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

Singing the Shaggy tune - It wasn’t me There was a popular saying to emphasise the strengths of a country, in this case, the United States of America. That saying was, “Only in America.” That saying has been used extensively in Guyana. Whenever people talk about an incident that reflects the inadequacies of the country, one would say, “Only in Guyana.” For example, if the power goes in the midst of an interesting programme or discussion, someone is bound to shout, “Only in Guyana.” The police are summoned to a crime scene while the criminals are in operation. An entire community will call the emergency number and the police will eventually arrive, but only after the criminals walk their merry way from the scene of their exploits. People will react to this by simply proclaiming, “Only in Guyana.” And so it is that the government keeps blaming the past administration for the failures of the country despite the government being in office for more than two decades. During the past week, a writer to the letter pages made an interesting observation. Barack Obama acceded to office in 2008, after the Bush Administration had plunged the United States into a recession that threatened the Great Depression of the 1920s. Banks were collapsing, housing prices had fallen through the floor, there were no jobs and the very future of the country was threatened. Things were so bad that people in this corner of the word believed that they were seeing the end of the great United States, the country that Iraq named the Great Satan. So it was that Obama came to office. Poor fellow, he could not blame the Bush Administration for the woes that he had inherited although the country was aware of the source of the plight. Obama could not look back six months; in fact, he could not even look back to the performance of his predecessor to apportion blame. Guyana is a different kettle of fish. Only in Guyana is a political party allowed to look back more than forty years for a reason to remain in office. It was back in 1972 that Guyana was riding the economic peak. Then came the oil crisis of 1973 and things started to affect the economy; more money had to be found to pay for petroleum. Imports began to cost more and since the export earnings could not match the cost of imports the economy went into a tail spin. It was more than a decade before things began to improve. So here we are today, forty years later being regaled about the economic situation of the 1970s and 1980s. If Obama was not allowed by the American people and business to look back to three months to blame his predecessor, why must Guyanese allow the current People’s Progressive Party administration to still seek to apportion blame to its predecessor? It must be that we are a most dishonest people who do not accept blame for our shortcomings. We look to blame everyone else for whatever our problems are. Sugar prices are down and Skeldon has not lived up to expectations. The blame must be placed at the feet of the European Union. Crime has escalated in this land and there are more guns than there ever was. The PPP administration blames this on the United States which it says sends the deportees back home. The administration does not see its weak law enforcement policies as being contributory factors. About a decade ago, the then President Bharrat Jagdeo announced that Guyana had lost its skilled potential. They had migrated. For this, the blame went to those countries that could have paid the skilled people better and not to the administration which has a real policy of depressing wages and salaries. And so, in the run up to the May 11, 2015 elections, the ruling party is going to apportion blame to an administration that demitted office twenty-three years ago, and even then, skipping the period when there was the economic turn around and blaming what happened during the tenure of Forbes Burnham.

Saturday April 11, 2015

Letters... Where your views make the news

VOTERS SHOULD MAKE CRIME AN ISSUE IN THIS ELECTION DEAR EDITOR, We all know the script very well. It is constantly happening almost every other day that our beloved Guyana, based on the size of its population, has one of the highest murder rates in the Caribbean and perhaps the world. And once again, this grim statistic was just thrown in our faces by the brutal slaying of Courtney CrumEwing on March 10, 2015. With an annual murder rate of around 140 or 18.4 murders per 100,000 people, Guyana is now considered as one of the world’s most violent countries in the hemisphere. Now, if anyone thinks that we are just beating up on the country, the murder rate in the first two and a half months of the year has reached 34. In the last seven days, there have been at least four murders which is a significant increase. We wish we were that guru who could tell nation that we definitely know what the cause is of most of the murders in Guyana. Even though we do not have those capabilities, something tells us that the rush to stab someone and shoot them cannot result

only from plain robbery, there must be several other root causes that the government have and continue to overlook or grapple with. In Guyana, as in other countries, murders or homicides are of many different forms, and there are different types of murders such as intentional and/or unlawful death which is purposefully inflicted on a person by another person. There are reactive and proactive murders. Reactive murders are caused by acts of passion, anger or rage. These are hot-blooded murders which are not usually planned in advance but executed in urgency. Someone gets into a fit and kills another person, sometimes over a trivial issue. Proactive murders are pre-planned and are carried out with a brutal and deadly ruthlessness. These are coldblooded murders, and are done by psychopaths. However, some of the murders in Guyana originated from jealously and socio-economic and political problems. Others take place under the influence of say, drugs and alcohol, and use of other psychotropic substances;

schizophrenia, mental illness, and other chemical disorders or malfunctions of the brain. So, in these cases, many murderers carry out their nefarious actions due to diminished responsibilities. Be that as it may, Guyanese are pretty fed up with the high murder rate. They see the efforts of the Minister of Home Affairs and the police high command as inadequate to stem the flow of the blood of innocent citizens. Frequently, the citizens have begged the police to stop the murder of their fellow citizens. But their impassioned appeals seem to fall on deaf ears as the rate continues to climb rapidly. Today, murders of all types are very commonplace in Guyana and they have severely hampered the progress and development of the country, and have made the citizens prisoners in their homes and in their communities. The motives for murders in Guyana can also be anything in this day and age, from a drug deal gone sour to stealing a goat from a man’s backyard. But the common denominator is the possession of a countless number of illegal guns by the

criminal element. Where are these guns coming from? The government has failed miserably over the past several years to stop the flow of illegal guns from infiltrating the country. Unless there is a serious lock-down in the gun and drug trade as a matter of urgency, then Guyana would continue to be in a state of semi-anarchy as the people are held hostage behind metal bars in their homes by armed bandits. With that said, words cannot express the sadness and money cannot compensate for the hurt and pain felt by the relatives of those murdered. But the electorate has an option not to make race, but crime, one of the main issues in this campaign. They have the choice to vote for the party that they believe would reduce crime and stem the flow of illegal guns into the country. That party in our opinion is the APNU+AFC Alliance, because the PPP has failed to protect the citizens during the past 22 years. Asquith Rose Chandra Deolall Dr. Merle SpencerMarks

The PPP should stop bashing Burnham to hide its own corruption and costly mismanagement DEAR EDITOR, The PPP continues to attack David Granger and the PNCR about what transpired under Burnham’s presidency. This is very likely because they have found themselves mired in a situation where much of the little good that the PPP has done is shrouded in some form of corruption and/or mismanagement which has resulted in the loss of millions, and in some cases, billions of dollars. The public should now be aware that the PPP’s corruption and other indiscretions have so overtaken it, that they very probably are now unable to attract individuals to their Party, and so have bolstered their ranks with family members. They are thus trapped in a technical vacuum which forces them to resort to rehashing history. It would be disingenuous to deny that Guyana endured hardships under Burnham. These include the unavailability of many basic

items that resulted from an inability of the economy to generate foreign exchange to meet import requirements at the time, and the many claims of vote-rigging. Our economic hardships were a tragic reality of the time, the principal cause of this being the oil crisis, which characterized high oil

prices on the international market and so made it difficult for Guyana to meet its import requirements, sometimes even on this item itself. The claims of voterigging have been many, with the PPP even today threatening a return to voterigging under the Coalition. On this particular score, I

cannot attest, since there has never, to my knowledge, been any attempt to demonstrate factually and unequivocally, as in the courts for example, that this did in fact occur. But to allow this latter charge even for the sake of discussion, there can be no clearer (Continued on page 5)

What ideas do these candidates have to move Guyana forward? DEAR EDITOR, “The evil that men do lives after them; the good is oft interred with their bones.” Fifty years have passed, for God’s sake! The demonization of Burnham and the claimed betrayal of the Jagan legacy are both just negative diversions from urgent issues that ought to be current as we prepare to choose our next government. I think it is worse than unhelpful to keep pointing out politicians’ past associations going back 30 years or more. All we need to ask about candidates’ past is what their track record says of their credibility. There are other questions that we need to ask about them now. What ideas do they have to move Guyana forward? What’s in their record that says they

can carry out their campaign promises? Do they have the will and the ability to enlist the energies of Guyana’s younger generations, whilst avoiding nepotism and other corruption? From what I read of the election campaigns, all of our politicians believe that the majority of Guyanese can’t think intelligently about issues, but are easily conned, or ruled by emotional responses. That’s proven to be the easy route to power in so many countries. Do our voters in fact deserve to be considered so shallow? Have we not got, and will we not truly get, the government we deserve? Gordon Forte

Saturday April 11, 2015

Kaieteur News

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

Who exactly is Olive The PPP is using scare Gopaul trying to convince? tactics on its campaign trail

DEAR EDITOR, Politics is indeed interesting and, for those who may not be aware, it necessitates critical thinking and analyses. It also recognizes that not everyone would agree on everything, but disagreement and difference of opinion must follow a logical and reasoned path. Politics in Guyana leaves much to be desired, especially from those who are either actively involved or have intentions of being involved in the governance of this lovely country. Let’s look specifically at the youth. The election campaign of the two major players has decided to place a lot of emphasis on the participation of youth in this election. Emphasis on youth candidates and young voters are being catered to in a way that they have never been before. This must be commended. However, I am saddened that many of the young people that have been pushed to the forefront may

not be ready for the scrutiny that may follow or ready to respond adequately to the questions posed by either journalists or the general public. We cannot give a true figure as to the rate of unemployment in Guyana, but everyone can agree that it is much higher than anyone would like it to be. When speaking to young people all over Guyana, one of the first things they mention is that jobs are not available. The majority of Guyanese that are overseas would tell you that they left because proper jobs were not available and secondly that the remuneration and working conditions in Guyana was also high on their reason for leaving. Given these facts, how can any sane person respond to the following question “Why then are so many young Guyanese claiming lack of opportunities and wasting away their youth?” (iNews, Friday April 10, 2015) by saying that “exploiting available opportunities are up to the

youths themselves … opportunities are abundantly available”. Who exactly is Olive Gopaul trying to convince, the team sitting beside her who all have jobs or promises of jobs because of their choice to support the PPP/C, or herself? She certainly will not be able to convince the majority of young people who have worked their hardest to do well at school only to end up working as a shop attendant or at a fast food restaurant because nothing else is available. While it is true that one should be free to choose who they wish to support, please be reminded that many persons and even entire communities have been abandoned by this said government because they were viewed as opposition supporters. So please stop; the ‘I am innocent’ routine wouldn’t work here. And in closing I will leave this proverb “Show me your friends and I will tell you who you are.” Tabitha Sarabo-Halley

The PPP should stop bashing... From page 4 disconnect between Burnham and Granger, the PNCR, APNU and ultimately, the Coalition on economics, government, and governance for Guyana. Granger, the PNCR and the Coalition are committed to, stand fast and hold to the principles of democracy in the first instance. The Coalition, David Granger and Moses Nagamootoo are also committed to competent government, good governance and the elimination of corruption in government, issues which have become the Achilles’ heel of the present administration. The PPP has sought to demonize Burnham for political ends, but the fact is, (and history will record that notwithstanding his failures which principally resulted from his adoption of socialism) Burnham was a great leader and internationally recognized statesman, and was devoutly committed to the economic advancement and prosperity of all Guyanese. Among his great achievements in pushing for Guyana’s economic and social development, if only to dispel the notion of Burnham being perpetrated by the PPP, are the institutionalization of many

cultural/religious holidays in recognition of our multi-ethnic society, and the passing of the Amerindian Amendment Act in Parliament which facilitated the processing of land titles for Amerindians. Burnham also was responsible for the formation of the National Insurance Scheme, the construction of the many multilateral schools and other primary, secondary and vocational educational facilities throughout the country, establishing the University of Guyana as our national tertiary institution on its current Turkeyen Campus, the guarantee of free education to all Guyanese from nursery to university, a policy which the PPP considered wise to undo, the Linden Highway and the Demerara Harbour Bridge, which have withstood the test of time. Finally, Burnham recognized that racism remained a threat to Guyana’s social stability and so initiated talks with Dr. Cheddi Jagan to form a coalition government with the PPP from the late seventies up until the time of his death. Today, this coalition has become a reality with the formation of the APNU+AFC alliance. An unfortunate truth is that the PPP has sought to

destroy and tarnish the image and contributions of Burnham to Guyana’s social and economic progress for political gain. They have also sought to destroy and undermine the character of Moses Nagamootoo and Khemraj Ramjattan, two former PPP stalwarts and dedicated Guyanese servants. These two individuals have separately contested the PPP’s corruption and injustice while members of that party, and today stand with David Granger in the APNU+AFC Coalition. We are therefore encouraged to be cognizant of our history and be wary of the disparaging claims of the PPP as it seeks to mask its own negligence in managing Guyana’s economy during its tenure. Craig Sylvester

DEAR EDITOR, I see Peter Persaud has arisen from his unpaid slumber to pen a letter in the Guyana Times of April 1, 2015 about the attendance at APNU meetings in Moruca. Peter has now assumed the role of census taker at APNUAFC campaign meetings. I would wish Mr. Persaud better counting ability. People in Moruca were paying keen attention to the speakers and what Peter does not know is that the Social Media especially the page – Amerindian, is buzzing with comments against the ruling Party and salutations for the Coalition. The eyes of the Amerindians are opening. They are not anymore satisfied with the hand outs; they want to be independent. They do not want people to make decisions for them and to keep them in mental slavery. The Amerindians see freedom at last – no slaps if they use their democratic rights to speak out. No trumped up charges. Peter Persaud’s party would want the Indigenous people to continue to shake their heads in upwarddownward motion always and stretch their hands to receive the paltry offerings every five years. The Amerindians now fully understand that it was the PPP that was stagnating their progress. Money that should be spent on Amerindian Development projects is now being used to pay Community Service Officers (CSOs) who are in essence working for the PPP. As recent as March 31, CSOs were paid ninety thousand dollars each. Then, since there are no free dinners with the PPP, they were all made to march from Mabaruma Township to a PYO Rally at the Broomes Playfield. Worse, it is alleged that, to make up numbers, some

students from the Secondary School dorms were taken to the rally in full PPP gear. It is further alleged that these children could not be accounted for until the wee hours of the next morning. Is this how the PPP plans to govern this country for another five years? School children in Mabaruma have to pay to get their exam papers photo copied at the Education Department while the PYO photocopies its political literature for free. This means that our children will be left behind. A young lady who lives in Georgetown and who accompanies a senior Government official on trips to the North West is paid by the Department of Education in Mabaruma. Utter lawlessness The PPP is using scare tactics on its campaign trail. Is this all it has to offer? The PYO group is telling the Amerindians that if they vote for the Coalition ‘dem black man will ………..’ We are in a sad state if that is all we hear coming from them. They are putting us up to hate our

brothers. We are intelligent people and we want to progress as Guyanese. Stop pitting us against each other. The issue with some of the communities refusing campaigners entry is because they were instructed by senior PPP officials to not allow APNU-AFC to visit and campaign. So much for freedom of association! How much longer can the PPP hold our people in bondage? Also, could Peter Persaud explain to the diehard supporters of The United Force what he is doing championing the cause of the PPP/C when he was the last known LEADER of their party? A toothless poodle. Corey Roberts

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Saturday April 11, 2015

Sugar producers urge EU to delay quota abolition

Skeldon sugar factory, Corentyne, Berbice.

- complains about slow cash support By Leonard Gildarie A decision by the European Union to open up the sugar market and slash prices is continuing to have dire effects on affected small states. The African, Caribbean, and Pacific Group of States (ACP), of which Guyana is a member, said Thursday, that it is deeply concerned with the sharp decline in the sugar prices which has come much sooner than expected. In face of pressure of its beet sugar producers, EU which is the biggest buyer of the sweetener, decided a few years ago that it was ending a long standing agreement which allows small states to sell at preferential prices and under a quota system. A phased cut in prices, accumulative of more than 35 percent, was introduced. Guyana was one of the ACP countries affected. Europe had introduced cash assistance to help sugar producing countries to recover. According to the ACP yesterday, the low prices currently on the world market is the direct consequence of the imminent abolition of EU sugar production quotas which the body had strongly objected to. Yesterday, the world prices were just under US$0.13 per pound, sliding from US$0.30 in 2011. ACP urged that EU consider a longer timeline to abolish the quota system to allow small states to prepare. “The ACP had called for a longer timeline to allow the fragile sugar industries to implement in full the on-going massive restructuring and reform programme with the support of EU funds. The EU Beet Growers Confederation

had also supported the extension of the quota regime to at least up to 2020.” The ACP Secretariat said that the majority of its sugarsupplying states have initialed and signed Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) with Europe based in part on the expectation of the long-term outlook for the EU sugar market, in terms of access and maintenance of stable and remunerative sugar prices in a regulated EU sugar market. PREMATURE The small states body said that the premature abolishment of the quotas contradicts longstanding agreements. “The EU decision to abolish sugar quotas prematurely therefore seems to contradict and undermine the EPA objectives and the concept of policy coherence for development to which the EU is strongly committed, and which is a fundamental aspect of the Cotonou Partnership Agreement.” The ACP Sugar Group reiterated that the value of the preference enshrined in these treaties depends on a combination of a guarantee of access and stability of price in the EU market and has long been crucial to the security of ACP sugar export earnings. “These, in turn, underpin the ability of many of the small and vulnerable economies to import other products, which help to provide food security. More importantly, thousands of small sugar growers in ACP countries continue to depend on these earnings for their livelihood. The importance of this key commodity to Economic Partnership Agreement signatories and the Least Developed Countries has been set aside

in the latest EU sugar reform of 2013.” The ACP Sugar Group said that it is also apprehensive of the planned greater alignment of EU prices with world market levels which is imminent, and, according to the EU’s own forecast, will be at levels rendering the preferences granted under the EPA almost, if not completely, valueless. “Planning and investment decisions for sugar cane require a view of market conditions well beyond 2017. The ACP Sugar Group is concerned that several imminent intertwined factors could materially influence their prospects as sugar suppliers to the EU.” The ACP statement, however, made it clear that it appreciates the innovative accompanying support programme, initiated and funded by the EU, granted to the former ACP sugar protocol States. SLOW DISBURSEMENT But it warned that the slow release of the funds is a problem. “However, significant constraints relating to implementation in terms of management and slow disbursement of the funds continue to pose serious challenges. The support programme is far from providing the so called “soft landing” as has been widely claimed.” The ACP countries said that they have consistently warned the EU that the abolition of EU sugar

Sugar prices on the world market as of yesterday. production quotas in 2017 will lead to drastic price reductions and major market instability which will seriously undermine the substantial investments in the reform and adaptation processes of their sugar industries. “The ACP sugar suppliers strongly believe that they would continue to need additional support to complete the much needed reform programmes already underway to allow them to

genuinely attain a level of competitiveness in order to face the market challenges.” Guyana would be paying keen attention to the ACP warnings because it is badly affected by the price cuts and removal of the quota systems in 2017. The sugar industry has been a major thorn in the side of the Guyana Government, recording poor production in the last decade or so. The flagship US$200M Skeldon factory has continued to churn out

dismal figures, underperforming and requiring more than double the amount of cane required by older factories to produce sugar a tone of sugar. Government has been forced to sell out cane lands and even a new power plant belonging to the Guyana Sugar Corporation to raise cash. More than US$50M has been plugged into GuySuCo in the last couple years to help pay debts and salaries and other overheads.

Saturday April 11, 2014

Kaieteur News

US and Caribbean ‘bound by friendship’ KINGSTON, Jamaica CMC - US President Barack Obama ended a one-day visit to Jamaica on Thursday, after spending the day with regional leaders and young people where he discussed several issues from the state of Jamaica’s economy, the energy crisis and education. Regarding education, hundreds of young people from across the region and Latin America will benefit from US$70 million education investment initiative proposed by the United States. Obama announced the initiative during a meeting with young leaders at the University of the West Indies Mona Campus, on Thursday afternoon. He also launched a Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative to build on an exchange programme he started years ago. “Four years ago I launched an initiative called the hundred thousand strong in the Americas and the goal was to have a hundred thousand US students studying in this region and a hundred thousand of this region’s students studying in the United States at the end of this decade And we are on track to meet that goal, so today I’m proud to launch the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative right here in Kingston, this is not your traditional exchange. We are going to seek out the most innovative young entrepreneurs and civil society leaders in the Caribbean, Latin America and we are going to give them a chance to learn, and the capital to make a difference,” he said. Concerning the international drug policy of the United States, the president said more discussion is needed and the full cooperation of Caribbean governments is needed. “Our current policy continues to be to decrease

- US President demand, we need to focus on the public health approach to decreasing demands and we have to stop the flow of guns and the flow of cash into the Caribbean, Central America and Latin America and at the same time, they have to cooperate with us to decrease the power of the transnational drug organizations which are vicious.” He said the focus should not be on “throwing every low level person with possession into prison,” they should also be treated. Obama added that with economic development and alternative opportunities for the youth, “then I think we can strike the right balance, the process of not simply throwing not every low level person.” Another issue that was placed on the table during the Towne Hall meeting was that of his country’s immigration policy. He says part of the issue is dealing with undocumented immigrants living in the U.S and providing them with a pathway to earn legal status and added that the U.S. is not into separating families from undocumented relatives. During the meeting with CARICOM leaders, the President also announced a US$20 million effort to jumpstart private and public sector investment in clean energy projects in the Caribbean and Central America. “If we can lower these costs through the development of clean energy and increased energy efficiency we could unleash, I think, a whole host of additional investments and growth,” Obama said. In remarking on the relationship between the Caribbean and the United States, the president said the bonds are “extraordinarily strong”.

“We are bound by friendship and shared values and by family and we have a great stake in each other’s success.” The President noted that through the CARICOM-US Summit, leaders could focus on some of the unique opportunities and challenges that the region faces and “make sure that we deepen or co-operation in economic growth and how we can further integrate the region”. He said said it is also important to ensure that the Governments of the region and the US are open and transparent and uphold human rights for all citizens and his Government is also committed to combating transnational crime through its Caribbean Basin Security Initiative. CARICOM Chairman, Prime Minister Perry Christie of the Bahamas, said the meeting was significant because “it reinforces the symbiotic relationship between the US and the region. We are joined by history, by migration, by commerce and geography.” He said the people of the Caribbean look to the US to reinforce the message of social mobility, the promise of societal growth, economic development, equity and fairness. “At the core of the mission is that of the development of our people, to make their lives better, free from crime and violence, with incomes that support a good living for themselves and their families, and to ensure a bright future for our young people.”After laying a wreath at National Heroes Park in honour of the thousands of Jamaicans who died in World Wars I and II, the President departed for Panama where he will attend the Summit of the Americas.

American President Barack Obama (third right) greets regional youth leaders at the UWI Thursday. (PHOTO: JOSEPH WELLINGTON)

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THE PPP’s THIRD GENERATION OF LEADERS The children of political leaders always have it the hardest. They are the ones who have to bear the brunt of political cynicism and insensitive and often cruel comment about their parents. They also are under a great deal of pressure to conform to certain stereotypes that society has of them. These children are always under some form of scrutiny from the political nemeses of their parents. They are expected to be

spotless citizens. They cannot be seen back-balling or peeing in public. The outcry would be deafening. Even when they have their own independent lives, any indiscretion can become political fodder against their parents. Everyone suffers. I recall the son of a minister in the PNC government once being charged for an illegal act. The poor minister who had nothing to do with the illegal act was forced to step aside

Dem boys seh...

DONALD WOULD NEVER LEARN Everybody is a consultant these days. Nastimento is one. He was never a successful businessman but de Pee Pee Pee and that one Brassington hire him and paying him a fat salary to be a consultant fuh dem. He getting pay by executive failures and who hold high offices to tell de nation crap, something what any li’l child can tell people. Jagdeo is a consultant too, and only Donald can’t see that he is a liar and a scamp. He did seh that he won’t run fuh office. In fact he tell de whole world. De spit nah even dry from he mouth and he jump pun de Pee Pee Pee list. He is a failure like Nastimento and all Guyana know it. Every project under his stewardship was and still is surrounded wid secrecy and deceit. Some was total failure. Still Donald gone and embrace this greedy failure. Look at his mansion wha he live in and de pension package wha he demand fuh heself. Dem boys seh wid all this Donald Dumb tek him to consult de party. Jagdeo was de main man in de 2011 election that put Donald Dumb in a position wheh he lose two years of his presidency. Dem Pee Pee Pee boys saying that Donald bring back Jagdeo, de scamp, as a consultant to lose all wha he hoping for—de whole presidency. Dem boys never forget a story about how consultants can mek a difference in an organization. Last week, dem tek some friends to a new restaurant, and see the waiter who tekking de order, had a spoon in his shirt pocket. Dem look around and see all the staff had spoons in dem pockets. When the waiter come back wid de soup one of damask, ‘Why the spoon?’ ‘Well, ‘he explained, ‘the restaurant’s owner hired Brazzy to revamp de whole process. After several months of analysis, Brazzy find that spoon does fall de most. If de workers are better prepared, dem can reduce the number of trips back to the kitchen fuh spoons and save 15 man-hours per shift.’ As luck would have it, de boss man drop ee spoon and de waiter replace it with de spare from his pocket. “I’ll get another spoon next time I go to the kitchen instead of making an extra trip to get it right now.” Then dem boys noticed that there was a string hanging out of the waiter’s crotch. When dem look round dem see all de waiters had the same string hanging from dem crotch. So, before de waiter walk off, a female in de company of dem boys ask him, ‘Excuse me, sir, can you tell me why you have that string right there?’ ‘Oh, certainly!’ Then he lowered his voice. ‘Not everyone is so observant. Brazzy learned that we can save time in the restroom. “By tying this string to the tip of our you-know-what, we can pull it out without touching it and cut out de need to wash our hands, shortening the time spent in the restroom by 76.39%.’ De woman asked quietly, ‘After you get it out, how do you put it back?’ ‘Well,’ he whispered, ‘I don’t know about the others, but I use the spoon.’ Talk half and hope de Marriott waiters ain’t listen to Brassington, that failure.

until the matter was determined in the court. No wonder many of the descendants of political leaders shy away from politics. No wonder many of the children of political leaders have refused to follow in the footsteps of their parents. He who feels it knows it. And these children have felt the brunt of the hatred that others have of their parents. It is not easy for the children of any political leader in Guyana to enter into party politics. They can expect a baptism of fire especially from certain media practitioners who, using social media, love to poke derisive sarcasm, ridicule and insinuations at these children. We saw some of that this past week after it was announced that the children of some PPP leaders were part of the PPPC’s list of candidates for the May 11 General and Regional Elections. Immediately after it was discovered that the names of some of the persons on the PPP’s list of candidates were children of PPP leaders and ex- leaders, the onslaught began. There were posts on social media about “all ah we ah one family”. Others have viewed this development as a sign of nepotistic and dynastic politics. Given such a reception, it requires great courage and conviction to do so in this country where social media can be extremely cruel. I recall the funeral of Janet Jagan. After the official ceremony, the casket was taken to Freedom House. There a very moving scene took place. The grandchildren

of the departed former President of Guyana held hands with the other party comrades and sang the party’s song. It was also revealed then that the grandchildren had joined the party. That was a good sign for the PPP. It showed that the new generation of leaders was not shy to become involved in the party of their parents and grandparents. These descendants were willing to make that leap and to take up the cudgels of struggle and activism. That has to be a good thing. Not everyone will see that dimension. But a deeper examination of the issue, a stepping aside and viewing it from a somewhat different angle would lead to different take, and one that is worthy of a deeper analysis. On the one hand, the PPPC can now boast of a third generation of leaders emerging and emerging literally out of the bosom of the old guard. This is encouraging for the party because, despite the pressures that they would have been subjected to and that which they can expect, they have opted bravely to be part of the PPPC. The fact that many of them are young persons is another encouraging sign. And even more encouraging is that almost all of the children of PPP leaders and ex- leaders who appeared on the party’s list are professionals in their own right. These are persons who are qualified and are practicing professionals. This is a good start to the

third generation politics of the PPP, especially given the party’s historical difficulty in attracting members of the professional and intellectual classes. Obviously, the PPPC needs to do more to make inroads into these classes. Obviously, also it would have been nice to see more professionals on the list who have no familial ties to the PPP. The PPP still obviously has an ingrained problem in trusting persons who are independent and not tied in some way to the party. The PPP has historically aligned itself with professionals whom it believes it can trust because of their links to the party and its leadership. Not all of these trustworthy persons have however demonstrated exceptional

ability. There have been numerous disappointments and embarrassments. This should have forced the party to look outside of its traditional catchment for talent. There is always a need for new blood in any political party. While therefore it is encouraging that the PPP can draw from within its circle, qualified and competent professionals, the litmus test of broad-based leadership remains the extent to which the party can attract and work with persons who are politically independent.

Cambio dealer escapes gunman’s bullets Prashad Nagar businessman Nandall Persaud had to flee for his life last Thursday after a gunman fired shots at him before escaping with two accomplices in a car. According to reports, the 54-year-old cambio dealer was driving to his Prashad Nagar home at around 15.00 hrs when a burgundy car, with three men inside, stopped near his vehicle.

Persaud reportedly then heard someone call his name and saw one of the occupants of the car standing on the roadway. A source said that the businessman began to run and the man fired three shots after him all of which missed. The gunman and his accomplices then fled in their car. Police recovered three 9mm shells from the scene. Repeated efforts to reach Persaud proved unsuccessful.

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Kaieteur News

Saturday April 11, 2015

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

Is Elisabeth Harper, the stupidest person in the world? Elisabeth Harper told the press there are attempts to blackmail her over the alleged $700 million that her son is being sued for and which, according to reports, she legally guaranteed the repayment. The evidence she supplied are e-mails which threatened to expose her. The plot is hatched by APNUAFC which is offering $1.1 billion to a person to undo Mrs. Harper. That Mrs. Harper could receive a nonsensical email that most of us in public life get every day and show it to the Guyanese people indicate what a stupid person she is.

Or she is so in love with herself that she actually believes that the opposition will pay the billion dollars to scandalize her because she is the most prized possession in Guyana. Maybe one of us needs to show Mrs. Harper the types of email we get every day. If we were narcissistic like Harper we would fill up the newspapers with the threats we get all the time. Stupid people sit on their computers and make mischief. If you are moronic you will become a fool like them if you believe what is sent to you. I will give Harper just one example. During the

Crum-Ewing vigil, I received an email that informed me that I am next and it will happen one week after the vigil. I could accuse Mrs. Harper’s party of sending that correspondence. I could now call on her to denounce her party for trying to intimidate me. In fact, I know that 98 percent of the hate messages I get on the internet are from the people that are supportive of Elisabeth Harper’s party. Mrs. Harper has destroyed her credibility and has now become the laughing stock of the nation because of that fictional blackmail threat she said she received and which is purported to

come from APNU-AFC. Which sane Guyanese would believe that someone sent Mrs. Harper a blackmail note and openly told her that they would be paid US$5 million by APNU-AFC to scandalize her if she doesn’t cooperate? Mrs. Harper doesn’t realize the extent to which she has reduced Guyana in the eyes of the world with her nonsensical cry of extortion. The talk of Guyana is this US$5 million. People are laughing at it. I went to two opposition public meetings on Thursday night and it created a huge roar of laughter when speaker after speaker made mention of it. Let us look at another dimension of Harper’s comedy show. If for just one project – to besmirch Harper - the opposition is spending $1.1 billion, then, surely, one can safely conclude that

dozens of billions will be used by APNU-AFC for this campaign, making it the most expensive election battle in the history of the Caribbean. If $1.1 billion is for a dirty work on Harper, then how much is the opposition spending to tarnish Ramotar? Let’s put that at $4 billion. Then to get Jagdeo, that would probably be $10 billon. So between Harper, Ramotar and Jagdeo the opposition will spend $15 billion. The more you think about Harper’s nonsense the more it becomes clear that this woman is unfit to be the Prime Minister of Guyana. Any politician from the PPP’s side who believes that APNUAFC will pay US$5 million to vilify them is an extremely imbecilic person who does not deserve to be involved in public life, period. This US$5 million story reveals the bankruptcy of the PPP. Surely, Mrs. Harper would have gone to her party’s leadership and asked for advice as to what public relations angle she should take. What is the advice she

Frederick Kissoon got? Accuse the opposition of inventing the plot. Well nothing wrong with that. The UK is in the throes of an election campaign and some invented plots are making the rounds one of which is that the First Minister of Scotland told a French diplomat that she prefers a Conservative victory over the Labour Party. The woman said she never uttered such words. If the PPP and Elisabeth Harper are going to invent a plot to hurt APNU-AFC, surely it cannot be that comical as the one we are seeing – APNU-AFC paying someone US$5 million to dirty Mrs. Harper over her son’s court case where he is being sued for failing to repay $700 million. By the way, did Harper’s son actually take the money? That’s a big sum.

Saturday April 11, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 11

Guyana establishes national committee on trade facilitation In keeping with an agreement under the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Cabinet has given the go ahead for the establishment of a National Committee on Trade Facilitation. The committee was formally established yesterday, and its first meeting convened following a workshop at the Guyana Revenue Authority’s (GRA’s) Camp Street office. The event underscored the government’s resolve to the agreement and the commitment to implement it. This agreement was concluded at the 9th WTO Ministerial Conference, held in Bali, Indonesia in December 2014. Also, on the agenda of the meeting and workshop, was the coordination of the domestic arrangements and Guyana’s input into CARICOM’s implementation of the agreement. Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh, in his address at the opening ceremony, noted his pleasure at being able to be a part of such an important event, which will determine a lot for Guyana’s economic future. This workshop, the minister pointed out, will form the precursor for the convening of the National Committee on Trade Facilitation. “The thrust of the matter is that the subject addressed by this workshop is extremely important, way beyond its obvious superficial relevance.” He added that the immediate and obvious would relate to Guyana’s obligations as a member of the international community and the WTO, having participated in the negotiations, leading to the conclusion of the agreement. “The Cabinet of Guyana

has considered that agreement, and we are on the verge of signalling our ratification and we intend to do so, once this workshop and sensitisation programme has been completed.” Hence, the minister underscored the importance of the convening of the committee and the ratification of this agreement, as it forms a very important part of Guyana’s obligations as a member of the global family of nations, “…And indeed, as a part of the global trading system, from that perspective, the subject matter of this workshop is of course extremely important, but I believe that there is an even more basic and even more fundamental relevance and importance of this workshop.” That fundamental importance, the minister explained, relates to Guyana’s economy and economic performance, which form the inevitable future direction of the economy. “The fact of the matter is that Guyana is very peculiar in a number of perspectives, but the fact of the matter is that Guyana is a relatively large country, with abundant national resources, a relatively small population and a relatively small economy.” Dr. Singh added that notwithstanding Guyana’s strong growth performance over the last nine years, the significance of that achievement is nothing compared with what Guyana’s aspirations are. The fact of the matter is that achieving the kind of growth and development that we would like to achieve and that we aspire to achieve as a country, cannot be contingent only on the domestic market.”

A section of the participants of the workshop on the implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. Acknowledging the fact that the domestic market and population are still relatively small, Dr. Singh said mobilising the fullness and vastness of Guyana’s natural resources and other potential, to achieve accelerated economic growth and economic development at the a desired rate and level, will require Guyana to look way beyond the domestic market. “The truth is that it is in trade and from trade Guyana will achieve the kind of growth that we aspire to achieve, our government has a strong conviction that Guyana has a number of unique advantages.” Pointing to one of the many advantages, Dr. Singh pointed to the fact that Guyana is positioned rightly on the cusp of realising the benefits of trade, given its geographic contiguity with South America. “Businesses operating in Guyana have a natural extension to the domestic market, a company manufacturing an item of goods or service in Guyana; I believe has no real reason

Caricom Rice Mills to compensate dead worker’s mother The management of the privately-owned Caricom Rice Mills Ltd, located, at Anna Regina is continuing to evade the media. However, Pamela Gittens, the mother of the teenager who lost his life two months ago while working at the rice mill, has said that she would receive a substantial monetary compensation from the company very soon. Gittens did not reveal the amount she would be

receiving fearing that she may be the target of thieves. Gittens lost her third child, Threeion Gittens, hours after he had reported for work, at CRML, on February 5, last. The 17-year-old and three other employees were cleaning a storage tank when the tank which usually stores tons of paddy dislocated and fell, pinning Gittens. Immediately after the accident, efforts were made by management of Caricom

Threeion Gittens Rice Mills Ltd., to remove his body from beneath the tons of paddy. The firm paid for Threeion Gittens’s funeral. Gittens worked for at least one year with Caricom Rice Mills.

why they should not look to Suriname and Brazil as natural extension to their market.” Meanwhile, Commissioner General of the GRA, Khurshid Sattaur, while endorsing the

initiative, noted that it provides another opportunity to involve the private sector and other stakeholders in the affairs of the GRA. The fact of the matter is,

that achieving the kind of growth and development that we would like to achieve and that we aspire to achieve as a country cannot be contingent only on the domestic market.”

Families of dead babies to collaborate in protest The families of four-yearold Jayden Mars, who died last December, three-year- old Akeela Benson, and fivemonth-old Kevon Critchlow, who both died last month, will be collaborating in a protest set for Monday outside the Ministry of Health, Brickdam. The families are contending that the children died due to the negligence of the health facilities. Mars’ case was however a bit different from the other two. A senior official of the health sector confirmed that

he was a victim of negligence and malpractice by the medical practitioners who administered an overdose of anesthetic. However, a defence was later proffered. The collaboration was long anticipated as the families shared the same sentiments and wished the same results; justice for their babies. However the flame was sparked up yesterday, following the laying of charges against Kevin Critchlow, father of five-

month-old Kevon Critchlow, on Thursday. Kevin Critchlow was charged for threatening nurses at the Plaisance Health Centre. They claim that he was armed with a cutlass and bearing his son’s coffin in the other hand. Yesterday when the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Shamdeo Persaud, was contacted for a status update on the investigations into the death of Critchlow, he said that investigations are still ongoing.

Woman’s dismembered body…

Police release remaining suspects Police have released all the other suspects in the murder of US based Guyanese Samantha Benjamin, after failing to unearth anything incriminating against them that could lead to successful prosecution. The men, including a motorcycle mechanic, who were arrested earlier this week, were released late yesterday afternoon, three days after Berbician Imran Ramsaywack was charged for the woman’s murder. Ramsaywack had implicated at least two of the men who were taken into

custody. He had admitted that he had organized a robbery on the woman, but he did not participate in her killing, which he blamed on two accomplices. But a source close to the investigations told this newspaper that the two men Ramsaywack had implicated had maintained a straight story, despite being questioned and crossquestioned several times. Benjamin’s body with its head, hands and feet severed was recovered from the Annandale Foreshore, East Coast Demerara on the

morning of March 26. At the time no one knew who the body belonged to. Benjamin was only positively identified a week later, when relatives missed her and began making enquiries. During their search, relatives discovered blood stains in the house that she was staying in at Middle Walk, Buxton. Ramsaywack was also occupying the house, having been taken there by one of Benjamin’s relatives to assist in the rearing of chickens in the yard. Benjamin’s remains are being cremated today.

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Kaieteur News

Saturday April 11, 2015

Not so young among “youthful” faces added to PPP/C’s list As the May 11 polling day nears, political parties are in overdrive mode to attract votes. Yesterday the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/ C) placed particular emphasis on the youths when it held a Press Conference at its Robb Street, Georgetown, Freedom House Headquarters. The forum was moderated by former Miss Guyana/ Universe, now PPP/C supporter, Olive Gopaul. Calling it “exciting developments within the party”, Gopaul told a gathering of media operatives that the party has been benefiting from an influx of talented and reputable individuals who are embracing progress under the PPP/C Government. “As we look around we see all new faces, all youthful faces; I have two gentlemen here and I’m sure that they fall under the bracket of being youthful too,” said Gopaul as she broke out in a hearty chuckle. And this was with good reason too as among those who flanked her were two gentlemen who weren’t remotely youthful – ‘on gain, off-again, currently on-again’ PPP/C supporter, Peter Ramsaroop, and new Alliance for Change (AFC) detractor, Sixtus Edwards. Both men are each more than half a century old. A very vocal Ramsaroop didn’t waste time to make it clear that although he had been a critic of the party, with a focus mainly on economic

The “youthful” faces of the PPP/C at yesterday’s press conference issues, he was invited by President Donald Ramotar to join forces with the PPP/C. He seemed particularly confident that the President is serious about dealing with corruption. In response to a question from this publication about reports linking the ruling party to corruption, Ramsaroop said that the fact that the President has invited him on board “ means that he is saying to all of us if we see it (corruption) tell him and if he can prove it he will fix it...” In alluding to progress made under the PPP/C regime, and plans to continue along this path, he added, “We have got to continue and we have got to change within and we have all got to contribute to that change.” Edwards, on the other

hand, pointed out that his move to support the party was not because of a fallout with the AFC, but simply because “I want to continue serving the people of this country...” He in his ever noticeable St. Lucian accent claimed to be the architect of the (AFC) party, but added that he was forced to sever ties since the principles on which the party was formed had degenerated. He asserted that the AFC was one designed to give an alternative to the youths of the land but noted that, t h a t agenda has since changed. “I decided to move on,” he quipped. “We had a principle...But I realised that I made a mistake because those core values and principles (have) left the AFC. It has taken another

path, I would say not only (is there) cronyism within the party but they have gone in the direction to get power, not to look after the people’s interest...” Observers could very well conclude that it was to ensure that he too doesn’t become burdened with the desire for power that Edwards did the noble thing of gravitating to the PPP/C. But that’s left to be seen.

Among the actual new youthful faces of the PPP/C on showcase yesterday was yet another detractor in the person of Africo Selman, who hadn’t many good things to speak of her former party. It was interesting to hear Selman, who said she is a teacher by profession, make special effort to label Presidential candidate of the APNU+AFC alliance, David Granger, as a weak leader

while at the same time, praising former People’s National Congress/Reform leader, Robert Corbin, as excellent. The possibility exists that some PPP/C members are wondering if they are already being graded by the teacher. Aside from Selman and Gopaul, the other members who are now included in the youthful arm of the party is yet another beauty queen, Roshnie Boodhoo and Sarah Brown, who especially sought to highlight her hinterland origins by underscoring that Government has certainly not trained its attention on only the capital city. But based on Gopaul’s disclosure, it hasn’t been a simple task for the “youthful” supporters of the PPP/C. “Several of the new faces...who have endorsed the PPP/C for the General and Regional Elections have come under severe criticisms. I myself have come under severe criticism for being associated with and for supporting the party,” said a despondent Gopaul.

Festival City bridge execution…

Cops question victim’s brother over GGMC engineer’s murder The brother of executed vendor Quincy Bowman remained in custody yesterday, as police sources confirmed that he is being questioned about last February’s killing of Guyana Geology and Mines (GGMC) engineer Trevor Abrams. It is unclear why police believe that the brother, who is a miner, and has reportedly been in custody since Wednesday, may have information about Abrams’ murder. Abrams was riddled with bullets on February 26 by the occupants of a car while driving near Little Diamond, on the East Bank Demerara Public Road. Police subsequently arrested two men with a .32 pistol, which ballistics tests showed was used to kill Abrams and security guard, Wilfred Stewart, who was shot dead on December 8, 2014, at the Sterling Products Limited, Providence, East Bank Demerara. Kaieteur News understands that three suspects are due to appear in court shortly on charges related to the two killings. Police recently refuted a Kaieteur News report which stated that one of the suspects said that an individual in the mining industry hired persons to kill Abrams. Quincy Bowman, the brother of the man now being

Quincy Bowman

Trevor Abrams

questioned, 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 clothing and cosmetics vendor, who only returned from French Guiana last December, was lured or forcibly taken to the spot. Residents told Kaieteur News that they heard two gunshots at around 04.00 hrs and then heard the sound of a motorcycle leaving the area. They ventured outside and saw the then unidentified victim, who was dressed in a red long-sleeved, hooded jersey and white three-quarter pants, lying motionless on the bridge. Police reportedly

managed to identify the slain man after using a cell phone they found in his pockets to contact his acquaintances. Relatives subsequently identified the body at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. Bowman had lived with his now detained brother at Cummings Lodge. The sibling has stated that he went out around 21.00 hrs on Sunday, leaving Bowman at home. However, when he returned at around 01.00 hrs on Monday, there was no sign of his brother. Bowman’s sister said he had no enemies that they knew of. She said that he rarely went out, did not seem to have many friends, and only recently began vending in Georgetown.

Saturday April 11, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 21

Lawyer begs for bail for man PPP never read with 11 armed robbery charges MMU report

Kwame Bhagwandin who is well known to the authorities and was said to be the mastermind in a spate of robberies in Berbice during the evening of Thursday April 4, has been remanded to prison on 11 charges. Bhagwandin, called ‘Baggie’, 23, of Lot 460 Ithaca Village, West Bank Berbice, appeared before Magistrate Charlyn Artiga in the Reliance Magistrate’s Court and was not required to plead. He is facing one charge of Attempt to Commit Murder and 10 charges of Robbery under Arms. Bhagwandin is accused of robbing Kandacy Bhemal and Mohanie Bhemal of a quantity of gold Jewelry valued at $ 1,638,000; a quantity of silver jewelry value at $66,000; 16 pieces of diamond valued at $350,000 and $180,000 on March 28, at Cumberland, East Canje. At the time he was said to be in company with others and armed with guns and cutlasses at Glasgow Housing Scheme. Bhagwandin is also charged with maliciously and unlawfully wounding

Kwame Bhagwandin

Sundarjeet Seepersaud with intent to murder him on Thursday April 2. Another charge read that also at Glasgow Housing Scheme, Bhagwandin and his cohorts robbed Stanley McKenzie of one motor car, a cellular phone and $1,500 in cash. On the same day he and his cohorts are accused of venturing to No. 2 Village, East Canje Berbice and robbing Devindra Samaroo of one gold ring and one Blackberry cellular phone, a total value of $85,000. He is also accused of robbing

Devin Roopnarine of one silver band worth $8,000, Tessa Ramnauth, of one gold band and one gold finger ring value $120,000. During the robbery spree Bhagwandin and company ventured over to the Caribbean Cruise Restaurant on Main Road No. 2 Village and robbed cashier Melissa Benn of one cellular phone and $20,740 in cash. Attorney-at-Law Charrandass Persaud, who is representing Bhagwandin, asked for bail for his client. He told the court that he (Bhagwandin) is the father of

five. He also told the court that the defendant should not be remanded to the New Amsterdam Prison since he was brutalized by inmates whilst being incarcerated there recently. Attorney Persaud told the court that his client is virtually a cripple and at the moment is unable to grip or hold anything solid, much less a gun or cutlass. Police Prosecutor Sergeant Phillip Sheriff objected to bail on the grounds of the nature, gravity and prevalence of the offences. He also stated that a firearm was used in the robbery while, the victim of the attempted murder remains hospitalized. The robbery was caught on CCTV camera mounted on one of the premises that was robbed and Bhagwandin was positively identified by some of the victims of the robberies. Four of the cases were transferred to the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s court for continuation on April 24. While the other seven cases were fixed for May 6, at the Reliance Magistrate’s court.

…but criticises MMU for chiding Jagdeo The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), has accused the Media Monitoring Unit of bias. A letter signed by PPP’s Executive Secretary, Zulfikar Mustapha was sent to the Unit on Thursday, two days after the report was released. In the letter, the PPP registered its “strong objection to the decision of the Media Monitoring Unit to label a speech by former President Bharat Jagdeo at Babu Jaan on March 8, as racially divisive.” Jagdeo had said “…Consistently, they shout about racism of the PPP, but they practise racism. They whisper campaigns. In the last elections they went to some of the Afro-Guyanese villages and beat some drums at 6 o’clock in the morning and say let us throw out these coolie people. “Get up, go out and vote;

Sexual Violence Awareness Month….

Citizens picket for greater intervention in cases on sexual violence

The picketing exercise outside the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday Given the alarming images and figures that usually depict sexual violence in Guyana, a group of social activists and concerned citizens from stakeholder organisations, joined in public condemnation of such acts. They stood outside the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday to raise further awareness of the issue. The group which comprised of mostly women called for the implementation of mechanism, which will help to curb the rape culture in

Guyana. Those in the peaceful picket line included representatives from the Guyana Association of Women’s Lawyers, (GAWL) the AGAPE Network and the Citizens Against Rape (CAR). CAR’s representative, Nicole Cole, said that the aim of the activity is to bring better public awareness to the issue of sexual violence in Guyana. She said that the culture of violence, particular sexual violence in our society has reached such proportions that it should be

termed “domestic terrorism.” Expressing disgust at the most recent case of sexual violence, in which a nine-year -old boy was raped and murdered, Cole also a social worker attached the Ministry of Human Services, noted that more should be done assist in terms of activism against sexual violence. “He was nine years old and going to fly his kite. Are children not allowed to fly their kites without the fear of being pounced upon by a predator?

“We have citizens who would have served their country, elderly women not dressed in provocative garment ...perhaps in their night gowns and reading glasses but they are raped and murdered in their homes. “This type of behaviour warrants a desperate call to action” said Cole She is of the view that the issue calls of implementation of critical pieces of legislation which speak specifically to the issue. “Laws on paper are just laws on paper without implementing its impotent… We have an impotent legal system. It needs some potency and vibrancy… we need justice for our youngest as well as our eldest citizens,” she asserted. “What did they do to provoke the crime? Absolutely nothing but because absolutely nothing is being done by the criminal justice system to eliminate Guyana’s burgeoning rape culture, perpetrators find it very normal to commit the gruesome acts,” She added According to Cole, violence should be viewed and tackled that it is a public health in Guyana. “Why is there not enough support for victims or survivors of domestic and

sexual violence? We need public welfare system that caters to victims and even perpetrators in terms of making adequate interventions on their behalf.” Meanwhile, Colin Marks, a representative of the AGAPE Network said that given the the mountain of evidence that sexual violence is on the raise in Guyana much is to be desired in terms of the level of prosecution. “I am just standing solidarity as part of my support to raise awareness about this type of violence …The very meager level of prosecution is definitely something that needs some attention given to it,” he added. A series of sensitization activities have been planned for this month which was designated to spread awareness about sexual violence. During the month of events, representatives of Red Thread, CAR, Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA), Caribbean American Domestic Violence Awareness, (CADVA) and Rainbow House will carried out a number of activities including peaceful picketing exercises at various venues to raise public awareness about the issue.

throw out the coolie people. That’s the kind of language they use. Anybody from our party who uses that sort of language, we will kick them out. This is our approach.” These remarks had caught the attention of the MMU which on Tuesday made public its first report on the media coverage of the election campaign. Addressing the public outcry over Jagdeo’s delivery, the MMU noted that after it reviewed a broadcast of the speech made by Jagdeo at Port Mourant last month, it found his remarks racially divisive. The MMU chided sections of the media for publishing the comments, because the unit “verily concluded that the remarks made by Dr. Jagdeo were racially divisive.” The MMU made it known that Jagdeo’s Babu Jaan speech was the first time such details were ever publicly disclosed by anyone from t h e ruling PPP/C, the Opposition political parties, local civil society, international elections observers, or the media. The letter sent by the PPP/ C stated that it regarded the position adopted by the MMU as unfair and a gross misinterpretation of what was actually said. “Was the speech of Jagdeo reviewed in its entirety? No reasonable mind could have arrived at such an interpretation. Jagdeo was simply reciting what was actually being peddled by other political parties…We in the PPP have always and will continue to condemn racism.” The PPP added, “We note your conspicuous omission to express a view on Kaieteur News’s very skewed and malicious twist of what Jagdeo said in an article a day after the event under the screaming headline, “PPP is a coolie people party- Jagdeo”. Those statements clearly indicate that the Party did not read the report in its entirety. The PPP said that is has cause to question the MMU’s objectivity as well as the organisation’s professionalism “and perhaps political bias. In the circumstances, we request a review of your decision at the earliest possible time and a retraction of what you published in relation thereto.”

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Kaieteur News

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1 Caretaker (male), 1 bartender (male), apply @ Cotton Club, 44 Public Road Kitty-Tel: 231-1908; 231-1912 DRIVER FOR FAST GROWING FOOD IMPORTER/DISTRIBUTOR, NEED POLICE CLEARANCE, REFFERNCE/ APPLICATION. AGE 3045 FOR INTERVIEW. CALL: 231-8344

Saturday April 11, 2015

WANTED Live in waitress age 20 & older with Secondary Education @ Diamond Gate Liquior Restaurant, Lot 18-19 Belmont Mahaica - Tel: 2285013 Manager for 704 Contact 223-5273/4 Two Cleaner - preferable female - age 16 to 18yrs old; preferably from Eccles, EBD area -Tel # 600-5253 1 Female attendant for internet café (26-35yrs) computer literate, 3 CSEC Subjects Tel: 227-0867 between 5:007:00, Monday- Friday. Urgently needed land to buy in Fort Ordinance & Glasgow (Berbice) & Rosignol –Tel: 675-7292; 611-7223 Urgently needed land to buy in Parfaite Harmonie, SchoonOrd, Eccles & Herstelling - Tel: 675-7292; 611-7223 One Welder, with gas welding knowledge, age 1830@ Fat Man Welding Shop, 21 Broad St. G/Town - Tel: 643-9125; 223-5595

MASSAGE The Gents Spa: Beautiful sophisticated masseuses, massage done by Tiffany – Call: 657-5979

SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.–CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Advertisements; Guyana Passport & Visa Forms Application, USA, Canada and England. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. Repairs & spare, fridge, freezer, A/C, washers, stoves. Contact Nick: 683-1312, 627-3206 Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building visadocumentsgy@yahoo.com Call : 225-6496, 662-6045 Mahadeo Construction for all construction, carpentry, masonry, pluming, painting etc. Free estimates and plan Contact # 669-7376 Accounting & Taxation Services: tax returns, compliances, financial statements. Avinash Persaud Tax Consultancy, 163 Parika, EBE - Call: 260-4762. GIVE YOUR RIDE THAT SHOWROOM FINISH! PAINT CORRECTION TO REMOVE SWIRLS, SCRATCHES, WATER SPOTS, WAX - TEL: 6107108

Great Deals on video games and all gaming consoles – Call: 672-2566; 265-3232 HOUSEHOLDARTICLES @ GUYSUCO GARDENS, SATURDAY 11TH APRIL 124PM. DRYER, WASHER, FRIDGE,ETC-CALL:655-8171 Cosmetologist is migrating and is selling out her salon equipments- Call:681-2500 Cat engines, key start – (3406-6CYL-425HP, 31264CYL:-190HP), one bed with spares, price $2M (both) – Contact: 618-7483; 695-9054; 231-7805 6X6 TM with free maintenance schedule includes accessories for logs & fuel –Contact: 670-6521; 680-3154 XBOX360 4 GB + Kinect and 2 games- $80,000, PS3, XBOX games – Tel Ray: 627-6215 One Touch Diabetic tests strips, whole sale & retail, 25 vials – Call: 669-8872; 695-6604 Male Enhancement - Tel: 642-6664 X-Box 360 slim 4GB or 250GB with 5 original games and 2 wireless controllers- cheap!Call:683-8386 Dredge engines 1 6 cylinder German deutz, 2-3 cylinder Perkins on bed, 5" housing & bearing block, 8"-6" razor blade pump. Tel:666-6618; 615-5925

Your Dream Yard Today! Stunning designs, Assortment, colourful plant choices, Professional Landscapers Tel: 219-0468/ 648-1821

Complete 6" dredge with Honda ATV and Pickup (24CYL – deutz engine) -$5.5M negotiable - Tel:666-6618; 615-5925

We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer Call Omar: 2310655, 683-8734

Foreign used Yamaha outboard engines 15HP, 225HP and spare parts Yamaha 4 stroke jet ski – Tel:666-6618; 615-5925

Balloon decorating for birthdays, weddings, anniversary etc, make your event extra special! Tel Maya: 642-6664

1 Graphic artist, 1 office clerk between 30-40 yearsTel:233-2725 Responsible hire car driversCall: 231-7475

TOURS

Eagle’s fridge re-gas - $8,000 & washing machine repairs. Phone: 697-2969, 646-0966 REPAIRS AT LOW COST: FRIDGES, AIRCONDITIONERS, WASHING MACHINES, TVS, MICROWAVES, FREEZERS- CALL:6294946 OR 225-4822

Receptionist to work at Xenon hotel, must be between the ages 35-45 contact 223-5273/4

Suriname tour return May 1st -5th, sightseeing of dolphins; shopping –Tel: 639-2663; 644-0185; 665-5171

HOUSE PLAN DRAFTING AND ESTIMATES FOR ONLY $15,000- CALL:6949843/227-2766

1 Mini marine tanker capacity 11,500 Gallons – Tel:227-1744 or 657-9237 One complete cabin Cruise – Tel: 684-3786 1-4 pieces suite, 1 wardrobe, 1 vanity, 1-4 burners gas stove, 1 double bunker & single bed with mattress – Contact Bibi: 664-3454 1- Salon sink and chair, 1 massage table, a quantity of salon cosmetics & a quantity of cake stuff - Contact: 664-3454 1 Exhaust box, 600 amp automatic, change over switch –Tel: 627-7835

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 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: 680-3154 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 Toyota AT212, AT192, AE100 Sprinter, EP-71 Starlet, Hilux 4 Runner, RZ Mini bus, Yamaha R6 - Tel: 644-5096; 697-1453 AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom, Cash / terms- Call: 680-3154 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 One Three (3) Ton Canter, $ 600,000- Contact # 6500402/2604988 Toyota Premio 2003 $2.350M, Toyota Spacio 2004- $2.150M – Contact: 227-5950; 681-7117

SERVICES For tree & hedge trimming, weeding, clearing & spraying of land- Call:6109187, 648-9750 & 685-5425 For your (NIS) National Insurance Needs – Call: 6096952; 682-7879 FOR SALE Stamp collection selling out, rare stamps, coins, documents, comic books, LP records, etc - Contact: 227-6817; 226-5183; 624-7141 Computer paper, American locks, transformers, door exit device –Tel: 233-2725 Continued on page 31

Saturday April 11, 2015

Kaieteur News

Page 23

Venezuela has contributed significantly to funding new international airport - Gonsalves

(From page 30)

PROPERTY FOR SALE Property @ Lot 63 West Ruimveldt, Estate Housing Scheme Georgetown – Contact Mark: 618-9744 Two storied concrete house, two bedrooms upstairs, two bedrooms downstairs $20Million @ Block “8” Mon Repos, E.C.D- Tel:625-1514

TO LET 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

Dr. Ralph Gonsalves KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent - CMC – Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves says Venezuela has contributed more than US$85 million towards the construction of the EC$700 million (One Ec dollar =US$0.37 cents) international airport at Argyle. The oil-rich South American country has been accused of not living up to a promise Gonsalves said it had made about paying the wages of Cubans working on the project. But Prime Minister Gonsalves, who is also Minister of Finance, said earlier this week that the airport project has received US$50 million in loans from the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (ALBA) Bank at two per cent interest for 20 years. “When you get money like that, it’s almost a grant,” he said at the inauguration of a US$32 million fuel depot at Lowmans Bay, built with PetroCaribe funds. He said that US$25 million have gone into the airport from PetroCaribe, Venezuela’s oil initiative with several Caribbean and Latin American countries. Gonsalves said that money, including the grace period, is 25 years at one per cent interest. “So that is US$75 million. And then we got at the very beginning to start the project, equipment valued at US$10 million,” he said, adding that Venezuela has also set up the laboratory to conduct soil and other tests at the airport. “This friendship is not only in money and men and in equipment, not only in cash and kind and in technical people, also advice and support and solidarity,” Gonsalves said.

LAND FOR SALE Vacant land space at Supply East Bank Demerara –Tel: 227-1744 or 657-9237 Parfaite Harmonie -$1.3M, $1.4M, $1.5M, Ankerville Port Mourant -$1.5M, $2M – Tel:675-7292; 611-7223 Blankenburg, 3 lots 75X76 each, $15M, all 3 lots, Parika, Peter Street, lot size 38’X150' - $7.9M-Contact # 650-0402/ 260-4988 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: 2330570; 629-7426

FOR RENT Two Bedroom apartment $40,000 monthly, parking space available –Tel: 6131317 Church to rent @ 180 Charlotte Street - $150,000 negotiable -Contact: 2276817; 624-7341

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

FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 1- 95X50 business place for rent located at Mon Repos Public Road E.C.D –Tel: 6276789; 656-0602 GT TOOL RENTALS: COMPACTOR; CHIPPING HAMMER RANSOM & FLOOR SANDER, , JACK HAMMER, CONCRETE SAW & MORE - CALL: 675-0767, 627-5098 One 2 bedrooms apartment @ 35 Howes Street- Contact Pet Boy Shop, between the hours 11am-6pm - $45,000 monthly 1-One bedroom apartment to rent at Lyng street Charlestown $35,000 per month- Call: 670-7171 1-Two bedroom apartment to rent at 23B Lyng street Charlestown $50,000 per month- call: 670-7171 Two bedrooms apartment to rent @ 1881 Parfaite Harmonie W.C.D -$30,000 – Call: 645-0489 Apartment for rent-Contact: 625-8605

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Kaieteur News

Saturday April 11, 2015

APNU+AFC pledges assistance to EAB ELECTIONS CORNER A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) has said that it stands firmly behind the Electoral Assistance Bureau (EAB) as they seek to investigate the revised list of electors. The EAB had announced that due to time constraints and limited resources, they would be conducting limited tests of the Revised List of Electors, which has grown by 75,000 since the 2011 elections, prompting concerns over its accuracy. Speaking at a press conference yesterday at its Queenstown headquarters, leader of the Working People’s Alliance, one of the parties comprising the APNU, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, stated that his party remains committed to lending whatever support it can to the agency. “If the EAB approaches us, to share in our findings or exchange ideas about methodology or anything, we are prepared to work closely with it and to provide it with

Voting by Proxy

General Secretary of AFC David Patterson, WPA leader Dr. Rupert Roopnarine, and Malika Ramsey as much assistance as it may need to get its work done.” According to Roopnaraine, the EAB had previously stated that it would be doing 15 per cent sampling of the electoral list. The politician stated that APNU+AFC would in all likelihood be doing a similar sized sampling. “If at the end (of testing) there is anything the EAB wants to report, that warrants further investigation, we will investigate.” Roopnaraine stated that the party did raise concerns

during the claims and objections period. “We did not neglect any opportunity during the claims and objections period to put our concerns and recommendations forward.” “And now we are dealing with a situation outside of GECOM whereby, there is an increased RLE and it needs to be explained.” According to the EAB, last Tuesday its Council of Management finalized arrangements for the commencement of its 2015 Elections Monitoring and Observation Exercise. However, the body said that due to the shortness of time and limited resources, its programme for the upcoming National and Regional elections will be restricted to conducting a limited test of the Revised List of Electors (RLE) and observing the balloting process on Elections Day, May 11, 2015. Dmitri Nicholson has been appointed Project Director for EAB’s 2015 programme. Nicholson, EAB said, has considerable experience working in the nongovernmental organization sector in Guyana, especially in youth development. Former EAB Project Directors, Clairmont Lye and Lawrence Lachmansingh, are also back. They have “volunteered their time and resources to

Project Director for the EAB, Dmitry Nicholson coordinate the implementation of the list test,” a statement from the body said. Troy Thomas, a professional statistician, has agreed to provide pro bono support. “Given the limited time available, EAB will need the support of the two main contesting groups, and GECOM, for this test to be done quickly and with quality. The EAB wishes to take this opportunity to invite persons, who are committed to strengthening democracy, to volunteer to join the EAB’s 2015 elections observer exercise. Civic-minded Guyanese, 18 years and older, who are neither activists nor candidates for any political party are invited to become impartial, objective observers in polling stations at which they are registered to vote.” The current Council of Management comprises Father Malcolm Rodrigues (Chair), Dmitri Nicholson (Project Director), Teni Housty, Lyndell DanzieBlack, Father Godfrey Veerasammy, Slydell Glen and David Yhann.

Proxy Voting is exercised in most forms of voting activity practised around the world. Regardless of the form its takes, the principles of Proxy Voting have remained firmly established, even though its criteria may vary as a result of the changing dynamics in a society. Proxy Voting may be referred to as the procedure of delegating the right to vote by one person to another, on the latter’s behalf. During Proxy Voting, in the absence of the particular person requesting a proxy, his or her vote will be secured by some other person so designated to vote by the person requesting a proxy. Conventional schools of thought posit that a person so designated to cast the vote on behalf of another is called a “proxy” and the person who delegates the power is called a “principal”. It must be noted that a voter (principal) must have absolute trust in the proxy. VOTING BY PROXY: THE GUYANACONTEXT The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) defines Proxy Voting simply as a vote cast by an appointed voter on behalf of another voter. Proxy voting is available to any eligible elector who is unable to attend his or her Polling Station on Polling Day to cast his or her ballot. However, anyone desirous of applying for a proxy must satisfy one of the indicators outlined on GECOM’s menu of criteria defining those persons who are entitled to vote by proxy. WHO IS ENTITLED TO VOTE BY PROXY? An eligible elector who is unable to personally go to the Polling Station where he or she is registered to vote because he or she: I. would be on duty on Election Day either because he or she is (a) a member of the Disciplined Forces, (b) Rural Constable; or (c) persons connected with the elections as assigned by a Returning Officer; II. is acting as a Returning Officer for a District other than the District in which he or she is registered to vote; III. is employed to work

during the elections in a District other than the one in which he or she is registered to vote; IV. would be engaged in the running of a vessel for the Transport and Harbours Department on Election Day; V. is a duly appointed Candidate at the Elections and would be away from home on Election Day; and VI. is visually impaired or is otherwise living with a physical disability. WHO CAN BE APPOINTED TO VOTE AS PROXY? · A Voter can be appointed to vote as proxy only if he or she is registered to vote at the same Polling Station as the voter he or she will be voting for. · A Voter can be appointed to vote as proxy for NO MORE than two other voters. · A voter appointed as proxy must (i) be listed on the same Official List of Electors, (ii) be listed to vote at the same Polling Station, and (iii) must vote at the same time that he or she votes on his or her behalf. · Not more than ONE voter can be appointed to vote on behalf of another voter. APPLICATION FORAPPOINTMENT OF PROXY All applications for the appointment of proxies must be presented to the District Returning Officer not later than 10 days before Election Day. Please note that the Application Forms for Proxy can be uplifted from the Office of the Returning Officer in your District from Wednesday April 8, 2015. All completed forms must be submitted to the Returning Officer for the Electoral District in which the applicant (elector) is registered to vote, between Wednesday April 8, 2015 and Friday May 1, 2015. Applications to vote by proxy WILL NOT be accepted after Friday May 1, 2015. GECOM would like to further state that all applications for proxy will be thoroughly investigated by the relevant Returning Officers in collaboration with the respective Political Parties Scrutineers. A determination on the granting of proxy status to eligible electors will reside with GECOM once all investigations into applications received by the GECOM Secretariat are completed. It is the right of every eligible elector to go out on May 11, 2015 and vote as early as possible. All of GECOM’s Polling Stations throughout the country will be open from 06:00h to 18:00h.

Saturday April 11, 2014

Kaieteur News

Human Services Minister resigns Government has announced the resignation of one of its top ministers. Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Jennifer Webster, was not included in the lists that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/ C) submitted on Tuesday during Nomination Day at City Hall. Yesterday, Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon, said that Webster has been ailing for some time now and opted not to continue with her duties after this month. The topic was specifically addressed by the spokesman yesterday during his weekly press conference at the Office of the President. He said that during a recent Cabinet Ministers’ meeting, President Donald Ramotar “advised” that he has accepted the Minister’s submission of her notice of

Jennifer Webster resignation effective April 30. “The President disclosed that in her submission, the Minister indicated a lack of significant improvement on her health situation while

conducting the fairly rigorous demands of a Minister of Government, particularly of the sector of Human Services and Social Security.” Dr. Luncheon insisted that it was a deliberate decision made on account of her health. She wanted the issue to be addressed and this led to her decision to resign. Indeed, there have been speculations following the exclusion of Webster’s name. She has served for years in the public sector, with her background in finance landing her a job as a Permanent Secretary in the Office of the President. In 2006 she became a Member of Parliament with the portfolio of Minister within the Ministry of Finance. She was sworn in as the Minister of Human Services and Social Security in 2011 in the Donald Ramotar administration.

Caribbean Security Summit in June Trinidad Express - Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar SC said she was happy that the United States has agreed to a Caribbean Security Summit which could be held as early as June at a venue to be decided. During (Thursday’s) CARICOM-US Summit at the Mona Campus of the University of the West Indies, Jamaica, Persad-Bissessar called for the Summit to deal with the growing number of issues, which could affect the Caribbean island states, if not checked. Persad-Bissessar, who is the lead Prime Minister on Crime and Security, initiated discussions with the visiting United States President, Barack Obama. Following the Summit, Persad and her delegation left for Panama for the Seventh Summit of the Americas which started yesterday morning with PersadBissessar being the very first speaker. Shortly after PersadBissessar arrived, Obama touched down in Air Force One to a big military welcome. In her submissions to Obama, Persad-Bissessar believed that all parties should evaluate Caribbean

Kamla Persad-Bissessar and US Security. She said the time was now for all parties to critically review, rethink and reform the approach to collaboration between our region and the US. The T&T Prime Minister said there was a clear and present threat which now exists from the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), and the Foreign Terrorist Fighters. She added, “A number of persons have been identified as leaving CARICOM Member States to become Foreign Terrorist Fighters. General Kelly, of the US SOUTHCOMM, has said that those young radicalised Caricom citizens could return with substantial terrorist skills in asymmetric warfare.” Persad-Bissessar pointed out that the war cannot be won without shared

Venezuela has contributed significantly to funding new international airport – Gonsalves KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent - CMC – Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves says Venezuela has contributed more than US$85 million towards the construction of the EC$700 million (One Ec dollar =US$0.37 cents) international airport at Argyle. The oil-rich South American country has been accused of not living up to a promise Gonsalves said it had made about paying the wages of Cubans working on the project. But Prime Minister Gonsalves, who is also Minister of Finance, said earlier this week that the airport project has received US$50 million in loans from the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (ALBA) Bank at two per cent interest for 20 years.

intelligence. “We must work together for the security of your people and ours,” she declared. Persad-Bissessar said CARICOM was deeply concerned about recent information from the Commander of US Southern Command. The Commander, she said, spoke of the drawdown of the already decreased naval assets of SOUTHCOMM. “This comes at a time of an increase in the illegal trade in small arms, the region’s daily fight against narcoterrorism and human trafficking, and the global threat posed by ISIS. “With these threats against our security, a great deal of anxiety is building, because the assets to defend our borders are being reduced and some of us have none at all.” Persad-Bissessar pointed out that Commissioners of Police from across the Caribbean have estimated that as many as 1.6 million illegal guns are in circulation within the region. “This is a significant cause for concern as we are all aware that guns are the most instrumental factor, for the high murder rates in the Caribbean. “Approximately seventy per cent (70%) of murders in the CARICOM occur through the use of Small Arms and Light Weapons. “In light of this, Trinidad & Tobago, with the endorsement of all CARICOM Member States, has offered to host the Secretariat of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). We would welcome the support of the United States in this endeavour.”

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Kaieteur News

Saturday April 11, 2014

Stage set for historic Obama-Castro meeting today

Obama and Castro during the official memorial service for former South African President Nelson Mandela December 10, 2013. (Getty Images) PANAMA CITY (AP) — President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro moved toward a groundbreaking meeting on the sidelines of the Summit of the Americas yesterday in what would be a remarkable display of reconciliation between two nations with the leadership of the Western Hemisphere gathered around them. The powerful symbolism of a face-to-face exchange today between the two leaders could signal progress even though both sides are still working through nettlesome issues that would lead to the opening of embassies in Washington and Havana, the first stage in a new diplomatic relationship. “The two leaders will be able to address and take stock in any discussion they have over where we are in the process of normalization, where we are in the discussions around the establishment of embassies and where we continue to have differences,” White House deputy national security adviser Benjamin Rhodes said. The White House was coy over the status of the State Department’s recommendation

to remove Cuba from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terror. Removal is a top issue with Castro because it would not only eliminate Cuba’s status as a pariah, but also ease Cuba’s ability to conduct simple financial transactions. Nevertheless, the pace of activity over the terror list suggested that even if Obama did not make an announcement today, one would come soon. Indeed, the U.S.-Cuban outreach has entered a new, accelerated stage in recent days, with Obama speaking with Castro by phone Wednesday and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry holding a lengthy meeting with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez late Thursday. The Cubans also put an optimistic face on the developments. The Cuban foreign ministry issued a brief account of the KerryRodriguez meeting, saying that for nearly three hours they discussed the reestablishment of diplomatic relations and the opening of embassies in a “respectful and constructive atmosphere.” “Both parties agreed to continue discussing other matters,” the ministry said.

It was the highest-level, face-to-face contact between officials from the two countries since the Dec. 17 announcement that Washington and Havana would move to restore diplomatic relations that were severed in 1961. Even as Washington talked up the historic shift toward Cuba, leftist leaders in Latin America took shots at Washington in solidarity with Venezuela. Barely off the plane, President Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela laid a wreath at a monument to victims of the U.S. invasion of Panama in 1989. To shouts of “Maduro, stick it to the Yankee,” he vowed to personally ask Obama to apologize to Panama and compensate victims of what he called a “massacre” that left more than 500 people dead during the invasion. “Never again a U.S. invasion in Latin America,” Maduro said. President Evo Morales of Bolivia said he backs Maduro’s drive to end U.S. intervention in the region. For Obama and Castro, their conversation Wednesday was the first since they spoke Dec. 17.

Brazil police arrest 3 ex-congressmen, BROADEN CORRUPTION PROBE CURITIBA, Brazil (Reuters) - Brazilian police arrested three former congressmen yesterday, broadening their corruption investigation beyond state-run oil firm Petrobras to state lender Caixa Economica Federal and the federal health ministry. A federal judge in the southern city of Curitiba ordered the arrest of André Vargas, former congressman for the ruling Workers’ Party, as well as Luiz Argolo and Pedro Corrêa, former lawmakers for the smaller opposition Party of Solidarity. Though none currently hold office, they were the first politicians arrested in the year-old probe that discovered construction companies had funneled bribes from Petrobras. Prosecutors and police agents

said at a press conference that Vargas and his brother had taken bribes in exchange for helping a public relations firm and a biotech lab secure contracts with Caixa Economica Federal and the health ministry. “This was probably repeated in other areas,” said federal police agent Igor Romario. In dispatches ordering the arrests, federal judge Sergio Moro cited evidence suggesting crimes of corruption and money laundering had been committed. Four other people were detained for allegedly funneling bribes. Prosecutors have long warned that the multibillion-dollar kickback scheme they uncovered at Petroleo Brasileiro SA likely extended to other state-run companies.

Saturday April 11, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 27

Lewis Hamilton top in second Chinese Grand Prix practice BBC Sport - Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton was in a league of his own throughout Friday practice at the Chinese Grand Prix. He was half a second clear of his closest rival, which was team-mate Nico Rosberg in the first session and Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen in the second. Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo was third, from Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel and Rosberg. Williams’s Felipe Massa had a scare when he spun at the end of the long back straight, causing minimal damage. The Brazilian’s car snapped sideways as Massa braked down from more than 200mph into the Turn 14 hairpin. The car half-spun but suffered only a broken front wing and ruined tyres. The incident brought out the red flag while marshals recovered the car. Apart from failing to

record a time on his first run in the first session, as a result of locking a wheel and running wide at the hairpin, Hamilton thereafter looked imperious. After setting the pace in first practice, Hamilton was quickest on the first runs in the second - by only 0.068secs from Rosberg - and then again on the qualifying simulation runs in the middle of the session, this time by 0.443secs from Raikkonen. “There are things we can improve on but generally the car was feeling good,” said Hamilton. “It was just nice to get the preparation in, which puts me in a good position for the weekend. “The Ferraris look like they are just as quick as in the last race but hopefully we’re quicker.” Rosberg’s true pace was disguised because he made a mistake at the final corner of

his run on the ‘soft’ tyre and lost what appeared to be about three quarters of a second. He had been about on a par with Raikkonen’s time before making that error. But on race pace it looked a little closer between Mercedes and Ferrari. The two teams split their tyre strategies on their race runs in the second part of the session, Hamilton and Vettel initially running the soft tyre and Rosberg and Raikkonen the medium. And while Hamilton was able to run half a second a lap or so faster than Vettel on the faster tyre, Raikkonen and Rosberg were very closely matched on the harder one. Ricciardo’s pace in third was encouraging for Red Bull after a disappointing showing in Malaysia last time out, when they were beaten by their own junior team, Toro Rosso.

Saturday April 11, 2015 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Luck and prosperity lie within your grasp now, Aries. The only problem is that you might not notice because you're so caught up in some emotional drama that occupies your entire being. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You may fall into a bottomless pit today, Taurus. Be careful about offering so much of yourself that you drain your internal resources. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Don't just talk about grand trips around the world - start planning them. If you don't start saving your resources and reserving blocks of time for your dreams, they may never come true.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Don't downplay your abilities now. You're on the brink of greatness, so act like it. Things should go quite well if you let them. Don't clog up the works by thinking that you're unworthy of the good luck that is sure to come your way.

(From page 29) tion-free. “We have to remember that the IPL is a twomonth tournament. Nine-ten months of the year, people are not with the franchises. Sometimes they are with their state teams or international teams and that is a long time of the year,” Dravid had said. “Things like education and vigilance need to be followed not only by the IPL but by everyone else. “The IPL is a high-profile tournament. It does attract a lot of attention, hype and media, because of that it does attract at times a lot of wrong elements as well. Vigilance is one thing that at all times we need to be vigilant about. Everyone is trying their best. They have the educational programmes, they have the ACSU. I know Rajasthan

Australia offers...

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) When others can't seem to decide which way to proceed, it will become crucial that you stand up and be the deciding force, Sagittarius.

(From page 31) way you miss loved ones,” said Mr Crawley. “And at the same time we will thank our lucky stars he came our way at all.” Former Australian captain Bill Lawry told the BBC Benaud set a standard both as a player and a broadcaster. “On the field he led by example... he was a brilliant fielder and a hard-hitting lower-order batsman.” Another former Australian cricket captain and coach Bob Simpson said even though people knew Mr Benaud was suffering from skin cancer, it was still a shock to learn he had died. “He dominated cricket for about 15 years,” said Mr Simpson. “He was a good bloke, he really was. Sometimes you thought he had a few airs and graces but he was just a fantastic person.”

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Your head may be going in a thousand different directions today, Capricorn. You may not have much time to stop and think about your next move.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Make sure you keep up your end of the bargain today, Leo. People are counting on you whether you realize it or not.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You're apt to feel emotionally brave today, Aquarius, so take advantage of this feeling by extending it to the people around you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You may feel tension in your world today without really knowing why, Virgo. This feeling of conflict may have your stomach in knots, making it difficult to deal with anything or anyone in a rational manner.

Royals player reports offer...

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Take a leap of faith today, Scorpio. Consider taking two or three. Trust that things will follow through perfectly. You will be drawn to those who put a smile on your face.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Think of yourself as a great pioneer crossing the frontier for the first time, Cancer. Acknowledge yourself as the important person that you are.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Your biggest dream is in front of you, Pisces, yet there's a large object standing in your path. When you peer around one way, the goal is only partly visible.

Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-Benz-F1)

Royals, we go out of the way to make an effort, try and educate the players.” It’s not the first time a fixing-related issue has come out of the Royals camp. Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan were arrested in the middle of the 2013 IPL season on allegations of spot-

fixing. The trio was suspended by the BCCI and Royals within a few days, and Sreesanth and Chavan were later banned for life by the BCCI. Royals play their first match of the season on Friday against Kings XI Punjab in Pune.

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Kaieteur News

Masters 2015: Jordan Spieth takes commanding lead at Augusta

Jordan Spieth

BBC Sport - Jordan Spieth enjoyed another sensational day at the Masters as he fired a six-under-par 66 to take a five-shot clubhouse lead. The 21-year-old closed his second round on 14 under, a new record score after 36 holes, with only fellow American Charley Hoffman, who bogeyed the last for a 68 to finish on nine under, able to cling on to his heels. Four-time major winner Ernie Els had four birdies and four bogeys in a level-par 72 and at five under is nine shots adrift in third. Four-time Masters champion Tiger Woods finished two under after picking up three shots in his round of 69. Rory McIlroy, chasing his third consecutive major and attempting to become only the sixth man in history to complete the career Grand Slam, is among the late starters, along with England’s Paul Casey and Justin Rose - all

three started their second rounds under par. But it was Spieth - playing with remarkable poise for a man of his years - who set Augusta National alight. Eight under overnight, he birdied the par-five second and difficult fifth before hitting a 229-yard approach to within three feet on the parfive eighth, having found a fairway bunker off the tee. Further birdies followed on the 10th, 13th and 15th as a nerveless display with the putter backed up relentless accuracy with his irons. A year ago he excelled on his Masters debut, holding a share of the lead going into the final round before becoming the youngest golfer to finish in second place. But that was with a cumulative five under, three shots off champion Bubba Watson. This week he has been almost unstoppable, conceding only one bogey in his first 36

holes. And while the history of the tournament is littered with the tales of players who blew big leads at a far later stage of the tournament - Greg Norman spurned a six-shot advantage in 1996, McIlroy four in 2011 - Spieth has so far shown minimal sign of struggling under the weight of expectation. Not since Ray Floyd in 1976 has a Masters champion led from start to finish, indicative of the way this course can snare and punish even a man in rare form. And Hoffman, with three consecutive birdies on 12, 13 and 14, kept up a chase that at one stage looked like a romp. Woods again struggled off the tee but continued to impress with his under-fire short game to make a cut that many thought he would miss when he arrived. Should Spieth go on to win he would become the second youngest man behind Woods to win the Masters, while it is not inconceivable that Woods’ record low score - his 18-under 270 in his remarkable debut win in 1997 could be broken. That is for the weekend. But with Spieth having won one of his last three tournaments and finished runner-up in the other two, he is in the mood and form to make history.

2015 Raffik and Sons Construction Services second division 20-over cricket

Sinclair, Gibson lead Courtland to victory, M. Singh hits 50 for Kennard memorial The 2015 Raffik and Sons Construction Services Second Division 20-Over Cricket Competition for teams in Central/Lower Corentyne area and organised by the Berbice Cricket Board, continued recently with defending champions Courtland All Stars registering an easy 9-wicket win over Toopoo Rising Star. Their pacers, former Berbice opening bowler Eon Gibson with 4 for 14 from 4 overs and Keon Sinclair 4 for 18 off 4 overs skittled out Toopoo for a paltry 83 in 13 overs. Sinclair came back with the bat to hit 48 not out consisting of 5 fours and 3 sixes to steer them to 84 for 1 in 10 overs. Mankarran Singh slammed 50 with 5 fours and 3 sixes which together with 36 from Ravi Bassoo (3 fours and 3 sixes) helped Kennard’s Memorial post 170 for 6 in their 20 overs against Sand Reef who in reply were restricted to 144 for 6 in 20 overs despite knocks of 45 (4 fours and 4 sixes) from Shivnarine Sahid, 36 (4 fours) from Imran Naresbage and 31 (4 fours and 1 six) from Bashir Khan. After Fyrish Road made 153 for 7 in 20 overs against Fyrish Strykers, their medium

Tiger shows flashes of old magic at the Masters AUGUSTA, Georgia (Reuters) - Tiger Woods, competing this week after a twomonth absence to retool his game, showed flashes of his old magic as he fired his best score at the Masters in four years in Friday’s second round. The former world number one has been under intense scrutiny after struggling badly with his chipping when last seen on the PGA Tour but he played solidly at steamy Augusta National to card a three-under-par 69. That left Woods at twounder 142, a distant 12 strokes behind pacesetting American Jordan Spieth but delighted to be in contention after working hard to resurrect his game. “I was at a pretty low one (point) in my career,” Woods said after mixing four birdies with a bogey to climb into a tie for 14th when he ended his round. “To basically change an entire (swing) pattern like that and put it together, put it in a

position where I can compete in a major championship like this is something I’m very proud of.” Woods, who plunged to 111th in the rankings as he struggled to return to form following back surgery last year and his fifth swing change, again struggled with the pace of Augusta National’s heavily contoured greens. “I had a hard time getting the ball close to the hole,” said Woods. “You expect certain putts to roll out, but they’re not rolling out.” Watched by huge galleries, Woods made a fast start, hitting a superb approach to seven feet at the par-four first and rolling in the birdie putt as shouts of “Watch out, Tiger’s back” and “Come on Tiger, let’s go” rang out. His only bogey came at the par-three sixth, his tee shot ending up just off the back of the green from where he had 45 feet to the flag but hit a weak chip that advanced

Tiger Woods of the U.S. hits off the 12th tee during second round play of the Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Course in Augusta, Georgia April 10, 2015. (Reuters/Jim Young) just 20 feet. Woods immediately rebounded in birdie-birdie style, draining a 25-footer at the tricky seventh and hitting his third shot at the par-five eighth to two feet. He birdied the 11th after conjuring a moment of magic from the pine straw to the right of the fair-

Saturday April 11, 2014

way, a soaring approach settling 12 feet from the cup. “I’m still right there,” the 14-time major winner said of his position going into the weekend. “I’m 12 back, but there’s not a lot of guys ahead of me. And with 36 holes here to go, anything can happen.”

Shivnarine Sahid pacer William Das took 4 for 15 from 4 overs to help bowl out Strykers for just 117 in their reply. Port Mourant also recorded victory by 9 wickets over Mibicuri Strikers with Parmanand Narine scoring 33 n.o. Summarized scores: 1: At Albion Primary School Ground, Courtland All Stars beat Toopoo Rising Stars by 9 wickets. Toopoo Rising Stars 83 in 13 overs with Norman Mangar 30. Eon Gibson took 4 for 14 and Keon Sinclair 4 for 18. Courtland All Stars 84 for 1 in 10 overs with Keon Sinclair 48 n.o. 2: At Bush Lot Farm,

Kennard’s Memorial beat Sand Reef by 26 runs. Kennard’s Memorial 170 for 6 in 20 overs. Mankarran Singh 50, Ravi Bassoo 36 and former Berbice under 19 player, Karamchand Ramnarine 20 n.o. Shivnarine Sahid took 2 for 32 and Imran Naserbage 2 for 34. Sand Reef 144 for 6 in 20 overs with Shivnarine Sahid 45, Imran Naserbage 36 and Bashir Khan 31. Chunnilall Mankarran 2 for 19 and Mankarran Singh 2 for 47. 3: At Kilcoy Long Dam, Fyrish Road beat Fyrish Strikers by 36 runs. Fyrish Road 153 for 7 in 20 overs with William Dass 23, Rafeek Kassim 22, Shameem Ahmad, Dickwan Campbell and Ritesh Ramoutar 21 each. Fyrish Strikers 117 in 16.2 overs with Yadram Barran 34. William Dass took 4 for 15, Hassan Hussain 2 for 18 and Saud Ahmed 2 for 23. 4: At Port Mourant, the host beat Mibicuri Strikers by 9 wickets. The visitors made 81 in 19.4 overs with Lekraj Paltu 20. Devendra Thakurdeen 3 for 4. Port Mourant 82 for 1 in 9.1 overs with Parmanand Narine 33 n.o and Darmesh Seenarine 28 n.o.

Basketball competition begins in Berbice tomorrow Another Basketball competition is set to bounce off tomorrow in Berbice when the Inaugural Nand Persaud Group of Companies (NPG packaging) first division competition bounces off with one game. The tournament which is organised by sports enthusiast Vibert Garrett will see seven teams participating with the teams being placed into two groups. The top two teams in each group will advance to the semifinal stage where they will engage the top two teams from the other group in the semifinals on 14th and 21st June. The winner will meet in the finals on the 28th June at the Port Mourant Basketball Court. Lucrative prizes will be

available for the top teams and outstanding individual players. All teams are expected to submit their list of players before the start of the competition and be present at the respective venues 15 minutes before the start of each game. The participating teams in Group A are: Rose Hall Jammers of Corentyne, Hope Town Stealers of West Berbice and Canje Knights of East Canje. Group B is made up of New Amsterdam Warriors and Smythfield Rockers of New Amsterdam, Fyrish Black Sharks of Corentyne and Ithica Hardliners of West Berbice. In tomorrow’s encounter Rose Hall Jammers will take on Hope Town Stealers in a Group A encounter.

Saturday April 11, 2014

Kaieteur News

Chanderpaul, Bishoo in Windies first Test squad No place for Johnson or Permaul By Sean Devers The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) yesterday announced a 14-member squad on for the first Test against England, starting on Monday at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground in Antigua but there was no space in the squad for Guyana Captain Leon Johnson or left-arm Spinner Veerasammy Permaul, who took a record 67 wickets in the 2015 First-Class Franchise tournament. Shiv Chanderpaul, the 40year-old veteran and 29-yearold leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo, who ended the Regional season with 61 wickets, are the only Guyanese in the 14-man squad. Chanderpaul, the most capped West Indian Test player need another 178 runs to overtake Brian Lara as the West Indian with the most Test runs and is expected to be the glue that holds the West Indies innings together in this three-Test series. Bishoo makes his return to the Test side for the first since he played against Aus-

tralia in Barbados in April 2012 after taking 40 wickets from 11 Tests. He strengthened his claim for selection with a six-wicket haul in the practice match in Antigua this week. The support staff is almost as large as the squad with 10 members. Commenting on the squad, Convenor of Selectors Clive Lloyd said it was great to see there were a number of players contending for a place in the squad. “It is always good when there is strong competition for places,” he said. “A few players have been rewarded for the work which they have done, like Shai Hope, Carlos Brathwaite and Devendra Bishoo, but it will take some time to reach the standard of consistency that we all desire to see from our side.” Lloyd added: “We have a new coach and we have to give him as much help as possible. He is a very positive guy, he has been successful and he is one of us. We had a good chat after he was appointed and we have spent the last few days in further

discussions about a number of things, so we are looking forward to see how it all works out.” The 21-year-old Hope, a talented wicketkeeper, batsman, and Carlos Brathwaite, a 26-year-old fast bowler, both Bajans, are the only uncapped players in the team. Squad: Denesh Ramdin (Captain), Kraigg Brathwaite (Vice Captain), Sulieman Benn, Devendra Bishoo, Jermaine Blackwood, Carlos Braithwaite, Darren Bravo, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Jason Holder, Shai Hope, Kemar Roach, Marlon Samuels, Devon Smith, Jerome Taylor Team Management Unit: Phil Simmons (Head Coach), Sir Richie Richardson (Manager), Stuart Williams (Assistant Coach), Sir Curtly Ambrose (Bowling Consultant), Andre Coley (Assistant Coach), C.J. Clark (Physiotherapist), Hector Martinez Charles (Fitness Coordinator), Richard Berridge (Video Analyst), Fitzbert Alleyne (Massage Therapist), Philip Spooner (Media Relations Manager)

BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur (The Hindustan)

and uprightness,” Royals CEO Raghu Iyer said in a statement. “His dedication to maintain the highest standards of integrity needs to be lauded. “Rajasthan Royals in keeping with its zero tolerance approach immediately reported the incident further to the ACSU/BCCI for further process. Rajasthan Royals will continue to provide full support and assistance to the BCCI to ensure that the game of cricket is played in the right spirit. This incident does highlight that if players and other officials cooperate and disclose information or approaches immediately, the game can be kept clean and free from undesirable elements and activities.” Incidentally, Royals mentor Rahul Dravid had spoken days before this year’s tournament started about the fight against corruption and had asked for anti-corruption measures to be adopted at all international and domestic tournaments, including the IPL, to keep cricket corrup (Continued on page 27)

Royals player reports offer of fixing for money

ESPNcricinfo - Three days into the eighth season of the IPL it has emerged that a Rajasthan Royals player was approached with an offer of money for fixing, and he informed the BCCI’s Anti-Corruption & Security Unit (ACSU) about it last month. The Indian Express reported that the player was approached well before the IPL by one of his Ranji Trophy team-mates, who is not part of the ongoing T20 tournament. BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur confirmed that the Mumbai-based player had informed the ACSU about the incident. “A player was approached and he immediately intimated BCCI anti-corruption unit. Glad that BCCI education policy [is] showing positive results,” Thakur tweeted. “Players are alert and they know what is to be done due to our regular education efforts.” “It was an exploratory kind of approach, but he was shut up immediately [by the Mumbai player],” a BCCI official said. According to the

official it is nothing new considering players have now become more vigilant in the aftermath of the 2013 corruption scandal. He also said the education and awareness measures put in place by BCCI’s anti-corruption unit had helped the players understand the modus operandi used by fixers. “Rajasthan Royals commends the player for having reported this incident immediately and for his honesty

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2015 NBS Second Division forty overs cricket competition

DeFreitas slams 100* for Guyana Eagles, Chris Sulker takes 6 for 9 for Angoy’s Avenue The 2015 New Building Society Limited Second Division 40-Over Cricket Competition, organised by the Berbice Cricket Board, continued with Jorim DeFreitas registering the first century of this year’s competition when he slammed 100 not out for Guyana Eagles in their match against Canefield. His knock, which included 8 fours and 4 sixes, saw his team to 184 for 6 in their allotted 25 overs. Canefield could only respond with 112 in 20 overs. Left arm spinner Chris Sulker of Angoy’s Avenue took 6 for 9 from 6 overs, which together with 3 for 9 from 3 overs from off spinner Graham McKenzie restricted Police to 78 in 17 overs. Then their opener Glendon DeCunha hit 43 n.o to steer his team to a 9 wicket win. After Fyrish scored 254 for 9 in 35 overs against No 7, the latter team opening batsman Orlando Gvirola who is a Cuban by birth, made 71 runs (11 fours and 2 sixes) in vain as his team fell for 187 in 23.5 overs. Summarized scores: 1. At Lochaber in West Canje, Guyana Eagles beat Canefield by 72 runs. Guyana Eagles 184 for 6 in 25 overs with Jorim DeFreitas 100 n.o. Leon Sunthgolam took 2 for 20, Udith Emrit 2 for 25 and Teelak Singh 2 for 34. Canefield 112 in 20 overs with Gregory Crandon 3 for 15, Kellon Henry 2 for 15, Vidal LaFleur 2 for 18 and Michael West 2 for 20. 2. At Vryman’s Erven, Angoy’s Avenue Achievers

Jorim DeFrietas

Chris Sulker

beat Police by 9 wickets. Police 78 in 17 with Chris Sulker 6 for 9 and Graham McKenzie 3 for 9. Angoy’s Avenue Achievers 79 for 1 in 12 overs with Glendon DeCunha 43 n.o. 3. At Fyrish, Fyrish beat No. 7 by 67 runs. Fyrish 254 for 9 in 35 overs with Chandra Roopnarine 39, Javed Mohamed 25, Ravi Persaud 3 for 72, Dineshwar Dhanraj 2 for 33 and Raymond Mohamed 2 for 39. No. 7 187 in 23.5 overs with Orlando Gvirola 71 and Jonathan Bhola 29. 4. At Kilcoy Multipurpose Centre, Cheskoy Riders beat Travellers by 79 runs. Cheskoy Riders 200 all out in 29.4 overs with Sheldon Phillips 45 and Joel Johnson 33. Brian Algu 4 for 31 and Gordon Hughes 2 for 31. Travellers 121 in 21.3 overs with Sheldon Phillips 3 for 37 and Joel Johnson 2 for 31. 5. Albion Back, Tamarind Root beat Toopoo Rising Stars by 5 wickets. Toopoo Rising Star 170 in 26.4 overs

with Majid Khan Mohamed 45 and Surindra Ramdeo 29. Rajendra Deonarine 3 for 47 and Keshwar Ramsammy 3 for 4. Tamarind Root 175 for 5 in 24 overs with Michael Ramdihall 47 and Rajendra Deonarine 40. Surindra Ramdeo 2 for 16. 6. At Edinburgh, Edinburgh beat East Bank by 2 wickets. East Bank 112 in 19.4 overs with Clifton Lindee 29 and Gary Solomon 25. Compton Wade took 4 for 13, Shafiq Khan 2 for 14 and Deonarine Seepersaud 2 for 22. Edinburgh 113 for 8 in 21.2 overs with Joseph Giddings 26. Zaheer Hussain 4 for 23 and Gary Solomon 2 for 25. 7. At Belvedere, Belvedere Battle Steel beat Belvedere United by 7 runs. Belvedere Battle Steel 110 in 26 overs with Sudesh Verapen 30. Asif Kamaludin took 2 for 26. Belvedere United 103 in 31 overs. Sudesh Verapen 2 for 14, Dindial Mohan 2 for 18 and Ryan Mongal 2 for 25.

Mercedes keeping close eye on Ferrari in Shanghai SHANGHAI (Reuters) Lewis Hamilton is casting a wary eye towards Ferrari and expects to be vying with them for victory at this week’s Chinese Grand Prix after the resurgent Italian team continued to take the fight to Mercedes in Friday practice. The day got off to a promising start for Mercedes, who appeared to have regained their dominant stride in the cooler Chinese conditions after Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel had benefited from the sweltering heat to win in Malaysia. World champion Hamilton did end the day at the top of the timesheets in both practice sessions at the Shanghai

International Circuit but his one second early advantage was sliced in half by Kimi Raikkonen in the afternoon. Running longer stints than both Mercedes on the faster soft-compound tyres on a warming track, the Finn’s race pace was quick enough to suggest another strategic battle is likely to be waged between the teams tomorrow. “I don’t know but they look very quick,” said Hamilton, who heads the championship standings by three points over Vettel having led a Mercedes one-two in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix ahead of team mate Nico Rosberg. “It’s quite close between

us and Ferrari and Nico’s quite quick as well, so I think we definitely have a race.” The Maranello-based squad also looked strong in race simulation runs and while Hamilton is expecting a close contest, he is hoping a horsepower advantage will keep Mercedes ahead at a circuit with the longest straight on the Formula One calendar. “The Ferraris look like they’re just as quick as they were in the last race,” added Hamilton, who is hunting for a record-extending fourth win in China. “I think it’s going to be close but I think we’ve got the power to stay ahead.” Rosberg said that while he

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Kaieteur News

Saturday April 11, 2014

Electric Faulkner and Busta Soft Shoe Football Tournament Royals sink Kings XI Sparta Boss among three teams registering wins

James Faulkner is delighted after dismissing Glenn Maxwell for 7, Kings XI Punjab v Rajasthan Royals, IPL 2015, Pune, April 10, 2015 ©BCCI ESPNcricinfo - It is almost as if James Faulkner was built from the ground up with only one question in mind: What would a Finisher need? Power, he has that. Common sense, he has that by the truckload. Percentage cricket, he doesn’t play any other kind. And confidence, he’s won a World Cup. Today in Pune, he walked in after Kings XI Punjab shredded the Rajasthan Royals top order. But 75 for 5 was nurtured through the middle overs to 110 for 5 in the 15th and then Faulkner exploded. His 46 off 33 balls lifted Royals to 162, which proved 26 more than necessary. Faulkner, with the ball this time, insured that result by the fifth over of the chase when he dismissed Glenn Maxwell for 7. Tim Southee was at the other side of that wicket, falling low to his left to convert a touch chance. He bettered that in the 19th over with a hokey-pokey catch, featuring spectacular assistance from Karun Nair, that will shred Youtube hit counters, crash ESPNcricinfo and break the internet. And so the Achilles heel of the Kings XI batting lineup was found: a mix of enterprising bowling and electric fielding. And it was on view from the very first ball of the chase - a delicious outswinger from Southee, an acrobatic catch from Sanju

Samson and Virender Sehwag was handed a golden duck. Samson produced another gem when he ran Wriddhiman Saha out after the batsman had lazily strolled out of his crease in search of a sneaky leg-bye. A second direct hit from Samson would catch M Vijay, whose 37 was Kings XI’s top score, short and leave the score at 64 for 4 in the ninth over. With their fielders’ alertness to bank on, the Royals bowlers upped their game. Their lengths and lines were stifling, the scoreboard pressure grew and batsmen were lured into making mistakes. With 71 needed off seven overs, David Miller, the last remaining hope for Kings XI, attempted to manufacture a boundary against a ball that got too big on him. His ungainly pull ended up a leading edge that sailed down to Faulkner at deep third man. Both teams’ bowlers had made excellent use of a Pune pitch not lacking for grass. After losing the toss and being stuck in first, Steven Smith said he was unsure of how it might behave. Perhaps that’s cricketerspeak for ‘I hope it doesn’t jag all over the place’. His concerns were well-founded and the Kings XI new ball bowlers were a menace. Sandeep Sharma beat Ajinkya Rahane four times in the first over and was as much a part

of the batsman’s downfall in the next over as Anureet Singh who induced the unnecessary slog. The batsmen would be defeated eight more times by the moving ball and the score would read a docile 35 for 3 at the end of the Powerplay. Then came Johnson. There were no snarls, no verbals, but the theatre was magnificent. Nine balls he unleashed that touched no part of the bat, and the first time contact was made resulted in the wicket. And not just any old scalp, this was Steven Smith. This was bragging rights over the future Australia captain. Johnson first two overs yielded only eight runs, and only three times did a batsman make contact and survive. Faulkner provided two of those instances and racked up many more as he bashed Johnson for two sixes and a four in the 19th over to pull off the star turn. The 51 runs off 36 balls he added with a bold, 19-year-old Deepak Hooda helped Royals reach the final five overs with wickets in hand. Welcome to the Faulkner zone. Collect your defeat on the way out. Scores: Rajasthan Royals 162 for 7 (Faulkner 46, Anureet 3-23) beat Kings XI Punjab 136 for 8 (Vijay 37, Faulkner 3-26) by 26 runs.

Sparta Boss, one of the teams highly favoured to capture the inaugural Busta Soft Shoe Football Tournament made a positive start to the campaign after registering a come-from-behind 4-2 win over a steady California Square unit on Thursday evening, at the GFC ground. Playing in the fifth fixture, before a fair-sized crowd, the star-studded Sparta Boss side found themselves trailing 2-0 after three minutes with Nash Moe (2nd) and Vashile Cantzlaar (3rd) giving California Square a surprise lead. However, Sparta Boss loaded with former and current national players pulled one back through Travis Grant, who dribbled one defender, before unleashing a ripper just inside the near post on the right. The speedy Devon Millington, who netted a brace then, produced a moment of magic as he weaved past a host of defenders to place one past a stunned goalkeeper in the 28th minute to level the proceedings. He returned one minute later to score another wonderful strike after Gregory Richardson had dribbled his way deep into the box and finding himself tracked by a defender back heeled a pass to the lurking Millington, who nonchalantly slotted home. Sparta Boss was not finished as Richardson got into the act to fire a fierce rightfooter past the keeper to give

them a 4-2 lead which lasted until the final whistle sounded. Before the start of play, all the teams were introduced to officials from the Guyana Beverages Inc. and Busta Regional Manager Christine Kellawan. General Manager of the Company Robert Selman then displayed his skills when he did the ceremonial kick off to signal the start of competition. In the night’s full results: Game-1 Ballers-6 vs Durban Street5 Ballers scorers Steffon Ramsay-4th, 23rd and 26th Lyliton Ramsay-5th and 22nd Amos Ramsay-12th Durban Street Leon Kennedy-8th Jermin Gilbert-11th and 29th Quincy Ashby-15th and 17th Game-2 Leopold Street-3 vs Tucville3 Leopold Scorers Omallo Williams-6th and 23rd Andre Sookhoo-7th Tucville Scorers Romello Fraser-4th Reshawn Sandiford-11th Raphael Edwards-26th Game-3 Sophia-4 vs Broad Street-2 Sophia Scorers Shemroy Arthur-2nd Dwayne Lowe-6th, 9th and 14th Broad Street Scorers Ryan Jones-12th Akeem Sam-13th

Game-4 Alexander Village-4 vs Charlestown-4 Alexander Village Scorers Quincy Bourne-11th Chavez Lescott-12th and 13th Jermin Junior-25h Charlestown Clyde Bascom-4th and 18th Devon Charles-17th and 26th Game-5 Sparta Boss-4 vs California Square-2 Sparta Boss scorers Devon Millington-28th and 29th Gregory Richardson-30th Travis Grant-13th California Square Scorers Nash Moe-2nd VashileCantzlaar-3rd Game-6 Holmes Street Tigerbay-1 vs Albouystown-1 Albouystown Scorer Marlon Nedd-10th Holmes Street Scorer Calvin Shepherd-14th The competition resumes tonight with six more matches at the same venue. In the fixtures: Queen Street (Tiger Bay) tackle Cross Street; North Ruimveldt take on Globe Yard; Back Circle battle West Back Road; Bent Street engage North East La Penitence; Festival City go up against Kitty Weavers and West Front Road square off against Stevedore Housing Scheme. Among the other sponsors on board are: Lucky Dollar, GT&T, Star Party Rentals, Nigel’s Supermarket and Mendonca Creole.

NBA player stabbed in New York vows to make ‘a full recovery’ (Reuters) - Indiana Pacers forward Chris Copeland was recovering at a New York hospital on Thursday after undergoing surgery on his abdomen and elbow from knife wounds and said he would “work hard to make a full recovery.” Copeland, 31, and his former fiancée Katrine Saltara, 28, were stabbed at about 4 a.m. on Wednesday outside a nightclub in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood. Also injured in connection with the incident was Atlanta Hawks forward Thabo Sefolosha, who is out for the season. In a statement, Copeland, a three-year NBA veteran, thanked his fans, teammates and others for their support and apologized for being out late. “I also want to apologize

Chris Copeland to everyone, particularly the NBA and the Pacers for my bad choice at being out at that time,” he added. “I am doing as well as can be expected and I will work hard to make a full recovery.” Copeland underwent surgery on Wednesday on his abdomen and left elbow for the stab wounds and was in stable condition on Thursday

at a New York City hospital, the team said, adding that there was no timetable for how long he will remain hospitalized. The man who allegedly attacked Copeland, Shezoy Bleary, 22, was arrested. Sefolosha and another member of the Atlanta Hawks, Pero Antic, were charged for trying to prevent police from setting up a crime scene. Sefolosha suffered a fractured fibula and ligament damage that will require surgery, putting him out for the rest of the season and the entire postseason, according to a statement from the Hawks. “This is a very difficult situation for Thabo and our thoughts and support will be with him during his recovery,” Head Coach Mike Budenholzer said.