Page 04
Kaieteur News
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Young criminals and the society Youth involvement in crime has reached unprecedented proportions. In fact, just about every country in the English-speaking Caribbean seems to be grappling with this problem. Of course, young people have always been credited with impetuousness and hostility for the greater part. Many young people try to grab attention as they seek to make a name for themselves. The search for identity is crucial for young people; it leads them to form groups and stage so-called initiations. Sometimes the initiation can be horrendous-go kill a man or burn a house. The need to belong can override the sense of righteousness instilled in everyone; such is the power of peer pressure. Having established oneself there is now the perception that the individual hopes to create. In every society young people seek role models but these days the role models are mostly of the violent types. They are the rich and powerful. The money is made from nefarious activities and the fame is often created by antisocial measures. So it is that drug dealers with their armies are often the role models and the more gruesome their operations the more sought after is the image. Unfortunately, in the wider world the role models are the high profile stage performers, prominent sportsmen, and of course the drug dealer who flaunts large and impressive bits of jewellery which in modern parlance is called bling. In Guyana, the incidence of poverty and the absence of an adequate number of male teachers have led to many boys leaving school before they are actually ready to enter the world of work. The result is that they have no jobs and they need money to live like their role models, the big spenders. The result is that they steal. In Guyana we have on many occasions commented on the open borders and about the things that can cross these borders. That there seems to be a proliferation of guns; just about every young man who commits a crime does so with a gun. While it is not unheard of, a fifteen-year-old was shot and killed in a house whole attempting to commit a robbery. At that age most boys were doing childish things. We are now being exposed to the range of teenage and other youth criminals. In this month alone the nation has been exposed to two teenagers transporting an M-16 rifle, grenades and some sixty rounds of ammunition. Then there were the young men who made life for taxi drivers a nightmare. So far, there is no evidence to suggest that the men who kidnapped and killed some hire car drivers before taking their cars were older than eighteen. During the crime wave that spread from 2002 to 2006 and even in the years after the nation got used to teenage gunmen. Survivors of the Lusignan Massacre spoke of children carrying high powered rifles and using them with deadly effect. Many of the out of school teenage boys have become drug couriers because the pay is good and the work is nothing compared to the manual labour of the skilled personnel. And each year an increasing number of young uneducated men join the ranks of the criminals. The Caribbean governments are now devising plans to curb this trend of the young men rushing to swell the ranks of the criminal world. They are considering measures that are rooted in job creation. Guyana for its part is now piloting a programme called Hope For All. It involves skills training and computer learning. The hope is that once armed with a skill the youth would pursue honest labour. But this would only be a reality of the young men and young girls are also targeted by other social organizations. This is where the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Culture make their presence felt. Yet this may only be wishful thinking because the nation is experiencing a wave of crime by a group of educated people, to wit, University of Guyana students, who have been committing violent crimes.
Saturday February 01, 2014
Letters... Where your views make the news
Altering budget will violate constitution and rape democracy DEAR EDITOR, When written constitutional law is upheld and made clearer by the court that a crime egg rape is forbidden, but is still premeditatively pursued, in this case claiming it was done in pursuit of democracy, it can only be proof that Guyana’s politicians are more than insane. The Honourable Chief Justice, Mr Ian Chang, has ruled that it would be illegal for the opposition to unilaterally cut the nation’s budget because Guyana’s constitution does not permit or sanction it. The ruling from the court is directed to Speaker Raphael Trotman, who is always expected to follow the law. Any violation of the constitution is a violation of the highest and supreme law of the land. Since no parliament is above the law neither are parliamentarians. No Speaker can risk contempt of court, violating the law and expect such contempt will be exonerated. As a lawyer he risks losing his licence to practice law. It also applies likewise to any other parliamentary law-breaking lawyers to attempt contempt of court. The entire country cannot be raped by anyone claiming rights to proactive democracy. We will have begun the descent into anarchy where the rule of
law has no validity, made especially so by parliamentarians. Cutting the budget has now been judged illegal because the constitution says so. What’s so hard to understand? The opposition alone is not the National Assembly. Parliament is composed of the entire house, including the President, whose signature is required for an approved bill to become law. The checks and balances are in full motion in our fledgling democracy. The opposition has every right to appeal to the Court of Appeal and the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). When President Obama could not get his budget passed because the Republican majority blocked it, they caused the country to grind to a halt and the angry, rising backlash prompted them to quickly come to their senses. Wouldn’t that be the best time to call the snap elections, with the opposition holding the country to ransom? A supposedly superior PNC/APNU/WPA/AFC must decide whether they want theoretical democracy or the real deal. Violation of the laws of Guyana does not give qualification or promotion to become the replacement government, to make more laws which no one will
follow, when they are guilty of violating the supreme law of the land, i.e., the constitution. The Honourable Chief Justice has also ruled that even Parliament is not above the law. Parliamentarians can either approve or disapprove the budget, because that is all the constitution permits. Any changes must be resubmitted to parliament only by the subject Finance Minister for their further approval or disapproval. Any attempt to change, i.e., reduce or increase the budget, is not anyways possible by a motion but by a new Bill, that is, brand new legislation to be considered by parliament all over again. This would be a waste of time fiddling while Ruimveldt burns. He alone has responsibility for the nation’s budget, not the opposition. What the Honourable Chief Justice ruled must be in complete compliance with the supreme law of the land, i.e., the Guyana constitution. Violating the law is always criminal. All politicians like all diplomats are not criminals unable to come to their senses, unless they really don’t care. But the Guyanese people do care and know what they would rather not face over and over again, when they are the assured beasts to carry the burden. Sultan Mohamed
Nothing prepared me for this shock DEAR EDITOR, A few months ago I wrote voicing my disapproval of, and warning about the dangers of the practice of private companies establishing parallel systems which negate the force and effect of valid statutory government-issued documents. I cited a negative encounter I had with GBTI which I now summarize. GBTI, an entity subordinate to both the state and laws of Guyana, at its own discretion determines which pieces of information it will accept on state- and court-issued documents as being valid and legal. So the bank accepts the photo on a driver’s licence for various purposes but rejects the address on it, it extracts numbers from the TIN certificate but rejects the address contained thereon, the information on business and company registration certificates are sifted and the bank determines which pieces of information it will accept (it surely does) and which pieces of information it will reject (and it does). While this is outrageous, nothing prepared me for the shock I received when I attempted to do business at Digicel a few days ago. I recently discovered that my SIM card was not
connecting to Digicel’s network nor was it accepting any prepaid credit. Upon reporting the problem I was told that my SIM was damaged and I should purchase a new one and have my number ported to the new SIM. I thought it was a simple process and gleefully produced my National ID card. Then came the shocker that hit me like a wrecking ball. The attendant at Digicel told me that neither my National ID card nor my Guyana Passport is accepted as valid forms of proof of identification and ownership
of the SIM. Citizens of Guyana (please read slowly and carefully) I repeat for clarity and emphasis, Digicel DOES NOT accept National ID card or Passport as valid proof of ownership of SIM. Instead, the company has established its own parallel and superior method of identification and verification of the owner of the SIM. I was required to list six numbers I called at least six times within the last six months. You know what they say about the number 666? I was also required to remember the exact date the
SIM was purchased or produce the original Personal Unlocking Key (PUK) code issued to me on an envelope when the SIM was originally bought. In utter disbelief, I asked the attendant to speak with her supervisor; that young attendant had the temerity to tell me that she cannot refer such a frivolous matter to her supervisor, her supervisor is a busy person who will advise her to advise me that that’s the company’s policy which I MUST adhere to. The needs and legitimate queries of customers at (Continued on page 8)
The Chief Justice is rock solid; he deserves a national award DEAR EDITOR, I have read the Chief Justice’s decision and I have reconciled it with the Constitution. The man is rock solid; he deserves a national award for pointing out the obvious to brilliant lawyers. With our flawed Constitution, he has followed the letter of the law as enshrined in that document and thus I welcome this decision. It is time the majority opposition get their act together and do what is prescribed by law and vote against the entire 2014 budget, if they have any reason to believe that it does not serve the needs of the people. If the 2014 Budget looks anything like the 2013 Budget, filled with all those Ponzi scheme projects, then the only sensible and legal option is to reject the entire Budget. If the PPP is not happy with this road map,
it has the power and the option to call fresh General Elections. But this is not an option for the PPP, since if elections were held today, the secret PPP-sponsored poll pins them at approximately 42 percent, which is worse than where they stood in 2011. It is time for the opposition to take this fight to the PPP and vote down the entire budget. Voting down sections of the budget is an extremely risky option, and will just empower the PPP to spend whatever they want, whenever they want, however they want, without parliamentary approval. We must judge this decision on its merit and it is sound in merit. This man should be confirmed as the Chief Justice since he is a judicial official par excellence. Just brilliant! Sasenarine Singh
Saturday February 01, 2014
Kaieteur News
Page 5
Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
Is the govt. really forthcoming on technical/vocational education? DEAR EDITOR, I believe that the KN letter dated 1/23/14 and captioned “Technical Vocational Education is in its best position in the history of Guyana” is the Ministry of Education and the PPP/C regime’s response to my letter on 1/20/14. In my letter, I categorically blamed the PPP/C for the declining state of technical education in Guyana. Not surprisingly, the regime’s response has done nothing but to justify and support my position. In my letter I stated that the government’s response will be more of the same charade and talk of some ‘supposed progress’, and so the Ministry claims that the technical education in Guyana is at its best point in Guyana’s history. I am not sure by what standards or basis this position is based, but it is at best, laughable. In the government’s response we are informed that Guyana is not recognized or ready to offer the Caribbean Vocational Qualifications (CVQ) because it has to, first, meet the certification guidelines and processes set
by the Caribbean Association of National Training Agencies (CANTA). The PPP/C also advises us that, as a requirement of CANTA, the Ministry began work in preparation for the CVQ by setting up a council of Technical/ Vocational Education and Training (TVET). The Ministry of Education informs the public that by way of an Act of Parliament in 2004 this council was set up. It is therefore clear that at least ten years ago the PPP/C government knew that the CVQ was coming on board, but ten years later the Minister says she has no clue of what Guyana needs to do to be able to offer the CVQs. If this government was serious about education, and more particularly technical/vocational education, it would have been proactive and therefore, be more than ready to offer any CVQs one decade later. Let me reiterate that the PPP/C government inherited a robust, well structured and vision-oriented technical/ vocational program from the PNC administration and because of the PPP/C’s lack of foresight, retaliatory
politics, vindictiveness, and backward approach to education, technical education has declined both in scope and interest. Now that the government understands where the rest of the Caribbean and the world are going they are trying to play catch-up when Guyana should be leading the way in technical/vocational training in the region. The Ministry of Education’s decision to use administrative details as some kind of excuse for not having a clue of what is needed to make Guyana ready to offer the CVQ is totally dishonest and shameful. In fact, in the Guyana National Report on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) it is stated that “The Ministry of Education is also implementing a new competency-based modularized curricula at the post-secondary institutions for the training of craftsman. (Level Two competency) At the secondary level, there is also the introduction of the Basic Certificate Competency Programme (BCCP), which is aimed at introducing basic labour competencies into the secondary school curricula
for form 4 or grade ten students who would be certified at Level One.” This report, which was published after 2004, clearly indicates that the Ministry of Education is aware of what is needed to have students take at least the level one competency certification, but yet the Minister tells the media she is not sure what is required. The PPP/C has always bet on their ability to hoodwink the people because they feel we are not paying attention to their actions. In that same report it is stated that “The TVET Bill was promulgated in Parliament on 22nd July 2004. The passage of that legislation was seen as a major policy objective is to modernize the system and improve the quality of the delivery of the various TVET programmes that are offered at the post–secondary institutions and the prevocational education system.” In this statement the objective and effect of the legislation clearly establish that the Act was intended to do more that set up the TVET council. The ‘quality assurance’
issue raised in the government’s response to my letter appears to be nothing but “settling froth.” The Minister ought to have known what the Act was intended to do and the policy initiatives that were expected. Ensuring quality assurance was certainly highlighted as an important aspect of the program. Why the Minister of Education seems surprised that the delivery of technical/ vocational education training should stress quality assurance is very suspicious and points to the government’s continued effort to downplay the importance of technical/ vocational education. Her comments in the
media regarding the issue appear very lackluster, lack of urgency, lack of intent and sincerity. This government only reacts when it is found wanting. My thinking is that the TVET bill was only tabled in the National Assembly because CANTA required that this should be done. In my view there remains a lack of urgency on the part of the Ministry to implement and promote the desired changes and upgrade to tech/ ed. In a KN item dated 7/20/ 2011 and captioned “Education Ministry works to boost TVET, ICT training for teachers” then Minister of Education Sheik Baksh boasted about the CDB(Continued on page 7)
Page 6
Kaieteur News
Saturday February 01, 2014
Nearly 4 years later
Amaila Falls Access Road only 80 per cent complete …Ministry says remaining 20 per cent to be completed in two months The Ministry of Public Works spent a total of $15.2B last year across its various departments, but fell short of its target, only achieving 84 per cent of its targeted expenditure for the year. Minister Robeson Benn, along with heads of the various departments, yesterday provided an update on the achievements and failures over the past year at the Ministry. Meeting with members of the media at his Office, Minister Benn told media operatives that rains were in part to be blamed for the less than expected performance, along with the stone shortage among other factors. He called the year “stressful” but did express satisfaction overall saying that they gained a significant amount of experience with
the lessons learnt. His Permanent Secretary Balraj Balram, provided a breakdown of how the monies were spent, and told media operatives that the Ministry had a total allocation of just over $18B but only $15B was used. He noted that of the $15B, just about $2.5B was utilized for its recurring expenditure while $12.6B went to capital expenditure. As it relates to the Ministry’s recurring expenditure, it spent 99 per cent of the monies it had while only 81 per cent of the $15B it had allocated for its capital projects was spent. The Ministry would usually expend more than 90 per cent of its allocations annually, but this did not obtain last year. AMAILA FALLS ACCESS
ROAD Chief Works Engineer, Walter Willis, was on hand at yesterday’s press engagement and he provided an update on the Amaila Falls Access Road. He told media operatives that at the end of 2012, the road was 30 per cent complete and that at the end of 2013 it was 80 per cent complete. Despite taking nearly four years to complete 80 per cent of the road, the remaining 20 per cent is scheduled to be completed in the next two months. Asked why the optimism in finishing the road within that period, Willis said that the majority of the works remaining is the laying of laterite and with weather holding up ,it would be possible. The first contract for the
Student granted bail for alleged stabbing of schoolmate A 14-year-old female student of a city school was yesterday brought before the court charged for allegedly stabbing one of her colleges on Wednesday last. The third form student of Richard Ishmael Secondary School yesterday appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court where an unlawful wounding charge was read to her. The charge detailed that
on January 29, at Woolford Avenue, Georgetown, she unlawfully and maliciously stabbed her colleague (also fourteen) with intent to maim or disfigure her. However, the teen pleaded not guilty and later submitted an application for reasonable bail through her lawyer, Paul Fung-a-Fat. Bail was subsequently granted in the sum of $75,000 and the teen is expected to make her second court
appearance on February 21 at the said court. The victim was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital around 15:00hrs Wednesday, with a stab wound to the left cheek and lacerations on both hands, after she was “attacked” by a fellow female student. According to the victim, she was standing on Woolford Avenue with a few friends, preparing to go home, when the accused appeared “out of nowhere” and proceeded to hit and stab her. After the stabbing, the accused reportedly fled the scene in a minibus, after which the injured girl was taken to see the school’s Headmistress who subsequently drove her to the Georgetown Public Hospital. A report was subsequently made and the teenager was arrested and charged with the offence.
Public Works Minister, Robeson Benn (left) along with Permanent Secretary, Balraj Balram updating the media Access road was inked in March of 2010. The road is divided into numerous sections and according to Willis, section 2A is 89 per cent complete; 2B, 32 per cent; three, 73 per cent; four, 99 per cent; five, 98 per cent; six, 55 per cent and seven 74 per cent. He said that essentially, what is left, is the laying of 120 kilometres of laterite as well as the crossings as the Kuribrong and Butakari. According to Willis, there is 2.5 kilometers in section two of the road close to the Essequibo River which is called a ‘swamp’ section given that it is very low and work is underway at this location and remains to be completed. At the Kuribrong crossing, Willis noted that there is currently a temporary pontoon crossing along with another pontoon crossing at Butakari but this aspect of the
project is now at the tendering stage for a permanent solution. In section two there are two bridges to be completed, in section six another is to be completed which was 50 per cent completed at the end of December. As it relates to the bridge to be built at Kuribrong, Willis explained that the design for the bridge which was contracted out to Dynamic Engineering has been accepted and the Ministry will now have to secure funding which is expected to come from the 2014 Budget. “Consideration now is being given to whether to have a fixed bridge or a pontoon crossing,” said Willis. He noted that there is to be a steel bridge in section seven and that also remains to be completed. Asked for the revised
total cost of the project given that it was originally US$15.4M and up to the last update that price tag had more than doubled, Minister Benn said “I don’t think we could give you detailed updated costs.” Willis then told the Minister that he was in possession of the figures as of December 12, 2013 but Benn said that he will have to look at them first and make a decision as to when it will be made available. This publication had written in July last year that at the time more than US$38M had been given out in contracts. Asked about the projected bill that would be tied to the maintenance of the road once completed, Willis indicated that this is currently being worked on in the operations and maintenance manual which is being compiled by consultants; SRKN.
Teenager gets 48 months for electronic store robbery A teenager who identified himself as a Western Union security guard was yesterday sentenced to forty eight months imprisonment by Magistrate Fabayo Azore after he confessed to carrying out a $2M armed robbery on a city electronic store. Yesterday, 19-year-old Travis Evans of Cane View Avenue, South Ruimveldt, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court where he pleaded guilty to three counts of armed robbery. The case presented, highlighted that on January
13, Evans, armed himself with a gun and ventured into Wireless City International, located on D’urban Street and proceeded to rob two people. Assistant Superintendant of Police, Deneashwar Maindranauth, who prosecuted the matter, said that the youngster held up the store clerk Nerissa Grannum and customer, Troy Peters, and robbed them of a quantity of items. Maindranauth said that he relieved the customer of one $75,000 wrist watch, a $130,000 Samsung Galaxy, one BlackBerry Curve, valued
at $30,000 and two gold rings valued at $280,000. Evans allegedly robbed the clerk of a $350,000 Samsung laptop, a $75,000 Apple I-Pod, one $45,000 BlackBerry cellular phone, a $1500 shoulder bag and $65,000 cash. He additionally robbed the store of 4 Samsung Galaxy cellular phones, 11 tablets, seven tablet cases, one wireless keyboard and 3 cellular phone batteries; all to the value of $920,000. After collecting the items, he reportedly escaped, but, acting on information, was later apprehended at Le Repentir Cemetery. Subsequent investigations were conducted and the charges were instituted against him. After listening to the prosecution’s facts, the Magistrate stated that she considered that he had not wasted the court’s time and sentenced him to 48 months imprisonment.
Saturday February 01, 2014
Kaieteur News
Page 7
Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
Is the govt. really forthcoming on technical... From page 5 funded TVET Enhancement Project and lamented that “…, the project caters for the execution of several consultancies aimed at improving the overall governance of the sub-sector and establishing the institutional framework for the further development of TVET in Guyana”. So, almost three years ago the government was talking about establishing institutional framework and today Minister Manickchand seems oblivious as to what that framework should look like. Is this government serious? This underscores the negative posture of the regime towards technical education. What about the 3000 TVET-trained teachers Baksh talked about three years ago, where are they in the system? For the government to say that technical education is the best, now in the history of Guyana is disingenuous and the comment emphasizes the unabashed attitude of this regime. From what basis are we making this determination? I again ask that the Minister of Education to provide the data which tells us what the status of technical/ vocational education was prior to 1992, and let us decide! Every time the government is called to account for its actions it downplays the people concern and hollers “we are making progress.” This government has retired the positive connotation of the word progress. The fact that youth
crime and delinquency in the nation are trending upward is a testament to the gaping holes in the national education policy. Unless the Minister of Education and the government of Guyana are slow on the uptake they will continue to deny that there is a serious relationship between the nation’s broken education system and spate of youth crime and delinquency. In the January 24th letter the government, with its usual political grandstanding, made a number of claims. It states that the “TVET institutions have a combined students’ population of over 3000 and graduate more than 1500 students annually.” My question would be of the 1500 graduates what percentage of students is employed or is employed in an entity that utilizes the specific skill or training they would have received at the TVET institutions? Time for specifics, any government truly interested in the nation’s development would consider such information to be critical to assess the overall effectiveness of its policy. Secondly, how many of these 3000 students are engaged in a work-based learning program, in order that they receive the practical experiences and workplacereadiness skills needed to help them to be successful at the CVQs, and also prepare them for the world of work? Are we waiting for CANTA to tell us that this is needed? What about community involvement and strategic
public sector/private sector partnership in order to help our students’ secure requisite internship? Since 2004, the Ministry of Education has been put on notice about the CVQ and ten years later the responsible minister is saying to the nation; 1. Guyana is still not ready to offer the CVQ and 2. She is not in a position to say what her ministry has to do to be CVQ ready. In fact she is quoted in the press as saying “we have to specifically check off what is needed to bring us to that level so that we can offer the CVQs, at least, at Level One in the SCCP (Secondary Competency Certificate Programme).” This is unacceptable and the people must be alarmed. Clearly, not much has happened in technical education since 2004, what then has the TVET council achieved in the past decade? Is the council truly functional? This government continues to take the people for granted; it believes that the people are not scrutinizing its action. According to the PPP/C, the Ministry of Education has opened new TVET centres in Mahaicony and Leonora. I applaud this effort, but at the same time wish to ask the Minister of Education, and the PPP/C government, to tell the nation what they have done to improve the academic, physical structure and technical education program at President’s College? The government must tell of the specific action it took
to better the conditions for students, faculty and staff at this institution. Yes, what about TVET at this school? A few years ago students complained of not having the necessary teachers, and practical learning experiences needed to prepare them to write many of the technical/ vocational subjects at CXC. It would therefore be fitting for the PPP/C government to let the students, parents, faculty and staff of Presidents’ College know that the retaliatory campaign against their school is over. I contend that with the solid technical education plan the PPP/C government inherited from the PNC, Guyana 22 years later should have been ready for any Caribbean competency certification at any level. Using administrative details as some kind of excuse for not having a clue of what is need to make Guyana ready is totally dishonest and shameful. It is sad that the future of the nation’s children rest with people who have no clue of how to fashion a general and technical education curriculum to appeal to the learning preference of our
children. The government must know that development is also based on the skills and competency of the labour force and the availability of employment to satisfy that force. So far this government continues to play politics with the education of our children. The education system is failing our youths, and this is compounded by the general lack of opportunity for our young people. Year after year, thousands graduate from the University of Guyana yet they are unable to find work, imagine the plight of those young people whom the PPP/C education policy has prematurely rendered incompetent. I still believe that we have one of the smartest youth populations in the region, but sadly the hopes, dreams and ability, of our young people, continue to elude their reach. I believe that every government should have an opportunity to initiate meaningful policy changes. However, the problem arises when the government attempts to initiate policies and programs that are inimical to the interest of the intended beneficiaries. The situation becomes
even more disastrous when the said government has no clue of what it is doing, and could not care less as to how those programs and policies negatively impact on the society as a whole. While the PPP/C government remains in denial and unresponsive to the education needs of our children, crime soars. Guyanese children deserve better, and in case we forget, our own peace and livelihood depend on whether or not these children were given the opportunity to succeed. This issue of the education of our children is a very serious one and the Minister of Education should be made to provide specific details of the PPP/C’s plan and vision for our children’s future. Minister Manickchand should provide specific information regarding the status of the technical/ vocational education program for the nation’s children. Time for “fancy talk” is over; too many of our children are succumbing to the unthinkable alternative. The answer to our children’s future cannot be crime. Time for a status update. Lurlene Nestor
Page 8
Kaieteur News
Saturday February 01, 2014
Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news
M&CC - Town Clerk’s Establishment DEAR EDITOR, When last a check was made, the Town Clerk’s Office was composed of the Staff listed below. Noteworthy are
the positions of Deputy Town Clerk and Assistant Town Clerk. Could someone please say who the incumbents are? E.B. John
Nothing prepared me for this... From page 4 Digicel are frivolous and the supervisors are too big to meet with lowly customers to address legitimate concerns. If a person stores his PUK in his telephone or dumps the envelope (as most people do) and someone runs off with their cellphone, the thief has more rights to conduct business with the SIM than the actual owner. The thief, armed with your PUK, will then be given precedence at Digicel over the
actual owner bearing his National ID. This practice by Digicel essentially negates the intent of the law which requires owners of SIMs to be responsible for every call emanating from that SIM. Consider this scenario; my SIM is used in the execution of a crime, during the investigation I disclaim knowledge of any and all activities on my SIM over the last three months because my telephone was lost and I attempted to have Digicel cease
the service but it will not honour my request because I was not in possession of the almighty PUK. So I have long forgotten that SIM and have purchased a new one. This takes us back to the place where we were before the law requiring an ID was enacted. In the past, once a SIM was the subject of an investigation everyone disclaimed it, suggesting that someone probably took out a SIM in their name sending investigations into a dead end. The law attempted to close that loophole, now Digicel has blown it wide open with its self-declared supreme parallel identification authority. It is a dangerous and illegal trend for private entities to establish their own parallel
system which routinely invalidates and rejects official state documents for the purpose it was created. We are on the precipice of a failed state when a foreign private business entity subordinate to the state decides that local laws and government-issued identity documents do not meet their standards. Perhaps the board, directors, managers and staff of Digicel have dreams of grandeur, of running a parallel state. So let us disband the National ID system, condemn the passport office and while we are at it, let us relocate the seat of government to the Kingston Head Office complex and use PUKs and 666 as the new omnipotent pass code. Lenno Craig
Saturday February 01, 2014
Kaieteur News
Page 9
THE SPEAKER SHOULD STAND ON THE SIDE OF THE LAW The Court has made a final and definitive ruling on the question of the right of the National Assembly to amend the Estimates of Expenditure. This ruling should be respected by the National Assembly because to do otherwise would be to discommode the relationship between the two arms of the government and question the role of the judiciary in settling disputes on questions of law. The right of the judiciary to determine questions of law has hardly ever been questioned in constitutional democracies. That is a settled right. If either the Executive or the Legislature refuses to adhere to a decision of the judiciary then that affects the comity that should exist between the various arms of the State. Indeed, Parliament has long recognized that it is the Courts that are responsible for settling disputes on the constitutionality of acts of both the legislature and executive. It is therefore surprising that there should be hesitancy within the National Assembly in complying with a ruling by the Court. It is for the Speaker, and not the National Assembly, to ensure that the ruling of the Court is complied with. The Speaker was a defendant in the case brought by the Attorney General and it is for him to ensure adherence with the ruling. He further sits in the
position of ensuring lawful procedures are adhered within the National Assembly. The court has deemed the act of amending the Budget to be unlawful and therefore if and when any similar attempt is made to amend the Budget, it is for the Speaker to decide if he will allow for an act that has been deemed unlawful and unconstitutional by the High Court, to be entertained. It would amount to abdication of his role to determine what is allowable in the National Assembly if the Speaker allows the National Assembly to vote on this issue. Since it is question of what should be allowed to happen, then it is for the Speaker to make that d e c i s i o n and he has to decide not the two sides of the House who are divided on what should happen. In making his decision, the Speaker should disabuse himself of the idea that the right of the National Assembly to amend the Budget is a long established right. If he does his research he will find that this is far from conclusive. Much of the confusion has arisen because of what happened in the past when the Estimates were put before the Committee of Supply. The fact that the Committee of Supply considers line for line the Estimates and votes on them has led to the conclusion that in that Committee is reposed
Dem boys seh... A li’l boy change Guyana When old people talk li’l pickney got fuh listen because old people always right. Guyana was a nice country wheh people use to live like family. People use to walk whole night without fear. People use to sleep wid dem door open and nobody use to trouble dem. Now all that change because li’l pickney refuse to listen to old people. Janet, who now wid she husband in that other place, did tell a li’l boy that he wrang fuh tek way de ads from de Big Market paper. De li’l boy tell she to mind she own business because she is a private citizen. Is then de eye pass start. Li’l pickney decide that dem can tell big people anything and now dem even tekking up gun and shooting people. Dem boys know de man who start de lawlessness. Is de same thing happen when dem li’l boys start fuh rob big people. Everybody use to wuk and be content wid wha dem wukking for. Dem had a few who use to stretch out dem hand fuh a small change but none of dem use to thief bareface. Dem li’l boys see wha happening and dem start fuh thief bareface. High daytime dem going into people house, and into dem car and robbing dem. Is de same man who give rudeness to Janet start this. When dem get ketch dem does tell de police that dem only following a certain big man who got friends who learn from he and who thiefing too. Dem boys remember when dem was fighting fuh de Norway money. De same li’l boy negotiate de money and people clap. De Norway people announce that dem gun give de money if Guyana tell dem de plan. Now dem boys know that de money was fuh dem people pocket. All de money Norway give Guyana is only US$8 million Jagdeo and Ash Knee could spend. Dem had no plan. Talk half and watch how a li’l boy change Guyana fuh de worse.
the power to cut the Budget. What needs to be made clear however is that this is the first Parliament in Guyana in which the government does not have a majority. In previous Parliaments there was no need for any attempt to cut the Budget because this was an impossibility given the government’s majority The role of the Committee of Supply is not to amend the Estimates. The National Assembly convenes into the Committee of Supply to consider the Estimates. This allows for these
Estimates to be scrutinized and for the Committee to propose changes. It is however for National Assembly and not the Committee of Supply to pass the Appropriation Bill and the Minister of Finance may opt to either consider the proposals voted on in the Committee of Supply, or he may rework his estimates, or he may simply go with his original Estimates. It is for the National Assembly to decide whether they will approve or disapprove the Estimates. Even if it is assumed that the Committee of Supply has
to the power to amend and not simply to propose, the Court has ruled that the Standing Orders of the National Assembly are rules of procedure and not law. Therefore once the Constitution prohibits amendment of the Estimates, rules of procedure cannot take precedence over the highest law of the land. The Court further ruled that the Estimates cannot be amended except by the Minister of Finance because it is his Estimates. The National Assembly may opt to approve or not
approve these Estimates. The ball is therefore in the Speaker’s Court to determine whether he will allow amendments to the Estimates. It is his call. He has to decide in making that call whether he will stand on the side of the law as determined by the High Court.
Measures in place to censure Finance Minister - Granger Leader of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) David Granger has expressed at a recent press conference that his party has already instituted measures to censure the Finance Minister for spending monies that were not approved in the National Assembly. The Opposition had cut the budgetary allocations set aside for the National Communications Network (NCN), Government Information Agency (GINA) and Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL). Cuts were also made to the Ministries of Public Works and Health, however Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh went ahead and spent on those agencies, despite these cuts.
The Opposition then made moves to have the Finance Minister brought before the Parliamentary Committee of Privileges. That move seemed to be in limbo when Chief Justice Ian Chang ruled last week that the Opposition could only approve and disapprove sections of the Budget, but have no power to cut it. Shadow Legal Affairs Minister for APNU Basil Williams however previously articulated that even though they (government) might probably “believe that the motion can’t come anymore, that is a useless thought” since measures will be brought to censure the Minister. He is of the belief that the High Court ruling is a
GBTI warns of “phishing” messages The Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) has warned customers to beware of “phishing” messages on the internet. According to the bank, there has been a recent upsurge of phishing messages being circulated. “Phishing messages are messages forwarded via email purporting to represent an organization, in this case GBTI, requesting customers to provide private and confidential information and or threatening serious
consequences if you do not log in and take action immediately.” The bank urged customers not to click on links with any such emails. “GBTI will never send you emails or make unsolicited phone calls, requesting your online password, access codes or other sensitive data. You must always ensure that you first log on to our website, www.gbtibank.com before proceeding to sign on to our GBTI Direct Bank services.”
mechanism to spare the Finance Minister from being sanctioned for spending unapproved sums. This view was shared by Alliance For Change (AFC) Executive Member Moses Nagamotoo who said that the government is seeking to spare the Finance Minister from the wrath of Parliament for unauthorized spending. Granger said that the Minister of Finance has deliberately ignored the decision of the National Assembly, as reflected in the approved 2013 Appropriations Act, by spending monies that were not approved by the National Assembly. The Minister he says, as a consequence, should be censured by the National Assembly for this blatant act of defiance. He further said that APNU has already instituted measures in this regard According to Granger, in 2012 and 2013 there was an Appropriation Act that President Ramotar assented to on both occasions, “that Act is law and if Doctor Ashni Singh spent money that was not provided for in the Act, he broke the law. So when the President assents to that it becomes a Parliamentary Act, when he
Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh assents to the Appropriation Bill it becomes an Act in Parliament and the President did assent to it that’s how the country is running” said Granger. He explained that when the National Assembly passes a Bill and the President assents to it, it is an Act and on both occasions those Appropriation Acts were the authority for expenditure. “Now we are in 2014, no Appropriation Bill will be passed unless the Opposition agrees, let’s see what will happen then” said Granger.
Page 10
Kaieteur News
Saturday February 01, 2014
EU’s sea defence support now integrated in National Budget The Government of Guyana and the European Union (EU) yesterday signed a •14.8M financing agreement for the Tenth European Development Fund (10th EDF) Sea and River Defence Sector Budget Support Programme. The signing done between Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh, Minister of Transport and Hydraulics Robeson Benn, and the Head of the EU Delegation to Guyana, Ambassador Robert Kopecký took place at the Ministry of Finance boardroom in the presence of media operatives. The •14.8M support would be provided over a three-year span in tranches, unlike the previous supports which financed large scale projects. Financing under the 10th EDF would be released based on performance and the Public Works Ministry satisfying benchmarks
negotiated between the Ministry and the EU. Currently, the benchmarks for the release of funds for the first tranche are being negotiated and the areas to benefit would be listed in this year ’s National Budget. However, some of the areas identified by Benn on the coastland that will benefit are situated in Regions Two and Three. According to Benn, this financing would allow the maintenance of sea defence structures along the coastland where majority of the economic activities are executed. He added that foods harvested from the vast agricultural lands are exported to the Caribbean and further afield, as such, drainage structures are pertinent. Benn emphasized that since 1994 Government has been benefiting from the EDF. According to Ambassador Kopecký, the
Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh, Minister of Transport and Hydraulics Robeson Benn, and the Head of the EU Delegation to Guyana, Ambassador Robert Kopecký sign the financing agreement EU’s partnership with Guyana in this sector dates back to the 7th EDF programme signed on 24 February 1994, at which time •12M was committed. A further •20M and •18.018M were committed under the Eighth and Ninth EDF programmes respectively. Overall, the EU has contributed about •50 million into the sea and river defence sector towards the construction, rehabilitation
and/or maintenance of approximately 35km of sea defence structures in Regions Two, Three, Four and Six. He noted that the Tenth EDF financing agreement builds on previous Sea and River Defence programmes undertaken by the Government and the EU. The previous financial commitments made under the 7th, 8th and 9th EDFs have been implemented through project interventions, but
recent policy development, institutional reforms and capacity building activities, have set the environment for continuing EDF assistance to the sea and river defence sector through Sector Budget Support. Emphasizing Guyana’s vulnerability to climate change, Dr. Singh said that 90 percent of the population resides on the coastland which is below the Atlantic Ocean. While mining and
LIAT takes delivery of sixth ATR aircraft, vows to deliver better customer service Antigua- LIAT is moving full speed ahead with the upgrade of its fleet with the addition of another new ATR aircraft. LIAT pilots, Captain Chris Cameron and First Officer Oran Challenger along with flight engineer Gregory Marcano flew the latest ATR42 aircraft across the Atlantic from Toulouse, France, arriving at V.C. Bird International Airport in
Antigua, on Sunday last. LIAT’s Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Julie Reifer-Jones said the fleet modernization is an important part of LIAT’s strategy to deliver better ontime performance and higher levels of customer satisfaction while adding to the airline’s stellar safety record. She noted that for far too long, people using the
re g i o n a l c a r r i e r h a d t o suffer lengthy delays due to aging and difficult- toservice aircraft which at times led to sub-par customer service delivery. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to raise the standard of customer service throughout the LIAT network; and 2014 is the year when our customers and the general public will see that we are determined to serve the
region better,” Mrs. ReiferJones said. “We will do everything to deliver a better product and late last year we set things in motion with our companywide customer service
forest, which contribute to the country’s Gross Domestic Product, are done in the interior, other economic activities are done on the coastland. Ironically, Guyana finds itself in a position where it is critical in its fight against climate change, he added. The Minister noted that Guyana’s pristine rainforest, which has been intact for generations by choice, is one of the lungs of the earth.
One of the ATR-42
training or ‘brand camp’. This programme will continue in 2014.” Emphasizing that LIAT will not accept poor customer service, she pledged, “The public deserves better and we will do
better.” LIAT now has a fleet of six new ATR Aircraft – two ATR-42s, each with 48 seats; and four ATR 72s, each with 68 seats. The fleet modernisation is expected to be completed by the end of 2014.
Saturday February 01, 2014
Kaieteur News
Page 11
CJ’s ruling intended to neutralize Opposition’s oversight role in the National Assembly- APNU A partnerships for National Unity (APNU) through its leader David Granger says it does not accept Chief Justice Ian Chang’s ruling with respect to the ‘Budget-cut’ case that was delivered on Wednesday 29th January 2014. He went even further to suggest that “the Chief Justice’s ‘decision,’ coming after 18 months of litigationbut just before the presentation of the 2014 Budget- seems intended to neutralize the Opposition’s vital oversight role in the National Assembly. According to Granger, “the Opposition, if displeased with any item in the 2014 Budget, according to a rational interpretation of the ruling, must refuse to approve the entire Budget in order to give effect to their disapproval while from the government’s perspective, if
it refuses to amend the Budget to the satisfaction of the Opposition it would therefore lead swiftly to “a major constitutional crisis and trigger a consequent General Election.” Granger stressed that the Chief Justices’ ruling will have “unintended consequences” if they (APNU) are to interpret that the Opposition could either approve or disapprove the whole Budget. Such a decision he said, would ultimately lead to a constitutional crisis and unless they (APNU) are allowed to regulate their “own business which is provided for in the Constitution and unless we are allowed to delete or amend line items as happened in every part of the Common wealth, as we have done in 2012 and 2013 there is going to be a crisis because the so called negotiations which were promised to start
on the 1st of July 2013 have not borne fruit and it is very likely at this point in time at the end of January that advanced preparation of the Budget has been completed.” The consequences of which according to Granger would mean that the concerns of APNU have not been taken on board and if the “PPP Administration brings a Budget that we feel is contrary to the public interest, we are going to exercise our constitutional right to amend that Budget. The courts cannot intervene; the courts cannot intrude on the right of the National Assembly to exercise its oversight function in that regard” said Granger. The Opposition leader in a press conference yesterday also expressed, that the Chief Justice’s ruling suggests that APNU cannot defend the decision of the National Assembly in the Courts of
Law if taken there by the Government side. He said that the Chief Justice’s decision to remove the Leader of the Opposition from the Budget cut case is “flawed.” Granger said that the counsel for the Leader of the Opposition was not in the position to represent the views of the Opposition leader even though it was the Opposition that cut the Budget. “The Budget wasn’t cut by some invisible force, the Opposition cut the Budget and what the Chief Justice did is prevent the Opposition from speaking, even after attorneys from the Opposition leader appealed a decision by Justice Bovell Drakes and Justice Rishi Persaud. Before the appeal could be heard the Chief Justice rushed for judgment to declare this decision, so they are many errors and those errors will be brought
Berbice doctors, nurses receive training on infant mortality reduction A number of medical personnel numbering 30, inclusive of doctors and nurses drawn from all of the hospitals in Berbice were finally trained and prepared to function in the multimillion dollar Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) which was installed and formally commissioned since May of 2013 at the New Amsterdam Hospital. The four days of training were conducted by Dr. Precious Sonia Jensen, a paediatrician of Nationwide Children Hospital in the United States and nurse Sarah Foster, and was made possible through the efforts of the Ministry of Health and the Guyana Help the Kids, (GHTK) organisation. Speaking at the conclusion of the training programme which was held at the New Amsterdam hospital, Paediatrician Dr. Precious Sonia Jensen stated that the main objective of the training programme was to reduce infant mortality in Guyana. And one way is by implementing sustainable changes through education and technology. She said that based on her overall assessment, the persons trained are now equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge and expertise to fully execute their duties. She posited that she has extreme confidence that those trained will be able to take care of the operations of the NICU. The project is a joint venture between the Government of Guyana and
The medical personnel during training at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Berbice. Canada-based Guyanese paediatrician Dr. Narendra Singh who initiated the NICU program in Guyana. Also speaking at the ceremony was Medical Superintendent attached to the New Amsterdam Hospital Dr. Vishyala Sharma and Chief Executive Officer of the Hospital Alan Johnson. They both expressed their gratitude to the facilitators for taking time to train the staff and gave the assurance that everything taught will be put into full use. Arjune Harinarain is the doctor in charge of the unit. The facility is fully functional and the first baby was admitted there last Tuesday. The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), part of the Government’s vision to have an expansion of health care throughout Guyana, was formally commissioned in
May of 2013 however, due to the necessity of training
needed it remained non functional.
out in our appeal” said Granger. The Opposition leader said that with respect to this case it will be appealed in the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). According to Granger, the Chief Justice’s ruling is not helpful to governance in this country and has created more problems than it has solved. He said that his decision has now put a “noose around the government that they must either bring a Budget which is approved in its entirety by the Opposition or to fail completely.”
Leader of the Opposition David Granger
Page 12
Kaieteur News
Saturday February 01, 2014
Parliamentary live streaming to start in six months - Information will be censored to protect the reputation of Parliament -Speaker Since information is the life blood of a democracy, the live streaming (information viewed through live broadcast over the internet) of Parliamentary debates will be up and running within six months time to afford citizens an opportunity to have a transparent understanding of the proceedings. This was declared by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr. Raphael Trotman and Canadian Ambassador to Guyana, Ms. Nicole Giles yesterday at a press briefing held in one of Parliament’s committee rooms. Granted that in this technological era, such a project should have been in place some time ago, the management of the Parliament has stepped up to the plate and are looking to have the million dollar project in place soon, with testing being
conducted in time for the 2014 Budget debates. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Canadian Envoy and the Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr. Sherlock Isaacs. The French translation of the MoU will be signed at a later date. The cheque for $5,244,064 was also handed over to the Clerk by Ms. Giles for the funding of the project. Stefan Gajie was designated Live Stream Consultant. Ms. Giles, in her address to the members of the media fraternity, informed that she is pleased to be a part of the launching of such an important project which will provide citizens with a front row seat to the proceedings of the National Assembly. The envoy explained that the project is a collaborative
effort between the government of Canada, through the Canada Fund for local initiatives, and the Parliament Office of the National Assembly. The Canada Fund, she added is an initiative which supports and implements projects across the world in partnership with local, national and international organizations, educational institutions and local governments. It enables Canada to respond to and address the needs of its global partners while furthering Canadian values and foreign policy priorities. By broadening access to the political dialogue, Giles believes that the project will serve to be an effective means towards fostering a stronger and sustainable democracy. Moreover, the Speaker, in his brief remarks explained that the Management of Parliament will remain committed to using all forms of the media in order to keep all citizens informed. He added too that they are working towards establishing a comfortable media room. Trotman informed as well, that while it is believed that with more cameras there will be more antics from our political leaders, it may also curtail the behaviour of the politicians.
(From the left) Canadian envoy, Ms. Nicole Giles signs the MoU with Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs who is seated next to the Speaker of the House, Raphael Trotman He noted too that the live streaming will be able to allow the citizens to make an informed conclusion of the persons representing their cause in the National Assembly. While this may be
the case, he alluded to the fact that some of the information will be censored in order to maintain and protect the “unblemished reputation of the Parliament.” He said, “We want to ensure
that even though it is streaming we want to maintain the integrity of Parliament and not any everything will go out there. We want to protect our reputation.”
2008 MURDER OF US BASED BUSINESSMAN A mixed 12 - member jury has been sworn before Georgetown Supreme Court Judge Navindra Singh, for the commencement of the trial into the unlawful killing of US based Guyanese businessman, Richardo Hendriques, of which two persons are jointly accused. On trial for the murder are Junior Henry and his alleged accomplice, Baldeo Seegobin. The duo was jointly charged with the capital offence in November of 2008. The accused, who are both from West Ruimveldt, appeared at the Georgetown
…Jury empanelled Supreme Court yesterday. The men, who had pleaded not guilty to the allegation, are being represented by Attorneys- atlaw, Basil Williams and Senior Counsel Bernard De Santos. Attorneys- at- law, Dhanika Singh and Mercedes Thompson will be appearing on behalf of the State in the trial. On November 24, 2008, Hendriques, a thirty one year -old, New York based businessman was reportedly
shot in the head at point blank range during a robbery which occurred just outside a Guyana Lottery Company booth on Middle Street, near Juice Power and Water World. The bandits reportedly escaped on a motorcycle with an undisclosed sum of cash. The victim, a father of two and wholesaler, originally from D’Urban Street Werken-Rust, was taken to the Georgetown Public hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Saturday February 01, 2014
Kaieteur News
CARICOM reforms have - LaRocque started
Secretary General of the Caribbean Community, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque shares a light moment with Chairman of the Community Council Senator the Hon. Camilo Gonsalves before the start of the Thirty third Meeting of the Community Council of Ministers on Friday. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat has begun the process of restructuring with reforms instituted in corporate areas, Human Resource Management, Finance, and in the way projects are managed, CARICOM SecretaryGeneral, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, said on Friday. Delivering remarks at the opening of the Thirty-Third Meeting of the Community Council of Ministers at the CARICOM Secretariat, the Secretary-General announced that the Secretariat’s work programme had also been redesigned to provide for a more outcome-oriented focus guided by goal management. “There is still some way to go, but change is underway,” Ambassador LaRocque told the gathering of Ministers and delegates who hold responsibility for Community issues. Progress in undertaking reform, he pointed out, has encountered some challenges, including those that relate to the Secretariat’s aging information technology infrastructure, staff retention and the increasing inflexibility in the use of donor resources. “Taken all together these factors along with the challenging economic and fiscal situation faced by our Member States, affect the
ability of the Secretariat to maintain and improve on our service to the Community and the implementation of the work programme. In the face of ever increasing mandates, the need for prioritisation, which lies at the heart of the decision by Heads of Government to devise a Strategic Plan, becomes paramount in order to ensure the focused and optimal use of our human and financial resources,” the SecretaryGeneral said. His comments were made in the context of the finalisation and approval of the Community’s first Community Strategic Plan, a major component of the Reform Process which is now being conducted and under which the restructuring of the CARICOM Secretariat falls. The Secretariat’s restructuring will be significantly influenced by the Strategic Plan. The consideration of the Executive Summary of the Five-Year Strategic Plan of the Community is one of the key agenda items of the one-day Meeting of the Community Council. The final draft of the plan is to be placed before the Heads of Government of CARICOM at their TwentyFifth Intersessional Meeting to be held in St. Vincent and the Grenadines 24-25 February, 2014.
The Community Council will also deliberate on the budget of the Secretariat, contingent rights and the implications of the Shanique Myrie ruling handed down by the Caribbean Court of justice (CCJ), the ruling of the Dominican Constitutional Court on nationality and matters related to sustainable development of the Region. There have been growing criticisms of the operations of the regional body in recent years and whether its mandates were being achieved.
Page 21
Republic Bank records US$45.6M profit in first quarter - worried about high liquidity The Republic Bank Group has recorded a profit attributable to shareholders of US$45.6M for the threemonth period ending December 31, 2013. According to the group, this represents an increase of 2.2% over the corresponding period. The group’s total assets stood at US$9.1B at December 31, 2013, an increase of 6.7% from December, 2012 and 0.5% over the year ended September, 2013. According to Republic Bank Chairman, Ronald Harford, “We are encouraged by the growth and stability of our loan portfolio which was reflected in a year on year
increase of 7.3% and a reduction in loan impairment expense of over US$2.3M from the corresponding period in 2012. The results of this quarter also include a contribution of US$1.6M from our 40% investment in HFC Bank Ghana Limited.” Harford said that the bank expected this good performance to continue for the remainder of the year, as focus continues to be placed on maintaining a high quality loan portfolio, cost containment and growth in non-interest income. He, noted, however that the Group continues to be challenged by high liquidity which is leading to declining margins, and indicated that
Republic Bank Chairman, Ronald Harford investments in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean will continue to be closely monitored, once difficult economic conditions persist in those territories.
Page 22
Kaieteur News
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
LARGE QUANTITIES O F H IGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICKSILVER) 99.99995% PURITY $19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.
One 210 Hyundai Excavator with one complete 6" Dredge and also 4" Dredge Contact: 650-2391
M.F Tractor 3650, 4X4, 131 H/P, 6 Cylinder Turbo Diesel Tel: 228-5040; 662-9848 Toyota Tacoma 4X4 Extra Cab 2002, Nissan Frontier 4X4 Extra Cab 2002, DJ System – Tel:695-9807 Spare for washing machine, microwaves,fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, pumps, etc call: 225-9032, 647-2943 Dell computers complete with 20" LCD $65,000, laptops @ $55,000 Futuretech - Call: 231-2206 One Ladies motorcycle Tailing 100-3 black good $90,000 – Call:672-6352 X- Box games CD original $2,000 each – Tel:672-6352 Greenheart Piles - Tel:6393450
One Toyota Camry SV40, AC, mags, alarm, $950,000 negotiable – Tel:661-2391 PVC Ceiling Panels. Best Quality! Tel: 614-8564; 6800862 Angle Grinder, Circular Saw, Belt Sander, Routers, drilling machine, foam spray and general hardware – Tel:6148564; 629-0372 German Shepherd Pups. Tel: 220-2277; 220-8904; 626-0910 Used Kelvinator fridge (Double Door) - Tel:2161024; 655-0370 Original Games- Call:6722566 Nissan Caravan – Tel: 2662381
1- 500 Ton Cargo ship - Tel: 676-6933 2700 PSI Pressure wash & car vacuum 9 gal – Price negotiable – Tel:667-4389; 219-4357
TOYOTA VIOS PMM SERIES – SPECIAL EDITION SILVER GREY – TEL: 641-7383
House Lots in Housing Scheme, Elaine Ville – 1,500 Acres of land in Berbice Contact:223-8479; 647-3768; www.spaceseek.gy
Blackberry 9360 with 2GB with memory card – Tel:6752239/ BBM 25C58FEO
Live/pluck chicken call: 6504421, 220-9203
1 Farm at Yarrowkabra 20.1 Acres – Tel:617-8379 Yamaha R1 motorcycle. Excellent Condition - Tel: 685-1231 1-5 head 12" Robinson Moulder needs motor price for quick sale - $1M – Tel: 652-5601 House and land situated at Lot 95 La Penitence Street, Albouystown. Land -7,933 Sq./Ft. – Call:592-687-5851; 604-589-1852 Pioneer, JVC car deck with flash drive port - $22,000, $26,000, car accessories and alarm – Tel:661-6793 Two plot of land ¼ Acre or 3X25 Rod each @ Lot 15 & 16 Doctor Dam, La-Grange WBD - Tel: 697-5009; 665-7022 Zmodo Surveillance System – Tel:609-2815 Games PS2 $900, PSP $900, X-Box 360 $2600 & PS3 $2600- Call:672-2566 2005 Yamaha R6 motorcycle Tel: 609-2815
Aracari Hotel. West Bank Demerara Rates from $30 Tel: 264-2946-8 Furnished rooms & Apartments (1,2&3) bedrooms apartment long & short term rental @ 95 Fifth Avenue Subryanville - Phone: 2272199; 227-2189 Fully furnished Vacation home with all amenities- Call during working hours- 227-1218 1 - Three Bedrooms house to rent @ Belyzheit Gardens Tel: 652-6565 Bel- Air -$100,000, Lamaha Gardens - $US1000, Atlantic Gardens – US900 – Contact Diana:227-2256; 626-9382 We pay cash & legal fees for land in Parafaite Harmonie – Tel:675-7292
Turbo Bedford Dump 330 truck. Any Reasonable Offer Call: 657-4072 Commercial Land on Charlotte St. -$400USD, Executive Houses @ E.C.D , E.B.D & Georgetown, Investment Properties @ Georgetown - Contact:2238479; 647-3768; www.spaceseek.gy
270 Amps Portable Honda Welders and 1-2002 Tundra Tel: 611-5114
TO LET Fully furnished short term apartments, Eccles call: 347933-9790, 639-4452.
Lovely Poodle Pups male and female vaccinated – Call:649-4247 1 Chinese seine boat complete + 1400lb nylon seine - Tel: 223-4552; 691-3633.
Saturday February 01, 2014
WANTED One maid preferably single between ages 40-55. Must Be Living Around E.B.D and be dog friendly – Tel:6292206 One Computer Literate Clerk, Two Security Guards & Labourers, One Receptionist. Text or call 6270799 / 225-8645 / 6227933 Cashiers & Porters for Yog Yog’s Frozen Yogurt 79 Albert & Laluni Streets in Queenstown “Nimbus Building” Call:231-7002 Supervisors to work at 704 Bar – Contact:223-5273/4 Female worker needed, 3 CXC subject or sound secondary school education- Call:626-8586 Watch man to work at Lamaha & Albert Street. Contact: 223-5273/4 White Queen Size sheet set at reasonable prices – Tel:668-0306; 660-9961
LEARN TO DRIVE Shalom Driving School @ 2 Croal Street and enjoy 20% Discount – Tel:227-3835; 2273869;622-8162 Learn To Drive on your time, experienced teacher – $10,000 For two weeks, 3 times a week – Tel:687-7017 Ultravoilet Driving School – Contact:231-2372;6022583;658-4015
1 Handy Man, 1 Small Engine Mechanic 3yrs experiencecall: 233-2408 One live in maid - Tel: 6431554 Male & female to work at washbay in C/Ville - Tel: 6694676
CAR RENTAL
Land to buy in Herstelling – Tel:675-7292
Wings Car Rental- Call: 643-1131
Experienced taxi drivers – Tel:667-9013
Clearance Sale, Slightly Damage Zinc Sheets, steel rods ½”&]!. Reasonable Price - Call: 657-4072
Boys to work @ Car Wash, paying - $12,000 weekly. Norton and Creen St. Ask 683-9516
Dell Laptops, touch screen $230,000 - Tel: 695-2679 1 Fishing vessel fully loaded, 15 Yamaha, ice-box (650Lbs) Nylon 5" Seine (2.8M) – Tel:660-1825; 695-2679. Price Negotiable! Just Imported! David’s Beautiful Bridal Outfit & Accessories Re: Jewelry, Purses, etc. All going @ reasonable prices. Contact:225-9450; 649-4435
FASTEST GROWING FOOD IMPORTER / MANUFACTURE SEEKING CANTER DRIVER & SALESPERSONS. EXPERIENCED & POLICE CLEARANCE – CALL:2318344;223-1035 FOR INTERVIEW One Male cook for interior – Tel: 688-1087 1 Barman at a popular hotel, between the vicinity of Vreed-en-Hoop to Parika. Tel: 638-1627
VACANCY 24 Hour East Coast Guyoil needs night pump attendants, salesgirl & office assistant Call: 670-8893/684-2838 Network Technician, must be able to work out of town email applications to jobs@awngy.com Receptionist. Apply to Hick’s Ville Hotel, Contact:227-7714 or info@hicksvillehotel guyana.com Machine Operator to work at Garment Factory - Tel:2222541 One Experienced Pastry maker, specialize in various pastries – Tel:696-9999
Salesman & Porters to work on a canter truck selling beverages, preferably from E.C.D – Tel:222-3927; 2224650; 649-9876; 616-3802 Live in waitress to work in a bar - Tel:650-4309 Hire Car Drivers at Gem’s Taxi Services – Tel:627-9424 Urgently need 1 plot of Land to buy in Parafaite Harmonie Tel: 675-7292 1 Secretary to work in office Call: 617-8369; 665-3550 One Garden / Handyman, age 40 & above. Preferably from Georgetown & East Coast Demerara – Tel:699-4152
PROPERTY FOR SALE VERSAILLES: Furnished 5 bedrooms, selfcontained rooms, modern facilities, generator, beautiful landscape, gated community - Call: 592-6248704/ 592-684-9203 Corner lot @ 54 Stanley Town New Amsterdam Berbice - $7M - Call:223-5641 One - 2 Storey House @ Avenue A Diamond - Tel: 643-5161 2 Business Property on Whim Public Road Berbice - Tel: 619-7134; 225-6481 One three storey business property @ Middle Street Georgetown - Tel: 619-7134; 225-6481 Eccles Residential (Transported) 2 flat building 4 bedrooms, large patio, garage (3 vehicles), & large shed. Flood Free Area! - Tel: 652-5601
1 Truck Driver with Fork Lift & Bobcat experienced – Tel:274-0424; 274-0435
One Female German Shepherd dog - Contact: 6391431 or 665-9140
1 Stall @ Stabroek Market Tel: 658-0115; 718-757-8031
3 Wash bay attendants in Georgetown – Tel:227-5169
Experienced Roti / Puri Cooks, Pastry Makers, Counter Servers & handyboys. Apply at Hacks Halaal, Lot 5 Commerce St.
Live in domestic must able to cook Creoles Dishes age 30-45 - $55,000 – Tel:6645199; 688-5409; 675-7043
Pools. Table. Cloth. Balls. Pocket. Cuestick. Coinshute. Rubber. Chalk - Tel: 669-9927
WANTED Labourers - Call:225-6070; 225-4492
EDUCATIONAL Courses in dressmaking, curtains, floral & cake decoration - Tel: 670-2653; 618-1706 IAE @ 194 Camp St Register for CXC 2014 Classes: Mathematics, English A, Business & Science . Flexible Timing Tel: 683-5742; 223-0604 Need help with reading, English, etc? Call Private Tutor – 696-7467
Concrete 3 bedrooms transported property @ New Scheme Tuschen E.C.E $8.5M – Tel:692-3454 Charlestown Corner Property - $35M - Tel: 6735882 Rice Factory @ Wakenaam Tel: 686-4994; 225-3070 Regent Street - $46M, Herstelling - $10M, Happy Acres - $45M, Camp Street $36M – Contact Diana:2272256; 626-9382
Princeton College Forms 1-5 CXC and adults classes, afternoon lessons. Phonics & Mathematics for slow learners -Tel:223-7906; 690-5008 Swimming Classes @ Colgrain Pool. Thursday & Saturday 5:30-6:30, 6:30-7:30, all ages – Tel:669-3757; 6412571; 690-1559 Courses in Floral Arrangement, cookery, bridal accessories, cakes & pastries, cake decoration. Contact Sharon:672-8768; 612-4193; 223-3303 Makeup Classes starting February 3rd @ J’ adore makeup by Natalie. Come & Be Apart! To Register Call:676-3916; 615-5028 FOR SALE/ FOR RENT Newly Built at Leonara 2 Storey 3 bedrooms, 2 toilet & Shower, double garage for sale or rent - Tel: 269-1277; 685-4016
SALON Make Up Courses, Artist Trained & Certified in Trinidad. Call: 660-5257, 647-1773 Earn a Certificate in Cosmetology, wig designs or nails alone, beginning February 3rd Limited Spaces Tel: 666-5241/ 619-7603 Beautopia Cosmetology Training: Day & Evening classes, nails, hair,facial / make-up – Tel: 604-3002; 629-3497 CAR RENTAL J o s h u a ’s C a r R e n t a l Call:665-6485; 679-8400 (Continued on page 23)
Saturday February 01, 2014
Kaieteur News
UG students on US cultural exchange From page 17 strengthen global skills training. “OWYP works with UG student leaders throughout the year to develop a servicelearning program at the University, whose participants in turn train fellow students to become experts in a global mindset curriculum.” UG students interact virtually through social media with university students at Georgetown and Boston Universities. At the same time, they facilitate weekly lessons
and a virtual exchange between the Richard Ishmael Secondary School in Guyana and counterpart classrooms at U.S. middle schools. “The year-long curriculum, as well as the Virtually There exchange, offers these secondary and tertiary students a unique cross-cultural experience to develop global life skills that will enhance their readiness for a range of careers requiring international experience and understanding.”
'No cost' heart surgery children set to return... From page 15 Steering Committee was formulated. The Committee represents a collaboration of the GPHC with the Libin Cardiovascular Institute and the Universities of Calgary and Toronto and is designed to serve as the Central Committee to help organise the surgical efforts for children with various conditions that require advanced cardiac interventions. Just yesterday the first meeting of the Steering Committee was chaired. Added to the operations, efforts will also have to be made to ensure that the children operated on are afforded follow-up care, which according to Dr Carpen, is the most important aspect of management of any patient. As such he noted that efforts are apace to establish a specific clinic at the GPHC to cater to the returning children as well as those being screened for heart conditions. “So every first and third Thursday we are going to start that clinic...this clinic is probably going to start next month but regardless the kids returning now will be seen within a week of coming back,” Dr Carpen assured. The follow-up care, he noted, will be primarily delivered mainly by overseas medical experts. Added to this, he said that any child screened and found to have potential heart problems will be afforded an ecocardiogram, which is an ultra sound of the heart. The eco-cardiogram is then sent to experienced paediatric cardiologists at the University of Calgary and based on that screening process, Dr. Carpen said that moves will be made to communicate with the local doctors. “Once a child is found to be in need of cardiac care, strategic actions will then be taken to streamline the needful surgery at an appropriate time,” said Dr. Carpen. But although the paediatric heart surgeries are
being done with support from the overseas partners, Carpen said that the intent is to ensure that local health professionals secure needful training in a couple of years. This, according to him, will help to realise a sustainable programme that is staffed by local professionals.
(Continued on page 22)
2 - 2007 Toyota Avensis Tel: 698-0674 Mitsubishi Lancer, excellent condition, HID lights, 17" mags, music - $1,250,000. Negotiable – Tel:275-0297; Cell:676-3000; 653-6490 1 Black Mazda Axela PPP Series – Fully loaded (Chrome Rims, Fogs, Remote Alarm, etc )– Tel:662-9037 1 Mark 2 motor car in excellent working condition Price - $1.2M negotiable Contact:227-5020; 223-9667 1 AT192 Carina - $500,000 Tel: 669-4676 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 TacomaCall:680-3154
One Toyota Prado and Tundra for sale: - Priced to sell – Tel:600-5759 or 2250683-5 Dairy - $1.5M- Tel:675-7292 2- Acres cultivated, 2-1 Acres cultivated, 7 Acres cultivated, citrus, house, fish pond, storage at ParikaCall: 226-7968 Diamond New Scheme, Price - $6M Negotiable - Tel:6048369 Serious Inquiries only! Parika (72X204) - $8M – 2185591; 675-7292 Parfaite Harmonie – $1.4M – Tel:675-7292 Parafaite Harmonie - $2.2M Tel: 675-7292 Herstelling - $2.5M – Tel:6757292 82 Acres @ Hogg Island, 120 Acres @ Mahaicony & 11 lots @ Wakenaam. Tel: 686-4994; 225-3070 Lot 12 Mon-Repos E.C.D, Market Street – Tel:220-7330
One RX-8 Mazda fully air conditioned, stick gear, wheel lights, fog lamps, power windows - Tel:653-2477 1 AT192 Carina (Cherry Red) Tel: 683-1534; 609-4983 One Hilux Surf, ac, mags, new tyres, fully loaded, music, 4X4, one Tacoma pick up- Tel:678-2298 Unregistered Toyota Premio $2.550M – Tel: 678-8534;6939246 1 Toyota Camry Excellent condition - $850,000, 1 Toyota BB (PRR Series) $1,550,000 – Contact:6962588 or 231-4471 1 Madza Truck, short base with hydraulic lift GPP Series Call: 638-8036; 223-2814 2002 Premio PNN Series reverse camera 17inch rims $2.1M negotiable - Tel:6877017
Long Creek $1M, Queenstown 60x244 - $100M, 40x80 -$25M - Tel: 231-2199; 618-7483
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 VEHICLE FOR SALE 1 unregistered Toyota Spacio: wine colour, fully loaded with mag rims etc. $2.3M neg. Tel: 642-6030 NZE PSS series, excellent condition - Price $1.8 Million. Contact Shahab: 613-5484 AT192, 212, Allion, Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN & RZ & Pitbull buses, 7 seater super customs. Cash / termsCall:680-3154 1 Touring Hiace Regus good condition, TV, music system, A/C, sun roof fully powered. Registered in G – Tel:6780109
CAR RENTAL
Private Development 50X100 @ Greenwich Park, EBE Tel: 690-5061
Dolly’s Car Rental- Call: 2257126/226-3693- dollysauto rental@yahoo.com/ www. dolly sautorental.com
House lot for sale @ Parafaite Harmonie – Tel:677-7682
Premio, Vitz call:347-9339790, 639-4452.
SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Repairs, sales & spares air conditioning, microwaves, washer, fridges & stoves. Ultra Cool, call:225-9032,647-2943 Repairs to Fridge, Freezer, AC, Washers, Stoves: Call 683-1312,627-3206 (Nick)
Fully Furnished 2 bedrooms apartment with hot & cold shower, internet etc. Only short term overseas guest. Contact:223-2812; 661-1717 2- Two bedrooms bottom flat – Tel:613-6402 Newly Built Apartments on W.C.D Furnished and unfurnished – Tel:698-6496 CAMP STREET, Prime Business Space Call:6394499
We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer call:2310655,683-8734 Omar
Fully Furnished Salon Stations with A/C in Georgetown – Tel: 641-1892; 665-3307
1 Old model 212 in Yellow, Price negotiable – Tel:6259961
Make your music available in 95+ online stores, Email: infopack@sslbs.com to download details.
One Furnished two bedrooms bottom flat at Happy Acres – Tel: 220-3690
Black Toyota Fielder, Rims, Aero Body kit, DVD, CD, Stereo - $2,250,000 negotiable - Tel:689-7325
For all your prefab building works & welding fabricating etc. 5 Brickery EBD -Tel: 6582567; 660-3466
First Class Auto: Premio, Spacio, Passo, IST, 212, Raum Cold & New Modles Tel: 609-8188; 602-6307
Brains Construction & Rental Services: Excavator, Bobcat, Truck, Tools - Tel: 6015024/ 227-4536 (Bobcat & Excavator Operator needed)
1-55 Leyland Daf Excellent working condition. Price $2.8M Negotiable – Tel:6568346
Services and repairs to gas stoves, washing machines Call: 688-0183
1 Toyota NZE corolla, AT192, AT212, AT170, IST, Funcargo, Rav-4, Hilux pickup 4x4 – Tel:644-5096; 697-1453 One Honda CRV fully equipped with running bars & other accessories, PNN Series. Excellent Condition! Price Negotiable - Tel: 660-6763 Toyota PNN 2852, AA60 Carina (excellent condition) - $525,000. Free Mechanical repairs for first 2 months Tel: 666-9719 One Super Custom Bus, unregistered 1 Toyota L Touring wagon, EP71 Starlet, Spacio - Tel:644-5096; 697-1453 Unregistered Toyota Sienta (2004) 1500cc & 7 seater - Tel: 617-5536 Isuzu Journey Bus, 47 seater BSS115 series – Price: $5.2M negotiable – Contact Brother Keith – Tel:614-5036
Parfaite Harmonie - $850, 000.00 – Tel:675-7292 Schonard - $2.5M - Tel: 6757292
FOR RENT
VEHICLE FOR SALE Smart Choice Auto: Unregistered Premio, IST, Runx & Spacio - Tel:6523820; 665-4529
One 800 Ford Tractor and one 450 Ford Towing Truck – Contact Floyd:694-5599 or Gurro: 689-1864
LAND FOR SALE
Page 23
House plan drafting from$10,000 surveying and estimates services available Tel: 667-2189 Cook to come to your home. Exotic dishes will be prepared for you. Call for more information – 687-7017 Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building Call:225-6496,662-6045, 223-8115 We Refill HP cartridges for $1800 call: 650-7699 WE FILL PASSPORT & VISA FORMS: U.S.A, U.K & CANADA. ALSO ONLINE CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS TEL:225-9030
Commercial Offices & Commercial Buildings, Executive Apartments & houses @ Kitty, Subryanville, Shamrock Gardens, Ogle, Bel-Air Contact:223-8479; 647-3768; www.spaceseek.gy Short term and Long term apartment - $58,000 monthly Tel: 646-5147 Fully furnished apartment in Nandy Park, suitable for a single person or coupleCall:619-4824 for further information. Norton Street, Werk-EnRust. One Newly constructed two storey building for office/residence Tel: 623-7594 Rooms. Price Negotiable Tel: 699-2727 One bedroom apartment self contained, Fully grilled @ Land OF Canaan E.B.D – Call Navo: 266-5563; 615-9441
Transportation services available in and out of Georgetown – Tel:646-4501
CAR RENTAL
W.M Auto Sales : 2006 Tacoma - $3.8M, Honda ATV, Ford Raptor, Ford 250 super duty – Tel:676-1826;679-6103 Unregistered Toyota Fielder, TV, Rims, alarm, reverse camera, low mileage - $2.250 negotiable – Tel:654-2036; 663-2700
3 Bedrooms apartment at 371 East Cummings Lodge – Tel:601-2472
Untouchable, low rates, low deposits - Call:226-9668; 677-4613. PEN PAL
Aidan’s Car Rental & Pickup Call: 645-7981/ 698-7807
Overseas Male Seeking female 29yrs & up. No Text – Call:661-3299
Latest model vehicles @ unbeatable Prices – Tel:6855011; 692-1051
Page 24
Kaieteur News
Saturday February 01, 2014
Finance Minister seeks Budget support
Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, with members of the FITUG delegation.
Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh met with members of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG), on Thursday, as part of Government’s ongoing efforts to engage all stakeholders in the course of preparations of Budget 2014. The Minister thanked FITUG for the several constructive suggestions and recommendations it has made over the years and which have informed Government policy on a number of important issues. He also acknowledged the forthright positions taken by FITUG on issues of national importance, including the condemnation of the Budget cuts imposed by the Opposition in previous years, which have since been ruled to be unconstitutional by the Chief Justice (Ag). Thursday’s discussions were frank and fruitful.
They dealt with a number of issues of interest to the membership of FITUG and of relevance to overall economic and social development in Guyana. Government will continue to engage other stakeholders over the coming days and weeks as part of ongoing efforts to receive the views of all parties on issues which will impact Guyana’s economic prosperity. Dr Ashni Singh said that Government remains fortified in the commitment that has guided its preceding terms of office to implement policies, programmes and projects required to realize a modern and prosperous Guyana. Government also remains resolute in working with all stakeholders that share a common vision for economic growth and development as part of the Budget 2014 preparations.
New law deems drivers liable for litter from moving vehicle More stringent action will now be taken against defaulters who lend to the unbecoming garbage situation in Guyana, with the advent of the Litter Enforcement Regulations 2013. The regulations were made under the imminent Environmental Protection Act, 11 of 1996. The new regulations deal with issues like appointment of litter prevention wardens, the offences and special powers of the court on convicting offenders. “A person who, without reasonable excuse, deposits litter in or on any public place…is guilty of an offence”. Also, persons who deposit litter from a moving vehicle unto a public place will be considered an offender. However, if the person who committed the offence cannot be determined, then the driver of the vehicle will be held responsible. Consequently, any individual found guilty of any offence will be liable to a fine of $50,000, while a corporate body will be issued a fine of $100,000. Additionally, it is an offence not to provide a
receptacle for litter in public transportation. It is expected that the owner of every vehicle for hire provides within his/her vehicle, a receptacle for the collection of litter. Failure to satisfy this regulation would result in a penalty fee of $15,000. The 2013 regulations also allow for the appointment of litter prevention wardens by public authorities. Persons with such authority “may summarily act to prevent the deposit or attempted deposit of litter in any public place in which they are authorized to act.” The regulations also outline the institution of increased penalties for persons found guilty of repeat offences. If a person is found guilty of committing a litter offence, the Litter Prevention Warden may instruct that person to place the litter in the nearest receptacle or “remove the litter to the nearest approved site “. According to the Litter Enforcement Regulations 2013, “where any person is convicted of an offence under regulation three (Special Powers of Court on Convicting Offenders), the court may, in addition to imposing a penalty, order the offender…to clean up and remove such litter deposited in such public place within such period specified in the order”. These advanced regulations are expected to be strictly enforced and monitored by the relevant authorities, so as to ensure a cleaner Guyana.
Saturday February 01, 2014
Kaieteur News
Page 25
Page 26
Kaieteur News
Saturday February 01, 2014
Backdam double-murder…
Revenge killing or land dispute? Thursday’s backdam ambush that left two persons dead and three seriously wounded may be a revenge attack for the April, 2013 vigilante-style killing of Corentyne resident, Alfred Munroe, called “Guana Man,” who was found dead in a car trunk following a beating. A top police official told Kaieteur News yesterday that information gleaned from one of the survivors indicated that at least one close associate of Munroe’s was involved in the attack. Kaieteur News was told that the wounded man mentioned the suspect’s name but was unable to fully communicate with investigators because of his condition. The official said that police have received word that the suspect is in Suriname, and efforts are being made to locate him. One of the slain men, Krisnauth Jagdeo, was among several individuals who were charged and later acquitted for Munroe’s murder. The official suggested that Jagdeo was the actual target, but that the others were struck because the killer (s) used shotguns. But it is also being suggested that the attack stemmed from an ongoing land dispute in the FollowUp area that involves several individuals. Dead are Krisnauth Jagdeo, 46, a labourer of Free Yard, Port Mourant who lives alone, and Seafiel
Layne, 48, a father of five and a labourer, of No 1 Road, Corentyne, Berbice. Jagdeo was shot to the neck and Layne was shot to the temple. Injured are David Harpaul, 38, a father of two and a labourer of Rose Hall Town, Corentyne, Berbice, Clement Griffith, 48, a father of four and also a labourer of Ankerville, Corentyne, Berbice and Fazel Abrahim, 25, a Mechanic of Port Mourant and Black Bush, Corentyne, Berbice. Harpaul and Abrahim were referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). Kaieteur News understands that Harpaul is still in an unconscious state while Abrahim is in the High Dependency Unit. The men were ambushed while heading out of the Port Mourant Follow-Up Co-op backdam, some 15 miles from the Corentyne Public Road. It is alleged that the victims were travelling by boat when they were attacked by two men, one on horseback and another hiding in the bushes. The Port Mourant Follow-Up is a co-op and three popular businessmen Kris Jagdeo, Kase ‘Manoj’ Singh of Spready’s Bakery and Pharmacist Poonai Bhirgoon, are among others doing massive cultivation of rice in the area which is situated behind the GuySuco cultivation aback of Port Mourant. Access is via the dam and boat, and the men would have had to travel by speedboat through the
GuySuCo Cultivation. Krisnauth Jagdeo and Seafiel Layne, had worked for Kris Jagdeo, while the three injured are employed with Singh. According to reports, the men were travelling in a 14-ft. boat powered by a 15 HP engine, when they were ambushed. David Harpaul, the boat captain, was reportedly shot in the right side but reportedly managed to telephone businessman Poonai Bhirgoon and alert him about the attack. He then piloted his boat for 2 and a half miles, before they were able to board their jeep. Harpaul drove for another two miles through the rough dam, before he eventually stopped the vehicle and lost consciousness. In the meantime, the owners and police were on their way to the backdam and met the wounded Haripaul and Clement Griffith. They were immediately transported to the Port Mourant Hospital. Police went back with the boat into the cultivation where they rescued Abrahim, who was brought out to an ambulance which was on its way down with medical personnel. The police eventually found the two dead men in the backlands. The injured men were first taken to the Port Mourant Hospital and later transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital where they underwent emergency surgery.
PM knocks media ‘trap’
Says overseas journalists treat her better than local Jamaic Observer - “They say I don’t talk to the media. If you approach me properly, I’ll talk to you. But if you are going to be pushing up the microphone in my face, or if everybody is shouting at me at the same time, no.” This was the response of Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller to criticisms that she doesn’t speak enough to the local media. “...I’ve never seen it like this. For example, look at President Barack Obama. They (his handlers) will indicate they are taking two questions. When he answers the two questions, they’ll say ‘okay, thank you’. He turns and he walks away. You don’t see anybody running after him and pushing the microphone in his face,” the prime minister said in an interview with the Jamaica Observer, the full report of which will be published on February 5, 2014. Simpson Miller cited another example of how the overseas media treat her with
Portia Simpson Miller respect compared with how some Jamaican media personnel approach her, taking care to stress that not all local journalists were guilty. She recalled being at the Penn Relays in the United States sometime ago when she agreed to be interviewed by either the US network ABC or NBC. The request was
made an hour before the interview. During that time she was briefed about the procedures. She said that 30 minutes later, the network producer came back to remind her. The producer returned 20 minutes later, then 10 minutes, then at the appointed hour. The television crew informed her that as the broadcast was live she had to stick to the time allotted to avoid being cut off mid-sentence. Everything went well and she noted that they were anxious to ensure that she was comfortable and at ease with their operations. “They treat you well. They make you feel comfortable. But then our Jamaican — some in the media, not all — their approach all the while is how can I trap this one. Media is not to be about trapping somebody... It must be for honesty where you are going to say something which will be of benefit to the country rather than to simply draw you out.
Former PSC member warns of foreign female assassin in Trinidad and Tobago P O R T- O F - S PA I N , Trinidad - CMC – A former member of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Pastor Clive Dottin has described Trinidad and Tobago as a “narco economic state” adding that a female assassin from Latin America arrived here to ensure compliance with the illegal trade. Speaking on a radio programme here, Dottin, a pastor with the Seventh Day Adventist, said that it was necessary for Trinidad and Tobago nationals to reclaim the land. “In fact we are no longer independent. We are now being owned by Colombians, Mexicans and Russians. We are being owned by all kinds of nefarious groups within the society,” he said, as the country observers a week of prayers to combat the escalating crime situation, among other social issues. So far more than 40 people have been murdered here this year and the authorities have linked most of the deaths to drug-related gang activities. “I understand a female assassin is in the land. That is information that has come to me that an international foreign female assassin is in the land. My God, my God, we have assassins from Latin
Pastor Clive Dottin America in the land. “They are teaching our young men in an underground academy of crime of how to shoot, how to kill and …how to be experts,” he said. Dottin said it was important for the country to stop indicating that only 10,000 people are involved in the illegal drugs trade. “We have a narco economic state right now and more than 200,000 people in the country depend on the drug flow into this society. “It dwarfs the budget. The budget of the mafia in this country dwarfs the national budget,” he said, adding “so we have a false almost artificial economy and that is
why God has to heal this land and God has to give us the courage,” he told radio listeners. Earlier this month, United States Federal officials announced that they had found 732 pounds of cocaine last December 20 concealed in cans of fruit juice at the Port of Norfolk in Virginia. Investigators estimate the cocaine had a wholesale value of about US$12 million and a street value of up to US$100 million. Since then officials from the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) have arrived here as part of their investigations and National Security Minister Gary Griffith said he was confident that those behind the illegal shipment would be caught.“Regardless of who it is or how high it goes, I can assure you that I will do all I can to ensure that the persons are brought to justice. People always ask about the ‘big fish’, well I want the ‘big fish’ badly,” he said recently. But the Public Relations Officer of the main opposition People’s National Movement (PNM), Faris Al-Rawi, has warned the country to be prepared for an upsurge in criminal activities including murder as a result of the bust.
Saturday February 01, 2014
Kaieteur News
Barbados Govt. adopts strategic five year plan to improve international business sector BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - CMC – The Barbados government says it wants to increase foreign exchange earnings by 40 per cent from the international business sector under a five-year strategic plan for the sector. Attorney General Adriel Brathwaite told the members of the Barbados International Business Association that the plan has been given the green light by Cabinet. Speaking on the topic “Legislative and Judicial Initiatives, Enhancing the Image of Barbados, Facilitating New Business Development,”, Brathwaite said that under the plan, the Freundel Stuart government intends to accomplish a number of objectives including a 40 per cent increase in foreign exchange earnings from the international business sector; a 40 per cent increase in revenue from corporate and personal income tax and the creation of 2,000 jobs. He said the government was also seeking to register 2,000 new corporate entities and that the plan also sought to register 50 new foundations and private trust companies; conclude 20 new Double Taxation
Adriel Brathwaite Agreements and 15 Investment Protection Treaties. It is also intended to provide the Corporate Affairs and Intellectual Property Office with a first class intellectual platform to eliminate paper and increase efficiency, and encourage and promote new service providers with varied expertise. “We are still open for business. Government is still aware of
Opinion poll predicts victory for opposition party ST. JOHN’S, Antigua CMC – The main opposition Antigua Labour Party (ALP) is tipped to win 11 of the 17 seats in the general elections constitutionally due here by March this year. The Barbadosbased, Caribbean Development Research Services (CADRES), said it had conducted 1,000 face-to-face interviews last November on all 16 constituencies on Antigua. CADRES director, Peter Wickham, said that the polls show a six to seven per cent percentage point swing in favour of the ALP that is seeking to prevent the ruling United Progressive Party (UPP) of Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer from getting a third consecutive five-year term in office. “This effectively means that the UPP has lost six per cent of its support, while the ALP has gained seven per cent and the difference (1 per cent) is
Peter Wickham reflected in the assumption that the ALP has picked up support that went elsewhere in 2009,” CADRES said in a statement. Wickham said a national swing of that size is not uncommon for a government is seeking a third term, recalling that in 2009, the swing against the UPP was five per cent and while the government lost three seats, it retained office.
the value of the sector to us as a country,” he said, indicating however that there was a lot they could do to ensure the success of the measures outlined in the strategic plan. “ We c a n b e g i n b y looking at the other side of the glass, and seeing the glass as half full rather than half empty. Let us all agree that Barbados has many things to commend. “ We h a v e a s t r o n g brand recognition in the leading markets; we have a j u r i s d i c t i o n o f q u a l i t y, experience and with infrastructure; …we have a well-educated labour force and relatively cheap labour costs; we have a good business infrastructure, good quality of life, and a strong banking sector,” he said. Barathwaite, who i s a l s o H o m e Aff a i r s M i n i s t e r, said the government would seek to have the Foundations Legislation and Private Trust Company Legislation completed before year end.. But he said he would be disappointed if “we did not have modernised Mutual Funds Legislation by yearend. “It is one area that I am disappointed that we have not addressed…It is the one area that presents an opportunity for us to grow and grow substantially,” he added.
Page 27
Page 28
Kaieteur News
Saturday February 01, 2014
British PM pledges renewed EU referendum push London (AFP) - British Prime Minister David Cameron pledged yesterday to force through parliament a bill guaranteeing an in-or-out referendum on EU membership by the end of 2017, after the upper house killed off legislation. He pledged to wield the Parliament Act, which enforces the supremacy of the elected lower House of Commons over the appointed upper House of Lords. The act is only rarely used to overcome the Lords blocking the will of the Commons. It has only ever been enacted a handful of times since it was introduced in 1911. Under pressure from eurosceptics in his Conservative Party, Cameron has promised to renegotiate Britain’s relationship with the European Union and put the new deal to a referendum if he remains in power after the next general election in 2015. He blamed the bill’s downfall on the centre-left Labour opposition and the centrist Liberal Democrats, the junior partners in his governing coalition. “Today the Labour Party in the House of Lords voted
David Cameron to block our bill that would have ensured a referendum on Britain’s EU membership by the end of 2017,” Cameron said. “This is disappointing news for all of us, but we are not going to give up in our efforts to turn our referendum commitment into law. Far from it. “After all, we succeeded in passing it through the House of Commons — a huge achievement. “We are going to try to reintroduce the same bill in the
next session of parliament and, if necessary, rely on the provisions in the Parliament Act to stop Labour and Liberal Democrat peers killing the bill once again.” The centre-right leader claimed the only way to be certain of EU renegotiation followed by an in-or-out referendum was if he remained prime minister after 2015. The Lords voted 180 to 130 to end debate on the bill without it clearing the committee stage. Having gone through the Commons, that is the third of five stages in the upper house, before final amendments and royal assent, where Queen Elizabeth II signs it into law. The Liberal Democrats said Cameron’s pledge was “bluster” and blamed the Conservatives for killing the bill by not giving it enough debating time. “This sounds like a bit of bluster,” a spokesman said. “There hasn’t been any discussion with us about this. “We don’t agree with this bill and we are not going to change our position just because the Tories have problems handling their backbenchers and are running scared of UKIP.”
Pakistan court rejects Musharraf’s plea for treatment abroad Islamabad (AFP) - A court trying Pakistan’s former military ruler Pervez Musharraf for treason yesterday refused to allow him to go abroad for medical treatment, saying it had no authority to lift his travel ban. The 70-year-old is facing treason charges, which can carry the death penalty, over his imposition of a state of emergency in 2007 while he was president. Musharraf has been in a military hospital since falling ill with heart trouble while travelling to the special treason tribunal on January 2 and his lawyers had argued he needed specialist treatment abroad. There had been speculation that he would be allowed to go on medical grounds as part of a deal to head off a clash between the government and the allpowerful military, which is seen as reluctant to have its former chief tried by civilians. The former general’s name is on the official “exit control list”, meaning he cannot leave Pakistan. After hearing medical reports from the Armed
Pervez Musharraf Forces Institute of Cardiology in Rawalpindi, neighbouring Islamabad, where Musharraf is being treated, the court said it was not in its power to let him leave. “It is not in the jurisdiction of this court to allow him to go abroad for treatment, because his name is on the exit control list,” the order read by a court official said. Musharraf was originally summoned to come before the court on December 24 but has yet to put in an appearance, due to security scares and ill health. On Friday the court
directed him to appear at the next hearing, on February 7, and ordered him to pay bail of 2.5 million rupees or face arrest. Pakistan’s current Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was the man Musharraf ousted from power in his 1999 coup, and his lawyers have said the treason case is an attempt to settle old scores through the courts. Musharraf ’s spokesman Raza Bokhari condemned yesterday’s decision. “In ignoring the expert medical report of a distinguished military hospital, the special treason court has not only shown inhumanity and insensitivity towards General Musharraf, but also has demonstrated unprecedented disregard of the medical profession, principles of basic fundamental rights and preservation of life,” he said in a statement. Despite persistent rumours that a backroom deal would be struck to spirit Musharraf away, the former commando has previously insisted he wants to stay and fight the charges against him.
Saturday February 01, 2014
Kaieteur News
Page 29
Fyrish Strikers and Upper Corentyne NSC invites players for Mashramani TT Tournament Cricket Clubs receive gear from RHTY&SC The National Sports Commission (NSC) in a press release, invited all affiliated members of the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) to participate in the NSC Annual Mashramani Table Tennis Tournament, which will be held during 14-15 of this month. The categories to be contested will range from Boys and Girls Under-9 to Boys and Girls Under-18, including Boys Doubles, Girls Doubles, Junior Mixed Doubles, 21 years and Under
Open, and Men and Women Singles competitions. Trophies and medals will be awarded to th e f i r s t , second and joint-third place finishers in all the events. Players are obligated to compete against any other participating player and participants’ respect must be re-enforced in accordance with the ITTF AntiHarassment Policy. The technical meeting and draws will take place on Wednesday February 12 from 5pm at the National Gymnasium Mandela
Avenue. This will be done under the supervision of the Technical and Organising Committees. The singles events will be played in two stages. Groups will be confirmed as necessary, and they will compete according to the ‘Round Robin’ system. The first two players of each group will be qualified for the final stage. Players must finish in the final 16 before they could qualify for the National Championship 2014.
Saturday Febuary 01, 2014 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Think of yourself as a marathon runner. You have a very long distance to travel, but the sweetness is not just to be found in crossing the finish line, but rather in relishing all the sights along the way.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Why does being patient have to take so long? quipped one frustrated soul. Could it have been you, Libra? Waiting has never been your strong suit, there's no question about it.
TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) It's time for you to tap in to that inner resource that you have always known existed. Your ability to heal is extraordinary, and there's no point in denying it any longer.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) We all know the adage, "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again." But you can't help feeling that you have tried and tried and tried to no avail. All that is about to change, Scorpio, as you begin to reap the fruits of your labors.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Don't take anything at face value today, Gemini, especially if it involves money. It's likely that a friend or colleague will approach you with a deal that is too good to pass up.
SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) Whatever you want, Sagittarius, you need only ask for it and there is a good chance you will get it. And it's about time, too. It seems you have been working exceptionally hard lately.
CANCER (June 21–July 22) How annoying when work gets in the way of pleasure, but there are times when professional opportunities are simply too good to pass up.
CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) It's time once and for all to tie up all those loose ends of projects left undone. Much as you may dread it, think of it this way, Capricorn: by completing these tasks you clear space for exciting new projects to come your way.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) One disadvantage of attics is that so much junk tends to get stored up there. Today is the day for you to clean house. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) It seems your ship is about to come in, Virgo. At least, the planets seem to think so. Your years of cultivating business relationships will pay off in the form of increased sales or new business opportunities. Congratulations!
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Junk mail and a few telephone solicitations would almost be a welcome relief from the intense communications you've been having with people lately. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) It isn't nearly as bad as you think, Pisces. In fact, things are definitely looking up. Of course, you'll never know that if you refuse to drag yourself out of bed to see for yourself.
The eight cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) on Sunday last extended a helping hand to their counterparts of the newly formed Fyrish Strikers Cricket Club and the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association. The Fyrish Strikers club received a box of cricket balls, a bat, score book, wicket keeping pad and wicket keeping gloves. The Upper Corentyne Cricket Association requested and was granted a complete set of cricket stumps. Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster stated that the RHTY&SC is always willing to assist fellow cricket clubs once funds are available as it strongly believes in assisting others to reach the high level it {RHTY&SC} has reached. The main objective is to assist clubs to get youths to
fulfill their potential on the field and to promote sports as a safe alternative to youths from a life of drugs and crime. Foster urged the newly formed Fyrish Strikers Club to be disciplined at all times, to invest in youths and to remain united in good and bad times. The long standing cricket administrator also praised the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association for its excellent stewardship of the game in their district and described them as a perfect example of productive and visionary leadership. The RHTY&SC since 1995 has assisted over 100 cricket clubs and schools with gears and has also donated sports equipment to other clubs which play circle tennis, chess, table tennis, football, basketball, volleyball as well as indoor games. Representatives of both
organisations expressed their gratitude to the RHTY&SC cricket teams for their assistance and pledged to set high standards on the field of play. They also wished the young players more success in the future. The teams making the donation are the RHT Farfan and Mendes Under-15, Bakewell Under-17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under-19 and Intermediate, Metro Females and Gizmos and Gadgets Under-21 under the Cricket Development Programmes initiative.
Page 30
Kaieteur News
Dennis Rodman says he’d trade places with American held in North Korea WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Former basketball star Dennis Rodman said on Friday he was willing to trade places with Kenneth Bae, an American missionary imprisoned in North Korea, the next time he visits his friend, North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un. Rodman, in a live interview with CNN from a substance abuse rehabilitation facility in the New York City area, said he felt sympathy for Bae’s family. Earlier this month, an agitated, drunken Rodman gave an interview with CNN from North Korea in which he suggested that Bae was responsible for his imprisonment. Rodman, who has made four trips to North Korea, said he knew nothing of Bae’s case when he first mentioned him and still does not. “I have sympathy - I don’t want anyone in any country or anywhere in the world to be hostage for something maybe they did or did not do,” Rodman said in Friday’s interview. “I would do anything ... if they said, ‘We’ll take Dennis
Dennis Rodman (Center) a at Beijing Capital International Airport January 13, 2014. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon Rodman and we’ll let Kenneth Bae go’, you know what? I’d do that, straight ahead. Take me. I would do that.” He also offered to take his CNN interviewer, Chris Cuomo, to North Korea with him. Bae was detained in North Korea in 2012 while leading a tour group and sentenced to 15 years of hard labour for subversion. Rodman was one of the National Basketball Association’s top rebounders during his 1986-2000 career and earned a spot in the Hall of Fame. He played for five
teams and his flamboyant personality, tattoos, body piercings and multi-colored hair at times outshone his skills. On his January trip Rodman took a contingent of other former NBA players for an exhibition game in Pyongyang. He sang “Happy Birthday” at a celebration marking the 31st birthday of Kim, who he called his best friend and a great leader. Rodman checked into the rehab center shortly after returning from North Korea earlier this month.
Guyana crush Ireland by... level, while the 39-yearold Chanderpaul has done it 91 times in List ‘A’ cricket. The openers seemed well set but when three runs away from Guyana’s record opening partnership of 131 between Sewnarine Chattergoon and Krishna Arjune against Trinidad & Tobago in Barbados in 2005, Griffith fell to medium pacer Kevin O’Brian at 129-1 in the 30th over. Griffith, who faced 96 balls and struck five fours and a six in his constrained innings, was stupendously caught by a diving Sorensen at mid-off. Ramnaresh Sarwan is aiming to resurrect his West Indies career after playing 181 ODIs and the stylish righthander pulled O’Brian for six to move into double figures. Chanderpaul who batted 38 overs and faced 113 balls was caught at mid-on, trying to go over the top to O’Brian at 160-2. He failed to capitalize on being dropped off the same bowler on the same score three balls before and his strike rate of less than 70 must be a concern for the Guyana camp. Skipper Christopher Barnwell was promoted ahead of Deonarine and Leon Johnson and found himself with 11 overs to try to push the score on. He once again
responded in entertaining fashion and along with Sarwan whose confidence and array of shots improved as his innings progressed, added 65 in 6.4 over for the third wicket. A stinging straight driven boundary off Murthah from Sarwan was followed by two sixes in the same over from the in-form Barnwell, who hit O’Brian for a massive six before lofting the next ball, a well disguised slower ball, ‘miles’ into the air as O’Brian picked up the third wicket. Barnwell made a cameo 31 from just 15 balls with two fours and three sixes. Sarwan reached his 50 from 46 balls with six fours and a six and celebrated with a gorgeous back cut for four. Sarwan was not finished yet and clobbered O’Brian for a gigantic six and dumped Cusack for two consecutive sixes and a four before Johnson (23*) finished off the over, which cost 21, with a boundary. The last five overs cost 73 runs as Sarwan, who looked back to his best form, injected life into the innings as he and Johnson (27* from 14 balls with 4 fours & a six) put together 76 in an unbroken partnership. When Ireland began their reply Niall O’Brian (4) was LBW to Wintz, who also got
rid of Cusack (12) and Gary Wilson (5), while the lively Beaton trapped Skipper William Porterfield in front before he had scored as the Dutchmen capitulated to 274. Wintz, who appeared tired, was deposited by Kevin O’Brian for two fours and a six in one over as he and Poynter added 59 for the fifth wicket before O’Brian (39) was bowled by Test leg spinner Devendra Bishoo to leave Ireland on 86-5. John Mooney was given LBW when on eight, but the third Umpire deemed Bishoo’s front foot had overstepped the popping crease resulting in a no ball being called. He fell without adding to his score when he was bowled by Veerasammy Permaul at 112-6. Poynter reached his 50 from 63 balls with four fours but was soon run out as Ireland crashed to 143-7 and it was all over bar the shouting. Guyana wrapped up the match with 11.3 overs to spare much to the delight of a small but raucous flag-waving Guyana support group in the stands. The South Americans play Jamaica on Tuesday at the same venue in another Day/Night affair starting at 14:00hrs.
Saturday February 01, 2014
Ecclestone upset by F1 engine woes LONDON (Reuters) Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has dismissed the sport’s new V6 turbo era as “completely unnecessary nonsense” after Renault engine woes sidelined champions Red Bull in preseason testing. Quadruple champion Sebastian Vettel’s team completed just 14 laps in the first three days in Jerez after recurring problems. Other Renault-powered teams have also struggled to do much mileage. The 26-year-old German left southern Spain on Wednesday with just 11 laps under his belt, having spent much of his time watching engineers working on the car. “I am disappointed. I hate saying ‘I told you so’, but I’m disappointed because I did say I told you so and this is what’s happened,” Ecclestone told Reuters of a situation dubbed farcical by some. Ecclestone has long been an opponent of the new and highly complex 1.6 liter power units, with energy recovery systems, which have replaced the old V8s. The new units are more expensive, and in a bid to be greener and more road car relevant the emphasis is on fuel economy with drivers limited to 100kg of fuel compared to around 150kg previously. They also sound very different. Ecclestone said Vettel, with whom he has a warm relationship, was no fan of the new era either. “I know Sebastian is disappointed too because he’s a racer. He likes to race,”
Formula One Chief Executive Bernie Ecclestone leaves the High Court in central London November 6, 2013. REUTERS/Toby Melville said the 83-year-old, who felt the new engine was better suited to endurance or the world touring car championship. “I am upset because last year’s championship, apart from the obvious that Sebastian ran away with things, was still a very good championship. This year I’m quite sure if we’d have left things as they were would have been an even better one.” Vettel won 13 grands prix last season, including a record nine in a row at the end as he wrapped up the title with three races to spare, but the most dominant team of recent years faces a real challenge now. “We had an engine that was perfect, everybody liked
the sound, it was reliable, didn’t cause anybody trouble and was much, much more cheap than what they currently have to use,” said Ecclestone. “People loved the excitement of the noise we’d got before. And now I think that’s all disappeared so I’m disappointed.” Red Bull principal Christian Horner said before the start of testing that the new power units could be so unreliable that half the field may fail to finish in the Australian season-opener in March. Ecclestone said he would wait and see, with the Mercedes and Ferraripowered teams putting in a more consistent amount of mileage. “I’m hoping it’s going to be like a wet race so we’re not going to know who’s going to win. That’s the only thing that’s good,” he said of Melbourne. “I think the cars will be unreliable. So you won’t be able to go to a race and say ‘My God, this guy’s going to win easily’, because you don’t know. And even if somebody is leading a race you can’t guarantee they are going to continue.” The quick-wearing Pirelli tires drew considerable flak last year with the Italian company ultimately forced to make changes after a spate of blowouts and it could be the engine manufacturers’ turn in the spotlight in 2014. “We try to be positive,” said Ecclestone. “In some ways, anything that’s a little bit not too predictable is good.”
$1.7M in prizes as East Bank Football Association launches Stag Beer Premiere League Seven teams will battle for a first prize of $300,000 when the East Bank Football Association kicks off its Stag Beer Premiere League at the Grove Community Centre Ground February 9 next. Activities got underway yesterday morning when Ansa McAl continued to demonstrate a staunch corporate spirit and donated the prize money towards the success of the tournament. President of the East Bank FA, Wayne Francois journeyed to the Beterverwagting office of the sponsor yesterday morning to receive the sponsorship package and was joined by his Assistant Secretary, Noel Harry, and Secretary Franklyn Wilson.
Stag Beer Brand Coordinator (Ansa McAl), John Maikoo handed over the sponsorship package to the football officials and extended good luck wishes to them in their endeavours. “This is our second year of partnering with the East Bank Football Association in our commitment to football development and I must point out that we have always remained committed to the development of the sport,” advocated Mr. Maikoo. Mr. Francois expressed appreciation to his benefactor while pointing out that his organization has benefitted from such largesse since 2010. He said that the organizers are also contemplating two additional venues - Grove,
which has recently undergone rehabilitative works and the Timehri Red ground. The organizers have also disclosed that patrons will be asked to contribute a small entrance fee as against the past when they were allowed free admission. In all, more than M$1.5M has been allocated for organizational work, with the second and third place finishers receiving $150,000 and $100,00 respectively. The fourth place finisher receives $50,000. Participating teams are Herstelling FC, Kuru Kururu Warriors, Grove Hi Tec, Diamond United, Soesdyke Falcons, Timehri Panthers and Mocha Champs.
Saturday February 01, 2014
Kaieteur News
Officials upbeat as 3rd edition of the Scotia Bank/Pepsi School Football Academy launched Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Frank Anthony, expressed general satisfaction at the objectives of administrators of the Scotia Bank/Pepsi Schools Football Academy when representatives of the latter group convened at the Le Meridien Hotel, Pegasus, to launch activities in the 3rd edition of the Scotia Bank/ Pepsi School Football Academy, yesterday morning. The forum was also graced by Chief Education Officer, Olato Sam, President of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Christopher Matthias, DDL Marketing Executive, Sharda Vereen Chand, and Marketing Representative (Scotia Bank), Jennifer Cipriani among other football affiliates. Mr. Anthony reiterated the long held belief of the ability of sports in youth development. He reminisced on a previous edition of the tournament when administrators had enunciated their aspirations for youth development. “From all indications they were not just engaged in empty talks,” noted Mr. Anthony. The Sports Minister further pointed out that though sport now forms a part of the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) not many schools are encouraging their
students to pursue studies in this area. “There must be a paradigm shift where sport is regarded differently; for the development of society,” said Mr. Anthony. He further pointed out the nexus between sports and the containment of non chronic diseases. “We must find that balance between sports and academics; we must find time for physical education,” advocated the sports Minister. Mr. Matthias lauded the efforts of the organizers while pointing out that true development is measured by a country’s input in their youths. He noted that the Academy connotes an institution of learning in keeping with the projections of the ruling football institution, FIFA, the Caribbean Football Union and CONCACAF. “These institutions advocate structures and discipline among youths and since these are the aims and objectives of this initiative you can rest assured that the GFF will render support,” concluded Matthias. Mrs Vereen Chand said that DDL was delighted to once again support the initiative, while explaining the reason for her company’s continued support to the programme; “The projections and aspirations of the
programme fitted into our philosophy of sports development and administrators readily agreed to continue supporting,” explained Mrs Vereen Chand. Ms Cipriani also echoed similar sentiments, “Scotia Bank regards this initiative as a trailblazer and the catalyst to football development in a meaningful way,” she said. The financial executive stressed that she anticipates another year of keen competition. Mr. Sam referred to the tournament as a well structured, well planned and well executed engagement even as he pointed out the collaboration between the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Sport and Culture to foster all round development of the participants. He then suggested further collaboration that would see the students benefitting through the acquisition of scholarships. Ms Brenda Harmon subsequently delivered the vote of thanks. Several individuals and entities joined with the major sponsors and received commendation for their input in the programme including the Guyana Football Referees Council, Guyana Coach’s Association, Guyana Teacher’s Union and students and teachers of the participating schools.
Nike contracts young J’can footballer to 3-year endorsement deal
Craig Butler (left) founder of Phoenix All-Star Academy, looks on as Pedro Boyd (second left) sports marketing specialist of Nike, shakes Leon Bailey’s hand immediately after he signed his endorsement contract at the Spanish Court Hotel on Tuesday (PHOTO: GARFIELD ROBINSON) Jamaica Observer SIXTEEN - year- old Leon Bailey of Phoenix All-Star Football Academy was officially signed to a threeyear endorsement contract by international brand Nike at the Spanish Court Hotel on Tuesday. The Jamaican, who now resides in Holland, will wear
Transfer trends revealed in FIFA TMS annual report FIFA TMS has released its third consecutive annual report covering the international transfer of professional players, with Global Transfer Market 2014 showing that transfer activity rose by four per cent to 12,309 transfers last year for a combined transfer compensation value of USD 3.7 billion. The report provides a unique insight into the patterns and trends that have developed in the international transfer market over the 2013 calendar year from a national, regional and global perspective. This includes compelling analysis of market activity and mobility patterns, transfer fee spending, player characteristics and the involvement of club intermediaries in player transfers. Global Transfer Market 2014 is based on data from the
International Transfer Matching System (ITMS) – an online system that became mandatory for all international transfers of professional male players for eleven-a-side football in 2010. ITMS is a complimentary service that provides support to more than 200 of FIFA’s member associations and around 6,000 clubs. Highlights of the report include: • In 2013, FIFA TMS handled 12,309 international transfers (increase of four per cent on 2012) with a combined transfer compensation value of USD 3.7 billion (increase of 41 per cent). • Brazil, with 1,402 transfers, was again the most active country for both incoming and outgoing transfers. • England spent more than any other country on transfer fees with USD 913 million, representing 25 per cent of
the total. • The average age of players transferred internationally was 25 years and 3 months. • There was an increase of 30 per cent in club intermediary commissions paid, but a decrease in the actual number of transfers involving intermediaries – only 14 per cent compared to 17 per cent in 2012. The information provided in Global Transfer Market 2014 will enable football stakeholders to further develop their understanding of the market. The annual review, available in English for download via the FIFA TMS website from today, is one of the premium services provided by FIFA TMS. These services, which also include country-level market reports and the recently launched Domestic Transfer Matching System (DTMS), are helping the FIFA
Page 31
subsidiary to become selffunding, fulfilling the requirement of the FIFA Congress. This in turn will help FIFA to achieve its longterm goals of bringing greater transparency and understanding to the transfer market and its operation. Two sections of Global Transfer Market 2014 (the ‘Table of Contents’ and ‘Highlights’) are available free-of-charge via the FIFA TMS website. For this year’s edition, FIFA TMS has introduced a new naming system to be in line with similar publications, meaning Global Transfer Market 2014 reflects the year of publication (2014) rather than the year being analysed (2013). It follows on from the Global Transfer Market reports for 2011 and 2012. For more information about FIFA TMS and the reports, please visit: www.fifatms.com/
the Nike brand on and off the field, and it is understood that the contract will also see support going to the Phoenix Academy in the form of equipment and gear. The Jamaica Observer understands that the youngster could earn up to 10,000 euros per year, though no official figure was disclosed by any of the parties. Sports Marketing Specialist of Nike, Pedro Boyd, who is based in Panama, explained to the Observer how the deal came about. “Well, he was seen by a Nike scout in Europe, he was playing some good football there and we developed a contact for him here in Jamaica. The final decision to sign him was made by my international boss and I was asked to come down to make it official. “We are betting on Leon...we are betting on him to be a great player to represent the brand of Nike well and to make Jamaica proud,” he added. The young striker was overcome by the occasion. “I would like to thank Nike for this opportunity to show Jamaica what I have accomplished, what I can do and what is to come in the future. It is really a great feeling standing here knowing that Nike wants to sign me, and I am really thankful to my Phoenix brothers for supporting me and Mr Butler.” Bailey, who attends
school in Europe, said that he became a member of the academy while still attending primary school. “I started when I was seven years old and they were training at Constant Spring. I went over there and started training until I joined in with the club. “At Phoenix anybody is welcome, so even if you are just five years old you can join and they will work with you. We do a lot of work with youngsters because we go to Europe and come back and prepare them, so that they can develop the style and culture of European football,” he said. Founder of Phoenix Academy Craig Butler said it was an honour to see that Jamaican football has evolved. “Leon was a very difficult youngster. He has transformed into an extremely determined, persistent young man. He is a bit cocky sometimes because he believes in himself, but he is truly loved by his fellow players at Phoenix Academy.” Businessman Olivier Arrindell, who is vicepresident and chairman of AVA Transportation Jamaica Limited, has been sponsoring the academy for over six months and urges other corporate businesses across the island to invest in the country and young talent in the sporting arena. Arrindell is soon to initiate a new airline in Jamaica that he plans to utilise in getting a few of the Phoenix Academy players to the World Cup later this year.
Page 32
Kaieteur News
Saturday February 01, 2014
Taylor, Williamson seal 4-0 win
Kane Williamson hits one down the ground. (AFP)
ESPNcricinfo - Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor refused to take their collective foot off India bowlers’ throats, as they took their partnership tally for the series to 463 - which is the highest for a total of four partnerships, and fourthhighest overall - setting India yet another 300-total, which India were always going to find difficult to chase with only two top specialist batsmen in any sort of form. In the process, Williamson set the New Zealand record for most runs in a bilateral series, his 361 being 18 more than Taylor’s, who became only the second New Zealander to have scored 10 ODI centuries. If it was the old firm with the bat, with the ball Matt Henry came out of nowhere to register the third-best debut figures for a New Zealander and consign India to a 4-0 defeat, who are
Matt Henry is ecstatic after dismissing Ajinkya Rahane. (Getty Images) yet to win a match since they began touring in December. It was almost like a contest for the Man-of-theSeries award between Taylor and Williamson, who came together at 41 for 2 in the 13th over. They had added 311 in the three chances they had got to bat together in the series, but this time New Zealand were most desperate for runs from them. And they delivered, forging a 152-run partnership to not only shore them up, but give them the momentum as well. On the other hand, this pitch had something for the bowlers. The outfield was the slowest of the series, and the lush square made piercing gaps difficult. India conceded no boundary in the first over, and the four boundaries that were scored in the first 14 overs involved a certain degree of risk that required the batsmen to go over the
NAGICO Regional Super50 cricket By Sean Devers in Trinidad In Association with Digicel, Carib Beer, Giftland Office Max, Payless Variety Store & Leisure Inn & Car Rentals Playing against Ireland, ICC’s most successful Associate team, Guyana registered only their second 300-plus total in Regional 50-
Ross Taylor punches through point. (AFP)
over cricket and highest score at this level at the Queens Park Oval last night in the NAGICO Regional Super50 competition, surpassing the 282 made by Jamaica on Thursday night. The classy Ramnaresh Sarwan led the assault on the Dutch with a magnificent unbeaten 89 from 62 balls with 10 fours and four sixes which
infield. Taylor began the delightful turnaround with two scorching drives, all along the ground, with one to the left of cover, and the second to the right, in the 15th over. The second of those brought up 250 runs for Taylor in the series. At that point, he was the only one in the New Zealand top seven to have not hit a six in the series. The whole flow of the match turned in that over. Scoring suddenly began to look easy. R Ashwin had to be brought on, and there was nothing for him in the pitch. Williamson frustrated him by using his feet and reaching the pitch of the ball almost every time. On the odd occasion that he was beaten in the flight - like in the 16th over - he recovered well. Runs now came easily with Varun Aaron missing the accuracy of the opening bowlers. When Aaron conceded the
second boundary of the 21st over, the first time that Taylor had gone aerial, the two had brought up another fifty-run stand. Soon Williamson displayed what should be the image of this New Zealand summer: down the wicket, making room, and chipping one over extra cover. This happened for the first time in the 24th over, which took Williamson to within 16 of becoming only the second man to have scored fifties in all the matches of a five-ODI series. The fifty came duly, by which time he had overtaken Taylor, who followed suit and also brought up the hundred of the stand, their third of the series. The 31st over had begun by then, and Williamson now began to break away from Taylor. He swept Ravindra Jadeja either side of fine leg for successive fours before
painting another picture with an inside-out chip. When the Powerplay began, Taylor finally played his first slog of the series, sending Bhuvneshwar Kumar over midwicket for four. In the same over, Williamson ramped over the keeper’s head. Taylor had pulled out an axe, Williamson was going at it with a blade, and India were bleeding profusely. By the time Williamson, with seven wickets in hand over the remaining 12.3 overs, New Zealand were expected to add plenty to their 193 runs. Taylor finally hit his first six of the series, with his beloved slog-sweep that he had put away throughout the series. Shami’s yorkers towards the end restricted the damage, with only 110 in the last 12.3 overs, but you suspected it was more than enough on this pitch and outfield.
Kyle Mills, Mitchell McClenaghan and Henry went on to prove that suspicion right. There were no loose balls on offer, and with the asking rate rising, desperate shots soon began to appear. The third of those, from Ajinkya Rahane, made it 30 for 3 in the 14th over, and although Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni are superb chasers it was really getting too much. Kohli and Dhoni tried to take it deep before going bang, but once Kohli fell for 82 off 78, it was all over with not even half the runs scored in 36.1 overs. For the first time since 2007, New Zealand had blanked a team ranked higher than them, and India were now one short of their longest winless streak in ODIs. Scores: New Zealand 303 for 5 (Taylor 102, Williamson 88) beat India 216 (Kohli 82, Dhoni 47, Henry 4-38) by 87 runs.
Guyana crush Ireland by 114 runs lifted Guyana to 301-3 off 50 overs after Shiv Chanderpaul (79) and Trevon Griffith (62) had built a solid, but slow 129-run foundation. Kevin O’Brian took 3-56. Ireland who have already qualified for the 2015 World Cup, slumped to 27-4 and never recovered with Paul Wintz (3-30), Narsingh Deonarine (2-6) and Ronsford
Officials upbeat as 3rd edition of the... From page 35 regards this initiative as a trailblazer and the catalyst to football development in a meaningful way,” she said. The financial executive stressed that she anticipates another year of keen competition. Mr. Sam referred to the tournament as a well structured, well planned and well executed engagement even as he pointed out the collaboration between the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Sport and Culture to foster all round development of the participants. He then suggested further collaboration that would see the students benefitting through the acquisition of scholarships. Ms Brenda Harmon subsequently delivered the vote of thanks. Several individuals and entities joined with the major sponsors and received commendation for their input in the programme including the Guyana Football Referees Council, Guyana Coach’s Association, Guyana Teacher’s Union and students and teachers of the participating schools.
Beaton (2-41) leading Guyana to a 114-run win as the Irish were bowled out for 187 in 38.3 overs despite a fighting 54 from Andrew Poynter and 39 from Kevin O’Brian. The 33-year-old Sarwan holds both Regional records for most centuries in a season (3 in 2005) and most tons in the competition (4). Man-ofthe-Match Sarwan flourished with an array of scintillating shots and staked an early claim for a trip to Australia and New Zealand for next year’s World Cup. Guyana won the toss in glorious sunshine and batted first after omitting Assad Fudadin, Royston Crandon and Robin Bacchus from their starting line-up. Chanderpaul, who opened with Griffith, has played more 50 overs games for Guyana than anyone else (83) and yesterday on a fast outfield he began in a positive
fashion playing a number of firm, confident shots. The experienced lefthander, who insists he has not retired from ODIs, got going with a deft flick to the fine leg boundary off Max Sorensen. He followed it up with a nonchalant push through mid-on and a perfectly timed square drive off Tim Murtagh for fours. Griffith was not to be left out and with two handsome off drives reached the boundary like scud missiles and the Guyanese, hunting their 10th title and first since 2005, were well placed at 50-0. A scorching straight drive from Chanderpaul almost took Murtagh’s ankle with it to the boundary, but offspinner Andy McBrine and Alex Cusack put the brakes on the scoring with Chanderpaul outscoring the usually more pugnacious Griffith as the run rate dipped.
Chanderpaul literally coached Griffith through his innings and was very animated when the DCC lefthander had his moments of indiscretions. A well timed flick for six by Griffith was as much Chanderpaul’s work as the batsman himself. While Chanderpaul slowed down, Griffith accelerated and as they approached their fifties, they were ‘neck and neck’ with their scoring. A clever late cut from Chanderpaul for four brought up Guyana’s 100 in 23.2 overs, with the second fifty taking 9.2 overs. Chanderpaul was the first of the two to his fifty but it took 71balls and included five fours. Griffith reached his land mark off the next ball, facing 78 balls and striking four fours and a six. This was the second time the 22-year-old Griffith had scored a half-century at this (Continued on page 26)
Saturday February 01, 2014
Kaieteur News
Obama says Super Bowl likely to come down to the last play’
Page 33
BCB commences preparation for 2014 U -15 season
U.S. President Barack Obama addresses employees of General Electric’s Waukesha Gas Engines facility in Waukesha, Wisconsin, January 30, 2014. REUTERS/Larry Downing WA S H I N G T O N (Reuters) - President Barack Obama is not saying who he thinks will win the Super Bowl on Sunday, only that it’s probably going to come down to the last play. The Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks take the field in New Jersey on Sunday to decide the National Football League championship. The Broncos are slight favorites. In a CNN interview taped on Thursday for Friday release, Obama declined to take sides. “I think it’s going to come down to the last play and I think in the end of the day - I’m not going to pick because I don’t want to offend any of the great cities participating,” he said. Seahawks’ star cornerback Richard Sherman has come under fire from football fans for a
televised rant after he made the key play in sealing Seattle’s narrow victory over the San Francisco 49ers two weeks ago to get the Seahawks into the matchup against Denver. Stanford-educated Sherman rose up from humble beginnings in California. “He’s a great cornerback who made a great play and won the game for the Seahawks,” said Obama, who added that Sherman had probably found “a good way to get attention” much like the trash talking that Muhammad Ali used to do as a champion boxer in his prime.Pressed by CNN anchor Jake Tapper on who he thought would win, Obama demurred. “Come on man, I love the state of Washington and I love the state of Colorado,” he said.
The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) commenced their preparation for the upcoming NCN U-15 tournament. Senior Coach Julian Moore conducted a coaching session for U- 15 cricketers in the East Bank/
New Amsterdam/ Canje zone on Tuesday afternoon last at the Cumberland ground. Thirty youths attended the session and were engaged in physical fitness and fielding drills. The clinic will continue from Monday to Thursday
from 15:30-17:30hrs at the Cumberland, Rose Hall Welfare and Berbice High School grounds on a weekly basis. The programme is geared specifically to prepare the respective zone teams for the upcoming NCN U- 15
inter-zone 2 day competition from which players will be selected to represent Berbice in the 2014 U- 15 inter-county competition. Similar sessions are to be executed in the other geographical areas of Berbice.
Page 34
Kaieteur News
Regional one day facts: Bowlers with Hat-tricks As the Regional One Day tournament is underway, Statistician Charwayne Walker takes a look at the outstanding performance of bowlers over the years, specifically in relation to those capturing hat-tricks. Since the inauguration of limited overs cricket in the Caribbean in (1976) six bowlers have achieved Hattricks. The first man that dismissed three batsmen with consecutive deliveries in a Regional one day match is the Leeward Islands (Antigua and Barbuda) Eldine ‘Soca’ Baptiste. Playing in the (1982) Geddes Grant Harrison line finals at the A.R.G in St. John’s against Barbados. ‘Soca’ Baptiste dismissed Desmond Haynes (2), Alvin Greenidge, and Carlisle Best. The Following year (1983) the late Great Malcolm Marshall emulated Baptiste’s feat in a fiery spell against Guyana at the (Mecca) Kensington Oval. The master’s victims were William White, Kamal Singh and Roger Harper. Nine years later in1992
Malcolm Marshall
Eldine Baptiste
Leeward Islands (Nevisian) John ‘the Dentist’ Maynard added his name to the list against Trinidad & Tobago at Grove Park, but is performance was in a losing cause. The next name on the Hat-trick list was leg spinner Rajendra Dhanraj. His Hattrick led Trinidad & Tobago to a memorable nail biting victory in October 1996 against Guyana at GCC Bourda in the Shell Sandals Finals. Dhanraj’s Hat-trick victims were Ramnaresh Sarwan, Kenneth Wong and Roger Harper.
Bourda again was the venue when Keiron Pollard took his Hat-trick against the Leeward Islands in 2008 November. His victims were Wilden Cornwall, Devon Thomas and Justin Athanaze. The last man that took a Hat-trick at the Regional One day Level is Leeward Islands, Antigua & Barbuda leg Spinner Anthony Martin. Playing against the Windward Islands at Sabina Park in October 2010. Martin’s victims were Ly n d e n J a m e s , S h a n e Shillingford and Mervin Matthew.
Saturday February 01, 2014
Star Party Rentals onboard for GSCL Inc. Republic Cup
Floyd Spencer (second from right) presents the sponsorship cheque to Russel Jadbeer in the presence of staff member Kesheka Washington.
NBA roundup: Suns hand Pacers 2nd home loss
Phoenix Suns guard Goran Dragic, centre, shoots between Indiana Pacers guard George Hill, left, and forward David West in the first half of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Thursday, Jan. 30, 2014. (AP Photo) Associated Press Goran Dragic had 28 points and seven assists and the Phoenix Suns handed the Indiana Pacers just their second home loss of the season with a 102-94 victory Thursday night in Indianapolis. Gerald Green and Marcus Morris scored 16 points apiece to help the Suns win their fourth
straight game. Roy Hibbert had 26 points and David West added 18 for the Pacers (3510). Morris hit a 3-pointer with 2:58 remaining to give the Suns a 98-92 lead and Dragic dunked to give the Suns a 100-94 with 44 seconds left. The Suns scored 66 points in the first half — the
most given up by the Pacers in a half this season since the Suns scored 62 on Indiana a week ago in a 124-100 win. Knicks 117, Cavaliers 86 — At New York: Carmelo Anthony and rookie Tim Hardaway Jr. each scored 29 points, J.R. Smith embarrassed a couple of defenders on his way to 19, and New York beat Cleveland for its fourth
straight victory. The Knicks led nearly all the way and wrapped up a 10-6 January after going just 9-21 through the end of December. Warriors 111, Clippers 92 — At Oakland, Calif.: David Lee had 22 points and 11 rebounds, Stephen Curry scored 22 points and handed out seven assists, and Golden State whipped Los Angeles.
Star Party Rentals has thrown their support behind the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc. (GSCL Inc) inaugural Republic Cup which is slated to commence on February 14. The entity at their location at Craig Street yesterday presented a cheque of an undisclosed amount to GSCL. Speaking at the simple ceremony, supervisor Floyd Spencer said they are pleased to be associated with the tournament and extended best wishes to the participating teams. He stated that he hoped the competition will be successful adding that softball cricket is growing rapidly. Upon receiving the cheque, Russell Jadbeer, the Assistant Secretary Treasurer of GSCL, thanked the company for their support. “Star Party Rentals has been assisting us over the years and we are happy to have them onboard once again”, he added. He stated that the competition is expected to be keenly contested since some of the leading teams across the country have
already registered. Jadbeer said that he is hoping that the fans will come out in their numbers and support the games. The launching and draw will occur on Tuesday 11th February at the Guyana National Industrial Corporation Sports Club on Woolford Avenue from 1700hrs. Among the other sponsors so far are: Trophy Stall, Five Star Minerals and Reuben General Store of Bartica, National Sports Commission (NSC), Everest Cricket Club, Memorex Enterprise, Regal Stationery and Computer Supplies and Romaine Car Wash. The competition will be played in two categories, the Open and Masters. Memorex, Regal, Trophy Stall, Wolf Warriors, Speed Boat, Bartica, DVD Titans and Farm are some of the teams that will vie for honours in the open division, while Frontline, Regal, Industry, Savage, Floodlights, Mike’s, Parika Defenders and Success Maters will do battle in the Masters segment.
Saturday February 01, 2014
Kaieteur News
Page 35
Officials upbeat as 3rd edition of the Scotia Bank/Pepsi School Football Academy launched
Minister Frank Anthony joins other officials and students for a photo op shortly after the official ceremony. Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Frank Anthony, expressed general satisfaction at the objectives of administrators of the Scotia Bank/Pepsi Schools Football Academy when representatives of the latter group convened at the Le Meridien Hotel, Pegasus, to launch activities in the 3rd edition of the Scotia Bank/Pepsi School Football Academy, yesterday morning. The forum was also graced by Chief Education O ff i c e r, O l a t o S a m , President of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Christopher Matthias, DDL Marketing Executive, Sharda Vereen Chand, and Marketing Representative (Scotia Bank), Jennifer Cipriani among other football affiliates. Mr. Anthony reiterated the long held belief of the ability of sports in youth development. He reminisced on a previous edition of the tournament when administrators had
enunciated their aspirations for youth development. “From all indications they were not just engaged in empty talks,” noted Mr.Anthony. The Sports Minister further pointed out that though sport now forms a part of the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) not many schools are encouraging their students to pursue studies in this area. “There must be a paradigm shift where sport is regarded differently; for the development of society,” said Mr. Anthony. He further pointed out the nexus between sports and the containment of non chronic diseases. “We must find that balance between sports and academics; we must find time for physical education,” advocated the sports Minister. Mr. Matthias lauded the efforts of the organizers while pointing out that true development is measured by a country’s input in their youths. He noted that the
Academy connotes an institution of learning in keeping with the projections of the ruling football institution, FIFA, the Caribbean Football Union and C O N C A C A F. “ T h e s e institutions advocate structures and discipline among youths and since these are the aims and objectives of this initiative you can rest assured that the GFF will render support,” concluded Matthias. Mrs Vereen Chand said that DDL was delighted to once again support the initiative, while explaining the reason for her company’s continued support to the programme; “The projections and aspirations of the programme fitted into our philosophy of sports development and administrators readily agreed to continue supporting,” explained Mrs Vereen Chand. Ms Cipriani also e c h o e d s i m i l a r sentiments, “Scotia Bank (Continued on page
Stark improvements mooted as amateur boxing Referees /Judges form commission As executives of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) continue to experiment with initiatives and strategies to improve the lot of their charges, several amateur Referees and Judges have been elected to various administrative positions that will examine all aspects of the profession w h i l e m a k i n g recommendations for improvement where necessary. The five-member group
will be chaired by International Amateur Boxing Association (IABA) Referee, Ramona Agard, while Elton Chase is the Vice President. Nicola Yhapp is the Secretary with Richard Braithwaite and Marcelle Daniels as the Committee Members. The group is tasked with the responsibility of examining all aspects of the trade and to make recommendations for the improvements where
necessary. They have been mandated to submit a report to the GBA executive by Sunday afternoon next. Further, the officials were tasked with thoroughly examining the issue of stipend for their services and submit a report to the GBA President. The team also held earlier discussions with Director of Youth and Sports, Neil Kumar and president of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA), K A Juman Yassin.
BCB hosts annual New GPC Tribute to Retired Cricketers Programme Six outstanding retired cricketers from the Ancient County of Berbice with over 100 years of combined experience were honoured by the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) under their annual New GPC Inc. Tribute to Retired Cricketers Programme. Honoured were George Paddy, Desmond Fraser, Jaikarran Balchand, Jude Ramkissoon, Hemant Jagdeo and Mahadeo Hatchmanen. The ceremony was held at the St. Francis Community Developers head office and formed part of the BCB Diamond Jubilee Celebrations. BCB Special Events Committee Chairman, Hilbert Foster in remarks said that the Board strongly believes in saluting all heroes in Berbice cricket. This is the main reason why every year the BCB hosts programmes to honour administrators, umpires, players, coaches and even retired players. Foster praised the retired cricketers for the role they played in laying the foundation for the current generation to benefit. He also expressed gratitude to the management of New GPC Inc. for their continued sponsorship of the programme and the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club for providing additional gifts for the awardees. BCB President and First VP, Keith Foster and Anil Beharry both encouraged the awardees to share their vast experiences with the current generation of players. The BCB President noted that his
Eighty four year-old Jaikarran Balchan (right) receives his award from BCB President Keith Foster. administration intends to make sure that every hero is recognized and honoured as it was very important to let people know that their contributions are appreciated. Beharry said that the Ancient County views each of the awardees as a role model who should be emulated. Jude Ramkissoon was the Captain of the Sisters Cricket Club and an allrounder; Hemant Jagdeo represented Upper Corentyne and in 1984 represented Berbice at the Inter County level; Mahadeo Hatchmanen played for the Chesney Cricket Club in the 1980’s as an all-rounder while Desmond Fraser was a
fast bowling all-rounder with the Vikings Cricket Club and the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club in the 1990’s; George Paddy was a senior member of the then GUYWA Cricket Team and ended his career in 1995 as Captain of the RHTY&SC Second Division side. Eighty-four-year-old Jaikarran Balchan who played cricket for the West Berbice in the 1950’s and rubbed shoulders with West Indies greats, the likes of Basil Butcher, Joe Solomon and Rohan Kanhai were well received by the capacity audience.Under the Tribute to Retired Cricketers Programme, the BCB has to date honoured close to forty heroes.
Ramnaresh Sarwan sends one into orbit during his impressive innings for Guyana.
Shivnarine Chanderpaul acknowledges the applause after adding another half century to his already impressive resume’.
Trevon Griffith played a notable support role at the top to see Guyana brush aside the Irish.
GUYANA CRUSH IRELAND BY 114 RUNS
Stag Beer Brand Coordinator (Ansa McAl), John Maikoo hands over the sponsorship cheque and a football to Secretary Franklyn Wilson in the presence of President of the East Bank FA, Wayne Francois (right) and Assistant Secretary, Noel Harry yesterday.
$1.7M in prizes as EBFA launches Stag Beer Premiere League
Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210