Kaieteur News

Page 04

Kaieteur News

Friday April 01, 2016

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

Changing society through education Over the years, Guyanese have prided themselves on being a highly literate and educated society. This was due largely to the high standards of its education system which it inherited from Britain and nourished in the early postindependence period. While in recent times the nation constantly boasts about its students’ academic achievements, the performances in several key subject areas have often fallen well below the regional average. This is a burning issue that needs to be addressed by the government and all stakeholders. The nation cannot sit idly by and continue to be consumers of meaningless sensationalism that adds little or no value to education or society. As a nation, Guyana must maintain its status as an educated society in the Caribbean and the world. Anything less will be worthy of criticism.Be that as it may, it is time for the citizens, teachers and educators to change the narrative in the education system to face the many issues in society that are affecting children and their ability to learn. The government has to stop pretending that the economy is performing well and as a result the schools are doing a tremendous job in educating students as well as charting a practical way forward that will motivate them to learn and thus reduce school drop-outs. While parents and students may view education through different lenses than teachers and educators, they must come together to resolve the problems and overcome the challenges that are facing our schools. There are numerous reports about high school and university graduates who are severely challenged with regard to their writing and research skills. The Ministry of Education should revise the current educational system, especially the existing early childhood care and primary and secondary curriculum for the public schools. It should implement a more practical curriculum to help students cope with the real issues in their communities and society at large. Moreover, the Ministry needs to move beyond the structured process of teaching in the classrooms and embark on a well thought-out, targeted and strategic approach to improve teaching, learning and to motivate students. If education is to be viewed as a process of learning and development both at the regional and at the national level, then changes must be made to the current system. Even though school access, certification, and high-stakes assessment have their challenges, they are essential to learning and understanding the basic problems in society. Education is not only about schooling, learning and cramming to pass exams. To be educated is to gain knowledge, which is a transformative experience aimed at producing citizens who are able to be productive, satisfy their personal and family needs and contribute to the development, prosperity and well-being of the people and the country. Schooling in itself is insufficient to realize this outcome. This is not to say that schooling is not important; it is, because it reduces illiteracy and creates a better society. Whether or not educational opportunities will translate into meaningful development for students or for society will ultimately depend on whether people actually learn as a result of those opportunities, and apply the knowledge, ability, skills and values they have gained over the years. The focus on education in the primary and secondary levels must be on actual learning, acquisition and outcome, rather than exclusively upon participation, passing examinations and completion of certification requirements. A focus on schooling and certification, while necessary, is not sufficient to address the practical needs of society. It is time for all Guyanese to talk about what they really want as a society and the role of education in achieving that outcome. Education can change society, so let the change begin.

The Guyoil audit; Badrie Persaud responds DEAR EDITOR, I was appointed the Managing Director of Guyoil in July, 2006. Marcel Gaskin & Associates Ltd were engaged to work with Guyoil several years before that. The consultant reported in person and made submissions regularly to the management committee, the tender board committee and the Board of Directors on the progress of capital projects. During the review period there were capital project well in excess of $1.0B. All the projects were successfully completed in a timely manner. Both the Board and management were impressed with his professionalism and were satisfied that the company was getting value for money. Marcel Gaskin & Associates Ltd continues to provide consulting services to Guyoil in 2016. IT – Computerisation of the company. The report found that purchases were frequently single-sourced from Powercompu, breaching the Tender Board requirement. Payment to Powercompu was $90M. The accounting software installed at the company is ACCPAC. Powercompu is the local agent for ACCPAC. In order to harness the full benefits of ACCPAC and to network the company’s three terminal and eight service stations with the Head Office, Powercompu was requested to make an IT/MIS submission. The bound document outlined the company’s IT/MIS Strategy over a 3-year period at a cost of $90M. A presentation was made to the Board of Directors and same was a p p r o v e d . T h e

implementation process was not without hiccups but was largely successful. Monthly reports were submitted to the Board of Directors informing of progress made and constraints faced. Today the company is fully computerized and networked compared to ten years ago when I became the Managing Director - great contribution to improved l e v e l s o f a c c u r a c y, productivity and efficiency in doing business. Conflict of interest : construction contract offered to nephew AvinashPersaud Some years ago, through the initiative of the Managing Director about four acres of land were reclaimed from the river at the Providence terminal, EBD.The final works of levelling the reclaimed land was left to be done. Managers were asked to seek quotations from contractors to execute the work. Because the contract was not a large one contractors were not inclined to take it on. One contractor responded with a price of $4.5M. This was considered very unreasonable. At about the same time Avinash was mobilizing his equipment in Georgetown to go to the Linden Highway and I told him about the work we had at the terminal. He was asked to make contact with the terminal manager, visit the site and submit his price for the work. His price was $860,000. So management had two prices - $4.5M vs $860,000. The auditor was intent on focusing on the contractor being a relative of the Managing Director rather than the cost saving of

$3,640,000 to the company. For the ten years I have been the Managing Director of Guyoil the paramountcy of the interest of the company was always observed. Conflict of interest : transportation contract of $62M offered to brother Indarjeet Persaud During the years of high oil prices on the world market Guyoil was selling fuel at very thin margins and sometimes at a loss, all because the government policy was to keep the price at the pump below $1000.00 per gallon. Given this scenario management decided to review all the cost centres in the company’s operations and seek ways and means to reduce same. Operating the company’s Road Tank Wagons (RTW) stood out as a high cost centre. The unit cost to the company to truck one litre of fuel from the Providence terminal to Georgetown was calculated. This was below $2.00/L. Most contractors offered a price of $2.00/L and above. The price offered by Indarjeet Persaud was $1.11/L, significantly below the company’s unit cost. Tenders for trucking fuel were again requested in S e p t e m b e r, 2 0 1 5 a n d Indarjeet Persaud’s bid was competitive. Again, no explanation was sought by the auditor. The $62M at caption was for fuel trucked over a 4-year period. Guyoil purchased from Rubis 238,481 L of fuel for $47,457,719 which was followed by the purchase from Dhanrajh on 05.06.2015 at the same price. Indicating the staggering and splitting of a full order to

facilitate ordering from MrDeodat Dhanrajh which could have been sourced possibly at a lower negotiated price based on the volume of purchase from Rubis. The auditor ’s assumption is a typical textbook pontification and not the world of real business. At this particular time Guyoil was selling fuel at a price significantly below the competition. Very often our nominated volumes were reduced by the refinery and whatever limited volumes we had were sold out rapidly because of the lower price. Rubis and Sol were very reluctant to sell Guyoil fuel because when Guyoil is stocked out they do good business. In this particular case Guyoil’d fuel stock was getting critical and we requested Rubis to sell us 2000 bbls fuel (1000 bbl = 238,481L) to keep us going till our vessel returned. They obliged us 1000 bbls claiming that their stock was low. We knew that they had fuel and were selling large volumes to peddlers, one of whom was Mr. Dhanrajh. A request was made to MrDhanrajh to sell us 1000 bbls of fuel at a price not above Rubis’ price. So it was not splitting order, as the auditor would like to mislead us, but using initiative to get 1000 bbls fuel to keep our service stations going till our vessel returned. Mr Deodat Dhanrajh enjoyed a special relationship with Guyoil. Guyoil hired the vessels of Mr.Dhanrajh, Mr Amin and Rambarran Marine Continued on page 5

Joe Harmon faces mounting criticism DEAR EDITOR, Amid the impetus and currency of the Brian Tiwarie appointment, it leaves one to wonder what really is the role and responsibility of Harmon. Who does he report to? How can a Ministerial Advisor be appointed without the approval of Cabinet? Over the past ten months, the new government has been making some foolish and fatuous mistakes, and Harmon has been at the center of them all. First, it

was the shocking and disappointing revelation about the salary increases for Ministers and other government officials. Then Harmon came out in high defence with his arrogance and ‘no apologies’. Even though the appointment has been rescinded by President Granger after much criticisms, it will go down as visceral hypocrisy and an indictment on his government. The APNU+AFC is so consumed

with power that it has lost the groundings with many of its supporters and even the promises that were made for the better governance. It therefore stands to reason, that based on all of the horrendous atrocities that the PPP have committed against Guyanese over the years, the new administration doesn’t seem interested in being and doing better, much to the benefit of the citizenry that have been sweltering in the heat of discontent for far too long. This coalition

government has been big on words, but very small on action. It is time President Granger does something about Harmon and all of that power he flaunts with. It is not healthy for the future of the government. Furthermore, it is always said that those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it. The arrogance and constant blunders caused the PPP to be voted out in 2015. Let’s see what 2020 brings for the APNU+AFC. Kobe Smith

Friday April 01, 2016

Kaieteur News

Page 05

Teixeira claims Here is the reason why people didn’t vote in the LGE Kaieteur and Stabroek DEAR EDITOR, Theories abound as to why the turnout was so low at the recent Local Government Elections. I think it is quite simple. Large numbers of Guyanese could not see the point. In an article published in the Stabroek News (26/2/15), the US Charge D’Affaires, Bryan Hunt, addressing a gathering of youth assembled by USAID, was quoted as saying: “We had protests; we had people who were determined to

stand outside the Office of the President every day…And then we had prorogation and we had national elections… and then in the aftermath of national elections was the announcement that we were going to have Local Government Elections. “And everyone got excited again. And the date was set for March. And the enthusiasm seems to have evaporated…The question isn’t if GECOM (Guyana Elections Commission) is

ready. It’s whether people will turn out…Are we going to have an elections in which the majority of Guyanese go out and cast their vote for Local Government or are we going to have councils that are elected with 10, 12, 15 percent turnouts?” This told us everything we needed to know. Who is the ‘WE’ in this statement? What does it mean when a foreign diplomat speaks in this manner with regard to the internal affairs of Guyana? Guyanese are a

simple people but this should not be confused with simplemindedness. The trouble is that the arrogance of many at the top leads them to underestimate the savvy and intellect of the Guyanese masses. The illusion of d e m o c r a c y a n d independence being peddled is wearing very thin. The low voter turnout was not apathy – it was a form of resistance. Gerald A. Perreira Chair Organization for the Victory of the People (OVP)

The Guyoil audit; Badrie... From page 4 Services Ltd to freight fuel from Georgetown to the company’s fuel depot at Adventure, Essequibo Coast and to lighter the chartered oil tanker when required. Mr. Dhanrajh’s vessels were used more often than the others because his vessels are newer and his service is more reliable, and the rates c h a rg e d b y t h e t h r e e freighters are the same. The company suffered fuel contamination using vessels of Rambarran and Amin. The company continues to use the freighting service of Mr. Dhanrajh in 2016. The auditor made reference to D h a n r a j h ’s f r e i g h t i n g service but omitted that of Amin and Rambarran. Credit management : The report pointed out a few deficiencies in credit management and concluded that … “this is a major credit risk and may result in Guyoil being unable to recover monies owed to the company”. Sales at Guyoil are over $ 4 0 B a n n u a l l y. T h e company’s credit portfolio is rigorously managed by the Credit Controller. For several consecutive years prior to 2015 no bad debt was incurred at the company. This is highly commendable for a company with sales exceeding $40B.Infact, the Credit Controller was often commended at the Finance & Audit Committee meetings for doing an excellent job. And the service of the Finance Manager was extended beyond retirement age on March 18, 2016. Certainly his service would not have been extended if financial management at the company was poor.

Asset management : The auditor expressed concern that…” the Fixed Asset Unit is manned by one person managing net asset valued at $2.5B. The report said that the understaffing of this unit severely affects the monitoring, verification and tagging required to properly managed the company’s fixed assets”. The Fixed Asset Register is computerised and captures all the fixed asset of the company with the necessary details. At any point in time any fixed asset in the company can be accounted for. This responsibility was manned by an asset clerk. He has done a very good job in inventorising and accounting for the company’s assets over the years and was promoted to Asset Officer. The internal audit department also conducts annual fixed asset verification. The auditor assumption that the fixed asset unit is understaffed appears to be a textbook one, relating the net asset value of $2.5B to manpower requirement. One employee, Leonard Khan, was promoted to Castrol Brands Manager and then to Manager of Guyoil Aviation Services despite not having the requisite qualifications. As an unwritten company policy management sought to promote employees internally who have performed well. Leonard Khan was employed at Guyoil more than ten years ago with a sound

secondary education. Over the years he has developed good product knowledge with a proactive attitude to get work done. He was in the final stages of completing his MBA at Nations University when he was promoted. Afro employees were also promoted over the years. Mark Adams was promoted from Credit Controller to Castrol Brands Manager and then to Procurement Manager. However, the auditor chose to single out the indian employee. Such racial bias was not expected in an audit. Some of the major achievements at the company during my term as the Managing Director are as follow ; · Sales revenue increased from $20B to over $40B · Sales volume increased from 864,362 barrels to 1,242,158 barrels · Net profit after tax

increased from about $800M and peaked at $1.4B · Daily bank balance increased from $0.5B to $7.0B · Some $2 B was expended on capital projects which included concrete wharf facilities, expanding and modernizing the company-owned service stations, food court at Diamond, computerization, increasing fuel storage capacities at the terminals from 67,000 barrels to over 80,000 barrels. All the funds used were self generated by the company. · G u y o i l Av i a t i o n Services Inc, a subsidiary of Guyoil was successfully established in 2014 to handle aviation fuel business. · Reclaiming about four acres of land from the river for future expansion of Providence terminal. Badrie Persaud

News are biased

A letter was published in the Kaieteur News captioned, “Eric Phillips says this lady is a racist”, written by Eric Phillips, accusing the, of being a racist. During a press conference hosted by the PPP/C, the party’s Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira, accused two independent media houses of bias in their reporting. She expounded that several letters, including hers, would have been sent to the editors of Kaieteur News and Stabroek News in response to letters by Eric Phillips. However, these letters never made it to publication and if they did, they were “butchered” to a point where they no longer made any sense. She also said publicly on a television programme yesterday that she has been receiving complaints from persons who were desirous of responding to Phillips, but their letters were never published. The Chief Whip said that Phillips was given an opportunity to share his concerns since four of his letters would have been

published thus far and the letters from other persons responding to him were not. Teixeira said that editors have a responsibility to remove content that would be seen as libellous or defamatory, but editors should not be “shifting paragraphs and slashing letters”. Letter Editor’s note: T h e L e t t e r s Department has never received any letter from Ms. Gail Teixeira prior to a 4000word letter she sent, nor has it received any letter critical to Mr. Philips thus far. Additionally, we do not carry letters that are 4,000 words in length because of space constraint. The publication of a 4,000word letter will also result in the shutting out of other letters. This is standard editing throughout the world of journalism.

Friday April 01, 2016

Kaieteur News

Trump meets with Republican leadership after backing away from loyalty pledge Reuters - Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump made a surprise closed-door visit to the Republican National Committee yesterday after a tumultuous two days on the campaign trail that included a reversal of his pledge to support the party’s nominee. Trump, who also has sought to contain the fallout from his Wednesday comments supporting punishment for women who have an abortion, said on Twitter afterward he had a “nice meeting” with RNC Chairman Reince Preibus but divulged no details. “Looking forward to bringing the party together,” he said. “And it will happen!” An RNC spokeswoman described the meeting as “a productive conversation about the state of the race” and said it was part of Preibus’s regular communications with the party’s presidential candidates. Trump’s relationship with the RNC has been contentious at times, and he recently complained the party was not treating him fairly as it prepared for a possible contested convention in July in Cleveland. On Tuesday, Trump backed away from a loyalty pledge he signed in September promising to support the party’s eventual nominee and not to run an independent campaign for the White House. The RNC pledge has un-

Donald Trump raveled as Trump’s remaining rivals, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas and Ohio Governor John Kasich, also indicated they were unlikely to observe it if Trump was the nominee. Barry Bennett, an adviser to the Trump campaign, said Thursday’s visit was about Trump helping the RNC raise money. “The meeting is to help the RNC,” he said on MSNBC. The billionaire businessman was in Washington for an announced gathering of his newly established foreign policy team. A source who attended said the group discussed threats from Islamic State militants, nuclear proliferation, homeland security assessments and European security levels. Trump’s campaign also

announced it was setting up a Washington office to run its convention and delegate operations and work with the RNC and Congress. The campaign has been busy trying to dig out from under an avalanche of criticism over his comment that women should face punishment for getting an abortion if the procedure was outlawed, although he quickly reversed his stance. Trump, leading in the race to win the Republican nomination for the Nov. 8 presidential election, pulled back from his initial comments within an hour, first issuing a statement that U.S. states should handle abortion issues and later saying doctors who perform abortions are the ones who should be held responsible.

Page 7

Page 8

Kaieteur News

Friday April 01, 2016

New anti-terrorist Government’s power is waning - Brazilian opposition leader legislation soon -Al-Rawi Trinidad Guardian - Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi says his office will be laying new legislation in Parliament soon to deal with foreign terrorist fighters and propose amendments to the current anti-terrorism legislation. Al-Rawi made the announcement while responding to an editorial in the Barbados Nation which has called on the People’s National Movement (PNM) Government to get its act together to deal with crime. Speaking at his constituency’s kite flying competition at Skinner Park, San Fernando, Al-Rawi said he was not offended by the editorial, as it describes the facts. The editorial, published in the Barbadian daily newspaper on March 30, warned its citizens about crime and criminal hotspots in T&T. It also noted that T&T nationals have been leaving to join terrorist groups in the Middle East and Africa. “T&T is not in a unique position. St Lucia, Barbados,

Faris Al-Rawi a number of Caricom countries have been battling a serious scourge of crime. That does not excuse it, the fact that there is something going on elsewhere,” Al-Rawi said. “We can say that the management of crime and criminality is, perhaps, alongside with housing and job creation and employment, number one paramount issues; they rank almost equal in today’s world.

The economy is equally important.” He added, “The editorial in the Nation, which I have had a chance to review, certainly is not a very flattering one but it describes the facts, it describes how others look at our country.” Al-Rawi said this perception by others is one reason the Government is moving swiftly to centralise intelligence in the fight against crime. “It is for this very reason that we have taken these very urgent steps in piloting the Strategic Services Agency (SSA) amendments to centralise intelligence. It is for this reason that we have taken a surge on and a direct drive into the criminal justice system and into the prison system. These are ventures led out of the AG’s office in coordination with the Ministry of National Security.” He announced the introduction of new legislation to tackle the phenomenon of foreign terrorist fighters.

LISBON, Portugal (AP) — The leader of Brazil’s main opposition party contended yesterday that embattled President Dilma Rousseff is losing her grip on power amid a corruption scandal that is compromising her ability to pull Latin America’s biggest country out of its worst recession in decades. “What we can see happening in Brazil is that the government has lost its legitimacy, the ability to run the country,” said Sen. Aecio Neves, the leader of the Social Democracy Party, during a visit to Lisbon, Portugal. Impeachment proceedings over allegations that Rousseff’s administration infringed fiscal rules have eroded her political support and made it hard for her to pass legislation that could improve the economy. Rousseff has said she did not commit any crime that would warrant her ousting, but supporters of her coalition government are deserting her. The biggest coalition partner, the Democratic Movement Party, announced Wednesday it was quitting the government. “There is no easy way out” of the crisis, said Neves, who narrowly lost to Rousseff in a 2014 presidential runoff. Vice President Michel Temer is first in line to assume the presidency in case of impeachment. Neves said his

Brazilian Senator Aecio Neves, center left, shakes hands with Brazil’z Supreme Court Justice Gilmar Mendes at a legal conference in Lisbon, yesterday. (AP Photo/Armando Franca) party wanted Brazil to maintain its schedule of presidential elections in 2018, insisting that Temer’s interim government should be staffed by the best-qualified people, not party faithful. Neves was attending a three-day legal conference at Lisbon University’s Law Faculty. The usually obscure academic event drew attention because it included other Brazilian participants seen as opponents of Rousseff. They

included Supreme Court Justice Gilmar Mendes, who recently blocked former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s nomination to a Cabinet post, and Sen. Jose Serra, an ally of Neves. About 50 people, mostly Brazilians, protested outside the event against the possibility of impeachment, claiming Brazil’s democracy is being hijacked by unscrupulous politicians.

Sugar Players Say No Action Will Leave Industry Dead In Five Years The Gleaner - Given the fragmentation, inefficiencies and attendant problems facing the sugar industry if we fail to take remedial action now, will we have an industry in five years? Karl James, general manager, Jamaica Cane Products Sales; chairman, Sugar Association of the Caribbean “Jamaica Cane Products Sales has proven that pooling everybody together has been the most successful way of marketing Jamaica’s production to this point.” Ambassador Derick Heaven, former chair, Council of International Sugar Organisation; board member, Sugar Industry Authority “You have listed all the things that could mean the demise of the industry, and if none of those things is corrected, it could meet its demise before 2021. The fact is all of those things are within our capacity to correct.” Allan Rickards, chairman,

Karl James

All-Island Jamaica Cane Farmers’ Association “There are decisions that people have to take now based on hard-core business principles that they will be taking, pushed by the younger generation especially, and I would agree with Ambassador Heaven that if there is not immediate action, then 2021 will be academic.” Newman, large sugar cane

farmer “The area where I farm is one of the most efficient factories, and we have the best quality juice. But unless there is a significant increase in the price paid for sugar, whether it be for the local market or value added, we will be out of business. Survival all depends on the price that we are paid.”

Friday April 01, 2016

Kaieteur News

Ignore the ignoramuses Social media has given newfound freedom. It is hailed as a new horizon in freedom of speech, since it gives everyone the opportunity to have their say. Freedom of speech has, however, never been about everyone having their say. Freedom of expression has always been about safeguarding against censorship and silence. Social media has allowed news to reach people in real time. You can follow the cricket as it happens, ball by

ball, on social media. But it has also given people the licence to say what they want and how they want, without being held accountable. Freedom of expression is mangled and abused on a daily basis on social media, but none more so than in blogs about Guyanese politics. The most vitriolic exchanges take place on blogs discussing Guyanese politics. Very often the exchanges are about race and about allegations of who is racial and who is not, and which group

does what and which does not. These exchanges add nothing to the debate on issues in Guyana. They are an abuse of freedom of speech. The police are investigating certain comments made on social media about the President; it is alleged that some of the comments were threatening. Others, it is said, had racial overtones. These types of statements have been appearing almost on a daily basis since social media like Facebook was established.

Donald Ramotar accepts PM post in coalition govt. As we inch closer to the 50th Independence anniversary, in a surprise move President David Granger announced that former President Donald Ramotar is joining the coalition government. Never before in the history of Guyana has people from the top three political parties joined forces in Guyana. Just prior to last year’s elections, APNU and AFC formed a coalition then won narrowly the elections. Now, in a historic move by a sitting President, David Granger has announced that Ramotar has joined the coalition. His joining came after he accepted the office of Prime Minister in a Cabinet to be revamped. Details have not been released as yet, but are expected to be known within days. Early indications are that Moses Nagamootoo has agreed to be an associate to the Finance Minister and a Presidential Advisor. There are others who have been approached by the coalition but only two have accepted the invitation. They

President David Granger in discussion with his new Prime Minister Donald Ramotar are Clement Rohee, and Carolyn Rodrigues. Rohee is being considered to oversee the Police Department. Carolyn Rodrigues would be working along with Foreign Minister Carl Greenidge. Robert Persaud who made an approach for a position,

was turned down. When contacted for comments about this newly formed coalition, Khemraj Ramjattan said he was not briefed on any of these new developments. He said it was the same thing with Brian Tiwarie and his Ministerial Advisor on Business.

People have been hurling racial and political epithets across the racial and political divide for a long time now. The police may be opening a can of worms by trying to investigate these comments. Once they move against persons, you will find persons digging up material on other persons who would have made similar statements, and the police are going to find themselves with an endless list of comments to investigate. The police have major hurdles to overcome in any investigation about racial comments. Firstly, saying that someone is racial or racist (and there is a difference between the two) is not the same as inciting racial hatred. A lot of people have said many things about US Presidential hopeful Donald Trump. He has been accused of all kinds of things, but saying that someone is so and so, does not translate to inciting hatred. An offence of inciting race hate has to satisfy many elements, and this is the task of any police investigation. Secondly, the police will have to find the individuals concerned. Many of the posts

may be fake posts. The persons may not exist and even if they do, the police will find it impossible, outside of a confession, to prove that the person actually made the offending post. Thirdly, there is the jurisdictional issue. For a criminal offence to be brought before the courts in Guyana, it has to be established that the offence took place in Guyana. Cyberspace crimes face a jurisdictional hurdle. Where did the crime take place, on land or in cyberspace? Even if the offence can be narrowed down to Guyana, there is still the issue of how the authorities are going to prove that the offending text originated from a Guyanese location. Foreign technical help will have to be sought, and this is not going to be easy, because the agencies that can provide this information are not going to have the time to waste with an investigation about someone calling someone a racist or making common threats. Fourthly, there is the unresolved issue as to whether Facebook is a public space. Some of the offences which are being investigated require

Page 9

that the statements be made in public media. Social networks such as Facebook are not public media. The internet is a network of computers linked together. Facebook is an interface that links persons who agree to be linked together. Facebook is therefore a private network in which people can decide which of their friends and their friends’ can see what they post. Blogs may open a private network to comments from outside of the network, but the external comment can only be seen amongst those on the network. The police, therefore, may be unnecessarily exhausting their time in trying to prosecute persons who made offending statements against the President of Guyana. As obnoxious as these statements may be, unless there is an imminent threat to the President or unless racial hatred has been incited, it may be better just to ignore ignorant and stupid blogs.

Page 10

Kaieteur News

Friday April 01, 2016

== THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN ==

I have become a Minister of Government Got ya! I am sure you found the caption curious and peeped more into the article. But today is All Fools’ Day. It is April 1. Me? Of all persons; me accepting a ministerial designation? If there is anything I fear in this life on Planet Earth, is power; what a destructive element in life. Before the ink was dried on their appointment paper, I was told the Ministers were in touch with Digicel and GT&T to acquire new cell phones. They no longer

answer their pre-election numbers. The word “horrible” is even mild to describe what friends have told me about “the ministerial attitude.” People have told me the whopping sums they put in the hands of party leaders who begged for money during the election campaign but these big boys now do not even instruct their secretaries to return a call or an email. And they cannot be had on their cell phones because they do not use their old numbers and only a select few have the new numbers. One of my bad habits that unfortunately will never leave me is my Wortmanville experience. You grew up rough, then, rough anger is never far away.

Except for Minister Bulkan who I went to see last month about one of his employees who had a problem, I have not seen or spoken face to face with any Minister of the APNU-AFC Government since that formation became a reality in May 2015. Within that ten-month period, I have called Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, twice on formal matters. And I called Khemraj Ramjattan once; the request was if I could have quoted him on a particular thing he once said to me, since I was doing a column on the subject The reason has to do with power. Power contains disrespect, vanity, pomposity, hubris, contempt, attitudes of grandeur. I have stayed

completely away from people with power, because I am afraid that if treated flippantly, my Wortmanville vocabulary will fly out my mouth. Trust me, Minister or priest or pandit or moulvi or businessman or doctor or lawyer or journalist or teacher, if you unnecessarily insult me, you will receive my Wortmanville vocabulary. I remember about three years ago, I received a call on my cell from a female voice who told me that her boss would like a copy of my research on the practice of racism by the Jagdeo Government that I used as my defence in the Jagdeo libel trial. This was the CEO of one of Guyana’s leading insurance companies. This

was incredible hauteur. This man could not afford me the basic courtesy of saying, “Hello Mr. Kissoon, this is Mr. John Jones, I would appreciate it if you can facilitate me a copy of your interesting research.” I guess you know how the conversation with his secretary went. So I keep away from power. I have known Moses Nagamootoo for more than forty years now, but have not seen or spoken to him since he became Prime Minister. The things people have told me about ministerial attitudes and the frame of mind of senior appointees in the state sector, since May 2015, have not surprised me in the least. I am lucky, in that I have been a student of philosophy my entire life, so I think I know a little of Homo sapiens. Power does that to you. It is a temptation that takes over one’s mind. The interesting thing that I also find comical is that these high state officials and Ministers would tell you that they are hard pressed, but they always have prodigious time on their hand to attend sybaritic functions. They never miss cocktails, opening of commercial ventures, entertainment functions and other activities of similar nature.

Frederick Kissoon I guess it is a matter of priority. I doubt very much I would last long in a very wellplaced state job. Because I have functioned in journalism for a long time, as a high state functionary I would never push around my journalistic colleagues. I would not back down from offering a comment. There and then I would lose my job. Of course I would never take a ministerial portfolio, because from Independence onwards, I have not seen a transformational government at work. Forbes Burnham came close to it, but he concentrated on transforming Guyana’s economic and cultural landscape and not its political culture, which he even helped to further debase. I would die if I have to be a Minister in a Government that still accepts some of the most horrible, primitive things in the 21st century. That is the subject of a forthcoming column.

Dem boys seh...

Li’l Joe now hugging Jagdeo scamps Everybody know that power does corrupt; that absolute power does corrupt absolutely. And dem boys ain’t talking bout absolut vodka. If power don’t land in de right man hand we gun always end up in trouble. Jagdeo was a young man when Janet push power in he hand. He later become de most scampish individual Guyana ever produce. As a matter of fact, he corrupt more than half of Guyana. That is why de Pee Pee Pee out of office and a new set come. But dem boys seh it look like he corrupt some of dem who deh in de new coalition. De first couple weeks, dem boys notice some of dem scamps who use to surround Jagdeo like flies round a cow behind, suddenly fly into de coalition camp, and stake out Soulja Bai, Li’l Joe also known as Joe Humbo and some others, like how cat does stake out rat. Some of Soulja Bai people allow demselves to be eaten raw by Jagdeo cats. All Guyana was watching, listening and waiting, because dem know was only time. Whatever dem do in de dark will come to light, de same way how Jagdeo scampishness coming to light. Li’l Joe swear-in BK secretly; not even Soulja Bai did know. That come to light. Dem boys know Bai Shan was thick wid Jagdeo and he people. That company do de gods. When de coalition was out of office, de members describe Bai Shan as a leech and a bloodsucker to this nation. Dem boys surprise when dem hear, two days ago, that Li’l Joe, who now tun Joe Humbo, overturn a decision de coalition took to recover millions of Uncle Sam dollars Bai Shan got in concessions under Jagdeo. Dem boys seh if that wasn’t enough, yuh had to hear how Bai Shan workers boasting, about how Customs and SOCU affisa dem come like a big bai fuh seize everything, but one phone call, mek dem leave like a lil bai wid dem mouth open Talk half and wait fuh de shake-up.

Friday April 01, 2016

Kaieteur News

Page 11

W.C.B. farmers call for answers after abrupt cancellation of land leases

Newspaper articles, advertisements and letters have been the means through which a number of small scale West Berbice farmers were informed that the leases to their lands were revoked. Not only have their livelihoods been threatened but, according to the farmers, the lands taken away from them have essentially been handed over to a defunct Coop. But the farmers are not prepared to accept the fate that has been meted out to them, even after receiving a letter from the MahaicaMahaicony-Abary Agricultural Development Authority (MMA-ADA) purportedly signed by its General Manager, Mr. Aubrey Charles. In that letter dated March 21, 2016, it was pointed out to the farmers – Joylyn Nicholson, Roxanne Whyte, Duncan Grant and Brian George - that “President David Granger himself has cancelled lease MMA No: 1303 which was issued to you in respect of 15.217 acres of State Land situate in the rear of No. 40 Village, West Coast Berbice.” The letter, seen by this publication also states that “you (the farmers) must cease

occupation of the plot of State Land and give up peaceful possession to the MMA-ADA.” A frustrated Nicholson, a retired educator, speaking on behalf of the farmers yesterday said that she finds this letter rather suspicious, as she has personally written many letters to several persons in authority, including President Granger. According to her, an acknowledgement was received from the Ministry of the Presidency, which stated that the matter was forwarded to Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon. An advertisement on the cancellation of the lease was first published in this newspaper on September 27, 2015. According to that advertisement “Notice is herein given that all leases issued in 2014 in respect of State Lands situated in rear of No. 40 Village, West Coast Berbice are cancelled...” Since then the farmers started to seek audience with the relevant officials to have the abrupt cancellation of the leases be addressed. Other persons written to were the Chairman and Secretary of the MMA Board; Member of the MMA Board, Ms. Jennifer Wade; Ministers of Agricul-

ture, Labour and State, and also Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo. An acknowledgment letter was also received from the Prime Minister’s Office which stated that the farmers’ letter of concern was forwarded to Agriculture Minister, Noel Holder. The farmers have however not been granted an audience with any of the officials. Moreover, the farmers yesterday insisted that “we are not coming off the land...we are not prepared to do so without hearing from the President. If it is the President, as they claimed, that cancelled these leases, then we are saying that we want the President to address the issue. We wrote him along those lines and we were given the assurance that it would be looked into, but nothing has happened,” According to Nicholson, “we are not prepared to give up those lands, because we did nothing wrong. We applied through a legal process, and we are saying if these lands are to be taken back from us, then somebody must speak with us...somebody must say to us the reason, or we be given alternative

From left: Brian George, Joylyn Nicholson, Roxanne Whyte and Duncan Grant.

lands.” The farmers, since receiving leases, had commenced cultivating rice which, according to them would be ready to be reaped within another two weeks.

Nicholson added, “If these lands belong to someone else, then let them reallocate, but we can’t be left out in the cold. We are Guyanese and I think we deserve to have

a slice of the national pie.” According to the farmers while they anticipated a smooth transition from one Government to another, “for us the change has caused tragedy.”

Missing man turns up

Oswald Grundall who had been reported missing in Wednesday’s edition of this publication, yesterday morning turned up at the Mackenzie Police Station, safe and sound, according to informed sources. “The man said he went to Mahaica to visit relatives, and after he see the story in the papers he decide to go to the station and clarify things, a source said. His estranged wife Coretta Bourne said that she is relieved that Grundall is safe. Police in Linden had picked up a car be-

longing to Grundall and had lodged it at the Mackenzie Station. He had not been seen since Monday. Known as ‘bag man’, the 56-year-old Canvas City resident’s car was removed from Berbice Road where it had been parked. Grundall would reportedly park on Berbice Road in order to conduct his business, which involved the vending of Styrofoam boxes among other items. He formerly lived at Handenveldt, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara, before relocating to Linden.

Page 12

Kaieteur News

Friday April 01, 2016

GPL reduces rates by 20% “One and ah off years would do”

The Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) yesterday announced a 20% reduction in net rates for the supply of electricity across all tariff categories, effective today. According to the power company, this was made possible after intensive review by the new Board of Directors in consultation with its Executive Management team. “The company took into account the reduction in world market prices for fuel over the past year, which has favourably impacted its overall costs and wishes to pass on the benefits of these reductions to its customers,” GPL said in a statement. World prices over the last two years fell from US$100 per barrel to US$38 yesterday. The reduction will be applied as a five percent reduction on the basic rate of both fixed charge and energy charge, and a further 15

percent fuel rebate on the energy charge. “Given that the company had previously applied an interim 10% fuel rebate on the energy charge in March 2015, the overall effect would see an additional 10 percent reduction on electricity bills.” GPL explained that while it wants to reduce tariffs even further, it is constrained by its current level of overheads and by the technical and commercial losses, which in 2015 amounted to 29.2% of dispatched power. “These losses include losses in transmission and distribution due to aged infrastructure, as well as theft of electricity, meter tampering and other non technical losses.” The company said it is actively engaged in addressing these losses and has approved a capital programme of $9.5B. “This programme is

intended to replace old generating assets, construct and upgrade substations, expand and upgrade the transmission and distribution network, expand smart metering, amongst others.” In addition, GPL disclosed that it is engaged in a Power Utility Upgrade Programme financed by the Inter American Development Bank (IDB) with grant funding from the European Union (EU) to the tune of US$64M. This programme is intended to strengthen management, improve operational efficiencies and reduce losses. “The company recognises that there is some level of public dissatisfaction with its services and is committed to actively addressing all issues relating to this, including faster response times to customer queries, more efficient delivery of services, ensuring the integrity of its

GPL NEW RATES

officers both internal and contracted, delivery of timely billing and information, amongst others.” GPL said it also recognises its customers are the ultimate stakeholders and their patience and understanding must be appealed to. “Additionally the company’s significant losses due to electricity theft, tampering of meters, meter by-passes and other forms of dishonesty result in higher operating costs and GPL is requesting the help of the public in reporting and addressing these matters.” GPL said that customers whose billing cycle began in part of March and ends in April, will benefit from the reduction on their entire consumption for this period. “GPL will, therefore, not prorate consumption when applying the reduced rate and fuel rebate.”

- Man tells magistrate before sentencing

Kevin Bunyan Two men who were among four that were charged with possession of arms and ammunition and had pleaded guilty to the charges were yesterday sentenced to two years in jail and fined $50,000 each or a further 100 days in jail. The men, 32-year-old Kevon Bunyan called “Buddy” a father of two of No. 52 Stanleytown and Quincy Goodheart, 24, of 540 East Ruimveldt reappeared before Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs Marcus in the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court where they were sentenced. The two men, along with 27-year-old Rudolph Mc Curdy called “Rudy” of 620 Fort Ordnance Housing Scheme and Kurt Edwards, 23, of 188 Fort Ordnance Housing Scheme, East Canje, was charged for the crime. While Bunyan and Goodheart had both pleaded guilty, McCurdy and Edwards pleaded not guilty. The charge read that on March 17, at Lot 52 Stanleytown, New Amsterdam, Berbice, they were found in possession of a .38 pistol and one matching live round without being the holders of a firearm licence. Mc Curdy and Edwards

Quincy Goodheart were placed on $100,000 bail each on the gun charge and $60,000 each on the ammunition charge. According to Prosecutor Sergeant Phillip Sheriff, the police were in the process of conducting investigations into a case of robbery under arms that occurred on Tuesday March 15th at the premises of businessman Danny Sankar and his wife Babita Sankar at Strand, New Amsterdam. Bunyan had taken the police to a house at No 52 Stanleytown. After searching the yard the police dug up an area and found a gun in a black plastic bag. One live round and one spent shell were found inside the gun. Bunyan had told investi (Continued on 31)

Friday April 01, 2016

Kaieteur News

Page 13

CPA encourages nation building, sustainable democracy in Guyana By Abena Rockcliffe-Campbell Should the seminar be successful, Guyana will be able to count the benefits to be derived from open, nonprejudiced talks and negotiations between government and opposition on nation-building. The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), Guyana Branch, yesterday launched a twoday seminar for local parliamentarians. Quite fittingly, the forum is being held under the theme “Negotiation and nation building.” The seminar seeks to provide mechanisms for enhancing the working relationship among Members of Parliament; discuss parliamentary practices of other Commonwealth Parliaments with the local Members of Parliament and apprise MPs of the recent developments of the Commonwealth and the role of the CPA. Also, CPA hopes to provide MPs with a better understanding of financial scrutiny and administrative support for the operation of an effective committee system, as well as provide clarity on the use of parliamentary procedures and practices. Delivering the feature

CPA Secretary General Akbar Khan (left) in conversation with Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo address at yesterday’s opening ceremony, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo commended the CPA for its efforts at advancing open governance, democratic governance and best parliamentary practices. He said that in tangible terms, the CPA promotes a convention of Members of Parliament and the staff of Parliament working with each other to enhance the lawmaking processes and facilitate reviews of Government functions and policies.

However, the PM said, “…in the context of Guyana, it had seemed elusive to attain this cohesion. Though we celebrate 50 years of our attainment of Independence, our Golden Jubilee, we still live under the shadow of a colonial legacy of division, ethnic polarization and political discord”. Nagamootoo pointed out that Guyana held 10 General and Regional Elections and

three Local Government Elections, but these were occasions for momentary celebrations. He said that those events brought no lasting solution to Guyana’s need for national unity. The Prime Minister admitted that electoral politics has highlighted and dramatized the fragility of Guyana’s parliamentary system. “In 2011, the parliamentary majority swung in favour of the opposition, and in 2015 the pendulum shifted and favoured the Government, in both cases by a razor-thin majority of one. In a parliament such as ours therefore, negotiation becomes a political necessity. Negotiation has to be the tool to skillfully carve out from the almost impregnable fortress of parochial and partisan political interest, the broader outlines of nation building,” Nagamootoo emphasised. The Prime Minister pointed out that the benefits to be derived from such a platform of unity are far reaching and deeply impactful. He charged a room full of fellow parliamentarians to, “consider what it means if we all work towards equal rights and representation at all

levels for all citizens regardless of ethnicity, gender, age or geography; preservation and application of fundamental human rights for all; adherence to the separation of Powers and open governance that prioritizes citizen participation, accommodation and sound ethical conduct of persons in public office”. Nagamootoo said that his government salutes the CPA for the post-election seminar for all MPs to allow them to benefit from the learning of best practices and procedures in other jurisdictions. “It is a fitting theme: “Negotiating and Nation Building.” Both are intrinsic for sustainable democracy and for a viable society. Therefore a broad range of national stakeholders must come to the table to build an enduring partnership among Government, Political opposition and civil society groups.” Nagamootoo added that his government aims to

facilitate dialogue amongst national stakeholders and to practice an open-door democracy based on consultation and inclusion. He said that the coalition government sees the need to negotiate out of any potential political and constitutional crisis, ethnic tensions and social inequities. We must ride on a new wave of democracy that is multi-party, multi-ethnic and multicultural. In this regard, political dialogue with the opposition is important. Nagamootoo said that prospects for forging a common purpose to engage in dialogue for reform and nation-building are always difficult. “Yet it is precisely in these circumstances when trust has taken a beating, that such an investment in dialogue and negotiation is most needed. Negotiation is a key tool in dispute resolution; it is a tool that gives both sides a sense of belonging and security, where each side emerges as a winner.”

Page 14

Kaieteur News

Friday April 01, 2016

Teachers pay should be commensurate with noble profession – GTU Conference hears Teachers understandably are the key stakeholders in the education system and must therefore be treated to reflect this. This notion was emphasised Tuesday evening by Dr. Nigel Gravesande, Registrar of the University of Guyana. Dr. Gravesande’s disclosure was forthcoming as he presented the feature address at the opening of the Fifth Biennial Conference of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) at the Three Mile Secondary School in Bartica. In what was described as a stirring presentation, Dr. Gravesande spoke of the need for teachers to be afforded much improved remuneration packages commensurate with the task they have, of moulding the nation. The GTU is currently in negotiations with the Ministry of Education for a multi-year pay increase that

The ongoing GTU conference in session.

will span the period 2016 2020. And according to recently re-elected GTU President, Mr. Mark Lyte, a 40 per cent increase has been proposed for this year, while 45 per cent has been proposed for next year (2017) and 50 per cent for the following three years (2018-

2020) for all categories of teachers. In a proposal seen by this publication, the Union has taken into consideration inflation, and made it clear that “should there be inflation higher than the percentage agreed upon, then the teachers/teacher-educators

must get the benefit of the difference.” Teachers for the past five years were only eligible for a five per cent increase. Speaking at the conference, Dr. Gravesande underscored that even while undertaking their noble teaching task, teachers are faced with many challenges. He nevertheless outlined ways that teachers dedicated to the profession can work towards improving the delivery of education by incorporating certain tactics

GTU President, Mark Lyte such as embracing technology. He pointed out that having technology infused in the local educational setting can considerably advance learning thereby bringing the local education system on par with the rest of the world. According to him, this is imperative, because Guyana is technologically way behind and must seek to catch up with the rest of the world. He however noted that this must be with the backing of Government, to enhance the

educational product offered. “Support must not only be from Government but also the parents and guardians of children,” said Dr. Gravesande who made a point of stressing that teachers in their endeavours should not be afraid of failure. He made it clear that sometimes it is failure that can propel persons to ultimately achieve success. Lyte who presented the presidential report at the opening of the conference (Continued on page 27)

Friday April 01, 2016

Kaieteur News

Page 27

Female security, 60, raped twice during robbery A female security guard was raped twice within 35 minutes last Monday after a young robber broke into the guard hut she was in at a Day Care Centre in East Ruimveldt, Georgetown. The 60-year-old woman was beaten and robbed before being raped twice by the man, who was arrested Wednesday night. This occurred around 01:00 hr. on Monday last. Yesterday, the woman recalled her horrifying ordeal and claimed that after she was sexually molested; her attacker had her walking naked towards an isolated area to kill her. Luckily, a resident who resides nearby heard the commotion and came out just in time to rescue the elderly woman. The mother of five explained that she was in the guard hut at the day care

- “I told him I could be his grandmother and he said ‘what f***ing grandmother… lie down leh I f*** you’.” centre when she noticed a shadow. “I got up and asked who was there and then I see like someone ducking and then the person suddenly raised up with a jersey over his face and stare at me,” the security guard recalled. While holding a wood in his hand and threatening to kill her, the man demanded her purse. “I gave him the purse and he asked me how much I got in it and I said $18,240. When he checked he said that I lie, he only see $240. He cuff me twice and he said if he can’t get money, he ‘got to get f***,’” the woman claimed.

She added that the man demanded that she remove her pants and underwear. He dragged her to the ball field in the day care compound (a bushy area) and raped her. “When he done, he tell me to get up and he walk back in front and he keep asking for more money. All this time I keep remembering all those old people who were raped and killed and I was praying not to be one of them,” she said. According to the elderly woman, after the man demanded more money for a second time, he told her that he needed to have intercourse with her again,

Teachers pay should be... (From page 14) also highlighted the challenges faced by teachers and underscored the need to build the capacity of teachers, thereby enhancing the skills and talents they possess to move the education sector forward. The conference, which had an opening ceremony laced with entertaining features, is being attended by 140 delegates drawn from the 39 GTU branches across the country. Greetings and well wishes for a successful conference were sent by Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine and the Guyana Labour Union, and messages of solidarity from regional unions were also read. The conference is slated to culminate today with the installation of the new GTU executive including the reelected President, Lyte, and General Secretary, Ms. Coretta McDonald who was also re-elected this past weekend. Lyte, even before being re-elected this past weekend, had told this publication that once he is re-elected, “I will work feverishly to implement the things we have highlighted like higher wages and salaries for our teachers, duty free concession for other categories of teachers, apart from heads and deputies, and more allowances for teachers who work in the hinterland”. It was even then his expectation that teachers in the hinterland be given shorter periods to serve their contracts and also be able to gain points for promotion. Usually teachers are required to serve a five-year period

after completing training at the Cyril Potter College of Education. As president, Lyte said that he will also be advocating for smaller class sizes for teachers. And according to him too, the Union will be looking to encourage teachers to further embrace the technological realm. With Lyte at the helm of the GTU, moves will be made to have a website that is

functioning, with a focus on the teaching profession. In fact, he disclosed that the GTU will be seeking to bring on stream radio and/or television programmes to disseminate valuable information to teachers. These should have already been on stream but, according to Lyte, there were some hiccups that prevented this from materialising during the past year.

since she didn’t have any money to give him. “He asked me how old I was and I said 60. I told him that I could be his grandmother and he said

‘what f***ing grandmother… lie down leh I f*** you’. He asked me if I got man and so,” the woman said. The victim said that when her attacker noticed that she was crying, he threatened her. “When I screamed for help, he said he will kill me and that no one will hear.” Kaieteur News was told that after the mother of five was raped for a second time, her attacker demanded that

she remove all her clothing. “He said that he has to kill me now and I keep crying and begging. He told me to walk and then a man that live a short distance away came out and call out for me and I started hollering for help and he (attacker) run away,” the woman revealed. The matter was reported to the police and the suspect was later arrested. Investigations are ongoing.

Page 28

Kaieteur News

EPA to penalize Bosai after Demerara River oil spill EPA says it will penalize Bosai, a bauxite company operating in Linden, after an oil spill in the Demerara River.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has started an investigation into an oil spill incident in the Demerara River at Linden. According to EPA, it received a report through the Ministry of Natural Resources on Wednesday, regarding a report of the release of used oil into surrounding drainage waterways and the Demerara River by Bosai Minerals

Group (Guyana) Inc., a Chinese-owned company. “The EPA promptly conducted an investigation on 30 March, 2016, in collaboration with the Regional Democratic Council, Region 10.” The agency said that the investigation sought to determine the source or cause of the incident and to identify immediate remediation requirements.

Officials of Bosai, including members of the company’s Environmental Department, Health and Safety Department, and Supervisor of the Power Generation Plant, were present during the investigation. The EPA’s investigation revealed that used oil flowed from a concrete drainage network in the compound of the Bosai Mineral Group (Guyana) Inc. leading to a nearby trench and ultimately into the Demerara River. The area containing the used oil tank has an oil-water separator in place to capture spilt oil. However, according to an official from Bosai, used oil was inadvertently released into the surface drain instead

of the oil-water separator. “The Environmental Department of Bosai stated they were unaware that used oil was being released from their facility and only became aware of the matter on March 30, 2016, at approximately 11:00 hrs when it was brought to their attention.” The EPA said it has instructed Bosai to immediately commence cleanup and restoration activities. Meanwhile, the EPA continues with its investigation and monitoring of the facility and clean-up exercise. “Further, the EPA is determining the penalties to be issued against the company.”

Friday April 01, 2016

Businessman among two shot during failed Regent St. robbery A businessman and a father of two were shot yesterday during a botched robbery outside of a general store on Regent Street, Georgetown. The incident occurred a little after 12:30 hrs. The victims are Shazam Alli, a businessman of Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) and Narine Samsadeen, 30, of Parika Backdam, EBE. The businessman was shot to the foot and is hospitalized at a private hospital while Samsadeen was shot to the abdomen and is a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. Samsadeen is said to be in a critical condition at the hospital. When this newspaper visited the hospital yesterday, he was in the theatre. Samsadeen’s father-inlaw, Fazal Ali works for the businessman. At the time of the robbery, he was just lending a helping hand. This newspaper was told that the 30-year-old man had an errand to run in the city and took a drop from the businessman early yesterday but eventually stayed to help out. According to information received, the businessman buys grocery in Georgetown and sells in the interior. It is believed that he was traced after leaving a gold and diamond dealer in the city. Police in a release said that an armed man exited a motor vehicle at Regent Street and discharged several rounds at Samadeen Alli and

Narine Samsadeen escaped in the motor vehicle. “He (Samsadeen) doesn’t work with us. He had to buy something and he decided to stay and help us. We were buying stocks to take in the bush,” Ali said. He explained that they had gone to the store to purchase a freezer. I was moving a bag of rice from the truck to put the freezer at the bottom when I hear gunshots and then I see two men run pass me,” Ali recalled. The man explained that his son-in-law was at the top of the truck helping out while the businessman was now exiting the store. “I don’t think they got anything because when they left, he (businessman) still had his bag on him.” “They shoot Narine first and the boss man run and they fired a shot at him,” Ali said. No one has been arrested as yet. This newspaper was told that investigators will be reviewing the store’s surveillance cameras. Investigations are ongoing.

Friday April 01, 2016

Kaieteur News

Page 29

National Science, Mathematics and Technology Fair culminates today By Enid Joaquin The Ministry of Education’s National Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Fair and Sagicor Visionaries Challenge which officially kicked off Wednesday at Linden Foundation Secondary School is expected to culminate today, with President David Granger slated to attend the closing ceremony. The last Science fair was hosted in Region Two in 2014. Under the theme “Enhancing traditional technology to sustain modern societies through STEM”, students from all across Guyana pulled out all the stops to showcase their creativity. They used disposable items such plastic bottles, coconut shells, and myriad waste materials to fashion useful items, and to produce energy. The event drew students from 46 schools from across the country, and saw 116 entries. There were five divisions according to coordinator Gerald Jevoram. The divisions were Primary, Lower and upper secondary, Tertiary and out of school open and Sixth form open. STEM APPROACH Jevoram said that the idea

One of the creative entries on display

for the science fair was “born” in 1990. It was moved from the stage of being just a science fair, to incorporating Maths, technology and engineering, as science could not stand by itself. He noted that because it was fit to make the fair interesting and worthwhile, it was decided to incorporate the four areas that sees the involvement of science, mathematics and technology - hence the STEM approach. National science Coordinator, Petal Jetoo, said, “Sagicor came on board with the Caribbean Examinations Council to embrace education

in a way that reorients it towards a better quality of life through STEM. Using STEM, students showcased their ingenuity with impressive projects. They harnessed electricity from water and solid waste; they created disposable ware using bagasse, which was touted as the alternative to Styrofoam. Several projects were also exhibited utilizing information technology as the new addition or alternative to the “chalk and talk’ method of teaching employed over the years. There were also projects involving the use of

local herbs as the alternative to conventional medicines in the treatment and prevention of various ailments and diseases such as diabetes and hypertension to name a

few. Also exhibited was a rice hull stove, which utilizes rice hull among other things for energy and another cooking apparatus utilizing solar power. Both these projects had food items on display which was cooked using the paraphernalia. Other impressive exhibits included several food items and a milk shake created using breadnut, and the myriad items that could be created through the use of coconuts and all its by products including its waste. Jevoram said that Sagicor will be offering scholarships for winning entries. Lois Oliver, who is the assistant director of the Caribbean Science Foundation, based in Barbados, said, “We know that Styrofoam is a big issue in Guyana and we have students who have come up with the potential to have containers created that is

biodegradable, such as bagasse a real solution to a real problem, because we see the students using bagasse to create an alternative, and that is what Sagicor is all about, creating solutions to real problems. “It’s a competition where we ask secondary school students to look around their schools and community and identify problems and challenges in their community, and then use their creativity and innovation to come up with solutions to these problems. So its realty a design project where students are really the creators of the solution. “Sometimes there is a lot of merit in these solutions, and students can actually get marks on this on their SBA’s from this for CXC, so this isn’t just a fun project it can actually stand the students in good stead, as far as their studies are concerned.”

Page 30

Kaieteur News

SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 647-1773/660-5257 SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. Building Construction: house plans & estimates, floor sanding, lacquering & painting, boat for Santa Mission –Call: 650-4362 Repairs & spare, fridge, freezer, A/C, washers, stoves – Contact Nick: 6831312, 627-3206 INNOVATIVE MARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Repairs to LED, Plasma, LCD and all other electronic equipment. Ordering of circuit boards. Abdul Electronics. Call: 225-0391 Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigrant Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496; 662-6045

CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 6560087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO. COM Aidan’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up, cheapest rate, low security- Call: 698-7807 Wing’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up rental- Call: 690-6494

TAXI SERVICES GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS)

WANTED One experienced puri maker. Call: 226-9561 Bill clerk (girls) to work at grocery stall in Stabroek Market, experience is an asset. Call: 226-9800 Sales staff/ assistant, Allrounder for plant shop, Huston, 18 years and over. Must be literate. Contact: 6462108 2 Live in waitresses to work in bar at Berbice– Call: 6046606; 692-4649 Architect to design a 4 Storied Building 30’x65’. Please Contact 614-7147 or e m a i l : okamal2016@gmail.com Driver/porter @ Carmen’s Funeral Home, Little Diamond, E.B.D. Call: 2655010; 647-1776 Female domestic to work in Trinidad, must be educated and know to cook. Between 25-35 years.Call 1868-755-1990 Contact cars for new taxi location on Durban Street. Call: 226-0765/611-6632

Modfiw Beauty Salon is looking for professional cosmetologist to rent beauty station. Call Marcia: 682-2604

RA Soda: male & female workers, bond clerks, accountants, drivers, housekeeper, worker with mechanical idea. Call: 3302399/ 623-5920 1 Female cleaner apply @ Technical Services 18-23 Industrial Site, Eccles. One domestic cleaner must be able to prepare vegetarian meal. Apply in person at Alabama Trading Georgetown, Ferry Stelling.

PROPERTY FOR SALE Flat house in Grove, (corner property) 1 Block from main road, price negotiable. Call: 1905-626-2572 Transported property @ Grove $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461 Church and 2 storey building Lot 180 Charlotte Street Bourda-Call: 227-6817; 6247341 Brand new 2 storey concrete building in 5th Avenue, Diamond, E.B.D, all modern amenities –Call: 662-9335; 612-3244 Property @ Lot 87 Albert Street- Call: 669- 8701

Farm workers (preferably couple), general workers (maintenance workers). Call: 265-3586 between 8am-4pm.

New Road- $17M, $6M, $45M, Goedfourtin-$25M, Pouderoyen -$45M, G.I-$14M, La Parfaite Harmonie -$6.5M, Middle Road-$22M. Call: 6046724

La Parfaite Harmonie, Tuschen, Herstelling, Eccles, Providence, New Road, G/ Town. Call: 604-6724

Property @ Timehri: 40ftX20ft; new flat concrete building with big land space. Call: 665-7996

One part time domestic for Diamond E.B.D. Call: 6567329

Transported property, prime, furnished liquor restaurant & bar, 2 freezers, 1 pools table, double lot @ E.C.D$26.5M neg. Call: 600-7228

Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic. Call: 223-7500, Monday –Saturday between 8:15am-4:15pm

VACANCY Apply in person at Alabama Trading, Georgetown Ferry Stelling, Stabroek.

1 Male professional baker to work in St. Maarten. Please send resume marguritagrocery@hotmail.com/ Contact: 1721-526-63610/ 1721-580-9232 Accounts Clerk must have 5 CXC, Maths, English & Accounting. ACCA qualification. Apply rtilak@adamantiumholdings. com Exist for experienced cooks, cashiers, counter staff, office staff (must be computer literate & have accounts). Call: 226-9000 Cashiers + salesgirls –Call: 624-0033; in store security officer-Call: 680-3863 Welder/ fabricator, Diesel Mechanic, Apprentice, labourer. Apply in person @Technical Services,18-23 Eccles Industrial Site. Sales representative (with license), Mill operators, Labourers. Apply to:jkeshwani.alesie@gmail.comCall:269-0026/269-0058 Snr. Accounts Clerk, Marketing Officer & Sales Clerk @ G&J Phone Card Investment, 171 Mandela Avenue, email:gjphonecards investment @yahoo.com/ Tel: 231-4069

One Driver: must be able to drive and ride motor cycle, ages 40-50. Call: 226-9337

Two Customer Service workers. Send application to e m a i l: kalabashgy@yahoo.com.

6 Floor girls to work in a bar in Mahdia, affordable salary. Call: 601-1479 after 11am.

General workers to work shift system. Call: 218-1400

LEARN TO DRIVE Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997

FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. ADORABLE PUPPIES FOR SALE. CALL: 615-0146

DRESSMAKING Turn your flair for fashion into an exciting career or hobby. Enroll Now –Call: 6262629; 676-6312

Security guard & bar needed @ Millenium Mannor Hotel, bring in application to 43 Hadfield Street, near Camp St. LAND FOR SALE Herstelling New Scheme (100ftX50ft), corner lot -$3M, Eccles -$6M, Parfaite Harmonie -$1.6M, Call: 6117223; 604-2204

One 20 tons dump, one truck tray, one blocks machine, one ZF gearbox. Call: 6179230/269-1406

Land for sale @ Providence Re-migrant Scheme, behind Stadium. Call Lovin: 225-7796

Leyland DAF55, Flatbed truck-in, excellent condition. Call to negotiate: 675-4287; 628-0016; 667-2536; 233-2383

Parfaite Harmonie -$1.5M, $1.3M, Tuschen -$3M, Eccles -$5M, Sand-pit -$85M, Kitty $19M. Call: 604-6724

Friday April 01, 2016

VEHICLE FOR SALE Toyota Fielder & L-Touring Wagon, AT192, AE100, Funcargo, Tundra, Pickup 4X4 solid DEF, (Ducati 1098cc). Call: 644-5096; 697-1453 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: 680-3154 AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BRR, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms- Call: 680-3154 Smart choice Auto: 08&06 Premio, 08&06 Allion, 212, Runx, IST, Fielder. Call: 6523820; 665-4529 2005 SPACIO -$2.2M NEG, 2006 PREMIO-$2.3M NEG, NOAH & VOXY-$1.7M NEG. ALL VEHICLES FULLY LOADED&UNREGISTERED. CALL : 642-7295 1 Toyota RZ, year 2011, price$1.6M, 2 Recon Winch 17500lb. Owner migrating. Call:649-8214; 679-1415; 2332583; 674-8589 White Avensis 2006, 66k mileage, newly painted, rims, LED, good condition 2.8 million neg. Call: 692-3368 Honda CRV (RD5), PNN stick gear -$1.9M negotiable, 2006 Hyundai Tucson, left hand drive, PMM -$4M. Call: 6911198 One Honda CRV PPP series 2003. Call: 674-6480 One IST fully loaded PTT series -$1.6M negotiable, one R6 Yamaha bike, CD series 600K negotiable. Call: 6227201 2006 Kawasaki 650, European Cut, with tilter, teal blue color -$2.2M. Call: 604-1036

FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Office for rent at low price near High Court @ 220 South Rd. Call: 227-1042; 691-8420 Business place in Madhia 50X60 with living quarter. Contact: 696-8987; 600-1086 One fully furnished two bedrooms house @ Lot 5 Bougainvillea Park Farm, Gated Community with security guard. Call: 2261234; 678-1234 Apartment for rent: 2 bedrooms @ 5th Avenue Diamond H/Scheme. Call: 683-5745 or 610-0652 2 Bedrooms bottom flat apartment located @ Better Hope, E.C.D. Modern amenities & parking available -$50,000 monthly. Call: 6697351 or 672-0922 Bel-Air Park: long & Shortterm- Offices, furnished apartments & rooms: Breakfast, AC, hot & cold water, WiFi, security, etcCall: 623-1575; 686-1805 One three bedrooms two storey house to rent @ Good Hope E.C.D. Call: 220-2481; 613-8273 TO LET One three bedrooms two flat house in 2nd Avenue Diamond -$65,000. Call: 664-3488 One 2 bedroom apartment $40,000 monthly. Contact Petboy @ Howes Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, between 10:00am-4:00pm Three bedrooms apartment for rent - Call: 267-1446; 674-6080

1 3Y minibus -$350,000 3 Bedrooms bottom flat, fully grilled @ 17th Avenue Diamond. negotiable. Call: 229-2419 Call: 216-2972; 622-3021

Friday April 01, 2016

Kaieteur News

Page 31

APNU/AFC deviating from promises of Accusation against transparency and accountability - PPP

the forensic auditors DEAR EDITOR, I read your response to my letter about your choice of headline. Yours is a very flawed argument. Additionally, you accused me of advancing a position that I did not advance. While I said was I am tired of reading all these leaked reports, never did I say or suggest that these shouldn’t be published. Editor, a whistleblower is someone who, through their own efforts, unearths wrongdoing and corruption and brings this to the attention of authorities and/or the media. A whistleblower is not one who is paid to investigate and provide findings to a competent authority, or those whom, through the positions of trust they hold in a government have access to these confidential reports, but then leak this information to the media. I am sure you are aware that there is something called the Official Secrets Act. My call is for the President to deal with those in positions of trust who are obliged to uphold confidentiality, not those who unearth information that has not previously come to light and who report this to the authorities and the media. To allow government functionaries to leak information unchecked is a sign of weak government. And no one should tell me this is a violation of democracy. Would KN allow a member of its staff to continuously leak information to Guyana Times about the news stories it is working on for the next day’s publication? And don’t bring the ar-

gument that that KN staffer wouldn’t be leaking information about wrongdoing. The issue here is about the leaking of internal information, the decision about how and when to release it must be up to the competent authority. So KN can stand by its definition all it wants. I stand by my position that I never requested that the President deal with whistleblowers. Nor did I ever suggest that newspapers shouldn’t publish articles based on leaked information. Further I say no more! Wesley Kirton EDITOR’S NOTE: These are Mr. Kirton’s words; “The President needs to bring down the hammer on those suspected of leaking these reports to the media.” Any reasonable mind will conclude by that Mr. Kirton doesn’t want to have these leaks, meaning then the leaks should not be in the newspapers. Mr. Kirton assumes that the leaks come from the people who were paid to do the audits as clearly stated in his letter above. The following words of Mr. Kirton are an unfair accusation against the auditors; “A whistleblower is not one who is paid to investigate and provide findings to a competent authority, or those whom, through the positions of trust they hold in a government have access to these confidential reports, but then leak this information to the media.” We trust that such an accusation is dismissed by the professional auditors for what it is - baseless.

The recent revelation of the appointment of businessman Brian Tiwarie, as a Ministerial Advisor on Business Development, managed to raise eyebrows. In addition, following a statement from the Government stating that it has rescinded Tiwarie’s appointment without explaining why, it paved the way for further scrutiny. The businessman’s appointment as a ministerial advisor was not announced by the government but was signed “secretly” by the Minister of State, Joseph Harmon on January 19, 2016. Harmon in his response stated that the appointment was a mere ‘honorific title’ and emphasised that the facts of the matter are being twisted. He firmly believes that the criticisms, which have since ensued, are all part of a wicked plot to jeopardise his political career. With a fraction of the nation kept in the dark, some Ministers – according to reports – were also clueless with regards to this development. No doubt, it has also attracted the attention of the main Parliamentary Opposition, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) who hosted a press conference at Freedom House, Robb Street, Georgetown yesterday. PPP/C’s Chief, Gail Teixeira, told media operatives that the government seems to be developing a habit of not informing the populace on issues of significant importance, and if this should continue, it would have dire consequences down the road. “It appears to become a habit of the Government of not telling people anything until you wake up in the morning and find it,” she said. This she said, goes

against the transparency and accountability that the David Granger-led administration had promised since taking office in May, 2015. She continued that while the Government has a right to have and cater for presidential advisors, this trend of new ministers having advisors is a “new development.” She also related that the PPP/C during the Budget Estimates Debate held in January last, had requested that the names of Presidential Advisors be submitted to the house. Names were called out, she said, but Tiwarie’s name was never mentioned. Requests were also made for ministers to name their advisors, however, “many” she said, refused to provide names. On the issue of Tiwarie being appointed with an ‘honorific title’, the Chief Whip said that there is a difference that the PPP/C does not know about, however, the receipt of

any title given by government, allows the holder to have some sort of superiority - the ability to “open doors” and the ability to close them. She also raised concerns about the “many” advisors that were appointed in the Diaspora. “We had asked the government about the advisors overseas; who they were? What they were doing. Are they being paid? Are they not being paid? Are they like the honorary consuls where they get a little stipend? We can’t get answers on that,” Teixeira said. The Chief Whip also registered her concerns about news of extortion being carried out by the government against several levels of society. “We have to, at this Press Conference, also not be oblivious to the fact that more and more the culture of fear is taking place in a number of levels in our society. We are

PPP/C’s Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira hearing more and more about extortion of members of the business community to make donations to the ruling party and/or projects, with the threat that they would not be considered for contracts,” Teixeira said.

“One and ah off years would... From page 12 gators that around 08:00 hrs on the day in question, he was given the gun to keep by Goodheart who told him that it was the gun that was used during the incident. He said that he did not check the gun. When asked by the Magistrate why he kept the gun, he stated that, “Due to circumstances, I ain’t getting wuk, so I decide to keep it. Goodheart asked me a favour. He did not pay me to keep the gun.” Goodheart told the

court that around 10:00 hrs on the day in question he collected the gun from an unpainted building and took it to Bunyan for him to keep. He also told him that it was the gun from the incident. When asked by the magistrate if they had anything to say before being sentenced. Bunyan told the court that “one and ah off years would do.” Goodheart informed the court that whatever the prosecutor said was true. Prosecutor Sherriff did

not object to bail for McCurdy and Edwards. Attorney at law Sasha Roberts of the Guyana Legal Aid Clinic is appearing for Mc Curdy and Edwards. They will have to return to court on May 4 for continuation of the matter while the other charge of robbery under arms will also be called.

Page 32

Kaieteur News

Friday April 01, 2016

Friday April 01, 2016

Kaieteur News

Page 33

$300,000 bail for GuyOil driver on causing death charge U.S, Japan, South Korea warn North Korea again over ‘provocations

A driver attached to the Guyana Oil Company (GuyOil) was yesterday placed on $300,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, on a cause of death by dangerous driving charge. Fifty-eight year-old Andrew Alder of West Ruimveldt pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him. It is alleged that on March 6 at Houston Access Road, Alder drove motorcar PMM 3981 in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby caus-

Andrew Alder ing the death of Denesh Bissoon. Alder’s lawyer Paul Fung-

A-Fat told the court that his client was employed at the company for eight years. He stated that Bissoon came across the road on a motorcycle from National Hardware, and slammed into his client’s vehicle, that was being driven at a slow pace. He said, initially his client was placed on $40,000 station bail while Bissoon was still alive and receiving treatment at a hospital. However, after the man succumbed, Alder was arrested and charged. The case was adjourned until April 13.

India overpass collapse kills 14; scores feared trapped U.S. President Barack Obama (L) meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) at the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington March 31, 2016. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque Reuters - U.S. President Barack Obama joined with South Korean President Park Geun-hye and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe yesterday to present a united front over what he called “provocations” committed by North Korea in its recent nuclear and missile tests. Meeting on the sidelines of a global nuclear security summit in Washington, the three leaders recommitted their countries to each other’s defence and warned they could take further steps to counter threats from Pyongyang. Obama held separate talks with President Xi Jinping of China, the closest North Korea has to an ally, and said they both wanted to see “full implementation” of the latest

United Nations sanctions against Pyongyang. But Xi offered no sign that Beijing was prepared to go beyond its consent to the Security Council measures imposed in early March. “We are united in our efforts to deter and defend against North Korean provocations,” Obama told reporters after the U.S.-JapanSouth Korea meeting. “We have to work together to meet this challenge.” Relations between Park and Abe have been frosty in the past, but the two have been brought together in recent months by shared concerns about North Korea, which conducted a fourth nuclear bomb test on Jan. 6 and launched a long-range rocket into space in February.

The United States has sought to encourage improved ties between Seoul and Japan, its two biggest allies in Asia, given worries not only about North Korea but also an increasingly assertive China. The expanded U.N. sanctions aimed at starving North Korea of funds for its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs were approved in a unanimous Security Council vote on a resolution drafted by the United States and China. But even though Beijing has signed on, doubts persist in the West on how far it will go in tightening the screws on impoverished North Korea, given Chinese concerns about fuelling instability on its borders.

Britain rejects Assad’s Syria unity government plan Reuters - President Bashar al-Assad’s proposal to form a unity government including independent and opposition figures will not solve Syria’s conflict, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Philip Hammond said yesterday. Hammond was responding to comments Assad made in an interview published this week, when he said a national unity government should be agreed at peace talks in Geneva. This government could then draw up a new constitution, leading to elections. “Bashar al-Assad talks about a unity government, by which he means bringing one or two handpicked, regimefriendly oppositionists into minor posts in the government,” he told a news confer-

Philip Hammond ence in Beirut. “That is not sufficient.” Britain and other world powers which form the International Syria Support Group believed that a political settlement in Syria needed a transi-

tional government instead, Hammond said. Assad’s comments this week gave the clearest sense yet of how he believes peace talks with the opposition should progress when they resume at the United Nations in Geneva next month. He told the Russian RIA news agency that the idea of a “transitional body”, which the opposition and its Western backers have said should be agreed at the Geneva talks and should assume full powers in Syria, was illogical and unconstitutional. “There has to be the creation of a government that represents all the people, all the communities, all the faiths in Syria and it has to be a government that is not - or at least in the future will not - be led by Bashar al-Assad.”

People are seen standing on the debris of a flyover which collapsed, in Kolkata, in this still image taken from video yesterday. REUTERS/ANI via Reuters TV Reuters - An overpass under construction in the bustling Indian city of Kolkata collapsed yesterday on to vehicles and street vendors below, killing at least 14 people with more than 100 people feared trapped. Residents used their bare hands to try to rescue people pinned under a 100-metre (110-yard) length of metal and cement that snapped off at one end and came crashing down in a teeming commercial district near Girish Park. “The concrete had been laid Wednesday night at this part of the bridge,” resident Ramesh Kejriwal told Reuters. “I am lucky as I was planning to go downstairs to have juice. When I was thinking about it, I saw that the bridge had collapsed.” Video footage aired on TV channels showed a street scene with two auto rickshaws and a crowd of people suddenly obliterated by a

mass of falling concrete that narrowly missed cars crawling in a traffic jam. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, whose center-left party is seeking re-election in the state of West Bengal next month, rushed to the scene. “We will take every action to save lives of those trapped beneath the collapsed flyover. Rescue is our top priority,” she said. Banerjee, 61, said those responsible for the disaster would not be spared. Yet she herself faces questions about a construction project that has been plagued by delays and safety fears. A newspaper reported last November that Banerjee wanted the overpass - already five years overdue - to be

completed by February. Project engineers expressed concerns over whether this would be possible, The Telegraph said at the time. The disaster could play a role in the West Bengal election, one of five being held next month that will give an interim verdict on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s nearly two years in power. Indian company IVRCL (IVRC.NS) was building the 2km (1.2-mile) Vivekananda Road overpass, according to its web site. Its shares closed down 5 percent after falling by up to 11.8 percent on news of the disaster. IVRCL’s director of operations, A.G.K. Murthy, said the company was not sure of the cause of the disaster.

Page 34

Kaieteur News

Friday April 01, 2016

Friday April 01, 2016

Kaieteur News

EU expands sanctions against North Korea to match U.N. move Reuters - The European Union yesterday expanded trade and financial sanctions on North Korea, following up on harsh new measures imposed by the U.N. Security Council earlier this month. The extension follows a nuclear test carried out by North Korea in January.

The EU’s External Action Service, which oversees the bloc’s policy in international affairs, said the new sanctions extended export and import bans on items that could help build up capacity of North Korea’s armed forces. The 28-nation EU also ex-

panded financial sanctions against North Korea, including a new asset freeze on government entities l i n k e d t o P y o n g y a n g ’s nuclear or ballistic missile programs. The EU first imposed sanctions on North Korea in 2006.

‘No money, no marking’ No correction without compensation Barbados Nation - That is the word from the Barbados Secondary Teachers’ Union (BSTU) over the ongoing dispute over payment for correcting School Based Assessments (SBAs), as the exam term and the deadlines for them draw nearer. During her address at the union’s annual general meeting at Queen’s College yesterday, president Mary Redman said the union

was maintaining the stance it took last year. Teachers across secondary schools supervised and assisted students until the final drafts were completed, and the projects were submitted to principals who were forced to look for alternative ways of getting the papers corrected and submitted to the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC).

Mary Redman

Tax Plan To Be Discussed Today At Cabinet Retreat The Gleaner - The government’s tax break proposal is one of several major items scheduled to be discussed today, when the cabinet concludes its three day retreat. Information Minister, Senator Ruel Reid says a briefing will be held following the retreat to update persons on the outcome of the discussions. The government had promised to implement the tax plan by April 1. However, last week, the information minister hinted

Audley Shaw that the plan may be delayed until after the budget is

passed in May. On Tuesday, Finance Minister Audley Shaw announced that the funds which the Jamaica Labour Party had been eyeing to implement the measure had been accounted for. Despite this, Shaw insisted that the government is committed to the plan and funds will be found to ensure its implementation. According to him, even if the measure is not implemented on April 1 as promised, it will be retroactive to this date.

Page 35

Page 36

Kaieteur News

Friday April 01, 2016

Five top US women footballers sue for better pay

Carli Lloyd (number 10) celebrates a goal in the World Cup. (Reuters) United States goalkeeper Hope Solo is one of the world’s biggest female sports stars. (AP) BBC Sport - Five senior members of the World Cupwinning US football team have filed a lawsuit against the national federation for wage discrimination. Alex Morgan, Carli Lloyd, Megan Rapinoe, Becky Sauerbrunn and Hope Solo say they are paid less than half of what the male USA players receive. “The numbers speak for themselves,” said goalkeeper Solo in a statement. The US Soccer Federation

said it was disappointed, given the work it had done in building the women’s game. American women’s football has dominated the international game in recent decades, with a string of titles. “We are the best in the world, have three World Cup Championships, four Olympic Championships, and the USMNT [men’s team] get paid more just to show up than we get paid to win major championships,” said Solo.

Her team-mate Lloyd, who was named the best player at last year’s World Cup, said they had been patient over the years in waiting for action to deliver fair pay. Former Everton and LA Galaxy winger Landon Donovan - who won 157 caps for the US men’s team tweeted his support for the women’s team’s cause. “#USWNT absolutely deserve to be treated fairly in all ways,” he said.

Winners have another chance... (From page 36) with McAllister returning to guide them with 11 not out (1x4) and achieve victory. Sri Krishna Murti took 4-7 from 2 overs with Khesho Beepat supporting with 3-9 in his two overs. Mighty Lions defeated Blazers by 6 wkts: Blazers took first strike and scored 102 -5 in 10 overs with Sri Krishna Murti top scoring with 41 (6x6). In reply Mighty Lions made light work of the total by scoring 103-4 in 8.1 overs with Manoj Persaud 42 not out (5x6). Mohamed Saffie 2-12 from two overs.

“Important to remember that these issues are/can be collectively bargained.” The lawsuit against the US Soccer Federation was filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on Thursday morning. One of the lawyers representing the players, Jeffrey Kessler, said the women’s game generated more income

for US Soccer than the men’s and it was time to address the “discriminatory and unfair treatment’’ they have endured for years. The five players were acting on behalf of all the players, he said. There has been an ongoing legal battle between the federation and the players’ union over collective bargain-

ing. A statement from US Soccer said it had not yet seen the complaint. But it added: “We have been a world leader in women’s soccer and are proud of the commitment we have made to building the women’s game in the United States over the past 30 years.”

Friday April 01 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Authority figures may be less than accommodating if you have done something deceitful. Sudden changes regarding your circle of friends could prove interesting and stimulating. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Take care of yourself or you can expect to suffer from minor illness. You may find that someone you live with is not too happy, but you can't really do anything about that right now. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You can make moves, but they won't be settling. You are best not to discuss your personal life with others. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Don't promise to deliver the goods if you aren't positive that you can meet the deadline.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Beware of colleagues who don't have your best interests in mind. You will find that friends or relatives may not understand your needs. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Make alternate plans just in case you need to make a career shift. Don't believe everything you hear. Avoid too much discourse with colleagues today. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Children may be difficult to handle. Residential moves are evident. You will do well with clients today. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Enlist coworkers in order to get the job done on time. Try to accommodate them without infringing on your own responsibilities. Spend some time with the one you love. Pleasure trips will be satisfying.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You might just as well let others do their own thing. Help those incapable of taking care of their personal affairs.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Your partner's a little jumpy. Opportunities for partnerships are present; but get every detail in writing. Heed the advice given by family or old reliable friends.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Property investments, insurance, tax rebates, or inheritance should bring you financial gains. You may need to lend an ear to an old friend.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Hassles with in-laws could put a damper on your day. If you are in the midst of a financial deal, this is your lucky day.

Friday April 01, 2016

Kaieteur News

GCA Noble House Sea Foods second division continues this weekend The Georgetown Cricket Association/ Noble House Sea Foods second division two-day tournament will continue this weekend with several matches. UG will host Police (Javed Persaud and Ryan

Banwarie), Malteenoes SC will entertain GDF (Flemroy Lambert and Matthew Kissoon), Sophia will play Third Class at GNIC SC (Mario Nicholls and Cyril Garnath), GCC will travel to MYO (Peter Montfort

Cooper fires Windies women to first World T20 final

Sara McGlashan sets herself up for the scoop, New Zealand v West Indies, Women’s World T20, semifinal, Mumbai, March 31, 2016 ©AFP MUMBAI, India (AFP) — Britney Cooper fired a halfcentury as the West Indies beat New Zealand by six runs in Mumbai on Thursday to reach the women’s World Twenty20 final for the first time. The right-hander scored 61 off 48 balls as the Windies made a formidable 143 for six in their 20 overs after the Kiwis won the toss and opted to field. Cooper ’s impressive knock included five fours and two sixes before she was caught by Rachel Priest off Sophie Devine, who took four wickets for 22 runs at the western Indian city’s Wankhede Stadium. “Congrats to my amazing team. We worked really hard,” Cooper said afterwards. “This is our fourth semifinal (at a World Cup) and to finally cross this border... I hope I score another 61 in the final,” she added. Captain Stafanie Taylor was the West Indies’ secondhighest scorer with 25, while Deandra Dottin chipped in

with 20 before New Zealand could only make 137 for eight in their 20 overs. Off-spinner Taylor was the star of the West Indies’ bowling attack, taking 3-26. New Zealand lost openers Suzie Bates and Priest for just 12 and six runs respectively, dealing early blows to their chances of successfully chasing 144. Sara McGlashan topscored with 38 while Amy Satterthwaite notched 24 runs in a 59-run fourth-wicket partnership that took the White Ferns close, but both holed out to Shemaine Campbell in the deep from successive Taylor deliveries. The lower order could not muster the power needed to see them over the line, and New Zealand followed their men’s team in going unbeaten through the group stages, but losing in the semi-finals. The West Indies will take on three-time defending champions Australia, who edged past England in the first semi-final, in Sunday’s title showdown in Kolkata.

and Reginald Grant), Everest will stay at home to Transport SC (Linden Matthews and Joseph Jeffery) and GYO will host Diplomats (Abena Parker and Heuvel Cunha). Matches start at 11:00 hrs on Saturday.

Page 37

Vettel in less than fine fettle over qualifying MANAMA (Reuters) Formula One bosses would get it wrong even if they were selling ice cream and everybody wanted one flavor, Sebastian Vettel said on Thursday as the sport’s qualifying format drew further criticism. The Ferrari driver told re-

Sebastian Vettel following the Australian Formula One Grand Prix in Melbourne. (REUTERS/BRANDON MALONE) porters at the Bahrain Grand Prix he was “as disappointed as probably anyone I know” the new system was not changed after failing on its debut in Australia on March 20. “Put it this way, if you sell vanilla ice cream but everybody who comes to your shop is asking for chocolate ice cream,” explained four-times world champion Vettel. “The next day you open you expect to sell chocolate ice cream but instead you just sell vanilla again. “Usually you do what your clients would like you to do but you are not really doing the job if you do the exact opposite. It’s something we can’t be proud of,” added the German. Team bosses and commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone agreed after qualifying in Melbourne the elimination format had not worked and needed to be changed before Bahrain. Instead of an exciting battle for pole position in the third and final phase, there were no cars on the track in the closing minutes in Australia as drivers sat in their garages and watched the clock tick down. FORMATREVIEW Drivers and others called

for qualifying to revert entirely to the 2015 format, or for the third and final phase to be held according to the old rules. A subsequent vote failed to secure the required unanimity, however, and the format was kept intact with a promise it would be reviewed after this weekend’s race. The Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) wrote to Ecclestone and Jean Todt, president of the governing FIA, after Melbourne to call for a change in the decisionmaking processes and governance. “We made it clear there’s something that’s not right and something has to change,” said Vettel, one of the GPDA directors, with drivers expressing fears that fans would be turned off. Triple champion Lewis Hamilton, who is not a member of the GPDA, said he backed the drivers’ stance but was not surprised to see the qualifying format stay the same “just because of the way Formula One is. “There’s never like a clearcut decision,” he told reporters. “It is back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. One minute it is one way, one minute it is another way, the next minute it is another way.”

Page 38

Kaieteur News

Friday April 01, 2016

WI gun down 193 to make WT20 final ESPNcricinfo - A man who was caught off a no-ball twice beat a man who should have been run-out twice off a single free-hit. That was how comical - and spectacular - this World T20 semi-final was. And the ultimate gag was that Virat Kohli’s 89 not out off 47 balls was nothing short of a batting clinic, but Lendl Simmons 82 not out off 51 balls led a West Indian demolition job that left India’s chances of winning another title at home in the rubble. A target of 193 would not have frightened Darren Sammy. He had been talking up Chris Gayle all through the World T20, but seven balls into the chase, he might have felt nervous. His kingpin was clean bowled by Jasprit Bumrah and Marlon Samuels, who won this very trophy with one of the finest displays of T20 batsmanship, went away without a peep. West Indies were 19 for 2, already the required rate had hit double-digits and the men they had in the middle were Johnson Charles, who accumulates dot balls like his partner Simmons, who had arrived in India only two days ago, had accumulated air miles. Two of the most unher-

alded batsmen in this powerpacked line-up hit one boundary an over from the second until the 14th - which Kohli himself bowled and got rid of Charles with a juicy long-hop. That over, bowled by a parttimer, was the least expensive of the chase, stamping this game as laugh-out-loud madness. And through it all West Indies “just believed,” as Sammy said after the game. Even when they needed 109 runs off only 60 balls. India were wavering. Not least because they seemed completely incapable of getting Simmons out. R Ashwin had him caught at short third man in the seventh over, but had also overstepped. In the 15th, Hardik Pandya had him caught at extra cover but his front foot had strayed as well. The ensuing free-hit was smashed over the midwicket boundary and West Indies went into the final five overs needing only 55 to win. Now the mathletes would work out that is still an asking rate of 10 an over, but the West Indian batsmen are uber jocks. Their mis-hits go for boundaries, and some of Andre Russell’s indeed did. So when he did hit them off the middle, the bowlers had no chance. It was an innings - and a setting - that suited

Andre Russell scored a 20-ball 43, India v West Indies, World T20 2016, semi-final, Mumbai, March 31, 2016 ©IDI/Getty Images him to a T, much like his Mr T hairstyle. Russell’s first six came off the fourth ball he faced - and when the ball was soaring into the night sky, it seemed like it would clear the entire stadium - and his final one sealed the match with two balls to spare. India did have a chance though, even amid the carnage. The 18th over began with Bumrah bowling three

GCA U-17 t20 games washed out yesterday All four matches in the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) organised eight-team Under-17 t20 competition, which is sponsore d b y M i n i s t r y o f Public Health (MPH), PAHO/WHO, Guyana Diabetic Association (GDA) and Smalta were washed out

yesterday. DCC, GNIC, GCC, MSC, TSC, GYO, Saints and Everest were all awarded two points each after their games at Everest and Malteenoes were called off without a ball being bowled due overnight and morning rain. Today GNIC face GCC at

MSC from 09:30hrs in the morning game, while the host battle DCC in the afternoon game from 13:30hrs In the other game today GYO come up against Everest at Everest from 09:30hrs, while tomorrow from 09:30hrs GCC play DCC at DCC.

GFF responds to newspaper articles Georgetown: The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has issued a release responding to articles carried in some newspapers including Kaieteur News in relation to ma t c h s t i p e n d s a n d a s sistance given to two former national footballers who became disabled. Here is the full text of the release: “The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) wishes to state the following in response to two articles published in two daily publications on the 31st March, 2016 as follows:

“Match Day Stipends an Internal Issue” (Stabroek News, p.22) – These will be paid at the earliest. There were some unavoidable delays in the processing of the fees due the unusually high demand experienced by the GFF’s Finance Department as a result of the international engagements. “Former National Footballer Questions GFF President on Halting of Financial Support” (Kaieteur News, p.28) – The Executive Committee believes strongly that public assistance is a policy decision that must involve the participation of the

twenty-two members. This matter will be presented at the scheduled Congress in May 2016 for deliberation. While the GFF empathizes with Mr. Poulis and others in similar situations, it is our view that these facilities must be guided by a welldefined criteria and be accessible to everyone who qualifies. Though we recognize the value of the support to the recent recipients and regret the inconvenience caused, we feel strongly that the process should be transparent and fair to all in need of help.”

superb slower balls to earn a hat-trick of dots. West Indies now needed 32 off 14 and Simmons knew he had to make up the difference. The next ball was length and it was launched over the leg side. Ravindra Jadeja tracked it from deep midwicket, and it appeared he had pulled off a blinder on the edge of the wide long-on boundary. Only he was too close to the rope. Although he had tossed the ball to - who else - Kohli in a desperate attempt at a relay catch, the tip of Jadeja’s boot had touched the advertising skirting when he first made contact with the ball. Sammy likened his team to David in the pre-match press conference, but their success tonight was right from Goliath’s playbook. There were a few questions to answer for India mostly about those no-balls, and how the rest of the batsmen had not contributed enough, and also about how Ashwin bowled only two overs in each of the two knockout matches. But eventually, it was logical that the most powerful batting line-up won on a featherbed of a track, with dew also coming into play. Kohli, though, had been defying every kind of logic on a cricket field - the law of averages and strikerates to name two. The 82 not out against Australia to get to the semi-final was a masterclass. The 89 not out at Wankhede was transcendent, partly because when he came in, he looked incredibly suspect. Quite apart from how he plays proper cricketing shots and still thrives in the hit-andgiggle format, even the mistakes he makes are barely believable. He could have been

run-out off a free-hit delivery. Simply sample this: he was not out for a second knockout match in a row - that means he averaged 136.50 in the World T20. He hit only one six, and yet his strike rate was 189.36. Kohli came to the Wankhede with more runs than the rest of the Indian topfive combined, and he finished so too. India play Twenty20 cricket like they play the other formats too. They aren’t hellbent on boundaries and it was apparent tonight - they got 92 runs through fours and sixes and 96 of them simply by running between the wickets. No one exhibits that style of play better than Kohli. He and Ajinkya Rahane - who came in for Shikhar Dhawan - ran more twos than they played dot balls during their secondwicket partnership of 66 runs. It had only five fours, and only one came of Rahane’s bat. Kohli dominated the next partnership too - with MS Dhoni - and not through bru-

tal hitting. He placed the wide yorkers past point. The whiplash his wrists can generate took length balls from outside off and put them in the square-leg boundary. Before doing so once in the 14th over, Kohli was whispering to himself, “come on, come on, come on.” The same words he had yelled after securing his first four - off an outside edge to deep third man. Kohli was clearly switched on, and went into hyper drive in the slog overs. He struck 45 off 16 balls. Among them was a picture perfect cover drive that he struck after coming down the track and when it beat Russell running to his left from longoff, he indulged in a smirk. That was essentially Kohli in a shot. Playing proper cricket shots and picking the gap to maximise their effect. But West Indies simply outgunned him in the end and were now only one step away from their “mission” to be world champions once again.

Friday April 01, 2016

Kaieteur News

Page 39

Warriors work OT to set franchise wins record Reuters (The Sports Xchange) - It wasn’t easy, but the Golden State Wa r r i o r s e a r n e d a n impressive franchise record on Wednesday. They are closing in on an even more impressive mark. Stephen Curry scored 31 points and the Warriors overcame a double-digit, second-half deficit for a 10396 overtime victory over the Utah Jazz. Golden State won its sixth consecutive game and second in as many nights. The Warriors (68-7) set a single-season franchise record for victories, topping the 67 they won last year en route to the NBA championship. Klay Thompson forced overtime with a 3-pointer with 15 seconds left in regulation. He scored 18 points as the Warriors inched closer to the all-time-record win total of 72. “They are amazing,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said of his players. “Nothing really went our way for most of the night, and they kept fighting, you know. We always compete. That’s the great thing about this team. That’s why we have this record. Our guys compete every night.” The Warriors need five wins in their final seven

games to surpass the 199596 Chicago Bulls, who went 72-10, for the most victories in a single season. Gordon Hayward scored 21 points and Rodney Hood added 20 points for the Jazz, who had won eight of 10 games. Utah is now tied with the Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks in the battle for the last two Western Conference playoff berths. All three teams are 37-38. This was a disappointing result for the Jazz, especially considering they had a threepoint lead with 24 seconds left. Even more frustrating for Utah, though, was its performance from the freethrow line. The Jazz only made 13 of 29 free throws, a measly 44.8 percent, to blow a golden opportunity to put the Warriors away before crunch time. Hayward shot 7-for-20 from the field and only made four of eight foul shots. Rudy Gobert, who had 11 points and 18 rebounds, and Derrick Favors, who finished with 15 points and seven rebounds, both went 1for-4 from the line for Utah. The Jazz were especially bad in the fourth quarter, when they missed 10 of 14 from the charity stripe. Hayward gave the Jazz

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) dribbles the ball in front of Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) during the second half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. (Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports) an early lead in overtime, but Utah’s offense wilted under the pressure after that. Curry scored six straight points and Draymond Green (13 points) put the exclamation mark on the Warriors’ win with a

strong slam dunk for a 10193 lead. Wi t h 2 4 . 3 s e c o n d s remaining in regulation, Shelvin Mack gave the Jazz a three-point lead by splitting a pair of free throws. After a

timeout, Thompson missed an open 3-pointer, but Shaun Livingston snatched the offensive rebound and f e d i t b a c k t o Thompson. He didn’t miss his

second chance, tying the game with 15 seconds remaining. T h e J a z z ’s f i n a l possession of regulation was awful, with Mack getting a hurried shot blocked by Green. Hayward caught the ball but badly missed a desperation heave at the buzzer. The Warriors knotted the score up at 85 after using the hack-a strategy to send Gobert to the free-throw line. The Jazz center missed both foul shots, and Green followed with an easy bucket. Utah played most of the game without Favors. He sustained an ankle injury in the first half and then left for good with right knee soreness after being fouled hard by Andrew Bogut in the third quarter. The Warriors took an early double-digit lead after a Leandro Barbosa bucket put them ahead 31-21 early in the second quarter. Utah chipped away and momentarily overtook Golden State after a Hood 3pointer. Harrison Barnes (15 p o i n t s , 11 r e b o u n d s ) respo n d e d w i t h a 3 pointer, giving the Warriors a 42-40 halftime lead.

Page 40

Kaieteur News

Friday April 01, 2016

Teams from Puerto Rico, ASP Althea Scipio for FIFA Female Security Officers Training USA, B/dos arrive for Guyana’s nominee, A s s i s t a n t Superintendent of Police Althea Scipio, has been selected to undergo FIFA’s Female S e c u r i t y O ff i c e r s ’ Training that is scheduled to be conducted later this y e a r. M s . S c i p i o , Secretary of the Georgetown Football Association, was nominated by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF). FIFA has indicated a willingness to enlarge and enhance its pool of trained FIFA Female Security Officers and had invited member countries to submit nominations. This initiative is as a result of a concerted effort by FIFA to increase the number of female security officers.

ASP Althea Scipio.

According to FIFA, as the selected female security officers will be assigned to FIFA’s competitions, they will then, in return, be able to further officiate within their Member Association and even conduct security training sessions at home, which offer a win-win situation for everyone involved.

This is the first time Guyana has nominated a female representative to the FIFA Security Officer programme and its representative will participate in a FIFAorganized “security workshop” for both males and females. Among the areas which will be covered in the training are: FIFA Stadium Safety and

Security Regulations; R o l e s a n d responsibilities of FIFA security Officers, FIFA World Cup Safety and Security Handbook, Presentations from other FIFA’s functional areas and programmes. ASP Scipio has over seven years’ experience in the security field, serving as Officer-InCharge of major sporting and other international and national activities including football and cricket. She has also served in the capacity of Community Relations Officer, Media R e l a t i o n s O ff i c e r, Officer in charge of ‘A’ Division Secretariat, and Officer in Charge of ‘ A’ D i v i s i o n M a n a g e m e n t Information Unit (Crime Analyst). (GFF)

Winners have another chance to extend lead as Golyn 10/10 continues The Golyn 10/10 countrywide softball cricket tournament organized by the Guyana Softball League and sponsored by Golyn and sons, Trophy Stall and Miss Love Trading (West Coast) brought out lots of emotions as teams battled to gain valuable points in the round robin tournament and stay in contention. The results are as follows: AT LEONORA: Ruimzeight XI beat Rydem Star XI by 45 runs: Ruimzeight took first strike and posted a mammoth 174-3 in their first outing in 10 overs with Man of the Day Ameer Zaheed slamming 80 not out, which included 11 sixes and one four off 20 balls and in partnership Duhkraj Singh 71 (11x6) off 25 balls worth 133 which deflated Rydem Star. In reply, Rydem Star took the fight to the opposition and ended 129-4 in 10 overs with Aftab Bacchus anchoring for 43 (5x6;1x4) off 20 balls that

gave them some hope but the total was too large for the others. Thakurdeen Yaidat with 2-26 was the best bowler on show and didn’t even allow an extra. Praim XI demolished Amazon Warriors XI by 69 runs: Praim XI were inserted and achieved a total of 127-2 in their 10 overs with Premendra Arjune slamming 69 (8x6; 2x4) to guide them. Sham Singh took 2-11 from one over. In reply Amazon Warriors XI found the going tough in the wake of some accurate bowling from Premnauth Bhinchand who took 4-2 and Salim Khan with 3-21 and were all out for 58 in 8 overs with Sham Singhreturningtoscore23(2x4). Crossbreed Warriors mauled Superbet XI by 10 wkts: Superbet XI were inserted and were bundled out for a paltry 31 in 6 overs with Narine Shaw bowling very quick took 2-11 in his 2 overs. The other wickets were shared amongst the

Man of the day Ruimzeight’s Ameer Zaheed who slammed 80 versus Rydem star.

International Dominoes tourney Faye Joseph.

Te a m s h a v e b e g u n a r r i v i n g f o r t o d a y ’s commencement of the 2nd Annual Faye Joseph organised International Dominoes Competition which is being run under the auspices of the Georgetown Dominoes A s s ociation (GDA). According to Organising Secretary of the tournament Mark Wiltshire, who spoke via telephone yesterday, teams from Puerto Rico, the USA and Barbados were the first set of countries to arrive for the four-day competition which is being played, at 1222-23 Gaulding Place, South Ruimveldt. The tournament the brainchildof Joseph is regarded as an international event and has received the blessings from the World Dominoes Council (WDC). Wiltshire informed that the Pullorama will be done at

19:30 hrs today while there will be a March Past involving Public Works Minister David Patterson and former Deputy Mayor Patricia Chase-Green. In excess of US$10,000 will be up for grabs during the competition along with trophies and individual prizes for outstanding players. The winning team will receive US$5,000 along with the corresponding trophy, while the second, third and fourth placed teams will collect US$2,500, US$1,500 and US$1,000. The cost to enter the tournament is US$200 or GY$40,000. Teams interested in participating in the tournament can contact GDA Secretary Barbara Marshall on tele#663-8280 or Wiltshire on 665-5855.

EDFA Jubilee U17 Tournament

Matches set for tomorrow and Sunday

others. In reply Crossbreed Warriors raced to 36 without loss in 1.2 overs with Imtiaz Hack clobbering 24 not out (3x6;1x4) to up their run rate and continue their ways of bowling out teams cheaply. Unstoppable XI won from Blazers by 2 wkts: Blazers took first strike and scored 56 all out in 7.4

overs with Risham Singh 13 (1x6). Bowling for Unstoppable XI was Michael McAllister who took 3-11 from 2 overs. In their turn Unstoppable were struggling in the face of some accurate bowling and barely got over the mark scoring 60-8 in 9.1 overs (Continued on page 32)

Competition in the East Demerara Football Association / Jubilee Under-17 tournament is set to continue this weekend with double headers tomorrow and Sunday. The Paradise ground is the venue for tomorrow’s matches from 14:00hrs. Buxton Stars will open against Plaisance with the home team set to oppose Golden Stars in the feature match. On Sunday at the Victoria ground, Buxton Stars will match skills with BV Triumph United in the opener to be followed by Victoria Kings taking on Mahaica Determinators. In results from previous matches, Golden Stars were 1-0 winners over Buxton Youth Developers; Victoria Kings edged Ann’s Grove 2-1. Kareem Josiah netted both goals for the winners in the 5th and 63rd minute, while Ann’s Grove’s consolation strike came from the penalty spot, Shamar Brandon converting in the 48th minute. Buxton Youth Developers and Paradise FC played to a 0-0 draw.

Friday April 01, 2016

Kaieteur News

Page 41

‘Home ground’ helps Simmons feel wide awake ESPNcricinfo - It’s an amazing life Lendl Simmons leads. One day he is lounging at his home in the Caribbean, watching the World T20 from afar. Then last Sunday Clive Lloyd, West Indies’ chairman of selectors, calls him immediately after Andre Fletcher has done a hamstring while West Indies slip against Afghanistan. Lloyd is simple and direct with Simmons: are you fit and confident to walk into the World T20 campaign as a replacement for Fletcher? Walk into the most important match West Indies have played so far in the tournament? Simmons gets his feet off the sofa in his home in Trinidad and tells Lloyd he is in. He lands in Mumbai on Tuesday to join the West Indies squad. He has taken two flights, flown across the continents and straightaway hit training. He must be weary, no? Little wonder then that the first questions Simmons is asked immediately after his match-winning performance deals with whether has he had enough sleep. Simmons smiles and assures every one that he had enough rest. “I was very rested for this game,” Simmons said before

happily breaking down his sleep timetable in the short time he has been in India. “I slept on both flights. I came here and I slept the night. In the morning I had practice. After that I slept from 310pm. Slept again from 12pm-4pm. So I was very rested.” According to Simmons one big advantage he had was the familiarity with the venue, which is the home ground of Mumbai Indians, the franchise he plays for in the IPL. “I was coming here. I was to leave on Friday to come to Mumbai to get ready for the IPL. I saw it as an opportunity to come and get ready for the IPL as well. Seeing this is my home ground as well I know the conditions, think I read it well.” With his IPL experience and having watched Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni earlier in the evening, Simmons said he already knew what his plan was. “When I went out to bat I had a clear mind of what I wanted to do because we had a target to chase. But before the game I was a bit nervous. I was under a bit of pressure as the guys said I came here for a job. But in all it was good. We had a target to chase. And we got there.” Asked exactly at what

Lendl Simmons plays a cut shot, India v West Indies, World T20 2016, semi-final, Mumbai, March 31, 2016 ©IDI/Getty Images point he felt West Indies had wrested control from India, S i m m o n s ’s s u r p r i s i n g response was never. “At no point I thought that we had it under control because as when a wicket falls you never know,” Simmons said. But what made the chase easier for West Indies, Simmons revealed, was India’s “suspect” bowling. According to Simmons, in the absence of spin from the pitch and the reluctance of Dhoni to give the ball to his premier spinner R Ashwin, West Indies found it easier to

find a way out despite the early loss of Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels. “The bowling was suspect. They had Nehra and Bumrah, two fast bowlers, but not express pace,” he said. Right from the first day in India, West Indies have spoken about how each of the 15 players is a matchwinner in the squad. How each one needs to take the responsibility to take over the responsibility if the other fails. So when Gayle was bowled by Jasprit Bumrah and Samuels erred in his shot

selection, West Indies did not panic even as the Indian fans danced merrily imagining their team contesting for the crown against England at Eden Gardens on Sunday evening. “India will certainly be aware that is not a one-man show in this team because Chris Gayle did not get off tonight but we still managed to get over the line and it was a big total. Seeing that he did not perform and we were still able to put up a fight and win the game with balls to spare

shows a lot of character from our players.” Simmons did have the customary word of caution going into the final that they could not be overconfident against England. But he was not shy declaring that there was more than one man in the dressing room who could stand up if the others failed. “Every one of our players is a match-winner in our team: Sammy to bat, Bravo to bat, Russell came in, he played his part, Ramdin still to bat. We have a lot of batting power and any total anyone makes we can chase it. We always back ourselves to chase totals.” Simmons’ voice is soft. At times you have to strain to hear him. In comparison to the other powerful batsmen in the team, Simmons is short, lanky, less muscular. But with bat in hand Simmons loses that softness. He can pack a punch and demolish bowling attacks without blasting the ball hard. On Thursday evening he quietly silenced the Wankhede faithful to their utter shock and despair. They had had come to watch Kohli. They had come to watch Dhoni. They had come to watch Gayle. They went back having watched a gem from Lendl Simmons.

Djokovic rolls into Miami semi-finals

Novak Djokovic hits a backhand against Tomas Berdych (not pictured) on day ten of the Mami Open at Crandon Park Tennis Center. (Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports)

(Reuters) World number one Novak Djokovic rolled into the Miami Open semifinals with a 6-3 6-3 romp over Tomas Berdych on Wednesday as he continued his pursuit of a fifth title in six years on Key Biscayne. Djokovic did not face the difficulty that he had in his fourth round match, when he was forced to fend off 14-of15 break points, while he also attacked Berdych’s second serve to advance to a clash with Belgium’s David Goffin after 99 minutes. Goffin beat France’s Gilles Simon 3-6 6-2 6-1 in the day’s other quarter-final. Djokovic’s triumph over Berdych continued a trend of domination with the Serb clocking up his 10th consecutive victory over the Czech. “Obviously it does have a certain effect,” Djokovic told reporters of the lopsided record. “Maybe (it) factors in the mental side coming into the match.” Berdych was coming off

a marathon win against Richard Gasquet on Tuesday and did not have enough left to challenge Djokovic. He won just six of his 23 second service points and was broken four times. The match began with Berdych nearly breaking Djokovic’s opening service game and then successfully stealing the third game but he quickly lost momentum en route to committing 45 unforced errors. Djokovic improved to 26-1 this year with his only defeat coming in February, when he was forced to retire against Spain’s Feliciano Lopez in Dubai due to an eye infection.

Injuries seem to be the only force capable of stopping the Serb at the moment and although Djokovic called a medial timeout for a back ailment in the middle of the second set, he quickly shook it off to win three of the last four games. He has yet to drop a set in Miami, despite his issues with Austria’s Dominic Thiem in the fourth round. “If I may say, I do feel better this year than I had felt last year at the very same stage of the season,” he said. “That definitely satisfies me, and I’m hoping I can continue on and keep the same trajectory.”

Page 42

Kaieteur News

Friday April 01, 2016

Linden teams added to GUSDA donates cricket Mayor’s Cup Football gears to several Linden Clubs tourney set to start May 1 Three teams from Linden have been added to the A n n u a l M a y o r ’s C u p football tournament which set to kick off on May 1 at Victoria Ground on the East Coast of Demerara. The tournament features 32 teams from Georgetown (7), West Demerara (7), East Bank (3), Berbice (2), Linden (3) and East Coast (5) battling for a first prize of $1,000,000. The other top prizes on offer are $500,000, $300,000 and $200,000 respectively for the second to fourth place finishers. Coordinator Lennox Arthur informed that this tournament, which is in its 22nd year, will this year feature no team from the Elite League making it an open battle to claim the top spots. This event will form part of the 50th Anniversary Jubilee celebrations, with the tournament running from May 1 to 29. Surinamese Masters Football Club Botofago, are scheduled to be here to face the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) Masters on the

Lennox Arthur supporting card on the 29th. The organizing committee is looking for full corporate support and encouraged potential sponsors to come on board. Interested persons or Companies can contact the Coordinator Lennox Arthur on telephone 6269351. The tournament will open on May 1st at the Victoria Ground with a triple header which brings together Federal Winners Connection vs Beacon at 4:30pm, Ann’s Grove vs Black Pearl from 6:30 and Golden Grove vs Police in the nightcap from

8:30pm. May 2 at the Victoria ground; Buxton Bakewell vs Grove High Tech, Vitoria Kings vs Agricola and Mahaica vs Herstelling, while matches will be played on May 5 at the Victoria ground, May 7 at GFC ground, May 8 at Victoria; Mahaica May 13 at GFC and May 14 at Victoria. The games will be of 90 minute duration and if no result is derived after this period then 20 minutes of extra time will be contested. No further result of deadlock will be determined by penalty kicks. Players involved in this tournament must be affiliated to their respective associations where the invited clubs are drawn. No entry fee is required. The tournament is governed under the rules and directives of the Guyana Football Federation. Players with double yellow cards or red cards will be penalized in accordance with the rules of the competition and the GFF.

2016 Tenelec Inc Under-15, Two-innings Cricket Competition in Berbice

Leon Swami slams 114 for Tucber Park The 2016 Tenelec Inc Under-15, Two-innings Cricket Competition organised by the Berbice Cricket Board and sponsored by Tenelec Inc. a Washington DC based Telecommunication Firm, got started recently with Berbice Under-15 allrounder Leon Swami hitting the first century of the competition for Tucber Park in their match against Young Warriors. In the match which was played at the Cumberland Ground, Tucber Park won the toss and batted first. Opening the batting

were Swami and Daniel Dharamdat. The two of them put on 30 for the opening stand and after Dharamdat fell for 15, Swammi and Romel Retimah added another 20 before the latter went for 7 at 50 for 2. Anthony Williams came in and he and Swami put on another 70 between them after which Williams fell for 32. Swami continued to hold the innings together and batted on with the middle and lower order before he eventually fell for 114 at 190 for 7. His knock included 5

Representatives of the GUSDA donate the cricket gears to the Linden clubs. Three clubs were this week the recipients of cricket gears compliments of the Guyana UK Sports Development Association. The Chairwoman of the UK based organization, Roselyn Shepherd, who is in Guyana on vacation, handed over the gears to representatives of the Mackenzie Sports Club, Christianburg Community Centre and Speightland. Speaking during a simple ceremony at the Mackenzie Sports Club

Ground, Mrs. Shepherd stressed the commitment of her organization GUSDA to the development of youth and sports in Guyana and of Guyanese in the UK. The GUSDA she said is a charitable voluntary organisation founded in 1995. The gears were sponsored by Orman Griffith on behalf of his US based mother Beryl Griffith who commemorated her 100th birthday yesterday, March 31, 2016.

The newly elected constituency representatives of constituency 2, 3 & 6 Mr. Lennox Gasper, Mr. Leroy James, Mr. Keeran Williams and Mr. Carwyn Holland who were instrumental in securing the items from GUSDA for the clubs who were all present. Accompanying Mrs. Shepherd was former world weightlifting champion Herman Nurse, a Guyanese who represented England and became world champion.

2016 Memorex Under-17, Two-innings Cricket Competition in Berbice

Ramnarine’s 11-wicket haul helps Achievers storm back to victory - Simon Naidu takes 7-36 for Rose Hall Town Bakewell B

Leon Swami fours. Tucber Park eventually declared at 205 for 8 made in 76 Overs. Bowling for Young Warriors, Abdul Ramsammy took 2 for 17, Berbice Under15 offspinner Aaron Beharry 2 for 47 and Zaynul Ramsammy 2 for 75. With Young Warriors only left with one hour for their 1st innings before the close of play, they were able to reach 48 for 2 with Berbice Under-15 batsman Carl Gilgeous making 22. Without a first innings decision, both teams got 4 points each.

Former Guyana Under15 allrounder Kris Ramnarine bagged a match haul of 11 wickets with his left arm spin to help his team come back after falling short on their first innings against Weldaad, to win the game outright in the 2016 Memorex Under-17, Twoinnings Cricket Competition in Berbice. He firstly took 6 for 23 to see Weldaad bowled out for just 57 in their first innings but when his team replied his 30 N.O. could not save them for going down by 1 run to Weldaad. However, in Weldaad’s second innings, his spell of 4.3 Overs, one maiden, four runs for 5 wickets, together with 3 for 9 from Adrian Samaroo devastated their opponents

Kris Ramnarine for a paltry 22. Achievers went on to attain victory by 6 wickets. Yuvraj Singh slammed 52 to help Toopoo Rising Star take first innings lead over Rose Hall Town

Bakewell B, whose left arm spinner Simon Naidu then took 7 for 36, the best bowling figures in the competition so far, to bowl out Toopoo for 68 in their 2nd innings, giving him a match haul of 10 for 65. Needing 106 for victory, Rose Hall Town Bakewell B could only reach 51 for 2 by the close. In summarized scores: At Lovely Lass, Achievers beat Weldaad by 6 wickets after losing on the first innings. Weldaad 1st innings 57 with Windell Fordyce 23, Kris Ramnarine 6 for 28 and Adrian Samaroo 3 for 9. Achievers 1st innings 56 with Kris Ramnarine 30, Rundell Daniels 5 for 25, Nickel Fraser 2 for 25,

Friday April 01, 2016

Kaieteur News

Page 43

The ‘stars’ didn’t shine as Bright By Edison Jefford It is now reasonable to conclude that Guyana’s C A R I F TA G a m e s contingent returned short of an expected improved medal haul. The best performance came from an improbable participant, who was on international debut, Linden’s Chantoba Bright. Bright leaped to silver medals in the Girls’ Under18 Long and Triple Jump events for two of the five medals Guyana won. Andrea Foster added two bronze medals in the 800m and 1500m U-20 middle distance races and Natricia Hooper silver in the U-20 Triple Jump. Guyana could have had another silver medal from another debutant, Linden’s 16 year old, Daniel Williams, who ran 48.08 in U-18 Boys’ 400m. It was an unfortunate occurrence for an athlete on the biggest regional stage for youth and junior athletes in the Caribbean. Williams turned in another impressive performance in the 200m,

Chantoba Bright though placing fifth in the Final he ran 21.88 seconds. Tyrell Peters ran 22.18 seconds for sixth as two Guyanese competed in the final of the U-18 Boys 200m race in Grenada last weekend. Jamaica’s Michael Stephens won the race in 21.43 seconds, setting the standard for that age category. Peters was fourth in his 100m Heat in 10.92 seconds. He did not qualify for the final that Jamaica Jhevaughn Mathenson won in 10.42 seconds. Except for Foster, who should have done better

Andrea Foster given her experience and exposure, the Guyanese top performances came from unlikely sources; the result, when carefully analysed, suggested that the proverbial ‘stars’ did not shine as Bright, no pun intended. Foster first won a bronze medal at the 2012 CARIFTA Games. That was four years ago. She also competed at the IAAF World Championships in Beijing China last year. Foster should have been one of the certain candidates for gold medal performances at t h i s y e a r ’s C A R I F TA Games, given that she ought to have developed from her

Natricia Hooper first bronze medal appearance. Apart from the Triple Jump, Hooper also ran the 400m. Much was also expected from Hooper as one who the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) has favoured for international tour. Hooper ran 56.61 seconds to place fifth in the U-20 Girls 400m Heat. She did not reach the finals of the race that Barbados’ Sada Williams won in 52.07 seconds. Comparatively, Avon Samuels was third in her 400m U-18 Heat in 55.91 seconds. Samuels came back

Corona Beer Beach Soccer League

KK Warriors, Royal Youths, Cool Runnings in winner’s row Kuru Kururu Warriors, Royal Youths and Cool Runnings all carved out contrasting wins when the inaugural Corona Beer sponsored Guyana Beach Football Association, Beach Soccer League continued on Sunday last at the Bayrock Beach Soccer Park, Bayrock, Linden. The Warriors secured full points in a close tussle with Hi Stars which they won 4-3. The Warriors cantered to victory led by their most reliable scoring duo, Ryan Scott with a double and Cordel ‘Mr. Dependable’ Johnson with one. Kevon Walker also inked his name of the score s h eet f o r th e Lin d en Soesdyke Highway based side. Hi Stars got their goals from Michael Peters, Michael Austin and Michael Spencer with one each. Royal Youths once again showed dismissive form when they blasted their way to a 5-1 win over Silver Bullets. Orchestrating the

KK Warriors goal scorers. huge win for Royal Youths were Shane Lucia who netted a double; there was one apiece for Denzil Pryce, Tshekederi Whitehead and Allan Haley. Silver Bullets got their consolation goal from Shaquel Clark.

Cool Runnings were ready for battle but their opponent, Attention Family showed up too late for the match which forced Referee Glenroy Fraser to refer to the competition rules which handed the walk-over to Cool Runnings.

Matches will continue on Sunday at the same venue when Hi Stars play Cool Runnings, Royal Youths oppose Attention Family and Kuru Kururu Warriors come up against Silver Bullets. ( F. W i l s o n )

Kenisha Phillips to post 56.47 in the finals for seventh place. Jamaican Stacey-Ann Williams won the race in 54.00 seconds. The winning times are being noted here to establish what the standards within the region are. The 14 year old sprint phenom from Buxton, Kenisha Phillips, in her first international outing for Guyana did extremely well. Phillips has at least two or three more years in the under-18 category at the CARIFTA Games and made both the 100m and 200m Finals. Phillips blasted 11.82 seconds to win her Heat, but posted 11.97 seconds for sixth in the finals of the race. Jamaican, Kimone Shaw, won in 11.56 seconds. Phillips ran 24.38 seconds in the 200m final after posting 24.56 in her Heat. Jamaica’s Shaniel English won in 23.65 seconds. Better performances were also expected from Compton Caesar and Jevina Sampson, who are two seasoned national junior campaigners. Caesar placed fifth in his 100m Heat in a below par 11.83 seconds. Caesar is far better sprinter than that and maybe was not fit for the CARIFTA Games as his time suggests. Ceasar put up 23.59 seconds to place sixth in his Heat to underscore his struggle. The Jamaican Nigel Ellis won the U-20 Boys 100m in 10.16 seconds as Trinidad and Tobago’s, Akanni Hislop took home gold in the 200m race in 20.86 seconds. Sampson turned in 2:22.47 for fifth in the U-20 Girls 800m final that Foster won bronze in 2:12. 53. Jamaica’s Junelle Bromfield (2:06.21) won the race. In the distance events, where Guyana has traditionally done well at the CARIFTA Games, there was mixed fortunes with some improved times, but yet the

Daniel Williams country went medal-less. Matthew McKenzie finished 10th in the U-20 Boys 1500m in 4:33.35 while placing sixth in the 5000m in 17:53.53.Guyana’s Odwin Tudor (17:19.31) was fourth in the 5000m. Bahamas’ Benjamin Najman won the 5000m in 15:24.25, while Jamaica’s Shavon Parkes got the 1500m gold in 3:57.73. Jeremy Garret was fifth in the U-18 Boys race in 4:11.05 with Barbados’ Jonathan Jones winning in a 3:57 time. Garret was disqualified in the 800m U-18 race, while Samuel Lynch turned in 1:53.96 for fourth place. Barbados’ Jones won the double in 1:49.88. In the female race, Claudrice McKoy finished sixth in 5:06.41; Jamaica’s Cemore Donald (4:42.61) won the race. The Guyanese athletes are now in a position to assess their performances against the best athletes in the region. Any honest assessment will reveal that ascendancy must transcend the unnecessary issues that currently exist within the athletics community. The 16-member contingent should have returned more medals. The team had support from both Government and corporate community that was a shift from what obtained in the past. There was enough evidence to suggest that an improved performance was forthcoming. But with just three of the 16 athletes returning with medals, the logic in a larger contingent must come under scrutiny. Guyana sent smaller teams in the past, less than half of the 16, and returned with more medals, especially gold medals. The notable regression must be addressed, and future selections examined to ensure better results.

t r o Sp

WI gun down 193 to make WT20 final

Andre Russell runs towards his team-mates after taking West Indies home, India v West Indies, World T20 2016, semi-final, Mumbai, March 31, 2016 ©Getty Images

Cooper fires Windies women to first World T20 final

The West Indies team is a gleeful bunch after picking up an early wicket, New Zealand v West Indies, Women’s World T20, semi-final, Mumbai, March 31, 2016 ©AFP Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210