Monday April 13, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 5
Letters... Where your views make the news...Letters... Where your views make the news
Columnist should be reprimanded
DEAR EDITOR, It is now necessary that you reprimand Freddie Kissoon. Your long-standing columnist has steadfastly devalued the political discourse in Guyana to the proverbial pit. His ad hominem attack on prime ministerial candidate Elizabeth Harper is unbecoming of newspaper columnist and academic. This surely must have caught your attention as editor of the Kaieteur News. If Elizabeth Harper is the stupidest person in the world, then so am I, and Freddie Kissoon as well. I lay no claim to any distinction as an intellectual. I attended the University of Guyana about the same time when Freddie Kissoon was there as a student. I subsequently attended UWI, where I taught for a while. I have had my fill of socalled bright boys who see no stupidities in themselves. It would have been so uplifting to read Kissoon’s articles if they were born out of deep analysis and critical examination of political and social issues in Guyana. His daily anti-PPP rant marks his identity more as an ideologue than bona fide academic. A true academic is not so reckless in the delivery of opinions and criticisms. He or She would be cautious, objective and highly respectful of the facts. Kissoon is none of these things. You should speak to him. Wesley Hicken
People must disregard PPP’s terror tactics DEAR EDITOR, Guyanese should recognize that the PPP have realized that they have lost the people and are now employing scare tactics, all of which are unfounded, as a means of taking attention away from their corruption, incompetence, and the Coalition’s own message of better government, governance, equality of opportunity and the push for social and economic progress through investment, job creation and higher wages. David Granger has character and integrity with which the PPP is unable to compare. Granger, since 1992 demonstrated industriousness and a desire to rely on his talents and abilities to support himself and his family by starting the Guyana Review in 1992. The PPP cannot accuse him of corruption or racketeering as a means of generating his assets, something over which the PPP itself is charged and finds impossible to dispute. Granger is a writer, intellectual, and soldier at heart, someone committed to defending Guyana against threats, both external and internal, to Guyana’s security and stability. And there can be little doubt in the minds of Guyanese that the PPP’s government of corruption and self-enrichment schemes, its manipulation of the judicial system and its wholesale squandering and mismanagement of taxpayers’ money on projects like the floating wharf, the overpriced airport project and the recent Marriott spending spree, present a clear and present danger to Guyana’s social and economic stability. On the busted wharf, the PPP swore that Guyanese would foot the bill for its crony’s incompetence, with the additional cost being close to $100 million, or around 20% of the original cost. Today, mansions have been built by the PPP with money whose source Guyanese have yet to figure out. Guyanese are therefore urged to disregard the PPP’s terror tactics and wait patiently for May 11 to vote for their future. Craig Sylvester
We must pledge allegiance to the nation and not to one political organization
DEAR EDITOR, As a son of our beautiful nation Guyana, I cannot help feeling the energy of the people as I watched the political scene unfold with such enthusiasm and hope in creating a government of national unity. As I watched the sea of people waving their colorful flags of yellow and green for one party and red for another, listening to the beats of the tassa drums and watching the various ethnic dances, I found myself, as an outsider living in the U.S.A, wondering what it would feel like to be experiencing this political movement as it is being experienced by my Guyanese brothers and sisters on the ground. I also wonder what is it that is driving people to be so energized and expressed such jubilation and enthusiasm as they rally around their political party. As I asked myself these questions, I could not help but to wonder if the people are happy because they see hope for a better life with the newly formed Coalition party, or if they felt a sense of loyalty to one party or the other, or are they exercising their democratic right by demanding a Government that is lean and clean, or one that reflects their ethnic identity, or are they being a true patriot of the land, and if so what does it meant to be a patriot of Guyana. A true patriot is one that loves and stands by his country all the time and supports his government when they are acting efficiently and speak up against them when they are not. It is here I then realized that for most Guyanese, we do not know or experience what it is to be a true patriot of this nation. For decades our loyalty lies with one or
the other two major political parties: PNC or PPP that symbolizes largely our ethnic background. As Guyanese our allegiance and loyalty is not to the country but to the political party that we can ethnically identify with. As an Indian, growing up in Guyana, I couldn’t help feeling guilty and sad at the same time that all my life I was deprive of the opportunity to experience what it felt to be patriotic. As a child growing up in Guyana, my patriotism was stifled in more than one ways. I follow the footsteps of my parents and their parents and aligned myself with the PPP party because it represents the Indian in me. It is now I realized that my actions and loyalty to PPP was not based on issues related to good governance but moreso one based on my race or ethnicity. Looking back at my childhood I now realized that I was indoctrinated into the realm of racism in Guyana and was deprived of experiencing the true meaning of democracy and patriotism. Growing up in a mixed race village, I could see the same race indoctrination in my black friends. Our allegiance and loyalty was to one party or another and was decided from birth and passed down from generation to generation based on our race or ethnicity. My racist actions were even more evident as I watched the game of cricket and would always find myself cheering for India, SriLanka, Pakistan, and Bangladesh teams and never that of West Indies because those teams were a reflection of my identity based on my ethnic background. I often wonder if it was the same for my Black friends who I played and went to school with as
they cheer for West Indies. I realized that the major political parties in Guyana, PNC and PPP, were a symbol of racism in Guyana that cultivates and foster a nation for many decades that is racially divided. It is for this reason I believed that in order for the people of Guyana to be re-branded as Guyanese first and not be further racially divided, the institutions that symbolize racism or ethnic identity; the PNC and PPP have to be demolished and removed from the vocabulary and psyche of the people. We have witnessed progress with the multi-party coalition of APNU attempting to remove PNC from further fostering a race base party. However, the PPP remains and continues to openly claim it’s branding as an Indian party, continuing the race based allegiance. “To insist on racial divisions, on racial differences, in an already divided people, is to place obstacles in the way of public and individual happiness which can only be obtained by bringing people together as a nation” (Jose Marti) . APNU +AFC offers the Guyanese people an opportunity in a lifetime to come together as one people working for one common good…the happiness and wellbeing of its entire nation people. Patriotism for most Guyanese is in the context of political party allegiance and
not to the nation as a whole. As we move forward, the leaders of Guyana have to take the initiative to cultivate an environment where the people pledge their allegiance to the nation and not to one political organization. By doing so, the Guyanese people can begin to look at the current situation of their living conditions, and the country in an objective manner and not one based on race or ethnicity. Guyanese have to learn how to be patriots of their nation first, before aligning themselves with an organization that will enforce and instill ethnic division and racism within them. If we all become patriots of Guyana first, it will be clear who we choose to lead our country because our reasoning and objectivity would be based on good governance, accountability, transparency, integrity, and most of all unity. As a people of this nation we were taught to look at ourselves from our ethnic origin first rather than our nationality. The results placing our ethnicity above our nationality led to racial division and a creation of two Guyana...An Indian Guyana and a Black Guyana. No country can prosper with such division of its people, we have to reclaim the way we should see ourselves first...as Guyanese. C. Persaud
I will attend the... From page 4 caution. If so, the lawlessness and recklessness perpetrated by the Ramotar administration and advocated by many of his Ministers and HPS Dr. Roger Luncheon would be seen by more, as wrong. I have not yet decided on the message of my placard but it may simply read: JAIL BRASSINGTON. Ronald Bulkan
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Kaieteur News
CJ to rule in GGMC/CH&PA $3B loan agreement cases Chief Justice (Ag), Ian Chang is set to hand down his decisions in the two court cases involving the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA). These cases were brought against the entities by Working People’s Alliance (WPA) Desmond Trotman and CH&PA Board Member, Ranwell Jordan. The matters were filed to challenge the purported approval of a loan of $3B by the GGMC to the CH&PA. The action against the two state controlled entities sought to quash the agreement for the loan which the plaintiffs argued were fictitious and unlawful. On Thursday, lawyers representing both sides presented brief arguments when the matter came up for hearing before the acting Chief Justice (CJ). Attorneyat-Law Christopher Ram, who, along with Mr. Brenden Glasford, is representing the plaintiffs, told Kaieteur News that the Chief Justice informed the parties involved that they would be notified shortly of the date for decisions in both matters. The action arose after an announcement by the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment that the
Chief Justice (Ag) Ian Chang Housing Authority had applied to the GGMC for a $3B loan for the Government’s housing programme. Jordan’s affidavit evidence is that there was no decision by the CH&PA for any loan and that the entire matter was a fabrication. He is contending that as a Board Member of the CH&PA, he was not aware that the Housing Ministry was seeking to borrow such funds. Meanwhile, Trotman’s evidence is that the commission has no authority to lend the monies, which are supposed to be transferred to the Consolidated Fund. However, GGMC maintained that the agreement was made at the level of the Board of Directors, following an investment proposal by the CH&PA was financially sound. GGMC said the agreement outlined that the monies will be loaned for one year and would be used for the development of the housing sector, with a five percent interest rate being offered by CH&PA. According to the GGMC, this was 3.2 percent more than what was currently being
earned via the commercial banks and other investment options available to the commission. The parties involved had articulated that in the event CH&PA fails to repay the entire amount by the deadline, the Commission has the right to increase the interest rate by seven percent. The body said that the agreement was subject to the terms and conditions enshrined in the Loan Agreement and any additional guarantees required by the Commission. However, according to the actions filed last April, the plaintiffs are arguing that should the $3B Loan Agreement between the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) materialize, it would represent the crudest form of financial lawlessness. Based on the grounds listed in the action, the Chief Justice had instructed that GGMC and CH&PA must prove to the court why a Writ of Certiorari should not be granted to prevent GGMC from going ahead with its decision to lend the monies to the Housing authority. Chang also instructed that the Housing Authority should justify why a Writ of Prohibition should not be dispensed to ensure that the mining commission is inhibited from making any further move on the loan on the premise that it is in breach of the law. The Housing Authority was also directed to convince the Court that a Writ of Certiorari ought not to be issued to reverse its choice to present an investment proposal to the Mines Commission and enter into the loan agreement.
Monday April 13, 2015
Presidential and Prime Ministerial debates…
Harper ready to debate Nagamootoo - Ramotar By Abena Rockcliffe With less than one month remaining before General and Regional elections, incumbent President Donald Ramotar has declared that his running mate, Elisabeth Harper is pumped and ready to debate A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Prime Ministerial candidate, Moses Nagamootoo. Ramotar told Kaieteur News that it seems as if APNU+ AFC Presidential candidate, David Granger is scared to debate him and as such devised this new scheme to demand Prime Ministerial debates as a basis for the coalition’s participation in Presidential debates. Ramotar said this during a telephone interview with this newspaper. The PPP and the APNU+AFC coalition had agreed to participate in Presidential debates organized by the Private Sector Commission (PSC). When APNU+ AFC met with the PSC, it expressed that it sees it apt to also hold Prime Ministerial debates. The coalition also stated that it would not participate in any debate unless it comes as a package as in both Presidential and Prime Ministerial debates. But the PPP refused to partake in Prime Ministerial debates. The PPP’s position was officially communicated to PSC Chairman, Ramesh Persaud, who later communicated this to the APNU+AFC. The information was conveyed to APNU+AFC on Friday. When interviewed on Saturday, President Ramotar said that he wasn’t aware that the PPP indicated its unwillingness to participate in Prime Ministerial debates. He added that he sees no reason why this should be the case, as Harper is more that competent and equipped for any debate, in particular one against Nagamootoo. “Nagamootoo is no match for Harper, I am sure Harper can account for herself,” said
Incumbent President, Donald Ramotar
APNU+AFC Prime Ministerial Candidate, Moses Nagamootoo
APNU+AFC Campaign Co-chair, Raphael Trotman
PPP’s Prime Ministerial Candidate, Elisabeth Harper
Ramotar. The incumbent President also said that he thinks his Prime Ministerial Candidate can adequately put forward the plans of the PPP. However, Chairman of the PSC, Ramesh Persaud, had indicated to the APNU+AFC as well as to the media that the PPP had officially backed down from Prime Ministerial debates. Relentless efforts to contact Minister of Culture Youth and Sport Frank Anthony, with whom the PSC chairman had been in communication, proved futile. Kaieteur News was attempting to know if the PPP has had a reviewed position on the issue and if he will now be telling the PSC that the Party is on board. As it stands, everything is at a halt because of PPP’s apparent indecision over whether it will be involved in Prime Ministerial debates. As a result of PPP’s initial feedback to the PAC,
PSC Chairman, Ramesh Persaud APNU+AFC campaign cochair, Raphael Trotman, wrote the Commission on Saturday, informing it that the APNU+AFC will not partake in any of the debates. “I write to formally notify you (Persaud) that the APNU+AFC coalition believes that it is critical to the success of the planned debates for both the Presidential and Prime Ministerial candidates of the two parties to be presented. In the circumstances of the PPP/C’s decision not to engage in Prime Ministerial debates, the APNU+AFC not only expresses its extreme disappointment, but is also now constrained from participating in a Presidential candidates’ debate only,” said Trotman. He also told Persaud, “Were we to participate in one debate only, and at the level (Continued on page 14)
Monday April 13, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 7
History now made, U.S. and Cuba face bumpy road ahead (Reuters) - Cuba and the United States just made history. Now comes the hard part. In the first meeting of its kind in nearly 60 years, U.S. President Barack Obama and Cuban leader Raul Castro sat down together for over an hour on Saturday at a regional summit in Panama, moving a step closer to restoring diplomatic ties. It was the result of nearly two years of secret talks and quiet diplomacy and the mood was positive, both inside the room and out, where Latin American leaders praised Obama for ending
decades of U.S. hostility towards the communist-ruled island. Obama clearly sees Cuba as a possible success story for his policy of engaging U.S. foes. At a time of multiple risks to his foreign policy record from Iran’s nuclear programme and the war in Syria to Russian involvement in Ukraine and the violence of Islamic State - getting on well with Cuba looks relatively easy. Yet the gulf between the two sides remains wide, illustrated by the absence of U.S. and Cuban flags at the
carefully orchestrated meeting on Saturday in a sparsely furnished conference room. “Let’s not fool ourselves. We have a lot of differences,” said Castro, 83, who has been an enemy of the United States for most of his life and still railed passionately against its past policies even as he praised Obama as “an honest man”. “In other words, we’re willing to talk about everything with patience, with a lot of patience,” added the army general and younger brother of revolutionary leader Fidel
Kerry says he stands by presentation of Iran nuclear deal WA S H I N G T O N (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry defended yesterday his presentation of a framework agreement on Iran’s nuclear program after a different interpretation was offered by Iran’s supreme leader, and a prominent U.S. senator said Kerry was “delusional.” “I will stand by every fact that I have said,” Kerry told ABC’s “This Week.” Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had strong words last week about Iran’s agreement with major world powers, declaring that once a final deal was reached it should result in an immediate end to all sanctions on Iran. Kerry has said the sanctions would be suspended in phases. “You know, they’re going to put their spin on their point of view and obviously they’ll allege that we’re putting a spin on our point of view,” Kerry said of the Iranian comments. There were also differing U.S. and Iranian interpretations of a previous interim agreement with Iran,
John Kerry but Iran upheld that agreement, Kerry said. Iran and major world powers - the United States, Britain, France, Germany, Russia and China - reached a framework nuclear agreement on April 2 that would curb Iran’s nuclear program and prevent it from being able to develop a bomb, in exchange for the We s t l i f t i n g e c o n o m i c sanctions. Iran has long maintained its nuclear program is for peaceful
purposes. Kerry noted that President Barack Obama on Saturday delivered a public rebuke to Republican Senator John McCain for having called Kerry “delusional” in an interview in which McCain questioned whether Kerry was being forthcoming about the deal. Kerry added that Russia, not a U.S. ally, had issued a statement saying that the facts about the deal as expressed by the United States were “reliable and accurate information.” Kerry, who will brief Congress on the deal today and tomorrow, warned lawmakers not to put in place any conditions that would impede implementation of the Iran deal. The framework is meant to be the basis of a final agreement to be reached by the end of June. Congress is poised to advance a bipartisan bill to give lawmakers the right to review any final deal and to have a vote on whether sanctions imposed by Congress should be suspended.
Egypt sentences Muslim Brotherhood leader, others to death CAIRO (Reuters) - An Egyptian court sentenced Mohamed Badie, leader of the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood, and 13 other senior members of the group to death for inciting chaos and violence, and gave a life term to a U.S.-Egyptian citizen for ties to the Brotherhood. The men were among thousands of people detained after freely elected Islamist president Mohamed Mursi was toppled in 2013 by the military under Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who is now president. Sisi describes the Brotherhood as a major security threat. The group
says it is committed to peaceful activism and had nothing to do with Islamist militant violence in Egypt since Mursi’s fall following mass protests against his rule. Egypt’s mass trials of Brotherhood members and people accused of links to the group, as well as its tough crackdown on Islamist and liberal opposition alike, have drawn international criticism of its judicial system and human rights record. The sentences, pronounced at a televised court session on Saturday, can be appealed before Egypt’s highest civilian court in a process that could take
years to reach a final verdict. U.S.-Egyptian citizen Mohamed Soltan was sentenced to life in jail for supporting the veteran Islamist movement and transmitting false news. He is the son of Brotherhood preacher Salah Soltan, who was among those sentenced to death. The White House condemned the sentencing, calling for Soltan’s immediate release and citing concerns for his health. It added that he would continue to receive U.S. diplomatic support “until he can return safely to the United States.”
Castro. Restoring diplomatic relations is easy enough, requiring little more than the presidents’ agreement. But normalizing overall relations could take years. In the short term, Cuba is still waiting to be removed from the U.S. State Department’s list of state sponsors of terrorism, a unilateral designation that Cuba rejects as unjust. Obama is expected to inform Congress within a few days he is taking Cuba off the list, which would free the island from some economic sanctions. Though there is little doubt that Havana will be taken off the blacklist, U.S. officials privately have made clear that they have sought to use the timing of the move as leverage in broader normalization negotiations. A number of unresolved issues have slowed down the process, including Washington’s wish that Cuba allow U.S. diplomats to travel around the island and relax the police p r esence around the diplomatic mission in Havana, where visiting Cubans are closely watched. Obama wants the Republican-controlled U.S.
Cuba’s President Raul Castro (L) stands with his U.S. counterpart Barack Obama before the inauguration of the VII Summit of the Americas in Panama City last Friday. Reuters/Peru Presidency/Handout via Reuters Congress to dismantle the embargo and some allies believe a coalition of Democrats and Republican free-marketeers may succeed. The U.S. president has already used his executive powers to ease travel restrictions to Cuba, and allow U.S. importers to buy goods from independent Cuban contractors and exporters to ship building materials to private Cuban companies.
He has so far used those powers sparingly, however, and Cuba would like him to go further. U.S. officials acknowledge Obama can ease more restrictions on his own, within limits, but they are waiting to see the results of the latest changes before deciding future measures. While Cuba is keen to reopen embassies and see more U.S. sanctions lifted, U.S.
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Kaieteur News
CJ to rule in GGMC/CH&PA $3B loan agreement cases Chief Justice (Ag), Ian Chang is set to hand down his decisions in the two court cases involving the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA). These cases were brought against the entities by Working People’s Alliance (WPA) Desmond Trotman and CH&PA Board Member, Ranwell Jordan. The matters were filed to challenge the purported approval of a loan of $3B by the GGMC to the CH&PA. The action against the two state controlled entities sought to quash the agreement for the loan which the plaintiffs argued were fictitious and unlawful. On Thursday, lawyers representing both sides presented brief arguments when the matter came up for hearing before the acting Chief Justice (CJ). Attorneyat-Law Christopher Ram, who, along with Mr. Brenden Glasford, is representing the plaintiffs, told Kaieteur News that the Chief Justice informed the parties involved that they would be notified shortly of the date for decisions in both matters. The action arose after an announcement by the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment that the
Chief Justice (Ag) Ian Chang Housing Authority had applied to the GGMC for a $3B loan for the Government’s housing programme. Jordan’s affidavit evidence is that there was no decision by the CH&PA for any loan and that the entire matter was a fabrication. He is contending that as a Board Member of the CH&PA, he was not aware that the Housing Ministry was seeking to borrow such funds. Meanwhile, Trotman’s evidence is that the commission has no authority to lend the monies, which are supposed to be transferred to the Consolidated Fund. However, GGMC maintained that the agreement was made at the level of the Board of Directors, following an investment proposal by the CH&PA was financially sound. GGMC said the agreement outlined that the monies will be loaned for one year and would be used for the development of the housing sector, with a five percent interest rate being offered by CH&PA. According to the GGMC, this was 3.2 percent more than what was currently being
earned via the commercial banks and other investment options available to the commission. The parties involved had articulated that in the event CH&PA fails to repay the entire amount by the deadline, the Commission has the right to increase the interest rate by seven percent. The body said that the agreement was subject to the terms and conditions enshrined in the Loan Agreement and any additional guarantees required by the Commission. However, according to the actions filed last April, the plaintiffs are arguing that should the $3B Loan Agreement between the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) materialize, it would represent the crudest form of financial lawlessness. Based on the grounds listed in the action, the Chief Justice had instructed that GGMC and CH&PA must prove to the court why a Writ of Certiorari should not be granted to prevent GGMC from going ahead with its decision to lend the monies to the Housing authority. Chang also instructed that the Housing Authority should justify why a Writ of Prohibition should not be dispensed to ensure that the mining commission is inhibited from making any further move on the loan on the premise that it is in breach of the law. The Housing Authority was also directed to convince the Court that a Writ of Certiorari ought not to be issued to reverse its choice to present an investment proposal to the Mines Commission and enter into the loan agreement.
Monday April 13, 2015
Presidential and Prime Ministerial debates…
Harper ready to debate Nagamootoo - Ramotar By Abena Rockcliffe With less than one month remaining before General and Regional elections, incumbent President Donald Ramotar has declared that his running mate, Elisabeth Harper is pumped and ready to debate A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Prime Ministerial candidate, Moses Nagamootoo. Ramotar told Kaieteur News that it seems as if APNU+ AFC Presidential candidate, David Granger is scared to debate him and as such devised this new scheme to demand Prime Ministerial debates as a basis for the coalition’s participation in Presidential debates. Ramotar said this during a telephone interview with this newspaper. The PPP and the APNU+AFC coalition had agreed to participate in Presidential debates organized by the Private Sector Commission (PSC). When APNU+ AFC met with the PSC, it expressed that it sees it apt to also hold Prime Ministerial debates. The coalition also stated that it would not participate in any debate unless it comes as a package as in both Presidential and Prime Ministerial debates. But the PPP refused to partake in Prime Ministerial debates. The PPP’s position was officially communicated to PSC Chairman, Ramesh Persaud, who later communicated this to the APNU+AFC. The information was conveyed to APNU+AFC on Friday. When interviewed on Saturday, President Ramotar said that he wasn’t aware that the PPP indicated its unwillingness to participate in Prime Ministerial debates. He added that he sees no reason why this should be the case, as Harper is more that competent and equipped for any debate, in particular one against Nagamootoo. “Nagamootoo is no match for Harper, I am sure Harper can account for herself,” said
Incumbent President, Donald Ramotar
APNU+AFC Prime Ministerial Candidate, Moses Nagamootoo
APNU+AFC Campaign Co-chair, Raphael Trotman
PPP’s Prime Ministerial Candidate, Elisabeth Harper
Ramotar. The incumbent President also said that he thinks his Prime Ministerial Candidate can adequately put forward the plans of the PPP. However, Chairman of the PSC, Ramesh Persaud, had indicated to the APNU+AFC as well as to the media that the PPP had officially backed down from Prime Ministerial debates. Relentless efforts to contact Minister of Culture Youth and Sport Frank Anthony, with whom the PSC chairman had been in communication, proved futile. Kaieteur News was attempting to know if the PPP has had a reviewed position on the issue and if he will now be telling the PSC that the Party is on board. As it stands, everything is at a halt because of PPP’s apparent indecision over whether it will be involved in Prime Ministerial debates. As a result of PPP’s initial feedback to the PAC,
PSC Chairman, Ramesh Persaud APNU+AFC campaign cochair, Raphael Trotman, wrote the Commission on Saturday, informing it that the APNU+AFC will not partake in any of the debates. “I write to formally notify you (Persaud) that the APNU+AFC coalition believes that it is critical to the success of the planned debates for both the Presidential and Prime Ministerial candidates of the two parties to be presented. In the circumstances of the PPP/C’s decision not to engage in Prime Ministerial debates, the APNU+AFC not only expresses its extreme disappointment, but is also now constrained from participating in a Presidential candidates’ debate only,” said Trotman. He also told Persaud, “Were we to participate in one debate only, and at the level (Continued on page 14)
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Kaieteur News
Monday April 13, 2015
Corruption, misuse of state resources will continue in a Ramotar administration - Badal It is more than clear that another term by the ruling People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) would see the culture of systemic corruption continue. This is according to hotelier, Robert Badal, who says the misuse of taxpayers’ resources could only escalate based on what is playing out now with Government. The Pegasus Hotel owner has been especially vocal in recent times over the manner in which public funds are being expended. “As the Government prepares to open its Marriott Hotel this week, massive amounts of money are being spent in trucking sand to fill up the seawall outside the hotel. Yet in his usual style, the President (Donald
Ramotar) refuses to disclose to the electorate the amount of our money spent to date on capital works and the total ýamount being spent per month to cover salaries, electricity, security and other operating cost.” The iconic Pegasus Hotel is located right next to the controversial Marriott Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown. Badal has been objecting to disclosures that Government has been spending taxpayers’ monies to compete directly with other local hotels. Recent revelations show more than US$35M was spent by Government, without the authorization of the National Assembly to build the hotel with intentions to transfer the majority of shares to a private equity investor at a later date.
Robert Badal “In his party’s manifesto, the President disclosed that the Specialty Hospital and Amaila Falls hydro power would be done. Both these projects have been vehicles for massive fraud and corruption,” the
businessman insisted. “The Amaila Falls hydro project is not the best option for cheaper electricity. In fact, it would result in higher electricity rates given its cost and financing configuration and increase our national debt.ý More effective and cheaper options include proposals by Brazilian investors for the Mazaruni Hydro and LNG fuel or power purchase from Trinidad.” Badal noted that there is no Amaila Falls in Barbados, Jamaica, Antigua oýr little St Kitts, yet there are no blackouts in those countries. “The Specialty Hýospital has been a source of controversy and heavy kickbacks involving Ministers of the Government both in the selection of the contractor and the execution
Ganja dealer found hanging in Lethem lock-ups (From page 19)
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 Church to rent @ 180 Charlotte Street - $150,000 negotiable -Contact: 2276817; 624-7341 One bedroom apartment 25FTX22FT prefer working couple or single person – Call: 683-8858
A team on investigators from the Police Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) was dispatched to Lethem to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of a prisoner in the lock-ups of the Lethem Police Station. The body of 36 year old Roy Bovelle was discovered hanging from the grillwork of the station lock-ups when checks were made at around 08:00 hours yesterday. Police in a statement issued yesterday said that Bovelle of Tabatinga, Lethem was the only prisoner in the lock-ups yesterday, having been arrested at about 19:45 hours on Saturday after he was found in possession of 60 grams of cannabis sativa (marijuana). According to the police, ranks had earlier visited the lock-ups at 06:15 hours and Bovelle, who was described as a hustler, was alive and well. However when they returned about two
hours later, they discovered what appeared to be a shoe lace tightly wrapped around his neck and attached to the grillwork. Investigators will have to look into how Bovelle got possession of a shoe lace, which is among several items prohibited in police lock-ups. “When you are being placed into the lockups, they are supposed to search you and ensure that they strip you of your belt and shoe laces or anything that you can use to harm yourself or any other person in there,” a source who is attached to the OPR told this newspaper. There are also reports, that a man who was called to clean the cell that Bovelle was in had seen blood stains there. The man was also reportedly seen with bloodstains on his clothing after he had completed cleaning the cell. Bovelle’s body is at the Lethem Hospital Mortuary awaiting a post mortem examination.
of this abandoned project. The question one must ask Mr Ramotar is why spend US$20M of taxpayers’ money when, if feasible, private sector investment would be more effective? In any case, the PPP administration has displayed its incompetence as far as managing our health care system is concerned.” The 197-room, US$58M
Marriot Hotel is set to open within days without a major component- the entertainment complex- still incomplete. The complex includes a casino. The Opposition has complained over the murky details of the Marriott Hotel transactions with a court case effectively stopping financing from a number of the private investors.
CARICOM says new US$70M initiative could spur youth entrepreneurship - Guyana looks to boost ICT sector The Caribbean Community (CARICOM), which has long lamented the lack of opportunities for youths, has hailed a new U.S government initiative in the region. CARICOM SecretaryGeneral Irwin LaRocque told Guyanese journalists in Panama City that the initiative is to boost entrepreneurial capacity among youths in the 15-nation regional trade and integration bloc. On Thursday, to coincide with the visit of President Barack Obama to Jamaica, the United States committed nearly US$70M to help young entrepreneurs develop their businesses through various initiatives, including fellowships and training in business startups. The programme is called Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI). “The announcement is very significant, since it is particularly aimed at the youth and the entrepreneurial programmes,” LaRocque said. “We in CARICOM have had some very small entrepreneurial programmes funded by the UNDP and some by the US but the recent announcement is extremely important for us since the youths are the future of all nations and we need to create jobs particularly in the field of ICT.” He explained that YLAI is expected to accelerate the work of young business and civil society leaders from Latin America, the Caribbean and the United States. “Caribbean leaders also discussed Youth unemployment and using ICT as a means for creating more employment,” he said of a meeting of CARICOM Heads and the U.S President in Jamaica. Less than two months ago, the Chairman of the Conference of Heads of Government CARICOM Perry Christie, Prime Minister of the Bahamas, underscored the need for investing in youth,
as a critical component of the Region’s human capital. “Our challenge, our mandate, our imperative, is to show our young people, that we, as leaders, care about who they are, where they are and what they are doing, and that we are determined to develop sound and viable strategies for helping them make their futures brighter than they may appear right now,” the CARICOM Chairman stated. He called for the implementation of the 2010 Declaration of Paramaribo on the future of youth in the Caribbean. “In that Declaration we agreed to support actions aimed at empowering and developing youth in the region. We have done the research. We have the views of the youth. Let us take the necessary action to deliver on the provision of Paramaribo and ensure that tomorrow’s leaders are academically, socially and mentally ready for building on the policies of yesteryear”, he said. Guyana looks forward to the opportunities the new U.S initiative will provide. Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett said the details of the initiative will be rolled out soon, but she suggested that Guyana could be looking to tap into resources for the development of the information and communications technology locally. “Information technology is extremely important, as it is known to cut across many sectors and the many challenges that are faced,” she stated. Rodrigues-Birkett noted that the Quasi-leader in CARICOM for information technology Keith Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada, has proposed on behalf of CARICOM that a task force on information technology be established and Obama agreed.
Monday April 13, 2015
Kaieteur News
CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 -DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL. COM VACANCY Work from home: Earn $5,000 - $20,000 daily, 9am - 5pm, Monday to Saturday - Call: 233-6517/ 638-0595 or www.jobfairworldwide.com ACCA qualified accountant: 5years experience, salary $200,000-$300,000- Call:6735475. Email: Kevin@express truckingcorp.com Accounting clerk- C.A.T qualified. Office locatd @ Wales, W.B.D- Call:6735475. Email: Kevin@express truckingcorp.com Security firm requires a female for office work, must be computer literate -2535yrs- Call: 689-6225 24 Hour East Coast Guyoil needs night pump attendants, salesgirl, office assistant & handyman- Call: 695-9880; 669-4755 One cosmetologist and cleaner required – Call: 2274799
WANTED Senior Accounts Clerk, 5yrs experienced, CAT or equivalent. Email: snow198390@hotmail.com Business/Economics Writer, email application to snow198390@hotmail.com 1 Caretaker (male), 1 bartender (male), apply @ Cotton Club, 44 Public Road Kitty-Tel: 231-1908; 231-1912 DRIVER FOR FAST GROWING FOOD IMPORTER/DISTRIBUTOR, NEED POLICE CLEARANCE, REFFERNCE/ APPLICATION. AGE 3045 FOR INTERVIEW. CALL: 231-8344 1 OFFICE ASSISTANT: Must have motorcycle, car/ van license, able to work flexible hours, from E.B.D. Email: snow198390@hotmail.com Farm workers, 1 male clerkCall: 265-3586 1 mechanic to work in the interior must know about 6BT Cummings and Perkins –Tel: 691-6260
Aidan’s Car & Pickup rental, cheap rate, low security – Tel: 698-7807
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 1 Female attendant for internet café (26-35yrs) computer literate, 3 CSEC Subjects Tel: 227-0867 between 5:007:00, Monday- Friday.
First AID/CPR course, St. John Headquarters, 110 Cowan Street, Kingston, Georgetown. Tel: 225-9082, between 9:30- 15:30
TOURS Suriname tour return May 1st -5th, sightseeing of dolphins; shopping –Tel: 639-2663; 644-0185; 665-5171
Porters to work in Grocery Stall, experienced is an asset @ Stabroek Market – Tel: 2269800 1 Male, 3 female general workers @ Land Of Canaan E.B.D – Tel: 225-6337 Salesgirls wanted – Tel: 2276817 One domestic cleaner E.C.D Tel: 644-9802; 603-5416 Live- in waitress $60,000 monthly. Live- in domestic $70,000 monthly (must know to cook) - Call: 610-3974 1 Graphic artist, 1 office clerk between 30-40 yearsTel:233-2725 Receptionist to work at Xenon hotel, must be between the ages 35-45 contact 223-5273/4 One DAF 55 truck with mechanical skills, preferably from the Land of Canaan area –Tel:592-227-5585 Minibus driver living in G/ Town for relief on SundaysTel: 687-8728
HEALTH For Doctoring: Stroke, Fits, ERD problems & cleaning faces – Tel:231-0774; Cell: 671-9450 “Bush Doc”
Contract cars @ Classic Ride Taxi Service; Nandy Park, EBD –Tel: 233-5227 Two Cleaner -Age 16-18yrs. Referable from Eccles to Diamond - Tel # 600-5253
SALON
FOR SALE
VEHICLE FOR SALE
Make Up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, Black Opal and Sacha cosmetics. Call: 647-1773/660-5257
LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.
Toyota Prado, Price$4.7M Neg. Call: 643-2403
Spare for washing machine, microwaves, fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, motors, etc -Call: 225-9032, 647-2943
PROGRESSIVE AUTO RENTAL: CARS & SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 2193900, EMAIL: PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM
Need worker to work in Trinidad, 1 office clerk, 1 domestic - text or call: 868755-1990 or 868-683-1528 EDUCATIONAL Phonics, Reading, Spelling Classes for children of all ages, limited space available Tel: 675-4379
Page 19
LEARN TO DRIVE Shalom Enterprise @ 2 Croal Street, enquire about on internaton drivers permit “join us on face book” –Tel: 622-8162; 227-3869
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Great Deals on video games and all gaming consoles – Call: 672-2566; 265-3232
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.–CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620
Stamp collection selling out, rare stamps, coins, documents, comic books, LP records, etc - Contact: 2276817; 226-5183; 624-7141
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
Vacant land space at Supply East Bank Demerara –Tel: 227-1744 or 657-9237 Blankenburg, 3 lots 75X76 each, $15M, all 3 lots, Parika, Peter Street, lot size 38’X150' - $7.9M-Contact # 650-0402/ 260-4988 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
Cummings complete genset generator 4CYL 30KVA, 2011 Ducati 1198’s superbike, pearl white, CH series original – Tel: 684-2838
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
Computer paper, American locks, transformers, door exit device –Tel: 233-2725
Accounting & Taxation Services: tax returns, compliances, financial statements. Avinash Persaud Tax Consultancy, 163 Parika, EBE - Call: 260-4762.
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
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Complete 6" dredge with Honda ATV and Pickup (24CYL – deutz engine) -$5.5M negotiable - Tel:666-6618; 615-5925
Your Dream Yard Today! Stunning designs, Assortment, colourful plant choices, Professional Landscapers Tel: 219-0468/ 648-1821 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer Call Omar: 2310655, 683-8734
LAND FOR SALE
Cosmetologist is migrating and is selling out her salon equipments- Call:681-2500
6X6 TM with free maintenance schedule includes accessories for logs & fuel –Contact: 670-6521; 680-3154 Male Enhancement - Tel: 642-6664
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 Toyota Premio 2003 $2.350M, Toyota Spacio 2004- $2.150M – Contact: 227-5950; 681-7117 Truck GNN5366, Car PMM 755 – Contact:613-5212
Foreign used Yamaha outboard engines 15HP, 225HP and spare parts Yamaha 4 stroke jet ski – Tel:666-6618; 615-5925 1 Mini marine tanker capacity 11,500 Gallons – Tel:227-1744 or 657-9237 1 Exhaust box, 600 amp automatic, change over switch –Tel: 627-7835
Balloon decorating for birthdays, weddings, anniversary etc, make your event extra special! Tel Maya: 642-6664 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
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TO LET
PROPERTY FOR SALE Property @ Lot 63 West Ruimveldt, Estate Housing Scheme Georgetown – Contact Mark: 618-9744 Grove Public Road property -$19M – Tel: 613-5645
SERVICES For tree & hedge trimming, weeding, clearing & spraying of land- Call:610-9187, 6489750 & 685-5425 For your (NIS) National Insurance Needs – Call: 6096952; 682-7879 Continued on page 18
Monday April 13, 2015
Kaieteur News
Concrete action needed from CARICOMUS summit, says Barbados PM BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (BGIS) — Barbados Prime Minister Freundel Stuart is hopeful that coming out of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)-US Summit, concrete action will be taken, so that the people of the region can “feel the effects of the relationship between the Caribbean and the United States of America”. Stuart made this comment ahead of the start of the summit, which took place in Kingston, Jamaica, last week. At the meeting, CARICOM heads of government and president of the United States, Barack Obama, discussed critical issues of interest to the two sides, including competitiveness. Insisting that the region was not looking to larger countries like the United States to “do for us what we can do for ourselves”, the prime minister, however, stated that as small island de-
Freundel Stuart veloping states, the nations of the Caribbean faced challenges which “had much to do with the economic and political behaviour” of countries in the North Atlantic. “I think the time has come for us to say exactly how we feel about some of these things, very respectfully of course. I do not think we can continue to meet for photo opportunities, when in fact the
people of the Caribbean are looking on, expecting concrete results from encounters, such as that which we are going to have with President Obama,” he contended. Pointing out that the region had a Diaspora in the United States that contributed significantly to the development of that country, Stuart stated that he hoped that Obama saw the need for his country “to do a little more” for the people of the Caribbean. “If nothing more comes out of the meeting, [we would wish] a commitment on the part of the Unites States to sit with us for a much longer period than we are scheduled to sit [on Thursday] to talk through our challenges, not in a way that puts the US in any position of verticality in relation to the people of the Caribbean, but in a relationship based on horizontality,” he said.
Obama meets Venezuela’s Maduro at time of high tensions PANAMA CITY (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama met Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro privately at a regional summit on Saturday and tried to ease tensions that surged after the United States recently placed sanctions on Venezuela. Maduro had earlier challenged Obama to discuss his decision to sanction seven Venezuelan officials, saying in a speech to the summit in Panama that he had been trying to arrange a meeting with Obama for two years but never received a response. Obama was not present at the time but the two later met. A Venezuelan government spokeswoman said they greeted each other in Spanish and had a respectful conversation. A U.S. official said it was a brief conversation just as Obama was leaving for his return to the United States. “President Obama indicated our strong support for a peaceful dialogue between the parties within Venezuela. He reiterated that
Barack Obama
Nicolas Maduro
our interest is not in threatening Venezuela, but in supporting democracy, stability and prosperity in Venezuela and the region,” said Bernadette Meehan, a National Security Council spokeswoman. The U.S. government last month ordered sanctions against the seven officials, including the head of state intelligence service and the director of the national police force, saying they had committed acts of violence or abused human rights. The sanctions included
blocking or freezing their property and interests in the United States and denying them entry into the country. The U.S. government also said Venezuela was a national security threat, a claim that drew criticism from several Latin American governments. U.S. officials later tried to downplay the security threat designation, but the issue nonetheless hung over the weekend summit that was dominated by Obama’s historic meeting with Cuban President Raul Castro, Maduro’s closest ally.
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Kaieteur News
Monday April 13, 2015
German foreign minister rejects calls to invite Putin to G7 talks BERLIN - (Reuters) German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier dismissed yesterday calls from the radical Left party to invite Russian President Vladimir Putin to this year’s summit of the Group of Seven industrial powers. The leaders of G7 nations held a summit without Putin last year in protest against Russia’s a n n e x a t i o n o f Ukraine’s Crimea region. Wi t h l i t t l e s i g n o f bloodshed in eastern Ukraine ending despite a c e a s e f i re deal agreed in Minsk two months ago, the exclusion has continued. Gregor Gysi, parliamentary leader of the Left party that includes some former East German communists, has argued that Russia was needed to help
solve international crises and the G7 should therefore once again be expanded into the G8. Chancellor Angela Merkel will host leaders from the United States, Britain, France, Canada, Italy and Japan at a castle in Bavaria in June. “It is not in our interests to isolate Russia in the long term. But after the illegal annexation of Crimea, we cannot just act as if nothing has happened and carry on ‘business as usual’,” Steinmeier told Die Welt newspaper. He agreed it was desirable to get Russia more involved in helping resolve conflicts in Syria, Yemen and Libya, but insisted the G8 group remained closed for now. “The way back to the
Frank-Walter Steinmeier Group of Eight will come through respecting the unity of Ukraine and implementing Russian obligations in the Minsk (ceasefire) agreement,” he said.
India rushes to break impasse on Canada investment pact: source NEW DELHI (Reuters) Indian and Canadian negotiators are rushing to iron out differences in a longstalled foreign investment protection pact in time for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the North American nation, an Indian government source said. Modi arrives in Canada tomorrow for a two-day visit, the first bilateral visit by an Indian prime minister in 42 years. “The negotiation teams are working even today in Ottawa,” the source with direct knowledge of the matter said. Negotiations for the agreement, which seeks to protect legal rights of Canadian and Indian investors doing business in the two countries, were concluded in June 2007, but it has yet to be ratified. Concerns in New Delhi over certain provisions of the
Narendra Modi negotiated pact, which allow a foreign investor to sue the host country at an international dispute settlement agency, are believed to be the reason behind the deadlock. Several investors have taken the Indian government to international arbitration in
recent years, citing provisions of bilateral investment protection agreements. After Modi’s victory in national elections last year, the Canadian government said it expected the new Indian leader to finally sign the agreement. The two countries are also negotiating a free trade agreement, but progress has been slow. Canada is home to 1.2 million Indians but the size of bilateral trade is a relatively small $6 billion a year. Modi’s trip could also clinch a fuel supply agreement with Canada’s biggest uranium producer, Cameco, two Indian sources said. A similar investment agreement with Europe has been reinvigorated and could be finalised within three months, the first source added.
Monday April 13, 2015
Kaieteur News
Hillary Clinton announces her presidential campaign …wants to be the champion of ‘everyday Americans’ After years of oftenbreathless speculation about her future, Hillary Rodham Clinton confirmed one of the worst-kept secrets in politics: She’s running for president. The former first lady and secretary of state officially entered the 2016 presidential race with a video announcement to supporters yesterday, saying she wants to be the champion of “everyday Americans.” “Americans have fought their way back from tough economic times, but the deck is still stacked in favor of those at the top,” Clinton told supporters at the end of a more than twominute-long video posted on her official campaign website, hillaryclinton.com. “Everyday Americans need a champion, and I want to be that champion so you can do more than just get by.” The video represented a sharp tonal shift from her announcement video in 2008, which featured Clinton addressing voters while sitting on a couch in her Washington, D.C., home. In contrast, Clinton is only seen and heard in roughly the last minute of yesterday’s video, which features testimony and footage from families, young workers and gay couples. While she told voters in 2008 that she was “in to win,” Clinton told voters yesterday that she is “hitting the road to earn your vote, because it’s your time.” “I hope you’ll join me on this journey,” Clinton added. Clinton’s announcement
Labour leads Cameron’s Conservatives by three points YouGov poll (Reuters) - Britain’s opposition Labour party has taken a 3 percentage point lead over Prime Minister David Cameron’s Conservatives according to a YouGov opinion poll ahead of the May 7 general election. The poll, published by The Sun newspaper, put Ed Miliband’s Labour Party on 36 percent and the Conservatives on 33 percent. The poll showed the antiEU UK Independence Party (UKIP) on 13 percent and Cameron’s current junior coalition partners, the Liberal Democrats on 7 percent.
Hillary Clinton (Photo: Screenshot/ Yahoo News) will be followed by visits in coming days to key earlyvoting states including Iowa. It’s an intentionally lowkey kickoff plotted by a campaign seeking to avoid the mistakes of Clinton’s failed 2008 quest for the Democratic presidential nomination. In 2007, the thenNew York senator entered the
race as the overwhelming favorite but ultimately lost ground to an insurgent candidate named Barack Obama amid the perception of an unwieldy campaign apparatus and her inability to personally connect with voters. Eight years later, Clinton again enters the race as the overwhelming front-runner — albeit this time with no real challenger, so far. But instead of mounting the same shock-andawe campaign aimed at scaring away potential opponents, Clinton’s strategists are said to be plotting a more humble approach to 2016 in hopes of winning over voters who complained eight years ago that she was inaccessible and distant. Formal confirmation of her candidacy first came in the form of emails from John Podesta, the presumptive chairman of her 2016 campaign, to donors, 2008 campaign staffers and members of Congress yesterday. (Yahoo News)
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DCC are GCA/ Brainstreet U-15 champs Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) overcame Transport Sports Club (TSC) by five-wickets to capture the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA)/Brainstreet Under-15 title yesterday at Malteenoes Sports Club. TSC batted first and were dismissed for a paltry 85. Joel Spooner top scored with 31 while Dequan Bamfield took 310, Jospiece Jones 2-10, Qumar Torrington 2-11 and Nkosie Beaton 2-25. DCC replied with 86-5. Man-of-the-match Alphius Bookie stroked 33 and Robin Williams 20. Joel Spooner and Akeem Maloney claimed 2 for 17 each.
Chaitram Nagessar... From page 25 Salads and Al Haaq. Guest posers on the night were 2014 Novice King Sylvester Andrews and winner of Mr. Flex Night 2014, Godfrey Stoby. Following are the full results: Junior Category Under-21 years Place Name Gym 1st Rashleigh Bentick Fitness Paradise 2nd Mahadeo Lakeram House of Pain 3rd Christopher Phagoo House of Pain 4th Jamaul Tinnie Fitness Paradise Flyweight Under-132lbs 1st Chaitram Nagessar Tej Mahal 2nd Mahadeo Lakeram House of Pain 3rd Christopher Phagoo House of Pain Bantamweight Under-143lbs 1st Rashleigh Bentick Fitness Paradise 2nd Leon Benjamin Lifetime Fitness 3rd Clinton Burnette Tej Mahal Lightweight 144-154lbs 1st Jamaul Tinnie Fitness Paradise 2nd Abraham Lawrence House of Pain 3rd Amza Khan Dino’s Welterweight 155-165lbs 1st Kris Williams Buddy’s 2nd John Bhagwandin Buddy’s Heavyweight 177lbs & over 1st Julio Sinclair GMR&SC 2nd Anferance Amaneki Total Fitness 3rd Lerone Phillips Muscle Pro 4th Pernell Christian Muscle Pro Miss Body Fitness 1st Junica Pluck Buddy’s Miss Bikini 1st Junica Pluck Buddy’s Men’s Physique 1st Emmerson Campbell Body Max 2nd Caerus Cipriani Fitness Paradise 3rd Yannick Stephen Body Max 4th Chaitram Nagessar Tej Mahal Overall Winner 1st Chaitram Nagessar Tej Mahal
Kaieteur News
Monday April 13, 2015
Windies bringing the passion St.John’s, Antigua, CMC -West Indies appear set to launch a passionate challenge against England when the two sides meet in the first of a three test series here today. The West Indies have vowed to play “exciting and attacking cricket” in an all-important high stakes series which begins at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua. Denesh Ramdin’s men, under the guidance of new head coach Phil Simmons, are also eager to keep intact, their record of not losing against England in Antigua. “We have a young team and we will come out and play exciting and attacking cricket. It will be a tough series, with some hard days on the field, but we are ready for the hard work. We are fully prepared,” Ramdin said. “I would like the team to go out and play competitive, exciting cricket. We know the opposition is a very good team.we need to do the basic stuff which is important…when we get out to bat try and spend time at the crease”. The West Indies wrapped-up their preparation with a full training session on Sunday morning at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground. Both teams are in hot pursuit of redemption following a woeful campaign in the recent World Cup. The experienced wicketkeeper/batsman noted that the team’s preparation camp went well and a tough hard series against the visitors on home soil is expected. “We know they have a very good bowling line-up so we are not going to give away any freebies,” said Ramdin. “We are pushing ourselves a lot more now. A lot of youngsters are coming through. New faces that the English don’t know about”. The new faces include uncapped players, batsman Shai Hope and fellow Barbadian, fast-bowling all-
Davendra Bishoo
Shivnarine Chanderpaul
Kraigg Brathwaite
Denesh Ramdin
rounder, Carlos Brathwaite. However a number of leading players are unavailable for various reasons including Chris Gayle, Darren Sammy, Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine, and Lendl Simmons. The regional team is expected to depend heavily on Ramdin, Darren Bravo, Marlon Samuels and 40 year old Shivnarine Chanderpaul. “We had a do with the governor general, Sir Rodney Williams, and they were saying they wanted to beat us 3-0,” said England captain Alastair Cook after a reception with Antigua and Barbuda governor general. “They’re here to fight and we’ve got to expect, as I kept calling it, a war. We know we’re in for a hell of a battle.”
The once-mighty West Indies have propped up the ICC’s lists, above only Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, for the better part of two decades. A repeat of their hardfought 1-0 triumph the last time the teams met in the Caribbean six years earlier would be a timely boost in Phil
Simmons’ debut as head coach. “My cricket philosophy is that you practice hard play easy. That’s the way I look at it,” said Simmons, the former West Indies all-rounder, who took over the top JOB last week. “We have to be doing things a lot harder in practice which makes things easier when we get on the field”. West Indies and England last met in the Caribbean in 2009 with the home side taking that close series one-nil. While England are favourites to win the series, West Indies, like their opponent, are hoping the short series will be a major turning point after an unsuccessful run. “I think they are going to come hard at us,” predicted Ramdin. “So we need to prepare for that and put our backs against the wall and do something special here”. West Indies squad for first Test: D Ramdin (capt), K Brathwaite, S Benn, D Bishoo, J Blackwood, C Brathwaite, Da Bravo, S Chanderpaul, J Holder, S Hope, K Roach, M Samuels, D Smith, J Taylor. England squad: A Cook (capt), J Trott, G Ballance, I Bell, J Root, B Stokes, J Buttler (wkt), C Jordan, A Rashid, S Broad, J Anderson, J Bairstow, A Lyth, J Tredwell, L Plunkett, M Wood. Umpires: Steve Davis (Aus) and Billy Bowden (NZ), TV umpire: Bruce Oxenford (Aus), Match referee: Andy Pycroft (Zim).
Exciting matches... From page 27 Among those present once again were Busta Regional Brand Manager Christine Kellawan and General Manager of Guyana Beverages Inc. Robert Selman, whose Company is the Platinum sponsor dolling out over $4million. The other sponsors include: GT&T, Lucky Dollar, Star Party Rentals, Mendonca Creole and Nigel’s Supermarket. The competition resumes tomorrow with six more games at the Tucville ground. In the fixtures: Queen Street of Tiger Bay tackles Stevedore Housing Scheme, Ballerz take on Sophia, Alexander Vikkage engages California Square, before Leopold Street go up against Kitty Weavers. This encounter will be followed by the clash between North Ruimveldt and West back Road, while in the final game of the night, Sparta Boss square off against Charlestown. Game-1: Queen Street Tigerbay-1 vs Cross Street3. Cross Street Scorers, Sheldon Profit-3rd and 11th,
Shalomo Marks-18th. Queen Street Scorer, Deon Alfred-2nd. Game-2: North Ruimveldt1 vs Globe Yard-1. North Ruimveldt Scorer, Lenrick Carrington-18th. Globe Yard Scorer, Kevin Lewis-29th. Game-3: Back Circle-1 vs West Back Road-0. Kevin Boters-15th. Game-4: Bent Street-6 vs North East La Penitence-2. Bent Street Scorers, Konata Manning-9th and 19th, Daniel Wilson-10th and 25th, Sheldon Holder-2nd, Shevane Seaforth-26th. North East Scorers, Shaquille Brown-5th, Carl Tudor-13th. Game-5: Festival City-4 vs Kitty Weavers-1. Festival City Scorers, Keith Fletcher15th, Eon Alleyne-17th, Daniel Favourite-21st, Stellon David-28th. Kitty Scorer, Sherwayne Vincent-9th. Game-6: West Front Road3 vs Stevedore Housing Scheme-1. West Front Road Scorers, Michael Oie-6th, Michael Pedro-11th, Jamal Pedro-14th. Stevedore Scorers, Eon Parks-10th.