- mother critical

A nine-month-old baby died tragically when two speed boats collided in the Cuyuni River around 10:30 hours yesterday.
The baby, Sarah Simmons, appeared to have died almost instantly after the smash up, which also left her mother 32-year-old Nandanie Singh clinging for her life at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).
The baby’s father and four other persons from the boat, including the captain, survived the accident.
Police in a press release, yesterday said that investigations are being conducted into an incident which occurred in the vicinity of Matub Back Channel, Cuyuni River.
According to the police, investigations so far have revealed that Sarah Simmons was in the company of her mother and father George Simmons of Bartica, travelling in a boat from Aranka to Bartica, along with the captain and three other persons, when the boat collided with another vessel.
The victims were taken to the Bartica Hospital where Sarah Simmons was pronounced dead on arrival.
Her mother was subsequently transferred to the Georgetown Hospital where she immediately underwent emergency surgery.
Police said that the two boat captains are in custody assisting with the investigations.
Speaking to this newspaper at the GPHC, George Simmons explained that he operates a business in Aranka, and was taking his wife and daughter back home after they had spent some time.
He said that he was holding his baby at the back seat of the boat with his wife and a female passenger sitting next to him.
He explained that the boat had taken in water and he gave his wife the baby to hold, while he moved to “bail out” the water.
“When I finish bailing the water and was about to turn, I saw the bow of another boat above ours. After that, all I remember was two passengers who were on my boat, pulling me in the boat. When they pulled me in, I saw the female passenger holding my baby and her head was burst and was bleeding. I took her from the passenger and I realize she was dead,” the grieving father recalled.
He added that, in tears, he gave back the baby to the passenger while he leaned over to his wife who was on the floor of the boat “groaning in pain” with her left side face “smashed in.”

Survivor George Simmons

According to information reaching this newspaper, the captain of the boat, which Simmons was travelling in, had taken a “blind turn”.
Yesterday, when the mother arrived at the GPHC, she was immediately taken into theatre, and then transferred to Mercy Hospital, where a CT-Scan was done.
The 32-year-old woman received severe head injuries.
A relative told this publication that a piece of Singh’s tongue was found on the floor of the boat.  She was also missing a few teeth.

- flays former PNCR Parliamentarian for accusations

Reunion Manganese which is conducting exploration with the hopes of establishing a mine in the Matthews Ridge area has denied that it is forcing persons to move from the area.
The Canadian company issued a statement, days after Mervyn Williams, former Parliamentarian of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), last week said that several residents of the area are worried after being told to move into a soon to be established housing scheme.
Williams said he will be moving to have Parliament examine the deal with the Canadian Company, especially with regards to the rights of the persons, said to be in the hundreds, who live in area.
“I defy Mr. Williams to bring any person who can confirm that someone in authority from Reunion Manganese Inc. told them to move. There is no such plan,” the company’s spokesperson, Major General (rtd) Norman McLean said in the statement.
In the late 60’s, Union Carbide, the company which ran a manganese mining operation in the area, pulled out after low prices affected performance.
Reunion, which signed an agreement and was granted permits to explore in the area, yesterday denied that it had officials who were linked with Union Carbide.
“RMI itself is seeking to explore the ore body and prepare a feasibility study which would validate establishing a mine.  Therefore, in the light of that uncertainty, we could not have made statements about a mine and the displacement or relocation of persons etc,” McLean said.
Williams had also expressed concern that government had allocated $50M for the improvements to the road linking Port Kaituma to Matthews Ridge, both Region One areas. Williams argued that the road is one that will be principally used by the company.
“What rubbish?  As part of our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), even before we establish a mine, we took it on ourselves to assist the communities within which we operate by improving the main road link as it is part of our logistical line for supplies from Port Kaituma to Matthews Ridge.  The Government of Guyana on its own volition, contributed $50 million towards that effort and we recognized Government’s contribution and cooperation by placing signs along the road to that effect.”

Reunion Manganese, which is exploring, in Matthews Ridge, Region One, insists that it is making a positive impact there and has dismissed accusations by a former PNCR Parliamentarian that it is forcing long time residents to relocate.

The company said it has invested over US$1M ($200M) in six major pieces of equipment – a Caterpillar D6 Bulldozer, two Hyundai 201 Excavators, a 996 Caterpillar Frontend Loader, a Caterpillar 12H Grader and a Case 30 tonne articulated truck – which are now positioned at Port Kaituma, working on that half of the roadway.
“That is being done in cooperation with the Regional Democratic Council. These could have been involved in our own operation. We are an exploration company, not a road maintenance company. What we are doing has some self interest but is serving the community and its people and other road users/miners, traders, foresters, et al,” McLean explained.
He insisted that the first half of the roadway from Matthews Ridge to Falls Top is in excellent condition except for some minor areas.
“The equipment we have allocated to the road effort cost approximately US$1 million or over G$200 million dollars and we have not included labour, fuel, food, etc, so we wish to disabuse anyone’s mind over the significance of the G$50 million contribution made by the Government of Guyana.”
The company also said that should Williams check his facts, it will be found that the company may be less than a 5% user of the road, although it has been conducting the maintenance of that road over the last year.
“There is also a toll outside of Port Kaituma operated by the RDC.  They may have the relevant user statistics which would establish who are major users of the road. Again, as we speak, Reunion Manganese Inc. is the major stakeholder in repairing the airstrip at Matthews Ridge which had to be closed by the Civil Aviation Authority, because of the deteriorated state of the airstrip. We sometimes witness as many as eight flights per day.  Reunion Manganese Inc. may have two flights every other day – we are not the major user of the airstrip.”
The company also pointed out that there are many foreign, local, large and small companies operating between Port Kaituma and Matthews Ridge, but it “seems that RMI is being targeted by the likes of Mr. Williams” for reasons unknown.
“We have absolutely no difficulty in making our agreement with the Government public. It is not a secret and is a standard agreement which is very transparent and is not different in any way to other investment development agreements. The spin-off benefits to the community and the people of Guyana are very significant and we will disclose the magnitude of our contribution.”
Reunion Manganese said that it hopes other companies could join to help make Matthews Ridge, once a booming hinterland area, a more viable community.
“Mr. Williams should try to look at the positives of rebuilding his community, the donations to the hospital and school, the provision of generators and fuel to power those facilities, improvement in the roads, airstrip and surroundings and other facilities and the economic injections and multipliers as well as job creation.”
The company noted also that it has a positive policy on employment and as a result, “more than 45% of our employees are from the community.”
“This provides significant employment for our people.”

Pirate attack blitz…

- authorities rescue 15

A man, claiming to be a fisherman from Mon Repos on the East Coast of Demerara, and who was a victim of the recent spate of pirate attacks off the coast of Guyana was rescued by residents of Jibb, around 15:00 hours yesterday.
The man, who residents described as big built in stature, was brought ashore in a semi -conscious state, by a team of fishermen from the Essequibo Coast.
Authorities have rescued 15 fishermen who were victims of the attack, government says.
At present, the man is being treated at the Oscar Joseph Hospital, at Charity.
Residents who had converged at the location where the man was brought ashore told this newspaper that the man who could barely speak managed to relate that he and three other men had ventured out into the sea, in an attempt to rescue his brother who he learnt was attacked by pirates on Friday morning.
He also told residents that the boat that they were in had capsized and they were carrying an engine with them.
The man, who has not disclosed his name, added that his three other partners were stranded at sea and one of them might have drowned because he cannot swim.
The other two men are said to be clinging on to floating debris from their ill-fated boat.
Harry Kissoon, the fisherman who saw the man in the water, hollering for help, said that his skin was already falling off.
Investigators are now trying to ascertain if the man’s story is true.
Sasenarain Ramlogan, one of the fishermen who was badly beaten by two of the six pirates, said he and three other fishermen were attacked by pirates on Friday morning last.
The injured man said their boat was traveling about two miles from the Pomeroon Mouth when they noticed a huge boat traveling towards them at a fast rate.
Rammed!
Ramlogan added the captain of his boat immediately slowed down, after which they felt a huge impact as the other vessel rammed theirs.
According to Ramlogan, before anyone had realized what had happened, their boat”Sapna” was completely damaged and began to sink.
“Our boat the “Sapna” break-up and sink.”
Ramgolan said the pirates then ordered them to hand over their fish, after which they all received a severe trashing with cutlasses from the pirates.
He related that the pirates also ordered them into their boat, where they sustained further beating from the men who all were adorned in rain coats and masks.

One of the boats which was damaged in a pirate attack blitz over the weekend off the Pomeroon River.

After they were released into the water, the crew was finally rescued after the owner of the boat sent another boat out at sea to bring them ashore.
He said he is not sure if he would go back on the sea after that horrifying incident.
Meanwhile, Junior Agriculture Minister, Alli Baksh, along with Region Two Chairman Parmanand Persaud, who were also at the scene yesterday, said the Region Administration is doing everything to lend assistance to the fishermen. Baksh noted that the Region has since mobilized boats and the Coastguard to render assistance to those who are still stranded at sea.
Baksh said two tanks of fuel were also released and assistance will also be provided to the fishermen who are from the East Coast for their safe return home.

15 rescued
Meanwhile, a government statement last evening said that the Maritime Search and Rescue Centre has been activated and was continuing its supportive efforts and searches for fisherfolk. The centre reported that 15 more fisherfolk were found during the overnight exercise.
Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn, whose Ministry has responsibility for the search and rescue mission, said that it continued its work which led to the successful rescue of a number of the fisherfolk.
“Follow ups were made of the reconnaisance work that was flown yesterday (Saturday)…the police were given the coordinates…the police team went towards an area west of the mouth of the Pomeroon River and rescued 15 men,” Minister Benn said.
The Public Works Minister said that the joint services agencies have been called in and a thorough search of the areas is being made by various search parties with the aim of not only helping others who may still be out there but, also to determine who the perpetrators are.
“We intend to continue our supportive efforts and searches… we will be meeting with the Minister of Agriculture and fisheries officers…the police, coast guard and other parties will continue to work…over the next two to three days, members of the Maritime Administration and the Coast Guard will conduct their investigations, visiting strategic locations and making the necessary statements,” Minister Benn said.
He also urged citizens and anyone with information on the recent pirate activity, or who has suspicions of any illegal activity which may be linked to the latest pirate attack, to contact the nearest police station, the Coast Guard and or the Maritime Administration.
Approximately 15 fishing boats with a total number of 19 crew men were attacked between the mornings of February 3 to 4, off the coast of the Pomeroon River.
Captain of the Ms Davina, Bharrat Kallicharran and his two crew members were rescued on Saturday when a helicopter mission spotted them in their damaged vessel in the Pomeroon River.

 
- records massive $4.4B loss last year

- government considers financial intervention again

The Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) has requested a 19.5% increase in tariffs after rising fuel prices led to a preliminary loss position of $4.4B last year.
However, it is unlikely that any approved increases will be passed on to consumers as government is considering a number of measures, including a fuel subsidy.

GPL’s Chairman, Winston Brassington

GPL held its 2010 Shareholders Meeting on Friday last, a government statement said, with disclosures that rising fuel prices led the state-owned power company to a $4.4B loss in 2011.
GPL has since made an application to the regulator, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), for the rates increase.
“GPL has requested guidance from the Government on whether financial support can be provided to cushion tariff changes, in a manner similar to 2008, when Parliament approved a fuel subsidy of $ 3.3B,” the release disclosed.
GPL’s 2012 projections indicate a further loss of $5.6B, if current tariffs remain unchanged.
Chairman of GPL, Winston Brassington, indicated that as a result of expected fuel prices in 2012 and a financing gap brought forward from 2011, GPL projects an overall financing gap of $11B for 2012.
“GPL’s 2012 fuel bill is budgeted to be $25.3B, compared against $16.5 B in 2010 and $22.4 B in 2011.
It was noted that compared to 2010, when the power company faced an average fuel price of US$78/barrel, GPL projects an average price of US$120/barrel for 2012, representing a 50%-plus increase in fuel prices in two years.”
According to Brassington, the acceptable 2010 performance of the corporation would be overshadowed by the $11B financing gap in its 2012 budget.
The official blamed escalation in fuel prices from a weighted average of about US$80 per barrel to a projected $120 per barrel in 2012 for the major part of the shortfall.
Government’s spokesperson, Cabinet Secretary Dr Roger Luncheon, in signaling recognition of the impact of a 19% tariff increase on the working people and businesses, disclosed that government intends to rely on a number of interventions to offset the increase.
He pointed out that government will only allow GPL to introduce bearable tariff increases while seeking parliamentary considerations of subsidies, similar to 2008.

Dr. Roger Luncheon

Additionally, GPL would be expected to pursue more aggressive loss prevention practices and debt recovery so as to meet the shortfall without undue hardships on Guyanese.
In 2010, GPL made an after-tax profit of $553M compared to $1.8B made in 2009.
There was a little comfort in that reduction in technical and commercial losses was down by 3% to end at 31.3%.
However, revenues rose by 10.82% to achieve total sales of $26.5B.
Generation cost in 2010 was $19.9B… up from $15.9B the previous year.
In 2010 also, a total of 5,795 new customers were added to end at 151,288 customers.

GPL’s new Wartsila plant in Kingston.

The French Captain of the MV Vista Mar cruise ship (right), Alfio Bizzi, trying to play the steel pan during his first visit to Guyana, with a local steel pan player

Captain of the Vista Mar, Alfio Bizzi, during a media tour of the small but impressive vessel, explained that this was his first visit to Guyana.
The only issue which caused him to worry while he was docking was the depth of the water but overall he was pleased with the journey and visit. The cruise began on January 27.
The luxurious cruise ship boasts a top-deck pool, a bar area, a sauna, exercising rooms and top class dining facilities.
Kaieteur News understands that the next destination for the Vista Mar is Kingston, Jamaica, followed by Martinique and then it will cruise along the Amazon River where it is scheduled to spend one month.
According to Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Indranauth Haralsingh, Guyana continues to welcome the visits of both small and medium size cruise liners with hopes of further boosting the tourism industry.
He stated that for last year, there were five dockings of cruise ships in Georgetown and there is a growing interest in the country as a tourist destination.
Originally, it was expected that the MV Adonia (a UK Carnival Line Vessel) would have arrived to do a first time anchorage call in port Georgetown on January 27.
Unfortunately, the trip was cancelled due to a delay in Barbados.
Wilderness Explorers, a local tourism company, assisted in organizing the trip.
The company’s representative, Teri O’Brien, told Kaieteur News that they are aiming to have other cruise ships later in the year.
Kaieteur news understands that The GTA is now expecting to have the MV Clipper Adventure sometime in March.
This cruise liner is expected to dock in Essequibo.
With this exposure, other areas of Guyana are also being opened up, and there will be more employment opportunities available for locals.
There would be a spin-off benefit for taxi drivers and local tour operators while persons who sell art and craft will benefit.
According to a press release from the GNSC, it has been facilitating an increasing amount of visits by cruise ships over the last four years, and passengers are welcomed in a safe and secured yet tourist friendly environment.
As local agents for such vessels, it provides organized and streamlined arrangements at La Penitence wharf to facilitate the docking and disembarking of the passengers.
They are greeted with light Guyanese entertainment on the wharf (steel pan music) and they also have the opportunity to purchase locally made arts and crafts and beverages.

(Kristen Macklingam)

The efforts by the Police Narcotic Branch and the Customs Anti Narcotics Unit in the fight against drug trafficking have come in for high praises by Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee.
“I am pleased with CANU and Police Narcotics Branch in respect of their constant and unrelenting investigation as they try their best to deal with this problem,” the Minister stated.
But the satisfaction came with some amount of criticism of unscrupulous ranks.
The Minister highlighted the incident when a portion of cocaine from that which was seized during a major drug bust at Batavia in the Mazaruni went missing while being held as exhibits at the Bartica Police Station.
He however noted that an investigation has been launched by the Police Office of Professional Responsibility.
“I believe that notwithstanding these negatives, it is clear that the Police and CANU are making a determined effort to address the issue of drug trafficking.”
Pointing to figures, Rohee said that in 2011, the police had 100 seizers of cocaine and 400 seizures of cannabis. The marijuana carried a street value of US$1.3M and the cocaine was worth US$2.9M.
In addition the police destroyed some 94 fields of marijuana which amounted to a value of US$104M.
There were 56 convictions for marijuana and 189 for cocaine.
Also for 2011, CANU had 30 busts, the cocaine worth US$500,000 and US$1M worth of cannabis.
They also made 38 arrests and 14 convictions.
However, the Minister pointed out that despite the efforts by the agencies there continues to be instances of persons swallowing cocaine for export. The most recent being an employee of the Georgetown Magistrates Court, Terry De Fraitas who was caught with close to one kilo of cocaine in his stomach.
“We still have attempts in false bottom suitcases, false shoe soles, fuel containers, fish, shrimp and condiments, religious items, fake wheelchairs and cargo containers.”
Nonetheless the police are very alert to the means to export, the Minister asserted.

A law enforcement officer found himself on the other side of the fence after being accused of sexually abusing his 12-year-old sister in law.
The man who is a member of the Tuschen, Community Policing Group (CPG) has been in police custody since Saturday afternoon at Leonora Police Station. He has not been placed on bail.
Reports reveal that the 12-year-old girl told police that she had sexual intercourse with her brother-in-law on four occasions. Something the man’s wife adamantly refutes.
It was further disclosed that the act occurred earlier in the year. However, one CPG official said that he would not encourage or condone such actions from any member of the Tuschen CPG, and the police would have to deal will all illegal matters accordingly, whether the person is innocent or guilty.

One day a lady holds a birthday party for her granddaughter. She decides to go all out, no holds barred: she wants a clown at the party to entertain her granddaughter’s friends.
The clown arrives but not alone. He has a lot of company with him. The lady is sympathetic and tells them that she can help them out with refreshments but they will have to chop some firewood at the back of the house. They accept her offer and proceed with the clown in tow to chop the firewood.
After about a half an hour, the lady of the house is ready for the clown to perform his bag of tricks for the children. She goes to the back of the house. What does she find?
She finds the clown drunk and asleep under a tree while his friends are busy chopping firewood. Then she notices something. She notices one of the clown’s companies doing cartwheels across her lawn. She calls out to the other guy guys and says. “What your friend is doing is absolutely marvelous. Do you think that he can repeat those cartwheels for the children at the party? I am willing to pay him an extra hundred bucks.”
One of the guys replies, “I don’t know but I will ask. … ‘Hey Fred! For $100 would you chop off another toe?’”
Not all clowns and their contingents are like that. But not all aim to please also. I had this friend who invited a clown over to his home for a party. The guy came all dressed up like a clown. But as much as he tried to make the children laugh, he was boring and the kids soon lost interest.
It takes some skill to be a good clown and unfortunately finding a decent clown in Guyana to entertain a party is not always easy. In fact, finding even a good acrobat or magician in Guyana is a difficult thing.
Yet the people expect our politicians to do miracles. Well if professional magicians cannot successfully create illusions in Guyana, why do we think that politicians are going to be able to do miracles overnight.
Many, many moons ago there were top class magicians in Guyana. Not many but the few they had were good, very good. Today, the art of illusion is lost. There are a few persons who know card tricks but the kids today are so smart and able to read up on these things so readily that they can quickly expose the source of a magician’s tricks.
The art of magic is being lost to this generation of children and it is something that is worrying because if Guyana really wants to push tourism it has to be able to put on acrobatic and magic shows as well as host a local circus.
A few weeks ago, there was a circus in town. On the first night there was no tent and the show was almost washed out. If you are going to have a circus, you must have a big tent. A circus without a tent is like riding a horse without a saddle. It is just going to be unpleasant.
And why is it that we have to import a circus in Guyana. One would think that by now we would have been able to have our own local traveling circus, replete with trapeze dancers and lion tamers and acrobats doing spectacular feats.
There used to be some guys on the ferry across the Berbice River that used to try to entertain passengers by doing what can only be described as body-flexing routines. They had potential but they were in the business to make a dollar by passing a hat around for donations.
Their talent was raw. What they needed was to be formed into a professional acrobatic troupe. Every few years, a Chinese acrobatic troupe comes to Guyana. And their performances are electrifying. So there is scope in Guyana for our local acrobats. And if we are going to develop more tourism products, we need to have more Guyanese circuses and acrobats.
When people come to Guyana, they want to see places and go to events. There is not much to see, even though walking down Water Street and observing how the pavement vendors have taken over the city is quite a sight.
There are also very few clowns and magicians around to provide entertainment to the children at parties.
The local entertainment industry is therefore in poor shape. And if we really want to promote tourism we should try to get back to the time when we could at least boast about having some really good magicians.

Down the islands, Trinis are called “Trickydadians” and many people don’t believe you can trust a Trinidadian.  I disagree.  It is not because I was born on that island or even because I grew up there.  I know the evidence is overwhelming and many shopkeepers rue the day that they extended their “trust” (or “credit”) to a Trini.
Many a proprietor had these cute cartoons bound in an adhesive called passepartout (prounced “pass-pa-tu” in Trinidad) and covered with glass with the clear statement, “IN GOD WE TRUST.  IN MAN WE BUST.”  What they didn’t add was, “IN TRINIS WE BANKRUPT”.
Many a fresh young thing, especially in some of the islands, has suffered because she gave more than her trust to some sweet-talking Trini.  Even the banks in Trinidad don’t really trust Trinis – the credit they “give” or the money they lend Trinis is like lending them an umbrella which they pay for in installments, but as soon as the rain starts to fall, the banks want their umbrella back.
What was once “Royal Bank of Trinidad and Tobago” had excess liquidity (more money than they could spend) so they decided on a down-the-islands foray.  Before they did that (so my friends in Antigua say), the Bank divested itself of its full name and stripped down to its bare initials “RBTT”.  Most people believe that the Trinis who ran the bank did not want people to know it was a Trinidadian Bank.
However, they were soon found out and in Jamaica and elsewhere “RBTT” was translated into “Run Before Trinis Takeover”.  The banks do not trust Trinis to the extent that they refuse to have toilet facilities on their premises in case a Trini hides in the washroom and robs the bank after it closes.
But I am different.  I know all that stuff and yet am like the man who told the Magistrate, “Guilty your honour, but with a cause.”  I have just cause.  What I have discovered in the course of many years spent studying the habits of the genus Trinidadianus is that you can trust a Trini – to be a Trini.  This is why when I told a friend of mine that two Jamaicans have found a cure for some types of cancer in the “Guinea Hen Weed”, his immediate response was, “Tony boy, dem Jamaicans will smoke anything.”  Incredible!  Here we have a source for genuine Caribbean pride and a Trini trivializes it.  It is not that he isn’t impressed. Far from it.  However, he has to show his pride through a sideways slant – he has to be a Trini.
Then he asked seriously, “What is this Guinea Hen Weed they talking about?”  “I really don’t know what we call it in Trinidad but in Guyana it is known as ‘gully root’”, I replied.  I then recited the first chorus of the Guyana calypso of the Thirties by Bill Rogers, “Man Piaba, Woman Piaba/ Tantan Fall-Back and Lemon Grass/ Minnie Root, Gully Root, Granny Backbone/ Bitter Tally, Lime Leaf and Toro./ Coolie Bitters, Caralia Bush Flat o’ the Earth and Iron weed/ Sweet Broom, Fowl Tongue,/ Wild Daisy, Sweet Sage/ And even Toyo.”
“Tony,” he replied, “You know I don’t like racist talk so anything that use the word ‘coolie’ is not for me.”  I stopped him from going off on the usual Trini tangent. “Those are the names of different types of bush. The calypso names almost a hundred different ones, some we don’t know and some we may know in Trinidad by a different name.”  I explained that when I was growing up some of these he mentioned in other verses, like black sage and stinkin’ toe, were common and that “datura” is a hallucinogenic and some people used it (and marijuana or ganja) in milk.
Needing to have the last word he laughed and said, “You know all these things because you grow up in the bush!”
This is true and I am proud of it.  I used to “borrow” my father’s Stephen’s Sixteen Gauge shotgun, walk down our street for about thirty yards, step off the road and I was in the bush looking for game. I was not as bad as the Englishman, astride his horse, shotgun in hand who encountered a totally naked, shapely young lady in the forest.  She smiled up at him when his horse skidded to a halt, “What are you doing in the forest?” she asked. “I’m looking for game,” he replied.  “We’ll I’m game,” she said teasingly. So he shot her.  Even if I was tempted to behave like the Englishman, my hunting friends would have restrained me.
What I suspect is that they would have done what the typical Trickydadian does and even though she was not wearing any, try to charm the pants off her.
In those days, almost like it was in America a few years ago, “bush” was the answer for everything.  Don’t have a toothbrush?  Try some black sage or “coozay maho”.  Thing are going badly with you and getting worse?  Take a bush bath (which, according to the Trini dictionary, is “a bath made with the extract of certain plants, the application of which is supposed to stop a period of bad luck, or cure a sickness”.
Recently a member of the Trinidad Parliament recommended one for the entire government because it was stepping from calamity to disaster without an intervening stage of respite.  You have a stomach ache?  Take some “bush” tea or “bush” medicine”.  Police looking for you?  Hide out in the bush.  Have a young lady you want to spend some quality time with?  Hide out in the bush and hope neither the police nor the thieves find you.
Even some of our best jokes are “bush” jokes.  Just after the 1990 attempted coup, the Prime Minister (PM) of Trinidad and Tobago went to the US for medical treatment and was invited to the White House. He was seated in a beautifully furnished anteroom waiting for the President. A man came up to him and said in the typical Western drawl, “Howdy. Ahm Baker.” The PM got up stiffly and said, “I’m Robinson. Pleased to meet you.” Then a big fellow turned up, held out his hand and said, “Ahm Sununu.”
The PM got up, shook hands, “I’m Robinson.”  Then another tall man came out walking quickly towards him and said, “Ahm Bush” and the PM dived under the table.
*Tony Deyal was last seen saying that he could go on for a long time with the jokes but explained, ‘Ahm bushed right now.”

 
…work to restart on access road this week

Well placed sources in the Public Works Ministry have confirmed that they are currently working with at least four contractors to have works on the access road for the Amaila Falls project restarted this week.
This publication was reliably informed that Toolsie Persaud would be undertaking works at the section of the road which his company had previously maintained. The firm reportedly has equipment already mobilized in the locale.
The other contractors Govt. is seeking to utilize are Ivor Allen Contracting Services Limited, B&J Civil Works and Dynamic Engineering Company Limited.
The Ministry had reportedly through a selective tendering process identified the contractors several months ago in anticipation of the shortfall by Synergy Holdings Inc. headed by Makeshwar ‘Fip’ Motilall.
The contract that the government had with Motilall was recently terminated as a result of a shortfall in works anticipated as well as the absence of a renewed performance bond among other reasons.
And this publication was also reliably informed that the Ministry is probing an allegation that there were attempts made, just prior to Motilall’s venture to remove the equipment, to surreptitiously ‘disable’ the machinery that was seized from him.
According to reports, person(s) attempted to remove critical components of the equipment in the hope of rendering them ineffective.
This has led to increased vigilance on the part of the ranks guarding the machinery.
As it relates to the police preventing Motilall from removing the equipment this publication understands that the Ministry’s interpretation of the conservatory Court order that was issued by Chief Justice Ian Chang does not allow for him to either disable the equipment or remove them from the location where they are being stored.
Two Mondays ago, ranks from the Guyana Police Force prevented Motilall’s access to his seized equipment.
The two police corporals operating as sentries were reportedly presented with the Conservatory Court Order made by Chief Justice Ian Chang but prevented Motilall at gunpoint access to the equipment.
The Ministry is operating on the interpretation that Motilall is not allowed to remove the machinery.
When the ranks were presented with a copy of the court ruling by Chang they reportedly made contact with their superiors but subsequently stood their ground.
Government on January 12, last, by way of Public Works Minister Robeson Benn, announced the cancellation of the US$15.4M road contract it signed with Synergy Holdings Inc, headed by Motilall.
One of the many reasons given for the project cancellation was Motilall’s failure to secure a performance bond, something that Minister Benn described as a fatal flaw.
Motilall, following the announcement of the termination of the contract with Government, had claimed that he was owed in excess of US$1M but that he is also willing to complete the task if allowed.

- several communities flooded

Nine inches of rainfall pounded Berbice from Friday evening right through yesterday and the bad news is that there is more rain on the way.
The deluge, compounded by an uncontrollable garbage situation, left several communities underwater.

The Berbice High Court under water on Sunday

Kaieteur News visited several communities across the Region yesterday and some of the scenes were shocking. Vryman’s Erven in New Amsterdam was under knee- deep water. Little Rock Television Station Channel 10 had to close transmission. That area is a proverbial basin and has always been prone to massive flooding. Several streets in New Amsterdam including St Anne, Trinity and King Streets were transformed into massive waterways. Cars and other vehicles entered Vryman’s Erven at their own risk, and some areas were too flooded for drivers to traverse.
And almost everywhere that there was flooding, floating plastic bottles and garbage were evident. Large clumps of garbage were seen throughout the affected areas.
In New Area, Canefield, Canje, roads, walkways, yards and homes were all under several feet of water. A Guyana Sugar Corporation pump was put into operation to pump water into the Canje Creek.
Residents in the flood- affected areas urged the Regional Administration to ensure the water is taken off their lands as soon as possible. Some residents stated that while the situation could not have been helped and that Mother Nature had her job to do, the regional authorities must always be prepared for such occurrences. Canefield residents were furious since their homes and bottom houses were under water.
Regional Chairman of Region Six, Mr. David Armogan, had his first challenge set out for him as he feverishly tried to visit communities while coordinating efforts to mobilize all the drainage pumps in the affected areas. He told Kaieteur News that the worst affected areas were Cumberland, Canefield, Tucber, Chesney, Whim, Fort Ordnance and Letter Kenny.

Drainage & Irrigation workers removing thick grass and garbage from the Number 19, Corentyne trench

“We had a hell of a lot of rainfall”, he said. Some nine inches of rain were recorded during the past 24 hours, for a system that was only built to drain off “one and a half inches to two inches of water in 24 hours, so you could imagine what we are on at the moment…we’re talking about the next couple of days [of flooding]”, he stated.
Armogan noted that there is a five- hour period that “we can drain the sluice…we’re pumping once the sluices are shut down”.
He reminded residents of Region Six that more rain is forecast for the next 24 hours and cautioned persons to desist from dumping garbage in their surroundings. He added that several pumps are in operation at full capacity in the region including two in Canje, Number 19 Village, while pumps at Albion and Rose Hall estates are also in operation.
Despite this several communities were still under water late yesterday afternoon.

- legal official

By Latoya Giles

The system to select jurors for Criminal Assizes in the High Courts of Guyana is badly flawed and needs urgent revamping, some legal officials say.
One legal source told Kaieteur News that the selection process is compromised and this has resulted in injustice even where there is cogent, compelling and overwhelming evidence implicating accused persons.
The law and practice as it relates to qualification of jurors and jury lists are spelled out in Sections 17-47 of the Criminal Law (Procedure) Act, Chapter 10:01. A person serving as a juror must be between the ages of 18-60 and those exempted are set out in the First Schedule of the said Act, namely, Judges of the Supreme Court, Members of the Legislature, The Mayor, Members of the Military Forces, Public Officers, The President’s Private Secretary, Diplomats and Consular Officers, Ministers of Religion, Attorneys-at-Law and their Clerks, Registered Medical and Dental practitioners in practice, Registered Pharmacists, Nurses practicing their profession, Registered sick-nurses and Dispensers, Overseers of Local Authorities, Members of the Special Constabulary and certain specified positions being held by persons in the Mayor and City Council, such as The Town Clerk, City Engineer and GUYWA, such as the Chief Engineer and the Assistant Engineer.
Persons also exempted include those who cannot speak, read and write English; those outside the prescribed age limit, those convicted of any offence involving dishonesty or for any offence in respect of which he has served a prison term exceeding six months, unless a free pardon has been received; those who have been committed for trial and those who have preliminary inquiries into any indictable offence pending, as well as those who, at the time of the trial, are suffering from deafness, dumbness, blindness or imbecility.
Other than those exemptions, the Registrar of the Supreme Court has at her disposal, all other Guyanese citizens within the prescribed age limit, once they are in receipt of an income, or is the owner or lessee of immovable property and resides within forty miles (40) from the place where the sittings of the court at which he/she is liable to serve are held.
The source said that for the longest while now, there has been no proper revision of the Jury List, even though Section 25 of the said Act makes provisions for the Chief Justice to appoint magistrates or lawyers to revisit the list for the particular County.
This newspaper was told that during many High Court cases, for which accused persons are tried for offences such as murder and rape, selected jurors are observed sleeping while witnesses are giving evidence, and many are seen chewing gum.
A noticeable trend also is that important aspects of evidence are missed by jurors and this is revealed through the questions some of them ask. In many instances, the Trial Judge has to go to his/ her notes to show the juror that that issue was already dealt with.
A look at the Jury lists for the Two Panels before the High Court would reveal that when requests are made by the Registrar for persons to serve as jurors, most companies/ organizations release the persons they have the least use for. This is evident in the occupation column of the jury list.
One source has indicated that the Jury list is left to be prepared by some very young High Court marshals. And even though provision is made in the Act for the exemption of a person who has already served on a panel for two years, every session it is observed that persons from the previous session would return for jury service. This is indicative of the unrevised Jury List, the unsupervised selection of prospective jurors and the breakdown of proper procedure which is required for this serious process.
Many of the persons whose names are finally selected for a panel would come to Court armed with written requests for exemptions which they forward to the Trial Judge who hears their cause before making a decision on whether to exempt them.
Those who are chosen to serve on a case seem lost in all the legal jargon of the proceedings and are caught up by other matters other than the evidence which is most important.
During the October, 2011, Sessions, the murder trial of accused, Cyon Collier called ‘Picture Boy’ became a fashion show for the jury’s benefit as Collier wore 14 different suits for the 14 days of his trial. As he posed for photographs, even though this is specifically disallowed in any Court, the jurors were observed smiling in admiration and some were even seen saying hello to him, acknowledging his nods etc.
The sources further stated that it was on the last day when the Trial Judge was summing up the evidence that a court official walked past the Courtroom and noticed one of the female jurors and the defendant talking. According to the source, it was brought to the Court’s attention. It was noted that this particular juror should have been banned from jury duty for life as she was previously involved in a matter where there were allegations of jury tampering. The verdict came back undecided at around 10:00pm.
One State Counsel indicated that prosecutors already have an uphill task to prove the case against the accused beyond reasonable doubt and when the system itself is not working as efficiently as it should, and jurors are not listening attentively, it only makes their task all the more difficult.
The source further stressed that jurors lose sight of the fact that in a murder trial, a life has been lost in very tragic circumstances and the victim’s relatives are looking towards the 12 jurors to be the voice of reason and give them justice. “Some of the jurors are not true to the oath they have taken to return a true verdict in accordance with the evidence before them,” the source said. “But we will continue everyday to do what we have to do as Ministers of Justice because that is what Prosecutors are….where there is a law, we seek to enforce it, where there is a crime, we prosecute it and where there is a victim, we will speak for him.”
Another observed that jurors seem to come to Court with a particular mind-set: to set the accused free no matter what evidence is led. Some of the accused themselves are well coached as to how to behave before the jury. They are impeccably dressed and they target the young women on the jury, make eye contact and smile and this goes on daily.
One observer noted that there will never be any such thing as justice once this situation prevails. “There is no seriousness about anything in the courts of this country, only a breakdown of law and order. A murder trial is now a circus. They may as well open the gates to Camp Street and let everyone out. Needed urgently are persons who are keen, intelligent, have a good grasp and can understand what is happening. We need jurors like long ago. Those days a Court was a Court. You could hear a pin drop and you used to feel afraid when you enter a courtroom. Today, it is just a big farce, a sham. Trial by jury is a mockery.”

- President Ramotar promises support for similar ventures

The Doobay Renal Center, at Annadale East Coast Demerara was formally opened yesterday by His Excellency President Donald Ramotar, who promised government’s support for similar ventures.
The President described the event as a very important milestone for Guyana.

The Doobay Renal Center

Ramotar said that he always believes in the philosophy that when doing something it must always be in service of the people. The Head of State said that this can be reflected in the budget from 1992 to present. He said that Guyana is probably one of the only countries in the region which spends about 30 percent of the budget on social services.
“It goes to meet the needs of people. This includes health care, housing and water,” the president told the large gathering. He said that the most important factor for development is the people.
“It’s not all about natural resources, yes that helps, but it’s the quality of people which would help us go forward,” Ramotar asserted. He further stated that government has been expending a lot in this regard and intends to build a humane society, “where we are each other’s keeper”.
He said that this attitude has become very infectious, because persons who can afford it are coming forward to help. He congratulated this venture, which the board of the center has undertaken.  For a person to be more productive he or she has to be healthy and strong, the President said.
According to the Head of State, the government will support these initiatives so that Guyanese can have more access to better healthcare.
Meanwhile, Minister of Health, Bheri Ramsaran said this new initiative paves the way for a better relationship for private/ public partnership. He said this shows that the Guyanese Diaspora is very interested and the Ministry of Health is willing to help.

One of the Nurse Attendants at the center explaining the process of dialysis

The Health Minister had said that the Doobay Renal Centre was already impacting Guyana’s medical landscape by providing Hemodialysis for about 35 percent below the commercial rates offered locally. Ramsaran had told Kaieteur News that the Health Ministry hopes the Not for Profit Organization would serve as positive competition for private entities, hence motivating them to improve their standards.
Some patients attached to the centre, are recipients of financial aid from the Ministry of Health. To ensure the assistance is given to those in need, assessments are conducted by Social Workers and requisite documentation is provided by physicians, he noted.
Dr. Darshanand Maraj, in a recent interview with Kaieteur News had stated that the center was of international standards. Dr. Maraj enlightened that the facility has 10 regular patients and is expecting to extend its services to another 10.

 
Highway hunting tragedy…

 
Relatives of 12 year-old cyclist Justin Nobrega who was accidentally shot during a hunting trip are awaiting the results of a post mortem examination which are expected sometime later today. The relatives are also hoping for the release of the dead boy’s father who has been detained along with his hunting partner since the incident.
Twelve year-old Justin was pronounced dead on arrival at the Linden Hospital after he was shot while in the company of his father and a friend.
According to a police report the incident occurred at around 23:10 hours on Friday last at Adventure on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway.
Meanwhile, the dead lad’s mother, Michelle Nobrega who spoke with this publication yesterday said that she received the dreadful news from her husband on Friday night. The woman who said she has accepted her son’s death believes it was a genuine accident.
“My son loves hunting; hunting is like a family tradition for us and he died doing one of the things he loved best.” Justin was also a member of the Continental Cycling Club.
Mrs. Nobrega said her husband related that he had spotted a deer while hunting and shot at it but the deer did not fall.
“He said they decided to go after the deer and they told Justin to stay in the vehicle but they didn’t know he come out and followed them so they heard rumbling in the bushes and my husband’s friend shot in the direction,”
She added that when her husband and his friend went to the location they heard Justin groaning and saying he was shot.
The injured lad was rushed to the Linden Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. There are reports that Justin was shot in the region of his heart and abdomen.

Dead: 12 year-old Justin Nobrega

While Mrs. Nobrega has stated that she understands the police procedure she says her husband being locked up is adding to his grief.
“Justin was the baby of our family, and my husband is taking this thing hard and he just has to be sitting in the lock ups with no one there to comfort him,” the woman lamented.
Justin was described by his family as a very helpful child who was always competitive with his older siblings.

The Hydrometeorological Service as at 08:00hrs on January 29, 2012 received reports from a number of its rainfall stations across the country. These reports gave the total accumulated rainfall between 8:00 hrs Saturday January 28 and 8:00 hrs Sunday January 29 2012.  Data collected so far indicated that many stations along the coast and near Inland locations exceeded 100mm in 24 hours. The highest recorded rainfall was 172.6 mm which was reported at New Amsterdam in Region 6. Other values exceeding the 100 mm are as follows: 152.3 mm was reported at Friendship Buxton, 125.4 mm at Enterprise, both in Region 4; 138.4 mm at Pine Ground, 116.2 mm at Wash Clothes, 100.0 mm at Bara Bara, 152 mm at Bush Lot and 106.0 at Foulis  and 136.6mm at D’ Edward Village, all in Region 5.
The Eastern regions in Guyana are the ones that have received the highest rainfall during the last 24 hrs.
Note as well in Jan 2012  a number of locations already recorded above the long term average for Jan 2012.
OUTLOOK
During the next 48 hrs current conditions will be sustained with light to moderate intermittent rainfall. Occasional heavy downpours are likely during the period as well. Rainfall quantities are likely to exceed 60 millimeters in 48 hours.
The La Nina phenomenon still persists and is expected to do so until the end of the first quarter of 2012. Therefore, downpours may occur from time to time during Feb and March 2012  as this mild La Nina continues to influence our weather pattern.
Residents in low lying and flood prone areas are asked to take the necessary precautions against possible flooding.

- during THAG Awards

President Donald Ramotar has pledged Government’s support of Guyana’s tourism sector while working with stakeholders to prevent anarchy and develop strategies to allow the sector to realize its true potential.
The Head-of-State made those remarks yesterday at the Tourism & Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) President’s Awards Dinner and Dutch Auction 2012. The event was held at the Princess International Hotel and attracted hoteliers, resort operators and other key players in the tourism sector.

Mr. Yesu Persaud receives Recognition of Patrons of THAG award from President of THAG Paul Stephenson

He asserted that persons with established tourist operations and those now entering the market are at an advantageous position to enhance their entities at this early stage in the industry’s growth.
Ramotar expressed confidence that there will be a rush in the sector, while he painted a picturesque image of the hinterland and coastland communities. He boasted of some the country’s proud features such as mountain ranges, hills, rainforest and wildlife.
Guyana’s tourism sector does not operate in isolation; as such Government has been investing in other sectors, Ramotar noted, while adding that Government invested $1B last year in the construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of hinterland roads. This has helped to increase access to many beautiful sections of Guyana’s hinterland.
While the coastland has much potential for tourist activities its Guyana’s capital city, Georgetown, which is located there, needs ‘cleaning up’ to earn its name as the Garden City once again.
Ramotar emphasized that Georgetown has very beautiful with exquisite architecture but it is not in a state that will attract tourists and impress people.
“I want to assure you that the Government will intervene to get this city cleaned up so it can reflect the beauty it really has. But that needs to be sustainable and every time one section of Government messes up the Central Government has to step in to clean it up.”
He stressed a permanent solution is needed but that can only be achieved if all involved find a common area to work together. That common ground could very well be that the City belongs to everyone, he suggested.
“Therefore I hope we will find cooperation with the other forces as we seek to work towards local government elections to more and more democratize community lives so that people can have a say and participate in the development of the city,” Ramotar stressed.
He emphasized that Government wants to expand the sector to include health and education tourism but those will be costly. As such, Government is pursing the hydropower project that will provide cheaper electricity to all Guyanese. This will lead to vibrancy in societies to generate jobs and higher salaries.
The President’s remarks made way for the presentation of awards in several sectors and the Dutch Auction segment which was entertaining.
Several Categories of awards were the Recognition of Patrons of THAG which was copped by Mr. Yesu Persaud Chairman of Demerara Distillers Limited; Recognition of Sponsors of THAG was given to Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company and DDL; and Agro-tourism Awards-Best New Product was given to the Mangrove Action Committee.

Twenty one- year- old Rohit Mohanlall of Lot 68, Plantation Hope, Bath Settlement, West Berbice is going blind due to the presence of retinal scars in both of his eyes. At present, the condition has taken over the entire left eye and if a medical operation is not done very soon, he could go totally blind, since the scars are slowly taking over his right eye.
His mother, Chanmattie Mohanlall said that problem was discovered when Rohit was 14- years- old.
“When he was 18 years, he was completely blind in the left [eye] and about four months now, I found out that the disease gone into the right eye”, she posited.  He was taken out of school at age ten, since “he would not see what the teachers them write and they would beat he and he does cry everyday”. She then took him to the Cuban doctors at the Georgetown Hospital where the diagnosis was made.
“I take him to many doctors and they said that nothing can be done here [Guyana], then I took him to Dr [George] Norton and he said that the only way something can be done is that I have to seek help overseas.”
Mohanlall said that she took her son to the National Ophthalmology Hospital at Port Mourant, Corentyne, where he received treatment for three years, “and after he not getting help, I just quit it”.  “They treated him for the left eye, and they never said to me that the disease was in the right eye, too.”
Four months ago, it was discovered by Dr Rambarack that the retinal scars have entered the right eye.
According to a medical statement given to Mohanlall by Dr George Norton, “The….patient complains of reduced vision in both eyes. The left eye is legally blind for many years now, with retinal scars in all of the posterior poles especially in the para- macular region. The patient depended entirely on his right eye for useful vision with no complaints until two weeks ago when he presented pain and reduced vision of the said eye. Considering the left eye being blind and the imminent threat to the right eye becoming similarly affected, I recommend that this patient be evaluated for adequate management by the vitreoretinal specialist in a sufficiently sophisticated Ophthalmology Centre”.

Rohit Mohanlall

Mohanlall needs the help of the public to offset the expense of the eye surgery that can be conducted in the United States. She made contact with the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and they sent a statement that charges for an evaluation would be US$2000. If the surgery is indicated, the estimated charges would be US$30,000. She requires $6.4M.
She approached the Ministry of Health who offered $1M but she would have to raise the rest. She has thus far raised $1M with assistance from family members but still requires $4.4M.
Those who wish to assist the young man can contact the Mohanlalls on telephone number 328-7822.

- water in homes, snakes and caimans in yards

The recent incessant rains may be an ‘act of God,’ but some irate residents of 18th Avenue Diamond New Scheme are blaming the Grove/Diamond NDC, rather than a ‘higher power’ for making their yards and homes prone to flooding.
They say that the NDC officials have repeatedly ignored their pleas to clean a clogged drain behind the houses located at the western side of the street.
They have come to dread the rains, since poor drainage causes their yards and homes to flood easily. The conditions have also created the perfect breeding ground for serpents and caimans.
And it was worse yesterday. Many of the residents woke up to find water in their halls, kitchens and bedrooms. When Kaieteur News visited the community yesterday, some of the affected persons were frantically placing sandbags at their doorways to keep the water out. Others were bailing water out of their patios.
Shaleeza Mohamed, a resident, said that she recently spent exorbitant sums to have her yard raised to keep the water out. Nevertheless, her bathroom and washroom areas were under inches of water yesterday.
“It cost me a lot…if the rain fall till tomorrow (Monday) my whole house will flood. Every time the rain fall my yard flood. Every single night my son kills a snake in the yard.”

A resident’s flooded yard

She was more fortunate than her neighbor, Yoland Burnett, whose bedrooms were all under inches of water, and was traversing her home in a pair of long boots when Kaieteur News visited.
“It’s very uncomfortable. The children had to be in bed whole day.”
Another resident also had similar complaints about the drainage system in the area.
“Last Christmas my children had to spend their holiday at relatives (because their home was flooded). They got alligators and snakes at the back of the fence.”
Taking Kaieteur News to an area behind their houses, they pointed to a barely-discernable, grass filled ditch, which they said the NDC had not dug in ages. This ditch leads all the way to a trench at the side of access road to Diamond New Scheme, and this trench is connected by culverts to a canal that empties into the Demerara River.
The solution to flooding in 18th Street is for the NDC to have this ditch dug, the resident explained.
Kaieteur News observed that residents on the eastern side of 18th Street appeared to be relatively unaffected by the flooding.
The ones whose yards were flooded pointed out that they pay rates and taxes to the NDC. Yesterday, some of them threatened to withhold payment until the clogged ditch is dug.
The lament about the inaction by the NDC continued when Kaieteur News visited other sections of the Grove/Diamond schemes.
Residents said that despite their numerous complaints, which even attracted the attention of the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Norman Whittaker, nothing has been done to give them any relief.
According to a resident whose yard was flooded, it has been several months since employees of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority have done any drainage works in the area.
The woman related that her husband usually cleans their drains but other sections along the same drainage path are clogged with high weeds and silt. She disclosed that about two years ago some men cleared the drain and informed them they can only do a section since it requires an excavator to do the job.
Meanwhile, another said that owing to the deplorable condition of Avenue ‘A’ in Diamond new Scheme, taxi drivers refused to traverse the street, forcing her to walk home after coming off a demanding job at midnight.
“The taxi turned in to enter the scheme and stopped abruptly when the car could not travel further. The taxi driver was generous enough to take me to the police station to see if they would take me home. When I reach there they had a pickup PKK 727 parked and three motor bikes in the compound but the police said no vehicle was working.”

 
Pork lovers are now complaining of exorbitant prices for this meat as the local market is being faced with a shortage.
Several consumers have aired their concerns about paying at least $500 per pound for this item.
They believe that Brazilians who use pork in their restaurants are the fuelling the shortage.
Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, told Kaieteur News yesterday that pork production in 2011 was recorded at 200,000 kilogrammes.
“The demand in the pork market is so great that there needs to be between 300,000 to 350,000 kilogrammes to meet this demand. More of the consumers that can afford are eating more meat such as chicken, beef, pork, mutton and such. Another reason is the change in demographics since there is an increase in the usage of pork in upscale restaurants throughout the country.”

A sow feeding her piglet

Kaieteur News understands that while small farmers are responsible for pork production, the demand exceeds supply.
However, this temporary shortage is not creating a crisis since there is a reasonable supply of beef and other meats. The demand for pork in the market does not drive for the importation of this meat.
In 2008, the Ministry of Agriculture started its swine breeding project. Currently the project is being reinvigorated with the introduction of new breeds of swine.

The unstable utility pole located at Farm on the East Bank of Demerara that graced the Kaieteur News’ front page sometime last month, has still not been fixed.

Kaieteur News was made to understand that the pole was almost uprooted about one year ago as a result of an accident.

This utility pole at Farm leaning dangerously

“A Tundra slam into this thing after it hit down a lady. After that happened, another vehicle slammed into it again. That driver de drunk,” a member of the nearby Masjid, said.

Residents fear that the post might eventually fall causing grave injury.

“I am really scared about that thing. My grandson does got to walk past it steady because he does go to de Masjid on the road” said an elderly Bibi Hassan.

“I fed up calling GPL about this thing. Them gon wait till some other lil boy get electrocuted before them fix it”, the angry woman added.

Several other members of the community shared the same fear and are calling on the relevant authorities to take action before it is too late.

Ranks from the Felix Austin Training College have won the 2012 Smellie Cup First Aid Competition.
Participants in Friday’s event included the Criminal Investigation Department Headquarters ‘A’ Division, Immigration ‘A’ Division and ‘A’ Division General Office.
The winners won $100,000, a trophy each and a replica of the Smellie Cup.

Members of the ‘A’ Division Immigration Team during one of their routines

Second place prize of $75,000 and a trophy went to CID Headquarters, third place to Immigration ‘A’ Division and fourth place to General Office. The third place winners, received $50,000 and those placing fourth received $25,000. The best first Aider prize of $50,000 went to Constable Grant.
The Smellie Cup First Aid competition was introduced in the Force in 1927 and in 1931 the Force became a member of the St. John Ambulance Brigade. Colonel W.A. Orrett, C.B.E., K.P.H., the then Commissioner of Police, was the first Commissioner of the Brigade. Ever since, the event has been an annual spectacle.
The GPF is a division of the St. John Ambulance Brigade which was established since 1931. The Force apart from its core functions assists the citizenry throughout the country in rendering first aid to the sick and injured in times of emergency.

Rudyard Kipling (1865 – 1936) was an English poet, short-story writer and novelist celebrated for his tales for children (including the Jungle Book featuring Rikki-Tikki-Tavi) and the “white man’s burden” of Imperialism in India.  A postcard by graphic artist, Andrew McGill (1875 – 1962), famous for his “saucy” wit, holds the world record for selling the most copies (over 6 million).
It featured a nerdish young man and an embarrassed pretty woman sitting under a tree with the caption, “Do you like Kipling?”  And the reply from the young woman, “I don’t know, you naughty boy, I’ve never kippled.”
My occasional kippling made a lasting impression and left me with at least one jewel of wisdom – being a man in the truest sense of the world requires special qualities, the most important being the ability to walk with kings and not lose the common touch.   As someone prone to excess I suppose this explains why I am not just common but very common.  Unlike what Polonius (in Hamlet) advocated as proper conduct for his son Laertes, I am both familiar and vulgar, an accusation also leveled at McGill and made his postcards best-sellers.
I thought of this on Monday morning, the first day of the Year of the Dragon.  I was in Trinidad sitting in the office with Gerry Hadeed, an old acquaintance, whose “The Beacon” Insurance company has agencies throughout the Caribbean.  I was congratulating Gerry on his recent appointment as Chairman of the Trinidad and Tobago Airports Authority.
Gerry’s office is at street level on the ground floor of a carefully restored landmark building in what was the “New Town” area of Port-of-Spain.  We were talking about the need to improve customer service at the Piarco Airport especially among the security staff when I saw the silhouette of someone passing outside the window.  Gerry jumped up, opened the window and called out to the person passing by who turned out to be a man with a basket.
Gerry asked us, “What you want to eat?” and turned to the person and asked, “What you have?”  Black cake, marble cake, chocolate cake and pone.  So this very powerful and wealthy man ordered his cake and my pone, paid the vendor who started to dig into his pockets for change and was told, “Don’t worry – when you pass next time.”
That brief encounter captured the essence of Gerry and what makes him a natural leader.  He was close to Dr. Eric Williams, has several photographs with A.N.R. Robinson with whom he is still very close, and pictures of himself with Fidel Castro.  In between all of his business commitments he was a cricketer, a cycling and racing enthusiast, and for most of his live has tried to combine his strong sense of nationalism with his interest in politics as the means of unifying the many different cultures and races that make up Trinidad society.
His dream is to help TNT achieve the vision of one of his mentors, Dr. Eric Williams, first Prime Minister of TNT.  When the country became independent Dr. Williams had wished for the country to celebrate the birth of “Mother Trinidad and Tobago” and the end of Mother India, Mother Africa or, for that matter, Mother Syria.
Gerry is committed to this as a lifelong project.
I contrasted Gerry’s attitude and behavior with some of the politicians of the Caribbean who seem to love the office but not the functions, who are obsessed with the trappings and the glamour of power but try to stay away for as long as possible and as far as possible from the people who voted them into office.
They drive around in the air-conditioned comfort of huge vehicles putting as much distance as possible between themselves and those they supposedly represent.
In Guyana a few years ago there was a cartoon of a politician driving a “bull-cart” into a cane-field and emerging from the other side of the field in a huge Prado SUV.  This was appropriate since it is a Spanish word for “small meadow”.  People spoke derisively of, and condemned, the “Prado” government of Guyana because the Ministers of Government drove around in those huge SUVs and it was customary to see a line of them in front of a “watering-hole” in Georgetown which they and their “buddies” frequented.
In Trinidad two of the Ministers have moved from Japan to German and instead of Prados they have Porsches.  The Ministry of Agriculture has acquired one for its Minister.  A friend called me and said, “Well the name is right.  It is a Porche Carrera and when his term finish he will be an inmate there.”  Carrera is a prison island off the Trinidad coast.
I hastened to correct my “buddy”.  “No, it is not a Carrera, it is a Cayenne.”  I referred my friend to an article I had in the Trinidad Express Business Supplement on Wednesday entitled, “Porsche Faces Life” – a pun on a radio serial or soap opera that once captivated men, women and children in the Caribbean.  The purchase of the Cayenne had certainly heated up the place, even making the front page of the Express.
I had said that by buying a “Cayenne” the Minister probably intended to show solidarity with the pepper growers.  I told my friend that given the variety of pepper we grow, the car might improve on its German origin by having a Scotch-bonnet.  Certainly the purchase put the Minister in the hot seat.
What made it worse was a statement the next day by the Foreign Affairs and Communications Minister who described the public condemnation of the Ministry’s purchase of the Porsche as a “storm in a teacup.”
I have always advised my clients not to draw attention to bad news by attempting to rebut it.  What happened is that the Minister moved the storm out of the teacup into the public opinion agenda.  Worse, the Minister said, in justification, that the Porsche was the same price as a Prado, not realizing that was exactly the point.
It is why the following riddle is so popular.  What’s the difference between porcupines and Porsches? Porcupines have the pricks on the outside.
*Tony Deyal was last seen saying that one of the ways you know your SUV is too big is when your garage is bigger than your house.  You know the SUV costs too much when Germany’s GDP increases by five percent right after you buy your Porsche.

The President of Guyana can dismiss the Director of Public Prosecutions but the decision or recommendation for such action is not one for the President to make.
In short, the President cannot act in his own deliberate judgment when it comes to the dismissal of certain public officers, including the Commissioner of Police and the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The President merely appoints and dismisses but the decision to appoint or dismiss follows a constitutionally laid- down procedure. This procedure protects these public officers from politically inspired decisions.
The functions of the DPP are spelt out in the constitution. Article 116 of the Constitution of Guyana prescribes that there shall be a DPP whose functions are spelt out in Article 187.
Article 187 vests in the DPP, the power to institute criminal proceedings against any person. The DPP however cannot institute court martial proceedings.
The DPP can also take over and continue criminal proceedings that may have been instituted by another person or authority. The DPP can also discontinue criminal proceedings whether brought by the DPP or by any other person. There is the well known case of the Office of the DPP intervening years ago to discontinue a private criminal case. However, the DPP can only discontinue a case before judgment is given.
In the exercise of these powers granted under the constitution, the DPP has tremendous latitude when it comes to criminal proceedings. Obviously, it is not for the DPP to conduct the investigations into criminal matters. Such investigations are usually done by law enforcement authorities, during and after which the advice of the DPP may be sought.
After a matter would have been sent to the DPP for advice, the DPP can send it back to the police for further investigations since if the matter is to be successfully prosecuted certain things have to be in order.
This is one of the reasons why the DPP is forced to interact with the police.
The functions of the DPP therefore have to be seen in its wider contexts of first, ensuring that a sound case is established; secondly that persons are not wrongfully charged; and thirdly, that the rights of suspects are respected since if evidence is obtained by force, fraud or duress, the entire case may fall on its face.
The DPP therefore has the implicit power to advise the police on certain matters and such advice does not have to be solicited. If the DPP feels that the police need to be told certain things so as to safeguard the integrity and successful prosecution of a matter, it is within the right of the DPP to do so.
The DPP is an independent constitutional office and not subject to political direction or any other authority. This fact is spelt out by Article 187 of the Constitution. While the President appoints and has the power to dismiss the DPP, the DPP is not subject to the direction or control of the President or any of his operatives.
In fact, the President merely carries out instructions when he dismisses or appoints the DPP. It is not for him to decide on the eligibility of someone to be appointed or the necessity of removal of the DPP. This point will now be made clearer.

The President of Guyana can dismiss the Director of Public Prosecutions but the decision or recommendation for such action is not one for the President to make.
In short, the President cannot act in his own deliberate judgment when it comes to the dismissal of certain public officers, including the Commissioner of Police and the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The President merely appoints and dismisses but the decision to appoint or dismiss follows a constitutionally laid- down procedure. This procedure protects these public officers from politically inspired decisions.
The functions of the DPP are spelt out in the constitution. Article 116 of the Constitution of Guyana prescribes that there shall be a DPP whose functions are spelt out in Article 187.
Article 187 vests in the DPP, the power to institute criminal proceedings against any person. The DPP however cannot institute court martial proceedings.
The DPP can also take over and continue criminal proceedings that may have been instituted by another person or authority. The DPP can also discontinue criminal proceedings whether brought by the DPP or by any other person. There is the well known case of the Office of the DPP intervening years ago to discontinue a private criminal case. However, the DPP can only discontinue a case before judgment is given.
In the exercise of these powers granted under the constitution, the DPP has tremendous latitude when it comes to criminal proceedings. Obviously, it is not for the DPP to conduct the investigations into criminal matters. Such investigations are usually done by law enforcement authorities, during and after which the advice of the DPP may be sought.
After a matter would have been sent to the DPP for advice, the DPP can send it back to the police for further investigations since if the matter is to be successfully prosecuted certain things have to be in order.
This is one of the reasons why the DPP is forced to interact with the police.
The functions of the DPP therefore have to be seen in its wider contexts of first, ensuring that a sound case is established; secondly that persons are not wrongfully charged; and thirdly, that the rights of suspects are respected since if evidence is obtained by force, fraud or duress, the entire case may fall on its face.
The DPP therefore has the implicit power to advise the police on certain matters and such advice does not have to be solicited. If the DPP feels that the police need to be told certain things so as to safeguard the integrity and successful prosecution of a matter, it is within the right of the DPP to do so.
The DPP is an independent constitutional office and not subject to political direction or any other authority. This fact is spelt out by Article 187 of the Constitution. While the President appoints and has the power to dismiss the DPP, the DPP is not subject to the direction or control of the President or any of his operatives.
In fact, the President merely carries out instructions when he dismisses or appoints the DPP. It is not for him to decide on the eligibility of someone to be appointed or the necessity of removal of the DPP. This point will now be made clearer.

…as sex probe widens

Two other boys have alleged that they were sexually molested by an Imam, and they are expected to have medical examinations today to confirm their stories.
An official from the Child Protection Agency has stated that the two youngsters have been located and have given statements to investigators.
Initially when the matter was brought to the Agency’s attention, the names of ten boys who were supposedly molested were presented through an anonymous tip. Medical examinations performed on four of these boys appear to confirm their stories.
However, this publication was told that four of the remaining boys have been relocated to Berbice. This publication was told that up to late yesterday officers from the Child Protection Agency in Berbice were working feverishly to find the boys.
A source at the Agency said that even if the parents are unwilling to cooperate, Child Protection officials will go ahead with tracking down the alleged victims and have them medically examined, in keeping with the Agency’s mandate to protect children.
The source added that the delay in the laying of charges against the Imam is very frustrating for the CPA, since there is nowhere in the new Sexual Offences act which states that the police have to send their file to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for advice.
“Medical certificates have shown that these four boys were sexually molested…so we just don’t understand the delay and even with the rumour of interference by the DPP. She too has stated that the police do not have to send the file for advice,” the source lamented.
The source added that it is their view that in matters like these, the police need to act more independently. Further the source said they are concerned that the suspect might not show up when charges are ready to be laid.
“This man has been placed on bail and the police have waited so long to institute a charge. Is there any guarantee that he would return to court to answer to such a serious charge?”
In the meantime the four boys who first implicated the Imam have been taken into protective custody as the mother has expressed her concern about their safety.
Early last week the Imam who functioned at the Turkeyen Masjid and at a city private school was arrested after rape allegations were leveled against him. There are reports that after the intervention of the DPP the Imam was released on $150,000 station bail.
In response, DPP Shalimar Hack denied that she had interfered with the investigation. She stated that the police can institute charges without her office’s advice.
The Central Islamic Organization has stated that the Imam has been sent on leave pending the outcome of the investigations.

- to contact Medical Council

A second woman has indicated that she will speak to the Medical Council of Guyana about being allegedly raped by Dr. Rama Sahadeo 29 years ago.
The woman has indicated that she will contact the Council within a few days.
She had testified to the Council in 1997, but will have to give a new statement because of a recent court ruling that the suspended physician must be given a hearing.
The woman, accompanied by her younger sister, alleged that she had visited Sahadeo’s clinic in 1983 to have an abortion. She was 23 years old at the time.
She is alleging that she was molested after being given an anesthetic which rendered her helpless.
The woman said that she confided in her sister but kept the ordeal concealed from their mother, since they came from a strict upbringing.
According to the sisters, they were emboldened to disclose the elder sister’s plight in 1997, after similar allegations against Dr. Sahadeo surfaced.
Kaieteur News was told that while the sisters are upset that their ordeal is still not behind them, they are determined to testify to prevent the physician from getting his licence back.
The sisters are said to be even more encouraged by reports that another woman and her husband have contacted the Medical Council with similar allegations against Sahadeo.
This woman claimed that she was also drugged and raped at Sahadeo’s clinic some 35 years ago. She was 17 years old at the time.
The woman’s husband, who said he had accompanied his wife to Sahadeo’s clinic, has also indicated that he is willing to testify.
The couple had both given statements to the Medical Council and to Help and Shelter in 1997 after similar allegations against the embattled physician had surfaced.
The woman told Kaieteur News that officials from the Medical Council contacted her recently about giving a second statement, since the court has ordered the Council to give Dr Sahadeo a hearing into his suspension.
Last week, the alleged victim expressed outrage that Sahadeo’s suspension may be lifted.
“I am still upset although it happened so many years ago. The Medical Council has called me. If I have to go to court I will do it. I am not a young girl anymore, I’m a grown woman. At 17, I was really scared; whatever has to be done, I will do it.
“I am willing to face him and my husband is willing to stand by my side.”
The couple stressed that their determination to testify is driven by a desire to see justice done, rather than by financial gain.
Their allegation is that the incident occurred when she was 17, and had become pregnant for her boyfriend, to whom she has now married.
The woman’s husband stated that he had accompanied his then girlfriend to the clinic. He claimed that he had asked the physician to “take care of my girlfriend…this is my future wife,” before leaving her at the clinic.
The woman alleged that it was then that she was given an anesthetic, and then raped. She reportedly confided in her boyfriend immediately after leaving the clinic.
But the woman said that she never confided in her relatives out of fear of her very strict father.
However, they eventually confided in officials of Help and Shelter and the Medical Council some 14 years ago after similar allegations against Sahadeo surfaced.
However, their statements, along with others collected by the Council into the accusations against Sahadeo, were destroyed in the Health Ministry fire.
In 1987, Dr Sahadeo was charged and acquitted for the alleged rape of a 22-year-old housewife who had visited his clinic for an abortion. She alleged that the abuse occurred after she was given an anesthetic.
The woman and her husband had filed a complaint to former Minister of Health Noel Blackman and to the Commissioner of Police.
Then in April 1997, a 25-year-old patient alleged that Sahadeo raped her when she visited his Thomas Street, North Cummingsburg clinic to have an abortion. The woman claimed that she was given an anesthetic which left her helpless to defend herself.
Sahadeo, 54, at the time, was charged with rape on June 3, 1997, but left the country on the very day that he was scheduled to appear in court. This prompted former Chief Magistrate K. Juman-Yassin to issue a warrant for his arrest.
An attorney representing Dr Sahadeo later submitted a medical certificate for the accused explaining his absence.
The charge against Dr Sahadeo was later dropped after the patient indicated that she no longer wanted to testify.
In the midst of the 1997 rape investigation, two other women made similar claims of sexual misconduct against Dr Sahadeo to the Medical Council of Guyana and to Help and Shelter. Both women claimed to be former patients, and alleged that the molestation occurred in 1976 and 1983 respectively, when they visited the physician’s clinic to have abortions.
Testimony was given in September 1997 before Medical Council Chairman Dr. Walter Chin, (now deceased); Guyana Medical Association President Dr. Max Hanoman; and leading gynecologist Dr. M.Y. Bacchus (also deceased).
However, Dr Sahadeo, who was reportedly still overseas, never appeared before the Council to defend himself, and the Council suspended him from working here, pending the outcome of the hearing.
But last November, the High Court ordered the Medical Council of Guyana to grant embattled physician Dr. Rama Sahadeo a hearing into claims that he raped two women who went to his clinic for abortions.
Kaieteur News was told that the decision was made by Justice Dawn Gregory, who ruled that the Council had to conduct the hearing first before Sahadeo could be suspended.
However, a source said that the physician’s name will remain off the list of registered physicians pending the outcome of the investigation. The court had also denied Sahadeo’s application for damages against the Medical Council.
In a letter and brief comments this week, the 68-year-old Sahadeo refuted reports in a recent Kaieteur News article which stated that he had applied to the Council to resume practice.
“Let me state categorically that I never made any such application. I am retired and therefore the entire thrust of your article is false and misleading.”
He had also added in his letter that “nobody can prevent me from making a living in this country.”