded $500,000 by Scotiabank to develop the product that was evaluated.

It is going to be a rigorous evaluation process and participants have the responsibility to ensure that they are extremely well prepared. This is not just for the sake of being difficult, but to help the participant prepare for future engagements with potential investors as a method of gaining financial support.

It is these kinds of initiatives that should be observed and duplicated in the interest of fostering and supporting the growth of entrepreneurship and innovation that is necessary for the long term expansion, growth and prosperity of the Private Sector and the economy as a whole.

Lance Hinds is the President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He is also the Chief Executive of the BrainStreet Group, an Information Technology and Content Development Company.

Sunday October 04, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 31

Land of promise…Land of Plenty

By David Granger The Upper DemeraraBerbice Region, with a size of 19,387km², is bigger than the State of Kuwait. It is centrally, uniquely and strategically located with borders with six other regions–the Essequibo Islands-West Demerara; Demerara-Mahaica; MahaicaBerbice; East BerbiceCorentyne; Cuyuni-Mazaruni and Potaro-Siparuni–and is the mainland route to the Upper Takutu- Upper Essequibo Region.

It is serviced by air, road and river links and is Guyana’s real gateway to much of the hinterland and, indeed,the rest of South America.

The Region is best known as the source of the country’s bauxite but it is also a significant source of timber.

The Region has made its mark on the cultural and tourism scene as the legendary home of the national jubilee– Mashramani–and the Rockstone Fish Festival. The agricultural potential of its vast intermediate savannahs and fertile riparian farms is still largely untapped and its tourism is underdeveloped.

Upper Demerara-Berbice, no doubt, is a Region which is rich in resources but development has been hindered because many residents remain poor.

Pervasive poverty among the common people is one of the main impediments to progress.

The standard of living– measured by the cost of essential goods, net household income, life expectancy, access to health care and human safety–is low for many residents.

A Regional Democratic Council (RDC) led by A Partnership for National Unity + The Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC), working together with the business community, civil society investors and the influential diaspora will transform the Region’s promises into production and prosperity for the people.

THE ‘OLD’ PLAN The People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) administration did indeed promise a five-year development plan many years ago. Its objectives were claimed to be the reduction of the Region’s traditional dependency on mining and the achievement of long- term economic diversification and collaboration between the state, the private sector and the community.

That plan had targeted the agriculture, infrastructure,

manufacturing, transport, tourism, information communication technology and mining sectors. It proposed four ‘fast-track’ initiatives in the agriculture, tourism, forestry and manufacturing sectors, designed to accelerate growth. It focused on four social sectors– youth, health, education, water and housing – to complement the economic-based sectors. It sought to address issues– such as public administration, investment, gender, health and the environment– that would have a direct bearing on development.

The PPPC administration, however, abandoned the Plan. Residents are now ready for a new plan to help the Upper Demerara- Berbice Region escape from the poverty trap.

Your government has a clear mission for a ‘new’ plan that will focus on education, employment, the environment, the economy, physical infrastructure and public services and it will bring that plan to fruition.

THE ‘NEW’ PLAN Educational attainment, an essential element in economic recovery, is below expectations.

It has been affected adversely by the large number of dropouts from the primary and secondary schools and the large number of failures at the National Grade Six Assessment examinations.

Some classrooms are congested and without adequate furniture; some are physically unsafe or insanitary and repairs too these are incomplete. Our administration will rectify the

problems in the Region’s schools to raise the level of attainment.

E m p l o y m e n t opportunities for the large number of school- leavers are few.

The presence of the Russian Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc. (RUSAL) and the Chinese Bosai Minerals Group Guyana Inc. (BMGGI) and Bai ShanLin (BSL) companies has provided only slight relief.

These companies, however, have been plagued by several labour issues, some of which remain unsettled.

The PPPC Government never fulfilled its promises of new investments. The proposed school of mining never materialized. Qualified young people feel obliged to migrate to other regions in search of work.

Your government plans to expand employment opportunities, especially for young school leavers.

Environmental security is never far from the surface.

Occasional bouts of extreme weather have led to serious flooding. Collaboration among the Regional Democratic Council, the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority and the Linden Town Council has brought some relief through the clearing of canals and drains to alleviate flooding.

Heavy rainfall, however, occasionally inundates homes, farms and roadways.

Sections of the ItuniKwakwani roadway are susceptible to being flooded, bringing traffic between the mining communities to a halt.

Swollen creeks sometimes overflow their banks and flood communities. Parts of

Kwakwani have been known to be under water for several days.

This administration will put in place measures to protect residents from environmental hazard.

Economic prospects have never been indoubt. Linden, the Region’s administrative centre, has been recognized as a potential hub for commerce, communications and services.

The Region can profit from its favourable location and the construction of the US$5M Takutu River bridge between Bom Fim in Brazil and Lethem in the Rupununi.

Brazilian entrepreneurs have been entering Guyana for decades to exploit this country’s mineral wealth, facilitated by the LethemLinden road. Brazilian investors from the SEBRAE Group-Brazil met with the Linden business community in 2010 to commence commercial cooperation and business development.

Your government will restart the initiative to invite investors into the Region.

Economic experiments such as the Linden Economic Advancement Fund (LEAF)– the successor to the Linden Economic Advancement Programme (LEAP) have been starved of refinancing,

thereby depriving many poor of the opportunity to escape from the poverty trap.

Physical infrastructure throughout the Region is inadequate and is a serious impediment to progress. The Linden-Ituni- Kwakwani and the Lethem-Linden roads are in a poor state. Residents complain that, owing to the almost impassableroads in some areas, mini-bus drivers charge higher fares and some road trips that should take 90 minutes can take up to 5 hours.

Lindeners who want to go to Lethem or Mahdia have to travel to Georgetown to join a bus, which returns through Linden.

The withdrawal of the Berbice river-boat service has affected agricultural production and marketing in the upper Berbice River.

Central government will work with the regional government to improve the Region’s infrastructure.

Public services, particularly heath, have also suffered. The main regional hospital–the Linden Hospital Complex –needs electrocardiogram and ultra-sound technicians to operate its imaging equipment. River ambulances must be provided to service the riverine areas such as Calcuni, Kimbia,

Wiruni and Sand Hills and road ambulances must be made available for this immense but under populated Region.

LAND OF PROSPERITY The Upper DemeraraBerbice Region will not remain a land of ‘promise.’ It will become a region of ‘prosperity’ under a Regional Democratic Council, working in concert with the Central government.

Your government plans to create the conditions for a ‘goodlife’ for all residents of this great region. It is committed to unlocking the Region’s potential and transforming it from a land of ‘promise’ to one of ‘prosperity.’

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Kaieteur News

Sunday October 04, 2015

SUNDAY SPECIAL Govt. orders review of all companies in Mining, Forestry and Oil and Gas sectors – Insists due diligence must be returned The coalition Government has ordered a review of all companies in the major sectors.

It was found that under the previous regime, several entities were allowed to enter certain divisions without any due diligence being exercised.

This is according to Minster of Governance, Raphael Trotman. He insists that the process of conducting “due diligence” must be returned to the manner in which the country’s resources are handled.

Minister Trotman was asked last week to state when Government would investigate some of those foreign companies which escaped any sort of scrutiny by sheltering under the wings of established local companies.

He said, “Well that has already started. In fact, I have ordered a complete review on all the agencies in the sectors of mining, oil and gas, wild life, forestry etc. We hope to complete

Venezuela’s President (left), Nicolas Maduro, UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon and President David Granger holds hands ahead of discussions.

Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman

that report by the last week of October so yes we are doing all reviews.”

The Minister of Governance continued, “We aren’t anti-investment but we want to ensure that everyone is obeying the laws. We have no problem with diversification but it should not interfere with the stability of the market.”

The failure to exercise due diligence or examine the background of certain companies cost the country millions of dollars under the previous administration. In one case, Guyana is yet to recover the loss incurred.

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP), on September 14, 2012, entered into a contract with Surendra Engineering Corporation Limited (SECL) for the Specialty Hospital project. No due diligence was done on this company.

extended period will forfeit it.

The move will mostly affect senior Public Servants, including the Chancellor, Chief Justice, other High Court Judges and Permanent Secretaries.

It could also affect the Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, the Commissioner of Police, Director of Prisons and the Chief Fire Officer, as well as other Heads of Government agencies.

Of course, while in some instances the accumulated leave could be justified, the move is aimed at discouraging the deliberate deferral of leave, as well as to allowing for proper succession planning within Public Service entities.

A source in the Cabinet, who declined to be named, explained, “Leave is for persons to rejuvenate. That is the basis of annual leave.

If you don’t want it, you lose it.”

This newspaper was reliably informed that one very senior Judge has accumulated leave that would take him into retirement more than a year before he is due to come off.

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo has yet again shied away from addressing issues relating to his accumulation of extreme wealth.

Jagdeo hosted a press conference two Fridays ago at Freedom House. He said that he felt obligated to address the media before his journey to the United States for a series of meetings.

The former President who is now the Leader of the Opposition did not disclose the nature of his meetings. At this forum, Jagdeo limited the questions of reporters.

Nevertheless, he was asked about the wealth he accumulated during his tenure as President. Jagdeo was also asked to respond to Vice President, Khemraj Ramjattan’s statements to the effect that the very fact that he tries to escape scrutiny on his wealth speaks volume about the source.

Jagdeo sought to escape actually addressing the issue. Instead, he employed his usual “dodge mechanism.”

He said that he expected such a question from Kaieteur News and then sought to attack Kaieteur News owner, Glenn Lall.

MONDAY EDITION Guyana/Venezuela border dispute…Maduro, Granger agree on UN intervention – parties accept ambassadorial exchange

Public Servants must take leave due to them – Cabinet orders - Senior officials have leave to take them into retirement but still on the job Public Servants will no longer be allowed to accumulate leave and negotiate for payment in lieu. This is as a result of a decision taken

by Cabinet that Public Servants who do not take their annual vacation leave for an

Jagdeo shies away from disclosing wealth, again

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

It appears that there may be light at the end of the tunnel for the Guyana and Venezuela controversy, with a highly anticipated meeting at the United Nations (UN) headquarters in New York between the two leaders yielding some positive results.

In the meeting last Sunday evening, UN’s Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, held the hands of both President David Granger and Venezuela’s leader, Nicolas Maduro, posing for pictures before engaging the two.

Speaking with reporters at the Yale Club, Manhattan, shortly after, President Granger said that Maduro agreed to send back his

ambassador, who was recalled a few months ago, to facilitate talks.

During the meeting, both Granger and Maduro were allowed to present their cases to the UN boss.

While Granger expressed concerns about a recent Venezuelan troop buildup near Guyana borders, Maduro reportedly used a recent picture of army chief, Mark Philips, taking a salute, as being aggressive.

However, President Granger said, he pointed out that the salute in no way could be taken as being aggressive.

Guyana also pointed out that Venezuela expelled a US oil research ship from its waters in October 2013.

Venezuela must prove that a definitive arbitration award made in 1899 was invalid before it can lay claim to any of Guyana’s territory or waters. That award had even ceded 13,000 square kilometers to Venezuela.

Govt. freezes exportation of locust wood Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman has ordered a restriction on the exportation of locust logs as he understands that there is even a limited supply for local use.

The locust wood is one of the most exotic and expensive species on the world market.

Trotman sought to make clear that while the ban has been implemented; the coalition administration is not against foreign investors or investments, but will ensure that they abide by the laws of the country.

The Minister of Governance was then asked if Bai Shan Lin International Forest Development INC. has made any progress with regard to adding value to the country’s logs since it has failed to do so for over 10 years.

He said that there is an indication of some degree of progress being made for those companies in the forestry sector who have promised to start adding value to logs before the year ends.

“Again I wish to reiterate that we are not against foreign investments and we just want them, I mean foreign companies to abide by our labour laws, laws pertaining to taxes and Continued on page 33

Sunday October 04, 2015

From page 32 we want them to respect our agreements. So we are working with Bai Shan Lin and Vaitarna who through their practices we started to see positive signs but towards the end of October we will report on the status of the promise to adding value to our logs.”

But in the interim, Trotman said that he has ordered the ban on the Locust wood.

Kaieteur News

political matter that we can negotiate. I cannot overturn the award of an international tribunal… I am obliged under the Constitution to protect the full territorial space of Guyana,”

TUESDAY EDITION Former MP moves to repossess Pradoville2 lands Former Member of Parliament (MP) Desmond Trotman has moved to the courts to challenge the sale and transfer of acres of prime ocean-front state lands to former President Bharrat Jagdeo, past government Ministers and other close associates.

In a high court motion filed Monday, Trotman and the Committee for the Defence of the Constitution Incorporated, are seeking a mandatory order directed to each of the property owners that the legal and beneficial ownership of the parcels of land at Plantations Goedverwagting and Sparendaam, purported to be sold and transferred to them, shall be returned to the State.

Trotman is claiming that the prime lands were covertly sold at undervalued prices in a manner clearly lacking transparency and in an effort to develop the exclusive scheme, orders came from Cabinet and not through the requisite statutory bodies.

Hundreds of millions of dollars were spent from government corporations, it was claimed.

Trotman brought to the court’s attention that the millions of dollars have been spent to develop the area but it was done unlawfully.

The act was an abuse of power by the then Executive in contravention of the rights of the people, Trotman said.

In this light, the court has been asked to also grant a conservatory order prohibiting the Registrar of Lands from registering or transferring, or in any form or manner encumbering any of the parcels of land located in what is popularly known as Pradoville 2.

Trotman said the proceedings have been laid out in the interest of the public.

Juridical settlement on border claims will favour Guyana – Granger President David Granger is confident that a resort to the court to settle the GuyanaVenezuela border claims will yield a ruling in Guyana’s favour. He was at the time speaking at a press briefing subsequent to his United Nations (UN) facilitated meeting with his Venezuelan counterpart, Nicolás Maduro, at the UN Headquarters in New York.

“I am confident that the basis of the Venezuelan claim is that the 1899 award was invalid and I am confident that there is no evidence whatsoever to indicate the invalidity or the nullity of that award.

“That is why we feel we should go to court because Venezuela is trying to avoid going to court; Venezuela wants to embark on another round of bilateral talks, but we have talked for 50 years and gotten nowhere,” the President said.

During the meeting, President Granger informed UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon that from the time of Forbes Burnham to the term of Donald Ramotar, all past Presidents of Guyana have been engaging with Venezuela at the bilateral level, but those talks have all been fruitless and as such, it is time for the matter to be taken to court.

“I am not confident that a settlement could exist outside of the court. It is a legal problem that has to have a legal solution; it is not a

Page 33

through the courts.

He said that he will be looking at the legal means to do so. He has already alerted the Chambers of Attorney General, Basil Williams on the need to take this matter before the court and to send a strong message to “appalling” defaulters like New GPC. The New GPC is owned by Dr. Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop, the best friend of Opposition leader and former President Bharrat Jagdeo.

Dr. Norton said that an examination of this sorry state of affairs can be traced all the way back to 2008 in the reports of the Auditor General (AG).

He sought to emphasize that NEW GPC received the bulk of the health contracts under the previous administration but failed like other companies to deliver outstanding drugs and pharmaceuticals.

In the AG’s most recent report, it noted that $958M was paid to the New GPC Inc. An examination of the records revealed that the payments related to one major contract and 131 purchase orders.

NCN invest money on dead project …Five-year-old transaction placed on books ahead of 2015 elections

Dr. Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop the President emphasised.

WEDNESDAY EDITION NEW GPC and others must deliver over $600M owed for drugs or else – “They will be asked to pay up and we will be looking at the legal means of doing so,” Minister As Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton, continues to pursue the reform of his sector; he emphasized recently that a main concern remains with those companies that are still to deliver millions of dollars’ worth of drugs to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Dr. Norton said that several companies have been in default for many years. He said that this is not only “negligence and deceit, but a clear sign of blatant disrespect for the procurement laws of the country.”

This, he said, would not be tolerated under his watch. Those companies which are still to honour drug contracts they were awarded over the years will be asked to deliver the outstanding pharmaceuticals or “pay up”

An investment is expected to yield justifiable returns. The larger the investment the larger the return, but the National Communications Network (NCN)—cash strapped as it is—has done precisely the opposite by having on its books an investment of almost $200M. The investment represents spending on a project for which the only beneficiaries are the residents of the now infamous Pradoville II. Information coming to light reveals that the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), the parent company of NCN, spent $188M to remove the transmission tower.

That tower was relocated from Sparendaam, East Coast of Demerara (ECD) to La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara.

The money was however charged to NCN’s account as an investment.

The money is part of an almost $300M that was spent by NICIL, in order to prepare the 15-acre tract of land transforming it into an exclusive residential community.

The financial transaction initiated by NICIL, headed by Winston Brassington, has since formed part of litigation to repossess the entire 15 acres now home to a high end community, and to several former ministers and senior government functionaries.

The investment represented in NCN’s accounts has since been coming under scrutiny given the state of affairs with the company’s financials and its claim to be owed several million dollars; monies which it is yet to recover.

This publication understands that NICIL’s Board of Directors approved the decision to develop the land at the behest of the then Cabinet, and in the process would have had to have the transmission tower relocated.

THURSDAY EDITION Government reverts to GTT internet for eGovernance – pulls Guyana from ‘dark ages’

Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton

The Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT), five years ago offered the Bharrat Jagdeo Government its internet service to support the eGovernance project, at a nominal fee.

The administration declined the offer.

The Jagdeo administration instead chose to invest billions of tax dollars to land a

separate fiber optic cable from Brazil, at a cost of some US$40M—a project that is still to see the light of day.

Jagdeo’s refusal to use GTT’s fibre optic cable infrastructure meant that Guyana was literally kept in the ‘technological dark age’ while it awaited the Brazil cable.

The new coalition government is now being credited with promoting Guyana with the roll-out, of its pilot phase of the eGovernance service.

This service is being rolled out using internet access purchased from GTT to operationalise the project.

ICT experts indicate that had Guyana been using the GTT internet service all along, its ICT sector would by now be five years more advanced than where it is currently.

Jagdeo opted to use the GTT internet service, then the nation would have been able to tap into the numerous technological advances made over the years. This would have also led to a stimulation of technological innovation on the part of the Guyanese people.

GPSU wants an end to poverty stricken public servants – Yarde Even as the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) works to address some of its on-going issues, the body reportedly suffered tremendously under the previous government, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) administration.

But even with change in the form of a new government, the GPSU will be keeping watch to ensure that previous indiscretions are not repeated by the coalition government, A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC), said GPSU President, Patrick Yarde.

He was addressing the GPSU 21st Biennial

GPSU President, Patrick Yarde Delegates’ Conference, which officially opened Wednesday.

According to Yarde, GPSU was a domestic observer in the May 11, 2015 Regional and General Elections.

He further said that during this occasion the people of Guyana demonstrated their right to change the government of the day, the thenruling PPP. With this change, he added, a fresh start was made with a new government.

Yarde recalled that a report addressing the issue of wages and salaries in the public service as well as other key concerns of public servants was created in January 1997. At the time, President Dr. Cheddi Jagan was the Head Continued on page 34

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Sunday October 04, 2015

From page 33 of State. Jagan had set up a bipartisan committee to focus on the functioning of the public service.

The document “symbolised much of the frustration that public servants had had to endure under the previous administration.”

However, he said, “The commitment given in this document died when Dr. Jagan died.

His successors delegated the public service to misery.”

Yarde further said that the PPP/C government had failed to understand that the public service is the bedrock upon which an efficient government rested.

Govt. extends gun amnesty Those who still have illegal firearms and ammunition in their possession and want to surrender them without facing the full force of the law, have been given another two weeks to do so.

Wednesday, the Ministry of Public Security, apparently buoyed by the relative success of the just concluded one-month amnesty for firearms, announced that it has been extended it to October 14.

Within the past month, the Guyana Police Force has received over 100 illegal weapons, comprising shotguns, pistols and even an assault rifle.

Most of the weapons have been turned in at the police interior locations.

In addition more than 1500 rounds of ammunition have been turned in.

FRIDAY EDITION Govt. still to be paid in full for GT&T shares …Hong Kong buyer still to pay US$5M The Guyana Government is still to be paid in full for the 20 per cent shares it once owned in the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) and which was managed by the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL).

Those shares were sold by NICIL to Datang Telecom Technology and Industry Group, a Hong Kong-based company with a sale price of US$30M. That was three years ago.

Of that amount the company had paid over US$25M. The remaining US$5M was supposed to have been paid over within a two-year period but this did not happen.

Available records do not reflect a payment from Datang that constitutes a final payment for the shares government had owned in the telephone company.

This publication was reliably informed that as at December 31, last, the final tranche of payment was not made to NICIL. The name Datang had previously remained obscured as a result of the confidentiality agreement which was entered to in early 2011 with the Guyana Government and only came to light following the finalization of the sale.

Datang had come in for scrutiny after it was discovered that the company actually featured in a US intelligence report as a company with links to the Chinese Military and was accused of spying.

The Pentagon had reported that “Information technology companies in particular, including Huawei, Datang and Zhongxing, maintain close ties to the PLA [People’s Liberation Army],” the report says.

aside under the laws of Guyana for the Minister of Finance to tap into in case of emergencies, is currently at a critical stage with limited funds available to the current administration, should an urgent situation arise.

Auditor General Deodat Sharma, presented Government’s audited report for the year 2014 to the Speaker of the House, Dr Barton Scotland on Wednesday last, and while he did not divulge details of the report to the media, this publication understands that the trend of limited funds in the Contingencies Fund continued.

While the advances made by government in 2013 were subsequently approved by the National Assembly and the amounts reimbursed to the Contingencies Fund, the same did not obtain for the more than $615M in advances made in 2011 and 2012.

The un-cleared amount for 2011 was just about $80M, while the amount for 2012 was just over $536M.

SATURDAY EDITION RPA yet to repay $100M ‘borrowed’ from GRDB since 2014 …no record of reason or collateral for loan found- Sharma

Govt. emergency fund almost empty …a result of three years of PPP advances never approved The Contingencies Fund, an account set

Those amounts were never approved by the National Assembly, which means that the amounts were never reimbursed to the Contingencies Fund.

Following the prorogation of Parliament, the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Government continued making advances from the special account meant for emergencies.

These monies, according to an insider at the Audit Office, were never approved and as such never reimbursed to the account.

To compound the situation, just over $1B was withdrawn from the Contingencies Fund last year, meaning the account which amounts to two per cent of the previous year’s budget has not been replenished by in excess of $2B. This means that the Contingencies Fund is out of money accumulated over three years, money that was never paid back to the Contingencies Fund.

In the absence of those funds the government would have been hamstrung in the event of any emergency; the money could not be made available for any unforeseen or emergency expenditure.

Dharamkumar Seeraj

The audit into the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) has revealed that Guyana Rice Producers Association (GRPA) General Secretary Dharamkumar Seeraj is still to repay a $100M loan that he acquired from the GRDB in 2014.

According to reports, Seeraj, a serving People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament, signed for the ‘loan’ in July, 2014, with the understanding that it would have been repaid in October 2014.

Exactly one year later, that money is yet to be repaid.

Reports went on to indicate that the loan was approved by former GRDB General Manager, Jagnarine Singh. At the time Seeraj was serving as Vice President of the GRDB, a position he relinquished in July of 2015. Also signing on to the agreement was then

Agriculture Minister Dr. Leslie Ramsammy.

Junior Finance Minister Jaipaul Sharma Friday confirmed that the transaction had indeed raised eyebrows, as the only collateral for the loan was a promissory note.

He told Kaieteur News that there was no formal structure surrounding the transaction.

He also stated that Seeraj has been formally requested to provide an explanation for the transaction.

Cell phone bandits crash getaway car outside CID Headquarters Two robbers landed smack into the hands of the police Friday after crashing their getaway car near CID Headquarters, Eve Leary, allegedly while quarreling over their loot.

The bandits and an accomplice had moments before carried out a brazen robbery at the Elite Mobile Cell Phone Store on Parade Street, Kingston, where they had carted off cash and 15 high-end phones worth some $3M. An employee at the cell phone establishment said that he and a colleague were in the store at around 14:00 hrs when a man entered and asked for credit. Shortly after, another man entered, drew a gun and pointed it at the staff.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum said that a third man was also involved and that the bandits relieved a customer of a mobile phone.

The employee said that the robbers locked the door to the business premises, while the one with the handgun demanded valuables.

They then collected several high-end phones and money.

Crime Chief Blanhum said that at that point, two of the bandits apparently panicked and ran to their car, leaving their accomplice behind.

But as fate would have it, greed reportedly got in the way and a quarrel broke out between the men over the ill-gotten gains.

So heated was the row that the robbers ended up crashing into a concrete garbage bin on the seawall road and landed smack into the canal on the Kingston seawall just outside of the Criminal Investigation Department Headquarters.

Sunday October 04, 2015

Kaieteur News

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Sunday October 04, 2015

Couple gets assistance to build new home - after being forced to live in fowl pen

A Habitat for Humanity constructed home

By Akola Thompson Life for common-law couple, Imran Khan and Sherry Bacchus, has never been easy. So when their Non-Pareil home was gutted by fire one year ago, leaving them and their three children homeless, they were sure that things could not have gotten worse.

The fire was said to have been started due to the fluctuating electricity they were experiencing at the time.

The fire service was promptly called but by the time of their arrival, the house was already burnt down. “Whole day the light was just on an off, I went downstairs washing and I smell something and go upstairs. The wall was already on fire so I just hurry and take them two children out from the house,” Sherry Bacchus related.

Despite losing their home and possessions however, the family related that what they really lost was their peace of mind as caring for themselves and three children now seemed like a Herculean

task. The first week after the fire saw the couple and their children staying in the home of a neighbour who was sympathetic of their plight.

They revealed that they did not want to impose for too long, so when they became aware of a house for rent in the area, they quickly began occupying there.

However, life for the couple became precarious once again after several months in the rental home.

The rent which began at $12,000 would soon increase $13,000 per month and if they had stayed it would have been raised to $25,000. Khan explained that he works at La Bonne Intention (LBI) Guysuco Sugar Estate as a driver while his spouse is a housewife, as such, they could not afford this new rate along with providing for their three school aged children and themselves. “All of a sudden, the people we were renting from wanted to raise the rent and we couldn’t afford it. They were just trying to put us out,” he opined.

The family’s inability to

pay the new rate requested and their need for somewhere to rest their heads, forced them to move into a fowl pen located on the land on which their house once stood.

“We used to mind fowls before but with the heat, most died out and dogs catch the others. After we couldn’t pay the rent we decide that we could live in the fowl pen until we could do better,” explained Khan.

Khan explained that the conditions in which they currently live are deplorable and not fit for human residence. Their six year old son Cadon Khan, who is disabled, was said to have developed breathing problems due to the stench and dirty conditions and also suffers from frequent bouts of influenza. The children, aged 12, six and five were said to be resilient as they have adapted well and try their best to understand the reasons for their current living situation.

A flood in the area, which resulted in the wetting of their mattresses as they slept on (Continued on page 46)

Caribbean countries under...

From page 24 payable taxes from other countries, that is arguable ground for saying it is a tax haven. But, no Commonwealth country hides payable tax from the US or from the EU. Tax information exchange agreements exist and are enforced.

And, even now Commonwealth Caribbean countries are working with the US government and its Internal Revenue Service to implement FATCA – US law requiring financial institutions to report all US persons and companies that have ac-

counts with them. Clearly, payable taxes are not hidden in these jurisdictions.

Caribbean countries are defending themselves against these outrageous slings and arrows, including by pointing out that the two internationally recognised bodies, the Financial Action Task Force and the OECD's Global Tax Forum, have found them compliant with the standards they set.

The statement by Antigua and Barbuda's Prime Minister, Gaston Browne, himself a former banker, to the United Nations General Assembly about the tax havens list reso-

nate with a c o m p e l l i n g truth: “International principles, to which small states readily adhere, should not be overturned by bigger countries that seek to impose their will on smaller ones. It is not fair; it is not just; it is not democratic; and it is patently wrong”.

(The writer is Antigua and Barbuda's Ambassador to the United States and a candidate for the post of Commonwealth SecretaryGeneral) Responses and previous c o m m e n t a r i e s : www.sirronaldsanders.com

Sunday October 04, 2015

Kaieteur News

Comfort sleep cops int’l award

Dennis Charran receiving the ISAQ award in Switzerland Mattress companyComfort Sleep has done itself proud as the lone Guyanese owned company to be awarded for its excellence at this year’s International Star Award for Quality (ISAQ) Convention in Switzerland.

The award was handed to the Managing Director of Comfort Sleep, Dennis Charran, a week ago and came as a surprise to the company even as it works to recover from hundreds of millions of dollars in losses following two fires at its Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD) bond.

The company was singled out for its commitment to ensuring the best quality product that directly impacts lives for the better through its well trained and highly experienced employees.

Charran in explaining how his company was selected for the award said “We did not submit any proposal and we did not even think of doing what we do for any award, but we just got a mail telling us that after research we have been selected because we create the best sleep through our comfort sleep brand.”

The Managing Director expressing elation said he owes the award to his customers and the hard working and committed employees. His employees, he noted, are dedicated to ensuring people sleep in comfort.

It is through these people that the company has been internationally recognized.

The International Star for Quality Convention, which is in its 16th year, is part of the annual programme of BID (Business Initiative Directions) awards, designed to recognize the prestige of the outstanding companies, organizations and businessmen in the business world.

This year, the International Star for Quality Convention took place in Geneva, from September 19th to 20th and the ISAQ awards were handed out at a ceremony in the Inter Continental Genève Convention Center.

The event was attended by prestigious companies from 74 countries, together with leaders from different business fields, professionals from the worlds of economics, the arts and corporate image, quality experts, as well as academic personalities and representatives from the diplomatic corps.

Charran was the only Guyanese to walk away with the award for this year.

Comfort Sleep was commissioned more than 20 years ago as a little mattress company at the back of Eccles Industrial Site but today it controls more than 75 percent of the local market, according to Charran.

Aside from tapping into the Suriname market its owner is also eyeing even bigger international ventures.

At present the company provides employment for 30 people and has been making inroads in the spring mattress market that is traditionally in the hands of importers.

Explaining his journey, Charran said that he has been involved in the mattress business for over 20 years, originally importing from Trinidad and Tobago.

The company that he was doing business with at the time, Slumber Sleep, decided to bring their business to Guyana and with Charran, established a factory at the Ruimveldt Industrial site.

However, that company pulled out of Guyana at which point Charran decided to throw his energies behind launching a new company Comfort Sleep.

It was a tough venture initially. Not only was he paying rent on the Ruimveldt industrial site, but forced to lease equipment, reflected the businessman.

But with his strategic marketing tactics which included refusing to take ‘no’ for an answer, Charran slowly made inroads and his hard work paid dividends.

The businessman was able to buy out the equipment and when the then Government announced that it was opening the industrial site at Eccles, he moved in and threw his weight behind a calculated risk.

Offered an acre of land, he converted it into a factory and his office. There was little cash to spare; Charran said workers had to put in extra hours to make the company a success. Today, in addition to the normal affordable economy foam mattresses, there is the memory foam and spring mattress.

Initially, Comfort Sleep faced stiff competition from established manufacturers.

That situation changed slowly over the years in Charran’s favour.

Kaieteur News was told that all the raw materials used to create the foam are imported.

However, equipment sourced locally are used to make the large blocks of foam which are then cut to particular sizes.

These are then placed in protective covers and stitched with special sewing machines.

The manufacturing processes are all in keeping with international health standards, the businessman explained.

Receiving an award from an international body is a great accomplishment for him.

According to Charran, he will be working harder to ensure that his brand is known globally.

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Sunday October 04, 2015

The colour of beauty

From page 38 illogical concept of beauty.

Sociologist Susan Bryant considers this.

Writing in the New Yorkbased Columbia Social Work Review, she asserts that 'Black women are particularly vulnerable to the effects of European standards of beauty, because (they) emphasize skin

colour and hair types that exclude many Black women, especially those of darker skin'.

Research, she adds, indicates that these standards can have damaging effects on the life trajectories of black women … primarily in the form of internalized self-hatred.

The problem is hugelycomplex and global, stretch-

ing from Africa and India to the United States and The Caribbean. It has been called an epidemic by some sociologists. (Incidentally it was observed that among Australian aborigines, the solution to the dark skin dilemma is to 'breed out the colour' by deliberate and repeated intermarriage with Whites until all outward

signs of Aboriginal ancestry disappear) One of the places where skin bleaching seems to be growing wildly out of control is Jamaica. According to the Jamaica Observer, many local women are turning to cheap, over-the-counter products, including knock-offs from West Africa, that contain a chemical called hydroquinone which has been linked to a disfiguring pigment condition known as ochronosis. Experts say it can also cause mercury poisoning, kidney damage, skin thinning and skin cancer.

A Jamaican dermatologist is quoted as saying that she knew of a woman who had started to bleach her baby. She added that when she told her to stop immediately, she became annoyed and left her office.

The Observer noted that roadside vendors sell tubes and plastic bags of powders and ointments, many of which are unlabeled as to their actual ingredients. Some people, it added, even use a mixture of toothpaste and curry powder to stain the skin with a yellowish tint.

The same thing seems to be happening, albeit to a lesser extent, in other parts of the region, from Guyana to

The Bahamas. Here in Guyana the local media and the Food and Drug Department have been warning Guyanese about the harmful effects of skin lightening creams and soaps containing mercury. But few appear to be heeding these warnings as stores which sell such products report healthy sales.

As alluded to before, I can understand the rationale behind the desire to have fairer and clearer skin, particularly in cases where self-worth is low or seemingly non-existent.

But what about the consequences!? There is the obvious risk of unpredictable results coupled with the threat of long term and irreparable damage to previously healthy dark skin. Dermatologists warn about it, several before-andafter profiles highlight it, and the regrets of angry and disappointed users express it.

Dark-skinned girls, there are other ways to measure beauty. Accept who you are in your totality, be reasonably content with your skin colour and hair texture, and understand that you do not have to be defined by the opinions of others or by traditional standards of beauty that mock your self-esteem.

I have lived long enough to understand that 'beauty' and 'ugliness' aren't the preserve of any particular race or ethnicity. For me, feminine beauty may be seen in the animated face of a Bourda Market vendor, a Facebook photo-graph of my daughter, the haunting image of National Geographic's greeneyed Afghan girl, or the charmfilled video of a young South African woman 'teaching' the Xhosa dialect to a group of tourists. (YouTube) Beauty can be seen in eyes, lips, and other facial features. It can be observed in shape, height and carriage. It may be expressed in intelligence, charm and a sense of humour – all regardless of colour.

Conversely, ugliness may be displayed in the attitudes, actions and words of the fairest damsel with the most flowing tresses, and goes much deeper than superficial, conventional beauty.

Politically-incorrect American satirist Dorothy Parker put it succinctly, and with incisive wit, when she remarked, “Beauty is only skin deep, but ugly goes clean to the bone” And the converse, my friends, is also absolutely true!

Couple gets assistance...

(From page 36) the ground, resulted in the family once again staying in the home of a kind stranger until the water subsided. The couple who then became aware of the Habitat for Humanity, made contact in hopes of gaining assistance to build a new house.

Upon contact, representatives from the “Beharry Build” partnership between Edward B. Beharry and Habitat for Humanity, came to verify the couple’s claims and shortlisted them for the building of a new home under the second phase of their campaign.

Although construction has not yet begun, it is expected to commence later this month, something which the family is very excited about.

Some building materials were donated to the couple

by their families and close friends and some materials were also bought by Khan as he wanted to aid in the speedy construction of the house. The couple is also appreciative to two “secret donors” from the Enterprise Baptist Church, who left $150,000 to assist in the construction of the home.

The “Beharry Build” campaign began in 2012 in an effort to provide low income families, who would not be able to secure a commercial mortgage, with homes. The partnership between the nonprofit and for profit organization is the only one in Guyana which mobilizes funds from the general public to help support a social cause.

This is made possible as the Edward B. Beharry Company Ltd. takes one dollar off of every purchase made and donates it to the Habitat for

Humanity.

Since the project’s commencement, over G$19M has been raised and so far seven houses have been built and two interventions done for families in need. Three more houses are slated to be built and one intervention for the second phase of the partnership.

The Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization whose mission is to alleviate poverty through increased accessibility to decent living conditions, especially for low income-earners and povertystricken families.

Their partnership with Edward B. Beharry, which is one of the largest food manufacturing and distribution companies in the Caribbean, has made them more readily equipped to provide help for those in need.

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Govt. partners with FAO to help fight poverty Poverty in Guyana is pegged at 36 per cent of the population and represents some 274,000 Guyanese.

However all being equal this statistic is likely to be minimized shortly as the Guyana government and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) have joined forces to help reduce such through a strategy that was unveiled Friday morning at the Pegasus Hotel in Georgetown.

Under the theme ‘Governance for Food and Nutrition Security in Guyana’ the strategy will focus heavily on hinterland communities which Minister of Social Protection, Ms Volda Lawrence, said historically “have been short-changed”.

Lawrence announced that the government will shortly roll out new programmes to train hinterland residents as social work specialists who will be the administration’s “point persons to take the (public) assistance to the hinterland residents” as part of her government’s strategy to beat the poverty pinch.

She said her Ministry will shift the focus of assistance “from individuals to families”.

The move means that children of beneficiary families must be enrolled and attending school and also must be fully immunized, the Minister said pointing to some details of the plan which is expected to be enhanced from 2016.

“This is a larger package (and) we are on track to give the family a rounded support to break the cycle of poverty in Guyana (because) the joint GOG/FAO initiative is an excellent programme to remove people from poverty,” Lawrence said.

FAO Representative in Guyana Reuben Robertson endorsed Lawrence’s plan, dubbing it “a road map” for the future which can be emulated in the rest of the hemisphere continually strangled by poverty and now poor dietary habits.

“We are eating ourselves to death,” Jorge O’Ryan warned.

From left: Jorge O’Ryan; Dr. Karen Cummings, Minister within the Ministry of Public Health; Mr. Reuben Robertson; Mr. Sydney Allicock, Vice-President and Minister of Indigenous Peoples Affairs; Ms. Volda Lawrence, Minister of Social Protection and Ms. Nicolette Henry, Minister within the Ministry of Education.

O’Ryan, who is the FAO Governance Officer for the Caribbean, is concerned that processed foods have become part of “the natural diet of Guyanese and this is worrying”.

He wants a shift in local taste and called for the eating of more fruits and vegetables here.

The FAO official said that although undernourishment among Guyanese has fallen from 9.2 to five percent the persistence “needs to be addressed”.

He said alongside a dip in nutritional intake in Latin America and the Caribbean is an “amazing level of poverty” which persists in the hemisphere.

This, O’Ryan said, is worsened by the scale of annual natural disasters experienced by several countries.

Of concern to him too is the steep climb predicted for the Region’s food import for the next 15 years, although Guyana is still viewed as the potential bread basket.

Currently the Region buys

some $US5B in food from non-Caribbean countries and this figure is expected to soar to $US22B by 2030.

The bourgeoning of the food import bill is attributed to the skew in income distribution not surprisingly

favouring the well-off.

“Our region has one of the most unequal distributions of income. For several countries the richest 10 per cent of the population consumes 10 times more than the poorest 10 per cent,” O’Ryan said.

He challenged Regional authorities to be good stewards of the territory’s food security programme, paying attention to its four pillars: food availability, food access, nutritional adequacy and stability.

Under the first pillar security strategies must be coordinated “through the development and management of national and regional public policies to meet the challenges of food security with a gender perspective and incorporating a human rights approach, in particular the Human Right to Food.

Pillar two calls for a “timely and sustainable access to safe, adequate, sufficient, nutritious and culturally relevant food for all people, especially the most vulnerable, in order to develop and fully maintain their physical and mental faculties.”

According to the third pillar the diversity of eating habits must be respected, assuring there is “nutritional wellbeing and assurance of nutrients for all vulnerable groups.”

The final pillar points to stable production and timely attention to socio-natural disasters likely to affect food availability.

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Sunday October 04, 2015

Government decentralizing services - Education, Probation departments spread to East Bank Craig Primary School students singing.

Social Protection Minister, Volda Lawrence and students of the Craig Primary School, cut the ribbon to an office in the Education Department’s building that will house a Probation Officer.

Residents of East Bank Demerara, Region Four would soon be able to access critical welfare and education services closer to home as Government begins its promised decentralisation of critical services.

Social Protection Minister, Volda Lawrence, aided by students of the Craig Primary school, on Friday cut the ribbon to an office in the Education Department’s building that will house a

Probation Officer daily. The building is located within the Secondary School’s compound, along the Friendship Public Road, East Bank Demerara.

This move comes on the heels of the campaign promise of the new administration to improve people’s access to services by taking the services to them, according to Minister Lawrence.

This, she noted, will

avoid residents along the East Bank corridor having to travel to the City to access these services, which sometimes resulted in them underreporting social ills.

“The importance of what we start here will go beyond our lifetime once the people who come after us have the vision. This Government campaigned on the pillar of a good life for every Guyanese and this is how we are delivering,” she said. The

Minister said that decentralization is part of the fresh approach her Government envisions and more services will be added to this and similar buildings across the country.

Soon a Child Protection Officer will be based as well at Friendship and a Labour Officer will visit regularly.

“Today we have brought an end to the long journey of people from these areas travelling to access social

services and we intend to add more services,” she said, urging residents to fully utilize the services.

The building refurbished by the regional administration at a cost of $1.2 million according to the new Regional Executive officer, Ms. Pauline Lucas, will be occupied by the Education Department, as well as staff from the Personnel and accounts Departments of the Regional Administration.

Regional Chairman, Ms. Jennieve Allen said this decentralization effort began in 1980 and is being continued now by the regional administration in Region Four.

She noted that the capacity of sub-district offices in other parts, such as Timehri will also be boosted.

Education Officer, Ms. Chitrawattie Basdeo thanked the Regional Office for the wisdom in establishing a suboffice at Friendship, noting that it will indeed save time and money and bridge some existing gaps in service delivery. The commissioning ceremony also featured performances from teachers and students, including a rendition of Dave Martins, “Not a Blade of Grass”, by pupils and a teacher of the Craig Primary School and a dance by students of the Covent Garden secondary School. There was also a tree planting exercise in the compound, which will hopefully be used as a literacy tree, under which children could be taught to read in years to come.

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Immigration INFO: Immigration News For Our Community Understanding the Visa Bulletin Revisions for October 2015

By Attorney Gail S. Seeram U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in coordination with the Department of State (DOS), has revised the procedures for determining visa availability for applicants waiting to file for employment-based or family-sponsored preference adjustment of

status.

The revised process was effective with the October 2015 visa bulletin published on September 25, 2015. The new format of the visa bulletin will better align with procedures DOS uses for foreign nationals who seek to become U.S. permanent residents by applying for immigrant visas at U.S. consulates and embassies abroad.

Also, the revised process will enhance DOS's ability to more accurately predict overall immigrant visa demand and determine the cut-off dates for visa issuance published in the Visa Bulletin.

This will help ensure that the maximum number of immigrant visas is issued annually as intended by Congress, and minimize month-to-month

fluctuations in Visa Bulletin final action dates. The Visa Bulletin revisions implement the November 2014 executive actions on immigration announced by President Obama and Secretary of Homeland Security Johnson.

With the revisions, there will be two separate charts (or priority dates) for people to follow or monitor: Dates for filing applications

(earliest date when a person may file for adjustment of status or for an immigrant visa) AND Application “final action dates” (dates when visas may finally be issued). View the newly revised visa bulletin at http://goo.gl/cQqGUW Each month, in coordination with DOS, USCIS will monitor visa numbers and post the relevant dates for filing and action on the monthly Visa Bulletin chart (found on-line at http://goo.gl/cQqGUW).

Applicants can use the charts to determine when to file their Form I-485, A p p l i c a t i o n t o Register/Adjust Status to Permanent Residence OR submit visa fees and required documents to the National Visa Center for Embassy/Consulate processing abroad.

However, in November 2015, the filing dates may dramatically change, and in some cases could only be a few months ahead of the visa issuance date, rather than years.

Therefore, you may want to take advantage of the October 2015 dates. In addition, if you are out of status in the U.S., you may not be eligible to file for adjustment of status unless you have the benefit of Section 245(I).

If the priority date (on your employment or family based petition) is now “current” in the application filing date chart, you should seek the advice and guidance of an attorney, who can evaluate your situation, and determine if you can file for adjustment of status (and work authorization) years before your “visa issuance” priority date becomes

Gail S. Seeram current.

Background on the Visa Bulletin: Department of State (DOS) publishes current immigrant visa availability information in a monthly Visa Bulletin (found on http://goo.gl/cQqGUW).

The Visa Bulletin indicates when statutorily limited visas are available to prospective immigrants based on their individual priority date. The priority date is generally the date when the applicant's relative or employer properly filed the immigrant visa petition on the applicant's behalf with USCIS. If a labor certification is required to be filed with the applicant's immigrant visa petition, then the priority date is when the labor certification application was accepted for processing by the Department of Labor.

Availability of an immigrant visa means eligible applicants are able to take one of the final steps in the process of becoming U.S. permanent residents.

For more information, contact Gail Law Firm: E m a i l : Gail@GailLaw.com Phone: 1-877-GAILLAW or 407-292-7730 www.MyOrlandoImmig rationLawyer.com FREE in-office consultation – FREE Live Chat

Sunday October 04, 2015

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New Bistro opens at Giftland Mall Patrons are set to experience another level of dining with the launch of the first restaurant on the entertainment strip of Giftland Mall.

Bistro Azure Restaurant and Bar officially opened its doors on Thursday.

Witnessing the event were proprietor of Giftland Mall, Roy Beepat, and Executive Chef, Ryan Fields.

Fields was born in the US but grew up in Barbados. He said that the establishment of Bistro Azure was several months in the making. It is the first restaurant for Fields.

As such, he hopes that Bistro Azure will have a positive impact on the standard of dining in Guyana.

According to Fields, Bistro Azure was conceptualized as an excellent place where persons can meet and enjoy “amazing food and beverages without breaking their wallets.” Bistro Azure is set to offer Guyanese a wide array of cuisine from appetizers, entrees, seafood, meats, and even breads.

“We are offering pretty much everything. You name it, we do it. We are like 10 conventional restaurants in one. Our goal is to make every restaurant in Guyana raise the standard of what they do because Guyanese deserve

Patrons are set to have a next level dining experience at Bistro Azure Restaurant and Bar opened at Giftland Mall on Thursday better,” Fields said.

The Restaurateur believes that Guyana is fast becoming a preferred tourist destination, where overseas visitors can enjoy the uniqueness of an untapped

culture.

“I see Guyana transitioning into an amazing destination for tourists and I think restaurants need to upgrade their standard to be able to attract quality tourists

Annandale fisherman died from drowning, blunt trauma - PM A post mortem on the body of 42-year-old fisherman, Hansram Persaud has revealed that he died as a result of drowning and blunt trauma. At the same time, his family is calling for a thorough probe to be conducted into his death.

Persaud, popularly known as “Greens”, of Lot 99 Courbane Park, Annandale, East Coast Demerara, was out on a river voyage with two villagers on Thursday, September 24, last. But the trip became the subject of a police investigation, when Hansram was the only one who did not return the following Saturday.

When his surviving companions returned, they were taken into police custody and an investigation was launched. Persaud was found along the foreshore at De Hoop, Mahaica two days

Hansram Persaud after.

Persaud’s 66-year-old mother, Murlene Persaud, had told Kaieteur News that on Thursday, last, ‘Greens’ told her other sons that he had landed a job and would be heading out to sea with two other villagers – Silavno “Roscoe” Jeffrey and

another identified as Khan, also called “Old Head”.

According to the elderly woman, her youngest son set off to the sea the very evening, joining a vessel with these men. It was strange that Saturday the family received a message stating that the vessel had toppled and he was the only person missing.

But there have been conflicting claims to the effect that the boat sunk, another that it had broken and that they held onto pieces of it until another vessel passed by and rescued them.

Persaud, they reportedly claimed, let go and went under.

The post mortem that was conducted on Wednesday stated that Hansram had died from drowning and blunt trauma to the head. His body was cremated on Friday, according to relatives.

here.”

Fields estimated the cost of setting up the establishment at $15 million.

He noted too that it was a collaborative effort with Giftland Mall.

Proprietor of Gitfland Mall, Roy Beepat, told media operatives that the Bistro is the first of a number of different entertainment/

eateries sites, which will be available to the visiting public, in the coming months.

The new diners, Beepat said, will line the enchanting setting of the Giftland Mall Entertainment Strip.

“It the first of many restaurants, pubs, coffee shops, sport bars, and grills that are going to be lining the street. When we are finished

we will have an entertainment strip with about 10 to 12 different entertainment options.”

According to the entrepreneur, the entertainment strip will be an option for persons who wish to experience fine dining in various cuisines. “Instead of hopping around to four or five different places to find one restaurant they can come here and find 12 good ones because that’s the Giftland Standard.”

The businessman also promised to bring a next level dining experience to the Guyanese populace with the introduction of new eateries including Duke’s Fish and Chips, Mexican Taco, Halaal Restaurant, New Glory Chinese Fast Food and the taste of India to the food court.

Beepat said, too, that a number of brand name stores, such as Levi, Dockers, BCBG, Chinese Laundry, Nine West, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, and Polo Club will be available at Giftland Mall in time for the Christmas season.

Bistro Azure Restaurant and Bar will be opened from 10 am to midnight on Sundays through Wednesdays.

Thursdays to Saturday will see the Restaurant opened until 2am.

Additionally, the kitchen will be opened so that customers can have access to anything on the menu,” the restaurateur said.

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Schoolboys stabbed in brawl over $3,000 A melee between schoolboys last Friday over $3,000 ended with two of the lads nursing stab wounds.

Ovid Hendricks, 16, a Richard Ishmael fourth form student of Lot 40 Princes Street, Wortmanville, was stabbed to the neck and chest. The other student was slashed on the jaw but was not hospitalized, although the wound required 16 stitches.

Hendricks said that about two weeks ago, another student had damaged his earpiece, valued at around $3,000, and had promised to repay him.

“He damage me earpiece and he said he was going to pay for it so after school I went to he for me money.”

But when he asked the student about the money last Friday, the other youth attacked him, he alleged.

Hendricks said a heated argument began and the youth who had damaged his earpiece broke a bottle and lunged at him.

“He pelt a juck and miss me and we start fight, then he friend start shouting for he to kill me.”

“Then he juck me in me neck with the bottle and blood

Policeman crushed to death…

Prosecution closes case as defence prepares no-case submission

Stabbed sixteen year-old Ovid Hendricks in his hospital bed.

start to spill all over and I get dizzy.” The agitator soon joined in to throw a few punches at Hendricks and another student allegedly came to Hendricks’ defence.

Lucky for Hendricks, an ambulance was passing and he was taken to the GPHC where he underwent surgery.

The wound was centimeters from his windpipe.

Minutes later, one of the students from the melee also arrive at the hospital with his

Sunday October 04, 2015

jaw slashed open.

Hendricks made it clear that it was not a gang fight, while his mother, Leeta Henry, said her eldest son could have died just because he tried to get his money from the attacker.

“They are young people but I want the police intervention to fix this before it gets out of hand and I want the boy who stabbed my son to be charged.”

(Mondale Smith)

Nearly three months after a trial was launched into the death of Police Constable Edson Williams, the prosecution has closed its case.

During the trial, defendant David Persaud, 25, of 94-97 First Hill Linden/Soesdyke Highway made several appearances before City Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Persaud is accused of driving motor lorry GLL 8197 in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing Williams’ death on July 6, at Plantation Providence, Public Road, East Bank Demerara.

Persaud had pleaded not guilty to the charge on his first court appearance. He has since been released on bail.

Police Sergeant, Neville Jeffers, wrapped up the prosecution’s case last week after calling a police officer as a final witness.He also recalled city police, Sean Persaud, to the stand for him to be cross-examined by Persaud’s Attorney, Glenn

Dead: Police Constable, Edson Williams

David Persaud

Hanoman.

Hanoman, after grilling the witness, requested a two weeks’ adjournment to make a no-case submission to the court.

This leave was granted by Magistrate McLennan, who fixed October 14, for continuation.

According to reports, Williams, 19, of Lot 113 Number 53 Village, Berbice, was placing barricades on the road on the date in question.

His job was in preparation for traffic control at a Hits and Jams beach event in the area.

The accident reportedly occurred around 09:45 hrs.

It was alleged that he was struck down and run over by the motor lorry driven by Persaud. Constable Williams was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

At the time of his demise, Williams was attached to the Brickdam Police Station, Enquiries Office.

Kaieteur News understands that the driver had failed to comply with signals to reduce speed.

Suspect held for Tin Cup Backdam murder Police have detained a suspect for the murder of a miner four months ago.

The suspect, identified as Edward Simon, 35, is being questioned about the killing of Lionel Williams, a 25-yearold miner of Tin Cup Backdam, North West District. Simon is reportedly an in-law of Williams.

Police reportedly have

eyewitnesses to the killing and the suspect is being brought to Georgetown for further questioning.

According to reports, Williams and two other men were imbibing at a shop when an argument ensued among them and he was fatally stabbed. Just a few days ago, police reported that they had captured another man who had confessed to two murders in separate areas in Konawaruk.

They said that Mark Atkinson, 36, admitted to shooting and killing Devon Anderson, 30, at Blackwater

Landing, Konawaruk, Potaro in June 2014.

Persons in the area had reportedly heard the two men arguing just before Anderson was shot.

The detained man has also reportedly admitted to beating a Brazilian to death at Konawaruk, Potaro this year. He reportedly told detectives that he was fighting with the Brazilian who fell and struck his head on a tree trunk.

A post mortem showed that the victim sustained blunt trauma to the head.

Police are also

questioning him about several other murders, including the murders of Jose Carlos Barbosa Araujo and Adonias Ferreira whose bodies were recovered from a swamp late Aramu Backdam, Cuyuni River last month.

One of the bodies bore gunshot wounds and the other, incised wounds.

According to reports, the men left their worksite in the Oku mining area, Cuyuni, on Tuesday, September 15, on an ATV. They were said to have been heading to Bartica to purchase spares for an excavator.

Sunday October 04, 2015

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Students complete ChildLink Govt. pushes to...

Youth Advocate/Mentors Training

British High Commissioner Greg Quinn with Project Officer Javed Ishmael (left).

Thirty students drawn from Bush Lot, Fort Wellington, and Number Eight Secondary School, Region Five, were on Friday last, presented with badges as Youth Advocate/Mentors, (YAMs), after completing the requisite training. The ceremony was held at the Fort Wellington Secondary School.

According to Project Officer, Javed Ishmael, the purpose of the project is to strengthen the capacity of youths/students and caregivers, including teachers, PTA executives and School Welfare Officers to

prevent and break the cycle of gender based violence against girls. Ishmael also said that gender based violence project is also seeking to build capacity and raise awareness of youths between ages of 12 to 17 years old.

The Youth Advocate/ Mentors, (YAMs,) were selected from among Second and Third Form students who are set to remain in school for two to three years after selection.

Students, during training, were exposed to AIDS awareness education, conflict resolution, anger

British High Commissioner pinning badge on a student management, and gender based violence among other disciplines, and they are expected to serve as peer counselors or mentors within their respective schools, under the supervision of counselors attached to the ChildLink center in Fort Wellington.

The training was done through ChildLink Incorporated in collaboration with the British High Commission, which funded the program.

The participants were added to the list of students around the country, who are engaged in the drive to reduce

the incidents of gender based violence.

The British High Commissioner, Mr. Greg Quinn, addressing the gathering, stated that one of the most abhorrent, disgraceful, inexcusable and shameful crimes that this world knows, is that of violence, particularly sexual violence against girls. He commended those present for signaling their willingness to do their bit to address and prevent sexual violence. Mr. Quinn also said that the penalty for sexual violence needs to be reviewed and to be made more severe.

From page 13 impartiality. One of the criteria for promotion must be merit.

What we must see here is that the public service is the servant of Guyana and is not the servant of any political party,” Harmon emphasised.

The Minister further stressed that the entire public service needed to be reformed.

Amongst the proposals for reforms were proper training, improved condition of service, and an upgrade of the essentials to facilitate the effective delivery of public service.

He said this process has already begun and the government is working to ensure that a different state of affair exists within the public service.

Additionally, Harmon indicated that the establishment of a Public Service College was on the front burner and was an essential part of the reform of the public service.

Harmon stressed that the public service must possess expert knowledge and high standards of academic education in order to discharge its function effectively.

He further said that a public service college has

immensely helped other countries. Among these countries noted was Singapore, which Harmon highlighted had gained independence just a year before Guyana gained its own independence.

“Singapore invested in its human capital; it invested in a very strong public service and a very strong public service college exists right now in Singapore and it has been churning out public service graduates, not only for Singapore but for the rest of the world,” Harmon pointed out.

In regards to such a college being available in Guyana, Harmon indicated that the college will be coming along very shortly. He shared that recommendations have already been received by the Department of Public Service as well as local unions.

These recommendations, he said, touched on the composition of the college’s board, the quality of lecturers, and the college’s proposed curriculum.

He said too that he has already responded to these recommendations and is more than willing to engage with unions to have representatives on the board.

Corruption benefits the rich and powerful at the expense of the poor. Say no to it

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Sunday October 04, 2015

Barticians charged to lead Guyana into the “green revolution” As President David Granger participated in a National Tree Planting Day exercise in Bartica, Region Seven, he called on residents of the community to take the lead role in making Guyana a country with a green economy.

The President made the call at a simple ceremony, which was organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and which was held at the Bartica Community Centre Ground.

Among those in attendance, were Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock; Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder; Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry; Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Simona Broomes; and Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Keith Scott.

As the President announced that National Tree Planting Day will become an annual event, he told the large gathering that he wants Bartica to be a model town for not only Guyana but for the world at large. “It must also be a model town for the environment, for ecology, energy. We want to work with NGOs [Non-Governmental Organisations], miners, the RDC [Regional Democratic Council], and private citizens to make sure that this revolution does not falter, so we can show the world what we mean by a green economy,” the President said.

The entire green economy plan, the President explained, forms part of his administration’s overall strategy for the long-term development of Guyana.

“This green economy as you’ve already heard is aimed at your long-term wellbeing. It will reduce social inequalities and it will promote sustainable environmental practices,” he added.

However, moving forward

with this plan, the President said his government will adopt five strategies. This includes the promotion of the sustainable exploitation of the country’s natural resources.

Reminding residents of the OMAI Gold Mines toxic spill 20 years ago in north-central Guyana, the President called on residents to be the ‘watchdogs’ for their environment. Reference was also made to the creation of the Sovereign Wealth Fund, which will ensure that wealth from today’s economic activities is preserved for posterity.

The second strategy, the Head of State outlined, is the establishment of a good solid waste programme. “You have to ensure that solid waste is carefully disposed of and I hope that [soon] we will be able to introduce recycling practices,” he added.

Thirdly, it is also part of the government’s plan to promote sustainable energy, by introducing, solar farms, wind and hydroelectricity.

“Much of the energy we are using can be generated by sustainable means; by sun, water, biogas and wind. So let us promote the sustainable energy initiatives,” the President said.

Speaking of the last two strategies, the President said all efforts must be made to promote the ecological integrity of our forests and develop and implement green technologies. “I want you to promote sound ecological practices, by encouraging the growth and replanting of the forest,” President Granger told the gathering.

Meanwhile, as the President congratulated the Ministry of Agriculture for its work, he thanked the Barticians for taking up the challenge in leading the way to make Guyana a green country. “We have come here today to congratulate you on your role as leaders but also to thank you for accepting

- as Guyana marks National Tree Planting Day

President Granger waters the first tree, which he planted, as part of the National Tree Planting Day exercise, at Bartica. this responsibility. I will come back to see how well you are leading, so you have a responsibility to all of Guyana,” he said.

Also on the occasion, Minister Holder said this exercise is one of many tasks that must be accomplished in order for a green status to be achieved.

“The Government of Guyana has decided, as a general policy, to promote the development of a green economy.

From an agricultural standpoint, investing in a green economy

has the potential to enhance food security, reduce poverty, improve nutrition and health and create rural jobs, while reducing pressure on the environment,” Minister Holder pointed out.

It is for this and many other reasons, he said his Ministry is pleased to collaborate with other agencies, including the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Communities, the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and other organisations in making Guyana a green country.

From all indications, the initiative was well received by Barticians, as scores of residents turned out at the Bartica Community Centre ground, with plants to participate in the exercise.

School children from schools around the community also came out to participate, saying they were encouraged by the President and their teachers to be a part of the exercise.

Meanwhile, in a separate activity, the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment (DNRE), yesterday morning, observed

National Tree Planting Day with the planting of 20 Flamboyant trees at the Botanical Gardens.

Under the theme “The Environment is Everybody’s Business”, over 25 volunteers from the Christ Church Secondary School, Caribbean Youth Environment Network (CYEN), and the Keep Georgetown Clean Initiative, joined staff from the DNRE, the Protected Areas Commission (PAC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the early morning activity.

Delivering his charge to the participants, Mr. Clayton Hall, Ministerial Advisor at the DNRE, emphasised that the re-greening of Guyana’s urban spaces must go beyond a simple one-off planting activity. He noted that this is a process, which all Guyanese must take responsibility for and pushed for the care and nurturing of the trees and plants in yards, streets and neighbourhoods across the city.

Yesterday’s exercises marked the beginning of Agriculture Month and both the Ministry of Agriculture and the NRE have additional activities planned. For NRE events, groups and individuals interested in participating are invited to contact the Department on 231-2506-11 or email pickitupguyana@gmail.com.

An efficient Public Service is free from political interference - PS Public Security Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Ministry of Public Security, Angela Johnson, has said that an adequately functioning Public Service is one that is free from political interference and influence.

Johnson was called on to provide information to the Commission of Inquiry, (COI) into the operations of Guyana’s Public service. The COI was set up to inquire into, report on and make recommendations on the role, functions, recruitment process, remuneration, conditions and other matters pertaining to the personnel employed in the Guyana Public Service.

The exercise is expected to yield information and recommendations which will be used in the reformation of the operations of the Public Service.

On Friday, Johnson told the panel of Commissioners, inclusive of Professor Harold Lutchman, Samuel Goolsaran and Sandra Jones, that a public service free from the political interference will provide for a greater level of proficiency and efficiency.

The Permanent Secretary

then detailed her qualification and experience in the area of public security to the panel.

The witness said that she had worked in the National Service and had attended the University of Guyana, (UG) before pursuing an EU Scholarship for a Masters in Public Sector Management.

Upon completion of her studies, the witness said that she returned to the public service but was transferred to work in the Ministry of Public Security.

Johnson said that she underwent training in various aspects of public security including in the prison and Fire Service.

Additionally, Johnson said that she worked in the management of policies with various government agencies.

The witness explained that she is currently employed on contract. The contract she said is set for renewal every three years.

However, Johnson admits that some degree of uncertainty surrounds the employment of a contracted worker.

In response to questions about the details of the contract, the

Permanent Secretary related that “I received a contract. I looked at it, I felt it was ok and I signed it.”

Questioned about the difference between the types of workers, Johnson admitted that while traditional and contracted Permanent Secretaries are expected to perform the same roles and functions, a contract worker does not enjoy equal security.

The PS explained that a contract worker’s employment will continue based on evaluation while the traditional workers are employed until the age of retirement.

She is hopeful that the public service reforms will answer such challenges.

“An adequately functioning public service will remedy the situation,” she said.

Speaking specifically about her employment as the PS of Public Security Ministry, Johnson said that she is responsible for the daily administration of the agency as well as the accounting and financial management.

The witness told the

panel that she also assists the Minister of Public Security with the formation and implementation of policies.

Johnson was then presented with a series of questions about public servants and political interference.

In response, she told the commission that she agrees 100 percent with the notion that public servants should be free from political influence or interference.

The witness held that “the government will come or go based on the electorate but we, as public servants, should always follow the rules and regulations.”

Johnson further noted that those regulations also safeguard employees within the sector.

“As a PS, there are instances in which the Minister would try to tell me what to do … but once it is outside the rules and regulations I would write and let the Minister know that …”

Johnson maintained that as a civil servant a person’s chief priority is to represent the interest of the public in any situation.

Sunday October 04, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 69

CONSUMER CONCERNS

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES OF OLD AGE PAT DIAL The Guyana Consumers Association has always had an abiding interest in two groups of consumers who had often been marginalized and whose peculiar problems the rest of Society seems to ignore. The first group comprises women whom our late President Emeritus Eileen Cox championed throughout her long life. The other group comprises the aged.

On October 1, International Day of Old Persons was commemorated.

The United Nations Secretary General gave his traditional message calling on all countries to take measures to ensure that Old Persons are able to fully participate in Society and have their voices heard. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) projects that by 2050, about 80% of the world’s older people would be living in the developing countries. In Guyana and most other developing countries, at the

present time, their populations tend to be about 60% under 15 years of age and about 30% are 60 years and over. In the developed countries, the trend has been that their populations are becoming older with those less than 15 years of age becoming a reducing percentage of the population.

Now it appears that the population trends in developing countries are gradually beginning to resemble those of the developed countries with increasing percentages of older persons.

Older people have been contributing their wisdom to Society in all civilizations and in all eras, no matter what their station in life may be. For example, the story-tellers of Africa or the shamans of Asia, and most of the philosophers and scientists and religious teachers who have made contributions to the betterment of humanity have been older persons.

Secretary General Ban Ki Moon however declared:” Older persons are calling for a world where all have food, shelter, clean water and sanitation and access to health services and education.”

Ban Ki Moon is referring to the vast majority of older persons in the world, and indeed in our own Guyanese Society.

A person who may have reached middle class levels of income by the time he retires or is unable to work, would find his economic condition fast beginning to deteriorate by the depletion of his resources by inflation, the payment of unexpected heavy medical bills and so on.

Very often, in Guyana, a person who may have once enjoyed a middle class economic status would find, in his old age, that he has been reduced to much the same level as an ordinary labourer’s economic condition in that labourer’s old age.

Ban Ki Moon’s statement

Standards in Focus

ACCURATE MEASUREMENTS AND MONITORING ESSENTIAL FOR TRANSPARENCY

As the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) provides weights and measures services to its stakeholders countrywide to ensure accuracy and traceability in trade, verification and monitoring usually intensify prior to and during the harvest of paddy, twice yearly.

The Bureau is mandated by virtue of the 1981 Weights and Measures Act to ensure that all weighing and measuring devices used for trade are verified and are operating accurately in all sectors, including those used the rice industry.

As a result, all weighbridge scales, platform scales, laboratory scales and moisture meters used at rice mills, are checked twice yearly to ensure transparency within the industry.

The effectiveness of this mammoth task however can only be realized if both farmers and millers demonstrate vigilance and ensure adherence to established guidelines and procedures that must be followed during the sale of paddy at mills.

These guidelines are outlined in the following.

To ensure transparency and accuracy when buying paddy from farmers, millers must ensure that: “ Their devices (scales, masses and moisture meters) are verified by the GNBS prior to use. Failure to have devices verified could result in the seizure or prohibition of their use.

“ Only verified devices are used by competent personnel. “ The determination of moisture and dockage is done using moisture meters and dockage machines and are not estimated. “ The acquisition of samples from the truck/trailer is done correctly, to obtain representative samples. “ Farmers are allowed to witness the weighing of their paddy and the determination of the moisture and dockage contents. “ All transactions are conducted in the metric units of measurement. “ They promptly address queries raised by farmers to ensure transparency.

When selling paddy to millers, farmers also have their responsibilities. They should ensure that: “ They are present at mills to oversee their interest or be properly represented by a suitable individual who is knowledgeable of the buying operations at mills. “ The indication on the scale and the moisture meter is at zero before weighing or measuring commences. “ They carefully observe the weighing or your paddy, by ensuring that the tare weight of your truck is taken after the paddy is weighed and off loaded.

Subtract the tare weight of the truck from the total weight of the truck and the paddy previously obtained, to determine your actual

weight. Record the value obtained. “ They witness the determination of your moisture content, by ensuring that the samples tested are those obtained from your truck/trailer and record the value indicated on the moisture meter. “ They carefully observe the determination of your dockage content, by ensuring that the samples tested are the samples obtained from your truck/ trailer and record the value obtained. “ They check the values indicated for the weight, moisture and dockage on the document given to you to ensure that they correspond with the values previously obtained and recorded. “ They are in full agreement with the values obtained for the weight, moisture and dockage before signing any document provided.

Note: The determination of the moisture content and dockage contents must be done with a moisture meter and a dockage machine, respectively and should not be estimated.

During the harvesting period, Weights and Measures Officers in the Regions and Inspectors of the GNBS will spontaneously visit rice mills across the country to witness the various weighing processes and to address the complaints and concerns of farmers and millers, respectively.

does have a greater universal applicability than would appear on the surface.

This implies that the State has to play a part in alleviating the hardships enveloping old people.

Such State intervention is usually done by legislation, the tasking of social services bodies with specific activities relating to the alleviation of the conditions of old people, and by distribution of state resources to old people.

Examples of such distribution would be the granting of universal and adequate old age pensions and subventions to assist in payment for services such as electricity, water and telephones.

But old people must also do their part to help themselves and they should

be reminded or taught how to do so.

The national newspapers often carry articles advising old people about healthy eating and about dealing with the diseases of old age such as diabetes and heart ailments.

Such advice is never seen by the poor and semi-literate. It should be communicated verbally and visually by social workers to the lower social levels. In this regard, also, one could gain very useful guidance from the Vedic analysis of over 5000 years ago. That analysis has stood the test of time and is still relevant and useful to-day. In the Vedic analysis, an individual’s life is divided into four phases: The first phase encompasses the period of studentship and learning; the second phase is when the

young person enters the Householder’s life, is married, raises a family, earns his living and creates material wealth; the third phase is when the Householder begins to increase his knowledge of and commitment to God and does public service; and the final stage is when one devotes one’s self wholly to God and hopefully begins to enjoy some tranquility and peace and when one also prepares for the coming of death.

These stages of life are of course not water-tight compartments but dove-tail into each other. Most old people are in either the third or fourth stage and if they can practice the guidance given, they would be able to live creative and positive old ages in dignity and with respect from all.

Page 70

Kaieteur News

FOR RENT

SERVICES

WANTED

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana Passport application. Graphics design, Advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535.

PARTY DECORATING: balloon creation, back drops etc. for weddings, birthdays, anniversary etc. Make your event extra special! Tel Maya: 642-6664

Experienced taxi Drivers, bus drivers @ Princess Hotel-Call: 616-5419

REPAIRS AT LOW COST: FRIDGES, A/C, WASHING MACHINES, TVS, MICROWAVES,FREEZERSCALL: 629-4946 OR 225-4822 REPAIRS & SPARE, FRIDGE, FREEZER, A/C, WASHERS, STOVES CONTACT NICK: 6831312, 627-3206 Floor sanding & Lacquering House plans, Estimate & painting, Boat for Santa Mission - Call: 650-4362 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building. visadocumentsgy@yahoo.comCall : 225-6496, 662-6045 Eagle’s fridge re-gas @ 99-100 New Market Street - $8,000 & washing machine repairs.

Phone: 697-2969, 223-5818 Landscaping: Palms, largest varieties of plants, Used in every one of our unique landscapes- Call: 648-1821/ 219-0468 Creative construction professional in all your general work: roofing, pool, carpentry, plumbing, tilling, painting –Call: 675-1510; 613-7964 Hello the Doctor is back!

Have your gas stove replaced and serviced-Call: 601-0595; 220-4073 FOR SALE/RENT American pool tables –Call: 277-0578 One 2 storey 5 bedroom concrete and wooden house with two large self contained rooms, well secured –Tel: 692-8923 FOR HIRE Large enclose canter-Call: 694-5460

Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic –Call 219-5354 (Monday- Friday) (8:154:15PM) One hotel/club manager to work on the Essequibo Coast: Contact: 615-6172; 226-9768 One live in maid –Tel:6755256 or 666-4153 Drivers & porters to work on water truck on the W.C.D$33,000 weekly –Call: 6848231; 629-4236 Straight stitch/Over edge machine operators- Call: 2222541 (8:00am-4:00pm MonFri) Live in Honest & Experienced waitress 18-25yrs -$60,000, live in general cleaner 2535yrs- must be willing $60,000-70,000 monthly. Call: 610-3974 One maid –Call: 656-6288 Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665 One experienced domestic cook. Call between 9am to 4pm –Tel: 621-8478 or 6115398 Experienced Pastry maker, apply @ Shanta’s, 225- Camp & New Market Street.

Driver/Salesman wanted, please contact: 231-6256 for details Honest and able handy boy apply to Nanda’s Boutique 223 Camp Street; next to Shell Gas Station.

Driver ’s Contract Cars, dispatcher –Call: 231-0316; 231-0002; 219-4087; 219-4086 Wanted urgently porters to work on Beverage Canter Truck within the East Coast Area-Call: 222-3927; 649-9876; 686-1352 One Housekeeper to live in age 40-55- Call: 693-9068

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 3 Bedroom bottom flat at 86 Railway Line, Kitty, Georgetown- Please Contact Rohan: 626-8821 One four storey building at Lot 14 Croal and Lden Street to rent- Contact 663-1876 Business place to rent at Mon Repos E.C.D four two bedroom apartment for rent at Block 8 Mon Repos E.C.DCall: 618-1754; 681-1508; 2206168 One wash bay with snackette at Good-Hope East Bank Essequibo, price -$30,000 per month –Call: 663-2882 Vreed-En-Hoop Junction, Storage Bond, office, lessons place, games shop, stationery shop & other – Call: 680-9905 Store for cell shop, electrical appliance –Call: Simone 6265317 Mechanic Shop 35X90 to rent –Call Simone: 626-5317

Sunday October 04, 2015

VACANCY Work from home earn $5,000-$20,000 monthly. Call monday-friday (9am-5pm): 233-6517; 638-0595 or www.jobfairworldwide.com One maintenance worker with at least 5yrs experienced to work @ ice factory meadow bank wharf –Call: 231-1408; 642-9191; between 8am-2pm

Apartment to rent from 15th October 2015 kitchen, living room, bedroom, toilet & bath @ 1st Bridge West Minister, cool atmosphere- Call: 6745779

TAXI SERVICES Mario’s Taxi Service; Travel & Collect Coupons to win a smart Phone, Drawing Every Month from October- Call: 225-7686; 225-7689

One mature maid to cook & clean-Call: 679-9432 Labourers for wood concession -$5,000 per day – Call: 618-0487

One Supervisor to work at Hotel in Charity Essequibo contact 223-5273/4 One ice machine operator to work at ice factory on Meadow Bank Wharf, please Call: 231-1408; 642-9191 between 8am-2pm Live in housekeeper 35-45yrs to care for child, Call: 656-1284 One Waitress contact 2235273/4 One Delivery rider contact 223-5273/4

TO LET Space for office, stationery, cosmetic store, salon etc @ Star Central Mall, Leonora, W.C.DCall: 227-1876; 695-0246 Three bedrooms executive concrete top flat in South Ruimveldt Gardens –Call: 218-1949 Space for office, internet café, stationery & like business @ Nandlall’s Building, ground floor, 217 South Road, G/Town-Call: 227-1876 or 695-0246 One bedroom apartment Grove, EBD -$36,000 –Tel: 6421956 1 – Self contained room to rent; preferably bachelorCall: 223-4545 1 Single room for bachelor or bachelorette at 11 Charles Street, Charlestown- Tel: 2234060

Carpenters and Masons to work- Call: 628-1756; 2285655 We buy land with or without title in Eccles, Herstelling & Farm-Call: 604-2207; 611-7223.

TOUR Tour to Suriname (20-24/Nov$34,000) & Brazil (25-30/ Nov$46,000) transportation and accommodation, lucky person will win $100USDCall: 660-0312; 695-4506

LEARN TO DRIVE Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj Building- Tel: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997

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Affordable salon services: pedi, mani, wash & blowout, facials, etc $2,500 each. Vogue @ Kalyan Mall, Lamaha Street. Tel: 647-1773/660-5257

Housekeeper/cook must be 30yrs & older- apply in person to 173 Sheriff Street, Campbellville-Call: 227-5286-9

One Chain Saw operator – Tel: 618-0487 Experienced Driver @ Gem’s Taxi-Call:665-5338; 231-3709.

-Make Up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, Black Opal, Mabelline.

-Nail Technician Course Call: 647-1773/660-5257

IT technicians; send your CV or info to jobs@awngy.com

Entire 3 Bedroom SemiFurnished House with parking in a quiet and secure neighborhood-$USD1, 000Call: 604-2207; 611-7223 Two bedrooms house @ Haslinton E.C.D-Call: 6639816; 616-4344

SALON

PROPERTY FOR SALE One commercial property at Sheriff Street, one double lot @ Cummings Lodge –Call: 638-8930; 653-8226 Wortmanville, bottom flat, bar, -$120,000 per month negotiable @ B&G’s RealtyTel: 617-9717 or 682-4094 or 227-4125 Transported Property @ Grove/Diamond, 3 bedrooms, 1 self-contained, concrete fence, grilled store room & Shed, (45X26) – Call: 660-1353, 216-4338 Brand new 2 storey concrete building in 5th Avenue, Diamond, E.B.D, all modern amenities –Call: 662-9335; 612-3244 Property for sale, Grove $20M / Rent: $50,000 per month. Tel: 625-5461.

2 Storied transported concrete property upstairs 2 bedrooms, downstairs 2 bedrooms, fully grilled, block ‘8’ MonRepos, E.C.D -$18M- Call: 625-1514; office 231-7255 1 Flat house on 1 acre land with chicken pen & fruits tree at Unity E.C.D- $11M-Call: 642-7898 2 Storey 45x35 concrete property, lower flat incomplete- Land 65x120 @ Diamond N/S 5th Avenue, E.B.D- Call: 664-5052 2-Two Storey Houses, one newly constructed, 3 minutes away from the National Stadium -$16M, $22M –Call: 628-1079; 642-7711; 233-5292 Pearl: Well Built 1,995 Sq. Ft concrete structure 45X165 lot, formerly meeting hall 13.5M. Call: 649-1670 #53 Village: East Berbice, concrete house and land for sale, please submit offers, Call: 674-2155 Albouystown- 3 Bedroom upstairs, downstairs parking and suitable for business$9M negotiable-Contact: 227-0583 House & Land with garage in Dartmouth Essequibo Coast Best Reasonable offer-Call: 646-0300; 684-5074

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

1 Complete sound system, 1 Vyper Sound, interested persons- Call: 265-3586 1-15 Yamaha Outboard engine, long foot -$250,000 negotiable-Call: 685-1233 Reduced Prices: Dell/HP laptop & desktop computers complete, from $55,000, free games and educational software @ Future – Call: 231-2206 Mannequins: children & adults-Call Simone: 626-5317 1-Ford F250 truck, manual and lifted, 1-4-Stroke 40HP Yamaha Outboard – Call: 6843248; 662-9603; 653-0266; 696-0712 Pile Driving Hammers, weight 3 & 4 tons, 10 tons double steel wheeled roller, pneumatic roller -9 wheelsCall: 275-0538 or 683-7225 2,500 GLS, steel tank, 1-428 cat back-hoe, D4H cat bulldozer, 1 Leyland Daf 55 Tipper truck- Call: 275-0538 or 683-7225 20. Lengths-Plastic Sheet Piles, 1-930 CAT front end loaded, all in working condition-Call: 275-0538 or 683-7225 PIT-BULL PUPPIES – CALL: 667-0338 One church & two storey house @ 180 Charlotte Street Bourda-Call: 624-7341; 2276817 Largest Selection of Computer Games-$1,000 Each- Call: 675-2239 Queen & Full Sheet Sets, baby pampers, bed liners, sweat suit, clothing @ 455 Aubrey Barker RD, By Tucville Bridge-Call: 626-6335 Samsung Galaxy S6 Replica $35,000 and S6 edge Relica for $50,000-Contact:6123696; 691-3409 Mag Lite LED: 2D-$7,500, 3D$8,000, 3D Camouflage $8,500-Call: 612-3696; 6913409 Continued on page 71

Sunday October 04, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 71

National tree planting...

(From page 11) will have fruits, vegetables, fish and poultry to not only supply the centre with food items, but also other homes under the Ministry’s purview.

“Today is symbolic because it’s a fresh approach to improving people’s lives, to improve the lives and productivity of those who reside here, which is in keeping with a main pillar of our campaign theme to improve the lives of every Guyanese,” the Minister said.

She said that it is critical that Guyana is self sufficient, not only to ensure food security, but to reduce our enormous food import bill, something that is proving quite problematic for the Caribbean.

“We are fortunate in Guyana where we can plant and reap fruits and vegetables at our hand reach and we sometimes take it for granted,” she said. In many countries few fresh produce are available.

She noted that the Ministry decided to start with the Hugo Chavez Centre for Reintegration

and Rehabilitation because at present the Centre has large land space that is underutilized. The project is receiving the support of the regional administration, as well as residents of the area and the Guyana Force Service, but will be maintained daily mainly by residents of the Centre under the stewardship of Consultant, Carol Smith-Joseph.

Emphasizing that the upkeep of institutions that care for the less fortunate is quite expensive, Minister Lawrence said the move to self sufficiency would help to reduce this financial cost, while at the same time help residents to acquire meaningful skills to be reintegrated into their own homes.

“We not only want to take people off the streets, but we want to give them back their lives and their independence so that they can return to their families and society,” she said.

Similar activities will start at other homes, including the Mahaica Children’s Home, the Minister said.

Lusignan merchant...

From page 9 and receiving stolen property were dismissed against them.

Daniel Chand, 20, a final year student at the University of Guyana is accused of breaking into the dwelling house of Sonia Layne on September, 30, at Kitty, Georgetown.

The court heard that Chand of Kitty Railway, Georgetown stole a television set, a microwave and a blender, property of Layne. The total value of the items was $100,000.

Leroy De Flor, 26, of 46 Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara was charged with receiving the stolen items.

The charge against De Flor stated that on September 26, at Sparendaam, he received the items from Chand knowing that they were stolen or unlawfully obtained.

Chand and De Flor pleaded not guilty to the charge after it was read to them by Magistrate Ann McLennan. The charges were subsequently dismissed against them after the virtual complainant (Layne) refused to give evidence.

Even though the charges were discharged the men were placed on a bond to be on good behaviour for one year.

FOR RENT

CAR RENTAL

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Aracari Resort: rates from US$45; breakfast included, fully air conditioned rooms, 5 mins away from the Demerara Harbour Bridge. Tel: 592-2642946

EDUCATION Princeton College Forms 1-5 CXC Adults Classes, Grade 1-6 Lessons: Phonic lessons @ East Street-Call: 690-5008; 619-7911 Individual tutoring available for CXC Accounts, for guaranteed excellent graderCall: 654-1723 -$2000 monthly Mathematics Lessons in Trigonometry 5th-8th October (8Hours) or 10th October (6 hours), Trigonometrical Ratio, Sine & CoSine rule, worded problems-Call: 690-9378 International Language Institute Classes for adults & Children, Spanish, English as Second Language, Portuguese, Dutch –Call: 2233556 CXC Lessons; SBA Guidance; Mathematics, English A & B, Science & Business subjects, Class Size -10 Students-Call: 690-9378 NOTICE Do you own a house lot & owe the bank less than $1M, Ron Helps you to pay it offCall: 604-2207; 611-7223

WANTED Farm Workers, living accommodation providedCall: 661-1585

Wing’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up rental- Call: 690-6494

LAND FOR SALE Concrete fenced land in residential high income area at Republic Park, Water, light, etc-Call: 233-0570 Parfaite Harmonie -$1.5M, 1.3M, 1M, Tuschen 8th street -$1.5M, Tuschen 2nd Street -$5.5M corner lot – Call: 604-6724 33 Acres prime agriculture land located at Plantation Flensberg W.B.D-price negotiable-Contact Erick Boodhoo: Call: 654-6229; 627-0556 1500 Acres Transported land 4 Miles from Bartica, 2 Miles River front, sand, loam, forestry, rock quarry, farming, resort-Call: 603-1266; 625-9788 One plot of land for sale situated at 3167 Spurwing Drive, South Ruimveldt (corner lot)-Call: 625-0356 Land for sale in Schoon O’rd next to New Road Junction 56X100 $5.5M- Call Ryan: 6972492 or 270-6800 Guyana’s 1st 5-Star Community, modern amenities, luxurious, recreational & business facility, security entry and more- land @ US$ 7.2SqFtCall: 650-0978 $1.2M & $1.5M & $2.8M (corner lot main road 130ftX46ft) & $2.8M (100ftX50ft) high income fence lot in Dairy –Call: 6042207; 611-7223 Professional Realty: we buy/ sell/rent/value your real estate –Call: 694-3875; 6490535; 654-6198

PROPERTY FOR SALE House for sale Versailles W.B.D five minutes from Harbour Bridge, price neg.

Call: 616-0111

From page 70

FOR SALE IMPORTED AMERICAN BULLY PUPS –CONTACT HARRY: 220-7933, 6674845, 610-0068 (WHATSAPPAVAILABLE) BBM PIN 52E62193 1-6" Dredge Complete-Call: 667-7512 Wall Divider, single & double bed wardrobe, 7pcs Dinette Set & More –Call: 622-6334

VEHICLE FOR SALE We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 TacomaCall:680-3154 Toyota Noah & Voxy -$1.7M ‘G’ Series, never registered – Call: 617-2891

1-3 Bedroom Splashmin’s Resort House, Fully furnished with all modern conveniences –Call: 611-0200 or 662-1124

One Honda CRV Immaculate Condition 17" mags, CD, AC, price -$1,850,000 negotiable –Call: 626-2884

One imported pools table 2235273/4

One Toyota L Touring Wagon HB 99/2, price -$750, 000 –Call: 663-2882

Just Arrived! Yamaha Outboard Engines –various sizes –Call: 698-7047; 6817737 1-100 KVA Generator on trailer, 1-40HP, 2 Stroke Yamaha outboard. Call: 6843248; 662-9603; 653-0266; 6960712 5 Toyota Coaster, 1 Mitsubishi 30 seater, 1-320C bucket, must be sold- Call: 648-0121; 628-1832

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Kaieteur News

Sunday October 04, 2015

St. Lucia ‘literally terrorized’ by economic attacks from rich, powerful countries UNITED NATIONS CMC – St. Lucia says it and other small states are being “literally terrorized” by constant attacks of rich and powerful countries against any economic advance.

As a result, Foreign Affairs Minister Alva Baptiste told the 70th Session of the United Nations General Assembly Debate on Friday that the future of poor and powerless countries, like St. Lucia, is in “persistent peril.

“How can we be expected to be stable and secure if our vulnerabilities as Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are constantly ignored and overlooked?” he asked.

“How is our war on poverty supposed to succeed and be sustained, if at every turn it is systematically undermined by regressive impositions of policies by the international community – whether in the form of illogical economic graduation, insensitive erosion of trade preferences, and inexplicable black listing of our financial jurisdictions?” he added.

Baptiste said this “geographic and economic insecurity” has become the central source of domestic instability.

He said to increase the specific gravity of economic problems, from an environmental standpoint, small states like St. Lucia face growing insecurity “as climate change unleashes increasingly deadly and destructive disasters upon us”.Baptiste said the recent devastation of Dominica by Tropical Storm Erika that caused damage amounting to almost 100 per cent of its gross domestic product (GDP) and Hurricane Joaquin’s

decimating march across the economic and environmental fabric of the Bahamas” are “vivid testimony to the ferocity of the threats that confront us”.

Additionally, Baptiste said small island states, like his, find themselves trapped where the erosion of trade preferences, decline in Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) and Foreign Direct Assistance (FDA) “have caused us to engage in increased borrowing to meet our current social and economic obligations, resulting in high debt to GDP ratios.

“This has narrowed the room for fiscal policy flexibility and fiscal maneuvering,” he said, adding that the situation is further compounded by the increased security costs of responding to the negative impacts of the illicit trade in small arms and illegal narcotics, as well as reconstruction costs following natural disasters.

Baptiste, however, said

the new Global Partnership for sustainable economic and social development provides a platform from which to tack le human security in all its facets.

In that vein, he said 2015 provides a “once in a generation opportunity to set a transformational global agenda for sustainable development.”

He said the quartet of global agreements forged toward that end, on disaster risk reduction, financing for development, the post 2015 development agenda and the new climate change agreement yet to be finalized, are “intended to usher in a new era of sustainable development for all.”

Baptiste said the adoption of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals suggests that “we have progressed our understanding of the profound challenges that face developing countries,” like St. Lucia.

But he said the economic, social and environmental security of SIDS “rests in the effective implementation of these agreements.

“Small countries like St. Lucia can hardly withstand externally induced insecurity.

We require for our development a context of regional and international harmony, which is dependent on linkages far from our immediate environments.”

He, therefore, said there is a “substantial concern” that small states, with limited material or diplomatic outreach, do not have access to arrangements that allow them to speedily draw support from outside, to inhibit or minimize environmental insecurity.

NEW YORK, USA — Belize and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) last week signed bilateral trade agreements that will serve as a catalyst for investments from the UAE and will strengthen Belize’s position as a Central American and the Caribbean regional energy leader. These trade agreements will serve as a foundation to catalyze private sector investments from the UAE, as well as government-to-government investments.

Belize Natural Energy Limited’s (BNE) model was integral in making Thursday’s historic milestone a reality.

“The signing of the UAEBelize agreement is a critical step in fulfilling the original vision of native Belizean Mike Usher, who always believed

that his country was full of abundant natural resources,” said Susan Morrice, chairman and founder of BNE. “He also believed that through the BNE holistic business model, the economic benefits of those resources could be shared by all Belizeans and pave the way for a better Belize.

Since BNE first discovered commercial oil in 2005, we have always stayed true to that original BNE model and vision. Through BNE director Josh Stewart, who resides in UAE, and the special relationship he has developed with his Emirati partner, Ali al Naqbi, BNE is now in an excellent position to continue to build out its vision.”

With its discovery of oil ten years ago, Belize shares a

similar vision with the vision of UAE’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed, who believed that the discovery of oil was only the start of the ultimate economic success story for the country.

BNE believes that its country can emulate the UAE’s vision and prominence in the Middle East, and achieve a similar success story, with the UAE providing the necessary financial and knowledge-based resources to achieve this vision.

The BNE vision is an important part of a growing public-private relationship, and the signing of these agreements between the UAE and Belize is the foundation from which the BNE vision for a better Belize will be realized.

(Caribbean News)

Alva Baptiste

Belize signs bilateral trade agreements with UAE

Sunday October 04, 2015

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Central African president calls for tougher mandate for U.N. mission Reuters - Central African Republic’s interim President Catherine Samba-Panza called yesterday for a tougher mandate for the U.N. mission, MINUSCA, and the disarmament of militias and rebels after more than 40 people were killed in the capital of Bangui.

Samba-Panza, who returned early from the U.N. General Assembly in New York last week because of the

unrest, also declared three days of national mourning for the victims, starting today.

The murder of a Muslim man last weekend rekindled sectarian violence that has plagued the mostly Christian nation of 4.5 million people since Muslim Seleka rebels briefly seized power in March 2013.

Scores of homes were burned, while shops and aid organizations’ offices were

looted in the riverside capital, severely hampering humanitarian operations.

More than 40,000 people were displaced, according to U.N. figures, and the violence ended any hopes of holding elections scheduled for Oct. 18.

Samba-Panza has blamed the latest unrest on supporters of former president Francois Bozize, who was ousted in 2013 by mainly Muslim rebels

The Gleaner - Jamaica has chided countries for using what it says is a massive share of the world’s resources on weapons and military equipment, saying it should be channeled into the development agenda.

Addressing the United nations General Assembly Friday, Jamaica’s foreign affairs minister, A.J. Nicholson, said if the resources were channeled into development the world would be more prosperous as

well as much safer.

According to Nicholson, the area of disarmament and arms control is in danger of becoming a neglected and forgotten goal of the United Nations.

He notes that the disarmament machinery has been languishing in a state of paralysis for the past 19 years.

Meanwhile, Nicholson says of immediate concern to Jamaica is the proliferation of firearms of

every description, which endangers the lives of ordinary citizens, undermines the rule of law, threatens economic and social stability and fuels violent crime.

He says those who manufacture such weapons must exercise greater controls and support anti-proliferation efforts.

Nicholson says the Arms Trade Treaty, which entered into force less than a year ago, can make a significant contribution to such efforts.

Nicholson speaks out against world resources used on weapons manufacturing

who fought under the umbrella group Seleka.

Many shops reopened yesterday and people returned to the streets.

Isolated acts of criminality were reported, however, and a night-time curfew remains in place.

“The whole of the Central African people is convinced of the need for a more robust mandate for MINUSCA forces and the complete and immediate disarmament of the non-conventional forces,” said a statement from SambaPanza, read on national radio.

She gave no details on what such a mandate would be.

Samba-Panza took office in early 2014 after Seleka relinquished power in the face of international pressure.

She is charged with steering the country to elections this year.

In a bid to put in place a government with a democratic mandate, the international community is pushing for the vote to go ahead before the end of the year, despite widespread insecurity and Seleka’s hold over parts of the

Catherine Samba-Panza

north.

In the south, the “antibalaka” Christian militia controls swathes of territory.

In recent weeks, protests have taken place in Bangui and other towns at the failure of the 10,000-strong U.N. mission and French forces to restore peace, amid opposition calls for the

national army to be re-armed.

The police and gendarmerie are allowed to carry weapons but soldiers are not.

The Central African military was sidelined when Seleka seized power and many of its members are alleged to have carried out sectarian violence as part of the “antibalaka” militia.

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Sunday October 04, 2015

50 murders make September most violent

Trinidad Guardian Acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams has confirmed that 50 murders were recorded last month, making September the most violent month for 2015.

He attributed the spike to the number of guns, including high-powered rifles, being brought into the country illegally through the country’s porous borders. However, he said, over the last ten days there had been a drop in the violence, with a total of seven murders being recorded.

Williams said statistics

showed that of the over 300 murders the country has recorded to date, 82 per cent had been committed with firearms.

Firearms entering this country illegally were having a significant impact on the country, Williams said during an interview on i95.5FM Friday.

“Eighty-two per cent of all the murders committed in 2015 have been committed with firearms. So firearms are making a major impact on the violence in T&T. “So we have murders and then we have shootings and woundings. So firearms are again being involved. So within the realm of crime, firearms are contributing significantly and that is negatively impacting this country and we have to find a way to fix the problem we are confronted with.”

Speaking about proper border patrol, Williams said if the Government could stop the flow of illegal firearms into the country the police could guarantee taking them off the streets.

For the year, he said, police had taken 477 guns off the street and 6,400 rounds of ammunition. In 2014, Williams

said, they took a total of 585 illegal guns off the streets.

In relation to the poor crime detection rate, Williams said the police had changed its approach, introducing hot spot policing in 256 areas within the nine police divisions, targetting concentrated areas within a 100-to-200 metre radius. He said this had resulted in the TTPS recording its biggest drop in crime.

“When we introduced that in 2013 we saw crime drop by 26.3 per cent, which really means that the numbers moved from 17,841 down to 13,147. That has been the biggest drop ever in the history of the police service in any one year.”

The closest they came to that, he said, was during the state of emergency (SoE) in 2011 when they recorded a 21.1 per cent drop.

“What we saw after the SoE is that crime went back up.

With the SoE we got a 21.1 per cent drop, with hot spot policing we got 26.3, which is higher than the SoE, without locking down people. What we are seeking to do is to see this as a sustainable strategy,” Williams said.

RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - Brazil’s Supreme Court authorized the questioning by police of exPresident Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in a broadening corruption case focused on state-run oil company Petrobras, a representative for the court said on Friday.

The original motion for permission to question Lula as a witness, which was filed last month, said the popular leader “may have benefited” from the political kickback scheme.

Lula may have “secured advantages for himself, for his party ... or for his government

by maintaining a base of political support sustained by illicit business” at the company, investigators wrote in the motion.

Prosecutors say there is no investigation into Lula or any evidence tying him to crimes, but they said they think the corruption scheme started with the former president’s chief of staff, Jose Dirceu.

“The people who will be questioned do not bear the status of investigated, but as the motion by the police proposed, the status of informants,” Teori Zavascki,

Supreme Court minister, said in his decision.

A representative for Lula in Brazil said the former president “could not be investigated in the Petrobras inquiry because there was no reason for it.”

In the original motion, investigators said it was necessary to question Lula because the p r o b e , a n d evidence obtained in plea bargain testimony from officials already convicted in the scandal, “reaches the political and partisan nucleus of his government.”

The Gleaner - Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller has reportedly given instructions for Jamaica to ratify the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention No. 189 on domestic work, which extends fundamental labour rights to an estimated 53 million domestic workers worldwide.

Making the revelations in the Senate on Friday, Senator Lambert Brown said Simpson Miller, “to my certain knowledge, has given

instructions for convention 189 be ratified”.

“There are a number of stumbling blocks along the way, but I am confident that the Ministry of Labour is working to overcome those obstacles,” Brown said.

The announcement of the move to ratify the convention comes even as a bill to address occupational health and safety in the workplace remains an unfulfilled promise.

The Government, through Justice Minister, Senator Mark

Golding said that the bill was 97 per cent ready.

The decent work issue was brought to the floor of the Senate by Government Senator Imani Duncan Price, who told legislators that October 7 will be observed as World Day for Decent Wo r k . She said that the Jamaica Household Workers Union would be staging an event on the day to raise awareness on the importance of promoting a decent work agenda.

Stephen Williams

Brazil court allows Lula questioning in Petrobras corruption case

Simpson Miller moves to extend rights of domestic workers

Sunday October 04, 2015

Kaieteur News

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Migrants break into Channel Britain warns it needs Tunnel as tension mounts in Calais robust reforms to stay in EU

Migrants gather on the road as others board lorries that queue on the access road to reach the ferry terminal in Calais, France, yester. REUTERS/PASCAL ROSSIGNOL

Reuters - About 200 migrants broke into the Channel Tunnel from France while several hundred others held up lorries near Calais port yesterday in renewed tension on the route for migrants trying to reach Britain.

Scores of migrants forced their way into Eurotunnel’s French terminal overnight, clashing with staff and police and causing a temporary suspension of rail services, Eurotunnel said.

The company said traffic levels in the tunnel were back to normal later yesterday following safety checks, though passenger services were expected to run with delays of up to two hours for the rest of the day.

Roughly 200 migrants entered Eurotunnel’s terminal after midnight by pulling down fencing, with 120 getting into the tunnel before being intercepted inside by French police, the company and

police said. “Such a large group had no chance of reaching the UK, so this was clearly an organised attack aimed at drawing media attention to the desperate situation of the migrants who are stuck in Calais,” Eurotunnel said in a statement.

The police made 23 arrests in clashes that left six injured, after heading off the migrants at a junction between the different tunnels 15 km from the French side.

“This is something new.

We have never been faced with something like that. Their determination and aggressiveness are growing,” a police source said.

Police sources have in recent days pointed to the presence at Calais of militants from “No Borders”, a far-left group that opposes border and immigration controls.

Calais has long been an immigration flashpoint but in the past year has become part

of a wider pan-European crisis, with states struggling to agree on how to handle inflows of people fleeing conflicts or poverty in the Middle East and Africa.

A tightening of security at the sea port in Calais has prompted increased attempts to access the Channel Tunnel, leading to the deaths of several migrants.

But migrants also targeted the port in a separate incident yesterday, attempting to jump on lorries queuing on the approach road to the port, a Reuters photographer on site said.

Police intervened to prevent the group, which a police source put at least 300, from entering the port.

The incidents were the latest in a series involving migrants who are camped around the northern port of Calais in the hope of reaching Britain by hiding in lorries and trains.

Reuters - An airstrike hit a hospital run by Medecins Sans Frontieres in the Afghan city of Kunduz yesterday, killing at least 16 people in what the U.S. military called possible “collateral damage” in the battle to oust Taliban insurgents.

Frantic MSF staff phoned military officials at NATO in Kabul and Washington after the attack, and bombs continued to rain down near the medical facility for nearly an hour, one official from the aid group said.

At least 37 people were wounded and many patients

and staff still missing, it added.

The U.S. military promised to investigate the incident, which could renew concerns over the use of its air power in the conflict.

Afghan government forces backed by U.S. air power have fought to drive t h e Ta l i b a n o u t o f t h e northern provincial capital since the militants seized it six days ago, in the biggest victory of their near 14-year insurgency.

One resident, Khodaidad, told Reuters the Taliban had been using the hospital

buildings for cover during the fighting on Friday.

“I could hear sounds of heavy gunfire, explosions and airplanes throughout the night,” he added.

“There were several huge explosions and it sounded like the roof was falling on me,” he added.

U.S. forces launched an air strike at 2.15 a.m. (2245 BST), spokesman, Col. Brian Tribus, said in a statement.

“The strike may have resulted in collateral damage to a nearby medical facility ...

This incident is under investigation,” he added.

At least 16 killed at Afghan hospital after U.S. air strike

Reuters - Britain will vote to leave the European Union in a planned referendum if it does not secure “robust, substantial and irreversible” reforms, the foreign secretary has warned, in a marked hardening of language on the issue.

Prime Minister David Cameron has promised to renegotiate Britain’s EU ties ahead of a vote on membership by the end of 2017. He favours staying in a reformed EU but has said he will rule nothing out if he cannot secure reforms, which include curbs on welfare payments to EU migrants.

Most opinion polls show a majority of Britons back staying in the EU, but the gap with those wanting to leave has narrowed in recent months. The migrant crisis has boosted calls for Britain to regain greater control of its own borders.

British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said European leaders needed to know that Britain was not bluffing over the issue, and said Cameron’s ministers would decide how to vote only once they had seen the changes proposed by Brussels. “If we can’t get the

commitments we need from our European partners on things like Britain being outside the commitment to ever-closer union, if we can’t get these things then as the prime minister has said, we rule nothing out,” he told the Telegraph newspaper yesterday.

“That’s why the package will have to be a robust, substantial and irreversible package of change with proper binding legal force. Because if we try to put to the British people a package which is anything less, we will get a raspberry from them,” he said, referring to a common gesture of derision. Splits over Europe have long plagued Cameron’s right-leaning Conservatives and contributed to the downfall of the party’s last two prime ministers, Margaret Thatcher and John Major.

The referendum was designed to end once and for all the matter of whether Britain, a reluctant member of the bloc since it joined in 1973, should remain in the EU. However, EU leaders’ uncertain handling of the migration crisis and their treatment of Greece over its debt woes have galvanised some on both the right and left

of Britain’s political divide to call for a British departure or “Brexit”.

Research from the London-based Open Europe think-tank published on Friday showed that out of Cameron’s 330 Conservative lawmakers, 69 are either “firmly out” or “out leaning” while 203 could vote either way.

Only 14 were firmly for staying in the EU, with 44 leaning towards staying in.

Iain Duncan Smith, a former Conservative leader and now a senior cabinet minister in charge of work and pensions, said the twin crises of Greece and European migration had hit the EU like an “out of control bulldozer”.

But he added that this could work in Britain’s favour by prompting EU leaders to think more fundamentally about the right to free movement across the 28nation bloc.

The crisis “exposes the system to what we have been saying about it. It just does not function. It does not work,” he said in an interview in the Guardian newspaper. “It is suddenly becoming clear that actually you cannot paper over the cracks and say ‘it’s alright, it’s only the British’.

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Sunday October 04, 2015

4th Annual Courts Pee Wee Schools Football Competition...

Defending champs start defence of title on positive note

Participating schools in this year’s 4th Annual Courts Pee Wee Schools Football Competition pose with sponsors representatives, Director of Sport and other officials yesterday.

Defending champion Stella Maris commenced the defence of their title on a positive note after registering a 1-0 win over St. Gabriel’s as play in the 4th Annual Courts Pee Wee Schools Football Competition got started yesterday, at the Banks DIH ground, Thirst Park.

On target for the Stella Maris was Simeon Alleyne, who netted in the 27th minute

of play. Watched by a large crowd that included Director of Sport Christopher Jones, Courts Marketing Manager Pernell Cummings, Guyana Football Federation Technical Director Claude Bolton, Petra Organisation Directors Troy Mendonca and Marlan Cole, parents and fans, the young students treated them to a fine exhibition of skills that belied their age. However, just after

the March Past of teams, the invited officials gave remarks with all of them imploring on the participants to give a good display of their skills since the opportunity for some of them developing into national players was a real possibility.

Bolton in his message called on them to think about those who may have dropped out of school and who do not

Sunday October 04, 2015 ARIES (MAR 21 - APR 19): A flash of insight helps you up the ladder of success.

You’ve got an original way of doing things that sets you apart from the crowd. ***************************** TAURUS (APR 20 MAY 20): You could get the training you want by taking the unorthodox route. ***************************** GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUN 20): Planning for the future will give you financial independence in your golden years. It’s never too late to start a savings account or an investment portfolio. ***************************** CANCER (JUN 21 - JUL 22): Lessons you learned long ago could come in handy quite unexpectedly. A business or romantic partner who needs reassurance may be acting out. ***************************** LEO (JUL 23 - AUG 22): It feels like a breath of fresh air now that changes are taking place on the work front.

Perhaps you’ll be moved to a nicer office. ***************************** VIRGO (AUG 23 - SEP 22): A person who invites you to express your feelings turns out to be a valuable ally. Don’t be surprised if romantic sparks begin to fly.

LIBRA (SEP 23 - OCT 22): You’re thinking outside of the box, which yields fantastic results. Home life becomes particularly rewarding when you reallocate chores among relatives or roommates. ***************************** SCORPIO (OCT 23 NOV 21): Your social life is picking up quite a bit, allowing you to mix with all sorts of interesting people. ***************************** SAGITTARIUS (NOV 22 - DEC 21): Your home life is undergoing a period of flux, which can be alternately favourable and challenging. ***************************** CAPRICORN (DEC 22 JAN 19): An unexpected trip allows you to express yourself in ways you ordinarily wouldn’t. It’s such a relief to mix with people who don’t know your history. ***************************** AQUARIUS (JAN 20 FEB 18): You have talents that you haven’t explored, mostly because of your present situation. ***************************** PISCES (FEB 19 - MAR 20): Even though you have lots of friends, you don’t feel compelled to follow in their footsteps.

have the chance to compete in the tournament.He thanked the Petra Organisation for organising such an event and noted the support of all the sponsors in assisting in the development of the players and the sport at large.

Jones in his remarks first congratulated the sponsors for coming on board, adding that Government is taking note of their support.

He told the players that the occasion is their opportunity to showcase their skills and to make the most of it.

Cummings thanked Petra Organisation for staging the tournament for another year and promised his Company’s involvement in the future.

The full results are seen below: Game-1 St. Sidwell vs St.Pius Primary St. Pius won via walkover Game-2 Marian Academy-0 vs Smith Memorial-1 Omallie Vieira-14th Game-3 Enterprise Primary-7 vs Winfer Garden Primary-0 Enterprise Scorers Seon Archibald-15th and 18th Martin King-4th, 23rd and 28th Garfield Caesar-9th and 38th Game-4 Comenius Primary vs St. Ambrose Primary St. Ambrose won via walkover Game-5 F.E Pollard Primary-0 vs St Agnes Primary-0 Game-6 School of the Nations-1 vs Sophia Primary-1 Sophia Scorer Geraina Stewart-15th School of the Nation Scorer Kamir Khan-31st Game-7 North Georgetown-4 vs Rama Krishna Primary-0 Nigel Lowe-7th Akon DeSantos-12th Kellon King-21st Tyrese Hunte-30th Game-8

South Ruimveldt Primary-4 vs J.E Burnham Primary-0 Nashawn Briston-8th and 10th Justin Bovell-15th Simeon Holder-27th Game-9 St. Stephen’s Primary-0 vs West Ruimveldt-4 Justin Persaud-8th and 14th Michael Oie-16th and 22nd Game-10

St. Gabriel’s-0 vs Stella Maris Primary-1 Simeon Alleyne-27th Game-11 St Angela’s Primary-1 vs Tucville Primary-0 Keyon Douglas-23rd Game-12 East La Penitence-0 vs St. Margaret’s Primary-2 Josiah King-23rd and 33rd

Sunday October 04, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 79

Stag Elite League...

GFC fire past GDF; Richardson’s dagger stun Slingerz at the death

By Franklin Wilson On another classical night of football, the first for the Stag Elite League (SEL) at the Guyana Defence Force ground, Camp Ayanganna, fans were treated to two fantastic matches on a breezy evening, north easterly winds gliding across the ground consistently.

However, it was not a pleasing night for Brigadier Mark Phillips and his officers as the Guyana Defence Force suffered their second loss in four matches when they were cut down to size on home turf by the surprise package of the SEL, Georgetown Football Latest Points Standings Club P Pele 4 Fruta Conquerors 3 Slingerz 4 Alpha United 3 GDF 4 GFC 4 Monedderlust 3 Buxton 3

Club (GFC), the victors erasing a one goal deficit to win the war, 2-1.

The tone for the evening was set in the curtain raiser when Slingerz, headed for what seemed to be comfortable win suddenly found out that the league’s leading goal scorer Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson was still an ever lurking threat and not down and out until the final whistle.

Poor defensive work by Les Charles Critchlow in added on time saw Richardson in cat like fashion pouncing on the ball and his bullet like left foot shot zipped past custodian Winslow W 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 0

L 0 0 0 0 2 2 2 3

D 2 1 3 2 1 1 0 0

McDowall to ensure Pele an equal share of the spoils whilst solidifying their position at the top of the points standings. It was the first time in the SEL that McDowall and Slingerz conceded.

GFC, quickly becoming the team with the title, ‘The UpSetter’, once again proved that they are not in the SEL just as another team but will roll heads every time they hit the pitch as a young unit that will take you down if you take them for granted.

The energetic and calculated runs by the Bourda boys were too much for the Army to handle and they GF 8 5 4 4 6 3 4 1

GA 5 3 1 2 6 5 3 5

GD Points +3 8 +2 7 +3 6 +2 5 0 4 -2 4 -3 3 -4 0

Venus Williams wins WUHAN OPEN TITLE (Reuters) Venus Williams captured her 47th WTA career title on Saturday, and her biggest in five years, when she won the Wuhan Open in China, beating Wimbledon runner-up Garbine Muguruza.

The 35-year-old American was leading Muguruza 6-3 30 when the Spaniard, struggling with injury, retired, handing the title to Williams, who was already well on top and had won the last five games in a row. A sympathetic Williams consoled Muguruza, one of the best young players in the game who had a tough semi-final with Germany’s Angelique Kerber, during the victory presentation.

“Congratulations Garbine for making the final,” Williams said. “I know you had a tough match yesterday - it’s not easy when you don’t play your best, and I probably didn’t have a chance if you felt well!”

Muguruza traded blows with Williams through most of the first set but suddenly dropped her level of play after the seventh game.

The 21-year-old lost the next five games on the trot before signaling she could not continue.

“This is a sad day today,”

conceded defeat despite relentless pressure and steady presence in the attacking third for the final 20 minutes of the match.

It was the GDF that drew first blood when Delroy Fraser (10 th minute) found himself with more than enough room at the top of the box to angle the ball which was passed to him by Genorvan Edmonds, past Ronel McLean who stood in goal for the injured Derrick Carter for GFC. No doubt, the GDF felt empowered by taking the lead but their joy did not throw GFC off their game plan as they continued to take the fight to the home team with great work down the flanks coupled with diagonal balls into the area, which caused the GDF unease for the remainder of the first half.

The efforts of the Bourda boys in the attacking third proved rewarding when it mattered; from one of the many corners that they {GFC} were rewarded with came the equalizing goal in the 24th minute, thanks to smart work from defender Linden Pickett who out maneuvered the GDF defence, the ball was served into the area by Kurt Johnson of Linden, one of the Digicel Schools Football standouts.

GFC’s deliberate investment in building a unit with youths at the core proved even more rewarding as they continued to dominate play, GDF’s Captain and main defender Selwyn Isaacs found out that the

youngsters were way too much to handle.

As the half time period swiftly approached and the fourth official signaled one minute of added on time remained, the GDF team were eagerly anticipating some respite time but the Bourda boys had business to take care of.

They were awarded a free kick a few meters into GDF territory from the half way line and in clinical fashion, Johnson headed past Oswald Cornette at the far post as GFC took the lead for the first time against any opponent in the SEL. As it turned out, it was the winning goal for GFC which secured their first win of the league and will be an historical one too for them. They provided defensive fortitude in the second half and were able to keep the attacking Army team at bay for a memorable and grinding win.

Pele stung Slingerz when it seemed like the West Demerara based unit were destined for full points.

Orchestrating Pele’s comeback was their mastermind, Gregory Richardson who said that he was not 100% all week having come down with the influenza but had to suit up for his team, despite.

Slingerz were their dominant self as they created a plethora of opportunities with the likes of Dwayne Jacobs, Domini Garnett, Vurlon Mills, Gideon Payne and Captain Tischard

working in tandem.

At the other end, the experienced combo of Richardson and Pele’s Captain Travis ‘Zorro’ Grant held their side together in the face of Slingerz’ relentless offensive runs. Garnett finally broke his scoring jinx with a memorable diving header in the 38th minute from a free kick that was taken by Colin Nelson.

It was Garnett who was fouled by Pele’s Royon Morrison to set up the free kick; he duly made the boys in yellow and blue pay for the lapse.

The exchanges continued back and forth for the reminder of the first half and the second half. While Slingerz came off the accelerator, Pele upped the ante as the final 45 minutes ticked away. They had the momentum and made it work for them. Three minutes of added on time was signaled on the electronic board by the fourth official and as it turned out, Pele waited for the final minute (90+3) to deliver a dagger like goal.

Defender Les Charles Critchlow had the ball and was in the process of sending it from there defensive third further up field but his clearance was poor and ended up in the path of Richardson who accepted with glee by letting loose a ripper of a shot past McDowall to the delight of his teammates and ecstatic fans. It was the neutralizer of neutralizers, the ‘Jackie Chan’ way.

One Year On: Has the tenure...

Venus Williams displays her trophy follow victory in China. said Muguruza.

“I’m very sorry I had to retire today, but I had a really amazing week here in Wuhan.

“I really want to congratulate Venus. She’s always such a tough player and she had an amazing week, as well.

“For sure we’ll play again soon, and it’s going to be a tough match, of course.”

Currently ranked eighth in the world, Muguruza is projected to rise to a careerbest fifth when the new rankings are released on Monday. Williams will climb from 24th to 14th after capturing her first WTA title

since Auckland in January and her first Premier-5 level event since Dubai in five years.

Williams chalked up her 700th career match win when she won her second round clash with Germany’s Julia Goerges but had tough run to the final. She was pushed to three sets by British qualifier Johanna Konta in the quarterfinals 6-4, 3-6, 7-5 then saved a match point in her semi-final victory over Italy’s Roberta Vinci.

“It was a great week,” Williams said. “To win the tournament and have the 700th...so, some great moments this week.”

From page 81 administration. The fact remains, FIFA is currently holding Guyana’s hand; that alone is the main reason why the NC has been so efficient in meeting deadlines and starting initiatives this past year, the make-up of the committee members is ultimately irrelevant in this regard, as it was the FIFA assistance that defined the committee, rather than any form of individual brilliance from any of the members.

Once FIFA lets go of Guyana’s hand in November, the new GFF administration will be right in the deep end and will be expected to be as efficient as the NC have been, which is a hard task without the close assistance of FIFA. Guyanese football has no history of successful administration, both Colin Klass and Christopher Matthias failed football in Guyana, whilst Franklin Wilson only served as a short-term interim President, so there is no real precedent or roadmap to success for the next GFF President to use as a template, but what Guyana needs is a fresh face to lead

the federation with long-term ideas for development that are consistently implemented, and more importantly, somebody needs to come in with no personal agenda: for too often the beautiful game in Guyana has been blighted by personal politics, greed and bickering.

The Normalisation Committee’s mission was to stabilise football in Guyana, and so based on that criteria, their tenure has been a success, they have done their basic job as per FIFA requirements, whilst their work ethic has never been in doubt, their collective lack of experience in the footballing world was the main flaw of their reign, but as the only other alternative was for Guyana to be banned, the tenure of the NC has to be put into context.

Pending sub-association elections going smoothly, the Normalisation Committee are expected to stand down on November 14th and hand over to a new administration, led by an elected President with a slate, and this is where we will really find out the trajectory of Guyanese football, for better or worse.

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Kaieteur News

Sunday October 04, 2015

“West Indies cricket captains must also be allowed selection votes and to do their jobs too!”

Colin E. H. Croft Captains of industry and sports must lead with great energy, guile and foresight, requisitioning useful instruments while planning results, also surrounding themselves with personnel who should positively effect that hoped-for successful future! Simple, really!

Why then, in present West Indies cricket, are none of our teams’ captains allowed votes in selecting players that they will lead, as was present in the past, while coaches do have that luxury?

Surely captains must, by gut feelings or evidence, as illustrated for WI’s Fidel Edwards or Pakistan’s Shoaib Aktar; captains’ picks by Brian Lara and Wasim Akram respectively; know whom they want in their teams.

To quote Pope Francis: “Power is a fleeting thing; here today, gone tomorrow. It is important to do ‘good’ with that power; to serve in the humblest of ways!”

The great irony here is that present chief WI selector Clive Lloyd, while leading an acclaimed cricket team, thankfully including yours

truly, demanded that vote: “I am given this task of leading WI teams. Therefore I must have my vote as to whom I trust to be out there with me.

Ultimately, I am responsible for producing good performances from those players on the field.”

WI selectors do have their rightful place, especially tasked with scouting for potential newbies, then objectively colluding with captains and coaches to get special blends to represent well enough to win regularly.

But selectors could never replace captains!

Trinidad & Tobago’s Michael “Joey” Carew, WI selector when I first played in 1976/7, tried hard to convince me, with TrinbagonianGuyanese connections, that it was he; Carew; who insisted that I should play, and not captain Lloyd nor another then selector, also Guyanese, Joe Solomon.

Lloyd did get his desired vote and definitely had final say as to whom he took into battle with him. So, again, why is it that present-day WI captains, depending on perspectives of pleasure or pain, not also have a final

vote in team selections? Or are our captains also controlled by coaches?

Therefore, if his tenure as selector/chairman is indeed allowed to continue after that recent fracas, Lloyd must also strive to get that present anomaly re-amended too, for with this suspension of Coach Phil Simmons, those seams and chasms under WI cricket appear wider and deeper.

How can any modern sports team, with such devastating detours outside of actual play, think about any success?

Seriously incongruous, this entire situation seems untenuous!

But neutrally speaking, Coach Simmons’ public outburst was also quite dangerous.

Simply suggesting a 3-2 difference would have easily sufficed.

While I agree that he could vent frustrations and dashed hopes, the way it was done; by pointedly, exactly, highlighting that ‘only’ Lloyd and himself voted one way, while the other selectors, Eldine Baptiste, Courtney Walsh and Courtney Browne voted another way for that ODI team; could be

construed as blatant incitement.

Realistically, it takes less than that for some imbibed imbecilic ‘personal supporter’ of one non-selectee, to target one of those dissenting selectors. Who knows what could happen next?

From factual experiences, anything is indeed possible.

In T&T, WI players have called my home to abuse me for opining that they were not good enough, while I was mere inches away from being stabbed in Guyana for suggesting that Carl Hooper had not produced to his potential!

Anyway, while world leaders fought for recognition at United Nations and WI cricket was again cavorting in confusion, an enlighteningly beautiful event; a great example for WI cricket; also took place in New York City.

The International Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, with over one hundred musicians, aged 18 to 26, from over seventy countries, some using indigenous musical instruments, performed in unflappable unison to produce really sensational sounds! Mentored by

luminary composers Poland’s Sevki Faruk Kanca and Ukraine’s Vlad DeBriansky, and conductors Slovakian Peter Briener and Venezuelan Jose Louis Gomez, YPHIL’s musical repertoire reminded of watching (Sir) Garfield Sobers, Seymour Nurse, Alvin Kallicharran, Gordon Greenidge, Desmond Haynes, Lara and Hooper all batting together at their slickest best.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart would have been impressed by YPHIL, such were the honey-like harmonies. Those one hundred plus played as just one single orchestrated unit.

Yet, WI cannot even put eleven together with enough cohesion to learn and play without insularity or, per Coach Simmons, whose tenure could be numbered seven days or less; “Outside influences.”

Maybe those musical maestros could come to the Caribbean to lend us a hand, practically and metaphorically, in molding and conducting our cricket’s visage, which seems perplexingly opaque. Will we ever evolve from this “crabs in a barrel” morass?

Unfortunately, simultaneously, WI’s exclusion from Champions Trophy 2017 was also confirmed; ranked only No. 9 for an eight-team tournament.

Once mighty WI won that tournament only eleven years ago, 2004, courtesy of now selector Browne and Ian Bradshaw, one of only two relatively recent hearty, healthy laughs; ICC 2010 World T-20 too; that WI supporters enjoyed!

So, like WI’s tumultuous first South African tour, 1998, which nearly tanked before it got started, so too has WI tour to Sri Lanka 2015 tapped into explosive fissures. Jason Holder must be wondering what will transpire next!

Enjoy!

E-mail address = c.e.h.croft@gmail.com

Media XI beat Floodlights to take series 2-1

The Guyana Media XI boys enjoyed their best moment since the team was resuscitated on Independence Day 2014 when they outplayed the Floodlight Masters team by 28 runs to lift the three-match series 2-1.

The John Ramsingh-led Media outfit had won the first match, a ‘hardball’ exchange, but lost in the softball encounter a few months later, to necessitate a final on Friday night last at the headquarters of domestic floodlight cricket in Guyana, the Demerara Cricket Club ground.

A fair-sized crowd, which created a relaxing atmosphere beyond the boundary, witnessed the Media boys pile up 178-6 off the allotted 20 overs, and then fought well with the ball to restrict the Floodlight Masters to 150-6 when the overs finished.

Winning the toss and electing to bat, the Media XI were given a rousing start by openers Ramsingh and Ravi Persaud, who piled on 64 in six overs, taking full advantage of the fielding restrictions and some loose bowling. Persaud fell for 15,

Members of the victorious Media XI with relatives of the late Calvin Roberts after the presentation. and when Ramsingh was bowled by nine-year-old offspinner Romeo Deonarain for 43 (6x4s, 1x6), the Media men were cruising along solidly at 104-2 after 10 overs.

However, Khalid Baksh brought the Floodlight Masters back in the game in the second half of the innings, bowling a tight spell as they

allowed just 74 runs off the final 10 overs.

Baksh claimed 3-15 off four overs, while young Deonarain, who showcased tremendous control of the cricket ball, bagged 2-42 off his four overs. Ishaka Jackman and Daniel Singh kept the Media XI innings together with 27 (4x4s) and 19

(2x4s) respectively, while Shahrukh Imran gave the innings some momentum towards the end with 19 (1x6).

In the run chase, Floodlight Masters were also off to a flying start with openers Uniss Yusuf and Nafjohn Samlall racing to 32 off the first two overs bowled

by Rene Stoby and Clifton

Ross. The introduction of seamer Zaheer Mohamed however, brought about the breakthrough immediately as he had Samlall caught by wicketkeeper Singh for 10 in the third over.

Yusuf and Lloyd Rooplall then threatened to speed away with the run chase, but with 68 runs on the board in

the eight over, Jackman trapped Roopall leg before for 22 (4x4s), and Ravi Persaud followed up with a similar dismissal of Yusuf for 33 (5x4s, 2x6s) as Floodlight Masters slipped to 86-3 in the 12th over. It was a position they never recovered from, as Diquan Murray comprehensively bowled the dangerous Wayne Jones for 12, and Mohamed returned to claim two more wickets, as the reigning Guyana Softball Cup Masters champions failed to keep up with a run rate of 15 during the final five overs.

Baksh finished on 26 not out, while Mohamed, who was named best bowler on the winning side, finished with 3-13 from four overs.

Trophies for the match, which was held in memory of the late journalist and captain of the Guyana Media XI, Calvin Roberts, were donated by the Trophy Stall of Bourda Market. Relatives of Roberts were on hand to witness the game and they later assisted in the presentation of prizes.

Now that the series is over, the two teams have agreed to engage each other in goodwill softball and hardball matches each month.

Sunday October 04, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 81

One Year On: Has the tenure of the GFF Normalisation Committee been a success?

Four members of the GFF Normalisation Committee sit front row during a press conference.

By Santokie Nagulendran When FIFA installed a five-member Normalisation Committee (NC) to run the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) a year ago, it did so as a last resort.

Christopher Matthias had led the Federation since April 2013 and set Guyanese football back years in terms of progress: under his reign the Senior Men’s and Women’s Team played zero games, Vice-Presidents had been unfairly suspended, and there was a clear lack of financial transparency within the GFF. When FIFA representatives landed in Guyana in August last year to evaluate the matter, they realised the mess Guyana football was in and acted fast to remove the executive body and install a temporary committee.

The five-member Normalisation Committee was made up of people with no footballing history: led by business-owner Clinton Urling, and including members Tariq Williams, Rabin Chanderpal, Stuart May (later replaced by Eric Phillips) and Dr Karen Pilgrim, the aim was to have people stabilise Guyanese football in financial and operational terms.

If the Committee failed in achieving this, then Guyana would be banned from all football for a minimum of two years: in essence, the committee was the last hope.

A year on from their installation; it can be said the Committee have completed the key aspects of thetask laid before them; they have been guided by FIFA and achieved significant targets.

Positive aspects of the committee have been the resumption of the National team programme and reappointment of Jamaal Shabazz, Guyana’s most

successful National coach, a reformed GFF constitution, a new domestic Elite league and the re-introduction of overseas-based players to the National Team, players whom had been discarded by Christopher Matthias previously.

Yet the road hasn’t been entirely smooth for the NC, and certain events this year cast doubt on the ability of the committee whilst also showing how tremendously hard it is to manage football in Guyana, even with the aid of FIFA. The substantial achievement of assembling Guyana’s strongest ever football team this year, (talentwise), was blighted by passport issues which meant four key UK-based players could not feature in the first leg World Cup qualifier against St Vincent in June, a major embarrassment, with many asking why the players were flown over to Guyana without eligibility having been ensured.

Further mishaps occurred when star defender Matthew Briggs was ruled out of the second leg in Guyana, due to a complication arising with the English Football Association.

These issues will ultimately come to define a massive part of the legacy of the NC, as a World Cup qualifier holds such importance for every nation in the world, and essentially, the lack of player availability for the first leg prevented Guyana from fielding the best possible side and progressing to the next round.

St Vincent, whilst being talented, were widely seen as a beatable side and having failed to actually out-score a depleted Guyana side in either match, it’s hard to believe they would have beaten a Guyana side containing the four UK-based players over the course of

two matches.

Further embarrassment occurred with the inclusion of an ineligible player in the Olympic U-23 qualifiers in Antigua: the player, Clive Matthews, flew out to Antigua only to find out he was ineligible due to being over-age, a mistake that could have easily been avoided if somebody from the GFF office had simply checked the age statue for the competition against the player’s birth details.

These mistakes have been costly both in footballing and financial terms, with flight money being wasted due to these errors, which is particularly embarrassing for a Federation deep in debt.

The Normalisation Committee had shown that whilst they could implement a FIFA programme or mandate, when it came to the

finer details of footballing issues, they were naïve.

The inability to rightfully hold their hands up and take the blame for these mistakes also cast a bad light on the committee.

In terms of financial development, the Normalisation Committee secured Sponsorship deals such as a major kit deal with Admiral clothing and a deal with Ansa McAl to sponsor the Elite League, but, aside from traditional footballing sponsors who regularly support Guyanese football anyway, they failed to attract new businesses to invest anything substantial, which some would say is surprising, considering the fact that the committee contains members who have excelled in the world of Business.

Leader of the NC, Clinton Urling, also came into the

spotlight after being politically active during this year’s elections. Many questioned his suitability to lead the football federation after he became a public political figure, as a football federation needs to be impartial when it comes to an executive member’s public political stance.

Whilst Urling must be commended for taking on the GFF role for no salary, it must not be forgotten that there have been numerous perks to the role, including trips this year alone to Miami, Jordan, Bahamas, Switzerland and Canada as part of GFF engagements.

Yet, the Normalisation Committee have brought massive and (hopefully) long-term benefits to football in Guyana; they have set Guyanese football back on track in many ways.

The Elite League, which started a few weeks ago, has been successful so far, with local players in Guyana finally getting to play regular football again, and fans deprived of the beautiful game getting to see live football every week.

The revival of the ‘Lady Jags’ National Women’s team and the development of Women’s football has also been a highlight of the Committee’s’ tenure.

The manner in which the Committee has over-seen the adoption of constitutions in every sub-association to pave the way for the GFF election in November has also been extremely efficient.

Whilst Guyanese football is ultimately in a far better position than it was 12 months ago thanks to the NC, it would be impossible to deny that there have also been underlying flaws and mistakes surfacing which suggest that the NC have reached their limit due to a combined lack of experience in the world of football (Continue don page 73)

South Africa too strong for Scotland BBC Sport - South Africa comfortably held off Scotland in Newcastle to take over at the top of World Cup Pool B. Schalk Burger and JP Pietersen crashed over in a first half dominated by the powerful Springboks. The Scots struggled to make inroads until a Duncan Weir interception led to a thrilling Tommy Seymour try. But the cool kicking of Handre Pollard kept South Africa at a safe distance and Bryan Habana added a late score to reflect the gulf in quality.

The Springboks, twice World Cup winners, signalled that their campaign is back on track with a bludgeoning display of brute force after their shock opening loss to Japan. Scotland now look ahead to next weekend’s clash with Samoa, knowing victory will see them through to the quarter-finals.

Boks unstoppable maul The first score came after

13 minutes when a combination of Burger, Bismarck du Plessis and Duane Vermeulen smashed their way through the Scottish defence, with Burger credited with the final touch

in a muddle of hands.

Scotland were warned and here was the Springbok maul in all its ferocity. At times the Scots were mauled off the park, never more so than at the end of a one-sided first

half when a devastating rumble paved the way for JP Pietersen to touch down.

It was textbook. It came with Jannie du Plessis in the sin-bin. Scotland were in a mightily deep hole.

South Africa powers through to score. (Getty Images)

Page 82

Kaieteur News

Sunday October 04, 2015

Former WICB CEO Chelsea Edghill makes Steve Camacho dies impressive college debut

Steve Camacho (left) was the first full-time employee of the WICB. © Philip Spooner/ West Indies Cricket Board ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Distinguished former West Indies Cricket Board chief executive officer, Steve Camacho, has died.

The 69-year-old, who was also a selector, West Indies team manager and Test batsman, passed away in Antigua early Saturday following a battle with cancer.

He would have celebrated his 70th birthday in nine days.

Camacho distinguished himself as an outstanding administrator, spending 18 years as CEO of the WICB, and was the first full-time employee of the board.

He was born in British Guiana and played his early cricket at the Georgetown Cricket Club. As a righthanded opener, he went on to play 76 first class games, scoring 4,079 runs including seven centuries and 24 halfcenturies at an average of 34.

Camacho played 11 Tests for West Indies, making his debut on England’s 1968 tour of the Caribbean alongside the likes of the legendary Sir Garry Sobers, Clive Lloyd and Sir Wes Hall.

He gathered 640 runs with four half-centuries.

Meanwhile, in a release the Government of Guyana extended condolences on the passing of legendary administrator and former Test cricketer.

Here’s the full text of that statement: - “The Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana (CRG) is saddened by the passing of Stephen Camacho, former Guyana and

West Indies opening batsman, West Indies Team Manager and selector and the then West Indies Cricket Board of Control (WICBC) Chief Executive Officer, Board Secretary and administrator.

The Government extends deepest condolences to his wife, Allison and family and his many relatives and friends in Guyana, across the Caribbean and the world.”

“Camacho distinguished himself as one of the finest and most widely respected cricket administrators in the region, having been the first full time employee of the WICBC (subsequently changed to WICB).

Nine days shy of his 70th birthday at the time of his passing, Camacho served as CEO for 18 years and also as Board Secretary. With a quiet demeanor and exuding elegance Camacho was widely admired, respected and loved in the cricket fraternity and further afield.”

“The Government of Guyana hopes that

Camacho’s legacy of grace, humility and unyielding respect for the regional sport will serve as guideposts to those who have been entrusted with the management of the game.

During his playing career Camacho played 11 Test matches for the West Indies and represented the then British Guiana and subsequently Guyana after independence.

Camacho scored seven first class centuries and 24 half centuries, debuting for the West Indies against England in 1968.

His highest Test score was 87, scored against England in Trinidad during his debut series.

After his retirement from playing, Camacho initially lived in Barbados while he served as a WICBC administrator and subsequently in Antigua where he had settled and where he passed this morning after a brief period of declining health.”

National Table Tennis Champion, Junior Olympian and three-time National Junior Sportswoman of the Year, Chelsea Edghill was impressive in her college debut, according to a Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) press release.

R e p r e s e n t i n g Lindenwood University in her first tournament, the Newgy Table Tennis Open, last month at Walsh University in Akron, Ohio, Chelsea secured a silver medal for the university in the Under 2200 division with her team-mates Alex Legaria, who also emerged victorious in the 2400 division and Micaiah Skolnick, who was second.

Competing in her second outing for the University at the Butterfly Badger Open later in the month, at the Milwaukee County Sports Complex in Franklin, Wisconsin, Edghill posted the highest result, placing second in the Under 2100 Round Robin.

Three Lions finished third at the tournament. Ahmed Hendawi claimed that spot in the Under 2400 Round Robin.

The Badger Open featured over 250 players and many of the top teams in the country, including the Maryland Table Tennis Center, Lily Yip Table Tennis Center, New York Indoor Sports Club, and the 2015 Collegiate Championship team from Mississippi College.

After a weekend hiatus, Edghill was back in action yesterday when Lindenwood University hosted the National Collegiate Table Tennis Association District Open. The tournament will continue today.

She is currently pursuing a university scholarship based on her table tennis and academic prowess. The scholarship covers five years and will allow her to train, play and participate in high-level competition against top players on a structured and consistent basis in view of achieving 2020 Olympic qualification.

NSC congratulates newly elected Rugby Executives The National Sports Commission has expressed congratulations to the recently elected President and Executive body of the Guyana Ruby Football Union (GRFU), the body said in a release. The release noted: ‘The NSC notes with much

anticipation the commitment to move forward and fully supports your initiative which is to formulate a five-year plan, a ten-year plan, vision statement and strategic plan so as to take rugby to the next level locally, regionally and internationally.

The NSC agrees that this empowering of the youthful body at the Annual General Meeting and the election process is a bold move and surely is testimony to the much needed rejuvenation necessary to transform local sport.’

Chelsea Edghill in College

The college is ranked fourth in the inter-collegiate rankings. Edghill will play 13 collegiate tournaments from September 2015 to April 2016, break for summer from May to August 2016 and resume the cycle for the duration of her studies.

She is paired with highly ranked world class players from Poland, Brazil and Ghana on the female team and ranked players on the male side.

Those players will be her team-mates and training partners, which will allow her to benefit from consistently training with high level players in a structured environment under the guidance of Coach, Chance Key. The inter-collegiate table tennis circuit is becoming a nurturing ground for some of the world best youth athletes.

“The GTTA sees Chelsea as a player for the future and one that we feel can have great Olympic prospects.

This scholarship provides the perfect environment to nurture her talents and

ultimately her chances of achieving Olympic excellence while pursuing academic excellence,” the release said.

“This is a pathway the association is actively pursuing as a means of providing the opportunities for our players to achieve better results i n t e r n a t i o n a l l y. T h i s opportunity will also fortify Guyana’s team chances at doing well in regional and other competitions,” the document continued.

“The aim is to also supplement her development with training, high level external training and competition where permissible and attend international competitions, world rated events in representation of Guyana in view of maintaining international rank and assessing her development,” it added.

Edghill is currently pursuing Chemistry and Physics as part of her academic pursuits.

EBFA elections set for Oct. 25 Following the adoption of a new constitution on September 14 last, the Executive of the East Bank Football Association (EBFA) has announced that elections will take place on Sunday October 25, 2015.

The venue is the Kuru Kururu Community Centre on the Linden Soesdyke from 11:00hrs. Affiliates of the association will elect a president, two vice presidents, secretary, treasurer, assistant secretary/ treasurer and five committee members who will serve for the next two years.

Based on the new constitution, no executive elected will be able to serve more than two consecutive

terms in one particular position.

Meanwhile, the EBFA will soon conclude its Under-13 tournament as one game remains; Agricola Red Triangle is poised to win the championship which is sponsored by Lens Craft Optical.

This is the second tournament the association has organised for the year which was started with a Pee Wee Under-11, which was won by Herstelling Raiders FC and sponsored by the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport, it concluded in March.

The association will shortly kick off an Under-15 league, while a 7-A-Side competition is set to commence in less than two weeks.

Sunday October 04, 2015

Kaieteur News

Ansa McAl/Lucozade handicap Squash tournament...

Regan Pollard, Micheal DeGroot register wins in Open Category

Page 83

Alex Cheeks gets ready to hit that almost hit the roof of the court as Regan Pollard watches the ball.

Peter Michael DeGroot plays a forehand shot off the wall against Nicholas Narine on Friday night.

The ANSA McAl/ Lucozade Handicap Squash Tournament continued on Friday Evening and yesterday morning with

another round of exciting matches played out at the Georgetown Club. The event, hosted by the Guyana Squash Association (G.S.A.)

RHTY&SC to play West Berbice in Farouk Kudrath Mem. U-17 cricket match today

T

he Rose Hall Town Youth And Sports Club (RHTY&SC) as part of its Silver Jubilee month of heroes (October) will host an Under-17 40-over cricket match against West Berbice today at the Area ‘H’ ground in memory of the club’s late Assistant Secretary/CEO Farouk Kudrath.

The match for the Farouk Kudrath Memorial Trophy would be the first to be organised by the cricket teams of the club in honour of outstanding members who have passed away over the past 25 years.

Rose Hall Town Bakewell Under-17s will be led by national U-15 player Kevon Anderson while another junior player, Kris Ramnarine would spearhead West Berbice’ challenge. Anderson would be supported by fellow national U-15 pacer Sylus Tyndall, Brandon Corlette, Keith Simpson, Surendra Budhoo and Chanderpaul Govinda. West Berbice on the other hand would depend heavily on Kris Ramnarine, Travis Carmicheal, Tiptus Webster, Tyrest Carmicheal and Carlos Peterkin.

RHTY&SC Secretary/CEO, Hilbert Foster described the late Kudrath as one of the most hardworking and dedicated executive members he ever worked with. He noted that he was always willing to work overtime to achieve success.

Kudrath, Foster stated was a visionary leader who was most passionate about sports, education, culture and the anti-drug programme.

West Berbice - Kris Ramnarine, Travis Carmicheal, Trevon Carmiceal, Andy Guygobin, Carlos Peterkin, christopher Harry, Tyrest Carmicheal, Sharsar Dundas, Tiptus Webster, Davendra Budraj, Joseph Nicholson, Curtly Babb and Leonard Williams.

RHT Bakewell - Kevlon Anderson, Junior Sinclair, Keith Simpson, Brandon Colette, Surendra Budhoo, Sylus Tyndall, Chanderpaul Govinda, Simon Naidu, Matthew Pattaya, Quinton Crandon, Clement King Jnr., Shakim Johnny, Joel Pike and Plaffina Millington.

Game time today is 11:00hrs.

in collaboration with its corporate sponsor Digicel, draws to a close today.

In the latest round of matches Michael Atherley defeated President of the G.S.A David Fernandes 2-1 in a match which went down to the wire. Atherley recovered from being 9/15, to take the second game 15/10, before narrowly hanging on to victory in the final game 22/20.

In Category A on Friday

Dominic Collins beat Abosaide Cadogan 2-0 (15/7, 15/12), Demetrius DeAbreu beat Georgina Fernandes 2-0 (15/11, 15/1) and Maya Collins beat James Mekdeci 2-0 (15/9, 15/10).

Demetrius DeAbreu beat Madison Fernandes 2-0 (15/12, 15/12) and Ethan Jonas beat Georgina Fernandes 2-1 (15/12, 0/15 15/13), while Michael Alphonso held on to a 2-1 victory over Ethan Jonas

(11/15, 15/11, 15/10).

In the Open Category Taylor Fernandes beat Adam Alves 2-0 (15/7, 15/10), Regan Pollard, with a handicap of -14 beat Alex Cheeks, who started with a handicap of 8, 2-0 (15/11, 15/11) in a dominant performance. In the other match Peter-Michael DeGroot dominated Nicholas Narain in a 2-0 win (15/12, 15/8).

Ye s t e r d a y K i r s t e n

Gomes beat Jason Gomes 21 (15/6, 9/15, 15/8).

Mohryan Baksh beat Liam Carpenter 2-0 (15/11, 15/9) and Ashley DeGroot pulled off an impressive victory over Daniel Islam 2-0 ( 1 5 / 11 , 1 5 / 1 3 ) , w i t h DeGroot starting 8 points behind.

The competition was scheduled to continue last night with the finals set for today at the Georgetown Club.

GMR&SC ‘Quick Shift Part 2’ Drag Meet...

Time for talking is over Two competitors at the last Drag Meet face te starters orders at the South Dakota Circuit.

A

ll the predictions and talking are over, today is the day when the competitors participating in the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club Drag Meet dubbed ‘Quick Shift Part 2’ take to the South Dakota Circuit to see who is the fastest over the quarter mile drag in a battke for supremacy.

By now all teams, confirmed to appear in today’s Meet would have completed preparations and eager to showcase their speed against some of the

fastest machines over the stratightaway.

Team Wrecker which is led by Anand Ramchand’s Misubishi Evolution captured the overall title at the last Meet, but they are expected to receive stiff challenges from some of the other teams, making the day an interesting and competitive one.

While news emanating from the Organisers suggest that the Daby brothers Rondell and Peter are yet to confirm participation, it is known that they usually wait

until the last minute to do so, therefore fans and fellow competitors alike should not be surprised when they take to the starting grid.

Then there are other drivers such as Chet Singh, who dominated the eleven seconds category driving a Mitsbishi Evolution VII, Sanjay Persaud, who stole the spotlight in the twelve seconds division piloting a Mercedes SL 500, Roland Bana in the thirteen seconds category being at the helm of a Toyota Levin, Les Thomas, who had

things his way in the fourteen seconds division in the driver’s seat of a Toyota Corolla and Rayon Brijpal in the fifteen seconds category in a Toyota RunX could also threaten Ramchand for the overall champion driver accolade.

The cost of admission is Adults $1000 and chlidren under 12 $500.

Among the sponsors of the event are Rent-a-Tent, GTT, Fanatix Designs, AR Jiwanram Printery, Ganesh Parts and General Store and Valvoline.

Page 84

Kaieteur News

Sunday October 04, 2015

GCA’s Carib Beer T20 cricket semis...

Chris Barnwell dumps Clyde Butts for a massive six yesterday at DCC.

Boodie, Nedd & Rutherford spurs DCC to win

By Sean Devers Essequibian Kevin Boodie spanked a delightful 81 from 46 balls with nine fours and four sixes, and added 92 for the third wicket with Chris Barnwell (39) before left-arm spinner Ashmead Nedd and allrounder Sherfane Rutherford took four wickets each to spur DCC to a 95-run win against GNIC in yesterday’s first semi-final of the GCA’s Carib Beer first division t20 cricket tournament at the DCC ground.

After winning the toss and batting on a slow track in steaming heat DCC posted 214-9 and bowled out GNIC for 119-9 off 16.1 overs with Clyde Butts being unable to bat to qualify for the final between the winner of today’s second semi at the MSC ground between hosts Malteenoes and GCC. Trevon Griffith, who departs for Jamaica on Tuesday where he will play for the Jamaica franchise fell

to an absolutely stunning one-handed catch by Ronale Bourne running back from point at 18-1 in the second over after he had clobbered Ryan Shun for a six and a four in his 12.

Bourne was in the action when his direct hit ran out Brian Sattaur who smashed Rawle Merrell, who started with five consecutive wides in his opening over, for six over mid-wicket and slapped him through point for four in his 10 to leave DCC on 29-2 in the third over.

Barnwell, who hammered Butts for two fours and a six in his first over which cost 16 before he took 20 from Assad Fudadin’s second over as he and Boodie who matched him shot for shot, blasted the bowlers to all parts of the small DCC ground as 66 were scored from the six power-play overs on a fast outfield.

The partnership was finally broken in the 11th over when Barnwell, one of

Ryan Shun looks back to see Trevon Griffith at slip catch him as Assad Fudadin who top scored watch from the non striker’s end. only two batsmen to score a century in this competition, lofted a slower ball from Jermaine Grovesnor to longon at 122-3. Barnwell’s 39 lasted 26 balls and was decorated with three fours and three sixes.

Rutherford, who was dropped off of Butts on two, tore into the bowling with murderous intent and deposited Grovesnor for three sixes in one over before his explosive 14-ball 27 which included a four and three colossal sixes ended when he skied Butts ‘miles’ in the air for National Assistant Coach Rayon Griffith to hold the catch and

leave the hosts 153-4 with six overs to go.

Grovernor removed Kemo Paul (7) and Denis Squires (0) in successive balls, while Merrell bowled Jahron Byron for a duck as DCC slipped to 175-7 to waste the type of scoring rate that had suggested a total of close to 250.

Boodie, who reached his 50 from 26 balls with seven fours and two sixes and smashed 23 from Shawn DeSousa’s over before three consecutive sixes off Merrell and clipped Griffith for a couple of fours, found a useful partner in Kemo Savory (14) to see DCC

reach 200. Boodie was removed by Griffith at 207-8 before Savory was run out one run later as DCC who scored 50 in the last five overs still got what easily turned out to be winning total.

Grovesnor (3-39) and Merrell (2-39) were the most successful bowlers for GNIC who were never really in the hunt despite a well constructed 28-ball 39 with four fours and a five from Test player Fudadin and a fighting 37 from 32 balls with five fours and a six.

Watched by a good size gathering which included West Indies batsman Leon Johnson, and former Guyana

players Travis Dowlin and the Harper siblings, Raymond Reifer and Jevon Searles, the pair joined forces after Quincy OvidRichardson (1) and Shun, who was smartly taken at slip

by Griffith off of Squires, fell in quick succession as GNIC slipped to 15-2.

But once Fudadin got one that kept low and was bowled off the under edge to break the 80-run stand from just eight overs and DeSousa seemed unlucky to be given LBW to Rutherford with a ball that hit him high, it all over bar the shouting as Nedd and Rutherford completed the demolition job.

Sunday October 04, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 85

‘Back to the Future’ Inter-Caribbean Boxing championships...

Officials fine tuning arrangements for highly anticipated slugfests

Kesney Joseph

Leonardo Mosquea

Lyndell Marcellin (L) and Burt Braithwaite engaged in 4 fiery bouts.

Which Guyanese will rise to the challenge in the Caribbean Championships?

By Michael Benjamin October is here and already the officials of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) are collaborating with their colleagues of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) to put the modalities in place for the Inter-Caribbean Boxing tournament, dubbed ‘Back to the Future,’ and scheduled for November 26-29 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH).

Already, 9 countries have indicated that they will be sending teams to the championship and President of the GBA, Steve Ninvalle, is very upbeat about its success. He feels that the impending championship will test the local pugilist to the hilt, while informing their coaches as well as GBA administrators if they are made of stern stuff.

Mr. Ninvalle reminisced on the exchange programmes with Cuba during the late seventies/ early eighties and said that administrators have so dubbed the impending tournament to relive the memories of yesteryear when local boxers matched skills with the best in the Caribbean and Latin America.

Invitations have been dispatched to more than 14 countries and already 9 of them have affirmed their participation. They include

Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Jamaica, Bahamas, St Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, French Guiana and Martinique.

Those countries still to confirm their participation are Venezuela, Belize, Aruba, US Virgin Islands and Cayman Islands. Mr. Ninvalle is confident of positive responses from the remaining countries.

Plans for the tournament were unveiled one week ago when Mr. Ninvalle joined with President of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA), K A Juman Yassin, for a press conference at the Parade Street, Kingston headquarters of the GOA. Here it was revealed that the total expenditure will surpass six million dollars and the GOA would be contributing a large sum to offset the cost.

Meanwhile, President of the St Lucia Amateur Boxing Association (SLABA), David ‘Shakes’ Christopher has already identified a tough bunch of boxers to represent the Island. He said that he is aiming for many gold medals and as such, will be fielding a strong team to the championships. The St Lucian entourage will be led Lyndel Marcellin, a senior Elite boxer in the 69 kg category. Marcellin will best be remembered for his epic battles with Bert Braithwaite; they fought once in Guyana and thrice in

St Lucia about two years ago. Braithwaite had won the Guyana bout but despite strong and determined performances on the return leg of the tournament in St Lucia, he lost out.

Braithwaite has since taken a hiatus from the sport and it would be interesting to see which of the Guyanese pugilists will step up to the plate.

The other members of the St Lucia entourage are Arthur Langelier (75 kg – Elite senior boxer), another top boxer that has made his mark in Guyana and further afield, Travis Maynard (56 kg – Elite senior boxer), Heslie Joseph (60 kg – Elite senior boxer), Nathan Ferrari (64kg – Novice boxer) and Merlanda St Clair (75kg female boxer). St Clair was billed to fight Theresa London in St Lucia but the Guyanese was unable to travel for the fight.

Subsequently, they were matched in the tri-nation tournament in Guyana and the Guyanese prevailed.

London has since taken a sabbatical from the sport and it is not yet clear which local female will fill the void.

The St Lucian entourage will also consist of coaches, Conrad Fredericks and Jorge Gonzalez Dominguez, while Brian Mc Donald will manage the team with Mr. Christopher being the Head of Delegation.

French Guiana has also

confirmed its participation and local boxers will do well to remember their fistic combats when the (local) team visited that French country last year.

Leonardo Mosquea and Kesney Joseph are the ones to watch; they were the two that had really caused problems in the Guyanese camp. Mosquea had had a raging battle with Thomas in Cayenne and the situation reached a head when the French pugilist had maliciously butted his opponent forcing the referee

to disqualify him immediately.

Mosquea will still be bristling and a fight between the two is bound to spark off animosity.

Several other boxers will also comprise the French delegation along with the officials including Rolland Robbeiri (President of Committee), Michel Manguer (General Secretary), with Guy Luce (assistant coach) completing the team.

Meanwhile, local boxers will be engaged in fistic action when the National

Open Championships gets underway from October 23 and according to GBA officials, this tournament will be used as the criteria for selection to the Caribbean tournament.

The boxers will soon be encamped and officials say that while they are thankful for the assistance rendered by the GOA, they would welcome other corporate assistance to offset the huge administrative costs.

The teams will start arriving one day before the tournament commences.

Guyanese boxers on their way to Mexico for the Pan Am boxing trials earlier this year, with coach, Sebert Blake (C) will be out for better results in the Caribbean championships. L-R Jason Phillips, Diwani Lampkin, Delon Charles, and Dennis Thomas

t r o Sp

4th Annual Courts Pee Wee Schools Football Competition...

Defending champs start defence of title on positive note

Action in the clash between West Ruimveldt and St. Stephen’s which the former won.

GFC fire past GDF; Richardson’s dagger stun Slingerz at the death

Domini Garnett hits the ground after heading past Pele’s goalie Devon Charles for Slingerz’ goal.

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