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World sugar shortage looms
-- Guyana monitoring situation closely
UNPRECEDENTED sugar shortages forecast in the United States and some other countries can send world prices up and Guyana is closely monitoring the situation, Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud said yesterday.
“The focus is to get as much into the European Union market before the final price cut bites at the end of September”, he told the Guyana Chronicle.
He said the government also wants to ensure adequate supplies for the local market.
“Any price movement upward is a positive trend for the long-term viability of our sugar industry”, he said.
Sugar remains Guyana’s largest foreign exchange earner and preferential prices for exports to the EU are due to end next month.
Persaud noted that some analysts feel global prices are likely to stay high in the coming year as India continues to rely on imports while recovering from the effects of a poor monsoon.
New Delhi has recently permitted duty-free import of raw and white sugar of up to 10 lakh tonnes (Department of Revenue notification dated July 31) which analysts say, has added fuel to the already raging fire in the global sugar market.
Persaud said the world market deficits will be to the benefit of the Guyana Sugar Corporation as it is a net exporter and is positioning itself for a new trading environment within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
He noted that the CARICOM trading environment is protected by the Common External Tariff which shields the region from the influences of the large sugar producers on the world market price.
Reuters news agency yesterday said large U.S. food companies have been pushing the Obama administration to ease sugar import curbs, citing forecasts for unprecedented sugar shortages that could result in higher retail prices and possible job losses.
In a letter to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack dated August 5, companies and groups that include Kraft Foods Inc, General Mills Inc and Hershey Co warn that "our nation will virtually run out of sugar," if a U.S. Department of Agriculture forecast is accurate.
The letter was written a week before the Agriculture Department on Wednesday said the closely watched stocks-to-use ratio in the U.S. sugar market for 2009/10 stood at 6.7 percent, up from 3.4 percent in last month's report.
The situation is seen easing because of increased beet sugar and cane sugar production, according to the USDA.
U.S. sugar industry officials say importing sugar into the United States would not be cost effective because there is now little difference between the world price and the price in the U.S. domestic market.
In any event, analysts say, rising sugar costs are unlikely to boost prices of food products because prices for other ingredients such as grains have declined since last year.
Still, the USDA prefers the stocks ratio at 15 percent and the government has used a figure below that level as a reason to order imports, as it did in August 2008.
The Sweetener Users Association, representing companies that use sugar, called yesterday for an increase in the U.S. sugar import quota of 450,000 short tons for this marketing year, which ends on September 30.
The association said the sugar supply will be unduly tight despite USDA's forecast of slightly larger domestic output.
Food industry analysts say inflation should be contained for an industry that sharply increased prices in the past year as costs for commodities such as vegetable oil, wheat and corn surged.
Lee Linthicum, global food research manager at Euromonitor International, likened the food industry's concern over sugar prices to warnings manufacturers raised when oil futures rose to about $140 a barrel last year.
"Nobody thought that oil would ever go below $100 a barrel ever again and now, look where we are," he said.
Sugar prices have been at record highs as a weak monsoon season raises concern about production in India and Brazil.
India, the world's largest sugar consumer, swung to a net importer this year from a net exporter last year after a poor domestic harvest, and a weak monsoon augurs for another disappointing crop in 2009/10.
Slow harvesting in Brazil after recent rainfall is also expected to damage yields and Brazilian mills are hard hit by the credit crunch, limiting their capacity to step up production to meet the resilient global demand, analysts say.
FRAUD AT GPL?
By Parvati Persaud-Edwards
Dharamdat Surujpaul, employee of GNNL, popularily known as Suruj, who resides at 5 Canal #2 Alliance, and who takes care of the home of his overseas-based brother, which is located next door to his home , is very distressed at what he perceives to be victimization by GPL.
Suruj said that a GPL disconnection crew disconnected the power to his brother’s house last week. Upon querying the reason, because he knew that there was no monies outstanding to GPL for that bill, he was told that the company was investigating a fraud, and that he should see a Mr. Singh at the Middle Street branch of the company.
Mr. Singh told Suruj that a cheque that had bounced had been tendered in payment on the bill for that meter, and that he would have to pay the amount in full, the reconnection fee, and a $1,500 fine for tendering a cheque that bounced.
Suruj is distressed because he says that he paid with cash and has no chequing account, and he does not think that it is fair that he should have to pay again, plus a reconnection fee. Also he is afraid that if he pays the fine for issuing a bounced cheque, then he is admitting culpability for a criminal act.
When contacted, Mr. Bharrat Dindyal, CEO of GPL, said that the police are investigating the matter, because there were several such cheques issued from a closed Scotia Bank account. He said that the cheques were tendered for payment on bills to all the cashiers at varying times.
Dindyal explained that the electronically stamped acknowledgement of payment would not indicate whether payment was made by cash or cheque; only the cashier’s receipt would be annotated with this information, so the customer’s receipt is no evidence of innocence of a fraudulent act, so GPL was forced to take precautionary measures, according to Dindyal, to ensure that the company does not suffer loss as a result of these fraudulent acts.
He assured the Chronicle that customers would be fully reimbursed if they are proven innocent.
GPL has been plagued with fraud and electricity theft that has caused the company losses amounting to billions of dollars.
Dindyal explained that if this could be stopped, then tariffs could be reduced. He said that even the rich steal electricity.
According to Dindyal, a list was published of persons who had been convicted of stealing electricity, while about another 800 are facing charges for electricity theft.
However, one wonders at the reason for the exemption from prosecution of some persons, most notably a publishing house for a national newspaper, which Dindyal said had made restitution to the tune of millions of dollars, which clearly indicates guilt.
Poor persons are paying for the electricity these rich people steal, yet they are not prosecuted, nor punished in any way when they are caught.
Dindyal justified the decision not to prosecute this media house on the basis that prosecution is difficult.
Yet the numbers on his list of convicted miscreants indicate that conviction is possible; or does GPL only takes punitive measures against the ordinary citizen like Dharamdat Surujpaul, while the media barons and others of their ilk are untouchable?
As long as GPL has monopoly over the power sector, instances of injustices and callous treatment of customers will prevail. Suruj has now become a GPL statistic.
122 graduate after studying overseas
President urges that they play important role in development
By Tajeram Mohabir
One hundred and twenty-two students, including 10 at the post- graduate level, and 65 doctors, who successfully completed studies overseas, graduated yesterday at the National Culture Centre (NCC) on Homestretch and Mandela Avenue, Georgetown.
The graduates pursued studies in Agronomy, Architecture, Auto Mechanic Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Forestry Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Telecommunication Engineering, Culture, Veterinary Medicine, Chemistry and Human Medicine at the first degree.
And post graduate studies in Human Medicine, Crop and Food Production, Environmental Change and Management, Hydraulic Engineering, Water Resource Management, Environmental Science and Engineering, Civil Engineering, Medical Physics and Environmental Studies.
Studies at the latter level were undertaken in Trinidad, the United Kingdom, Mexico, China, Canada and India, while those at the first degree level were done in Cuba, Brunei and China.
Addressing the 2009 annual graduation ceremony, President Bharrat Jagdeo lauded the graduates on their achievements and underscored they have an important role to play in furthering the development of their country.
He urged the graduates to perform their duties with honour, dedication and commitment, as this spirit is required in taking Guyana forward.
The Government, he said, demands no less; and on that score, he urged them to focus on their work, not to allow persons preoccupied with negativity to think for them and not fall into a mode of laziness.
The Guyanese Head of State reminded the students that Guyana is a country for all its citizens, and they must guard against becoming victims of ethnic and religious cliques, but rather must embrace their countrymen with love, dignity and respect.
He stressed that despite the current challenges facing Guyana, there is a bright future ahead and the graduates should be exited about these prospects.
Mr. Jagdeo said challenges are part and parcel of the developmental process, and the graduates must develop the willpower to overcome them, to become tougher, stronger individuals.
He encouraged the scholars to have a positive frame of mind in their work, as failure in this regard can spell the beginning of the end of their careers.
Today, the President said, Guyana is better-off than it was 10 years ago, and the graduates should put their shoulders to the wheel to make their country significantly better 10 years from now.
He said in light of the global financial crisis, with millions of people in the United States and other parts of the world losing their jobs and homes, Guyana was not affected to this magnitude because of the Government’s sound economic policies.
In fact, Mr. Jagdeo pointed out, the Government has embarked on a massive housing programme aimed at enabling all Guyanese to have homes of their own.
He said too that the Government intends to take health care to the community level and is working assiduously to transform the agriculture sector.
The graduates, the President said, must adopt a broad view of their profession as they have a critical role to play in these reforms.
Public Service Minister Dr. Jennifer Westford also lauded the achievements of the graduates and praised too the support of their families in ensuring their success.
She expressed gratitude to the Cuban Government for being a long time partner in the training of local students, despite the economic constraints of the US imposed trade embargo on the island.
Dr. Westford pointed out that Guyana’s partnership with the Cubans, which began in 1966, has ever since grown from strength to strength, noting that barring the 150 students who will be returning home in another four weeks, 752 are now studying in Cuba.
Though the relationship has not been as long as the one with Cuba, Mexico, the minister said, has been another partner in the area of human resources training.
She said Guyana is not only interested in sending its students abroad to be trained, but will soon be receiving students from these countries to pursue studies in English at the University of Guyana.
Dr. Westford urged the graduates to be at the forefront of Guyana’s developmental trust, as they have received the best training possible.
“Don’t make our hands fall, we want you to make us proud as we are proud of you,” the minister appealed.
The graduation ceremony coincided with the 83rd birthday of the living legendary Cuban revolutionary hero and former President Fidel Castro, and in a fitting tribute to hail the occasion, the audience stood and sang a happy birthday song for him.
Cuban Charge D’ Affairs to Guyana Mr. Pedro Artheaga Cardanas, and Mexican Ambassador Fernando Sandoval, also addressed the gathering.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, government ministers, other government functionaries and members of the diplomatic were also in the audience.
50-yr-old dies in Moruca River mishap
Narine’s body arrives at Charity.
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There has been another fatality in the Moruca River in Essequibo.
Moses Hardat Narine, also known as Broad Back , fifty, of Charity Housing Scheme, Region 2, was driving his boat in the Moruca River yesterday afternoon when it collided with a government health boat travelling in the opposite direction
Reports said that Narine died on his way to the Kumaka district Hospital after sustaining several injuries to his head and other parts of his body, while a passenger in the health boat escaped with minor injuries.
Narine’s body was taken to Charity around 18:30 hours, and transported to the Suddie mortuary where a postmortem is expected to be performed.
The Kumaka Police are investigating.
Last month, 11-year-old Leon France died after the 200 H.P passenger boat he was in hit a log that was submerged in the water, causing the engine to break off the stern, and jump into the boat, chopping him and his brother Ralph.
Leon died before he could receive medical attention at the Kumaka District Hospital, while his brother was discharged the following day.
Opposition should disclose role in criminal atrocities
– Dr. Luncheon
The poor turnout at the City Hall meeting yesterday.
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As opposition political parties met with civil society yesterday to advance their plan to prove allegations of links between the Guyana Government and drug trafficker Roger Khan, the administration called for several questions to be put on the discussion table.
Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr. Roger Luncheon, in a statement, challenged People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) to disclose its role in the tragedies that affected Guyana in the period 2001 and 2008, as well as the basis for their support and those of the Alliance For Change (AFC) for the Buxton gang during the period.
“Would the PNCR support a full probe into such matters? Would the PNCR support a probe into the whereabouts of weapons, the arms that were provided to the party when they constituted the government in the 1970s, arms and ammunition that are still unaccounted for?” the Government spokesperson queried.
Dr. Luncheon also questioned whether the opposition parties are sincere in offering this spectacle as a dominant issue affecting Guyanese today.
Equally important, he said, was whether the opposition parties would not consider Parliament, the constituted political decision making body, as the most appropriate forum to deal with the critical issues, political and otherwise.
He further asked whether the opposition political parties would agree that extra parliamentary protests create increased tension and instability in Guyana and whether they would support the efforts of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) administration in the abolition of the monopoly in telecommunication services that is currently enjoyed by the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T), following the privatisation deal of the Guyana Telecommunications Corporation in 1991.
“These are some of the questions that Guyanese should be interested in having answers from or as a result of the intended consultations between the opposition parties and civil society groupings. Many other questions should be asked at what, hopefully, would be future meetings between the opposition parties and civil society groupings in Guyana,” Dr. Luncheon noted.
The opposition group involves the AFC, Guyana Action Party (GAP), National Front Alliance, PNCR, United Party and the Working People’s Alliance. However, what was supposed to be a discussion about allegations of Government involvement with Roger Khan turned into a heated disagreement.
General Secretary of the Caribbean Congress of Labour, Lincoln Lewis, boldly stated that the meeting was just another talk shop that would have little or no results, and proposed that the agenda be diverted to other issues which he considered more important. His statement was met with great opposition from PNCR leader Robert Corbin. (GINA)
Avoid ethnic cocoons
-- Minister Frank Anthony
“Little wonder that in the quest to establish historicity, each transplanted group has resorted to chronicling their arrival as if the chronological sequence in arriving will give each a greater claim to a Guyanese identity. There is no lesser or greater claim - we are all Guyanese and our history is our common legacy.” – Dr. Frank Anthony
THE time has come when Guyanese need to think more about their commonalities and less about their differences, according to Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony.
“We need to look at the bigger picture, the shared values, the shared culture, the shared sports, the shared space, the shared relationships, rather than regressing into our ethnic cocoons”, he said.
Speaking on the issue of a Guyanese identity in a lecture series hosted by the Indian High Commission in Guyana, he said if Guyanese are “defined by what we share, we will be able to harness our diversity into a common purpose so that our country can flourish.”
He referred to a recent speech by British Prime Minister Gordon Brown who said, “It is also obvious to me that the nations that will meet and master global change best are not just those whose governments make the right long term decisions on stability, science, trade and education, but whose people come together and share a common view of the challenges and what needs to be done, forge a united and a shared sense of purpose about the long term sacrifices they are prepared to make and the priorities they think important for national successes.”
Anthony argued, “We need not only to rethink how we view ourselves as Guyanese but how others view us.”
“Have we thought about our place in the global community, where are we now and where we will want to be in the future? These soul searching questions should also allow for some introspection on our responsibilities as citizens”, he said.
The minister advocated that citizenship must not be treated lightly or taken for granted.
He said: “As citizens of Guyana it is necessary that we understand that each of us has a part to play in our community, in our region and in our country. We must see it as a duty and obligation to make our contribution, and at the same time we must also be able to enjoy the advantages of being Guyanese. The practice of citizenship is not a one way street -- it requires forging of a more contemporary relationship between state, community and individual.”
He noted that becoming good citizens does not mean that there will be agreement on everything, but “what it means is that we must be able to tolerate views and beliefs that might be different from ours.”
Great societies, he pointed out, are able to cope with differences by allowing discussions and debates, by participation and engagement and by channelling the outcomes into a constructive effort.
“The contemporary Guyanese mind must focus on our similarities, living in the same lovely native land, the happy circumstance of peaceful coexistence and the shrewd, sometimes humorous strategies to cope with life’s economic and political challenges of the land of his birth.”
Guyanese citizenship is not a one man show but a community affair, he offered, adding that Guyanese should be offering leadership by volunteering in their communities.
“We must not isolate ourselves from our communities; we can influence the community as much as the community can influence us. Guyanese identity and citizenship is not just about the passport - it is about what we do for ourselves and community”, he said.
He stated that Guyanese today are fortunately not refugees or displaced subjects running from violence and oppression.
“Today’s Guyanese are not physically or mentally starved as others domiciled in so many hostile locations on this planet. Today’s Guyanese enjoy varied educational opportunities, giving him or her, indeed, the aspiration, the power to forge a common destiny.”
Anthony said that while “we cannot erase history and the role the dominant cultures play in propagating differences…we must not allow this toxic legacy to retard our development.”
“The contemporary Guyanese mind must focus on our similarities, living in the same lovely native land, the happy circumstance of peaceful coexistence and the shrewd, sometimes humorous strategies to cope with life’s economic and political challenges of the land of his birth”, he affirmed.
He declared that in seeking to discover and define the Guyanese Identity, “we have much in common -- the inheritance of a spirit of resistance to tyranny; the will and attitude to survive in a hostile global world of natural and human-related disasters and crises; the affinity to some form of religion and faith, the love of laughter, humour, sport and the daily preference to live in peace.”
“Our diversity is truly blessed with the overwhelming COMMONALITIES we share. Whether you are at home or abroad, one experiences the Guyaneseness -- that spirit of hope and sharing, and our legendary hospitality”, he said.
He noted that the hegemonic colonial culture taught Guyanese how to interpret their history, not holistically, but conveniently highlighting choice dates while suppressing whole cultures.
“Little wonder that in the quest to establish historicity, each transplanted group has resorted to chronicling their arrival as if the chronological sequence in arriving will give each a greater claim to a Guyanese identity”, he noted but added, “There is no lesser or greater claim - we are all Guyanese and our history is our common legacy.”
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Works ongoing on D&I structures
By Tajeram Mohabir
Senior Ministry of Agriculture Engineer, Mr. Fredrick Flatts has reported that work on the Vergenogen/Bonasika and Den Amstel/Friendship control structures and access roads is some 17 per cent complete.
That project is part of a wider $ 1.2 B programme to improve drainage and irrigation structures and access roads at Vreed-en-Hoop/La Jalousie, also in Region Three (West Demerara/ Essequibo Islands), Golden Grove/Victoria, Region Four, (Demerara/Mahaica), and Crabwood Creek, Region Six, (East Berbice/Corentyne).
According to him, to date 15 per cent of work at Vreed-en-Hoop has been completed, the Victoria/Grove area 20 per cent, and the Crabwood Creek initiative 10 per cent.
The Vergenoegen/Bonasika, Den Amstel/Fellowship initiative has 20 months duration, Crabwood Creek 15 months, and the Vreed-en-Hoop/ La Jalousie and Golden Grove/Victoria projects one year each.
The contracts involve the installation of 12 main head regulators, 30 secondary head regulators, 37 secondary check structures, 13 secondary tail regulators, 17 secondary culverts, one main tail regulator, 12 main outfall sluices, two secondary inverted siphons, 80 bridges and 112 kilometers of farm-to-market roads.
These are expected to increase farmers’ productivity as well as their economic status.
They are being supervised by BK International and Roopan Ramotar Investments and monitored by project staff as well as internal and external supervisors.
Other D&I works being pursued are the rehabilitation of pump stations in Regions Four and Six, rehabilitation of D&I control structures and access roads in Canals Number One and Two Polder, and D&I systems at Cane Grove, Black Bush Polder and Number 52-74 Villages in Corentyne, Berbice.
Altogether, these undertakings seek to raise rural income of farmers on the coastal plain through increasing efficiency of agricultural production.
Specifically, the aim is to rehabilitate D&I structures, organise farmers to operate and maintain these structures, and support rice research and agriculture diversification.
In addition, Flatts pointed out that the Lama Sluice in the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) is some 63 per cent complete and very shortly work for the rehabilitation of the Victoria, Cane Grove and Black Bush Polder pump stations will be advertised.
1,000 trees being planted in mined-out areas
By Clifford Stanley
A project to plant one thousand trees to restore the rainforest in mined-out areas in Region Eight (Potaro/Siparuni) is up and running.
The location is St Elizabeth , Mahdia.
One hundred trees have been planted to date and nine hundred more are to be planted in time for irrigation from the November- December rains.
The Guyana Environmental Capacity Development Project (GENCAPD) is behind the exercise amidst growing pressure on local miners to mitigate the environmental impact of their activities as well greater appreciation of the role of trees as carbon sinks in relation to global warming and climate change.
Officials of GENCAPD, a mining assistance programme for Guyana from Canada, are hoping that small and medium scale miners will see the replanting as a suitable model for rehabilitation of mined-out sites before they move on to other areas.
Project Manager Mr Mortimer Livan disclosed that replanting is being seen as a desirable aspect of rehabilitation of mined out sites, not only in Guyana, but in other countries, most notably French Guiana.
Livan, a Soil Scientist and Senior Lecturer at University of Guyana (UG), disclosed that the trees being planted at St Elizabeth Mahdia are acacia trees of the paulownia species -flowering trees well known for their rapid growth.
He said: “Acacias will return the greenery to mined-out areas in a very short period and can be utilised as timber within ten years.”
“They also have a root system which is very good for the soil,” he added.
At St Elizabeth, the trees are being planted in a mined-out area of four hectares (approximately ten acres) at about six meters apart.
Livan added that GENCAPD will soon be undertaking another such project at mined-out sites at Isseneru in Region 7 (Cuyuni/Mazaruni) as another model, with similar aims.
August stint for Health and Education Relief for Guyana ends Sunday
By Vanessa Narine
From left, Dr. Harrison Mitchell and Dr. John Mitchell.
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The overall objective of The Health and Education Relief for Guyana is to provide care and continuing support for Guyana’s health sector, with education and resources for sustainability, as well as providing an early start for children in order to propel them to a better future.
This is according to Dr. John Mitchell, General and Trauma Surgeon who volunteers with Health and Education Relief for Guyana.
The team is here now and, and this stint end on Sunday.
“There is work in the Guyana health sector to be done, as it is with every health sector, so we are hoping to assist in the areas that need it,” Mitchell asserted.
The Health and Education Relief for Guyana team, according to the doctor, visits three times yearly; in March, August and December, for seven to 10 days on each trip.
The contingent of overseas doctors is led by Dr. John Mitchell and the team comprises some 30 odd members.
The team has maintained a presence in Guyana since 2000, when the outreach began in Region 10 (Upper Demerara/ Berbice).
To date, Mitchell pointed out that Health and Education Relief for Guyana has touched the lives of thousands of Guyanese, at a cost that has not been quantified.
The team’s primary focus is treating patients, particularly children, newborn to 18-years-old, with the ‘Club-foot’ deformity.
The team’s works are threefold along with surgical operations there are:
* Medical outreaches being held in Georgetown and its environs, and on the Berbice River, accommodating all age groups; and
* Literacy initiatives that are ongoing in Sophia and Den Amstel, which caters for children aged five to 14.
According to Mitchell the surgical component of the team’s efforts has resulted in some 25 children suffering with the club foot deformity being seen, of which 16 are to undergo surgery.
Mitchell explained that, in addition to the club foot operations, the team had intended to perform its first hip and joint replacement surgery in Guyana.
However, he said it was found that there was need for more investigation into the particular case. Also, based on the findings of this survey, future plans will be made for those operations to be done.
The team has identified, too, approximately 30 persons in need of knee replacement surgeries, and is conducting clinics for patients with hip problems.
Mitchell highlighted that as with the surgical component, the medical outreaches have also met with relative success in that hundreds have been seen by the team’s specialists.
Another member of the team, Dr. Harrison Mitchell, expanded on the literacy initiatives as he is responsible for this aspect of the team’s undertakings and is the Health Care Administrator.
He stated that the literacy initiative has approximately 300 children, a majority of whom were involved in the programme last year.
ȁWe are hoping that these children stay with the programme until they are 18-year-old so that they can be in a better position to take their place as productive citizens,” the Health Care Administrator said.
He further explained that the children spend half of their days with remedial tutoring, are able to see medical specialists and, at the end, are equipped with school supplies for their new school terms.
Guyana undertaking Burden of Illness study
By Vanessa Narine
Guyana will be joining six other Caribbean countries as they keep pace with the world in undertaking a Burden of Illness (BOI) Study, as it relates to food borne diseases, which will facilitate better surveillance and guidance for prevention and control measures.
This was the pronouncement as Guyana’s BOI study was launched yesterday at a workshop at the Regency Suites Hotel where sensitisation was also done.
The initiative is a collaborative effort among the Ministry of Health, the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC).
The BOI study will be conducted over the period August 2009 through 2010, as the burden and epidemiology of gastrointestinal and food borne disease as well as the priority pathogens (agents of disease) commonly transmitted by food is better understood.
As in Grenada, St. Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Dominica and The Bahamas, the onus will be on the Ministry of Health to facilitate this study.
The BOI study is expected to be conducted in two components-- the Population Survey-based component and the Laboratory Survey-based component.
Dr. Luis Seoane, PAHO/WHO Representative, Guyana, in his remarks, said that food borne diseases are among the main causes of morbidity, disability and mortality worldwide, and so the prevention and control of these diseases is a priority.
He noted that the recognition of this by the World Health Assembly resulted in a rigorous approach that saw the development of the burden disease initiative.
“The absence of a precise Burden of Illness estimate contributes to a low priority placed, in some countries, on public health surveillance and response to food borne diseases as well as the development and implementation of appropriate interventions to prevent disease,” Seoane posited.
To this end, he pledged an offer of any held needed for the successful conduction of the BOI study.
Dr. Lisa Indar, Manager, Food Borne Diseases, CAREC/ PAHO/ WHO, echoed this sentiment and added that in Guyana the knowledge of food borne disease is what and how many cases were reported.
Indar explained that the BOI study will give the Ministry of Health additional information to aid informed decisions.
She explained that once the BOI study is completed, health workers can collect the relative information, apply multiplying factors to that and arrive at the Burden of Illness for the specific disease, in this case food borne diseases.
“Food borne diseases is a global development issue,” she said.
However, she pointed out that eradication of food borne diseases would lead to eradication of poverty and child mortality, significantly, as food borne diseases contribute to both problems.
Indar furthered that the BOI Study will enable Guyana, among other things, to be able to:
* Get estimates that will aid decision making;
* Get a better understanding of the surveillance system and laboratories operations;
* Promote collaboration among sectors; and
* Implement prevention measures and exert some control over food borne illnesses.
Minister of Health Dr. Leslie Ramsammy concurred with this and noted that the new information will allow the ministry to determine where limited resources should be allocated.
He added that the initiative was critical to improving the health of all, with long, healthy and productive lives as the ultimate goal.
The minister highlighted that a sector may have the finances, human resources and facilities to provide quality, but the information was a necessity.
He said collaborations are a must.
To this end, Ramsammy explained that the results of the BOI study should be augmented with:
* A strong and inflexible regulatory arm that will ensure the safety of the Guyanese people when it comes to regulations dealing with canned food products and imported food product; as well as
* Effective public awareness that will allow persons to understand that food borne diseases can be prevented more effectively if persons who are unwell submit stool samples for laboratory testing in case of H1N1 being developed.
Minister Ramsammy called for the cooperation of all levels to ensure that Guyana is able to develop the capacity to identify its Burden of Illness via the BOI Study on food borne diseases.
Madhia Expose kicks off today
By Priya Nauth
From left Manager, Support Services, Ms. Hyacinth Joseph; Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Mr. Manniram Prashad; and Madhia Exposé Coordinator, Mr. Daniel Fraser, speaking to the media.
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THE first ever Madhia Exposé kicks off today with a packed three days of activities to showcase the mining community under the theme ‘Celebrating our Potential’.
Speaking to the media at his South Road, Georgetown office Wednesday, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Mr. Manniram Prashad, who met with two of the organizers, reiterated that it will be the first of its kind in Madhia, Region Eight (Potaro/Siparuni).
The event is expected to attract visitors with a host of unique displays and events, including the Brazilian night, a replica of the St. Lucian La Rose festival, and a firsthand look at mining activities in which persons can participate in pockknocker activities and keep “their find”.
“As you would know, we have GuyExpo, we have Berbice Expo, we have Rupununi town day and the Moruca expo. Madhia has chosen to call theirs Madhia Exposé,” he noted.
The event is being staged in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, and the minister stressed, “Our aim at the ministry is to promote trade throughout the length and breadth of Guyana.”
?s areas become self-sufficient, like the Rupununi and the Berbice expos and other areas, we shift our focus into areas that were not serviced before’ hence Madhia,” he explained.
He observed that Madhia is a thriving community and most people are not fully aware of what happens there. As such the event will bring together people from the mining areas throughout Guyana and as far as the border of Brazil.
Prashad said his ministry hopes to promote trade as well as craft production, since tourism depends on ancillary things such as craft for tourists.
Referring to the formation of the Guyana Arts and Craft Producers’ Association, he noted that producers come with their work from as far as Madhia and further afield to Georgetown.
&#xWhat we are doing now is taking people to Madhia for them to see what is happening in Madhia, and giving the small entrepreneurs a chance to showcase their products,” he stated.
Minister Prashad added, “We want the businesspeople in Madhia to showcase and highlight what they produce.”
He disclosed that admission to the expo at the Madhia Community Centre Ground will be free.
Several companies from Georgetown will be participating in the expo and one of the main events will be the Miss Madhia Pageant tomorrow night.
He noted that the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) will be playing a major role with the construction of a huge booth to showcase what it is doing and to highlight the tourist resorts and attractions in the area.
Prashad stated that officials from the GTA will also take the opportunity to visit areas that can attract tourists and one of things that his ministry and GTA will be pursuing for the first time is “open pit mining” where tourists can have a first hand look at how mining for gold is done.
&#xMost of these tourists wear gold; but they have no idea how gold is extracted so it is a big thing for them. We may take things for granted here; but to see first hand the operation of an open pit mine and how gold is extracted is a big thing,” he explained.
He expressed the hope that the Madhia Exposé will grow, noting, “I am sure that with all the hard work that the organisers have put into this event, it will be a huge success.”
&#xThe response has been favourable and I know that we can look forward to a very interesting Madhia Exposé 2009,” he expressed.
Madhia Exposé Coordinator Mr. Daniel Fraser who was accompanied by Manager of Support Services, Ms. Hyacinth Joseph, noted that it is being done primarily to showcase Madhia. He observed that Madhia is at the centre of Guyana and is “like the navel of Guyana” ,being 220 miles from the capital city of Georgetown by road and some 45 minutes by aircraft.
The programme starts at 16:00 h, with a seven-a-side football match sponsored by Banks DIH, followed by Brazilian Night.
&#xThere is a large population of Brazilians in Madhia and they came together as part of the private sector and decided that they are going to honour this exposé with a Brazilian night,” he added.
Another unique feature of the packed programme, which starts at 9:00 h tomorrow, is the La Rose festival which is a St. Lucian tradition that had been celebrated for a number of years in Madhia, but stopped because many of the old islanders had left.
He said from noon tomorrow, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission will be staging “All that glitters” like a ‘mini porkknocker day’ where people can have a chance to take part in mining activities.
Also, Merundoi will be there doing ‘street theatre’ during the morning and afternoon sessions showcasing how to deal with social ills.
At 16:00h there will be another football match sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, followed by the pageant in the evening.
Sunday, will be a ‘light day’ with sports and games and persons can tour the area.
The curtain comes down in the evening with another football match.
&#And Madhia is exquisitely beautiful…,” Fraser reminded.
IAC to host evening of music…
‘Tribute to the Legends’
- Mohammed Rafi, Mukesh Chand Mathur and Kishore Kumar
THE Indian Arrival Committee (IAC), in collaboration with the Indian Cultural Centre, will be hosting an evening of music, “Tribute to the Legends” in remembrance of three great sons of Indian music, Mohammed Rafi, Mukesh Chand Mathur and Kishore Kumar.
These legends are revered as pioneers in the Indian Film Industry in the area of background music, the IAC noted in a statement.
Their achievements are numerous in the Indian music industry with Mohammed Rafi receiving India’s highest award for music, the Padmashri. He also won six Filmfare Awards for best Playback singer. Mukesh won four of these awards while Kishore, who was also an actor, won eight.
The Indian Music Industry changed dramatically following the deaths of these memorable singers. Mukesh passed away on August 27, 1976, Rafi on July 31, 1980 and Kishore on October 13, 1987.
The IAC, in a statement, noted these legends sang various genres of Indian music, including classical, semi-classical, Ghazal, Pop and Bhajan. They also teamed up Lata Mangeshkar, considered a treasure of India, and her sister, Asha Bhosle for numerous memorable duets.
Following their deaths, many local singing competitions were held countrywide in their memory. Winners include, Peter Dass, Mohan Nandu and the late Gobin Ram, Walter Persaud and Shri Prakash Gossai.
The “Tribute to the Legends” will be held on Sunday, August 16, 2009 at 17:00 hrs on the lawns of the Indian Cultural Centre.
A number of local artistes will render their talent as they pay homage to these stalwarts.
Giftland Office Max
Giftland Office Max at 13 A Water & Holmes Streets has great things in store for their customers this back-to-school season. Giftland has in stock a variety of nursery textbooks, as well as primary and C.X.C textbooks for all subjects. A variety of Word Search Puzzle Books, Crossword Puzzle Books, exercise/notebooks and recipe books are also available. For every $3000 spent, Giftland is offering a free box of Peanut Butter Crunch breakfast cereal.
New arrivals include Bobbsey Twins books $595 each, Great Illustrated Classics $695, dictionaries ranging in price from $395 to $1,600.00 storybooks from $80 to $595, activity books from $295 to $425, and novels from as low as $295.
Stunt bicycles, Gents mountain bikes, kid’s bicycles and foldable bicycles are available from as low as $ 9,500. Buy any bicycle and get a $1000 school voucher. So and C.X.C hurry down to Giftland and take advantage of these great offers.
Salod Marketing Agency
Salod Marketing Agency, with locations at 185 Charlotte Street, Maraj Building, or 270 Thomas Street North Cummingsburg is focusing on students this time of the year with a variety of items at great prices.
Salod Marketing Agency has in stock Photocopying paper in 8 ½ x 11 and 8 ½ x 14 sizes, file folders in 8 ½ x 11 and 8 ½ x14 sizes, 9x4 plain white envelopes, 9x4 window envelopes, writing pads, steno pads, exercise books, calculators, geometry sets, computers, flash drives and many more items.
Customers spending $5,000 or more will be entered in a competition to win a “19” inch Dell flat screen desktop computer as first prize. The second prize is a cell phone and third prize is a mountain bicycle. The competition runs from now until the 15th of September.
To participate, customers just need to write their name, address and phone number on their receipts and drop them into special boxes provided at the locations.
Guyana Stationery and Office Supplies
Guyana Stationery and Office Supplies, located in Maraj Building on 185 Charlotte Street, has in stock for the back-to-school season a wide array of office and school products to please both children and parents.
They have in stock exercise books, pens and pencils, play dough, crayons, markers, geometry sets, calculators, notebook paper, folders, ledgers, erasers, copy paper. Printers, printer cartridges and copy paper are also available.
Hurry down to Guyana Stationery and Office Supplies for these items and many others.
Regal Stationery and Computer Centre
Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, located at 13 Seaforth Street Campbellville, is the place to go for all your office needs. Items for school such as notebook paper, rulers, calculators, correction fluid, pens and much more are in stock.
Manager Lakeram Gopaul told the Chronicle that they have in stock over 40 different types of chairs, such as waiting room chairs, stacking chairs, executive and semi-executive chairs. “Anything the office needs, we can supply it”, Gopaul said.
He said that the store will relocate to Lot 69 Seaforth Street from September.
UG Pro-Chancellor to participate as Co-Chair & Presenter at Diaspora Conference session in New York
THE Pro-Chancellor of the University of Guyana Dr. Prem Misir has been invited as Co-Chair & Presenter by the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO International) at Session IV of the Diaspora Conference, to be held on August 22, 2009, at the Crowne Plaza La Guardia in New York.
The overall theme of the convention is “People of Indian Origin: Strengthening Global Connections”, and will focus on issues concerning human rights, political participation, economic trends and challenges, socio-cultural and Diaspora related issues and concerns, inter-generational issues, inter-ethnic relations, and opportunities for the future.
A statement from Dr. Misir’s office said the theme for Session IV of the Diaspora Conference is “the Global Indian Diaspora: The Family Unit including Women and Inter-Generational Issues.”
The Convention seeks to address the importance of family being the center of Indian culture and its persistence over centuries.
Because of globalization and migration, the family unit will often undergo new and hitherto unknown forms of stress and transformation that affect the family members. This Convention will address these issues in a broad context and to set the stage for a better and more harmonious future.
Dr. Prem Misir’s paper will focus on the status of Indians in the Caribbean and India in the Caribbean.
Dr. Misir has had an extensive scholarly career, and is the author of seven (7) books. He has participated as Presenter in Pravasi Bharatiya three (3) times in Mumbai, Hyderabad and Chennai, respectively, and his participation will certainly enhance the proceedings of the event.
Sand Hills residents claim discrimination by Region 10 administration
Minister of Housing and Water Irfaan Ali addressing Sand Hills residents.
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Residents of Sand Hills, a community on the Berbice River , have expressed concern that they are being discriminated against by the Region Ten Administration.
Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali, on a visit to the area recently, was apprised of the situation by the residents who expressed their frustration.
They said it has been perceived that since the community is in support of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic administration, residents, including children, have been victimised.
“We have been facing a lot of challenges and disadvantages from the Region Ten administration; these people treat us lower than dogs…we have been downtrodden and have been treated as the worst type of human beings under the hands of the PNC guys,” Leon Lindie, a resident of the Sand Hills community said.
The community also spoke of unequal distribution of resources by the Region Ten Administration.
“They are neglecting us. I don’t know if it is because of political reasons…we have children who want to attend the Kuru Kuru College; but it appears as though the people in the administration (Region Ten) have ‘ducked’ the children’s papers …something needs to be done,” Medan Lindie, another resident said.
Some residents claim that although medical personnel would visit the area, many persons are deprived of medical attention. They said other communities would receive health services while health care workers would depart without assisting members of the community. (GINA)
Climate change conference for youths set for today
Guyanese youths will be adding their voices, through consultation and mural painting to the climate change debate.
The consultation is billed for the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC) today, and will continue with the involvement of 400 youths in a mural relevant to climate change.
The exercise will be undertaken through a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the Office of Climate Change.
The Ministry will also embark on training several youths in Region Six and Georgetown in edutainment, a strategy which will allow for the use of the performing arts to inform the masses on contemporary social ills existing in society.
With financial assistance from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Ministry is at present providing training for 45 youth representatives from Regions Three, Four and Five in good governance, human rights and democratic practices.
Additionally, through collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund, the Ministry was able to establish 10 Adolescent Youth Friendly Spaces in Regions One, Three, Four, Six and Ten, to strengthen national support for youths in areas of emotional health and well being, HIV/AIDS prevention and control, and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Yesterday marked the 9th annual United Nations International Youth Day, a day set aside by the United Nations to focus on key issues relevant and important to the social, cultural economic and political rights of youth.
The day was held under the theme “Our Challenge, Our Future,” with the recognition that youths are an excellent source of energy, creativity, and initiative, and should embrace the challenge of sustainability in its fullness as they help pave the way forward in the 21st century and beyond.
The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport joined in International Youth Day celebration, highlighting the importance of creating avenues for youth involvement in every aspect of the development process, particularly at this time when Guyana is at a crucial point in its development. (GINA)
Sexual and Reproductive Health and HIV/AIDS education taken to hinterland
Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai addressing teachers at the joint effort HIV/AIDS and Sexual Reproductive Health workshop in Kamarang, Region 7.
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The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, in a collaborative effort with the Ministry of Education, has held a two-day workshop in the Kamarang, Upper Mazaruni, Region 7, with multipurpose objectives.
These objectives included providing participants with the skills and knowledge to effectively plan Sexual and Reproductive Health lessons
Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai, speaking at the opening of the workshop, noted that it presented an opportunity to meet the teachers and interact with them. She pointed out that the Ministry has a very active focal point person and activities in the Amerindian villages, with the aim of narrowing down and targeting high-risk villages including Kamarang, due to the activities in its mining and transient areas.
Minister Sukhai noted that villagers have a tendency to gravitate towards visitors and this can put the entire village at risk. The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs is one of the first ministries that has included sexual reproductive health, drug abuse, domestic violence and HIV/AIDS in its package to hinterland communities.
Participants of the Sexual Reproductive Health and HIV/AIDS workshop in Kamarang.
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General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party Donald Ramotar, in his address to the teachers, said it was important to have such workshops, noting that teachers are equipped to inform the people about such issues.
He pointed that people in rural areas need to be warned about strangers who may visit their villages since they can bring in the disease.
Ramotar noted that the incidence of HIV/AIDS is slowing down as people become more aware of it. He said the best way of dealing with such diseases is to have a system of prevention and that people must first be convinced before they can convince others; and to achieve this there is the need for them to become educated.
Autry Haynes, Focal Point person, Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, along with Janell Sweatham, Focal Point person, Ministry of Education, and Ruthel Spencer, Lecturer at the Cyril Potter College of Education, whose main focus is the integration of these issues into the curriculum, are the persons who conducted the workshop with the hinterland teachers. (GINA)
No compromise in quality and standards – Minister Prashad urge water producers to comply with rules
Addressing complaints of unsafe water being sold to consumers, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Manniram Prashad has warned that there will be no compromise in quality and standards.
The Consumers Affairs Division has been receiving complaints about the quality of water and the standard of water being served in Guyana as bottled water, and will be working closely with the Food and Drug department to ensure that consumers are not affected.
“An enormous amount of money is being charged, there are all sorts of advertisements about best quality water, and so we have to look at these issues very carefully, because we want to make sure people get value for their money and the product is hygienic and safe for human consumption,” the Minister said.
Bottling methods also will have to be looked at carefully. He said “While the Food and Drug Department has responsibility for the quality of the water, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards has an overall obligation to maintain the standards throughout the country and the Consumers Affairs Division will make sure that these things are monitored.”
Bottled water sold to the consuming public should be free from bacteria and must stand scrutiny standards approved by the Food and Drug Department, he explained.
“All the water producers must comply with the minimum health standards and that is why the Ministry, through the Division of Commerce, will be monitoring the situation carefully, ” Minister Prashad announced.
The Minister is urging stakeholders to form an association that would help to regulate and set standards in the industry.
Minister Prashad gave the assurance that his Ministry will be working with the GWI to ensure that the water producers meet international standards of testing.(GINA)
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Welcome news for the sugar industry
The report by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) that the second crop is off to a good start should be good news for not only the sugar industry but for the entire nation as well because of the pivotal role of this industry to the well being of the national economy.
According to the Company, grinding for this crop commenced at the end of July and is progressing steadily.
“Estates have all started off well and targets have been surpassed at Albion, Rose Hall, Blairmont and Uitvlugt. This achievement qualified workers at the respective estates for the equivalent of one extra day’s pay under the Production Incentive Scheme,” the Corporation said.
In recent years the Corporation has been beset by several problems which resulted in plummeting production. The problems which contributed to lowering production were heavy rainfall, poor management, unstable industrial relations, factory downtime and a high level of absenteeism by workers. Consequently, there was an inquiry into the operations of the Corporation and a subsequent management shake-up which saw the end of the Booker Tate stewardship of the industry which was replaced a local management team.
In addition, the financial difficulties of the Corporation were severely aggravated by the conclusion of preferential prices and steep cuts in the price of sugar by the European Union under the new sugar protocol.
While it may be too early to properly assess the performance of this new management team, nevertheless credit should be given to it for seeing the current crop off to a good start.
The achievement of the target of 160,000 tonnes of sugar is critical especially against the backdrop of the fall short of some 6,000 tonnes for the first crop.
However, there should be optimism in this respect seeing that the state of the art Skeldon Factory will go into operation shortly.
The weather of course will be a crucial factor and one has to hope that good weather would prevail for the entire crop. But another major factor is stable industrial relations and the morale of the workers and the management of the individual estates should do their utmost in this respect so as to encourage and motivate workers, who propel the wheels of production, to produce at their maximum output. In this way the industry and the national economy will be helped and simultaneously it will bring financial benefits to them through production incentives etc.
On the other hand managers who are guilty of frustrating workers and stifling production should be removed from the system, while workers must act responsibly and reasonable and form a partnership with management to increase production and productivity.
The corporation should also keep a close watch on what is happening on the international sugar front to help tailor its international marketing strategy which is vital to the viability of the industry
It should be noted that FAO has revised its estimates for world sugar production to 158.5 million tonnes in 2008/09, which is 2.5 million below the first estimate released in November 2008, and 9 million tonnes, or 5.4 percent less than in 2007/08. The revision was largely caused by a deterioration of production prospects in India, where sugar output is now estimated to have fallen by a drastic 45 percent. The drop would ensue from a decline in planted area, as many producers allocated land to alternative, more remunerative, crops, such as maize and soybeans. In addition to India, sugar production contracted in Australia, the European Union, Pakistan and the United States, with relatively small decreases foreseen in Thailand. However, in the Latin America and Caribbean region, sugar production in Brazil (October/September) is expected to rise to 39.6 million tonnes in 2008/09, about 29 percent more than in 2007/08, despite heavy rains at harvest time, which reduced yields. Sugar-cane production is set to reach 566 million tonnes, which corresponds to a 15 percent increase from last year, on account of a 12 percent expansion in cane planted area. It is estimated that about 60 percent of Brazil’s 2008/09 sugar-cane harvest will be processed into cane-based ethanol, buoyed by higher returns from domestic ethanol relative to export markets. However, if international sugar prices continue to augment, providing no upsurge in crude oil prices, the share of cane directed to sugar should be expected to increase. Elsewhere in the region, sugar production in Colombia is expected to increase by 3 percent in 2008/09, while it should remain relatively unchanged in Argentina and decline slightly in Peru.
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Stepfather, stepdaughter rape trial
No-case submission stands
JUSTICE James Bovell-Drakes yesterday turned down a defence request to entertain statements that could be used to contradict the victim and declared that the defence no-case submission stood overruled.
As a consequence of the judge’s ruling, the hearing was adjourned to Monday when the case for the defence will begin.
Patrick Narine, accused of having carnal knowledge of his step daughter when she was only 7 years old will be called upon for a defence when the hearing resumes on Monday.
It is understood that two witnesses who were not called by Prosecutor Miss Prithima Kissoon will be made available to the defence.
Defence Counsel Mr. Roger Yearwood will make his decision on Monday.
Accused in policeman murder freed
By Jeune Bailey-Van Keric
Policeman murder accused Dorsette Mc Cammon was freed on Tuesday night after the twelve member mixed juryl returned a unanimous verdict of not guilty in his favour, after deliberating for two hours and twenty five minutes.
Justice Winston Patterson, discharging the accused , said,’ You have been found not guilty for the capital offence. Be grateful to your counsel and to your peers, the jurors. You may leave. You are discharged’.
He was quickly whisked out of the courtroom by his relatives who waited the entire day for the conclusion of the case which commenced on August 11 last.
Ten witnesses testified for the prosecution led by State Counsel Fabayo Azore, while two witnesses were called for the Defence, conducted by Attorney at law Mursulene Bacchus.
Following the verdict , the courtroom seemed still , before sounds of anguish filled the air. When this reporter asked the mother of slain policeman Micah Cort her feelings about the decision, she questioned ,’ Have you ever lost a son. Do you know what it is to have your child killed without having any justice,?”
And with tears streaming down her face, she said , “I am hurting all over again. I lost my son, but God is in charge.’
In her opening address, State Counsel Fabayo Azore related that an unspeakable crime was committed on an officer of the Guyana Police Force, who was shot and later died at.
Azore told Justice Winston Patterson and the mixed jury panel, that during the semi finals Carib Soca Monarch show, at about 01:30h , persons were seen moving away from the bar area .
A scuffle between Dorsette Mc Cammon, and Micha Cort developed and when parted the former was seen pointing a gun toward the on duty policeman. Four shots rang out, and the accused was seen running away.
Both wounded men were taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital where they received treatment; however Cort succumbed to his injuries.
In a post mortem report Azore said death was due to respiratory failure due to a fractured spine, which was a result of gunshot injuries.
Prior to the closure of the prosecution’s case, Assistant Superintendent of Police Terrace Paul recalled putting the allegation to Mc Cammon who was a patient at the New Amsterdam Hospital.
The witness told the court that the accused, under caution, replied,’ Cort shoot me at a wake house, and I shoot he back’.
Paul stated earlier that he had gone to the New Amsterdam Hospital Emergency Unit, at 03:00h, where the accused was admitted as a patient on February 11, 2007.
The officer said on visiting the hospital, the accused appeared to be normal and was responding to questions asked by the doctor. Questioned by Defence Counsel Mursulene Bacchus, Paul said, he did not write the accused oral statement, nor did he request writing material from the medical staff.
However, on being shown his deposition which recorded him telling the magistrate,'I never made a written note of what the accused told me - up to this date', the witness adamantly stated he never uttered those words to the Magistrate, although he later confessed that he did not alter or change anything from his deposition which was re-read to him. With respect to the oral statement made by the accused, the police officer said, ‘it was a short one, which I thought would not be forgotten’.
He acknowledged the accused was in police custody from the night of the incident until he was charged his hands were not examined at any stage although the Central Police Station was equipped with a laboratory and technicians.
Following the closure of the prosecution’s case, the accused opted to make an unsworn statement from the dock.
He confessed to being at the Esplanade ground on February 11, 2007, to watch the Soca Show, but declared that he was not near the Carib Bar, but in front of the DDL bar, instead.
The prisoner confessed too that he did not have a gun, nor did he shoot Cort, who was unknown to him.
However Mc Cammon recounted that he was shot in his face in January 2007, whilst at a wake house in Stanleytown , by an unknown person. Since that incident the accused claimed that he was afraid of guns.
The 29-year-old resident of 43 Stanleytown , New Amsterdam, Berbice , was dressed in a white long sleeved shirt, unbuttoned at the cuffs , and a pair of black pants, stood unaided in the dock, as he recalled to the Judge the events of that night.
‘At about 01:30h, on February 11, 2007, while in front of the DDL bar, I heard some explosions, which sounded like gunshots, I became afraid and started running. However, whilst doing so, I felt something hard hit me at the back, I realized I was shot. I fell to the ground, I became unconscious.
Mc Cammon denied having a gun whilst running, and recalled regaining consciousness at the New Amsterdam hospital where he was treated . He said being unable to speak, he could not tell Inspector Terrace Paul that he had shot Cort , in retaliation for what the slain policeman had done so to him at a wake house. The accused, who was bedridden for eighteen months, claimed that the bullet is still lodged in his spine .
Freed murder accused sues businessman for $50M
Freed policeman murder accused Dorsette Mc Cammon, has filed a claim in the high Court against businessman Errol Azar in the sum of $50M, for trespass to person.
The writ which was filed recently by Attorney at law Dridnauth Perry Gossai, on behalf of Mc Cammon, who was unanimously freed by a twelve member jury Tuesday night, of a murder indictment which stemmed from the unlawful killing of Police Constable Micah Cort at the Carib Soca Monarch Semi finals competition, held on February 11, 2007, at Esplanade Ground , New Amsterdam.
The Court document revealed that Azar , a licenced firearm holder , unlawfully assaulted and battered the plaintiff, by shooting him twice with a firearm in his flank and posterior extremities.
Azar had testified in the just concluded trial that he had fired a warning shot, and shouted ‘stop’, but the accused continued running towards him, with his hand raised with what appeared to be a gun .
‘’I fired one shot into the direction of his foot. The accused continued running towards me , still lifting his gun; I fired two more shots in the direction of his legs . He fell. I immediately holstered my weapon and went in search of Police Inspector Henry whom I had seen earlier, in the vicinity of the DDL bar. I informed him of what took place and asked him to secure the weapon which the accused had.
According to the writ . the plaintiff suffered a punctured wound to the posterior right flank, along with a punctured wound to the right upper extremity.
The document further stated that the plaintiff was unable to move for several months after the injuries as he was hospital..He endured and still endures severe pain . There is damage to his inter vertebral disc at L3-L4 with extruded content and compression of nerve roots at L3 –L4 and Theca Sac at L2 to L4.There is sensory deficit in both lower extremities . He would not be able to walk normally nor can he ever work again.
In addition to travelling, medication , loss of earning as a mason, and estimated loss earnings for the next 18 years the writ also includes special damages with interest and cost.
Attorney charged with conspiracy to obstruct justice
Berbice Criminal Attorney at law Mursulene Bacchus has been jointly charged with fish vendor Chandra Lakha Ramdass with conspiracy to obstruct the course of justice .
The defendants appeared before Magistrate Krishndat Persaud at the Number 51 Court where they were not required to plead to the indictable charge, laid on advice of the Director of Public Prosecution.
Bacchus, 67 , of 90 Sheet Anchor, East Canje, was represented by Senior Counsel Marcel Crawford and Attorney at Law Dridnauth Perry Gossai; while Ramdas, 59, of 183 Hampshire Village Corentyne, was represented by lawyer Adrian Anamayah.
In a bail application, attorney for Bacchus has asked the court for their client to be sent on his own recognizance , as he was known, and not a flight risk.
However, Police Sergeant Michael Grant , prosecuting ,said during the investigations the duo were sent on self bail, but requested that bail be posted in a reasonable sum.
The charge stemmed from an allegation that the defendants induced Annette Samaroo, the spouse of a murder victim , to gave contradictory evidence at the preliminary hearings.
Reports revealed that during the Preliminary Inquiry into the murder of Gary Simon, in which Abousalm Azimulla, Gansnam Jagassar, and Devendra Harrichand were charged for the offence of murder, at the Albion Magistrate Court, the widow’s testimony, on October 25, 2005 ,was inconsistent with her statement which was given to Detective Sergeant 0951 Eustace Mc Cammon on December 19, 2004. As a result, she was deemed, a hostile witness by the lower court.
A senior policeman stated that following investigations , the woman confessed of the conspiracy plot in which she was asked to falsify her evidence in order that the alleged perpetrator be discharged from the offence.
Jailed for assaulting his mother
CHRISTOPHER Bruce, who claimed that he is of unsound mind, yesterday appeared before Magistrate Priya charged with assault causing actual bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon.
Bruce, who said he lives on the streets, denied the first allegation which said that, on August 12, at Alexander Street, Georgetown, he had a knife without lawful authority or reasonable excuse.
He however accepted that, on August 10, at William Street, Kitty, he unlawfully assaulted his mother, Berta Bruce, so as to cause her actual bodily harm.
According to the virtual complainant, Bruce would usually assault her and threaten to take her life.
She recalled that Bruce previously threw a bench at her and injured her with a knife on another occasion.
But the defendant said he had the knife because he was about to cook and he claimed that people do all kinds of things to him because he’s of an unsound mind and would spend his nights on the streets.
Bruce explained that his mother threw out his pot and other belongings and he became angry and pelted a piece of wood up in the air.
He said he still cannot believe how straight his hand is as the wood came down and hit his mother.
The Magistrate sentenced Bruce to nine months imprisonment for the assault charge, and the unlawful possession allegation against him will be heard on September 14. He was refused bail on the latter charge.
Minibus drivers fined for operating outside their zones
NINE minibus operators yesterday appeared before Magistrate Priya Beharry charged with breaching traffic regulations and were each fined $15,000.
Kevin Solomon, Troy David, Elvis Gordon, Roopnarine Persaud, Kevin Midas, Clement Johnson, Andre Jordan, Amos Budhram and Deonarine Samaroo all pleaded guilty to the charge.
Particulars of the offence said, on August 13, they drove their minibuses and failed to comply with the conditions attached to their road services licence.
According to Police Corporal Neville Jeffers, prosecuting, the defendants were operating their vehicles outside of their minbus zones.
As an alternative to their fine, the Magistrate imposed two weeks imprisonment.
Driver who struck down elderly woman remanded
RAY Stephens, who allegedly struck down an elderly woman on the road and failed to take her to the hospital and report the matter to the authorities, was yesterday remanded to prison when he appeared in court.
Stephens, 32, of 764 Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, pleaded not guilty to the charges which said, on July 27 at Cemetery Road, Georgetown, he:
*drove motor car PLL 6488 in a manner dangerous to the public.
*drove the said vehicle and, when an accident occurred that caused injuries to Eileen August, failed to render assistance by taking her to a medical practitioner for medical attention.
*drove the said vehicle and, when an accident occurred, failed to report it to a Police Station within 24 hours of occurrence.
Police Sergeant Vishnu Hunt, prosecuting, said the defendant was proceeding north along Cemetery Road while August, 78, was a pedestrian on the Avenue.
He said when she was about to cross the road at Princes Street, she stopped to observe the traffic but Stephens was speeding when he struck her down.
Hunt explained that Police had difficulty apprehending Stephens after the accident because he fled into the interior.
He mentioned, too, that though August suffered a broken ankle, knee and hip, the Prosecution could not produce a medical until the doctor makes a final examination.
Hunt said August underwent a number of surgeries and would have to undergo more.
His lawyer, Mr. Ronald Burch-Smith, told the court that August walked into his client’s car and all he felt was the impact.
Burch-Smith said his client did not think the injuries were bad enough to take August to the hospital.
He said Stephens took August to the bank and then to Bourda market.
Stephens was remanded to prison until August 24.
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Friday Musings
Convenient truths
By Sharief Khan
ONE of the things I like as a media man is sitting on the fence and keeping a close watch on proceedings.
It at most times provides a good perspective on what’s happening around you, but it has its hazards and with my luck, fence-sitting can put me in some serious trouble.
That’s why I do not sit on the fence in the yard where I live because jealous husbands or boyfriends in the neighbourhood may think I am stalking their wives or girlfriends.
Or fathers may get the wrong ideas about me and their daughters.
And fence-sitting is even more hazardous these days with a lot of people going for razor wire fences. Can you imagine me trussed up like a hapless fowl cock on a razor wire fence? (That will provide some good laughs for some people I know!)
But under the right circumstances, a fence can provide a good perch to be objective.
It’s not that I do not like taking sides.
But a journalist shouldn’t really be taking sides when reporting on issues. He or she should always try to be fair, accurate and balanced as far as possible and keep their views to themselves and not allow these to colour their reporting.
And a cardinal principle in reporting is getting to the truth, which at times can be inconvenient to a lot of people.
The view is not very comforting from the fence I straddle at times these days to look around the media landscape where quite a few are content to report only the truth they find or believe to be convenient.
And it’s sad.
I am not a paragon of virtue but I see so much shoddiness being purveyed as journalism in the print media and on TV that it makes me want to puke some times.
The so-called crusaders and those who fancy themselves as beyond reproach fool no one but themselves, but the crap they spew can cause some degree of stench in the society and there’s untold danger in irresponsible reporting.
Worse yet is that the young people coming into the media learn the tools of the trade from the uninitiated who themselves badly need serious journalism training. You can guess at the result and well ask who will train the trainers?
I have given up trying to plead with some senior media people to have a shot at regular short-term media training courses (with which I am willing to help) because they do not seem to care.
And from my fence, I see a lot of people wallowing in journalistic cesspools. Ugh!
Some are schooled to report only that which suits their bosses or media house owners; others turn opinions into news stories; some twist stuff to fit a particular angle; and quite a few do not even have a nodding acquaintance of what makes a news story.
They get little tit bits, chew on them a bit and spew out what they think is news.
The convenient truth sits comfortably with them and the whole truth goes through the window.
The saving grace for Guyana is that not too many people take them seriously and the discerning ones take much of what is churned out with more than a pinch of salt.
Me? Come news time in the evenings when I am home, I prefer to watch `Two and a Half Men’, `Family Guy’, `Everybody Loves Raymond’, music videos on Channel 72, or shows of beautiful women on catwalks.
It’s much more comforting and satisfying than the view from the journalistic fence I jump on sometimes.
THE PARROT
Corbin seh, Raphael seh, Roger seh
The Parrot don’t like too much a’ “seh-seh”; “he-seh/dem-seh” as some would seh.
Plenty “seh-seh” does get you into trouble. Just ask some a’ dem boys who does tek up plenty “tar”, yuh know, “daru”, “lika” and get so high that when they “drap” a’ sleep, dem “talk-out” everything. Dem would talk where they went, who they “drink” wid, who they “deh” with, who de “drink-mates” deh with, who else in de village deh with who and who ain’t deh with who.
In deh sleep, dem would even provide supporting information; information to substantiate who is propagating this generally conceived “falsehood” in what may be a deliberate attempt to tarnish the character of those who reside in the community and who were the subject of discussion during the meeting of minds (“drink time at the corner shop). How dah sound? Like some drunk man who has the capability to utter the Queen’s English after prolonged imbibing? Some can. The others are the opposite; a source of gibberish.
When they talk, others, in most cases the female sober companions, take “note”.
These “notes” are used subsequently as a verbal confrontational mechanism (argument) which invariably ensue (happens plenty) after the effects of the “hard-stuff” (not what you thinking; the rum) would have been mitigated following natural bodily functions, namely (in)digestion and excretion. (..nah, no need to state the colloquial terms).
Anyway, when the “lika” “ware-off” is a different kind a’ “seh-seh”. Often, after this round o’ “seh-seh”, begging follows; the now sober “drunkee” begs for another “chance”. Plenty out of ten times, he gets another.
Anyway, is plenty “seh-seh” going on. Simels seh, Vaughn seh, Enrico seh, Julia seh, Corbin seh and Raphael seh.
The last two seh how they emBARKing on a public education campaign. Being very keen on education, I thought “Broadcast to Schools” was outsourced to the Place of CONgress and its KEY partner.
I was wrong. Like the man who came home late and “tight”, they said one thing before and another after. Is what they drinking? Their “talk” must have sounded like gibberish, because nobody like they ain’t understand dem. The way they were talking, one expected to see many “graduands” as a result of this much touted “education campaign”.
In 2006, the Place of CONgress and its KEY component got a combined 142974 “students”. That’s not a TON number. Steve verified this. How then, just under thirty-six months after and their “tag-teaming”, only 100 responded to this “tutorage”? The answer is simple; people, in this case the “students” referred to, are not interested in “he-seh/dem-seh”. They know that the “syllabus” of this “education-outreach programme” was about “seh-seh”; “he-seh/dem-seh”.
The two “Tap-men” was planning to seh what dem hear Julia seh who hear what Enrico seh who hear what Simels seh who probably frightened what Vaughn seh who seh what he hear dem boys seh. So yuh see, the “seh-seh” plenty. People ain’t got time fuh waste with “he-seh/dem-seh”.
When the same two “Tap-men” jointly announced their “education” plan, they were seemingly in a state of delusion which was probably brought on by the ingestion of a strong intoxicant.
They definitely had to be “tight tight” to believe that people would have responded. The poor attendance “sober” dem up. They then talk something else; boycott. While they were uttering in this “intoxicant” state, Roger was taking “notes” whilst having lunch on the same day. Like the sober one, he waited for the opportune moment to eloquently articulate and offer he and his colleagues’ wisdom to enlighten the disorientated leaders of the Place of CONgress and its KEY protégé.
Roger don’t seh what don’t know. He knows the fine details of such public education campaigns.
He and his colleagues have done many successfully. Plenty many. Corbie’s “seh-seh” seems to have gotten him into trouble with a Vin Cent, a West Van, a North one and many others including Ruff-fella. So if he and Ruff-fella really want to know how to seh what they want to seh, they must listen to what Roger seh. He has the notes. So “sober” up and seek another chance guys. Squawk! Squawk!
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Dr. Trotz should blame the media for domestic violence coverage
I am delighted that my colleague and friend Dr. Alissa Trotz has joined many others in Guyana in bringing further attention to the issue of domestic violence. Her contribution is welcomed, but as I suggested yesterday, it would be helpful not to use the issue to gain political mileage. I am sticking to that.
I want to respond to some specific points made by Dr. Trotz in a letter to the editor in Stabroek News (August 13).
Firstly, Trotz should level her criticism at the media in Guyana for not covering elite domestic abuse. She should also take cognizance of a particular newspaper that sensationalises all kinds of violence, domestic violence included. Ask them why they put that kind of material on the front page and why they don’t cover elite domestic violence. Further, it would also be useful to do grounded research to uncover the extent of elite domestic abuse, rather than nonchalantly use the President’s life as a substitute for this research.
I would be remiss if I did not mention that in North America, the reverse happens. Celebrity domestic violence is given wall to wall coverage. The abuse of poor women is usually given one or two lines, unless, of course, some big politician or business person is involved.
Secondly, Alissa Trotz also suggests that I examine my own ideological stance. Fair enough. Yet, I am not sure how that would address the methodological and theoretical acrobatics carried out by Dr. Trotz on the question of culture and domestic violence. I am fully in agreement that culture, in the language of Geertz, is a trafficking symbol, and that is has no inherent essentialism. That said, however, it is quite a leap to extrapolate culture from labour. Quoting George Lamming does not provide any kind of automatic alibi. The quotation functions more as ideological cover, than a mechanism of clarity. In fact, the Lamming quotation confirms my argument that Dr. Trotz analysis of domestic violence is ideological.
Thirdly, culture cannot simply be extrapolated out of the relations of production. Culture is mediated through all kinds of filters. The move from economics to culture is a form of economic reductionism that I thought the academic world had long dispensed with. Worst yet, a straight line from labour to culture, for instance the culture of hegemonic masculinity, is a kind of pre-analytic ‘politicist’ disposition that has no foundation is social scientific inquiry. At best, it is a romantic atavism.
Fourth, and finally, the larger point of my critique should not be lost. I argued in my last piece on this subject that academics should not use the language of theoretical discourse as a subterfuge to gain political mileage. Day in and day out we have the Guyana Opposition/Media Complex at work doing this. It has not been lost to the reading public that intellectuals, most of whom live abroad, are also a key part of this Complex.
All of my disagreements with Dr. Trotz, notwithstanding, I do think that she is right to keep the focus on domestic violence. She is also, of course, correct in stating that domestic violence is not personal. What we need is thoughtful and constructive discussion of the problem. What we do not need is milking the issue to score political points against President Jagdeo and his administration. I might also note that a recent poll done by Vishnu Bisram found Minister Pryia Manickchand of Human Services and Social Security, an engaged Minister. As Dr. Trotz no doubt knows, Minister Manickchand is firm about combating domestic violence.
DR. RANDY PERSAUD
Freddie seems to have a paranoid personality disorder
FREDDIE Kissoon’s vile attacks on personalities in our society, lack of interpretational ability and glaring misrepresentation of historical and contemporary events are not only representative of a uniquely damaged/rare character but a serious condition that has festered over the years.
He seems to have a paranoid personality disorder. He probably needs some good loving which actually creates the balance for rational, objective and straight forward thinking.
Many Guyanese are convinced that his fabrications are glaringly outstanding in his unimpressive arguments intended for intellectual stimulation as they lack logic, facts, reality and evidence. Indeed his non-achievements by academic standards as a long-standing lecturer at the University of Guyana explains his professional stagnation.
Let us examine the signs and symptoms of this peculiar condition as described by the online encyclopaedia:
‘’Paranoid personality disorder is defined as a psychiatric diagnosis characterized by paranoia characterized by a pervasive and long-standing suspiciousness and generalized mistrust of others. (DSM-IV) For a person's personality to be considered a personality disorder, an enduring pattern of characteristic maladaptive behaviors, thinking and personality traits must be present from the onset of adolescence or early adulthood. Additionally, these behaviors, traits and thinking must be present to the extent that they cause significant difficulties in relationships, employment and other facets of functioning.’’
Those with paranoid personality disorder are hypersensitive, are easily slighted, and habitually relate to the world by vigilant scanning of the environment for clues or suggestions to validate their prejudicial ideas or biases. They tend to be guarded and suspicious and have quite constricted emotional lives. Their incapacity for meaningful emotional involvement and the general pattern of isolated withdrawal often lend a quality of schizoid isolation to their life experience.
Those of us who believe Freddie is a mere controversial firebrand might not have given thought before about what pushed him to where he is today. The problem is that characters of this nature feed off of their ego. In order to satisfy this ego there is the temptation and actuality of lies and distortions to satisfy a pride. Extended stupidity goes into considerations and thoughts, again to satiate particular objectives.
KWAME McCOY
It is time Guyanese stand up against political trouble makers
I think it is time Guyanese stand up against political trouble makers. Certain politicians and other leaders are responsible for the perceived racial divide within our society. This is why these political parties will continue to fail and will even experience more failure to combine their efforts to promote good policies that reflect their own interests.
These politicians deliberately focus and play up the few differences of our people, and refer to us as different species fighting for our lives in the battlefield. The reality is not so, we are all Guyanese who share more commonalities than differences, and we must use this to our advantage to combat the challenges faced by the changes in the global economy.
A political party’s main function is to gain and maintain electoral success and strengthen existing partisan loyalties while attracting new supporters; some parties will pursue these goals at any means, even if at the cost of sacrificing its own people and country.
The racial tension that was originally created in the past by our colonial masters to control the people is now being adapted and promoted by political scalawags to attract support for their failing parties. Many of these parties often employ this racial tension as a tactic in their campaigns to manipulate supporters, then engineering unnecessary conflict.
These political parties and leaders know themselves, and I want to call on them to reflect upon themselves and identify all the positive things they have done to induce positive changes for Guyana.
Guyana is facing bigger problems such as the challenges of the global economic crises and has no room for petty politics, perhaps these political parties should try working hand in hand to induce and invoke positive changes for Guyana. We must continue to expose and reject the ugly characters of these political parties and their so-called leaders within our society.
ELIZABETH DALY
Look forward when poetry takes rightful place in communications
IT is with great expectation I look forward for the day when poetry will take its rightful place in our communications.
Ian McDonald’s Sunday Stabroek edition August 9, 2009 – Poetry: The Perilous Art has the aroma of truth in not only form but in substance.
His opening statement on the use of language is in essence a Biblical truth that can only be discerned by the human spirit.
There is an account in the Gospel of Saint Luke Chapter 11 verse 27 quotes, “And it came to pass, as he spoke these things a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him. Blessed is the womb that bears thee, and the pips which thou have sucked.”
This is the unadulterated words of a woman of understanding, when she heard the express language of Jesus Christ who spoke with exuberance and passion in parables which is a deep form of poetry that only the spiritual mind could understand.
I must make mention of Mr. Ian McDonald’s essay on the art of writing poetry as a timely one. Indeed poets are an endangered species. Not very many are called to this noble task, as we, as human beings are caught up with the issues of life and cares of life that saps our mental and inspirational energy at the end our working day.
For the poet, inspiration leads the way, and indeed, I agree with Ian that many great poets have gone into exile.
It is with these thoughts that I commend The Laparkan Group for its vested interest in Guyanese poets who has now began a journey in language that is highly esteemed. They are the sponsors of The Prestigious Award ceremony – Dynamic Poetry. This August, Friday 21st when 20 poets will take the stage at the National Library, Conference Room.
They will read or recite their original works in an atmosphere that will be charged with excitement and vitality which will certainly result in three poets rising to prominence and receiving $50,000, $30,000 or $20,000 for their performances.
So, Mr. Ian McDonald, thanks for your timely thoughts which I hope will radiate and inspire our young ones who will lead the way to a world of poetry. And thanks to the Laparkan Group which has ensured the sponsorship of this much needed programme and in so doing they make a difference in the life of many young Guyanese – I look forward to meeting these.
APOSTLE VANRICK BERESFORD
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Is it business or politics?
PLEASE allow me a response to an article in Tuesday August 11 of the Stabroek News.
It is carried under ‘Tuesday’s Economic Corner‘by Peter R. Ramsaroop and is headed “Agriculture gone bad – farmers suffer.” It contains a series of falsehoods and allegations about the MMA that need to be addressed. Actually we were expecting something of the sort having seen Ramsaroop with one of the Ramlochans in the MMA area last Sunday. Neither are we surprised that his article is in the Stabroek News. Anything, true or not, to ‘get at’ MMA would do fine.
As to whether the article is really about business I am not sure; for it appears to me more as politics instead. If my response therefore seems to straddle both contexts, as it might, then I can only wonder why the ‘independent’ Stabroek News (as it likes to front itself) could not have done better than have opposition politicians write such articles and present them as economic columns. Or is this by design?
That said I will confine my attention to those aspects of the article that touch and concern me and the MMA. For the benefit of Mr. Ramsaroop, the MMA has an open door policy when it comes to our work particularly as it regards the provision of services for our farmers. Irrespective of which or whose ‘hat he wears’, Ramsaroop could have checked with us, and even brought along with him the farmer(s) that he claimed were experiencing problems with us. Perhaps he didn’t know, or may be didn’t want to.
Since he did not check with us and before I address any of the specifics in his article, let me briefly outline our D&I work in the West Berbice area of MMA, about which he has written.
The area falls within the ‘MMA Project Area’ from the Abary to the Berbice Rivers. The D&I infrastructure serving the area is categorised as Primary, Secondary and Tertiary. The Primary system consists of the conservancy, the main canals and drains (approx 110 miles) primary accesses, and the primary structures like the sea sluices and the seven door sluice.
The secondary system consists of the secondary canals and drains (approx 430 miles) the secondary accesses (approx 450 miles) and structures like the canal regulators, culverts, bridges etc.
The tertiary systems relate to on-farm and residential areas and belong to the farmers and the NDCs.
It is the extensive secondary system which serves the farmers more directly and presents most of the challenges for us. During the 1980s and 1990s, MMA was responsible for maintenance of both the primary and secondary systems. D&I rates were fixed at $3550.00/acre/annum (two crops). By 1999, mostly because of the non-payment of the D&I rates among other factors, the Authority was faced with bankruptcy. Government then decided that upon the farmers request, they be given full control of the secondary systems and the rates reduced to cover the upkeep of the primary system by the MMA. The rates were cut to $1673.00/acre/annum (two crops)
Unfortunately there was no co-operation among the farmers, and the system deteriorated badly.
In addition they were not even paying for the upkeep of the Primary system, but with Government’s support, MMA was able to keep the primary works in excellent shape.
By 2007, the Minister of Agriculture intervened, and after much consultation with the farmers, MMA resumed responsibility for the secondary systems from January 2008. A massive rehabilitation programme began, starting with the drains. As each one was completed it was put on maintenance. In eight days time we will complete the last of the drains and commence on the irrigation canals. We encourage the farmers to take on the maintenance contracts which have publicly fixed rates, and no maintenance contractor is paid now unless the inspection certificate is signed by the farmers’ reps that they have appointed.
Yes we expect them to pay their D&I charges which is now $2500./acre/annum. (For both primary and secondary charges; the rough equivalent of 1 bag paddy per acre per year; half bag per crop).
I dare Ramsaroop or anyone else to contradict the above.
As for the article proper, I am inclined to excuse Ramsaroop’s portrayed ignorance of matters agriculture, or even perhaps him being misled. What worries me however is that he would chose to write without checking the facts. Can this gentleman tell us exactly where in West Berbice there are the drainage problems about which he wrote? On the contrary, some of our farmers are currently experiencing some problems with field irrigation. We do however have adequate supplies in the Primary system which we have even primed above full-supply level, so that farmers may assist themselves until we complete work on the secondary irrigation channels.
Does he want us to operate the drainage pump, or did he intend to imply that the pump is not operable? Whenever we have cause to use the pump, I will let the manager give him a call.
I know of no MMA ‘Official’ who has a rice farm as is implied in the article. Not me, not the General Manager, nor any of the other managers.
As to the issue of re-possession and re-allocation which is the real basis for attacking me and MMA, we have on previous occasions dealt extensively with this matter. These allegations are nothing new.
I do not wish to go it over, except to say that in process of treating with thousands of cases, we have had cause to exercise such sanction in less than a dozen instances, and, if anyone from who land was re-possessed wants his case made public, then we will do so.
As to the personal attack on me I am not bothered for I am aware of its origin. Ramlochan who Ramsaroop was with is still to come to terms with the re-possession and re-allocation of a plot of land that he never believed could or would have happened. Suffice it to say that since my assumption at MMA I have tried to ensure equitable treatment of all our farmers, irrespective of race, political affiliation or any other consideration whatever, and I have demanded no less from my staff.
Closing therefore brings me back where I started; is this about business or about politics or both.
I believe that I found an answer in a remark some farmers made to me today when I drew their attention to the article by Ramsaroop. Their exact words were “a man who can’t even fry plantain chip and sell am, want foh’ run country.” They have you covered on both counts, Roop.
What a beautiful one sentence letter it would have made, if I did not have to correct those falsehoods you wrote about the MMA. You would still be welcome to visit us, and meet our smart farmers.
RUDOLPH GAJRAJ
Chairman MMA
A lack of understanding in the validation process
Mr. EMILE Mervin in his letter "Asking Julia Johnson to cover the Simels trial was an excellent and responsible judgement" (Kaieteur News, 09/08/2009) shows his lack of understanding in the validation process that is necessary.
This is not the first time that I have had to correct Mr. Emile Mervin’s technique used to decipher what actually transpires in Guyana.
As an example, Mr. Emile Mervin would read Stabroek News, Kaieteur News and Guyana Chronicle then write a "theory" on the defunct Guyana Gazette website which is then picked up and used as "truths" by Mr. Robin Williams who actually read the same papers as Mr. Emile Mervin.
Then, Mr. Robin Williams would write a "theory" similar to Mr. Emile Mervin which is then picked up by "CARL" who believes that the information is "true" as he has used three different sources (Guyana Gazette, Stabroek News and Kaieteur News).
All three persons above would then believe that they have "the truth" as they have used different sources. But, they have not independently validated the information. What actually transpired was "gossiping" as person A tells person B who tells person C who then tells person A.
Freddie Kissoon is a traditional columnist (although he would like to be thought of as a "Social Commentator). Or rather, Freddie Kissoon is a gossip columnist as he writes what "people say to him" without any real evidence. And, there is no real way for ordinary Guyanese to validate what he writes.
I hereby nominate Freddie Kissoon as "King Social Comentator" as the name means more to him than actual facts. Freddie is not a "columnist" reporters but rather is a "Social Commentator".
In any event, we must all be careful when we read the various newspapers as it "colours our views". Most newspapers tend to write about the "negatives". And, some newspapers tend to turn even the most "positive" into a negative.
As an example, "President Jagdeo went to India to seek investments. But we feel that he should have gone to a Heads of Government Conference instead. There is an example of where a positive has been turned into a negative.
If Guyanese want a real issue to deal with here is a likely scenario:
Imagine someone invents a device that can be used to implant thoughts into a person’s brain. Some may believe that this is technically unfeasible but a TV does exactly the same thing. Now, given that many country have numerous nuclear weapons and the list of countries with these nuclear weapons is likely to expand even with current UN restrictions. You may need the device as it also tells you what someone is thinking. So, now you have the ability of telling "who" or "which country" is looking to create and build more nuclear weapons.
1) Do you keep the "mind control" device with the associated dilemna that it may be used to manipulate "the ordinary person" thoughts and maybe prevent the spread of nuclear weapons?
2) Do you get rid of the mind control device and hope that people and countries would stop stockpiling nuclear weapons?
In today’s world, it does not matter who has nuclear weapons or the mind control devices as they (may) have already been invented. It is like saying "The Wheel has already been invented".
Here is another real issue for Guyanese to help reslove:
The Vatican City is sourrounded by a 10-foot wall. Is it the wall that keeps The Vatican safe or is it God?
It is my belief that we are about to get a real kicking. Not just Guyana but the wider world also. When we look at most of the things that are being developed we understand that we are really at the "cutting edge" of most "sciences".
Philophy/Psychaitry - Mind Control - (probable) Universal Consciousness Computers - Robotics - (probable) Universal Consciousness or computers becoming stronger then mandkind.
Biology - Genetics - Cloning/ genetic engineering - Universal Consciousness (cleverer, stronger people).
Armies - weapons - advance weapons - global warfare.
Education - Information - Internet - Universal Conciousness.
THERE is nothing new under the sun. It is only different people discovering the same thing and using the same old arguments.
Today, we do not try to predict the future; we/I make "projections" based on available information.
President Burnham is not responsible for our current problems. He is only responsible for the things that he did up to his death because those are the things that he could change. I am more responsible for Guyana current problems than President Burnham since April/May 2001.
Let’s all give Mr. Robert Corbin the final decision and follow through. The reason is simple; the situation is getting progressively bigger and bigger.
Mr. Corbin, it is not just a simple situation as you may believe. Do you really want to "lock-up all the bad people"?
No "airy fairy arguments" the only thing is you have to be consistent. If you lock-up person A for stealing you have to lock-up person B for stealing as well.
A simple YES or NO will suffice.
SEAN BRIGNANDAN
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GFA/Cellink Plus Premier League
Double-header set for today at Tucville ground
SECOND-round action in the Georgetown Football Association/Cellink Plus Premier League will be restarted today at the Tucville ground with a double-header card.
From 20:00 h, Pele will face BK International Western Tigers in the feature game, while from 18:00 h, GDF take on Flamingo.
To date, Alpha United head the points standing with 21 points and they are followed by Sunburst Camptown with 18 points.
GDF have 15 points and occupy the third spot while Fruta Conquerors have 10 points for fourth.
Pele (seven points) Tigers (five), GFC (two) and Flamingo (two) are next in that order.
The competition continues on Sunday with another double-header that will see Sunburst Camptown oppose GFC from 18:00 h and Alpha United against Fruta Conquerors in the feature match from 20:00 h.
Enterprise Busta 20/20 competition…
DEFENDING champions and Unity record first-round victories
DEFENDING champions Lusignan Sports Club (LSC) and Unity recorded convincing first-round victories when action in the second annual Enterprise Sports Club/Guyana Beverages Company-sponsored 20/20 cricket competition got under way last weekend.
Defending their trophy in the first game played against LBI at the hosts’ club ground, LSC, asked to take first strike, scored 203-5 from their 20 overs, with S. Bharrat (97), S. Deosarran (30) and C. Gangadin 29 being the principal scorers against the bowling of R. Ramkellawan who took 2-17 from his four overs.
In their turn at the wicket, LBI were bowled out for 107 from their 20 overs, with only P. Rampersaud (35) and Y. Bishan 13 being the lone batsmen to get into double figures as Navin Singh (3-6) and K. Bishundyal (2-18) wreaked havoc with the ball for Lusignan.
Action on the following day saw Buxton and Unity clashing at the same venue, where the latter proved to be the superior team, coming away with a five-wicket victory.
Batting first, Buxton were bowled out for 87 from 14.1 overs with T. Abrams leading the way with 24 against the bowling of K. Persaud who took 3-21 for Unity who scored 88-5 from 15.3 overs, thanks to the batting of S. Dyal and H. Garbarran who made 19 and 17 respectively.
Women's boxing gains Olympic spot
LONDON, England (BBC) - Women boxers will have the chance to fight for gold at the 2012 Olympics.
International Olympic Committee chiefs voted yesterday to lift the barrier to the last all-male summer sport.
Three women's weight classes will be added to the Olympic programme for 2012 Games in London, with one of the 11 men's classes dropped to make room.
"Women's boxing has come on a tremendous amount in the last five years and it was time to include them," said IOC president Jacques Rogge.
Women will fight at flyweight (48-51kg), lightweight (56-60kg) and middleweight (69-75kg).
The IOC's decision was described as "historic" by Olympics minister Tessa Jowell.
"It will be a landmark moment come London 2012 when for the first time every sport will have women participating in it," she said.
"There are still major disparities in the number of medals women can win compared to men but this is a step in the right direction.
"In this country women's boxing has come on in leaps and bounds and is growing quickly at all levels.
"London 2012 will now create the first-ever generation of boxing heroines and hopefully inspire even more women to take up the sport."
Women's boxing came close to being included at the 2008 Beijing Games but the IOC ruled it would not offer added value to the Olympic programme.
Fears were that the sport was not competitive in enough countries, which could lead to potentially dangerous mismatches.
But participation has since boomed with 120 international federations having female boxers. There are now nearly 600 registered female boxers in England, up from 50 in 2005.
Amanda Coulson, a three-time ABA champion and long-time trail-blazer for British women's amateur boxing, expects the whole sport to benefit from the IOC's decision.
"It's fantastic news, I'm over the moon," she said. "Women's boxing can only progress from here - participation numbers will go through the roof, especially after 2012.
"The sport will keep growing but not just female boxing, the numbers overall will increase because of the added exposure."
England women's coach Mick Gannon expects the popularity of female boxing to explode following its inclusion in the Olympics.
"It's fantastic," he said. "What we'll see now is young ladies knocking down the doors at boxing gyms.
"There is going to be a big jump from other combat sports into boxing and it is already the fastest-growing sport in England.
"Numbers-wise it has increased by about 700% in five or six years.
"Like any sport you have a drop-off but now they will have the opportunity to go on and become superstars."
British sports minister Gerry Sutcliffe added: "This move is a massive boost for women's boxing.
In-form Murray races past Ferrero
LONDON, England (BBC) - Britain's Andy Murray produced a blistering display to defeat Juan Carlos Ferrero and reach the quarter-finals of the Montreal Masters, yesterday.
The world number three hit top form from the outset in fiercely hot conditions, racing to a 6-1, 6-3 win.
Murray had far too much pace and power for Ferrero, sealing a third win over the Spaniard in two months following victories at Queen's and Wimbledon.
He next faces Nikolay Davydenko, who beat Fernando Gonzalez 7-6 (7-2), 7-5.
"I feel like I'm off to a good start," said Murray. "I'm moving really well. Physically it's still tough but mentally I'm a lot fresher."
The Scot's side of the draw will be completed by the late matches between Roger Federer and Stanislas Wawrinka, and Gilles Simon and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
Fourth seed Novak Djokovic had a comfortable 6-3, 6-4 win over Mikhail Youzhny, while sixth seed Juan Martin del Potro endured a few more problems in beating Victor Hanescu 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, the Argentine requiring treatment on his right shoulder.
Djokovic goes on to face fifth seed Andy Roddick, who came through a titanic match against Fernando Verdasco 7-6 (7-2), 4-6, 7-6 (7-5) despite failing to serve out from 40-0 at 6-5 in the decider.
"He wouldn't go away," said Roddick. "To be honest I was probably at his mercy in most of those baseline rallies. I just stuck around."
Murray was in aggressive mood against the rejuvenated Ferrero, who has been in great form recently and beat Gael Monfils in Montreal on Wednesday.
The Spaniard found Murray a far tougher proposition, with the 22-year-old dominating from the back of the court and finding winners off both sides.
An immediate break took Murray to 3-0 and he all but wrapped up the set with another in game six, taking it with a big off-forehand into the corner.
There was no respite for Ferrero at the start of the second set as Murray clambered all over his serve, converting his second break point when the Spaniard faltered in a lengthy baseline exchange.
The Briton was untroubled on his own serve as he eased towards the finish line and he set up his first match point with a brilliant rally that dragged Ferrero all over the court before clipping a backhand winner down the line.
That chance went a-begging but Murray created a second match point with another stinging backhand and wrapped up victory in one hour 17 minutes with a heavy forehand.
"It was very good, he's a very tough player," said Murray. "I played really well and when I needed to, came up with some big first serves.
"I'm hitting the ball really well from the back of the court."
Dyson axed as Windies coach
ST JOHN’S, Antigua CMC – Australian John Dyson has been axed as West Indies head coach, as the turmoil surrounding regional cricket intensified yesterday.
The decision to sack Dyson was taken Wednesday at a meeting of the West Indies Cricket Board’s Executive Committee and announced in a brief press release issued yesterday evening. He had served two years of his three-year contract.
His departure comes on the heels of the bitter impasse between the WICB and the players’ union WIPA which forced the 54-year-old to oversee a makeshift Windies squad for the recently concluded two-Test, three-One-Day International series against Bangladesh.
West Indies, comprising several young, inexperienced batsmen, were whitewashed in both series.
Assistant coach David Williams will fill the vacant head coach role for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy tournament in South Africa.
The WICB has also replaced team manager Omar Khan with legendary off-spinner Lance Gibbs for the September 22 to October 5 tour.
“In view of the special circumstances pertaining to this tour, the former West Indies vice-captain and off-spin bowler, Mr Lance Gibbs, has been appointed the team manager,” the release said.
“Mr Omar Khan, the incumbent manager, has been temporarily assigned to the preparation and management of the West Indies Under-19 team for the International Cricket Council’s Youth World Cup in New Zealand in 2010.”
Dyson’s axing comes as yet another blow to an already troubled regional cricket fraternity, still reeling from the after-effects of the players’ strike that robbed the region of the marquee Windies players for the Bangladesh series.
The former Australia opener, who played 30 Tests between 1977 and 1984, was appointed Windies coach in October, 2007 after the resignation of fellow countryman Bennett King following the Cricket World Cup in the Caribbean.
Like his predecessors, Dyson failed to find any major success with a struggling Windies side despite winning his first Test in charge against South Africa at Port Elizabeth in December, 2007.
It was the Windies’ first overseas win in a Test for seven years and it raised hopes, if only temporarily, of a revival. However, the victory proved to be only one of three wins Dyson would oversee in 19 Tests in charge.
His only series win was a 1-0 triumph over England earlier this year in the Caribbean that saw West Indies recapture the Wisden Trophy after a nine-year wait.
Dyson was West Indies’ fourth coach since 2000, following the appointments of Roger Harper, Gus Logie and King.
Prior to his appointment in the Caribbean, he also coached Sri Lanka between 2003 and 2005.
Lara sharing expertise at Sandals Cricket Academy
CASTRIES, St Lucia CMC – West Indies batting legend Brian Lara is among several coaches attending the ninth annual Sandals Cricket Academy, which opened at the Beausejour Cricket Ground last weekend.
Lara, who holds the records for the highest Test and first class scores, will conduct batting clinics for some of the island’s most talented Under-15 cricketers.
In his address, the former West Indies captain called on regional authorities to invest more in the raw talents of Caribbean people.
He called for greater investment by way of training facilities which catered for every aspect of sports development.
“Training facilities should have numerous amount of practice pitches, out in the middle and in the nets and coaches, even a museum where the youngsters can learn about our past greats,” said the prodigious left-hander, who garnered 11 953 runs in 131 Tests.
Lara pointed out that major Test-playing nations like England and Australia had less Test venues than the Caribbean, but boasted several high performance centres, none of which was available in the Caribbean.
The lineup for this year’s academy also includes former West Indies fast bowler Ezra Moseley and English cricketer David Banks who will become the first English player to attend the Academy.
The initiative, which is a joint venture between Sandals and the Ministry of Youth and Sport, will also focus on various life skills, interviewing with the press, healthy lifestyles, and leadership.
Minister of Sport endorses CIOG youths
…donates sporting equipment
By Storme Moore
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony, flanked by Director of Sport Neil Kumar (3rd right), Fazeel Feroze (left) and Omar Cooper (2nd right), presents a quantity of basketball gear to the Central Islamic Organisation.
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THE Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr Frank Anthony, yesterday made good on his promise to the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) when he presented some of the youths attached to the CIOG with a quantity of sports gear.
Dr Anthony said that he promised CIOG president Fazeel Feroze, who is a consistent advocate for youth development, that he would make a donation to the Albouystown youth scouts attached to the CIOG.
The minister said that he was happy that Feroze approached him as his request coincided with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport’s plot to get youths involved in sporting activities.
Anthony further mentioned that the MCY&S has been ardently promoting inter-village sports and this is an opportunity to extend the reach of this initiative. He said that he sees this as a start and will follow the CIOG when they expand on this effort.
Feroze expressed his gratitude and said he suggested it as a means to assist the Albouystown youths in bettering their sporting prowess. “I’m happy to be here to receive these items. I believe they will go a far way to assist the Albouystown youths in developing their prowess in sports,” he said.
Feroze’s statistics show that 50 young people are currently involved in their scouting programme. He said that they are targeting the south Georgetown region at the moment but they plan to set up camps throughout the country.
Yesterday’s presentation was the result of the cooperation between the ministry and the CIOG. The minister was especially pleased for the benefits the partnership will provide to the youths. Anthony said that such offers are extended to other interested organisations.
Clijsters wins again as Venus is eliminated
CINCINNATI, Ohio (Reuters) - Unseeded Kim Clijsters reached the quarter-finals of the Cincinnati Open with a 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 win over French Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova yesterday while Venus Williams suffered a surprise defeat.
In-form Italian Flavia Pennetta ended the title hopes of Williams when she ousted the third seed 7-6, 6-4.
Former world number one Clijsters, in her first tournament after a two-year break during which she had her first child, won an enthralling two-hour encounter.
"It's better than I expected," the Belgian said in a courtside interview. "I am very happy I have been able to stay focused.
"I was hitting the ball well on my ground strokes but my serve was not going so well and she started to get the hang of it in the second set.
"But I made some adjustments and luckily I was able to come through."
Retrieving everything, Clijsters broke in the second game of the match and though Kuznetsova levelled at 4-4, she snatched the set when the sixth-seeded Russian netted a backhand.
The 26-year-old looked set to win in straight sets when she led 3-0 in the second but suddenly Kuznetsova hit form and levelled at 3-3.
Clijsters thought she had a 5-3 lead only for her opponent to correctly challenge a call. The Russian then broke in the following game before serving out for the set.
Trading heavy groundstrokes, Kuznetsova saved a break point in the fourth game of the decider before Clijsters stepped up another level and broke twice to seal victory.
Williams made 38 unforced errors as 14th seed Pennetta outplayed the American to clinch her fourth victory in their seven meetings.
"I'm really happy," Pennetta said. "After winning last week in Los Angeles I took a lot of confidence and it showed on the court today."
Pennetta, who has now won 14 consecutive matches, constantly made Williams play one more shot than she wanted and unleashed a series of stunning passing strokes herself.
The Italian won the tiebreak 7-2 and one break in the second set was enough to give her victory.
"I have to give her credit for playing well and keeping the ball in play," Williams said. "I just made too many errors.
"After a while it was obvious that she was just keeping the ball in play and waiting for me to self-destruct. I kept pressing that red button today and it didn't work out."
Pennetta next plays unseeded Daniela Hantuchova after the Slovakian beat seventh seed Vera Zvonareva of Russia 7-6, 0-6, 7-6 in a ding-dong battle lasting two hours 50 minutes.
Later yesterday, top seed Dinara Safina meets Peng Shuai of China and number two Serena Williams takes on Austrian Sybille Bammer.
Mike Tyson says in denial over daughter's death
LOS ANGELES, Calif. (Reuters) - Heavyweight boxer Mike Tyson says he still has no idea how to handle the accidental death in May of his four-year-old daughter, calling it a "dark moment in my life".
But in his first public comments about his daughter's death, Tyson told celebrity TV news show "Entertainment Tonight" that his new career as an actor was helping him. He is appearing as a guest star in the upcoming Fox comedy ‘Brothers’.
"I really was beating myself up over my daughter. I was staying in the house, depressed; it was a dark moment in my life. (Acting) keeps me functioning as a healthy human being," he said in the interview broadcast yesterday.
Tyson's daughter Exodus died in May after choking on a cord attached to a treadmill at her mother's Arizona home. She was one of six children Tyson has had with different girlfriends.
"I am working with dealing with it. I have spoken to a lot of people. I have become a member of an exclusive club no one wants to join," Tyson said.
"I have been told the pain never stops but you get over it. I am going through a process, trying to heal. I am in denial, because I don't know how to handle it. I don't know what to do or say. I appreciate everybody who supported me."
Shortly after the death of Exodus, Tyson, 43, married his current girlfriend, Lakiha Spicer, in Las Vegas. It was his third marriage.
Tyson retired from boxing in 2005 after a career marked by controversy. He was the subject of a documentary film ‘Tyson’ earlier this year and had a cameo role playing himself in the summer comedy ‘The Hangover’.
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