Kaieteur News

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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

An important bond Many Caribbean people continue to wonder if the region will ever achieve its most elusive dream. That dream is for some form of overt political expression of unity. It definitely will take more than Heads of Government meetings and other high level fora to establish such an important bond. CARICOM is both the foundation stone and the driving force behind the regional integration movement. Unfortunately, the community’s progress towards regional integration has been a sluggish crawl, which goes against the grain of recommendations by a long line of acclaimed Caribbean experts in economic strategy and international diplomacy. Such persons have made convincing arguments that the best path to sustainable economic development of the Caribbean is through the systematic economic and political merger of the CARICOM states, the sooner the better. The rationale for Caribbean integration is clear and precise; indeed, it has become even more compelling today because of the shift in the world economic order towards more international competitiveness through globalisation. This has led to widespread trade liberalization, but also to unprincipled competition and unfair trading practices victimizing the vulnerable economies of poor nations. CARICOM states face inexorable pressure to open their markets while rich nations and their trading blocs have moved to prop up their local industries by reducing Caribbean imports. Nothing could be clearer than the benefits of CARICOM states merging into a single market and economy. Individually, with their minuscule human and natural resources, they simply cannot match the economies of large scale enjoyed by their competitors in the world market. Their domestic markets are limited, their unit costs for public administration, social services and economic infrastructure are high because of the small populations served, and there is a severely limited pool of skilled human resources. Simply put, they lack the skills, infrastructure and funds for development, while at the same time many are saddled with overwhelming foreign debts incurred over decades of unfavourable trade imbalances. These are serious impediments in an increasingly competitive world economy. Yet, small CARICOM states could significantly reduce the handicap of small size through a greater skills pool and broader resource base. Furthermore, harmonizing the sourcing and distribution of external inputs, unifying civil services and synchronizing critical financial investment, health, education and security services, could consolidate these advantages. This would present a united CARICOM front against the economic pressures of rich nations and their trading blocs. Moreover, such economic cooperation could be the catalyst for some form of CARICOM political union; perhaps this would be the ultimate expression of the psychological and cultural bonds of the Caribbean people. Despite these plausible push-factors, there has been noticeable regional disillusionment with the integration process. Some of this has been transparently political in nature; some politicians and political parties in some states evidently see the regional integration movement as a threat to their partisan interests. Other areas of unease are related to troubling social and economic issues. For example, in some states ethnic minorities who already feel marginalized, like the region’s indigenous peoples, are concerned that in a larger regional body they might drop off the radar altogether. Additionally, there are serious economic concerns, such as the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) indicating reservations about the benefits the CSME would bring to their nations, in light of the increasingly unfavourable balance in intra-regional trade against the OECS nations. Nevertheless, CARICOM still has the clout to press for the fulfillment of the elusive dream of full Caribbean economic and political unity and, by extension, true Caribbean freedom. We all hope that in the not too distant future, the various forms of discussion yield results that bring Caribbean unity closer, rather than new sources of discontent.

Friday April 10, 2015

Letters... Where your views make the news

A government that operates as a miscreant can deny the authority of local democratic organs DEAR EDITOR, In a preview to its manifesto pledges for the upcoming general and regional elections, the PPP stated in relation to governance and more particularly local democracy, inter alia, the following: “We remain committed to inclusive and participatory governance, … We are committed to holding as early as possible Local Government Elections (LGE) to address all issues of l o c a l d e m o c r a c y, a n d expand the collaboration between local government bodies and community development groups.” The party’s statement goes on to say that (if reelected) it will see that LGE are held before June 2016 (‘PPP/C pledges to up corruption battle’, SN, April 6, 2015). Why would anyone, however, want to believe

anything that the PPP has to say regarding local democracy and local government? After all, in their manifesto for the 2011 elections they pledged that if reelected they would hold LGE within one year. The passing of time exposed that promise to be worthless and more hollow than a p r o s t i t u t e ’s p l e d g e o f fidelity. The PPP’s duplicity and hypocrisy, however, needs to be exposed. It needs to be recognized that while periodic LGE are a prerequisite to local democracy as defined by the Constitution, by and of itself, it is not a guarantee of same. A central government that is prepared to operate as a miscreant and one bent on domination and control can use its position to deny the authority of local democratic organs and thereby local

democracy, as the PPP administration is guilty of. A simple illustration ought to suffice to highlight the above. It relates to the Local Government Commission (LGC). The need for such a commission was identified by consensus in the 7th Parliament and following the upheaval accompanying the 1997 elections. It resulted in a new Constitutional provision being enacted in 2001, i.e. Article 78. A., dictating the establishment of a LGC, duly empowered to deal with “all matters related to the regulation and staffing of local government organs.” Despite enjoying a parliamentary majority since 2001, legislation to bring into being a LGC had to wait for more than a decade with the Local Government Commission Act only coming into force on

November 6, 2013. But wait, the PPP’s tricks was far from over, as the Act requires a ‘Commencement Order’ from the Minister of Local Government for it to come into operation! Another sixteen months has passed and this statutory body remains stillborn, a victim of a miscreant midwife. How about another pledge from the PPP? On March 15, 2012, Local Government Minister Norman Whittaker declared in Parliament that “We want to hold Local Government Elections today; tonight”! Yes, that was more than three years ago! Deceiving the public is now standard fare for the PPP and their Ministers. Meantime, in the past three years Minister Whittaker and his discredited predecessor (Continued on page 31)

I remember a different ‘Kit’ Nascimento from the one that got the brunt of Freddie’s column DEAR EDITOR, I remember a different “Kit” Nascimento from the one that got the brunt of Freddie Kissoon’s column (Kaieteur News, April 7, 2015). I hesitated to pen this differing opinion, not ever wanting to get on the bad side of the columnist. But the urge kept pestering me. Like Mr. Kissoon, I do not particularly share the politics of Mr. Nascimento, but I stand in awe of his skills.Let me cite some examples and then some. Wa y b a c k ( l a t e 50s/early60s) Premier Cheddi Jagan had to ban “Kit” Nascimento from his weekly press conferences. There might be good reason for that action but we all know the real reason was that “Kit” stole the Premier’s thunder at every meeting. As listeners to the live radio broadcast (there was no television in British Guiana then) we listened with rapt attention when “Kit” spoke, and many tuned in just for him. If he was that good then, how much better is he now! Burnham’s book “A Destiny to Mould” was not written by Burnham but compiled, edited, and put together by “Kit” Nascimento and R.A. Burrowes. This is the only written book-form legacy of our first and unforgettable president, thanks in part to “Kit” Nascimento. When the Jonestown

horror burst upon the world, it was “Kit” Nascimento that was rushed to the United States to face the international media that descended on the Guyana office there. This was a moment for crisis management like no other, and Mr. Nascimento did not disappoint. Due to him, Guyana was spared the dark third-world forebodings the world had presumed. It seems to me that a seasoned professional like Mr. Nascimento doesn’t need the dapper dress and appearance suggested for a media and PR man. Those trappings are more required by newbies and the unaccomplished to boost

their positions. “Kit” is above that. His expertise and experience and, most importantly, the perception of him by his clients allow him to frown upon “Alan Flusser pinstripe trousers, Kenneth Cole shirts, Gucci loafers, Armani neckties, and Guy Laroche cologne.”He can rightly blaze his own trail. I do not know Mr. Nascimento personally, nor have I ever met him. I was happy to hear that he still has that distinguished and distinguishing accent that makes you listen up once he takes the mike. It doesn’t surprise me that he is “the media consultant for a number of important state

sector institutions, private sector organizations and the tourism industry.” “Kit” survives regardless of which party is in government. And in the pursuit of excellence the more there will be a premium for the services of the likes of him. I do not think “after the election … Nascimento would become a forgotten relic.” There will always be those who want quality and are willing to pay for it. I guess, regardless of time, place, season, or climate, you just can’t keep a good man down, even when nearing his nineties. P. D. Sharma Los Angeles, CA

Do the right thing, follow the Guyana constitution DEAR EDITOR, It has been brought to my attention there are individuals on the recent published lists of candidates who potentially could to be members of Guyana National Assembly, if selected by the various criteria of the political parties who submit the names. According to TITLE 2 PARLIAMENT (Disqualifications for elections as members) ARTICLE 155 (1), no person shall be qualified for selection as a member of the National Assembly who: (a) Is, by virtue of his own act, under any acknowledgement of allegiance, obedience or adherence to a foreign power or state: The dilemma is we cannot as a means of knowingly and intentionally upon convenience, be speaking about a

commitment to follow the rule of law in one volume of air intake, and in the immediate and subsequent air intake volume which is completely confounded with being potential members of our Parliament, who need to set examples for all Guyanese to uphold the law, by some mystery, find refuge under an extremely fragile and porous carpet, as rule of law violators. So those on the lists who have foreign passports, not only should you examine your inner character or teacher, consult with the model relative to your self-serving role at the moment to your constituents, and to a wider extension the people of Guyana, then you should be ashamed of your selves, and no doubt would find that courage do the right thing, follow our Constitution. Charles L. Griffith

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Kaieteur News

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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news

Police doing nothing about this Jagan lives in APNU+AFC noise nuisance at Soesdyke DEAR EDITOR, For most residents of Soesdyke, impending weekends bring feelings of dread and disdain as we brace ourselves for sleepless nights. If you have ever been to Soesdyke you would fall in love with the idyllic lifestyle, sprawling lots, smiling faces, and scenery; by all appearances it’s the perfect place to live...but it’s far from paradise and those that endure the constant torture are crying out for help. Every weekend , the peace is ruptured by loud street parties held at a ‘wash bay’ not far from the junction (Christmas, Diwali, Phagwah, Easter etc) and although concerned residents have repeatedly reported the noise nuisance to the Police Station, they seem powerless to act. This has been the situation for the last few months. On two occasions in the past month, calls were made to the Timehri Police Station and subsequently to Brickdam Police Station after the noise levels increased past midnight; the party eventually ended after 4:00 am that morning. We can clearly see when the Police Patrols arrive at the party and subsequently leave, after this happens the music level escalates. There are elderly people and new born babies in the village who suffer the most as a result of the pounding music coming for the wash

bay, not to mention the hardworking women who have to wake at 3am to travel to the market. On Phagwah night we summoned the Police all the way from Brickdam who promised to send a patrol; they arrived and left a short while after. We reported this and the station sergeant admitted that there was nothing else she could do. This speaks volumes, imagine we are living in a society where those sworn to serve and protect admit there are powerless. One would ask why we did not just call the Timehri Station- I believe the ranks stationed there were in attendance! To the best of my recollection there is a law that governs this sort of event. And permission is granted until midnight. The police need to enforce this. In this village there is an exception. Clearly there is corruption afoot and it appears as though someone very influential is playing host. There was another soiree last week, after visits to Brickdam Station and a collection of phone numbers, ranks advised us to call if the music went past midnight. Once again the party went till after 4 am and no police materialised. Studies are beginning to reveal that noise-related stress can negatively affect our health and wellbeing, sometimes significantly so.

According to a recent report from the World Health Organization, noise pollution is causing hearing problems such as tinnitus, causing disturbed sleep, and triggering stress hormones which can play a major role in many illnesses. I believe it is safe to say that the residents of Soesdyke are stressed out and sick of the inaction by the Guyana Police Force and we are powerless against the drug users flocking the party and those party goers that defile our homes with urine and litter the parpets. Dear Editor, I apologise for the rambling but we are at our wits end and those sworn to serve and protect are either bribed or blind ( I have never seen a blind man drive). I hope there is some help coming our way. A.M Singh

DEAR EDITOR I refer to Dr Luncheon’s letter SN 7th April ’15, and I quote from the penultimate paragraph ‘’Burnham held on to his policies and doomed Guyana. He died in office. It is a great pity that Mr Granger’s dreams of Burnham policies did not die then too.’’ President Jagan also died

in office and his dreams died then too, not by a mere wish of Dr Luncheon, but rather b y h i s P a r t y ’s a c t i v e mismanagement and corrupt practices. But, come close of Polls May 11, Guyana will hope and dream again, compliments of David Granger and Moses Nagamootoo. It will hope for

a clean, lean and mean Government and dream of a united and prosperous Guyana, knowing it will be achieved. Hallelujah! Jagan’s hope is alive and his dream lives on, fortified nand actively promoted by APNU +AFC. Put that in your pipe and smoke it Bro. Celebrant

PPP, can you come to Diamond Cinema Street? DEAR EDITOR, I pen this letter with great frustration and the same anger that I have to traverse Diamond Cinema Street daily to ply my trade. It is as if you have to ride waves and valleys to get from one point to another and no one seems to be bothered in authority. The NDC are as toothless and carefree as they come.

Just on the outskirts is the newly built public road and as you enter this back street all get disgusted as you have to endure bump and ride and damages to your vehicle. I recently noticed around the Kitty Market area where the PPP rally was kept was literally transformed over a week. I wonder why? Can you exercise the same power

and authority when you come to galvanise votes in this area? We need the infrastructure. Resident

Friday April 10, 2015

Kaieteur News

Kamla concerned about possibility of terrorist threats to the Caribbean KINGSTON, Jamaica CMC - Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, says she is very concerned of the threat of terrorism, not only for her country, but for the entire Caribbean region. Speaking ahead of yesterday’s meeting of CARICOM leaders with US President, Barack Obama, the Prime Minister said Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica both co-sponsored the United Nations resolution last September in New York, to deal with threats in the Middle East. As lead Prime Minister on crime and security in the region, she the terrorism threat is one matter she intends to raise at the meeting with the US President. “We are very concerned and we will do all we can to work in partnerships to deal with narco trafficking, transnational organized crime, which is human trafficking and trafficking in arms, and trafficking in drugs. Now there is another serious threat to the region and that has to do with the threats coming from the terrorist groups in the Middle East. “You may have seen the latest UN report and others reports coming in where Trinidad and Tobago and the region are being identified as an area from which persons are moving to fight in those terrorist areas. “For those of us who signed on to the resolution, it gives us great benefits and help in the fight against terrorism, because one, nation-

Kamla Persad-Bissessar als may be leaving to go, there are others who are coming from other parts of the region and passing through Trinidad and Tobago as a trans-shipment, if you like. “One part is that people are actually going, the more dangerous and equally dangerous is if they are returning, having been there, and having been training and exposed. “Having signed on to that resolution, we have a little more protection, because of the cooperation and partnership that would have taken place relating to the sharing of information, sharing of intelligence, that comes on a global scale. Should such persons attempt to re-enter, we may have greater knowledge or forewarning of such re-entries. “I am most concerned not just for Trinidad and Tobago, but for the region, and at the last CARICOM Heads, I raised the issue very seriously. Heads did take it on,

some may feel it is not for their specific country at this time, but that is a threat…..it is facing the world. “And who are we, as small nation states, where are borders are porous, that is why narco trafficking happens so often in our region. It is important that we band together, and CARICOM has made those decisions that we would work and partner together. “President Obama’s visit at this time is also very vital and important as we cement those partnerships and I am looking forward to that. Yes, I am concerned but it is not something we cannot overcome once we commit to working together, once we commit to share information and intelligence from any one of the islands to the nation states.” On Wednesday, the CARICOM Heads met in caucus to discuss issues ahead of the meeting with the president.

Treasurer of Brazil’s top party testifies in corruption case SAO PAULO (AP) — The treasurer of Brazil’s ruling Workers’ Party yesterday told a congressional panel investigating the kickback-corruption scheme engulfing statedowned oil company Petrobras that all the donations made to his party during last year’s political campaign were perfectly legal. Joao Vaccari, who has been charged with corruption and money laundering, told the committee that the donations received by the party were registered at, and approved by, the Supreme Electoral Court. According to federal prosecutors, the scheme involved the alleged payment of at least $800 mil-

Joao Vaccari lion in bribes and other funds by big construction and engineering firms in return for

inflated contracts with Petrobras. Part of that money allegedly went to the Workers Party and other top parties for political campaigns. Va c c a r i ’s t e s t i m o n y was briefly interrupted when a man released several brown mice in the hearing room. Security personnel quickly rounded them up and the session resumed. At the session broadcast live by the Globo TV network, Vaccari said he never discussed the party’s finances or donations with former Petrobras executive Pedro Barusco, who has acknowledged his involvement in the scheme. Barusco last m o nth said he had discussed the payment of bribes with Vaccari.

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WHAT SKILLS DO WE NEED AS A NATION? What skill set should a government promote through the offering of scholarships? This was one of the incidental issues arising out of the discourse so far on the handling of the scholarship issue for Guyana’s top CSEC student for 2014. One comment contended that a country should issue scholarships to deserving students, but in fields that Guyana’s development demands. But just what are those fields that Guyana’s development demands? The letter sent by the Public Service Ministry to Guyana’s top CESC student indicated that the scholarship offer was not just limited to Guyana, China and Cuba, but also to the fields of Engineering, Dentistry and Human Medicine, all of which are science fields. So what would have been the outcome if that young child had wanted to pursue law like the former President of Guyana Forbes Burnham? What if she had wanted to become an economist like former President Bharrat Jagdeo and the incumbent President Donald Ramotar? What if she had wanted to do History like David Granger or Manpower Development like one government Minister? Would she be disqualified from the scholarship that she toiled so hard to achieve simply because her field of study was not in the STEM discipline? What are the skills that the country needs? Does a country have no need for those who study philosophy, business sciences, history, literature or even art and music? What if someone won the top scholarship in the country but wanted to study liberal arts? Would that person be denied their entitlement on the grounds that the field of study they are pursuing is not one demanded by the country’s development? I believe that a country needs its historians, its philosophers, its economists and the arts just as much as it needs those who specialize in the so-called ‘technical” disciplines of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). And in this regard, I have a heavyweight in my corner. Fareed Zakaria, one of the best known commentators in the West has written a book on the importance of a liberal arts education. He has also scripted a number of articles in which he has emphasized the value of a liberal arts education towards economic development. I want to recap some of the things Zakaria has said to reinforce my view, that a country should try to promote a broad range of skill

sets and thus by implication should not restrict scholarships to deserving students, only to the STEM disciplines. In a column entitled, “Why America’s Obsession with STEM Education is Dangerous”, published in the Washington Post, Zakaria, using historical data, makes a strong and compelling case that one of the reasons why the United States has led the world in economic dynamism, innovation and entrepreneurship, is because of the broad-based education that it offers. He asserts that this broadbased education, which includes liberal arts, helps to foster critical thinking and creativity. It also exposes its subjects to a variety of fields and produces synergy and cross-fertilization. According to Zakaria, “No matter how strong your math and science skills are, you still need to learn, think and even write. I have seen many a brilliant person, many an experienced hand unable to

achieve their full potential, simply because they lacked problem-solving skills and even more so when they lacked the ability to write and write well. This is one of the reasons why I believe that all university students should be required to do courses in English, and in creative and academic writing, as part of their tertiary education. And just to illustrate his point about the value of a broad-based education Zakaria gave the example of Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook. Zuckerberg studied ancient Greek in primary school and majored in philosophy at university. His development of Facebook brought together his love of computers and his understanding of the human person based on his training in psychology. He synergized those skills and produced a billion-dollar global empire. That is the value of broadbased education and that is the value of an education in the liberal arts. If we in

Guyana still do not appreciate that at this stage of our development, it is no wonder that we are telling the brightest and best amongst us that they should set their sights on technical training in

China, Cuba and at the University of Guyana. One thing though, if they opt for the former two, China and Cuba, they need to study languages, which are part of the liberal arts. Point made!

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Kaieteur News

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=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

The PPP commits electoral suicide every day since the campaign began I am told that there are all types of foreign consultants in Guyana doing work for the PPP’s election campaign. In the area at Turkeyen, where I live, people have told me there is a house about a minute walk from my home, where some American operatives are based. The house is owned by the politician who built a swimming pool at Leonora and is managed by a Regent Street businessman who has

the name of a once famous icon of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). I have been reliably informed that these Americans are involved in consultancy work for the PPP’s election campaign. The opposition coalition unity team need not worry. Hypothetically speaking, a rapist will not win an election. A wife killer cannot win an election. A child molester

cannot win an election. A party that puts up a fourteenyear-old candidate as president cannot win an election. Such is life. No genius can change that. If Einstein was alive today and he supports a candidate who was once jailed for pushing an old lady under a train, that candidate would fail. Whoever are these American guys working out from the building near to where I live is for the press to investigate, but they cannot save what cannot be salvaged. The PPP stumbles from one mistake to another and these flaws are huge and humongous. Who advises Donald Ramotar? Every day since this campaign began the PPP has been committing hara-kiri. If it is not an asinine blunder, it is an insane mistake or an immoral outrage. It doesn’t stop. It will not stop. It will last until the day of voting and it will disembowel the PPP. Even the so-called golden girl is not exempted. Elisabeth Harper, like Jagdeo, like Ramotar, will be the untergang of the

PPP on May 12 when the ballots are counted. For this column, we start with the announcement by Ramotar that if reelected he will establish an anticorruption committee. What an imbecilic thing to say. What a self-destructive thing to say. It was best if Ramotar did not mention this thing, because it opens him up to extreme ridicule. Corruption has destroyed the moral fabric of the entire PPP edifice. It began under Jagdeo and continued under Ramotar. The evidence is overwhelming. The overnight majestic swimming pools, the overnight mansions, the barefaced skimming off of contractors’ fees, the foreign bank accounts, the drug connections, the moneylaundering activities, the sexual crimes associated with debauched lifestyles all provide evidence. Yet from 1999 when Janet Jagan handed over power to the present time, not even one second level leader of the PPP has been dismissed or charged much less the sharks at the top of the pyramid. Jagdeo, to justify this

morbid ostentatiousness on the part of the cabal he created inside the government, pointed to the fancy house of Dr. Cheddi Jagan. In other words, Jagdeo was covering up mansions built with corrupt money by saying that even Cheddi Jagan lived in style. Suddenly an election is on and Ramotar will set up an investigating committee if reelected. Even a donkey would turn to Ramotar and ask why after May 2015 and not before. But there are more laughs you can throw in the face of Ramotar by asking him what makes him want to look at corruption. Surely, something had to happen for him to want to investigate corruption after he is reelected. Ramotar must have seen or heard about corruption to want to have it confronted after the PPP wins next month. If the answer is that Ramotar knows about corruption and it is bothering him, then this man has to be a complete fool to want to do something about it after a general election rather than before. The emptiest simpleton in the world can tell Ramotar

Frederick Kissoon that he, Ramotar, stands to gain more by investigating corruption before the May elections rather than after. An election is around the corner, people are watching you, people want you to do good, decent things so they can vote for you. It is commonsense, then, that you do so. And it is almost scientific that when you do so, you will gain more votes, because voters believe you will be a better president? There are only two reasons why Ramotar has descended to such a moronic level. One is that he is a stupid person who cannot see that anti-corruption action will gain him votes. Or alternatively, he thinks this nation is a pack of asses so they are incapable of seeing that he is conning them with his announcement of an anticorruption committee. Are Guyanese asses?

Dem boys seh...

Jagdeo meet he meetah Old people seh you mustn’t let people wash dem mouth pun you. That mean that people shouldn’t talk bad things about others, but Jagdeo, that young devil, don’t listen to wha old people seh, suh he got every Tom, Dick and Harrilall washing dem mouth pun he. Chris Ram decide to carry him to court and he, Jagdeo, get a old lawyer who decide fuh cuss like dem old wash out done away whore. De lawyer write a statement and seh that he notice that Ram got an unnatural attraction fuh Jagdeo. Dem two words ‘unnatural attraction’ mean that Ram want Jagdeo in an unnatural compromising way-in simple layman language, it means Jagdeo got to lie down pun he belly. Dem boys seh that this thing nah come over as no big surprise. Is years now people

use to hear this thing ‘bout Jagdeo and he unnatural attraction and style. Dem boys never see fuh demself, but it look like he lawyer know more, and hear more than anybody else fuh write such a statement. Now Jagdeo find heself in trouble. He did carry people to court and sit down and laugh. Now people carrying him to court, suh he deh in more trouble than he ever see. Dem boys always remember wan old man seh “Help someone when they are in trouble and they will remember you when they are in trouble again.” De lawyer will definitely see Jagdeo again, because he got nuff more trouble fuh end up in. Dem boys also remember another old man seh, “Many people are alive today, only because it is illegal to shoot dem.” Talk half and no violence, please.

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Kaieteur News

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High Court responsible for qualification of Parliamentary members - GECOM legal advisor GECOM says the Supreme Court has exclusive jurisdiction with regard to who may qualify to sit in the National Assembly The Supreme Court has “exclusive jurisdiction” with regard to who may qualify to sit in the National Assembly. This is according to Article 163 (1) which speaks to all issues of eligibility in relation to elections. Concerns were expressed in the public over several political figures having dual citizenship, thus contradicting Article 155 (1) (a) of the Constitution which states that they must not be committed to another government. The Article states that “No person shall be qualified for election as a member of the National Assembly who - is, by virtue of his own act, under any acknowledgement of allegiance, obedience or adherence to a foreign power or state...” The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has stated however that it is not within their authority to ensure the adherence to this law since the Constitution gives the High Court that “exclusive jurisdiction.”

The elections body’s legal advisor, Juanita Barker referred this publication yesterday to Article 163 (1) before explaining that neither of the Articles (155 or 163) speaks to the issue of dual citizenship. She established that the issue can be viewed differently, since in her estimation one could pledge allegiance and not have citizenship. Regardless of how the matter is viewed, Barker pointed out that attention must be paid to Article 163 on any matter of eligibility. Article 163 states that, “Subject to the provisions of this article, the High Court shall have exclusive jurisdiction to determine any question - (a) regarding the qualification of any person

to be elected as a member of the National Assembly; - (b) whether (i) either generally or in any particular place, an election has been lawfully conducted or the result thereof has been, or may have been, affected by any unlawful act or omission; (ii) the seats in the Assembly have been lawfully allocated; (iii) a seat in the Assembly has become vacant; or (iv) any member of the Assembly is required under the provisions of article 156 -(2) to cease to exercise any of his functions as a member thereof; (c) regarding the filling of a vacant seat in the Assembly; or (d) whether any person has been validly elected as Speaker of the Assembly from

among persons who are not members thereof or, having been so elected, has vacated the office of Speaker.”

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Kaieteur News

Brother of executed vendor detained Police have detained the brother of 31-year-old Quincy Bowman, who was slain execution-style in Festival City last Monday. The sibling was reportedly taken into custody on Wednesday, but Kaieteur News was unable to ascertain why he is being held. Bowman, a clothes and cosmetics vendor, had lived with his brother at Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara. The sibling has said that he went out around 21.00 hrs on Saturday, leaving Bowman at home. Bowman was shot in the

back of the head at around 04.00 hrs on Easter Monday on a bridge in Nutmeg Street, Festival City. Speculation is that the victim, who only returned from French Guiana last December, was lured or forcibly taken to the spot. Residents recalled hearing two gunshots at around 04.00 hrs. They then heard the sound of a motorcycle leaving the area. Bowman was subsequently found lying motionless on the bridge. Police managed to identify the slain man after using a cell

Passengers escape with minor injuries after bus overturns The overturned bus

Quincy Bowman phone they found in his pockets to contact his acquaintances.

Girl, 15, allegedly sexually assaulted in lockups A police constable stationed at the Amelia’s Ward Outpost has been placed under close arrest, following allegations that he had sex with a 15-year-old girl who had been detained for wandering. Police sources said that the rank was taken into custody at the Tactical Services Unit on Wednesday after turning up at the Brickdam Police Station with

- Cop under close arrest an attorney. An official from the Child Care and Protection Agency (CPA) confirmed yesterday that the Agency is also investigating the matter. Kaieteur News understands that the teen, and another juvenile, were detained about a month ago for wandering. A magistrate

Friday April 10, 2015

reportedly subsequently ordered that the girls be sent to the New Opportunity Corps. But according to sources, they were kept for several weeks in the lockups at the Amelia’s Ward Outpost. It is during this period that the constable allegedly had sex with one of the minors. A female sergeant at the location reportedly got wind of the incident and reported it to her superiors. However, the rank was only arrested last Wednesday.

Passengers in a route 40 minibus were fortunate to escape with minor injuries last evening after the vehicle overturned on Vlissengen Road after hitting a car that was travelling in the same direction. “I am really thankful to be alive,” were the words of the car’s occupant, Editor-inChief of the Guyana Chronicle Newspaper, Mark Ramotar, a few minutes after the accident. Ramotar was driving south along the thoroughfare when his Toyota Verossa was struck by the bus. According to Ramotar, he was just about to turn east into Lama Ave, Bel Air Park, when the other

driver undertook him and the bus hit the front left wheel of his car and toppled. Fortunately all the passengers escaped unhurt. Neither Ramotar nor the bus driver sustained any injuries. However, even though from all indications the bus driver was at fault, he apparently failed to acknowledge his errant ways as he behaved in a less than civil manner. Scores converged at the scene. Amongst those gathered there were expressions that the bus driver is a known “wild oats.” Persons from the area would have been familiar with the bus as it works that route.

“Duh is not de bus that recently spray over?” “Is nah duh bus de hit Trevor?” “Oh gosh this man again? He got to know nuff people in big places!” were some of the remarks heard at the scene. Indeed, the driver seemed like a “regular” as he handled the entire situation quite calmly. He appeared to have been quite au fait with certain procedures…”come we got to turn it over (the bus) before the tow truck come, y’all mek sure you secure the computer box.” The driver remained unidentified as he refused to speak to the media. He also removed the number plates from his bus.

Obama touts clean energy in bid to restore... From page 3 of history," Jamaican Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller told Obama after their talks, praising him for his Cuba outreach. As the first U.S. president to visit Kingston since Ronald Reagan in 1982, Obama faces the challenge of convincing Caribbean island leaders that Washington is genuinely reengaging after a long period of perceived neglect of its smaller, poorer neighbours. Crowds assembled along the route of Obama's motorcade yesterday morning to watch and snap photos. "It is a great pleasure to visit Jamaica, known for its beauty and the extraordinary spirit of its people," Obama wrote in a guestbook at Jamaica House where he was met

by Simpson Miller. During his 24-hour visit Obama attended a meeting of the 15-member Caribbean Community, of Caricom, to discuss energy, security and trade. His meeting with Simpson Miller focused on improving energy security, reducing energy costs, and fighting climate change, the White House said, announcing a $20 million facility to encourage investment in clean energy projects. The United States will also partner with Caribbean and Central American countries on energy sector reform, regional integration and clean energy projects. Some analysts say a key reason why Washington is suddenly paying attention to the Caribbean Basin is, it wants to wean the islands off

dependence on cut-rate Venezuelan oil that Caracas has long used to wield influence in the region. Many Caricom members participate in Venezuela's discounted PetroCaribe oil programme, but Caracas now finds itself in growing economic distress due to low oil prices. "The dependence in the last decade on subsidized oil imports that are starting to go away will have pretty big macro-economic effects," said Daniel Restrepo, Obama's former top adviser for Latin America. The Obama administration launched the Caribbean Security Energy Initiative last year. In January Vice President Joe Biden hosted Caribbean leaders in Washington to discuss alternative energy sources such as wind and solar. Jamaica's Energy Minister Phillip Paulwell, was quoted in local media saying any deals with the United States did not mean Jamaica was distancing itself from Venezuela. "We do intend to

maintain our strong relationship with Venezuela as we build on this new area of relationship with the United States," Paulwell told The Gleaner. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has made clear he will confront Obama this week at the Summit of the Americas over new U.S. sanctions against Venezuelan officials. While Maduro may try to upstage the rapprochement between Washington and Havana which threatens to undermine his longstanding alliance with Castro, he's likely to get push-back from regional leaders who welcome better U.S.-Cuba relations. "The thaw between Washington and Cuba trumps all other issues," said Michael Shifter, president of the InterAmerican Dialogue think tank in Washington. "However close Havana's ties with Venezuela are, I don't think the Cubans want to do anything to upset Obama's new Cuba policy."

Friday April 10, 2015

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Container falls off truck in Charlestown

Friday April 10, 2015

Giftland Mall promises to be ‘entertainment capital’

From right; Christian Bautista, Property Manager of Giftland Mall; Roy Beepat, President; Moen Persaud, Shareholder; Monica Beepat, Director and Wayne Clarke, General Manager The container at Broad and Saffon Streets Scores of people flocked the busy Broad & Saffon Streets, Charlestown intersection to catch a glimpse of a container, which had fallen off of a truck at approximately 15:00 hrs yesterday. The container belongs to Richard Jaisingh & Sons Company. One of the company’s mechanics, who identified himself as Shawn Singh, said that the company was yet to confirm where the container was being transported. The driver of the vehicle, who was said to be employed with “De Emperor Trucking Service”, was nowhere to be seen, and reports reaching

this newspaper indicate that he fled soon after the incident. A male eyewitness told Kaieteur News, “the truck driver was coming at a fast speed as he was approaching the turn”. He said that as soon as the truck began to turn onto Saffon Street “the container flew off.” Another man said that he was sitting in his car when he heard the impact. “I was sitting in my car and all I hear was “BLAM! And when I turn around, the container was on the road.” Many of those who live in and work in proximity to the scene of the incident, expressed concern at the fact that most persons driving

container trucks take advantage of that particular turn. “Speeding on this turn is a regular thing for them; they don’t ever take their time” one man explained. He added that persons are becoming more and more concerned about their safety, since “at the rate these drivers going, a container could fall on anybody car or somebody walking on the road, and they could lose their life.” Questions of how effective the body charged with ensuring that containers are properly secured on trucks before they head onto the roadways arose, since this is not the first time that something of this nature has happened. When this newspaper contacted Works Minister Robeson Benn, he promised that he would look into the matter. Attempts to contact the Traffic Chief for a comment on the matter were futile.

The Giftland Mall is touted to become Guyana’s newest entertainment capital with the planned introduction of popular Caribbean and International features to local shores. The Mall, which is located at Turkeyen, between the International Conference Centre and the Caricom Secretariat , has a comprehensive array of features designed to vault the company firmly onto the entertainment scene. Speaking to the media in the outdoor dining area, Giftland’s President Roy Beepat stated that when the mall is open, the entertainment needs of everyone, whether patrons come with family or friends, high or low budget, will be fulfilled. Beepat revealed that in addition to all-encompassing Wi-Fi service and 24-hour security featuring 75 security guards and traffic wardens and over 350 Closed Circuit TV cameras, the facility will feature an expansive food court with 16 different outlets, as well as a 560 ft. long strip devoted to four fine dining restaurants that will be offering Chinese, English, Indian and Italian cuisine. There will also be a British pub with nine draft beers, from dark to light, as well as a Brazilian grill and an American sports bar and coffee shop offering the international experience to Guyanese. According to Beepat, the

strip when completed will offer similar nightlife experiences to the famous St. Lawrence Gap, Oistins strip in Barbados and the Rodney Bay in St. Lucia. The media was given a chance to tour the unfinished food court. That section, when completed, will have a seating capacity of 500. He mentioned that a 3,500square foot video arcade/ children’s restaurant, designed akin to Chuck E. Cheese’s restaurants in the U.S., is also slated to be launched. This will especially benefit families with young children. “You don’t have to be worried, sitting in the restaurant, telling your kids to stay still, because kids don’t do that. They like to run around,” Beepat said, pointing out that the children’s restaurant will take care of that. Beepat stated that the mall will also have Caribbean Cinemas, with 8 multiplex theatres, catering to the cinematic crowd, in addition to a supermarket, beauty salons, health and nutrition facilities, barber shops and jewellery stores. The executive also announced the placement of four aquariums, each 20-ft. long and containing tropical fresh and saltwater fish and beautiful plants. For the athletically-inclined, bungee jumping, zip lines and rock climbing will also be present. These activities, he said,

will be conducted in the beginner, intermediary and advanced stages, in order to ensure that no one is left out of the experience. Another initiative the mall will have is a 36-station sheltered bus terminal. According to the President, Giftland has already sought to bring the Minibus Association on board, with the intention that the station will become a hub for all minibuses servicing the Georgetown and East Coast routes. Free shuttles will be provided from the bus terminal to the University of Guyana from 6:00 am to 12:00pm to cater for the 7,000plus students and faculty members. The terminal will also have washroom facilities. Beepat stated that in order to ensure that patrons get the best customer service experience, a quality assurance trainer will be employed fulltime on the second floor of the admin building. The training room, he said is 80 ft x 20 ft. Beepat also revealed that popular local entertainers such as Kirk ‘Chow Pow’ Jardine and Lyndon ‘Jumbie’ Jones are also on board with the mall, to provide live entertainment. He announced the proposed launch of a talent show from January to December, which will seek to bring hidden local talent to the fore. The show, he said, would (Continued on page 28)

Media operatives, Giftland officials and brand ambassadors survey the food court

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Limited test should remove doubt on voters’ list authenticity - EAB statistician By Zena Henry In the general view of things, there is always room to accommodate “illegal” occurrences with the voters’ list when especially; there is no easy way of removing unwanted names; such as deceased persons. This negative view is growing into a greater monster; birthed by this year’s voters’ list which has grown by a colossal 75,000 from the 2011 period to now. It has thus been of grave concern to several persons, particularly the major contending parties, despite GECOM stating categorically that it has measures in place to ensure that there is no ‘hanky panky’ involving voters and the list. GECOM’s guarantee has however failed to reassure some persons who continue to urge that the current list’s growth leaves a lot of space for undesirable occurrences and are calling for something to be done to remedy the situation. The Electoral Assistance Bureau (EAB) has posited however, that following a ‘limited test’ on the Revised List of Electors, all spheres of concern should be quelled since the activity seeks to give credence to the authenticity of the list. While the test cannot bring 100

...will indicate deficiencies where they exist

percent verification to the issue, the probability of its accuracy is high and the test will also indicate any issue of concern in the respective regions and will afford GECOM the opportunity of clarifying whatever problems that may exist within a specific area tested. Troy Thomas, the professional statistician providing his service pro bono to the election watchdog agency, told Kaieteur News yesterday that the limited test is very important. He said that should results be close, “no side should be able to blame the list.” He said everyone must be satisfied with the list and the only way to address that

is to go looking for these persons. EAB is supposed to meet with GECOM officials today and will be seeking from the election agency a copy of the list. EAB will be working with 80,000 names and will be testing 1200 of those names which will be chosen randomly using among other statistical methods, stratification which deals with proportionality. This will encourage 95 percent confidence, a typical level for the activity, while ensuring a 3 percent error margin, which is also an acceptable rate for this type of activity. The acceptable statistical sample size for this testing can be some 1054

Health Ministry launches... (From page 6) that a 48-hour period be given to patients to consider whether they still desire to proceed with the procedure or not. And according to Dr Persaud too, “if they wish or wish not to discuss with their partner that’s fine; the law does not mandate them to do that...it is fully the woman’s right; she has the time to consider based on the counselling session whether she would like to go ahead and there are also options that will be given to her.” “The law says that options should be described to the pregnant woman, one of which would be to go through with the pregnancy and maybe adoption options and so on, and then of course detailing the termination process itself which can have consequences,” outlined Dr. Persaud. He noted, however, that there may be instances when some women may not opt to voluntarily have an abortion, but are instead forced to do so for various reasons which could range from migration to marital issues.

As such, the importance of counselling cannot be understated as part of the process, said Dr. Persaud, as he stressed that “counselling gives enough room for people to consider all the factors and make informed decisions in the end.” Once a woman has carefully considered the possible options, she can then return to an approved health centre that is certified by the CMO to have the procedure done. On completion of the procedure, patients are then subjected to post-termination

counselling which, according to Dr. Persaud, “includes the provision of contraceptives so that they do not use termination as a form of contraceptive...this is to ensure that the next time around they would use an approved non-termination technique.” Dr Persaud disclosed too, that the Health Ministry has been working to ensure that all those certified to conduct the procedure are properly trained and are making use of the recommended safe measures for pregnancy termination.

participants, but again seeking a 95 percent accuracy rate, EAB will be working with 1200 samples. Thomas told the publication that regardless of how it works out, the important issue is to ensure proper representation of the various areas being tested. Samples from all 10 regions will be used, but how they are selected is very relevant. Hence, to accumulate the sample size of each region, the statistician will be employing the proportional method of stratification among others, to raise his samples and will employ methods of calculation relative to the procedure. The individual

samples from each region will be selected randomly. The aim of this test is to identify and locate those 1,200 people that will be selected. When asked, Thomas reiterated that the 1,200 persons out of the 75,000 will be sufficient to provide a true reflection of what the list comprises. “This is an adequate amount in the statistical world,” Thomas said. The result of this test should be accepted, Thomas opined, as he expressed confidence in the mechanisms. But while the statistician said that he accepts the application and relevance of the apparatus, explaining it to the layman could be a challenge. Former EAB Project Directors, Clairmont Lye along with Lawrence Lachmansingh are ”volunteering their time and resources to coordinate the implementation of the list test”. Lye told the publication yesterday that their job deals specifically with the list. He said that consultations with the major parties prove that they are seriously concerned over the growth of the list.

He said given the time span, the agency will be seeking the cooperation of citizens, specifically those selected. He too explained that the test should erase doubts about the list having serious problems given the increase. However, if discrepancies are indicated, then the necessary recommendation will be provided to GECOM which is the body tasked with ensuring that whatever discrepancies exist, are addressed. The U.S. Embassy has committed US$300,000 for the election monitoring programmes, of both the EAB and the Organization of American States (OAS). Thomas had expressed financial concerns in relation to the body carrying out its function. The Embassy has expressed confidence in both EAB and OAS, stating their pleasure in supporting the two organizations “in bringing their credible and critical analysis to Guyana’s 2015 electoral process.” The significant increase in the voters’ list promoted EAB’s move to conduct the test.

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Illegal firearm lands man in hot water Magistrate Fabayo Azore remanded a man to prison on Wednesday, when he appeared before her charged with the possession of guns and ammunition. Harrynarine Persaud, 41, was charged with having in his possession a Smith and Wesson revolver without being the holder of a firearm licence on April 4, at Arau Landing. Persaud was also accused of having 31 live rounds of .38 ammunition without having a licence. Persaud pleaded not guilty to the charges after they were read to him at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. The defendant’s lawyer Adrian Thompson in his bail application, told the court that the police never found the alleged gun and ammunition in his client’s possession. The lawyer explained that on the day in question the police were chasing a man who allegedly shot another.

Ranks at the Eteringbang Police Station went to his client’s business place and conducted a search. He said that the items mentioned in the charge were found on a table at the defendant’s premises. “I do not know who placed the stuff down on the table, anybody could have done it,” Thompson argued. He pointed out that the shop is a public place that is frequently visited by employees and customers. Further, the lawyer indicated to the court that three other persons were held after the discovery of the gun and ammunition. He said that based on advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), his client alone was charged for the offences. The lawyer’s submission became more intense when he opined, “Sometimes the DPP does not give the correct advice.” However, his statement was not taken lightly by

Police Corporal Simone Payne. She said that a confession statement was given by the defendant, hence the DPP’s advice. In addition, the lawyer pointed out that no fingerprints were taken from the scene. He informed the court that the matter will have to be transferred to the Kamarang Magistrate’s Court that sits once every three months, citing that it would affect his client’s constitutional rights, should he be incarcerated for so long. The lawyer told the court that his client is not a flight risk and he will return to court for trial if granted his pre-trial liberty. He went on to say that he has no pending or previous conviction. Nonetheless, bail was refused and the defendant was remanded. The matter was transferred to the Kamarang Magistrate’s Court for June 15.

Triumph convict jailed for robbing tourist A repeat offender was given a 24-month jail term by Magistrate Fabayo Azore, when he appeared on Wednesday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. The court heard that on March 5, at High Street, Kingston, 43-year-old Michael Whyte of 177 Triumph, East Coast Demerara, robbed Volkou Vicheaser of one gold chain valued $100,000 and used of personal violence during, before or after the incident. The defendant admitted to stealing the chain, but denied using personal violence. The victim, who was

Michael Whyte taking pictures at the time of the incident, is said to be a Russian national. Police Prosecutor Simone Payne stated that at around 11:15hrs, while the victim was

taking photographs, Whyte approached him and snatched the chain from his neck. Whyte then dealt the tourist several cuffs to the face causing him to fall to the ground. While attempting to escape, the defendant was caught by public spirited citizen. The police were summoned and he was taken to the Brickdam Police Station where he was arrested and charged. When asked by the magistrate if he was ever convicted before, the defendant informed the court that he was only released from jail last month after serving a 30-month sentence for break and enter.

Giftland Mall promises... (From page 14) not only be inclusive of musicians, but artisans and craftsmen would also benefit. The mall is scheduled to be open every day of the year except Christmas and Good Friday. The stores will be open from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm

Mondays to Thursday; 9:00 am to 9:00 pm on Friday and Saturdays and 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on Sundays. Fast food and special services will be open until 10:00 pm. Giftland Mall’s career fair is scheduled to be held today, tomorrow and Sunday. Offering himself as an

example, Beepat stated that he was willing to do backbreaking work such as turning spades, in order to put food on the table at one point. He pointed out that even for prospective job seekers who have a degree behind their names but are unable to gain employment in their field, alternate jobs are still available that could be used for their personal advancement. “There are 2,000 job opportunities here and Giftland is looking for people. So if you have the ability and the brains, you can find a place here.” The launching of the Mall is slated for May 26th, Independence Day.

Friday April 10, 2015

Drug addict remanded on break and enter charges Yesterday, an admitted drug addict, appeared in court after he was accused by persons of stealing from their business place, he was remanded to prison. Emshan Khan, 68, of Diamond Housing Scheme, is accused of breaking and entering the business place of Rodlyn Austin, between April 4 and 5 and stealing one gas stove, one gas bottle, two coolers, along with other items, all totaling $482,200. Further, it was alleged that between April 2 and 3, he broke and entered the business place of Forbes Christian and stole one generator and two tool kits, a total value of $85,000. The defendant pleaded guilty to the charges after they were read to him by

Magistrate Judy Latchman. Khan explained that he did not steal the items and he was “set up”, by the victims. Further, he asked the magistrate to jail him because he is hooked on cocaine. “Yuh worship gi meh a light sentence, a promise to behave mehself when I come out”, Khan pleaded. After hearing his explanation, a not guilty plea was recorded for him by the magistrate. Police Prosecutor Renetta Bentham objected to bail, citing the nature, seriousness and penalty the offence attracts if the defendant should be found guilty. She argued that the defendant was seen by eyewitnesses removing the items from the premises.

Emshan Khan Bentham also pointed out, that the defendant has no fixed place of abode and there is a likelihood that he might not return to court to stand trial if released on bail. He will return to court on April 15.

Mechanic before court for alleged minibus theft Bail was granted in the sum of $100,000 for a Campbellville mechanic accused of simple larceny. The charge was read to 55-year-old Munsehwar Bisnauth by Magistrate Judy Latchman. Particulars of the charge stated that on April 3, at Alexander Village, Georgetown, Bisnauth stole one ‘Pit Bull’ mini bus, one bottle of oil, one brake pad and one filter, valued in excess of $4.7M, property of Dominique Jackson. According to the prosecution, the defendant admitted to committing the

Munsehwar Bisnauth offence, and he was found in possession of a duplicate key for the bus. However, the bus was

recovered but the other articles mentioned in the charge are still missing. Bisnauth’s Attorney in her bail application told the court that her client did some work on the victim’s bus and was never compensated. She added that the victim has $700,000 outstanding for the defendant and had promised to pay him. The lawyer pointed out that the victim was unable to re-pay her client and subsequently told him to take the bus as compensation. Bisnauth will make his next court appearance on April 15.

Scrap iron seeker fined for stealing trolley Magistrate Judy Latchman imposed a fine of $10,000 on a scrap iron seeker after he pleaded guilty to stealing a trolley from Bakewell. Failure to pay the fine will result in the man being imprisoned for two weeks. Christopher Singh, 32, admitted that on April 8, at North Road Bourda, he stole one trolley valued $9,500,

property of Bakewell. Singh, who was unrepresented by an Attorney, explained to the court that he saw the trolley outside of the business premises. He said that he picked it up because he thought it was scrap iron. Further, the defendant recalled that as he was going down the road with the item in his hands, the company’s security guard apprehended

him and took him to the station. The court was told that on the day in question, the accused went to the aforementioned business premises and stole the item mentioned in the charge. He was later caught by a security guard attached to the company and taken to the station, where he was arrested and charged.

Grove man faces court for illegal gun, ammo On Wednesday, a 35-yearold man was refused bail and remanded to prison after it was alleged he had a gun along with ammunition in his possession, without being the holder of a firearm licence. Magistrate Fabayo Azore, read the charges to Adrian Adonis, 35, of Grove Housing Scheme. Particulars of the first charge stated that on April 6, at Campbellville, he had a 9mm pistol. It was further alleged that

he also had five live rounds of ammunition in his possession. Adonis, who was unrepresented by an Attorney, pleaded not guilty to the charges after they were read to him at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. The facts of the matter were read to the court by Police Prosecutor Simone Payne. The facts stated that on the day in question the police were on patrol in the

area when they received certain information. As a result, they proceeded to a yard to carry out investigations. Upon seeing the police, the defendant allegedly ran away with the firearm in his hand. He was eventually caught by the police and taken to the Prashad Nagar police outpost, where he was arrested and charged. The matter was adjourned to April 13.

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Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

WANTED Senior Accounts Clerk, 5yrs experienced, CAT or equivalent. Email: snow198390@hotmail.com Business/Economics Writer, email application to snow198390@hotmail.com 1 Caretaker (male), 1 bartender (male), apply @ Cotton Club, 44 Public Road Kitty-Tel: 2311908; 231-1912 DRIVER FOR FAST GROWING FOOD I M P O R T E R / DISTRIBUTOR, NEED POLICE CLEARANCE, R E F F E R N C E / APPLICATION. AGE 30-45 FOR INTERVIEW. CALL: 231-8344 1 OFFICE ASSISTANT: Must have motorcycle, car/ van license, able to work flexible hours, from E.B.D. Email: snow198390@hotmail.com One handy boy to work in interior - Tel: 691-6260 1 mechanic to work in the interior must know about 6BT Cummings and Perkins –Tel: 691-6260 Need worker to work in Trinidad, 1 office clerk, 1 domestic - text or call: 868-7551990 or 868-683-1528 Porters to work in Grocery Stall, experienced is an asset @ Stabroek Market – Tel: 2269800 Diesel mechanic to work in Georgetown, accommodation provided –Tel: 218-5105 Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665 Cashier – Floor Staff need to work in supermarket on East Coast, Cashing experienced is Plus- Call: 601-3679

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Friday April 10, 2015

Super custom RZ BSS series, alarm, TV Deck, reverse camera, fog lights & remote start - $1.9M –Tel:615-5784 AT212 Carina PJJ series good condition, recently sprayed - $1,150,000 negotiable – Tel:666-6618; 615-5925 Deals! Deals! Deals! Venus Auto Sale, new model Toyota Spacio, front and back camera/TV/CD/Navi –Call: 682-5117 First Class Auto: Allion, Premio, Bluebird, Sienta, Runx, Axio, Verossa, Mark 2-Call : 609-8188; 638-3045 New Model Allion $3.300, 2004 Spacio $2.050, Registered Spacio $1.7M Call: 655-3400 Toyota Voxy to be registered in “B” series - $2.1M & ‘G’ series - $1.7M – Tel: 617-2891 Unregistered Posh, Toyota IST –Tel: 657-1796 Toyota AT212, AT192, AE100 Sprinter, EP-71 Starlet, Hilux 4 Runner, RZ Mini bus, Yamaha R6-Tel:644-5096; 697-1453 RAV 4, excellent condition, teacher driven, very reasonable price – Tel: 618-5592 Blow Out Sales @ Star Cars Auto Sale- Premio, Spacio, Bluebird, IST, Benz, Alteeza, free alarm- Tel: 679-3140 L-Touring with original skirts, excellent condition, 15" rims, DVD, Alarm Call: 694-6609/233-2538 1 Mini bus 2 RZ BPP series $1M negotiable –Tel: 615-3904 One Three (3) Ton Canter, $ 600,000- Contact # 650-0402/ 2604988 Cheapest: Rush, Hilux, manual buses, goods van, Model M Truck, Property in Bougainvillea Park – Call: 616-7635

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LAND FOR SALE GME Realty can sell your mining block for you anywhere in the interior –Tel: 231-7805; 618-7483; 695-9054 50 Acres titled farm land @ The Belle, Upper Dem, River Front $100M negotiable, serious enquiries only! – Tel: 669-8152 Concrete fenced land in high income area in Continental / Republic Park –Phone: 233-0570; 629-7426 Continued on page 31

Friday April 10, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 31

Letters... Where your views make the news

At no time was it understood that this “draft” document would be made public DEAR EDITOR, This letter is intended to bring to your attention that the News Article which is the subject at reference above is considered and understood by the Management of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) to be a “draft” document which is to receive the benefit of inputs from selected stakeholders before finalization. At no time was it understood by Management, GGMC that the said “draft” document would

be made public. Furthermore, the Management, GGMC has not communicated this “draft” report to any party for public display. The Management GGMC finds it quite upsetting that sections of the said “draft” report have been published in Kaieteur News without the benefit of proper response by Management. Indeed, GGMC Management finds quite upsetting also, that Kaieteur News has placed in the public domain references from the

“draft” that are personal and insensitive. Nothing, herein, is a signal to Kaieteur News that Management GGMC objects to a review of Management systems. Such reviews are welcome when their objectives are to strengthen deficiencies. The “draft” cannot be embraced as having achieved that since many corrections have to be considered in an editing exercise by the authors.

The Management GGMC, as a consequence of the foregoing, would expect Kaieteur News to avoid ..referencing the issues in the “draft”; to respect the intention that the “draft” document is not paraded in public; and that speculations which have their roots in the “draft document be avoided. The discretion by Kaieteur News in that regard, would be welcome. Rickford Vieira Commissioner

My husband was not fired by the GGMC DEAR EDITOR, It was with much pain that I read through last Sunday’s issue of Kaieteur News under the headline “Management review on GGMC filled with inaccuracies – used to sack two top GGMC officials.” This article made reference to a review initiated by the GGMC Board of Directors and conducted by three independent consultants (Dr. Grantley Walrond, Dr. Linda Heesterman and J. Goolsarran). There is much speculation on what was intended by the review, which I do not care to comment on. However, some aspects of the review have been sorely contested and even rebuffed by persons employed by and also those affiliated to the GGMC. Of particular concern to the staff of the GGMC was that portion of the report featuring profiles and false claims on employees of the Geological Services Division. The article, however, while highlighting the unprofessional conduct of

the review team in mentioning the names of staffers of the Commission in the report, perpetuated the same evil by repeating the names of some persons mentioned in the report without prior consultation. It is clear from a reading of the article and by familiarity with the issues involved that this was intended to provoke a response from the affected persons. It also raises questions as to who stands to benefit from this kind of information being peddled about, who provided such malicious information, and why would an independent contractor include such damaging information in a report without proper verification which is clearly injurious to their own reputation and professionalism. Today, I seek to clarify three important points for the benefit of my family, my colleagues and fellow staffers of the GGMC, my brethren in Christ, friends and other concerned readers: (1) I have

A government that... From page 4 Ganga Persaud ruthlessly dismantled duly-elected local gov’t organs countrywide, replacing same with IMCs consisting largely of handpicked cronies. Such is the respect that the PPP has for democracy in general and local democracy in particular. The PPP’s response to the USAID funded LEAD project makes an instructive case study in the fundamental disrespect and disregard that that party has for democracy and the role of civil society in national life. On December 12, 2012 the administration wrote US Am-

bassador Brent Hardt alluding to “dangers of (the) program”, one designed to strengthen parliament, boost engagement of young people and women in politics and in public life. Previously the Ramotar administration wrote to the diplomatic missions, including the US Embassy warning that Guyana was “under threat” as a result of what it called, the opposition’s parliamentary control and appealed for support! The PPP are bullies and deceiving the public is second nature to them. No one believes them any longer. Local democracy and peoples’ constitutional right to manage and develop their villages, towns and regions, will only happen when the APNU+AFC administration assumes government following the May 11th elections. Ronald Bulkan APNU+AFC Coalition

been and I am still happily married to one Mark DeFreitas for the past fifteen (15) years; (2) my husband was not fired by the GGMC but left rather gracefully to pursue other options after giving seven years of dedicated, exemplary and untarnished service to the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission; and (3) NO, myself and husband have never admitted to any kind of dishonesty during our tenure at the GGMC which can be corroborated by any member of the GGMC management team, past and present. I consider this fabricated insertion into any report quite despicable, and by extension for the disrespectful nature of other comments (profiles) given in the report, worthy only of a complete retraction and apology to the affected persons. I also condemn the printing of this defamatory information in the media and consider the action of

Kaieteur News as quite irresponsible. As the Workers’ Representative for staffers of the GGMC and Vice Chairman of the GGMC/GPSU Branch 72, I wish to convey that I have consulted with the management of the GGMC and also made representation at the Board level for a retraction and apology to the affected staffers. I look forward with much anticipation to the intervention of the management of the GGMC and the Board of Directors of the Commission to put an end to this madness. I would also like to thank all those who have been very supportive to the point of rightly debunking these false claims and disrespect for persons in the employ of the Commission, and reiterate my commitment to the representation of members of staff of the Commission. Unata DeFreitas

(From page 30)

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LAND FOR SALE Vacant land space at Supply East Bank Demerara –Tel: 227-1744 or 657-9237

spaced out might be the periodicity. There seems to be a legitimate case for the management to be concerned at the loss of a total of more than a hundred million dollars over time; and the consequent glaring non-accountability in each case. It is simply not an acceptable rate of return and serious questions must be raised as to the efficacy or otherwise of the security arrangements in place for the movement of large sums of money and the vulnerabilities that are so easily exploited by common bandits. When one contrasts these failures with the relative success of similar movements of large sums of cash even more regularly, by other institutions, one could only demand some change of culpability to be answered. In the particular instance so many indigent clients are disappointed and left bereft of the minimal benefit they

Alberttown (Apt) - $55,000, Light Street (Business) $65,000, Campbellville (house) US1000- Diana: 2272256; 626-9382 Kitty two bedroom apartment, Cable TV, parking, Internet, Security Cameras -$100,000 monthly –Tel: 645-0247 Furnished 2 bedroom apartment with AC Available for long/short term rental- Call: 665-2548 Rooms - Tel: 225-3234 Nandy Park house $600USD, South -$35,000, Winter Place -$80,000, Diamond, Kitty -$80,000, E.C.D furnished - $500USD – Tel:231-2200; 618-7483 (1) Three bedrooms house in Second Avenue Diamond $70,000- Call:603-3724 (1)One bedroom apartment @ Campbellville- Call:2231051, 650-0716, 667-7836

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The General Post Office - An Anachronism DEAR EDITOR, On Channel 6 Voice of the People of Saturday April 4, 2015, there was a most interesting observation made by a contributor. The caller made the most imaginative linkage between major robberies of post offices and general elections. He mentioned robberies at Anna Regina, Cane Grove and the most recent Bourda locations with respective elections. It would be useful to learn how many empathise with such a perspective. What perhaps may be more relevant is the timing of the last robbery (like others): the day old age pensions were due to be paid to thousands of anxiously dependent senior citizens. Perhaps one extrapolation which can be made from the aforementioned TV contribution is that the Post Office management must by now also be contemplating whether there is any pattern to these incidents, however

TO LET

were long hoping to collect – at a cost of travel too many cannot afford. The (in) articulate silence of the relevant administration is deafening. Any apology to the discomfited, if offered, may have been missed; but only because it was not vociferous enough. But in the final analysis more effective security action will speak louder than words. This institution seems to take pride in maintaining the systems established in the colonial era. With minimal customer service, it insists on restricting its parcel post service to the same central location, despite the exponential increase of customers in the city and its environs. There needs to be a thorough investigation into its organisation structure and management systems with a view to bringing them into the 21st century. E.B. JOHN

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Kaieteur News

Friday April 10, 2015

Obama concerned China uses Man kills judge, two others on rampage through Milan courthouse size to bully others in region (Reuters) - A trial defendant shot dead a judge and two others on Thursday on a rampage through a Milan courthouse, casting a harsh spotlight on public security measures that Italy tightened earlier this year. Police said Claudio Giardiello shot the judge, Fernando Ciampi, in his office, having earlier opened fire in a courtroom killing a lawyer and his co-defendant in a bankrupty trial. A fourth person was wounded. In all, Giardiello fired 13 shots inside the Palace of Justice in central Milan before fleeing, police said. They arrested him in Vimercate, a town north of Italy’s financial centre, Interior Minister Angelino

Alfano said on his twitter feed. Public security was tightened across Italy following January’s Charlie Hebdo attacks in Paris, and it was not immediately clear how the assailant was able to carry a gun into the court buildings. Milan chief prosecutor Edmondo Bruti Liberati told reporters the attacker likely carried a false identification badge and entered through a side entrance reserved for lawyers and court employees, where there is no metal detector. Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said the priority was to ensure nothing similar ever happened again. “We need to find out ex-

actly what happened and above all how it was possible to take a firearm into a courthouse,” he told a news conference in Rome. “This is not the first time this has happened but obviously it must be the last. The government has given a powerful mandate to expose the systemic failings which evidently happened.” The court buildings are just half a mile (1 km) from Milan’s cathedral, its biggest tourist attraction. Police vans and an ambulance were parked outside the cordonedoff buildings and the street was closed to traffic. The debate about security is also likely to focus on the Milan Expo opening on May 1. The city is hosting the global showcase of culture and technology, which will run for six months, for the first time in more than a hundred years. Authorities said initial reports that a fourth person had been found dead in the court buildings were incorrect.

(Reuters) – President Barack Obama said on Thursday the United States is concerned China uses its “sheer size and muscle” to push around smaller countries in the South China Sea. His comments come after China defended its construction of artificial islands in the South China Sea, saying it is needed to safeguard its sovereignty in the mineral-rich waters where China’s territorial claims overlap those of Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan. “Where we get concerned with China is where it is not necessarily abiding by international norms and rules and is using its sheer size and muscle to force countries into subordinate positions,” Obama told town-hall event in Jamaica ahead of a Caribbean summit in Panama, where he hopes to reassert U.S. leadership in Latin

America. “We think this can be solved diplomatically, but just because the Philippines or Vietnam are not as large as China doesn’t mean that they can just be elbowed aside.” Chinese officials said the reclamation work would be used for military defences and to provide services that would benefit other countries. The U.S. State Department said the activity was causing anxiety in the region about China’s intentions. China’s sovereignty claims over the stretch of water off its south coast and to the east of mainland Southeast Asia set it directly against U.S. allies Vietnam and the Philippines, while Brunei, Taiwan and Malaysia also have claims. At stake is control over what are believed to be significant reserves of oil and gas.

Obama, speaking to young people in Jamaica, also said the United States encourages Chinese investments around the world, but the deals need to benefit the people of those countries.

Barack Obama

Texas executes man for police officer’s 2002 shooting death HUNTSVILLE, Texas (AP) — Texas prison officials on Thursday executed a man convicted in the slaying of a Dallas-area police officer during a 2002 shootout that followed the killing of a customer outside a convenience store. Kent Sprouse, 42, became the fifth convicted killer put to death this year in Texas, the nation’s most active death penalty state. Before his execution, Sprouse apologized to the families of his victims and his own family “for all the trouble I’ve caused everyone.” Then he thanked his family members for their support. “I guess that’s it,” he said. He took several deep breaths after the execution drug pentobarbital began taking effect, then began snoring. Within a minute, all movement stopped. He was pronounced dead 22 minutes later at 6:33 p.m. CDT. The U.S. Supreme Court refused to review Sprouse’s case in November, and no lastday appeals were filed for him in the courts. Sprouse was sentenced to death for the October 2002 killing of 28-year-old Harry Marvin “Marty” Steinfeldt III, a police officer in Ferris, about 20 miles south of Dallas. Witnesses said Sprouse carried a shotgun into the Ferris Food Mart store while he made a purchase and then

walked outside and fired toward two men at a pay phone. He went to his car and appeared to have some trouble with it, then shot and killed 38-year-old Pedro Moreno, a customer who was pumping gas near him. Steinfeldt responded to a 911 call about a customer shot at the store and came under gunfire. He was struck twice under the arm where his protective vest did not cover him. He managed to fire 17 shots, reloading his gun once, and wounded Sprouse in the chest, leg and hand. Court records indicate Sprouse told an officer who accompanied him in an ambulance to a hospital that he believed Moreno was an undercover officer, so he shot him. “And I shot the other officer that was in uniform,” Sprouse said, according to the records. Sprouse was charged in Moreno’s killing, but wasn’t tried for it. Relatives of both Steinfeldt and Moreno declined to speak with reporters after Sprouse’s execution. Michelle Steinfeldt, the officer’s widow, released a statement saying the execution was “the emotional end of a long, excruciating journey.” Heath Crossland, who worked with Steinfeldt at the Ennis Police Department and was among a few dozen offic-

ers who stood outside the prison during the execution, described his slain friend as “a teddy bear” and was thinking of the officer’s daughter, who was born after he was killed. “To think this little girl didn’t get the opportunity to know the teddy bear kind of guy we knew, that’s such a loss,” Crossland said. Tests showed that Sprouse, a Boone County, Missouri, native, had taken methamphetamine and other illegal drugs within 48 hours of the killings. Jim Jenkins, who was Sprouse’s lead lawyer at his trial in Steinfeldt’s death, said Sprouse suffered from the effects of methamphetamine addiction. “He just didn’t know what he was doing, but the jury has to buy that,” Jenkins said. “It’s sort of like being drunk and killing somebody. That’s really not a defense, not a legal defense. ... The whole thing is extremely sad.” Texas Department of Criminal Justice officials said a recent purchase of pentobarbital means they have enough of the sedative to carry out three other executions set for this month, including one next week. But at least three more are set for May and June, meaning they would have to find a new supply or switch to a different drug to carry out those executions on schedule.

Friday April 10, 2015

Kaieteur News

Obama: no decision yet on removing Cuba from terror sponsor list KINGSTON, Jamaica (Reuters) - President Barack Obama said yesterday that the U.S. State Department had completed its review of whether to remove Cuba from the list of countries that sponsor terrorism but that he had not yet received a recommendation from his advisers. Speaking in Jamaica, where he is on a short visit, Obama said he would not announce a Cuba decision yesterday. He said he would wait to receive recommendations from White House advisers before doing so. Removing Cuba from the

list would clear a major obstacle in the effort to restore diplomatic relations between Washington and Havana, paving the way for the reopening of embassies that have been shut for 50 years, and signal momentum in ending American’s isolation from the Communist island nation. “That review has been completed at the State Department. It is now forwarded to the White House. Our inter-agency team will go through the entire thing and then present it to me with a recommendation. That hasn’t happened yet,” Obama said.

Barack Obama

New multi-million dollar depot built with PetroCaribe funds opens KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent - CMC – The Hugo Chavez National Fuel Storage Facility capable of storing 34,000 barrels of fuel was opened here Tuesday with the authorities praising Venezuela for its role in establishing the facility. The depot, a joint venture between the governments of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Venezuela, was constructed at a total cost of US$31.6 million under Caracas’ oil initiative, PetroCaribe. Chief executive officer of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Electricity Company (VINLEC) Thornley Myers said that the fuel depot is the third most expensive capital project in the history of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, after the EC$700 million (One EC dollar =US$0.37 cents) airport under construction at Argyle, and the Lowmans Bay Power plant. “It has been a long and sometimes difficult journey but the project has never suffered, due to the commitment of the government and people

of the Bolivarian Republic under the leader of the eternal commandant Hugo Chavez Frias,” Myers told the ceremony, which was attended by Vice-President of Venezuela Jorge Arreaza and his wife, Rosa, the daughter of Chavez. Work on the fuel depot began in 2007, the same year that PetroCaribe’s LPG filling station at Campden Park was inaugurated during a visit of then president of Venezuela, the late Hugo Chavez. Myers said that Venezuela’s commitment to the project was demonstrated when Chavez visited the site in 2007 to symbolically mark the commencement of the project. “The plant we today inaugurate will increase the storage of diesel from 12,000 barrel to 32,000 barrels. This is 1,120,000 imperial gallons. Based on the current usage of fuel at the Lowmans Bay Power Station, this will be sufficient fuel for a period of just over three months,” he said, noting that the fuel depot is located on seven acres

Thornley Myers of land and built to internationally acceptable standard. The depot also has a 9,000-gallon water storage tank and is provided with foam generating devices to fight fires. “This is a facility for this time and for all times to come. The Hugo Chavez National Fuel Storage Facility stand as a beacon of south-south cooperation and cooperation between neighbours washed by the Caribbean Sea,” Myers said.

Falklands spat heats up between Britain, Argentina Buenos Aires (AFP) - Britain and Argentina’s longstanding dispute over the Falklands escalated yesterday as Buenos Aires took legal action against companies exploring for oil off the islands and the countries summoned each other’s ambassadors for a dressing-down. The animosity between the two capitals, which fought a brief, bloody war over the South Atlantic islands in 1982, has intensified

in recent years with the discovery of significant oil deposits offshore. Adding to the bad blood in recent weeks, Britain has announced plans to beef up its defenses on the islands because of “continuous intimidation” from Argentina, while Argentine media reports have denounced British spying aimed at blocking the South American country’s efforts to win sovereignty. In the latest throw down, the Argentine government

said it had taken legal action in a local court against three British and two US companies for “carrying out exploration activities for fossil fuels on the Argentine continental shelf without obtaining the corresponding authorization.” The companies listed in the complaint are British firms Rockhopper Exploration, Premier Oil and Falkland Oil and Gas Limited and US firms Noble Energy and Edison International.

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Friday April 10, 2015

Chinese sprint hurdler Liu Xiang retires BEIJING, China (AFP) — China’s greatest track and field athlete Liu Xiang announced his retirement Tuesday, with the injury-plagued Athens 2004 gold medal winner saying he had “no choice” but to bring down the curtain on his trail-blazing career. “From today, I will end my life as a professional athlete and retire formally,” the 110m hurdles star said in an online post. “This is a decision made after long deliberation. I am deeply reluctant and feel pained, but I have no choice,” he added, on his verified account on Sina Weibo, China’s version of Twitter. The 31-year-old’s retirement is likely to spark an outpouring of emotion from Chi-

nese sports fans, despite the news being widely expected, particularly since reports last week that an announcement was imminent. The Shanghai-born athlete has become loved for his heartbreaking setbacks as well as his achievements after he burst onto the scene in Athens to claim China’s first men’s track and field gold. Following that victory, Liu was hotly tipped for gold at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, but limped out of the first heat, shocking tearful home fans at the Bird’s Nest stadium. Liu suffered another agonising exit at London 2012, clattering into the first hurdle in his opening heat. After being helped up, he hopped the

length of the track before symbolically kissing the last barrier and exiting the Olympic arena. Liu will be remembered in China as the man who proved that Asian athletes can compete with the world’s best in sprint sports, particularly when he was on world-beating form ahead of Beijing 2008. He arrived at the Games after breaking the world record with a time of 12.88 seconds in 2006, and winning the world title in 2007. His coach Sun Haiping was quoted in Chinese media last week that he was “preparing” to retire, fuelling speculation that he would finally draw the curtain on a remarkable career.

Friday April 10th 2015 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) It's important to turn your attention to more spiritual matters now, Aries. Consider enrolling in a yoga class that combines meditation with the physical practice. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Reach out to those people you know will make you feel better today, Taurus. There's no reason to sit in your room alone and depressed when you know there are people who would love to hear from you. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Don't get bogged down by past events today, Gemini. It's time to move forward. Leap out of bed as if it were your first day on the planet. Realize how lucky you are to be alive and how much power and influence you have. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Emotional conflict is likely to ensue today if you aren't careful. People may step on your toes if you give them the opportunity. Make sure you aren't vulnerable to attack.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) There's a special power to your words today, Libra, and an internal confidence that rarely comes around this strongly. You should notice strength in your emotions and personality. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Break open any door that seems to block you today, Scorpio. It won't take a great deal of effort on your part to accomplish this. SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) If you feel like you're running on reserve battery power, Sagittarius, remember that you always have a reserve tank ready to kick in. Don't disregard this. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Add a bit of spark to your day, Capricorn. Get yourself into gear. It might feel like there's a great deal of anticipation in the air, but don't get ahead of yourself.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) People may have missed your company lately, Leo. Make an appearance where you know it will be noticed and appreciated.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Fire up your energy today, Aquarius, and demonstrate your power to conquer. Create a bonfire of activity that gives off a great deal of heat to the people around you. Some might not be able to stand too close now.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Don't act like you have all the answers today, Virgo. This attitude will get you nowhere. Remember that everyone you encounter has something to teach you, so don't disregard that homeless person on the street.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Get out of "gimme" mode, in which every new toy or gadget you see calls out your name. If you keep thinking that you need these material things in order to be happy, you will never be truly satisfied no matter how much you have.

In his retirement statement, Liu looked back with “reluctance” to the pivotal Beijing Olympics, when his career began to be severely affected by a right Achilles tendon injury. “I dreamt about raising the (Chinese) flag,” he said, “but the injuries started to torture me just before the race”. “Why did I let the Chinese people down?” he added. His withdrawal in 2008 sparked widespread debate in China, with many observers accusing him at the time of letting his country down, while others said he had been pushed too hard by the country’s strict state sports system. But his pioneering exploits in athletics have been widely praised by many sports fans in China, and yesterday his retirement was the biggest topic on Weibo, with 11.5 million people reposting the news within an hour of the announcement.

Richie Benaud: Australia cricket... (From page 38) his 1963 Sunbeam vintage sports car hit a brick wall near to his Coogee home in Sydney. Benaud often spoke of a return to commentary, but, to the great sadness of his legions of admirers, it did not materialise. Benaud, who was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1961 for services to cricket, leaves a wife of 48 years, Daphne, and two children from his first marriage. Richie Benaud milestones: January 1952: Test debut against West Indies at Sydney Cricket Ground January 1952: First of 248 Test wickets and 2,201 Test runs December 1958: First Test as Australia captain, v England at Brisbane Summer 1960: First radio commentary for BBC December 1963: In his 60th Test, the first to 2,000 Test runs & 200 wickets Summer 1963: First television commentary for BBC February 1964: Final Test against South Africa at Sydney Cricket Ground September 2005: Final commentary in England after 42 years

China’s Liu Xiang (centre) falls while competing in the men’s 110m hurdles heats at the athletics event of the London 2012 Olympic Games in London in this August 7, 2012 file photo. (PHOTO: AFP) “You are the pride of China,” one netizen said. “Our national hero brought the Asian people glory,” another added. Liu’s retirement follows China’s first tennis Grand Slam winner Li Na calling it a day last year, and hugely popular former NBA star Yao

Ming signing off in 2011. Many Chinese netizens compared the trio as they saluted Liu’s achievements. “China’s three biggest sports stars have retired,” one said. “Although this is sad, I look forward to more sports stars replacing them in the future.”

Friday April 10, 2015

Kaieteur News

Vettel cool on China prospects as milestone beckons SHANGHAI (Reuters) Sebastian Vettel is playing down the prospect of repeating his shock Malaysian Grand Prix victory in Shanghai this weekend, despite standing on the brink of emulating a feat achieved by one of Formula One’s most revered drivers. Vettel recorded an emotional maiden Ferrari triumph at a sweltering Sepang circuit a fortnight ago, moving him to 40 career victories and just one shy of the late, great Brazilian Ayrton Senna’s haul of wins. The triumph also allowed him to follow in the footsteps of German compatriot and seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher of winning for Ferrari, although Vettel achieved the feat in just his second race for the sport’s most successful team. Schumacher recorded his first victory for Ferrari in his seventh race. “I think it’s very special,” Vettel told reporters of Senna’s milestone at a chilly Shanghai International Circuit on Thursday. “Obviously it took me a while to get number 40 done. Hopefully, the next one is not that far away. But, yeah, I think it would certainly mean a lot for any driver.”

Sebastian Vettel (sports.ndtv.com) Vettel is known to take a keen interest in the history of the sport and was tempted away from Red Bull, where he won four consecutive world titles, by the lure of Ferrari and a chance to join Formula One’s most prestigious team. However, he grew up idolizing Schumacher and admitted he was not aware he was within touching distance of the benchmark set by Senna, arguably the sport’s most respected driver, who was killed following a crash at the Imola circuit in 1994. “First of all I wasn’t aware to be honest,” added Vettel, who is currently fourth on the all-time list of Grand Prix winners. “I know Michael’s number but that’s just ridiculous if you look at numbers.”

Schumacher leads that tally with 91 victories, followed by Senna’s rival and four-time world champion Alain Prost on 51, while the Brazilian lies third. Vettel’s win in Malaysia was his first since the 2013 season-ending Brazilian Grand Prix and Ferrari’s first since the Spanish Grand Prix that same year. It also snapped an eightrace winning streak for Mercedes, giving the sport a much-needed shot in the arm at a time when the German team appeared to be streets ahead of their Formula One rivals. But Vettel, who benefited from a strategic gamble by his race engineers and the searing temperatures in Malaysia, is less confident of scoring a second consecutive win in the cooler temperatures expected in China.”It was obviously nice for us to see that we were so competitive,” he said. “There were also a couple of circumstances coming together but most important we managed to capitalize and get a very good result and win the race. “We managed to do a very good job in Malaysia. But for here and for the next races, we have to be realistic about what we want to achieve.”

Masters 2015 Golf: Justin Rose leads and Rory McIlroy four shots back BBC Sport - England’s Justin Rose holds a share of the clubhouse lead on the first day of the Masters Golf tournament with favourite Rory McIlroy four shots back. Rose, the 2013 US Open champion, conjured up six birdies in a round of 67, his best score at Augusta in 11 years, to go into Friday alongside American Charley Hoffman and South Africa’s Ernie Els on five under. His compatriot Paul Casey is just two back after a bogey on the 18th cost him, while Bubba Watson began the defence of his title with a one-under 71. McIlroy, seeking to win his third major in succession and to become only the sixth man in history to complete the career Grand Slam, had to work hard on a scorching morning at Augusta National but will know that his challenge is very much alive. He opened out with a huge 324-yard drive down the first but found the water hazard on the par-five second, scrambling superbly for par

Justin Rose (Getty Images) with a beautiful back-spinning chip to within four feet. Having dropped a shot on the par-three sixth he then hit straight back with a fine approach on the seventh for his first birdie of the tournament, but another bogey on the testing par-four 11th slowed his momentum. A birdie on the par-five 13th was followed by a wonderful 21-foot birdie putt on the 15th, and he was a little unlucky that his tee-shot on the par-three 16th failed to release down the slope of the

green. Rose had a putt for the outright lead on 18 only to come up fractionally short. He has held at least a share of the first round lead at the Masters on three previous occasions (2004, 2007 and 2008) but his best finish in nine appearances remains his share of 14th last spring. Three-time champion Phil Mickelson, playing in the same group at McIlroy, is two under, while 65-year-old Tom Watson - winner in 1977 and 1981 - is a shot further back.

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Ramdin likes blend of youths and seniors WICB St John’s, Antigua – Test captain Denesh Ramdin exuded confidence ahead of his side’s threematch series against England that starts on Monday. Ramdin who was a part of the West Indies squad that beat England at home in 2009 seemed happy with his team’s preparations for the series. “The last two days have been good, the preparation. Lot of batting, bowling and fielding, trying to get all departments of our game up to scratch. Some of the guys were playing First-Class cricket while some of us came back from the World Cup,” he said. “New coach Phil Simmons is telling us to enjoy whatever we’re doing. So far we’ve been doing good work. The young and senior players have fitted in well which is good.” The 30-year-old who has represented West Indies in 64 Tests praised the commitment of the younger players in the squad who he felt added a spark into the team’s work ethics. Ramdin also hopes that the new players will learn a lot from the senior players which in turn will help them to improve their skills. “They come with a lot of energy and enthusiasm. They’ve always given a 100 percent so far which is good. A young bunch of guys they are and enjoyable so far,” he added. “Hopefully they can learn from this even if not selected when they go back to their territories and improve to become better players for their country.” Apart from the youngsters, Ramdin also relished the presence of evergreen veteran Shiv Chanderpaul who has 161 Test match appearances to his name. The 40-year-old Chanderpaul who has accumulated 11775 runs at a healthy average of 52.33 needs another 179 runs to become West Indies’ leading run-scorer in Tests surpassing Brian Lara. “Yeah, his experience is second to none…all those matches that he has played at international level. I am sure that he’ll go on to make the most runs for West Indies in Test matches,” Ramdin said. “I’m sure that’s his goal but at the same time his experience is crucial in the middle order. Whenever he gets a 100 or a 70, the guys who bat with him get partnerships which will help us get a big total that will give us an opportunity to win matches.” Ramdin reflected on his

Denesh Ramdin (express.co.uk) team’s success against England during the latter’s previous visit in 2009 which was a five-match Test series that ended 1-0 in favor of West Indies. While savoring the moments of the past, Ramdin sounded optimistic of repeating the feat this time around too. “Last time England were here, we won 1-0 in that series. It was a very hard fought series. Hopefully we can get the things going in this series as well.” Just like the series in 2009 which produced one result in five matches, Ramdin expects the three-match series also to be a closely fought one. Ramdin admits that the series will be a tough one for the bowlers with the pitches across the Caribbean being considerably flatter and slower which he feels will also test the temperament of batsmen. Despite the challenges for bowlers, Ramdin backed his bowlers to exploit the familiar home conditions in the series. “It’s going to be a tough grind. This series is going to be set up by big scores. But I believe that a bit of aggressive bowling where a couple of wickets are taken can change the match for us. It can go either way but hope it is on our side,” he said. “Jerome Taylor, Kemar Roach, spinners Benn, Bishoo, all these guys have experience bowling in these conditions. Hopefully they can exploit the conditions and do well.” The 30-year-old felt that the home advantage factor will be an area that West Indies can exploit against an England outfit used to lively

swinging pitches. Ramdin stated that the familiarity in home conditions and pitches will give his bowlers an advantage in what is expected to be a high-scoring series. “Of course when you go away and play against the opposition, they use their conditions and exploit it quite well. “So I can’t why our bowlers cannot do it when we’re at home.” Ramdin has a good record against England in Tests having compiled two of his four centuries against them. Apart from the two centuries, he also had three half-centuries and his brilliant knock of 166 against England in 2009 still happens to be his highest Test score. “I have two centuries against the opposition and a couple of half-centuries. I’m looking forward to getting stuck into this.” Ramdin is aware of the threat that the England attack led by James Anderson and Stuart Broad can pose particularly with the new ball. Stressing on the need to be patient especially early in the innings, Ramdin stated that a good temperament was what his team needed to counter the England attack. “They have a good bowling attack, can’t take that away from them. Just need to spend time in the middle. Once you spend time out there it becomes easier. Once I do that in the first game and get runs under my belt, it’ll become easier setting up the series going forward.” After the three Tests against England, West Indies are slated to host Australia in June for a two-match Test series.

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Kaieteur News

Friday April 10, 2015

GDA-organised International Competition World champions eye IPL bragging rights Winners receive prizes ESPNcricinfo - The dull one-sided World Cup final raised that question yet again: What does it take to stop the Australians from being the ruthless Australians? The answer is probably hidden in the question itself - Australians. Just two weeks after that final, the match between Kings XI Punjab and Rajasthan Royals, two teams that traditionally embody the Australian-ness in the IPL more than the rest, presents the mouth-watering prospect of seeing players from the World Cup winning side lock their horns. Will Mitchell Johnson pepper Shane Watson with bouncers? How will George Bailey, one of Australia’s recent captains, go about setting a field for Steven Smith, the new leader? What variations will James Faulkner throw at that maverick Glenn Maxwell? Any of those contests could become the defining one of the match. And then there is the wider clash of two Australian traits too Kings XI’s all-out aggression v Royals’ indomitable spirit. There will be other actors in this production too. The match pits India’s two most

successful batsmen from the last year against each other M Vijay and Ajinkya Rahane, two rising stars - Axar Patel and Sanju Samson, two lespinners with plenty in common - Pravin Tambe and Yogesh Golwalkar, and two Delhi stalwarts - Virender Sehwag and Rajat Bhatia. That the match is Kings XI’s home game hardly matters. The venue, Pune, is closer to Jaipur (by approximately 500 km) than to Chandigarh. The pitch used to be a dull surface but if the evidence of past two seasons of first-class cricket is anything to go by, this should be a hard, flat surface that the batsmen will relish, but might also provide something for the seamers. Does that sound like Australia? Watch out for… Karun Nair was not the first-choice opener for Royals last season, but once he was given the opportunity, he racked up 330 runs from 11 matches at a strike rate of 142.24. He is coming into the season on the back of a career-best 328 last month in the Ranji Trophy. Although his form dipped during the domestic T20s, playing for Roy-

als affords him the same visibility that propelled Ajinkya Rahane, his opening partner, into the national reckoning. Just when you thought Virender Sehwag was slowing down, the sails have caught some more wind. Since January, he has scored 514 runs in 10 innings, and consecutive centuries in the Ranji Trophy. Sehwag may have slowed down for the rigours of international cricket, but those hands are still quick enough for the IPL. Once he starts moving, there is never a dull moment, as Chennai Super Kings found out in the play-offs last year. Shane Watson, the Rajasthan Royals captain said, “We have players from the team that won the World Cup here. After enjoying the week that we spent at home celebrating (the success in the World Cup), we are all ready and fresh to go at the IPL.” A Kings XI player, on the name of their sponsor, a condom manufacturer, on the back of their shirts: “I don’t know what to say, my family will be watching and it’s an embarrassing situation. Also, friends are bound to tease us.”

Hingis returns to Swiss Fed Cup team PARIS, France (AFP) — Swiss tennis legend Martina Hingis is set to return to Fed Cup duty following a 17-year absence after being called up Tuesday by captain Heinz Guenthardt. Hingis, 34, will compete in the World Group play-offs against Poland at Zielona Gora April 18-19. The former world number one has not played Fed Cup since the 1998 final which Switzerland lost to Spain in Geneva. Hingis must play the women’s team competition if she wants to compete in the 2016 Olympic Games mixed doubles, perhaps alongside Roger Federer. Hingis won five Grand Slam singles titles between 1997 and 1999, 43 WTA Tour singles crowns and was once world number one during her prime. After six years in retirement, she gradually felt her way back on to the doubles circuit, but stopped a second time in November 2007 following a positive test for cocaine.

Tournament MVP Kanhai Samaroo receives the trophy from GDA President Faye Joseph. Shortly before presenting the respective winning teams with their prizes, President of the Georgetown Dominoes Association (GDA) Faye Joseph urged the business community to support the sport and help alleviate the standard and popularity. Joseph, whose brainchild it was to organise the International Competition which had teams from various countries within the Caribbean including Barbados, told the large gathering that she had responded to a challenge by the local affiliated clubs of the GDA to organise a competition that would involve other countries which they felt would help to popularise and im-

prove the standard of the game here. She admitted that it was a real challenge, but one she took on since she too felt that a tournament of such magnitude was essential for the sport locally, while it also gave players the opportunity to compete in an international atmosphere. Joseph revealed that the tournament apart from being a success was a dream come true, adding that the support shown by Clubs and ardent fans of the game has set a platform for others to emulate. According to Joseph, next year promises to be bigger and better. “I think we’ve shown that Dominoes is more than just a

past time game and can be played on a big stage and could be lucrative. We wish that corporate entities support us next year”. The ceremony, which was conducted at the President’s residence at Gaulding Place, South Ruimveldt, saw local club Rage cart off the first prize of US$5000 and the winning trophy, while Specialist ended second to take home US$2500. Spartan the Gladiators finished third and received US$1500, while Dream Team occupied the fourth spot and collected US$1000. Kanhai Samaroo was adjudged the Most Valuable Player (MVP), winning the maximum 18 games.

Lucky Dollar latest to support Busta Soft Shoe Football

Retired Swiss tennis professional player and former World No 1 Martina Hingis is 31 today. (Photo: AP) Since her second comeback in 2013, Hingis only competes in doubles and this season won the Australian Open mixed doubles with Leander Paes and the Indian Wells and Miami doubles titles with Sania

Mirza. Hingis will be joined by 22nd-ranked Timea Bacsinszky, Stefanie Voegele (91) and Viktorija Golubic (236) as Switzerland bid to return to the World Group for the first time since 2004.

Another large entity came forward and offered tangible support to the Petra Organisation- organised inaugural Busta Soft Shoe Football Competition which kicked off yesterday, at the GFC ground. The latest corporate member to add its name to the list of growing supporters of the tournament was furniture and appliances store Lucky Dollar after Chain Manager Robert Arjoon handed over a cheque for an undisclosed sum to Petra Organisation’s Co-Director Troy Mendonca in the presence of Store Manager Sharon Persaud on Wednes-

day, at the entity’s location on Regent Street. Arjoon in his remarks expressed confidence that the tournament will be a success despite the format being played for the first time. He then spoke of the Company which according to him is expanding and this he added was as a result of its loyal customers so their involvement is one way of giving back to them since among the teams could be players who have supported the entity. Ajooon closed by wishing the Organisers every success in the endeavour. Persaud in a short address

said her Company was indeed pleased to be associated with the tournament and the Petra Organisation and Guyana Beverages Inc., adding that what the tournament does is introduce to the fans a new style of football. She too echoed the sentiments of Arjoon about their optimism of the tournament being a success. Mendonca in response thanked the entity for its support, before assuring the two staffers that they will strive to deliver a tournament that is pleasing to them and one where the hallmark will be discipline and camaraderie among the respective teams.