Kaieteur News

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KAIETEUR NEWS Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: ADAM HARRIS Tel: 225-8491, 225-8458, 225-8465 Fax: 225-8473 or 226-8210

Editorial CONSULTANCY AND ITS MANY ISSUES It is becoming clearer every day that people are only paying lip service to the concept of engaging qualified local consultants. Local consultants are reportedly faced with conditions and demands that are outside of their contractual agreements. On the other hand, foreign consultants are treated as if they are the next best thing to sliced bread. Nowhere do we hear of an overseas consultant being told that s/he has to be in compliance with public service rules of engagement; on the other hand the local counterpart is expected to adhere to those rules even without certain privileges accorded the public servant. We should not forget the pay of the local consultant when compared to the emoluments and perks enjoyed by the locally contracted foreign counterpart. The usual reason to hire a consultant is to get access to scarce or nonexistent skills that are vital for national or organizational development. What seemingly obtains in Guyana is that local (and some foreign) consultants are being hired to perform functions based upon their connections and not necessarily from their qualification or experience. The obvious result is heavy dependency by the consultant on the public servants who possess the institutional know how and who - if given the opportunity can deliver to everyone’s satisfaction. Employers sometimes forget that the original and best reason to hire a consultant is to get intelligent and expert advice. In the experience of some local consultants what they are contracted to do is be a prop for the boss. In such an environment no real consulting occurs because the consultant very often is hesitant or fearful of asking good questions, gathering information about problems and/or offering advice based on experience and observations. However, the importance of using consultants from outside of organisations and even countries ought not to be downplayed, since very often the outsider observes what those from within take for granted and who may well be following irrational policies or unhelpful conventions and practices. It is perhaps important to note that in some cases, independent overseas consultants work for multiple clients without oversight or management of their work process by a client, supply their own materials, set their own hours and work locations, and are paid for the delivery of the product or service. Not so with the local contractor who is expected to be on the job location like a public service employee regardless of the fact that work delivery is on schedule. Moreover, the local consultant working in the public service is admonished not to have any other form of employment during the contract period. What this practice fails to concede is that a consultant is being hired to do work that an employee should be doing in the first place. Therefore most of the value to be gained from consultants is from their advice, observations and some focus work; a few hours from a consultant could save the public service employer months of wasted employee time. One factor that is often overlooked in the consultancy arrangement, and which should be explicit in the terms of reference is the requirement for capacity building as an intended benefit during design activities. However, serious capacity building should be organised separately from technical assistance since this would entail longer commitments and on greater scale than envisaged in the original engagement. An important determinant of success in a consultancy that may not be observed in practice is the need for quality of the initial status briefing from among the relevant players within institutions. There institutional context briefings are particularly valuable, and can save a lot of time so that teams are able to engage and overcome challenges in a timely fashion. Good initial briefings and preliminary institutional scoping are especially important for the effectiveness of implementation and monitoring consultancies since the absence of appropriate background knowledge and direction tend to hamper progress. All of the above is considered relevant in light of the preponderance of consultancies in the country and the disparities in treatment between the local and foreign consultants. We are left with wanting to know if consultancies are being monitored to ensure citizens are getting value for their money.

Kaieteur News

Sunday April 06, 2014

Kaieteur M@ilbox Send your letters to Kaieteur News 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown or email us kaieteurnews@yahoo.com

Pandemonium in the Honourable House DEAR EDITOR, As a proud, patriotic Guyanese, I had hoped that the pandemonium in the Honourable House witnessed on Friday, April 4 was a thing of the distant past. I’ve seen men and women, whose aspirations to be leaders of this country in government, behave like common thugs from the ghetto. It was indeed a sad day for my country. But if one can take some solace from the bullyism of the Joint Opposition led by PNC/APNU, it is simply this: The Guyanese people have been reminded that the old PNC is alive and kicking in the ominous alliance of the A Partnership of National Unity- APNU. God help Guyana if David Granger and his band of hooligans ever come close to winning a national election. I know some will take offence to my choice of words in describing some members of the opposition, but dressing

up in decent clothes and looking like lawmakers does not change the person within... We are who we are. As Ministers of Government deliver their Ministries’ budget, it became evident that not much could be found wanting in the 2014 National Budget that was designed to help the ordinary citizen. Finance Minister, Dr. Ashi Singh has once again displayed his brilliance in crafting a budget that puts Guyanese first. The opposition was left to find something, anything, that they can use to disrupt the proceedings. They found it in the innocuous, offhand comment of the Hon. Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, as APNU Parliamentarian Volda Lawrence voiced her condemnation on men who escape justice after committing “statutory rape”. Minister Manickchand was at the time referring to well known controversial TV host, CN Sharma, who has cases

pending in the High Court for the statutory rape of four underage school girls. The heckle was not even loud enough to be considered disruptive as it could hardly be heard in the recorded playback of the proceedings, and Speaker Trotman totally misconstrued to whom the Minister was referring, causing him to issue the gag order. As the head of the Justice For All political party -JFA that is now part of the collation partners that make up the APNU, CN Sharma is the APNU member referred to in the now famous “Ask your APNU member” heckle made by Minister Manickchand. Credit must be given to Speaker of the National Assembly, the Hon. Raphael Trotman for having the courage to reverse his earlier gag order, allowing the Minister to present the $32.3 Billion Education Budget to the (Continued on page 6)

Sunday April 06, 2014

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Kaieteur M@ilbox

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Kaieteur M@ilbox

David Hinds plays the race card with the police brutality problem DEAR EDITOR, David Hinds’ letter titled “Police brutality is a reflection of our larger ethno-racial problem” (KN, March 24, 2014) is a volatile piece of writing in a racial volcano of a society. It must be intellectually scoped, probed, gutted and challenged. David Hinds acknowledges police violence since slavery and colonialism; well-known truths. He admits police violence against Africans continued under the PNC regime, another known truth. Police violence continued under the PPP. He concedes that “…what is true is that even under the PNC, Blacks were still more likely to be subjected to summary execution by the police than any other group.” Then Hinds argues “But I contend that the violence of the state against Africans under the PPP deserves closer scrutiny. One cannot adequately understand and explain the upsurge of police brutality against Black men outside of the interests of those who run the state.” Hinds offers up ethnic domination and ethnoracial dynamics as his explanation for this phenomenon. He asserts “There is a reason why despite widespread crime in both Indian and African Guyanese communities, disproportionately more Black boys are being summarily executed by the police. There is also a reason why Black protest is easily confronted with police violence while Indian protest is not.” He provides the following reasons “Here are the dynamics. The PPP executive government has a known interest in securing the loyalty of the police and other armed forces, which it has repeatedly claimed helped to throw it out of power in 1964. The PPP government also as an inevitable interest in quelling protest and rebellion among the constituency of its political rivals. Finally, the PPP

has an interest in demonstrating to its constituency that it can protect them against the deepseated fear of Black violence both from police and civilians.” Hinds believes there is an upsurge of police brutality against Africans under the PPP. He provides no statistics, proof, evidence and numbers to back up his claim. Nor does he explain how he arrives at this conclusion and why he believes there has been an upsurge. For Hinds, the entirety of this complex issue is all about the race, ethno-racialism, political manipulation, machination and command of the police by an Indiandominated PPP government directing an Africandominated police force to summarily execute Africans. This is starkly dangerous, provocative, bilious and bogus stuff peddled here. The utter majority of police-citizenry interactions have nothing to do with politics and are most definitely not guided by politics. They are based on criminal or suspected criminal behaviour.

What the PPP has done just like the PNC, is it has refused to seriously reform and retrain the police force. The heart of the problem of Africans losing their lives or being brutalized at a higher rate than any other ethnic group since 1966 is an unprofessional police force since Independence. This ensures the triggerhappy police continues to target Guyanese and Africans with brutality. The question must also be asked whether there is a higher incidence of confrontation and interactions between the police and Africans than other ethnic groups and whether this disproportionality contributes to higher African executions and brutality by an African-dominated police force that his known to be trigger-happy? What about those Africans who have lost their

lives since 1992 in open and violent confrontation like shootouts with the police – what percentage are they in that 400 figure Hinds produces and does Hinds lump these Africans with the defenceless Africans killed in cold blood by the police? Surely, with the dramatic increase in police loss of life since 1992 and with the increased criminality of the state overall, one cannot be so bluntly disingenuous and academically deceitful to not explore these more plausible explanations before jumping on the racially charged and politically divisive bandwagon of blaming this entirely or mostly on the political leadership and government of the day. This is not to say that there is no political interference in the work of the police but to suggest that the African-dominated police force is being pushed by the

Indian-centric PPP government to summarily execute and brutalize Africans is nasty foundation-less ethno-racial thinking that could ignite this country in the wrong way. Does Hinds really want us to believe that when a most likely African policeman points a gun at a defenceless African and pulls the trigger instead of handcuffing that citizen, that policeman is in that moment when he has discretion and choice, really making that decision to kill based on what the PPP government wants or he is simply an untrained and callous barbarian with no regard for the life of a fellow

citizen? Police execution of Africans paleS in comparison to the tens of thousands of police-African confrontations, interactions and arrests of Africans made by the police in the past 21 years of PPP rule. Clearly, if there was political direction to slaughter Africans summarily, then the numbers would have been frighteningly higher. Using Hinds macabre reasoning, this is evidently a failed policy by the government of the day as it is evidence that the police force has disobeyed its political master! Hinds commits the error of rampant (Continued on page 6)

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Kaieteur M@ilbox

Sunday April 06, 2014

Kaieteur M@ilbox

Noisy religious services There must be a spirit of give and take in these Budget deliberations and prayer calls DEAR EDITOR, Recently I had cause to be on national television to discuss noise nuisance. Then, realizing the importance of the topic as one who has been articulating on the subject for many years, and calls after the programme, I decided to pen a letter the print media to appeal to the authorities, and the people to take action against all noise makers, and for the people to develop bravado, and be fearless in making complaints and issuing statements for prosecution. I spoke in the media about constant complaints from not

only discos, dancehalls, shows, but unfortunately from noisy dancing churches, (with shoes on, contrary to example of the Beloved Mystical Master Jesus Christ) with evangelists and pastors screaming, for which even Christians will say God does not need that. Then complaints from members in communities with Mandirs and also some Muslim Masjids screaming the Adhaan (Azaan), at all kinds of hours disrupting people, creating shock, and affecting children, according to calls from people. I think we need to stop being insular in our thinking

and look only at our singular enjoyment for noise and maybe fanatical love of one’s religion, and look at the bigger picture, as people of maturity and with respects for all. People must have the right to enjoy their faith and practice their religion with due respect for others. This is sacrosanct in the Guyanese constitution and the reality of our societies, as we are virtually a 100% religious minded nation. All I am saying is tone the sound down, do not disrupt others who wish not to be disturbed, and let us live in harmony and love. Roshan Khan

David Hinds plays the race card... From page 5 generalization and straw man creation to make his nonsensical argument. Where is the evidence there is widespread crime in both Indian and African communities? Hinds states the interests of the PPP are to secure the loyalty of the armed forces, to quell protest among Africans and to show it can protect its own constituency from African and police violence. We have already established that the African police inordinately executing Africans is a problem that predates the current incarnation of the PPP from 1992 so how is this phenomenon now a problem blameable on the PPP government? How does an Indiancentric government in a racially divided country instructing an Africanpopulated police force to slaughter and brutalize Africans going to secure the loyalty of the armed forces? Stating that African protest is easily met with police violence while Indian protest is not is yet another shallow

statement that sidesteps the truth that Indian protests will generally not confront the police because of fear while African protesters will because they are not seized of that fear. African police members also know Africans do not fear them and this plus their inadequacies psychologically shapes their response and their propensity to use violence to gain or project control. Hinds suggests the PPP commands primarily African police to kill and brutalize Africans summarily to quell African protest, rebellion and resistance. As he did in his entire letter, he weakly tried to paint correlation as causation and was wrong here again. Hasn’t history proved this would cause the exact opposite with the African constituency so what value is there in pursuing a failed strategy? Why pursue this strategy in a minority of cases and not in the majority if it is seen as so effective according to Hinds? In Hinds’ mind these acts of an African-dominated police force brutalizing or killing Africans without due process are not acts of an errant police force acting independently, which they are but are acts of the government of the day in an attempt to quell African protest, rebellion and

resistance. I guess the underlying criminal actions of some of those Africans killed summarily by the police were not crimes but protests, rebellion and resistance. How exactly is Hinds equating the PPP’s interest in conveying to its Indian constituency its ability to protect Indians from African police violence with the fact that Hinds contends that an African-dominated police force has gotten even more violent under the PPP? The rush to frame this issue in the agitating hue of ethnicity or race or to make baseless connections with ethnic repercussions is dangerous, irresponsible and inflammatory, not to mention academically spurious, dangerous stuff in a country deep in the mire of racialism and ethnic antagonism. At worst, what we have had since 1992 is a continuation by the PPP of the PNC’s failure to fix and professionalise the police force and with the rise of criminality in Guyana requiring the police to confront more criminal suspects and investigate more crime, this has resulted in this trigger-happy force with thuggish elements executing and brutalizing more of the citizenry. There is a powerful difference between action and omission. M. Maxwell

DEAR EDITOR, I am certain that there are a great number of Guyanese who must be wondering why is it that the exchanges in our Parliament in any debate when a budget is being presented are so predictable in nature. The opposition is heard to object to almost everything that the government proposes, and the reason is mostly not about the efficacy of whatever is being debated at the time, but that they will agree if certain other projects which they are advocating are brought on board by the government. We the people expect to hear compelling arguments on both sides of the house on the validity of what are being proposed, and not the usual attempts of horse-trading that now seem to be the order of the day. Then there are these other interruptions of the proceedings that clutter up the whole process, which seem to us as if we are witnessing a class of teenagers squabbling

about some gripe they face in school. Our Members of Parliament must realise that we have elected them to demonstrate more maturity and aptitude in crafting a joint budget that is geared towards the continued progress of our nation on all fronts, and there must of necessity be a spirit of give and take in their deliberations in this all-important annual process that will determine how and what to pursue to effect this. This must not be seen as an occasion to gain political points, and I believe that they will be judged in this aspect more than what they actually accomplish. As a result we continue to witness feasible and essential projects being shelved, with the final outcome being the stagnation and, in some cases, regression of all that have been achieved by those who worked with a more cooperative spirit in the past. Roy Paul

Police harassment on the western end of the Demerara Harbour Bridge DEAR EDITOR, Every single night ranks of different units are conducting unnecessary and inhospitable roadblocks at the western end of the Demerara Harbour Bridge. Some of these ranks who are supervised by an officer decked in khaki uniform are openly rude. Sometimes take advantage of lone female drivers. One young lady who

works in town and journeys across the bridge every night complained of being stopped and asked for her papers almost every night. One night besides asking for her documents she was asked where she was going and where she worked, the next night she was asked if she was married and one of the ranks even remarked how she was ‘sexy’. This is the

kind of behavior the public has to put up with the uncouth ranks of the Guyana Police Force. The lady is thinking of not driving over the bridge in the evenings. Some of the ranks are openly soliciting by saying “Left something for de boys”. I would like to know why roadblocks are conducted at one spot every night. Is this standard police procedure? Michael Anthony

Pandemonium in the Honourable... From page 4 Nation. But at last this was not to be, as members from both opposition parties rudely and violently banged the furniture making it impossible for the Minister to be heard through the PA system used. The disruption was a well planned and executed strategy to prevent the Education Minister from presenting to the nation, the biggest and most comprehensive Education Budget in the our history as opposed to just walking out, which would have allowed the Minister’s televised remarked to be heard in their absence. House Speaker, Rafael Trotman must not be taken for granted, for he has demonstrated time and again, his willingness to enforce the

rules of his Chamber despite criticism from his colleagues in the opposition. David Granger and Khemraj Ramjattan have openly defied the Speaker’s ruling on several occasions when he invited the Minister to speak. They have disrespected the Speaker and his authority by contributing to the chaos, and allowing their members to do the same. Come Monday, I fully expect the Joint Opposition to be asked to leave the Chamber if this defiant, lawless behavior continues. Listening to several concessionary speeches earlier by Government Ministers, urging the opposition to come on board, and work together with government to develop Guyana, seemed to have fallen on deaf ears. Guyanese must now seriously consider the real obstructionist motives of the opposition, which is, I believe: To disrupt development at all cost under the PPP/ C. The supporters of the Alli-

ance for Change -AFC must be feeling a deep sense of remorse for having voted for “change”, that is, from bad to worst. And I empathize with the people of Whim who must feel betrayed by the lies, deception and empty promises made by prominent members of the AFC. This is the Party that promised to bring “change” and civility if elected. But now that they are in the opposition, I don’t suppose anyone can hold them responsible for not keeping that promise. It is indeed sad that after all the PPP/C has accomplished to transform an economy that have improved the lives of so many of our citizens, there are still those who are willing to take us back to the PNC era of lawlessness and segregation. Maybe it is truly time to consider the call for snap election and trust the wisdom of the electorate to restore the PPP/C majority in Parliament. HARRY GILL

Sunday April 06, 2014

Kaieteur News

No music from Vybz Kartel in jail

Vybz Kartel KINGSTON – Convicted dancehall entertainer Vybz Kartel (real name Adidja Palmer) has no plans to record music while he is serving his 35-year prison sentence. That revelation by his attorney Tom Tavares-Finson came hours after the entertainer and three men were each sentenced in the Home Circuit Court to life imprisonment for the August 2011 murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams. “He has no intention of recording while in custody,” Tavares-Finson told The Gleaner. Thursday, Justice Lennox Campbell postponed the sentencing to allow defence attorneys to give their input and for enquiries as to whether the entertainer would be allowed to record

music while behind bars. “That is the most ridiculous proposition I have ever heard that he [Kartel] should be given authority to record while in custody,” Tavares-Finson said. “The person was not convicted to do music, he was convicted to do hard labour,” he added. Meanwhile, residents of the “Gully” region of St Andrew who may have carried Mavado’s banner during his bitter feud with Vybz Kartel had plenty of sympathy for their one-time rival. Kartel and three accomplices (André St John, Shawn “Storm” Campbell, and Kahira Jones) were given life sentences for Williams’ murder. Kartel will be eligible for parole after 35 years. Some of Mavado’s supporters spoke to Splash about a man they once despised. “Mi feel like the case fi try over ’cause it nuh look like him get a fair trial. It jus’ look like dem pressure him,” said 34-year-old Eric DJ Blacks Brown. “Me’s a Gully man but at the end of the day Vybz Kartel

music dem have a energy, soun’ good and everything.” Richard Phillips, a 30year-old deejay known as Richest, agreed that the sentence is harsh but added that given the overwhelming evidence presented by the prosecution, a lengthy incarceration was inevitable. “As far as mi si, the sentence nuff an’ ting, but when yuh check the situation wid the evidence, a the road wha’ Adi (another of Kartel’s nicknames) choose get him here. A jus’ the system, wi haffi live wid it”, he said. A Rastafarian who identified himself as Jah Wayne is an elder along the “Gully”, an undulating line of zinc and concrete homes. He believes Kartel is a victim of Jamaica’s unbalanced justice system. “A many killer outa road an’ nuthin nuh happen to dem. Me’s not a Kartel fan but nuff youth look up to him as Jamaica Michael Jackson,” Jah Wayne stated. “If him neva have something inna him the university people dem wouldn’t call him fi lecture up dey.” (Jamaica Observer/ Jamaica Gleaner.)

Venezuela charges opposition leader, protests erupt Caracas (AFP) - Protests erupted in Caracas late Friday after Venezuela’s attorney general charged jailed opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez with responsibility for anti-government demonstrations that have shaken the country since February. Riot police fired tear gas at crowds of rock-throwing demonstrators in the Chacao neighborhood in what has become an almost regular nightly ritual. In an ominous sign of possible escalation, a masked man was photographed moving among the protesters armed with what appeared to be a rifle with a telescopic sight. Leftist President Nicolas Maduro more than once has decried the existence of sharpshooters among the most radical protesters. The government claims the protests are part of a coup attempt orchestrated by the United States and right-wing Colombians. The protesters, in turn, have long complained about harassment from gangs of armed, semi-official progovernment thugs. Thirty-nine people have

died and another 608 have been wounded since crowds took to the streets in early February to protest Venezuela’s soaring crime, high inflation and shortages of essential goods. Lopez, a Harvardeducated economist who is leader of the Popular Will party, has been held in a military prison since he was arrested on February 18 in the midst of a massive opposition protest rally. Attorney General Luisa Ortega Diaz told a press conference that Lopez was formally charged with inciting violence, arson, damage to property and conspiracy. The government had until yesterday to press charges or release him. The action stems from Lopez’s public support for the student-led street protests that have rocked the country since they began February 4 in the western city of San Cristobal and spread to several other major cities. Lopez and some other opposition leaders support a strategy dubbed “the exit” that is aimed at generating pressure through street protests for Maduro — the

handpicked successor to late socialist icon Hugo Chavez to resign. Hours after the attorney general’s announcement, about 3,000 demonstrators, most of them students, hit the streets in eastern Caracas demanding that Lopez be freed. Under the slogan “Free Leopoldo,” some were dressed in white, a symbol of peace, while others carried the Venezuelan flag. “We have no weapons, just stones,” said one young male protester who wore a homemade gas mask. Popular Will activist Ernesto Palacios, 31, told AFP: “As a sign of respect, the government should release Leopoldo Lopez and political prisoners.” From his cell at Ramo Verde military prison, Lopez, whose picture wearing a green shirt and leaning over a small window with hands on his cell bars has been circulated on social networks, has complained about his solitary confinement. Lopez, who had called repeatedly for Maduro’s resignation, is allowed one hour of exercise outdoors and has a small television.

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MOH hosts health fair to raise Autism awareness The Ministry of Health, (MOH) has embarked on a two day health fair aimed at sensitizing the public on Autism and other health issues. As such, several booths offering free health care services to the public were erected at the Square of the Revolution yesterday, in honour of World Autism Awareness day, which was observed earlier last week. Staff of the Ministry provided free check-ups including dental, optical, diabetic, hypertension, to members of the public. Representatives of several organizations including the Guyana Defence Force, Guyana Fire Service and Guyana Police Force, Giftland Office Max, Bakewell and Geddes Grant Ltd, also lent their support to make the event possible. As such, free samples of merchandise and giveaways were also available throughout the event. Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran noted that the activity is aimed at raising awareness about Autism. “Autism is not is a disease, it’s a spectrum disorder meaning that there is a wide degree of variation in the way it affects people…symptoms range from impaired social interaction to verbal and non-verbal communication... Autism is a disorder caused

by a problem with the brain …In Guyana there are children with Autism and even adults, but most of the population are unaware about Autism, thus they are unable to asses help.” Minister Ramsaran added that there are a number of organizations that cater to children with Autism. “Help is available, we have quite a few organizations here in Guyana that cater to persons with Autism; especially children. For this reason, we are bringing this issue to the forefront and we are seeking to address it just like other serious health issues and chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and arthritis, but first we must embark on a massive sensitization campaign.” “Therefore tomorrow in honor of Autistic children the Ministry of Health will be hosting a fun day from 10:30hrs to 15:00hrs at the Wellness Park opposite the Square of the Revolution. We will start a tree planting exercise and will continue to host activities to raise awareness about Autism. Members of the public are invited and especially those interested in learning more about Autism and general health.” Persons can also find useful information and assistance with regards to Autism at various regional rehabilitation centers, nationwide.

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Port Kaituma explosion…

Minister Benn to tackle marine safety, fuel smuggling in area Minister of Public Works Robeson Benn is pursuing measures to deal with maritime safety at Port Kaituma and the issue of handling illegally imported fuel in the area, following Friday’s massive fire in the mining community. A release from the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) also stated that Minister Benn has reiterated the need for persons to clear the waterfront area, where five fuel-laden vessels and nearby buildings were destroyed. According to the release, Benn also stated that the congestion is hampering much needed road works in the area. In the first official statement on the cause of the fire, the release stated that a team from the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) and the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) travelled to Port Kaituma, North-West District, Region One on April 4, 2014 to investigate a fire which originated from the vessel ELLIANA B and destroyed several vessels and buildings ashore. “At approximately 07:30 hrs on April 4, the vessel which was discharging diesel fuel into drums ashore caught afire as the pump malfunctioned and jets of diesel sprayed on the hot surface of the pump. A fire consequently ignited and

engulfed the vessel. “The lone crew member who was on board attempted to fight the fire by himself, but the heat intensified causing him to jump overboard. He swam ashore and raced to the hospital for medical treatment,” MARAD said “Simultaneously, the fire spread to other boats and buildings nearby, destroying four buildings used as dwelling houses, shops and storages. Also five boats are believed to have been destroyed.” The blaze extended on

top of the river as well, as the diesel leaked overboard onto some combustible garbage in the water. Residents from the community formed themselves in bucket brigades and were successful in stopping the fire from spreading to other buildings ashore. “There were no fatalities and the only reported casualty was the crew member who sustained first degree burns to his back and feet. He is currently being treated at Port Kaituma Hospital.”

Kaieteur News was told that up to late Friday night, the ELLIANA B was still on fire, and another massive explosion occurred on the damaged vessel. Chief Fire officer Marlon Gentle, who visited the scene with a team or fire service and army personnel, blamed the smuggling of fuel for the destruction. He told Kaieteur News that all four vessels were laden with gasoline and diesel fuel suspected to have been smuggled from Venezuela.

Sunday April 06, 2014

Kaieteur News

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Reshuffling is merely to fill vacancies - Guyana Police Force - accuses K/News of being mischievous

Acting Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud The Guyana Police Force says that there is no major reshuffling of its senior administrative staff and that the recently published postings are merely to fill vacancies that have occurred in a few key areas. The police was responding to several newspaper articles (but singled out Kaieteur News) which reported the change in command at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and in “A” Division (Georgetown/East Bank Demerara). In a statement issued yesterday, the Force said that these changes have been as a result of the appointment of Seelall Persaud, DSM, as acting Commissioner and the retirement of Assistant Commissioner George Vyphuis, DSM, who were in command of the CID and “A” Division, respectively. Most of the media reports pointed to concerns raised by both junior and senior ranks of the Force, about the suitability of the individuals who were named to fill the vacancies created. Two Senior Superintendents, Clifton Hicken and Leslie James have been named as the replacement ahead of Assistant Commissioners, a rank which traditionally commanded such posts. The major bone of

subsequently served as a Deputy Commander, both in Berbice and on the West Coast of Demerara. Many see his elevation to the post of Commander in the Force’s main Division as a reward, since he had “covered up” for a senior government official during a Commission of Inquiry into Snr. Supt. Clifton Hicken

Snr. Supt. Lyndon Alves

Former Deputy Crime Chief Winston Cosbert

Asst Comm. Brian Joseph

contention is the appointment of Hicken, who is well known for his role as Commander of the then E&F Division, when three persons were shot dead during unrest at Linden. As a result of that incident, Hicken was relieved of his post as Commander following a directive by Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee. In a statement to the media

immediately after the shootings, Rohee had said, “The Minister of Home Affairs has, within the meaning of the Police Act Chapter 16:01 issued general and specific direction to the Commissioner of Police (ag) to effect immediate changes at the command level at E&F Police Division, of which Linden is an integral part.” Since then, Hicken had

the July 2012 unrest at Linden. During the COI, Hicken had initially denied that he was in contact with Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee, who many had accused of giving him directions. However, telephone records showing that contact

was made at least six times between Senior Superintendent of Police Clifton Hicken and Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee following the July 18, 2012 shootings in Linden were produced as evidence before the Commission of Inquiry. The information Continued on page 56

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Sunday April 06, 2014

EBD Public Road four-lane expansion ...

Lot Two Contractor aims to conclude works by end of August Contractor installing pre-stress concrete slabs on bridge on eastern carriageway

Touted the most progressive lot on the East Bank Demerara Public Road four-lane expansion project, the roadway from Covent Garden to Demerara Distiller’s Limited ‘high bridge’ is expected to conclude by August month-end. This is according to Komal Singh, Managing Director/ Owner of GAICO Construction & General Services during a recent interview with this publication. The contract for the construction of this section of roadway along with the two other lots was signed on October 3, 2011. The project was expected to conclude within 18 months, but was rescheduled. The contractor was tasked with transforming the section of canefields into roadway that will link lots one

and three at Prospect and Demerara Distiller’s Limited ‘high bridge’ respectively; building footbridges; and upgrading the existing western carriageway. Thus far, the contractor has completed constructing the footbridges and transforming the canefields into a roadway. The contractor is currently building bridges to link two canals to complete the eastern carriageway and is installing concrete drains on the western thoroughfare. Commenting on ongoing works on the eastern carriageway, Singh said his team has to install concrete deck slabs on the two bridges in that section. The contractor is in the process of putting pre-stress concrete deck slabs on the first bridge. Following the completion of this bridge by next week, the contractor will commence asphalting this section of roadway. The pre-stress concrete deck slabs were procured from the United States of America but the material for the other bridge is being sourced locally, Singh said. “We already drove piles for the second bridge…And, by the end of April we are hoping to put decking on that one also,” he added. When those works are completed, the eastern roadway would be opened for traffic to allow construction on the western carriageway. This is expected to be in place by April month-end or early May.

Sunday April 06, 2014

Kaieteur News

Civil Society Organisations have crucial role in supporting HIV fight, says Activist

HIV Activist, Desiree Edghill The fight against one of the most chronic diseases, HIV, is certainly not one that Health Ministries across the world can engage alone. In fact, for many years the struggle has seen support from many a Civil Society Organisation (CSO). Of course here in Guyana this trend is especially notable with the ever-increasing CSOs lending a hand to combat the scourge against HIV/AIDS. According to Desiree Edghill, who has for a number of years stood in the forefront of a CSO, “we continue to be an integral part of the National HIV Programme.” Her conviction was vocalised recently during a meeting held at the Regency Suites/Hotel, which was designed to solicit input from stakeholders to aid the completion of the Ministry of Health’s National AIDS Progress Report. The Report was slated to be handed over to UNAIDS on March 31 last and indeed some positive strides have been made over the years towards helping to significantly reduce the prevalence of the disease with treatment and of course, awareness. And so important has been the work of CSOs in the fight against HIV, Edghill noted, that even the Ministry of Health has recognised, supported and openly expressed appreciation for such work. A WORRYING AFFLICTION Remembering the initial local encounters with the disease, Edghill said that it was in 1987 that a male dancer was hospitalised with a sickness that puzzled medical practitioners. In fact she recalled visiting that sickened dancer in hospital and herself feeling scared at what she saw. “It was so strange,” Edghill reflected. At first it appeared as though the frightening scourge was claiming its victims from the dancing fraternity annually, since by the following year another male dancer, who was also a nurse, was subjected to its damning scourge.

However, by that time word had reached Guyana about Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) which was course was by then being referred to as “the killer disease AIDS” which was sexually transmitted. “I remember that I was the one asked to talk to our friend, the nurse, because we were working together on the Mash celebrations and he had lesions on his skin...” Edghill recounted. She remembered too that it was one week after Mash that this individual collapsed while at work and was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Two weeks later he was preparing to travel to Trinidad for an operation but was beaten into despair when the results of his blood test revealed that he had the dreaded AIDS. He died soon after. According to Edghill, it was through her colleague’s affliction that she was able to see the evolution of a disease that literally drains the life out of its victim. “I remember seeing him being tied to the bed in the ICU (Intensive Care Unit) and watching his hair change from kinky to straight...” The local health sector was faced with its first cases of AIDS. And AIDS was long seen as a malady that preys almost entirely on the immune system, resulting directly from one becoming infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). It was found, even from the inception, that during the start of the infection, a person may experience a brief period of influenza-like illness often followed by a period of no noticeable symptoms. Health officials had found too that as the illness progresses, it interferes increasingly with the immune system making the infected person much more likely to get infections, including opportunistic infections and tumours that do not usually affect people who have working immune systems. Edghill recalled that “back in the day” there was hardly anyone who wanted to take on the responsibility of addressing the issue. Instead, persons were quite satisfied to keep such talk quiet and not let others know that the epidemic had reached these hores. But change was definitely on the horizon. HIV ACTIVISM IS BORN Edghill disclosed that in 1989, Keith Andre Sobryan, who later became one of the most vocal HIV activists in Guyana, invited a number of his close friends to “wine and dine” with him. The attendees were eager for the occasion as they all knew quite well why they were being invited.

“After we were all fed and were on our third glass of wine, he announced that he had something to tell us; of course we knew what it was, he had gone into the US (United States) Embassy for an interview because he and his sister were going to join their mother in the US,” Edghill recalled. However, the words that emanated from Sobryan’s mouth plunged the gathering into a devastating mode. He disclosed that he couldn’t be granted the visa because he was found to be HIVpositive. (Continued on page 22)

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The case of a woman accused of being involved in her husband’s death is going to take an interesting turn. This is because some of the witnesses will suffer memory lapses. Another thing is that the people who investigated the case are not as involved as they once were. But relatives of the victim are not as amused, largely because of a business interest. But the accused will suggest that she is being persecuted. The case will simply fade away. **

The season for fires is continuing without any signs of abating. Another fire is going to break out in a depressed area and again, people will be at a loss to determine the origin. However, arson will not be

ruled out. One disgruntled partner is going to be accused and to compound the issue, he will go into hiding. ** Three young men are going to find the gun a fascinating tool, fascinating to the point where they will feel invincible. The presence of a police patrol will spark them into action. The guns will come out but the police are not going to be amused. The society would once more lament the waste of the country’s young population.

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Kaieteur News

Sunday April 06, 2014

Civil Society Organisations have crucial role in supporting HIV fight... From page 21 “I remember it as if it was yesterday; I also remember his request, he said that ‘if you do not want to continue to be my friend I understand, but I would rather you leave than stay and be hypocrites’,” Edghill recounted. She was the first to respond to Sobryan’s disclosure giving all assurances that “I promise to be your friend until the end.” “Although it wasn’t easy and very scary at times, I was there until the end and I cared for him until he died on the 11th of September, 2000,” said an emotional Edghill. His passing evoked in her a passion to do more. And it was exactly one year later that she, among others, was behind the opening of an office for Artistes In Direct

Support (A.I.D.S), a Civil Society Organisation of volunteers whose area of work is HIV/AIDS education through the use of theatre. A.I.D.S was however an idea that was spawned from Sobryan a few years earlier. It was 1992, Edghill recalled, that Sobryan had gathered a group of persons in the Arts – two actresses, a dancer, a director, a writer and a musician – who together formed the theatrical CSO. “He felt that because we were popular people, and people were flocking to see us at the National Cultural Centre, that we were in the best position to do HIV education through the Arts,” Edghill reminisced. Their first production, ‘One of our sons is missing’ by Trinidadian Godfrey

Sealey, was staged on December 1, 1992. It was however surprisingly attended by a mere 50 persons and in fact resulted in the cast experiencing, for many years, stigma and discrimination. “It was felt that we were all HIV-positive or else we would not have been involved in the HIV fight, especially after another male dancer had died,” Edghill said. REMAINING FOCUSED They were however unrelenting in their HIV education quest and so travelled around the administrative Regions staging productions and even having question and answer segments which were facilitated by representatives of the Ministry of Health’s Genito-Urinary Medicine

(GUM) Clinic. The collaboration was particularly important since, according to Edghill, “we used to perform and didn’t have the knowledge, so we would invite members of the GUM Clinic to come and answer the questions, as people asked them after our productions”. Today A.I.D.S is involved in an annual production ‘The Flame and the Ribbon’ which is supported by the Ministry of Health, the National AIDS Programme, UNAIDS and even members of the business community. In excess of 2000 persons are usually in attendance. Edghill credited Sobryan with forming the network of Guyanese living with HIV/ AIDS. His creative mind also saw the creation of another CSO, Persons In Same Sex

Relationships (PISSRS) which has since been renamed GuyBo. The groups were known to congregate at Sobryan’s East Street, Georgetown home where they would strategise on the way forward in terms of their HIV/AIDS awareness campaign. NEEDFUL SUPPORT But it was in 1999 that Guyana, by way of USAID, under the leadership of Ms Carol Becker, would see the ‘first of its kind’ HIV response, where a group of six civil society organisations, Artistes In Direct Support, Comforting Hearts, Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association, Life Line Counselling Services, the Regional AIDS Committee of Region 10 now Linden Care Foundation, and the Volunteer Youth Corps, were called together to execute the Guyana HIV/AIDS-STI Youth project. The project was being undertaken under the theme ‘Ready body! Is it really ready?’ and targeted youth, minibus drivers and conductors and even ‘limers’. It wasn’t long before the number of organisations embracing the project increased to 20. This project eventually evolved into the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) Project. The response was then undertaken under the Guyana’s HIV Reduction and Prevention Programme (GHARP) I and subsequently GHARP II. It continues today under the project titled Advancing Partners and Communities. CSOs, according to Edghill, are today able to play a more structured role in terms of the fight against HIV because of the support that has been forthcoming. She disclosed that September 15 will mark 15 years since CSOs started receiving money from the US for the HIV/AIDS response in Guyana. CAPACITY BUILDING This strategic support, she noted, was even instrumental in helping to teach the CSOs capacity building in the areas of governance, programme management, financial management and sustainability. According to Edghill the organisations were able to learn the importance of costsharing, whereby they could contribute themselves to the funding of the projects in which they engaged.

“At the time when I heard we had to share the cost I think I made the loudest noise...we were all a little perturbed but later on we saw it as a way of sustainability, because if you could start by a little bit to fund your project, eventually you can fund all of it,” Edghill said. And so some important lessons were learnt, so much so, that the NGOs were, and continued to be, recognised and awarded for the valuable work undertaken in the HIV fight. “We are getting there; we are not there as yet but we still are little perturbed about cost sharing,” Edghill mused. She disclosed that over the years CSOs working in HIV have collaborated with the Health Ministry and NAPS to continue the fight against HIV/AIDS. This was particularly important, she noted, since it was made clear by former Minister of Health, Dr Leslie Ramsammy, “that regardless of who is doing what, funded by who, we have one national (AIDS) programme.” She recounted how evident it was that Dr Ramsammy had a passion for HIV/AIDS work, even as she added that “there were few times that he and I didn’t see eye to eye and I personally opposed some of the things that he wanted done, fearful that they wouldn’t work and we would get lashes for them.” Of course Dr Ramsammy had his way anyway. But it was because of this determination, Edghill confessed, that Guyana was one of the only countries in the Region to qualify for three major sources of funding for HIV all at once – PEPFAR, the World Bank and Global Fund. “Through the World Bank Programme, lots of other CSOs came on board in the fight against HIV/AIDS; a lot of grassroots organisations...it was a very, very beautiful programme,” Edghill recalled. She emphasised that the HIV fight’s momentum has certainly not dwindled. She pointed out that the HI-Vision 2020 Strategic Plan which has Minister of Health, Dr Bheri Ramsaran, at its helm, will guide the fight against HIV over the next few years. However, she cautioned that Minister Ramsaran certainly “has his work cut out for him” as multi-sectoral advances continue to reduce the impact of HIV/AIDS.

Sunday April 06, 2014

Kaieteur News

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== THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN ==

Clive Thomas: Thank you for the revolution Last Sunday, I attended the symposium on the state of African Guyanese at the Bagotville Community Centre, West Bank Demerara. There was hardly any standing room so Troy Kellman of the 1823 Coalition and I sought space on the verandah. A kind young lady decided to favour us with early snacks that consisted, among other items, a delicious slice of “sponge” cake with lovely channa. With channa in my mouth, talking to Troy about how tasty it was, I heard the chairman introduce the next speaker, Nigel Hughes. As Hughes took the microphone, a weird thing happened to me. These are things very personal to a human that only can be explained in Freudian terms. As I looked at Nigel, I was seeing Clive Thomas. For a moment, my psyche went back in time and played with my imagination and emotions. I once read that the great 19th century English poet, John Clare, was rushed to a

mental asylum when he pointed out to the people he was walking with, his former friend Mary Joyce, was walking up the road, but Mary had died years ago. These things happen to your mind. I will never understand it but in a fleeting moment, Nigel Hughes looked like Clive Thomas. How do you explain this phantasmagoria? Resort to Freudian psychology may help. I think when I saw Hughes speaking, in my mind I wanted to relive the era of the seventies with the phenomenal WPA and people like Walter Rodney and Clive Thomas in mesmerizing awe as they moulded young minds like mine to seek liberation for the poor and powerless. The image of Clive Thomas represented what was in my subconscious and the presence of Hughes with the mike in his hand, addressing a large audience on the need for liberation,

brought that subconscious to the surface. Then on Wednesday afternoon, I was driving west on Cowan Street in Kingston, and as I looked up at the house of Miles Fitzpatrick, Clive Thomas came into my mind again. The awareness immediately dawned on me that I have written thousands of columns since 1988 and I have never allocated an entire column to one of the most respected freedom fighters this country has produced, someone I have admired intensely since I first met him in 1972 and still do, and someone who helped to make me into a person that cares for the poor, the powerless, the exploited, the downtrodden. I believe I am a good human being, and I honestly believe that value came about because of the influence of people like Clive Yolande Thomas. I didn’t know Walter as

well as I knew Clive back then. I was a student at UG and Clive was the biggest name at UG, so I saw him more often than I did Walter. I believe Walter overshadowed all other WPA leaders, but for most youths in those days and for all the people in the WPA, if you had to name three persons in the struggle against injustice in Guyana that you admire intensely, Clive would surely make everyone’s list. There are some people in this country that do not come into existence often, and it will take a long time to see others like them. Obviously Rodney and Eusi Kwayana are two such persons. And though I am no admirer of Burnham and Jagan, I will admit they were unique and we will have to wait very long to see others like them. Clive Thomas definitely makes my list. I consider Clive Thomas a Guyanese hero. A fantastic scholar, an

indefatigable crusader for human rights, a passionate nationalist, a true Caribbean man and a human being that possesses the quality of likeability, Clive Thomas has nurtured a generation of Guyanese to think in terms of justice and equality. Clive Thomas is one of the greatest citizens, sons and anti-racist activists this nation gave birth to. And although he has taken his place in history, the young population of this country must know their heroes. There are little conversations with great humans that forever stick in your mind. The one I remember with Clive occurred at UG. The advice he offered certainly helped to purify my perspective on life. I was a student then and a group of us sponsored a talk on apartheid. During the discussion, the Hungarian lecturer walked in and demanded his classroom,

Frederick Kissoon which meant we had to end the discussion. I thought he should have been more respectful to the oppressed people of South Africa and a loud, verbal clash followed. Many in the audience were harsh on me, particularly Mike McCormack of the Guyana Human Rights Association. In talking to Clive about it, he said, “Stop ego-tripping and learn to live with those who don’t share your ideals.” Thanks Clive and thanks for the revolution that you helped to create in me and in our country.

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Kaieteur News

Book Review… Book: The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin SharmaCritic: Dr Glenville Ashby Author and inspirational speaker, Robin Sharma, is a gifted transmitter of timeless wisdom. The message conveyed in The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, isn’t new, but is brilliantly re-wrapped and presented in “fabled” style. Ever since Indian swamis eyed the Western market to sell their wares, the spiritual seeker in the West has become transfixed and determined to enjoy a more fulfilling existence. Today, the media circuit is replete with motivational speakers and courses in selfenlightenment. It has become big business, opening the door for detractors who question the motives of these teachers. For sure, timeless truths

are sometimes overly commercialised, as snake-oil gurus offer “quick-fix” solutions to problems. Refreshing, though, is Sharma. He creates an interesting tale where the protagonist and lawyer-turnmystic, Julian Mantle, lectures to his erstwhile legal partner, John. The story of Mantle is a compelling one. He is successful, a legendary exponent of rare court room skills and theatrics. He is unchallenged. The best. But fame comes with a heavy price that nearly costs Mantle his life. In an existential moment, he is felled by a massive heart attack. Mantle retires, sells his possessions, including his prized Ferrari, and leaves

Sunday April 06, 2014

A mystical journey for the times for India where he absorbs the pearls of wisdom in a community of savants called Sivana. It is epiphanical, a period of study, reflection and learning. He returns, rejuvenated, slimmer and more youthful in appearance. Gone are the petulance, avarice, insatiability, and selfcenteredness. It is a transformation incredulous to John, to whom Mantle transmits the wisdom he was taught at Sivana. Mantle is engaging, simplifying the keys to unlocking the human potential, while cautious of not being burdensome. During a night-long session, when the rest of the household is fast asleep, Mantle, dressed the part of the perspicacious monk, and

with mala (prayer beads) in hand, honours his guru at “Sivana,” and teaches John, who is more and more intrigued by the mystic pathway. The teachings are steeped in allegory, almost Zen-like. Some of the dictums linger after the last page is read. “If age only knew, if youth only could,” Mantle counsels. Then the mantra: “I am more than I appear to be, all the world’s strength and power rests inside of me.” Mantle goes on a tear to a rapturous listener. John is advised on reconfiguring his life, replacing old habits with new practices. It appears simple, but success requires discipline, fearlessness and acknowledgment of his shortcomings. The advantages of quietude, concentration, contemplation, visualisation, the intonation of the word (mantras), pranayama (rhythmic breathing), exercise, vegetarianism, and gratitude, are all spelled out. “Practice and more practice,” John is told, if he must reconfigure his life. In the end John is told: “No man is free who is not master of himself,” made famous by Epictetus. He must embrace “kaizen” (never–ending improvement), and “joriki” (mental concentration) as his watchwords. The truths of “Monk” are indisputable, and Sharma’s decoding of Zen Buddhism makes it an easy study. But questions linger. Mantle sought this wisdom after a brutally traumatic experience. What ”Monk” does not mention is that “Saul-like”

The book cover of The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari moments are the real catalyst for inner transformation. Yes, Mantle did mention: “When the student is ready, the master will appear.” But that “readiness,” is for the most part precipitated by a searing trauma. Anything short of t h a t a r g u a b l y triggers ephemeral spells of spiritual indulgence. Alas, the fine work produced by Sharma can become a mere addition to collections untouched - its pearls squeezed between cramped

pages, awaiting only those baptised by pain and calamity. Feedback: glenvilleashby@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter@glenvilleashby The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma, Harper-Collins Publishers Ltd, ISBN 0-00-255721-5 http; www.harpercollins.com/ canada, Available: Amazon.com Rating: Recommended

Sunday April 06, 2014

Kaieteur News

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My column

The government and the Opposition are opposite poles When a leader says one thing the people listen. After all he is leader and he knows best. But more often than not, when a leader says one thing the people he leads see something else. The United States is a classic example, and for the right of the people to disagree with their leaders the world has coined a term, democracy. Barack Obama said many things. One of them was that he would close down the base in Cuba that is at present home to many prisoners said to have been involved in planning attacks against the United States. Some have not agreed, so Guantanamo is still operational. Obama more recently came up with a medical plan that would see people who struggle to secure medical insurance actually get a plan. Needless to say, there was widespread objection to the point that it is a miracle that the plan actually got off the ground. In Guyana we have had a share of our leaders saying one thing but the reality was

actually something else. Forbes Burnham came up with the idea that over three years he would give a staggered pay hike. For two years he kept his promise, then he balked. His people never got the $11 per day as he had proclaimed. He also promised hydroelectricity and actually began a pursuit of this dream which would have seen an end to the continued dependence on imported fossil fuels. Today, we have a leader in Donald Ramotar. Because of his minority government he has pledged to work with the opposition for the development of Guyana. However this is easier said than done. He has had problems passing his budgets because the opposition has challenged aspects of those budgets. He tried to establish a tripartite body that would meet regularly to hammer out problems. For some reason that committee never functioned and there have been accusations hurled

across the divide. The opposition contends that the talk about meeting is mere façade. The government said that the opposition was recalcitrant, that its members simply found excuses for not meeting. It also accused the opposition of being petulant, like a child who has a child taken away from it. Both sides are right. There are those in the government who firmly believe that they are in power and that they do not have to take orders from anyone. For example, there was the drive to make the Amaila Falls the source of Guyana’s hydroelectric power . The government touted a lot of money and the opposition balked. The government opted to take some of the opposition members along the road to the falls and won their admiration. However, there were questions and the government said that it was answering them. The opposition doubted this. In the end the project ground to a halt. It was the same with

the specialty hospital and the expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. President Ramotar instructed his people to release all information, but this created even more problems because they prompted even more questions. Answers were not forthcoming. The government said that the opposition refused to even try to understand. I see this situation replicated so many times that I wonder whether I would ever see a unified government. There is simply too much distrust. And this brings me to the present budget debate. Finance Minister Ashni Singh produced the set of figures and in the process exposed many things. For example, the figures show that we have spent so much more on the Hope Canal than we said we did. The extra money came from the very National Assembly that controls the release of funds. Strange but true, the opposition did not even study what they were voting for. If asked, Donald

Ramotar would say that he leaves his officers to do what they are employed to do, that he does not get into details. The result is one group of people doing what they think is the best for themselves and the President saying what he thinks is the right thing to the opposition. He has said nothing about the outburst by his Education Minister Priya Manickchand but then again, he would argue that he is not a parliamentarian and that there are people in parliament who would deal with whatever happens there. For her part, Priya, a lawyer, swore by the principle of innocent until proven guilty. In the National Assembly she ignored that mantra. She labeled people even before they are tried. But things come back to Donald Ramotar. For example, the opposition is serious about the state-owned television and radio stations serving the nation. However the radio and television facilities seem more inclined to serve the government. The

Adam Harris opposition says that it cannot vote money to be discriminated against. It sees that it does not command a favourable space in the state-owned newspaper. It is the same with the radio and television stations. But the government says that the money is needed for the national good. Obviously the opposition does not feature in the national good. But that is democracy and the government and the opposition continue to be hostile to each other.

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Kaieteur News

Sunday April 06, 2014

Budget 2014 lacks vision and details (Taken from the presentation by Dr. Veerasammy Ramayya MP) In his presentation of the 2014 National budget, the Finance Minister informed the National Assembly and the people of this country that since 2011, the PPP Government has injected close to $10 billion into the sugar belt but the industry continues to struggle. In the same breath, the Minister also informed us that after spending all this money in the sugar belt, sugar production contracted by some 15% to 186,807 tons, the lowest production of the PPP Government and one of the lowest in the history of sugar production in Guyana. This sort of failure must be placed squarely at the feet of the PPP Government that failed the industry in a number of ways: · Poor cane husbandry practices leading

to poor cane yields; · Sloth in the mechanization process leading to a loss of control over the cost of production; · Disincentive for the private cane farmers to get on board, which can help to reduce the cost of production. Sugar is in a coma today because of poor direction and the imposition on the industry of square pegs in round holes. The Skeldon Factory remains the principal reason for the almost 40 cents per pound cost of production and no one is being held accountable. The PPPC Government has failed the sugar industry to such an extent that they have lost the confidence of the sugar workers. This is one of the reasons for the government not calling Local Government Elections. It is ridiculous for the government to ask for a further $6 billion bailout for

the sugar industry without a clear and detailed plan on what this money will be used for, when this money is needed, and clear justification why the Opposition should support this cause. The Alliance For Change in principle stands with the sugar workers and their families and would vote for any funds for the sugar belt, once there is clear justification for the request. The AFC will always continue to stand with the sugar belt but we are not “pagalee” to provide billions for the PPP to squander and not service the sugar workers. CRIME An allocation of $17.3 billion was spent on the security sector, but yet the serious crime statistics for 2013 revealed that they were similar to the awful days following the Camp Street jail break and in the ‘Fine man’ gang days.

In a country of 750,000 persons, some 4,204 serious crimes were reported in 2013, which included some 155 murders, so one has to question the impact of $17.3 billion on security. It is clear that financial resources alone will not reverse the escalating serious crime statistics. What is needed is a comprehensive plan to address national security and the political will to implement such a plan. This government has failed to demonstrate such will and in the absence of the commitment to seriously address matters of national security, this country and our people would continue to live in fear, no matter how much money is allocated to this sector. It was only recently the Police acquired high-powered boats, capable of plying the high seas, to fight the pirates that continue to terrorize our fishermen on the Corentyne. The majority of Guyanese continue to live in an environment that presents deadly threats to our personal security with no respect. So what really is the PPP

spending all these billions on? The AFC in its Action Plan has outlined our commitment in detail on how we intend to confront crime and improve personal security for all. If we want to build a viable tourism product, we have to bring down the runaway crime rates and now. Enough of the talk, time to act. It was the UNDP that reminded the nation that “a higher crime rate hinders Guyana’s development”. This reality continues to evade the Home Affairs Minister who is now asking for $19.5 billion, but continues to be very elusive on the specifics. The AFC continues to stand by its commitment to increase the salaries of all law enforcement officers by 20 percent across the Board. We believe if an officer of the law is not so focused on “hustling a dollar” he will have more time to solve crimes and the long-term economic impact will be positive. The AFC also calls for the re-appointment of the Police Service Commission so that

all eligible officers can be promoted accordingly. The AFC in principle supports the establishment of the SWAT Team, which we see as good strategic measure to combat the serious criminal with equal capacity, but we cannot understand why the PPP was so slothful in its establishment We also welcome the establishment of the forensic laboratory, since we seriously think that Guyana has too many unsolved crimes. The AFC believes that the time has arrived for the Police to have their own Air Unit at Ogle Airport and we would commit some $200 million to make this project a reality. We also believe that the Police Marine Unit urgently needs at least three fast boats, especially in the Berbice area, and an AFC Government would have released $120 million to start this process. This is a clear message to the political directorate at the Office of the President that we still have no confidence in Minister Rohee at Home Affairs.

Sunday April 06, 2014

Kaieteur News

SUNDAY SPECIAL TAXI DRIVER FOUND DEAD WITH BULLET WOUND TO HEAD Reminiscent of the days when bandits operated with impunity, the body of a 24year-old taxi driver was found slumped in his car with a bullet wound to his head late on Friday (March 28) night. The body of Roopchand Darsan, of Logwood, Enmore, East Coast Demerara was found around 22:50 hours in his motor vehicle which was partly submerged in a ditch along the Strathspey Railway Embankment, a few miles from his home. Police are working on several theories, one of which is that Darsan was the victim of a botched carjacking by a lone passenger. Kaieteur News understands that Darsan had been operating as a taxi driver at the Enmore Junction for the past five years. He recently purchased his own Toyota Spacio and would normally work late at nights to meet his obligations. It is not clear where the young driver picked up his passenger, but investigators believe that he was lured to the dark Strathspey Railway Embankment where he was shot while trying to prevent the carjacking. Detectives are trying to ascertain if Darsan was shot before his car crashed into the ditch or if he crashed his car and angered his passenger who then shot him in the head. This newspaper was informed that persons in the area where Darsan’s body and car were found had reported hearing a single gunshot and seeing a figure emerging from the car and running towards the Strathspey backlands. AMAILA FALLS ACCESS ROAD PRICE TO ESCALATE FURTHER …FIP MOTILALL’S CONTRACT PRICE WAS REVISED UPWARDS – FINANCE MINISTER The final cost of the construction of the Amaila Falls Access Road is still to be had. While the road is almost complete, Government is yet to finalise and allocate contracts for two key crossings, the Kuribrong and Butakari. It is expected that the Butakari crossing would be via pontoon while the design for a bridge across the Kuribrong River has been completed. Government is yet to make a decision to execute a contract. Furthermore, the US$15.4M contract issued to Makeshwar ‘Fip’ Motilall which was initially inked in 2010 based on specifications provided by Sithe Global was

Dead: Roopchand Darsan increased by US$1.9M. This is according to a response provided by the Minister of Finance, Dr Ashni Singh to his shadow counterpart in the National Assembly, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)’s Carl Greenidge. Greenidge in a formal question to the Minister in the House had queried the cost of the amendment of the specifications of the Amaila Road contract, undertaken after the termination of the contract with Synergy Holdings Inc. The Finance Minister in his response said that during the course of construction in 2012, the scope was revised after taking account of third party inspections of the terrain, environmental consideration, maintenance requirements and the detailed negotiation ongoing with China Railway First Group. This publication understands that the width of the road had to be increased from five to seven metres and the embankment had to be raised accordingly. MONDAY EDITION JAGDEO ‘DROOLS WITH RENEWED HUNGER’ FOR HIGH OFFICE…HAD

SET IN MOTION A TWO PRONGED STRATEGY TO REGAIN POWER – RAMKARRAN

Former Executive Member of the Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) Senior Counsel, Ralph Ramkarran delivered a stark warning to Head of State, Donald Ramotar, while suggesting that former President Bharrat Jagdeo is attempting to scheme his way back into power. In his most recent writings on his conversationtree.org outlet, Ramkarran first alluded to an article in the Guyana Times, which said that the Opposition had caused a poll to be conducted last month which found that “former President Bharrat Jagdeo would be the most formidable candidate that the

Opposition parties…could face in any upcoming general elections.” He noted that the following day, the stateowned Guyana Chronicle carried a similar front page headline: “Jagdeo favoured as PPP’s presidential candidate” in an Opposition poll. Both the Alliance for Change and A Partnership for National Unity have denied any such poll. Ramkarran noted that the publications in the newspapers belie Jagdeo’s protestations that he is not interested in a third term. “This new campaign was no doubt inspired by talk of a landslide victory if he had been the candidate in 2011, and if he is now the candidate.” Ramkarran recalled too that an expensive campaign calling for a third term was also put together in 2010 which only fizzled out when the then General Secretary, Donald Ramotar, took a stand against a third term. According to Ramkarran, now that elections appear to be on the horizon, Jagdeo is “beginning to drool with renewed ambition and hunger for high office.” AMERINDIAN COMMUNITIES NOT CONSULTED ON MAZARUNI HYDRO PROJECT - APA SAYS SEVERAL COMMUNITIES WOULD BE SUBMERGED Guyana has continuously experienced periods of blackouts since the midseventies, with several ideas to tackle the issue coming to the fore, the latest being a revival of the People’s National Congress (PNC)’s proposed Mazaruni hydro project now being led under the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government. A Brazilian consortium is setting to undertake a US$45M prefeasibility study to determine potential hydro power in the Upper and Middle Mazaruni. However, Amerindian stakeholders living in the area are still objecting to the development of any hydro projects in the location. The Amerindian People’s Association (APA) is adamant that residents in six Amerindian villages are at risk of flooding should the project manifest and fail. APA member Laura George, who hails from the Mazaruni area, told Kaieteur News last Sunday that the government has at no time engaged the Amerindian communities, despite the concerns that were raised. She said that the APA and Survival International, a global body that addresses

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the rights of Tribal peoples, were in fact accused by the government of disseminating false information when the project resurfaced some four or five years ago. She added that the Amerindian Affairs Ministry also denied that the project would be discontinued when Toshaos sought answers on the allegations. George related that in January of this year, the Toshaos were invited to a consultation on projects, grants and hydropower. TUESDAY EDITION BUDGET FIGURES DOCTORED – APNU …$$$B BAILOUTS COME UNDER INTENSE SCRUTINYAS DEBATES GET UNDERWAY The 2014 Budget debates commenced Monday in earnest with government speakers lauding the allocations and opposition speakers lamenting the lack of consultation, questionable bailouts and figures. Leading off the debate was A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)’s Chief Financial spokesperson, Carl Greenidge, who accused the Substantive Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh, of doctoring the figures in order to achieve a balance. “If you look at revenue and expenditure you will see that,” said Greenidge. The former Finance Minister, opened his presentation by reminding the House that without a majority, the business of the House has to be undertaken with the understanding that if Government programmes are to be implemented, there needs to be compromise. He did point out that while there were initial tripartite discussions where many proposals were submitted they did not yield any fruit, and further, the talks broke down. Government, he said, is in receipt of proposals that

can capture consensus as well as a process to serve as a blueprint to deal with budget discussions. Despite the efforts, “we come to budget 2014 without going anywhere significant in dealing with challenges that gave rise to the confrontation in the first instance.” DPP INITIATES MOVE TO RE-OPEN MURDER CASE AGAINST RONDY JAGDEO Almost two weeks after he bolted from a city courtroom, accused biker killer Rondy Jagdeo’s freedom may be short lived. The Director of Public Prosecutions has initiated steps that could lead to the reopening of his case. Kaieteur News was informed that DPP Shalimar Ali-Hack, who recently returned from vacation leave, on Monday signed a letter in which she requested that Acting Chief Magistrate Priya SewnarineBeharry produce all the depositions that were taken during the preliminary inquiry into the murder of biker, Kirk Davis. “I will look at them and once all of the witnesses who gave statements to the police did not testify, I can advise that the Magistrate reopen the case, just like was done in the Carlyle Barton matter,” the DPP told this newspaper. The case fell apart after key prosecution witnesses failed to turn up to give their evidence. On March 20, Chief Magistrate SewnarineBeharry discharged the murder charge instituted against Jagdeo, five months after he was accused of gunning down Davis, who was said to be his good friend. Jagdeo, a 28-year-old Water Street businessman, had been on the run for several weeks after the shooting but eventually surrendered to police after a wanted bulletin was issued for his arrest. He first appeared before the Chief Magistrate on October 30,

last. WEDNESDAY EDITION BUDGET DEBATES…SPEAKER ORDERS MANICKCHAND TO APOLOGIZE FOR “HIGHLY IMPROPER” COMMENT On Tuesday, as A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)’s Volda Lawrence was highlighting her coalition’s concern over men who escape punishment by law for statutory rape, Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand shouted, “Ask your APNU member Sharma about that.” Immediately, members of the National Assembly noted that Manickchand had taken her heckling too far and that her statement was “atrocious.” When the Education Minister made her comment, APNU parliamentarian Jaipaul Sharma, asked that an apology be made with regard to the comment. Speaker of the House, Raphael Trotman, explained to Sharma that the Minister had gone further than what he (Sharma) had heard. “Mr. Sharma, she went beyond that to say, ‘ask your APNU Member Jaipaul Sharma’ and I would like to ask Ms. Manickchand to apologize. I know you are capable of apologizing.” To this the Education Minister retorted, “I’m in a bit of a tight position there and I will tell you why. Normally I wouldn’t refuse to heed your advice, but I am a mother and…” Trotman who seemed to be peeved at this point interrupted her and in a firm voice said, “Miss Manickchand I would not recognize you on any day when you are speaking in Parliament during the debates if that is the attitude you are going to take.” Trotman’s statement was welcomed by way of applause (Continued on page 37)

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Kaieteur News

Sunday April 06, 2014

The budget fails public health The Budget 2014 entitled “A Better Guyana for all Guyanese” prepared and presented to the National Assembly by the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, has fallen short and failed to address the socioeconomic status of the healthcare providers and by extension the general welfare of the citizenry. The Budget has been touted as the largest and has shown an unprecedented growth and a GDP expanding 5.2%. However, despite the boast by the Government of surpluses and savings, the masses and working poor remain in a state of dispossession and the jobless poor continue in bewilderment and hopelessness. The Budget raises several concerns. The extension of the wards of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), to accommodate high-risk mothers before and after delivery without having the adequate nursing staff is unwise. It is recommended

that there continues to be capacity-building and that the technical capabilities of healthcare workers be strengthened at all levels through training and retraining with the major emphasis being placed on strengthening supervisory skills. There is a race by the Government to achieve the elusive Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5, which address specifically the reduction of neonate, infant and maternal mortality. To address these health indicators, efforts are being made for the construction and outfitting of the proposed maternity waiting homes in Lethem and Bartica. Although a good gesture, such programs should be decentralized and the newlytrained doctors should be encouraged and deployed to work in these remote areas so as to manage the patients efficiently and monitor them accurately. This would significantly reduce the incidence of patients, arriving at the GPHC at a late stage of their illnesses. They should

spearhead procedures such as Mammograms, Pap Smears and Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) among others. Primary health care is being downplayed while the proposed Specialty hospital is being promoted. Guyana boasts five levels of health care service - Level 1the Health Post; Level 2 –the Health Centre; Level 3 - the District Hospital; Level 4 -the Regional Hospital and Level 5 – Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation - a tertiary level referral and a teaching institution with specialists. It would be wise to develop the already and existing tertiary level institution - the GPHC - which will result in less cost to/for the taxpayers. The Georgetown Hospital, in collaboration with the University of Guyana and the Universities overseas have begun to train specialists in several disciplines to work in rural and remote parts of Guyana. There has been a renewal of primary healthcare focus in the lead-up to having healthy people and healthy

communities. In fact, this approach has been touted to strengthen society’s ability to reduce inequities and as an essential condition for meeting commitments, including the United Nations Millennium Declaration. The latter addresses the social determinants of health and the achievement of the highest attainable level of health by everyone. The recommendation is that primary care service be complemented by different levels of specialized care, whether it is ambulatory or inpatient, but the focus should be at this time on improving the primary care system. There should be the endorsement of the Integrated Prevention and Control of Non Communicable Disease Strategic Plan 2013-2020 that promotes wellness centres and primary care services to promote greater integration of services to meet the needs of remote communities including environmental surveillance. More attention should be paid to Primary

Health care which would have wider scope and greater impact in promoting health and human development rather than the deliberate orchestration to put in place mechanisms to foster the distribution of patronage to those who are perceived to be loyal or satisfy certain prescribed conditions. The recognition of early childhood and teenage molestation, the growing incidence of domestic violence, suicidal behaviours and domestic violence – all these socials ills are of major concern to the Guyanese populace. There should be a structured guidance programme in schools and health clubs to address the issues such as the dangers of early sex and its sexually transmitted diseases and the dissemination of information on health as to what the children and youths need to know in life. It is also recommended that proper data be collected to capture the factors and etiologies that have attributed to this social problem. For example, data on

the percentage of persons who are frustrated and jobless; the percentage of persons who are engaged in substance abuse; the age ranges of such persons who commit suicide must be provided, so that a matrix can be developed to look at the host, environment and agent to address the cause and thus provide prevention strategies at a primary, secondary or tertiary level. Over $ 2.5 billion has been allocated to the sanitation system established for the management and disposal of municipal solid waste and sewage. However, no plan has been posited or evidence of consultations being made among NGOs, the residents, the business sector or the city council as to the way forward for an integrated solid waste management plan. There must be a comprehensive plan for waste prevention, waste disposal and combustion or controlled burning and recycling and composting. Budget 2014 has comprehensively failed public health.

Sunday April 06, 2014

From page 27 from members of the House. Radio announcer remanded for assaulting girl, 13 Popular radio announcer, Ossie Rogers, on Tuesday exited the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court as a remanded prisoner after appearing there in relation to accusations made by a 13-year-old girl that he barged into her yard and assaulted her. Behind closed doors, Rogers who is attached to the National Television Network (NTN), was indicted before Magistrate Alex Moore on assault causing actual bodily harm and threatening behaviour charges. Rogers is accused of dealing the teen several slaps moments after barging into her Industry, East Coast Demerara yard and confronting her about text messages she sent to a mutual male friend’s phone. He allegedly accused her of being “too close” to his friend. Rogers was charged too for threatening behaviour towards the teen’s mother, Indramattie Ramdhayal, who reportedly rushed to the teen’s aid. When the charges were read to the accused, however, he refuted all claims and submitted a bail application through his lawyer, Dexter Todd. The case is being prosecuted by Inspector Anthony. While both offences are bailable, Ramdhayal during the onehour-long court hearing explained that she now fears for her life since Rogers has been making other threats to her and her family. Magistrate Moore, in response, opted to remanded Rogers to prison. He will make his next court appearance on April 8. THURSDAY EDITION APNU QUESTIONS ARRANGEMENT WITH NEW GPC …HEALTH MINISTER MUM IN HIS PRESENTATION Shadow Minister of Health, Dr George Norton, Wednesday blasted Government’s drug purchasing arrangements which have positioned one company, over which there are a number of burning questions, with an unfair advantage over the rest of suppliers. While he did not name the company in his presentation, he was referring to the New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation (GPC), owned by Dr. Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop, which since 2005 has become the supplier of 75 per cent of drugs to the Government. Dr. Norton was speaking to the 2014

Kaieteur News

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo

Dr. Bheri Ramsaran Moses Nagamootoo budgetary debates. He reminded the House that as far back as 2005, the late Winston Murray, was making repeated calls to the Government to purchase drugs and medical supplies with the procedures established by the tender board and to stop the use of a Cabinet Order. According to Dr. Norton, there are burning questions about what Government pays for its drugs as well as the untimely delivery, often leading to shortages in the system. He pointed to a recent headline which, he said, “screamed; Government pays $18,000 for $2000 pressure tablets.” “What is apposite to note is that this company and the GPHC have defended the purchases saying that the prices were okay.” Dr. Norton said that last year new instructions were issued on how to shortlist the prequalified suppliers but the guidelines will certainly give the company and unfair advantage. “We are saying that this process should be ceased forthwith and revisited with all the potential suppliers, to create as much of a level playing field as possible.” A MORE SINISTER PLAN IS BEHIND ‘JAGDEO THIRD TERM’CAMPAIGN – MOSES NAGAMOOTOO There seems to be something more sinister about the “Jagdeo Third Term” saga, says Alliance for Change Parliamentarian, Moses Nagamootoo. According to Nagamootoo the Ralph Ramkarran column from last Sunday really “hit the hammer on the nail”. Ramkarran, a former PPP/C stalwart in his weekly blog, delivered a stark warning to Head of State, Donald Ramotar, suggesting that former President Bharrat Jagdeo is attempting to scheme his way back into power. According to Nagamootoo, everyone saw

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how persons whom he refers to as the “gang of B’s” coined the campaign of “Bring Back Bharrat”. Nagamootoo told Kaieteur News that he strongly believes that the “gang” isn’t so “concerned” about a third term but something more sinister. “The gang knows that the notion of a third term is a like a kite that cannot fly. The tail is too heavy to make it fly,” Nagamootoo said. He explained that the campaign is even more sinister and perhaps less noticeable by the general public and the PPP membership. It could see Ramotar being forced to step down as President before the end of his term and Jagdeo being installed. Then he does not breach the constitutional provision which states that he cannot be re-elected. According to Nagamootoo, former President Bharrat Jagdeo has been a debilitating factor which was introduced into the PPP. He said that everyone has seen him operate by stealth, trying to wield control. “Because he had access to the Ministry of Finance and it’s a fairly influential position, he was able to corral under his side people who could be easily compromised,” Nagamootoo opined. FRIDAY EDITION AILING SKELDON FACTORY TO BENEFIT FROM $6B BAILOUT After relating to the House the success story of the rice industry in 2013, Minister of Agriculture Dr. Leslie Ramsammy announced that sugar will make a turnaround this year and that some of the $6B bailout being requested for the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) will be plugged into the ailing Skeldon Factory. The bailout has generated significant concerns on the part of

political opposition, and in seeking to provide answers, Dr. Ramsammy on Thursday evening told the House that the $6B will be geared towards the mechanization drive of the industry, “a drive that seeks to address the smaller labour pool that the industry now relies on and to improve on cane yields in 2014…Land conversion costs will account for $1.1B with 2,500 hectares of land slated to be converted in 2014.” According to Dr. Ramsammy, another $1B will be expended on the tillage and replanting programme this year with 9,600 hectares of land to be tilled and 9,224 hectares to be planted. The Minister said too, investments will also be made in all-weather roads in all cultivations to improve on accessibility and timeliness of cane delivery to factories. He said that a portion of the $6B will be spent on capital programmes at the various factories, including the replacement of old and outdated pumps, improvement of factory automation at Albion, work on two punt dumpers at Skeldon and the upgrade of boilers at Uitvlugt. MINISTER’S UNSAVOURY COMMENT MAKES MP RESIGN - BAN LIFTED ON MANICKCHAND A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament, Jaipaul Sharma, on Thursday tendered his resignation to Speaker of the National Assembly Raphael Trotman. Sharma told the media that his resignation had come after unsavoury comments made towards him by Education Minister Priya Manickchand during the ongoing Budget debates. On Tuesday, last, Minister Manickchand during the presentation of APNU’s Volda Lawrence, who spoke about statutory rape, heckled “ask APNU member Sharma”, which prompted the Speaker

to chide the Minister and call on her to apologise. He said that until such time her comments would not be recognized in the House. This “ban” was lifted by the Speaker on Thursday. Sharma told reporters that his decision to resign was made after considerable thought. He said that he strongly believes that the PPP/C will use the matter to cause APNU to lose votes. He insisted that his move was not a publicity stunt. “There’s a good possibility that the ruling PPP may call snap elections. I do not want to be used as a political football, thus my resignation. I believe I did the right thing, and I want to make it clear that it was solely because of Tuesday’s incident that I have resigned.” Meanwhile, Opposition Leader David Granger who stood beside Sharma while he made the brief statement outside of Parliament said that he had not received any resignation. Granger said that since he “didn’t see anything” he would advise Sharma against it. According to Granger, the budget is very important and he (Sharma) is a valuable person within the party. He added that Sharma currently sits on several important committees, noting that the matter would be discussed with him. SATURDAY EDITION APNU DESK-BANGING PROTEST SILENCES MINISTER MANICKCHAND ...AS FIRST WEEK OF BUDGET DEBATE ENDS IN CHAOS The 2014 Budget debate on Friday evening descended into chaos and Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman was forced to abandon the sessions until Monday. While it was not the first bout of tension between the Government and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), the debate came to a screeching halt when Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, rose to make her presentation to the House. The Alliance for Change, Members of Parliament left the sitting while APNU’s parliamentarians began banging on their desks loudly, drowning out the Minister; effectively gagging her. The APNU Parliamentarians could be heard chanting “apology, apology, apology” which went on for several minutes. After Speaker Trotman failed to get the compliance of the APNU members to allow the Minister to make her

presentation, he suspended the sitting. He then met with the Chief Whips in an attempt to broker a solution but both sides stuck to their position. APNU is demanding that Minister Manickchand apologize for a heckle she made during Volda Lawrence’s presentation and which was objected to by then Member of Parliament, Jaipaul Sharma. Government is holding out that when Speaker of the House Trotman ruled on the matter it was concluded and as such the Minister must be allowed to speak. During the suspension, APNU members were observed milling around while the Government side was observed in caucus, presumably to strategize their next move. When the sitting was resumed by Speaker Trotman, he informed of the failed attempt to broker a solution. He indicated also that he was of the opinion that the matter had been dealt with and as such the protest by APNU was against him as much as it was against the Minister. Trotman then invited the Minister to make her presentation at which point in time the banging resumed. When Government’s Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira attempted to intervene on behalf of Minister Manickchand, the decibel levels in the Chambers increased exponentially as the APNU Members of Parliament began banging even louder. The banging continued incessantly for several more minutes and each time the Speaker managed to invite the Minister to speak, the banging resumed to the point where Trotman was then forced to adjourn the sitting until Monday. A team of Ministers and other members of the Government side immediately arranged for a live broadcast where in a show of support for their colleague Minister, they lamented what transpired. MASSIVE FUEL EXPLOSION AT PORT KAITUMA FOUR BOATS, HOUSE AND BONDS DESTROYED A trawler unloading smuggled fuel exploded at the Port Kaituma waterfront shortly after 07.00 hrs Friday, triggering a massive fire that destroyed three other vessels, a house, and two bonds which were also stacked with illegal fuel. The blaze lasted for about four hours before residents, armed with pumps and (Continued on page 38)

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Kaieteur News

Sunday April 06, 2014

Diabetes and mental health

By Dr. Kumar Sukhraj, BSC, MBBS There are many patients with diabetes who are faced with many behavioural and physiological factors that can lead to mental health issues, and these issues can cause poor management of diabetes which can increase their probability of complications. People with diabetes are very vulnerable to depression and anxiety. The stress of accepting a diagnosis of diabetes and daily diabetes management can build up and patients may feel alone or set apart from their friends and family because of having an incurable illness and extra work to manage it. Many

diabetics who experience depression may find it hard to manage their diabetes, with things such as regular blood glucose testing, taking medication, following a healthy eating plan and regular physical activity. The good news is that help and support is available for diabetics and one has to accept that he or she has diabetes and understand that the illness is manageable. Feeling down once in a while is normal for many individuals. But some people may experience a prolonged period of sadness that just won’t go away. Life may seem hopeless. Feeling this way most of the day for two weeks or more is a sign of serious

depression. Many diabetics may experience frustration when complications such a retinopathy (damage to the eyes), nephropathy (damage to the kidneys) and neuropathy (damage to the nerves) occur and may lose hope and feel that they are not in control of their body. Even tension between a diabetic and his/ her doctor may make them feel frustrated and sad. These patients then become depressed. Spotting depression is the first step. Getting help is the second. Symptoms of depression may include; · Losses of pleasure — No longer take interest in doing things you used to

enjoy (loss of interest in food, sex, exercise etc). Spending less time with friends and family. · Change in sleep patterns — Have trouble falling asleep, you wake often during the night, or you want to sleep more than usual, including during the day. · Early to rise — Wake up earlier than usual and cannot to get back to sleep. · Change in appetite — Eat more or less than you used to, resulting in a quick weight gain or weight loss. · Trouble concentrating —Can’t watch a TV program or read an article because other thoughts or feelings get in the way. · Loss of energy —Feel tired all the time. · Nervousness —Always feel so anxious and can’t sit still. · Guilt — Feel you “never do anything right” and worry that you are a burden to others. · Morning sadness — Feel worse in the morning than you do the rest of the day. moodiness that is out of character · Suicidal thoughts — Feel you want to die or are thinking about ways to hurt yourself. · Being reckless or taking unnecessary risks (e.g. driving fast or

dangerously) slowing down of thoughts and actions · Increased alcohol and drug use · Increased irritability and frustration If you have three or more of these symptoms, or if you have just one or two but have been feeling bad for two weeks or more, it’s time to get help. It is also important to note that poor control of diabetes can cause symptoms that look like depression. During the day, high or low blood sugar may make you feel tired or anxious. Low blood sugar levels can also lead to hunger and eating too much. If you have low blood sugar at night, it could disturb your sleep. If you have high blood sugar at night, you may get up often to urinate and then feel tired during the day. If you are feeling symptoms of depression, don’t keep them to yourself. First, talk them over with your doctor. There may be a physical cause for your depression. Do not stop taking a medication without telling your doctor. Your doctor will be able to help you discover if a physical problem is at the root of your sad feelings. Other physical causes of depression can include the following: · Alcohol or drug abuse

· Thyroid problems · Side effects from some medications If you and your doctor rule out physical causes, Referral and treatment need to be done at an early stage before symptoms get worse. Thus mental health plays a major role in the lives of diabetics and care must be taking to prevent and manage mental disorders. **** Please feel free to send an email to kumarsukhraj@yahoo.com or call 6228032 for further enquiry and discussion on the topic. Patient education plays an important in the diagnosis and management of diabetes and any other illness. Please look forward for a continuation of the discussion on health issues in next Sunday’s publication. References: http: // www .diabetes org/ living - with - diabetes / complications / mental health / depression . html #s thash . fZ4cCkND. dpuf

From page 37 buckets, and using water from the river, prevented the flames from spreading to other nearby properties. The blaze is said to have started when an 18-year-old pump attendant, identified as Donald James, was using a defective pump, which began to emit sparks that ignited the fuel. James sustained burns to his abdomen, hands, chest and feet and was admitted to the Port Kaituma Hospital. Chief Fire Officer Marlon Gentle, who visited the scene with a team of fire service and army personnel, blamed the smuggling of fuel for the destruction. He told Kaieteur News that all four vessels were laden with gasoline and diesel fuel suspected to have been smuggled from Venezuela. The fuel is vital to the gold mining community. Gentle also said that there were several shacks and plastic drums with fuel in the area. “People are endangering others by bringing illegal fuel. All the boats (that were damaged) had diesel and

gasoline smuggled from Venezuela. “It could have been worse. The area is not regularized. I am glad that I did not have to put my men in harm’s way.” Kaieteur News was told that the injured attendant was pumping fuel from a ‘big boat’ which some residents identified as a trawler, into barrels on a truck, when the pump reportedly ‘backfired’ and started to spark. According to a source, on seeing the sparks, the workers on the ‘fuel boat’ jumped off the vessel, which exploded within minutes. The blaze quickly spread to three small boats as well as to two fuel bonds and a one-bedroom house containing a small shop. Gold Board closes Bartica branch, police probe tampering racket An entire sub-office of the Guyana Gold Board has been closed and police are investigating several staff members over the alleged tampering of gold bought from miners. The scheme may have cost Government tens of millions of dollars in diverted

taxes and royalties. According to sources close to the Guyana Gold Board, raw gold being sold have to be tested for its purity. The purer the gold; the higher the price. It is believed that staff members allegedly took kickbacks to record higher purity levels after the mandatory density level tests are conducted. This in turn led to miners being paid more. It is alleged that the staffers and miners collaborated with others from Georgetown in the scheme. At least four staffers from the Bartica branch and one from the Georgetown office were reportedly being questioned. Bartica is located up the Essequibo River. Yesterday, Natural Resources Minister, Robert Persaud, admitted that an investigation was underway and that the matter was being considered a serious one. The Guyana Gold Board said, it has convened a meeting with the Ministry and representatives of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association to assess the situation.

Dr. Kumar Sukhraj

Sunday April 06, 2014

Kaieteur News

Denzel Washington wins raves on Broadway for ‘A Raisin in the Sun’

A scene from the play ‘’A Raisin in the Sun’’ by Lorraine Hansberry is pictured in this undated handout photo courtesy of Brigitte Lacombe. From left, the cast are: David Cromer, Bryce Clyde Jenkins, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Anika Noni Rose, Denzel Washington, and Sophie Okonedo. Denzel Washington may be best known for his film roles, but the award-winning actor is dazzling theater critics in the Broadway revival of Lorraine Hansberry’s acclaimed 1959 play “A Raisin in the Sun.” “Heart-stopping,” “a Broadway bulls-eye” and “nothing short of revelatory” are just a few of the accolades used to describe director Kenny Leon’s production, which opened on Thursday at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre. “It captures the play’s passion, pathos and intelligence, without stinting on Hansberry’s dry humor,” the New York Post said. Hansberry’s story about a struggling African-American family seeking a better life after inheriting a windfall was the first play written by an African-American woman to be produced on Broadway. Washington, 59, plays an ambitious chauffeur with big dreams of success but no business acumen to achieve it. “Reprising Sidney Poitier’s role, Washington is stunning as the dreamerschemer Walter Lee Younger, whose frustration throbs at the heart of an American classic that is as deeply humorous as it is affecting,” said the New York Daily News. Trade magazine Variety described Washington’s performance as a “triumph,” while the New York Post said he was “incredibly believable.” Although the Academy Award winner for the 2001 crime drama “Training Day” and the 1989 Civil War film “Glory” is nearly 25 years older than Hansberry’s

original Walter, his energy and exuberance on stage is convincing. “The performance is a personal triumph for Washington, who refrains from star-strutting to fold himself into a tight-knit ensemble of committed stage thesps who treat this revival like a labor of love,” Variety said. This was not Washington’s first successful foray on Broadway; the actor picked up a Tony Award in 2010 for “Fences.” AUTHENTICFEELING Washington leads an allstar cast that includes LaTanya Richardson Jackson (“Malcolm X,” “Sleepless in Seattle) as his mother Lena, the strong, loving matriarch of the family. British actress Sophie Okonedo, a best supporting Oscar nominee in 2005 for “Hotel Rwanda,” makes her Broadway debut as his devoted wife, Ruth. Anika Noni Rose (“Dreamgirls” and “For Colored Girls” is his younger, intellectual sister

Beneatha, a college student with dreams of attending medical school. “LaTanya Richardson Jackson shows us the wit and grit that have sustained Lena; Sophie Okonedo, likewise, conveys Ruth’s weariness and resilience to heartwrenching effect,” said USA Today. The New York Times added: “Ms. Rose stands out as a revelatory Beneatha.” Although Washington is the star attraction, the Hollywood Reporter credits the ensemble cast for giving the revival its authentic feeling. “The warmth as well as the frictions and frustrations of a real family ripple through this lived-in production, with an accomplished cast that nestles deep into every moment of humor, hope and sadness,” it said. Hansberry was the first African-American playwright to win the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award. She died of pancreatic cancer in 1965 at the age of 34.

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Robbing Tourists in Guyana; Jagdeo Trial Balloon and Idiotic Journalists By Ralph Seeram I saw the photograph and I immediately felt sick to my stomach. I got very angry at whoever the moron was that published and broadcast that revolting picture of the teenager hanging from a sheet in his house. These fools have no sense of decency or respect. Here is a child that took his own life, a family in shock and deep mourning, grieving, and to add to their misery, these incompetents that pass for journalists in Guyana publish the picture of their son hanging for the world to see, Internet and all. Did they even ask the parents’ permission to do this? Did they consider what effect it would have on this poor family in their time of distress? I would like to know if this was their son, would they be happy to see it splashed over the media. To be honest it is sickening to see what passes for journalism today in Guyana. Some years ago when the “Fineman” gang went on its murder rampage, this newspaper carried a picture of a murdered child with his intestines protruding. I immediately picked up the phone here in Florida and called the editor (who is also a friend of mine) and cussed him out in no uncertain terms. When it comes to children, there is a line you do not cross. There is always an element of self-censorship in the interest of the public. Sometimes you have to put the public interest, in this case the family interest, before sensationalism, then again I doubt if those fools for editors would know what I am talking about. POWER POSITION AND PRIVILIGE Some months in the runup to the 2011 Elections, I was speaking to an attorney friend of mine in Guyana with close PPP ties about the election. I told him that we will see a change under a Donald Ramotar Presidency. He told me don’t expect any changes, which prompted me to ask him why. He told me that Bharrat Jagdeo has already dismantled the PPP and has “his people in place” and that they are also placed strategically in Government. Ramotar, he said, would have no control. I doubted at the time, but after a year of the Ramotar Presidency where the status quo remained I remember his prophetic words.

So this last week we had this little controversy on who made the poll showing Jagdeo will win Parliament back for the PPP. Does anybody seriously believe that was an Opposition poll? Come on really? That was a trial balloon by the Jagdeo camp to test the waters, pure and simple. Ralph Ramkarran in his hard hitting conversation this week, exposed what some had already suspected, but coming from Ralph Ramkarran, adds credibility. Why? Because Ramkarran is not only respected, but has credibility. Do you notice that the PPP government ministers stay clear of attacking Ralph Ramkarran directly? They let their lackeys try to do the dirty work. But back to Jagdeo; power is like sex, you get a taste and you want more, nobody likes to give up power, position and privilege, that’s why some Ministers have been there for 20 years. I am sure Jagdeo misses those three P’s. Here is the bad news for Jagdeo’s supporters and Jagdeo; if you think he can win back Parliament for the PPP you are in la la land. Keep dreaming. Bharrat Jagdeo caused the PPP to lose the last elections, and he will most certainly cause them to lose the

Presidency at a future election, not only if he runs for the Presidency, but even if he campaigns for the PPP. The man is a disgrace to Cheddi Jagan and what the PPP stood for. Anybody remembers the last disgraceful act he did before demitting office? Remember those awards of Radio, Television and cable licenses to friends and cronies? So why has he some support in and out of the PPP? Ramkarran sums it up. “The second limb of the plan was to break down any independent thinking and resistance to himself from the leadership of the PPP. Party stalwarts were retired, removed or sidelined. Independent voices were driven out, stilled or subverted. The newcomers, enticed with career opportunities and devoid of ideological commitment or political history, easily fell in line and learnt that exaggerated and sycophantic displays of loyalty offered security of tenure and protection, albeit limited, from the great man’s rages”. Read the full article on conversationtree.gy. It’s a powerful article if not the most frank and brutal assessment of Bharrat Jagdeo. I wrote years ago that the reason Ralph Ramkarran was sidelined in the PPP was the

fear that had he become President, the “gravy train” (bribes, kickbacks etc) would end. Speaking about PPP, its Tourism Minister has been mouthing off about how great tourism is doing and plans to expand the tourist industry including a US$4M Hospitality Institute. This is another PPP buffoon spewing buffoonery when it comes to tourism. Hint - you can’t build a successful tourist industry, when you have a prosperous crime industry, especially one that preys on tourists and returning Guyanese. You can’t build a successful tourist industry when you have your Customs and Immigration officers passing on arriving passengers’ information to criminals, who rob them as soon as they arrive at their destination. I have said in the column before to those in the Diaspora, do not give your

destination on the declaration form, and give a hotel name. Within the last week a friend of mine was held up at gunpoint and robbed as he arrived at his home from the airport. The bandits were waiting. Now this is a prominent businessman from Orlando, Florida. His restaurant, “Singh’s Roti Shop”, is very popular with Guyanese and the wider Caribbean Diaspora. The word got around very rapidly in the Guyanese Diaspora here in Florida thanks to social media. Some have already killed the idea of going to Guyana after hearing what happened to this popular businessman. Florida depends on tourism; some 18 million visitors a year. Yes there are one or two instances or robbery in the street, but rare. Criminals stay away from tourists; they know they will feel the full wrath of law enforcement, should they

attack a tourist. And Customs and Immigration Officers certainly do not pass on passenger information to criminals. Irfaan Ali gave statistics of the number of tourists visiting Guyana. Turns out the majority are Guyanese returning for a visit to their homeland. I hardly think Guyanese consider themselves tourists when they visit relatives or friends. I don’t consider myself a tourist when I visit Guyana. Does anyone in the Diaspora agree with me? Now if Guyana sees droves of Europeans, Canadians, Americans, Latin Americans and Caribbean people in a steady flow to Guyana, well then you can claim you have a tourist industry. Just don’t classify me as a tourist when I return to the land where I was born. Ralph Seeram can be reached at email: ralph365@hotmail.com

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FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Spare for washing machine, microwaves,fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, pumps, etc call: 225-9032, 647-2943 Live/pluck chicken call: 6504421, 220-9203 ‘Adventure’ Bakers Pine Jam in 12lb bucket, price: $2,400 + returnable deposit. Call: 666-5676 for delivery Plywood – All Sizes @ B. Sooklall, High Street, Opposite Carnegie School. Shop Grade $1909 per – Tel:621-1979 Race horse for sale - Contact: 601-0993 (Sea Rockette) 3A Engine & gear box, front wheel drive, working condition – Tel:216-1242 1 Black Lexus 470 SUV Tel:656-0878; 225-5334 Complete tyre shop equipment – plus. Phone 225-9753 Pure breed imported Doberman puppies - Call: 682-2148 or 655-8674 One (1) Cargo Ship – Call:676-6933 One unregistered – 65 CF 210 flat bed, one 50 160 Recovery DAF- Contact:615-9332; 6410932; 695-0023 Plough - New 2 pan dish plough; Made in India; excellent quality. $220,000 (neg). Call257-0212or628-8487. DAF Engines, Cummings engine, axles, springs, gear boxes, etc - Contact:6159332; 641-0932;695-0023 One RZ minibus - BJJ Series Call: 667-6045 One slate pool table 8’X4’ $450,000, one brand new freezer 5"2’X2"3’ - $120,000 & Fridge 5’X2’ - $40,000 – Call:601-8083 Games PS2 $900, PSP $900, X-Box 360 $2600 & PS3 $2600 & Original Games Call: 672-2566 1 -65 DAF 210 Engine Foreign used. In Excellent condition - Tel:228-5655 or 628-1756 One Kawasaki 2750 CBR – price: $1.3 negotiable, documents included, owner leaving country – Contact: 695-6634/219-0494 for more information. Premio – Price: $2.5M, Carina AT212 – Price: $2M. Tel:226-5473

Kaieteur News

FOR SALE Toyota Forklift - Excellent condition, 4,000lbs capacity, 117" Lift, Solid Wheels, Automatic Transmission, 4 Cylinder LPG Motor. Call: 604-6108. One Perkins 6-Cylinder, 1Perkins 4236, 1 Berkeley 8-6 Pressure pump, 1 Cummings 6-cylinders, 1–Perkins Roll Royce 330 HP – Tel:650-5040 BMM 8322, super custom – Short based, price negotiable. Owner leaving country – Tel:644-8676 Land with foundation, Curb walls, infill and columns @ Tuschen, Middle Income, H/ Scheme E.B.E - $7M – Call:682-7220; 602-0268 One boat & Ice-box: 50ft in length, 9ft in width, 6ft in depth. Price negotiable. Call:234-0401 or 675-3985 Parts by order: Tundra, Titan, Tacoma F-150 - Tel:226-5473 Chicken Hatchery (Robbins), 28,000 eggs capacity fully ready, 3 Incubators, 4 Hatchers all $5M. or Credit Available Tel: 227-3939 621-4000 Rabbits – Price $2,000 each – Tel:642-8843 One (1) Fielder Wagon, PNN series – Tel:666-7734 or 2251276 One (1) Model M Winch Truck, GRR series – Tel:6667734 or 225-1276 Red Honda 250 Twister motorcycle – Contact:6713533; 681-2217 One Toyota Carina Wagon – Tel:220-4337 Tibetan Puppies fully: vaccinated and de-wormed. Call:225-4780 or 601-5927 Honda CG in Bike Series CD, Asking Price: $150,000 – Call: 683-9516 Wardrobe, desk, T.V, gas bottles, divider, vases, beds, chairs, table, etc. Call:2262284 6603 John Deere in excellent condition, perfect for the interior or rice field, for more information Contact:676-0998 or 664-0410 Exclusive Designed Saris made in India. Price $5,000$6,000. Also Shalwars & Ghararas - Tel:216-1210; 6488961 (In Berbice) 336-6223 Three pure bred German Shepherd (two females and one male) – Contact:626-8144 One small Canter- Call:685-3883 Brand new 60" Samsung LED with 3D smart TV. Interested person – Call:623-1615

Sunday April 06, 2014

PROPERTY FOR SALE Property @ Lot 35 Plantation Walk, Vreed-En-Hoop, 3 buildings next to G.T.M – Contact:667-9978 Property for sale.Call:6275416

FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620

Double Lot with house - Tel: 220-9961

Salon Station to in Vreed-EnHoop W.B.D – Contact:6783077

Prime Property for sale - Light Street, Alberttown - Contact: 639-3619, 619-7299 Queenstown, second building, 3 bedrooms cottage in good condition $16M. – Contact B&G’s Realty – Tel:617-9717 Property for sale located at Windsor Forest, W.C.D. Tel: 644-6066 Furnished house @ West Bank, 3 bedrooms, 2½ bath, concrete yard & fence, car port, window grill, pressure washer. Call: 669-1028 Campbellville (2buildings) -$25M, West Bank -$20M, Continental Park -$62M, Lamaha Gardens -$55M – Call:227-2256 or 626-9382 Durban Street & Mandela Avenue 2 Flat, 7 bedrooms fairly new concrete building - $30M negotiable – Contact B&G’s Realty :617-9717 Two Storey concrete & timber building with three bedrooms at Parika - Tel: 660-3118 Price Reduced:-Prime Commercial Property, Albertown, GT. 3 Lots with business furnished with modern amenities ( Nut Centre) . Tel 621-4000, 2273939 House & land, double lot @ New Rd, Vreed-En-Hoop W.C.D. Serious enquiries only. Contact Rock Star Blocks Yard:269-1406; 6179230 Three bedrooms house, corner lot, Section A Block Y, Golden Grove, E.B.D – Call:226-3562 or 645-5523 2 Storey Transported property with 2 kitchens, 6 bedrooms, 2 toilet & bath @ Tuschen East Bank Essequibo – Tel:650-2982 Vacant corner lot 58"X30" @ Garnette & Republic Streets, Newtown Kitty – Tel:645-0616

PEN -PAL Man seeks female Guyanese friend (17-30)Email (iluvguyanesewomen@ yahoo.com) 1-246-835-6908 (7pm -8pm only) Meet your match! Lifelong partners/friends, singles only, confidential – Tel:592-2238237; 592-648-6098. 8:30am5pm (both phones same hours)

SALON

VEHICLE FOR SALE

Make Up Courses, Artist Trained & Certified in Trinidad. Call: 660-5257, 647-1773

One Extra Cab Toyota Hilux. Call: 685-6199

Nail Technology & Hair care courses @ Beautopia, also available Brazilian, Indian, Malaysian & Peruvian Virgin Hair – Call:604-3002 or 669-8477

House in Diamond/Grove Tel:692-8513 House at Lot 109 Block AA Eccles Fully Furnished with A/C, 4 rooms, yard space. Good Price. Call:671-7687; 622-2531 Fully furnished 2 storey concrete house, 3 bedrooms upper, 1 self-contained lower-flat fully grilled, garage @ Enmore Public Rd.– Phone:270-6260 Two Bedrooms lower flat apartment, one month’s security - $38,000 per month @ Paradise Public Rd, E.C.D Contact: 625-9939; 672-2677 Kitty - US700, Campbellville - $50,000- $80,000-US1200$, Bel-Air Park - $US1200 – Diana:227-2256 or 626-9382 Semi furnished 2 bedrooms bottom flat, located in Eccles -$60,000 per month – Call:233-2255,662-3837 or 695-4563 One 2 bedroom apartment at Triumph Village, Agriculture Road, ECD – Call:220-7937, 625-5257 Bond and parking place for rent at Bartica – Tel:602-9302 Three Bedrooms bottom flat apartment with spacious yard @ BB Eccles – Tel:645-0656; 675-4403 One upper flat @ 6th Street Cummings Lodge ECD – Call:622-3580 One bottom flat apartment at Enmore, E.C.D - $35,000 monthly – Call:677-1495

VACANCY DRIVER TO DELIVER COOKING GAS IN GEORGETOWN AND SECURITY GUARDS FOR LAND OF CANAAN, A C C O M M O D AT I O N AVAILABLE. 266 4427 Urgently Needed! Professional Seamstress, experienced heavy duty machine operators and floor girls. Apply @ Roxie’s Fashion – Tel:622-4386 24 Hour East Coast Guy-oil needs night pump attendants, salesgirl & office assistant- Call: 670-8893/ 6959880/ 684-2838 Person to cook & make snacks, must have at least 6 months work experienced in snackette – Call:650-4974; 686-8640 One Secretary, applicant must have 5 CXC subjects & must be computer literate, also a valid police clearance. Call: 619-3233 Farm workers to work on fruit farm - Tel:265-3586 Garden maintenance team vacancy, hard working, punctual, outdoor person – 18-30 years in G.T. Call:6481821 Canter Drivers, living in . Essequibo & Berbice. Apply in person @ Alabama Trading Georgetown Ferry Stelling Stabroek

1 Toyota Verossa 18” Chrome rims, excellent condition, low milage Price:$3,000,000 - Tel:6823396; 665-7206 Stretch Limousine, Lincon Town car, fully powered, leather interior, CD player, 18" Chrome rims $5M - Credit Available Tel 227-3939, 6214000 New 2014 Toyota 4X4 Hilux, $15M, unbeatable deal, tel: 642-6664 1 Freight liner hauler with sleeping cab, 1 -48ft trailor with treated wood – Call: Rakesh 613-6979 Unregistered Toyota Raum Year 2004 – Tel:617-5536 One Honda CRV - $1.8M negotiable – Tel:698-1485; 609-8235 One crashed Benz C200 $1.8M, one Nissan Titan 6/ 8 Cylinder 2004/ L.E 22 rims - $3.5M – Call:624-7341 Smart Choice Auto Sales: Unregistered: Premio, Allex, IST, Spacio, Allion - Call: 652-3820; 665-4529 Quantum Auto: 2003 Dark blue Raum with Alloy Wheels, TV/Nav, Silver Premio. Excellent Condition Call: 624-7684; 617-2378 Toyota Verossa, Price:$2.5M, PLL series, excellent condition Contact George: 603-7172 One Toyota Hilux 4-Runner - $1.5M negotiable – Call:682-7220 or 602-0268 1 -1RZ, 15 seater, automatic mini-bus, BNN 3760 - $1.7M Negotiable. Good condition, never used for public transportation – Tel:6280310 ; 672-5429 Toyota Raum, Spacio, AT212, AT192, NZE ,LTouring wagon, Nissan E24 Caravan, 4x4 Hilux Pickup – Tel:644-5096; 697-1453.

CAR RENTAL Wings Car Rental- Call:6431131 Aidan’s Car Rental & PickupCall: 645-7981/ 698-7807 Cars - $6,000.00 per day - Tel: 694-7817 or 668-0306 Dolly’s Car Rental - Call: 225-7126/ 226-3693 dollys autorental@yahoo.com/ www.dolly sautorental.com FOR SALE One cabin crusier boat & one inboard propeller Tel:665-2314 VACANCY Maid, bartender, waiteress, counter worker, handyman. Apply @ Cotton Club (Public Road) - Tel:225-9211; 231-1908

One 8,000 Ford Tractor, one 450 Ford Towing Truck & one pair 38 Tractor Wheel Contact Floyd: 694-5599 P&A Auto Sales: Premio, Spacio, Raum, Rush, IST, AT 212. Call: 661-9651 or 681-8474

EDUCATIONAL Practical Electronic courses begining 7th April @ Abdol Electronics - Tel: 226-6551; 225-0391 Foundations of Nursing Courses in First Aid and Child Care. Telephone:6922063, 613-0803 or 685-9095 Enrol at Caribbean First Class Kindergarten – Grade 6. After school classes and reading programs available– Tel:684-7403

Spacio- Body kit, TV/DVD, camera, dark interior, unregistered, price starting $2.1M - Call: 617-2891 Mitsubishi 3000GT sports car, 18" rims, leather seats, CD player, excellent condition $1.7M Tel 621-4000, 227-3939 2004 VVTI automatic, bus, BNN series @ Bargain Price, Excellent condition. Serious Enquires! – Tel:697-0203 CHEAPEST: - Pit-bull, Manual Buses, IST, Allion – Tel:616-7635 Continued on page 55

Sunday April 06, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 55

Guyanese tourist dies after... (From page 49) him to take a seat while they tended to other patients. Baichu said Sookram had no known heart condition and never experienced chest pains before. ”I just want the Government to look into it, because a lot of Guyanese come across here on vacation ... and this could happen to anybody and the treatment that we got, I don’t want it for anybody else. ”I can’t understand how visitors can visit this country, go to the hospital and can’t get help. Maybe if they did not send us away, maybe there was a chance that he would still be alive.” ”I am upset because it is a public hospital. People go to Guyana and anybody could go to the hospital and get treatment. Nobody is charged. I can’t understand how in a public hospital in this country, you have to pay for a service and their negligence is what caused his death.” Expressing her displeasure at the incident in a telephone interview yesterday, Mohammed said Sookram should have received medical attention at no cost, as there was no policy which restricts free healthcare to nationals alone. ”There is no policy that says that any non-national can be turned away from emergency care because they are unable to pay. Emergency care is available to all nationals and non-nationals. Under no circumstance can anyone be denied care,” she said. ”I have asked for the family to provide us with the details so that an immediate investigation can be launched into this. I am very disturbed that something like this has happened. “Emergency care is anywhere. Even if you go to the United States, where you pay for care, if you go in with an emergency it is free, so it is here too. It bewilders me how this happened and I am very angry that it has happened.” Mohammed said the Ministry of Health is yet to develop a policy with respect to healthcare for non-nationals for elective and emergency services. She said no fees have also been specified for services at hospitals, therefore all services should be free. (Trinidad Guardian)

TO LET One bedroom apartment located at Uitvlugt Housing Scheme, W.C.D – Call:6804990 or 277-3033 Wings Two bedrooms apartment - Tel: 643-1131; 225-3234 2 Bedrooms furnished apartment in Linden for short term local & overseas guest. Tel: 614-4415 or 444-4704 Fully furnished apartments - $4,000-$6,000 per night - Call:223-0994 1 - 3 Bedrooms bottom & top flat front house near hospital vicinity @ East Street, fully grilled, AC, parking - Call:2253756; 678-1913 Bottom flat to rent at Diamond, EBD - $35,000.000 Contact:6516263 or 693-8913 Very large three bedroom top flat apartment located Republic Park -$US800 – Phone 621-6888 Semi furnished four bedroom house with two car garage located @ Guysuco Gardens – US$2000 – Phone 621-6888 Semi-furnished three bedroom top flat apartment with parking & all amenities located @ Queenstown – US$1500. Phone 621-6888 Paradise – One 3 bedrooms furnished house - $40,000. Contact Diana:227-2256 or 626-9382

LAND FOR SALE House lots in Friendship. Tel: 692-8513 La Parafaite Harmonie $1.2M, $1.3M, Herstelling – (110ftX60ft), High Income $4M, Schoonard (100ftX50ft) - $2.6M – Contact:604-2207; 218-5591 La Parafaite Harmonie Price:$1.5M, negotiable- Call: 684-6985 Promising mining blocks, already prospected - Tel: 683-9910 Campbellville , vacant land 60’X120’ price negotiable – Contact B&G’s Realty :6179717 or 682-4094

MASSAGE The Gents Spa: Deep tissue, Swedish massages, sport massage, a r o m a t h e r a p y, body scrubs Call:657-5979

(From page 54)

VEHICLE FOR SALE 5 PCS: Trike -Can- Am- style 3 wheel, Motorcycle, digital dash, led lights, 200cc new, unregistered $200,000 neg Credit, Wholesale Tel- 2273939, 621-4000 Unregistered 2004 Toyota Tundra, owner leaving country, $3,200,000 negotiable – Call: 231-0144; 689-6009 Mercedes Benz S300 bullet proof, leather seats, automatic, 19" rims CD and DVD player, $2.2 Million Cash Tel 621-4000

SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, G R A D U AT I O N , W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620

One Pit-bull minibus, with 15 seats, just off the Wharf $3.6M & 1 used short based Canter (negotiable) – Tel:6482834; 676-4243.

Repairs, sales & spares air conditioning, microwaves, washer, fridges & stoves. Ultra Cool, call: 225-9032, 6472943

AT Carina - $875,000, AT170 Corona - $775,000, RZ Minibus - $1.8M, Tacoma Van - $2.3M. All prices are negotiable – Tel:618-8703; 601-3439 Toyota Hilux Solid axle Gasoline & Diesel Pickups. Just Arrived! Unregistered & in excellent condition Call:691-2077

COOL TECH: Repairs Services & Installation of all types of home appliances: Air Condition & Refrigeration units - Tel: 233-2008; 675-4959 Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building Call Sabita: 225-6496, 6626045

1 AT192, 1 AT212 – Fully loaded. Call:656-1600 or 2760299

Guyana Passport & Visa Forms Application, USA, Canada and England. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535.

One Toyota Hiace Grand Cabin BRR series for sale. Price:$3,000,000 – Tel:6612391 One Toyota Car SV40 Camry for sale with AC, mags, & new stereo. Price:$850,000 – Tel:661-2391

DRESSMAKING Jean is Offering courses in dressmaking, curtains, floral and cake decoration Contact:670-2653 or 618-1706

LEARN TO DRIVE Shalom Driving School @ 2 Croal street. Fee $16,000Call:227-3869 Ultravoilet Driving School @ 106 Brickdam. 25% discount – Contact:231-2372;602-2583; 6584015

WANTED

Repairs to Fridge, Freezer, AC, Washers, Stoves: Call 683-1312,627-3206 (Nick) B R I D G E WAT E R CONSTRUCTIONS - CO: NEWHOMESREMODELING, NEWBATHROOMS,TILE& M A R B L E INSTALLATION, FREE ESTIMATES- CALL: 6606935; 676-9660; 269-094 Services & repairs to gas stoves, washing machines, etc – Call:688-0183 Brian Moe @ 642-3543: Computer Technician: FB/ Brian.Moe.165/ Home and Office visits at your comfort!! Federation Tent Rental & Pro Audio. Book now for weddings or any other functions – Tel:276-0299 Complete Vehicle Detailing Plus: wash, polish, vacuuming, carpet cleaning & lawn mowing. Call:626-3126 WANTED One Handyman to work in the Interior - Call: 681-6044

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

Attractive live in waitress – Tel:228-5129 or 604-8277 One intelligent female between 18-30yrs from Ruimveldt area for part-time work – Call:223-8237 (9am2pm daily)

Alleyne’s Professional Driving School @ 651 East Ruimveldt, Best Prices Call :226-9181; 6130223; 668-9331 Progressive Driving School offers: Efficient Tutoring and affordable rates – Call:661-2273

One male janitor. Apply in person to Alabama Trading, Georgetown Ferry Stelling. Two waitresses, opposite The National Stadium, E.B.D – Call:233-5481 between 11:00am-6:00pm

One Salesgirl for shop to work on the ECD, between age 17-24, text name & address to telephone # 6177823 Responsible hire drivers. Tel: 231-7200

car

Weekend car and van driver Call: 227-1830 (after 5pm) Land to buy in Parafait Harmonie, Herstelling, Tuschen, Grove, Diamond, Eccles, Non Pareil – Tel:6757292 ARMEDSECURITYGUARD WITH EXPERIENCED, MUSTHAVEREFERENCES ANDPOLICECLEARANCE TEL: 231-8344 OR 2318529 CHAINSAW LUMBER: Kabukalli, Shibadan, Silverballi, Simarupa, etc Tel: 653-9752 Maid to work on Lower East Bank - Call: 671-7878 between 6am to 9pm, on weekdays and weekends Experienced sewing machine operators – Contact:220-4337 Urgently! Joiners, spray painters (furniture), handyman and Upholster – Contact:225-6810 Welders, carpenters, masons. Must be 25years and older – Tel:265-3586 1 General Domestic to work in Georgetown, must know to cook Indian & Creole dishes. Must be trustworthy - Call:656-6388 One (1) night guard – Tel:6667734 or 225-1276 One Barber – Tel:225-6337 One Domestic - Call:6144358. One girl to work in upholstery workshop and one salesgirl to work in store. Call: 610-7005 or 2191342 One Live-in domestic and one part-time domestic. Must be between 18 years and 25 years. Apply in person. Phone 610-9493 Sales representative for the distribution of groceries/ beverages. Send application to Maya @ Lot 24 Saffon Street Charlestown. Tel:609-7132 One Trained Carnegie/ Home Economics Cook. Four (4) times per week - Call: 6144358 One female to cook at a home in the Interior Contact:681-6044

Page 56

Police to send file to DPP for advice (From page 15) pellets of the deadly rodenticide on the floor. Fortunately, the children were not with her that day. The relative had also said that she believed that the mother was in urgent need of counseling. The relative explained that Rutherford had dropped out of school without writing her Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations after becoming pregnant. She also lost her mother to a terminal illness a few years ago. This newspaper understands that Rutherford and her reputed husband had resided for several years at ‘B’ Field, Sophia. However, she later moved to her mother’s home at Perth, Mahaicony. Kaieteur News understands that a few years ago, Rutherford’s spouse had threatened to take the couple’s daughter. At that time, the couple only had one child. Some of the problems reportedly stemmed from allegations of infidelity.

Kaieteur News

Sunday April 06, 2014

Reshuffling is merely to fill vacancies... From page 11 contradicted Hicken’s testimony that during the unrest in Linden, he had no telephone contact with the Home Affairs Minister before or immediately after the shooting. The telephone calls are significant as the Minister had insisted that he played no part in ordering the shooting of the Linden protestors who were on the streets objecting to hikes in electricity rates for that Region 10 area. Two Assistant Commissioners, Brian Joseph and Christopher Griffith, who are senior to Hicken and are presently serving as Commanders in other Divisions, were overlooked for the A Division position. With regards to the Crime Chief position, it was widely expected that the natural order would have been preserved and the former deputy to Seelall Persaud, Winston Cosbert would have been elevated. That was not to be, Cosbert who has been a detective for most of his police career and who was awarded the Force’s Best Cop on one occasion for work done in that area, has now been sent to head the Special Branch of the Force. In a recent interview with this newspaper, former Commissioner of Police Leroy Brumell had tipped Cosbert to replace Persaud as the country’s Crime Chief, especially at a time when the

Criminal Investigations Department is under pressure to reduce the growing number of unsolved high profile crimes. However, the position is going to Senior Superintendent Leslie James in what is a straight swap between the CID and the Special Branch. While many are pointing fingers at the present Acting Commissioner of Police for the recent reshuffling, this newspaper was reliably informed that he had very little to do with it. “Seelall Persaud wants his appointment, so he is remaining silent. Remember he is not yet on solid ground, so the powers that be are taking full advantage,” said a senior official at the Ministry of Home Affairs who claimed to be close to Minister Rohee. The source told this newspaper that the Acting Commissioner of Police had taken a proposal to President Donald Ramotar regarding some administrative matters within the Force, but the President reportedly informed him that he will have to consult with Minister Rohee before any decision is taken. “It is obvious that Rohee had some sway,” the source told Kaieteur News. He disclosed that, while it is acknowledged that Cosbert has investigative skills that are above par, the Minister’s consideration is that he does not have “conceptual” expertise. Yet he was allowed to reach the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police,

without question. In its statement, the Guyana Police Force said that the filling of the two positions will obviously have consequential vacancies that will also have to be filled. In addition, there will be some postings that are related to a new project that the Guyana Police Force will be embarking on shortly. It is not clear if Cosbert’s move to the almost defunct Special Branch is in keeping with this new project. But according to the source, having removed Cosbert “disgracefully”, Senior Superintendent Marlon Chapman should have been elevated to the top CID post. This newspaper was told that Chapman, who is presently on leave, will be James’ deputy at the CID Headquarters. Chapman has significant experience as a detective; has a degree in Public Management from the University of Guyana and is senior by date of appointment to the man who he will be working under. “It is becoming increasingly clear that people who have legitimate expectations of moving up to the next level in the Guyana Police Force, can no longer think along that line,” a senior officer said. He made reference to Senior Superintendent Lyndon Alves who after the much publicized meeting with former Commissioner of Police, now APNU Member of Parliament Winston Felix, has been sidelined as the

deputy to the much maligned Assistant Commissioner David Ramnarine at the Force’s Operations Department. He too has been overlooked for a senior command post. “The current position adopted by the Force is also sending a strong message that if you are not loyal and if you are not connected to certain officials, then your advancement will be in jeopardy,” the senior official stated. “Ranks know and expect that there will be changes, but changes that will certainly not impact on development of the force are serious cause for concern,” he told Kaieteur News. While this newspaper has been leading in highlighting several shortcomings within the Force, the organization as well as the Minister of Home Affairs has not been too happy about this position. In its statement yesterday, the Guyana Police Force expressed concern over the continued publishing of misleading information about the organisation “by the Kaieteur News, which has the potential to create mischief.” However, several retired and serving senior police officers have all had similar views to the extent that it is ridiculous for the Force to claim that the Kaieteur News wants to create mischief, when mischief has already been created between the Office of the Commissioner of Police and the civilian oversight officials, “who continue to damage people’s careers and in the process do not have the courtesy to replace them with their equals.” With no Police Service Commission in place to facilitate the promotion of senior ranks, it is anyone’s guess as to the rationale behind the recent moves.

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Ukraine PM says will stick to austerity despite Moscow pressure KIEV (Reuters) - The Kiev government will stick to unpopular austerity measures “as the price of independence” as Russia steps up pressure on Ukraine to destabilise it, including by raising the price of gas, Prime Minister Arseny Yatseniuk told Reuters. Yatseniuk, 39, who stepped in as interim prime minister last month after Viktor Yanukovich and his ministers fled the “Euromaidan” protests, conceded that it would be very difficult “under the current Russian presence” to undo what he described as Russia’s “international crime” in seizing Crimea. But he said Ukraine would never recognise the Russian takeover in exchange for re-establishing good relations. “I want to be perfectly clear. We will never recognise the annexation of Crimea ... The time will come when Ukraine will take over control of Crimea,” he said, speaking in English, seated in his cavernous, Soviet-built government headquarters beneath the blue and yellow Ukrainian flag. He has called himself the leader of a “kamikaze” government, doomed by unpopular austerity measures it must take, but he said Ukraine would stick to the measures, which include doubling gas prices for domestic consumers from May 1 and holding down state pensions and salaries against a background of a 3 percent contraction of the economy and double-digit inflation. MF support - a $14-18 billion financial lifeline in return for tough economic reforms - would be a “tremendous step forward”, he said. “We will regain trust and credibility from foreign investors. This is the roadmap for Ukraine,” he added. The Kiev government has said that without the IMFmandated austerity measures, the economy could shrink by up to 10 percent this year. Yatseniuk, a former economy minister, lawyer, and economist by education, has often been regarded as too aloof and intellectual to be a contender for high office in Ukraine, which he told the Kyiv Post newspaper in December 2012 was “because I’m bald and wear glasses”. Like most of the former opposition leaders, he had difficulty connecting with the thousands of angry Ukrainians massed on Kiev’s

Independence Square - the Maidan - during the three months of protests that finally toppled Yanukovich. But he is also working hard to improve his image at home, especially by reaching out to the Russian-speaking population, which is concentrated in the east and south of the country and seen as fertile ground for Russian troublemakers to foment unrest against the Kiev government. Commentators say he also impressed Western leaders during visits to Washington and Brussels last month with his clear-sightedness. When asked about the support Kiev was getting from the West in dealing with Russia after the Crimean annexation, he replied. “Is the world ready for World War Three? I am absolutely sure it is not ready.” He said that though Western sanctions against Russia, which were limited to targeted travel and financial restrictions against a list of individuals and a few businesses, were understandable, they had allowed Russia to apply stronger pressure. This took the form of trade pressure as well as incitement of unrest among the Russianspeaking population to undermine and destabilise the central government. Referring to Moscow’s move on Thursday to raise the gas price for Ukraine for a second time in a week, Yatseniuk said: “There is no reason why Russia would raise the gas price for Ukraine ... other than one - politics.

We expect Russia to go further in terms of pressure on the gas front, including limiting gas supplies to Ukraine. “They press, press, press,” he said. The subtext of Russia’s message to Ukraine’s Russian-speaking population, he said, was that they would enjoy higher living standards in Russia, with higher wages and better pensions and without the austerity that the Kiev government was now offering. “They’re saying: if you go to Russia, you’ll be happy, smiling, and not living in a Western hell,” he said. “They (the Russians) are trying to compensate (for the Western sanctions). But we can pay the price of independence,” he said, with financial support from the West. Yatseniuk portrayed Moscow’s annexation of Crimea as part of a wider plan by Russian President Vladimir Putin to re-impose control over states that had once fallen under the control of the Soviet Union. He said the seizure of Crimea, along with Russia’s war with another ex-Soviet republic, Georgia, in 2008, was part of this wider plan. He recalled Putin’s comment in 2005 that the biggest geopolitical disaster of the last century was the collapse of the Soviet Union. “My quote is this,” he said. “The biggest disaster of this century would be the resurrection of the Soviet Union. This is his idea. This is his goal.”

UN concern over ‘high human cost’ of Venezuela protests Caracas (AFP) - The United Nations office in Venezuela expressed deep concern yesterday over the “high human cost” of anti-government protests which have left 39 people dead during two months of unrest. Since early February students backed by the opposition have staged near-daily protests against leftist President Nicolas Maduro over soaring crime, high inflation and shortages of essential goods. Hundreds of people have been detained or injured in clashes with security forces. A UN statement said people had the right to protest peacefully and rejected “any violent act, destruction of public and private property and obstruction to the free movement of citizens” by either side. It also reiterated the request of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to “ensure the protection of human rights of all Venezuelans.” The UN office in the capital Caracas has been targeted by demonstrators who have camped out at the local headquarters since late March, angry at what they see as an inadequate international response to the deaths of protesters.

Sunday April 06, 2014

Kaieteur News

Chinese ship hunting for missing Malaysia jet detects ‘ping’ KUALA LUMPUR/ PERTH, Australia (Reuters) - A Chinese patrol ship hunting for a missing Malaysia Airlines jetliner detected a pulse signal in the south Indian Ocean yesterday, the state news agency Xinhua reported, in a possible indicator of the underwater beacon from a plane’s “black box”. Australian search authorities said such a signal would be “consistent” with a black box, but both they and Xinhua stressed there was no conclusive evidence linking the “ping” to Flight MH370, which went missing on March 8 with 239 people aboard shortly after taking off from Kuala Lumpur for Beijing. A black box detector deployed by the vessel Haixun 01 picked up the “ping” signal with a frequency of 37.5kHz per second - the same as emitted by flight recorders - at about 25 degrees south latitude and 101 degrees east longitude, Xinhua said. Xinhua also reported that a Chinese air force plane had spotted a number of white floating objects in the search area. Dozens of ships and planes from 26 countries are racing to find the black box recorders before their batteries run out. Up to 10 military planes, three civilian jets and 11 ships are scouring a 217,000-sq-km (88,000-sq-mile) patch of desolate ocean some 1,700 km (1,060 miles) northwest of Perth, Australia, near where investigators believe the Boeing went down. “The characteristics reported (by the Chinese vessel) are consistent with the aircraft black box,” Retired Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, head of the Australian agency coordinating the operation, said in a statement. “However, there is no confirmation at this stage that the signals and the objects are related to the missing aircraft,” he said, adding his agency was seeking more information from China. Authorities have not ruled out mechanical problems as a cause of the plane’s disappearance, but say the evidence, including loss of communications, suggests it was deliberately diverted thousands of kilometers (miles) from its set route. Sonar equipment on two ships joining the search may help find the black box voice and data recorders that are key to unlocking what happened on the flight. Australian authorities

said the so-called Towed Pinger Locator would be pulled behind navy ship HMAS Ocean Shield, searching a converging course on a 240-km (150-mile) track with British hydrographic survey ship HMS Echo. Experts say the Towed Pinger Locator may be of little use unless investigators can get a much better idea of exactly where the plane went into the water because its limited range and the slow speed at which it must be pulled behind the ship mean it cannot cover large areas of ocean quickly. “I won’t even call it an area. What we are doing is we are tracking down the best estimate of the course that the aircraft was on,” U.S. Navy Captain Mark Matthews told Reuters. “It takes a couple of days on each leg so it’s a slow-going search.” Britain is also sending HMS Tireless, a nuclear submarine with sonar capabilities, and a Malaysian frigate was due to arrive in the search area yesterday. “If we haven’t found anything in six weeks we will continue because there are a lot of things in the aircraft that will float,” Australia’s Houston told reporters. Dozens of flights by a multinational taskforce have failed to turn up any trace of the plane in the past four weeks. The Boeing 777 was briefly picked up on military radar on the other side of Malaysia and analysis of subsequent hourly electronic

“handshakes” exchanged with a satellite led investigators to conclude the plane had crashed far off the west Australian coast hours later. Malaysian authorities have faced heavy criticism, particularly from China, for mismanaging the search and holding back information. Most of the 227 passengers were Chinese. Malaysia said yesterday it had launched a formal investigation into the plane’s disappearance that would include experts from Australia, the United States, China, Britain and France. Normally, a formal air safety investigation is not launched until wreckage is found. But there have been concerns that Malaysia’s informal investigations to date have lacked the legal standing of an official inquiry convened under U.N. rules. Under International Civil Aviation Organization rules, the country where the aircraft is registered leads the investigation when the incident takes place in international waters. Malaysia’s Defense Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said the investigation would comprise three groups: one would examine maintenance records, structures and systems; an “operations” group would study flight recorders, operations and meteorology; and a “medical and human factors” group would look into psychology, pathology and survival.

UN chief Ban Kimoon visits Central African Republic BANGUI, Central African Republic (AP) — U.N. SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-moon vowed yesterday that the world would not forget Central African Republic, as he visited the country wracked by sectarian violence that has left thousands dead and forced most of the nation’s Muslims to flee. Ban’s visit - his first since the bloodshed erupted in December - came just before he goes on to Rwanda to mark the 20th anniversary of the genocide there. The U.N. chief has been among the most vocal of world leaders in calling on countries to prevent a similar tragedy in Central African Republic. “The international community failed the people of Rwanda 20 years ago. And we are at risk of not doing enough for the people of the CAR today,” Ban told members of a transitional council tasked with preparing the country for elections by February 2015. “Atrocity crimes are being committed in this country,” he said. “Ethno-religious cleansing is a reality. Most members of the Muslim minority have fled.” International aid groups have criticized the U.N. response to the crisis, though Ban himself has spoken forcefully about the need to protect civilians in Central African Republic, where at one point earlier this year Muslims were being killed by Christian mobs in the streets on a near-daily basis.

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Spare parts dealer WHO urges Carib’n to take steps feared kidnapped to prevent vector-borne diseases - callers demand $50M Popular spare parts dealer Rajendra Singh, called ‘Sunil’ was reportedly kidnapped at gunpoint at around 19.00 hrs last night outside his Lot 15, Foulis Public Road, East Coast Demerara residence. A family member has reportedly received a call from the alleged kidnappers who are demanding $50M for Singh’s release. According to reports reaching Kaieteur News, the 40-year-old businessman had already closed up for the evening when a silver-grey Toyota Vitz stopped outside his residence. The occupants reportedly called out for

Singh, while pretending that they wanted to make a purchase. Kaieteur News understands that Singh, who is in the habit of helping out customers even after he has closed up for the day, went out to the men. The ‘customers’ immediately held him at gunpoint and forced him into their car. A source said that Singh’s wife subsequently received a call from someone claiming to be one of the kidnappers. The caller demanded $50M and said that the ransom had to be delivered immediately. The ‘kidnapper’ also allegedly left a contact number and warned her not to contact the police. Up to press time last night police were still attempting to locate the businessman and his abductors.

GENEVA - CMC - The World Health Organisation (WHO) is urging the Caribbean to take steps to prevent vector-borne diseases. WHO said that more than half the world’s population is at risk from diseases such as malaria, dengue, leishmaniasis, Lyme disease, schistosomiasis, and yellow fever, carried by mosquitoes, flies, ticks, water snails, and other vectors. It said that every year, more than one billion people are infected and more than one million die from vectorborne diseases. As World Health Day, tomorrow, approaches, WHO said it is highlighting the

“serious and increasing threat of vector-borne diseases,” with the slogan “Small bite, big threat”. The organisation also emphasises that these diseases are entirely preventable. A newly published global brief on vector-borne diseases outlines steps that governments, community groups and families can all take to protect people from infection. “A global health agenda that gives higher priority to vector control could save many lives and avert much suffering,” said Dr Margaret Chan, WHO director-general. “Simple, cost-effective

interventions, like insecticidetreated bed nets and indoor spraying, have already saved millions of lives. No one in the 21st century should die from the bite of a mosquito, a sandfly, a blackfly, or a tick,” she added. Dr Chan said vectorborne diseases affect the poorest populations, particularly where there is a lack of access to adequate housing, safe drinking water and sanitation. She said malnourished people and those with weakened immunity are especially susceptible and that schistosomiasis, transmitted by water snails, is the most widespread of all vector-borne diseases,

affecting almost 240 million people worldwide. She said children living and playing near infested water are particularly vulnerable to this disease, which causes anaemia and a reduced ability to learn. Chan said schistosomiasis can be controlled through regular mass treatment of at-risk groups with a safe, effective medicine, as well as improving access to safe drinking water and sanitation. Within the past two decades, many important vector-borne diseases have also re-emerged or spread to new parts of the world, the WHO said.

Opposition contemplates new strategy to... (From page 3) (GINA), two state-owned media agencies. Monies cut from the US$150M expansion project at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) were also reinstated. According to a senior AFC official yesterday, the better option for the Opposition will be to vote against an

entire allocation and give the Minister the option of bringing it back again. “The reality is that Government when it had control of the National Assembly spent taxpayers’ dollars like it was their own piggybank. As representatives of the people, we are mandated to ensure that the situation does not continue. We have a responsibility and if the Government does not see that they too have a responsibility and talk to us, then we have reached a sad stage in the history of the country.” The official made it

clear that the Government has continued to fail in releasing details on how monies are being spent. Kaieteur News was told that almost definitely facing the knife is the $81M for NCN and $139M for GINA. Monies for the CJIA expansion project, to the tune of $6.5M, as well for the Amaila Falls Hydro-project access roads, $1.3B, are also being looked at by the Opposition. “We have been asking for details on the spending in the Guyana Sugar Corporation but there is very little telling the people of this country

why we are approving billions every year and nothing to show for it.” According to the Opposition members, there will be cases when other projects will be affected by the “amendments”. “Last year when we amended the CJIA monies, the hinterland airstrips were also affected. We left the door open for the allocation to be brought back as a supplementary budget.” Whatever plays out this week, the passage of the Budget will test the mettle of the National Assembly once again.

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“Semi-finals – ICC WT-20 2014 – West Indies bowlers let them down!”

Colin E. H. Croft Searching questions should be asked of both West Indies teams – men and women – about demitting the competition at ICC World T20 Championship 2014 in Bangladesh at the semi-finals stages. I feel especially for West Indies women’s team. Captain Merissa Aguilleira and her ladies fought down to the wire, deserving better that losing in the semi-finals. They played generally good cricket. Somehow they cannot seem to get over their great nemesis – Australia women – try as they might. But it also goes to show that no team should take any other team for granted. Had West Indies women beaten lightly-regarded India women in their final Group B game, and topped that group, then they would not have had to play Australia women at all in that semi-final, but would have played South Africa women instead, whom they

were much more likely to beat! England women, who now find themselves in today’s final, should have been West Indies women’s biggest stumbling block in Group B, but West Indies women beat them by a confidenceboosting nine runs! West Indies women duly demolished Bangladesh women by a massive 36 runs, while being even more ruthless in thrashing Sri Lanka women by an eight wicket margin. Then, when they had the opportunity to top the group by beating lowly-rated India women, West Indies women tanked badly, somehow losing, quite embarrassingly, by a mammoth nine wickets. Why West Indies women, having already qualified for semi-finals, would have let up on the intensity when playing against India women is a question that both head coach, former West Indies opener Sherwin Campbell and captain Aguilleira should have to answer.

In competitions such as these, winning should be the only objective, regardless. That lethargy backfired big time, as India women won convincingly, then Australia women won the semi-final too! In sports, beating an opponent who had beaten you often in the past does not only take Herculean physically efforts, but also tremendous psychologically superior thought processes, sometimes even playing and thinking way outside of the standard box! West Indies women lost to another Antipodean team, New Zealand women, in semi-finals 2010. In 2012, they lost to Australia women, a team that always gives them severe horrors, by 28 runs, in Sri Lanka. Now, again, they have lost to Australia women, in Bangladesh, by the tantalizingly meagre eight runs. Marissa Aguilleira and her team must be devastated. They had a massively good

Sunday April 06, 2014 ARIES (March 21 April 19): Today you'll likely awake, look around your home environment, and realize that there is much room for improvement. ******************* TAURUS (April 20 May 20): You are a hard and conscientious worker, Taurus, and certainly have been applying your skills and doing your best for some time now. efforts. ****************** GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): You may find yourself thinking of looking for a new job in order to increase your income, Gemini. ******************** CANCER (June 21 July 22): You have a lot of charm and tremendous social skills, Cancer. ********************* LEO (July 23 - Aug. 22): This is a day when you could greatly benefit from spending some time outdoors in quiet reflection, L e o . ******************* VIRGO (Aug. 23 Sept. 22): Today you could hold a group meeting of some kind in your home, Virgo. thought to last for days.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 Oct. 22) : Today may find you longing for some spots of color in your life, Libra. ********************* S C O RP I O ( O c t . 23 - Nov. 21): Today you may discover that you have more in common with your neighbors than you thought, Scorpio. ******************** S A G I T TA R I U S (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21): You may receive some kind of windfall today, Sagittarius. .********************* CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19): Romance is very much highlighted today, Capricorn. ******************** AQUARIUS (Jan. 2 0 - F e b . 1 8 ) : Anything you attempt to do today is likely to turn out really well, Aquarius. ********************* PISCES (Feb. 19 M a r c h 2 0 ) : To d a y you'll likely find that you begin to make real progress on a project that may have been stagnating for a while, Pisces.

chance of, for the very first time, bringing home ICC World T-20 women’s trophy. 2016 cannot come soon enough for them! Conversely, West Indies men’s semi-final against Sri Lanka was nothing like their final and subsequent victory of 2012, not even a faint shadow thereof. If anything, Sri Lanka looked and acted the more confident of the two teams, even though, after that 2012 competition winning victory, West Indies should have been flying high! Questions have to be asked too of West Indies head coach Ottis Gibson and captain Darren Sammy about the make-up of that semi-final bowling effort. Twenty overs give no leeway whatsoever for second guesses, so whenever situations demand, changes must be instituted immediately, if not sooner! West Indies men depended much on spinning exploits of Samuel Badri and Sunil Narine, and to a just lesser extent on left-arm pacer Krishmar Samtokie, but there were always still eight overs to cover. So, by what yard-stick, exactly, did Andre Russell, who had already bowled two very expensive overs, costing 22 runs, before his third, which was similarly costly, 15

runs, qualify to bowl this third over; Sri Lanka’s last? That decision made no sense at all. At 160-6, Sri Lanka had probably made 20 runs too many! It was as if Sammy was actually scared to bowl himself. If you doubt me, read on, please! So Dwayne Bravo could not bowl, due to an injury, but after Santokie had had his worst day at ICC WT-20 2014, a very expensive 4-0-46-2, how could Sammy then justify using the similarly costly Russell instead of himself? For the record, Sammy had 1-0-9-0 v India, as West Indies bowled 19.4 overs in a losing effort. He made 11. He then bowled 1-0-6-0 when Bangladesh made 98, to lose by 73 runs. Sammy made 14 not out. When Australia made 178, Sammy bowled 1-0-16-0, but made up with a matchwinning 34 not out from 13 deliveries. That was bettered against Pakistan with a

Colin E. H. Croft says: bombastic 42 from 20 deliveries, but he did not have to bowl as Pakistan were bundled out for 82. In the semi-final v Sri Lanka, as the 2012’s beaten finalists accrued that eventual match-winning 160-6, again Sammy did not bowl, but Chris Gayle and Russell gave away 47 needless runs from four overs. So, overall, in five games, Sammy, captain of defending champions West Indies, and supposedly a bowling allrounder in this team, delivered, in total - 3 overs for 31 runs - preferring to allow Russell, always possible to be slogged, to bowl many more overs than he should have. You can make your own conclusions, as, in life, and in cricket, anything can be justified! Enjoy!

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India v Sri Lanka, World T20, final

History of heartbreak between finalists ESPNcricinfo - Romesh Kaluwitharana caught at third man. Sanath Jayasuriya caught at third man too. Asanka Gurusinha is out soon. Eden Gardens has erupted. Aravinda de Silva comes out and silences them, and the spinners bury them. Heartbreak. Mahela Jayawardene, Nuwan Kulasekara and Thisara Perera take 54 in the last four overs. Lasith Malinga follows it up with early wickets of Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar. Finally the final hoodoo is being broken. Gautam Gambhir and MS Dhoni, though, pull off a cool chase. Heartbreak returned. Big matches between India and Sri Lanka have somehow left bigger scars than others. The semis and finals between these two have rarely been close. Think Eden Gardens 1996. Think Jayasuriya, Muttiah Muralitharan and Chaminda Vaas demolishing the psyche of a whole generation of India cricketers over the next three years or so. Or the many times they have knocked India out of major tournaments, either by directly beating them or

other teams. Think even the Asia Cup final in 2008. The captain of that losing Indian team in 2008 was a cricketer unlike any other Indian before him. Those scars left no imprint on his psyche. Under him, in limitedovers cricket, India have paid no heed to things such as history and legacy. Just keep doing your bit, the rest will take care of itself. In the process, they have overcome the shivers the sight of a Sri Lankan side in a big match used to send up the Indian spines. Under him, India have never lost a semi-final, and have been even with Sri Lanka in the finals. The turning point was that World Cup win in 2011, after which they have had it almost too easy against Sri Lanka in the really big matches. Under that captain, India have put behind them a torrid recent time out of Asia, not just in Tests but also in ODIs, and have bossed this tournament. Dhoni has been the exact opposite of what he was before the break he took: fresh, backing his bowlers,

trying to take wickets to slow runs down, making changes even to a winning combination to get the best XI on the field. India have responded superbly. R Ashwin and Amit Mishra have made sure there hasn’t been a single horror day in the field. Led by Virat Kohli, the batsmen have risen up to every challenge. Now they are on the brink of doing something that has never been done: go unbeaten through a World T20. If India have b e e n channeling this rare calm they have achieved despite the turmoil in the administration of their cricket, Sri Lanka have ridden mainly on emotion. This could be the last final two of their greatest players ever play. It has almost been like some player or the other has been pulling them from the brink just for Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara. It hasn’t been smooth. They even have had to realise that their designated captain for the tournament doesn’t merit a place in this XI. They have

had to fight dew, they have come back from being bowled out for 119, they have had to drop their main spinner leading into the tournament. You almost feel it is meant to be with every such improbable comeback, but you have felt it often with Sri Lanka. The pair of Jayawardene and Sangakkara have lost four world finals now. Last year, Sangakkara spoke of the pain eloquently in this interview. “We really need to talk about it being a final,” he said. “The more you try to ignore it, the more you think about it. We need to find a way to deal with it.” Maybe if somehow, at a canter or through weather or an opposition choke or through a great one over, just somehow, if they can win one final, they will stop being so conscious about the match? Then again, they are against a team whose captain specialises in not being conscious of how big a match it is. IN THE SPOTLIGHT Lasith Malinga has

widely been considered the captain just for the toss with Jayawardene and Sangakkara visibly in charge of the field settings. He has also had some of his worst days on a cricket field against India. This is his chance to put one past the tormentors, and also show a thing or two to those of us who see him as a token captain. Virat Kohli began becoming the possessed chaser that he is today with a century in a 300-plus chase in an ODI against Sri Lanka. Ever since that he has loved the Sri Lanka attack, especially going after their biggest name, Malinga. At the moment there is no glaring weakness in his game, he is extremely competitive and focused and in form. His lowest score in the tournament has been 23, and Sri Lanka will take if they can somehow give him a new lowest score. TEAM NEWS It is unlikely India will make a change to their XI. Yuvraj Singh remains a question mark, but as he showed against Australia, he can still cause damage in a 10ball spell, and you want such

players on your side in big matches. Sri Lanka are closer to finding their best XI, and it doesn’t include Dinesh Chandimal, their squad captain. However, you can’t be sure if they will keep Thisara Perera out again. Pitch and conditions The pitch will help spin, it will be slow too, but if there is a storm around, batting first might not be an automatic choice. There is a reserve day, should the weather not allow a result. Sri Lanka captain Lasith Malinga hopes for a fitting T20 farewell for the pair: “ I t ’s a s p e c i a l d a y tomorrow and we have to do something special for Mahela and Sanga. They are great cricketers and deserve a good farewell.”While MS Dhoni on the prospect of holding all three limited-overs titles in the space of three years: “We can think of that only after we have won. For now, it is all about doing what will make us s u c c e s s f u l . We n e e d t o play good cricket, and not focus on statistics.”

Australia v England, Women’s World T20, Final, Mirpur

Australia hunt for T20 hat-trick

ESPNcricinfo - It is two well-acquainted foes who will go head-to-head for the women’s T20 title. As Anya Shrubsole said on Friday, there is little they do not know about each other: since August last year Australia and England

have contested 14 matches. Those games came during the multi-format Ashes. While England retained the ultimate prize in Australia - largely thanks to their Test win in Perth it was the hosts who

prevailed in both shorter formats on home soil, taking the ODIs and T20s 2 - 1 . Wi t h t w o m o n t h s having passed since those matches they may not mean an awful lot, but Australia will go into the final knowing they have had the better of England in the format recently. Australia are aiming for a hat-trick of titles following their triumphs in West Indies (2010) and Sri Lanka (2012) while England

were the champions at the inaugural tournament on home soil in 2009. These two sides slugged out the final in Colombo last time where Charlotte Edwards’ team came up four runs short in a tense finish. Women’s cricket is becoming more competitive by the year, but there will be a familiar name on the trophy. WATCH OUT FOR The knees may be a bit painful these days, the

fielding hard work and the running between the wickets not as brisk as it was, but Charlotte Edwards remains a player for the big occasion. She secured the Ashes with an unbeaten 92 in Hobart having, earlier in the tour, battled the pain of a knee injury to make a crucial 56 in the Test at the WACA. T h e p r e v i o u s Wo r l d T20 final brought heartbreak and Edwards will be desperate to atone. Her opposite number, Meg Lanning, has enjoyed an impressive tournament. She has scored 213 runs boosted by the record 126 against Ireland - but it is the strike-rate which stands out: her figure of 161.36 is the highest of any batsmen to have faced more than 50 deliveries at the event (it helps Australia that the next on that list is opener Elyse Villani). Lanning hit 29 off 22 balls in the semi-final and could have a telling impact on the final in a short space of time. Batting at No. 3 means she has a good

chance of facing the prolific Shrubsole: that could be a wonderful contest. PITCH AND CONDITIONS Three pitches have been in use at Mirpur during the tournaments so the final is set to take place on a different surface to the two semis. However, conditions have remained fairly consistent throughout and now both sides have had experience of the ground there should not be many surprises. Charlotte Edwards said, “It would mean a lot to us as a group of players. We are two very evenly matched teams, and it will all come down to who deals with the pressure of the big occasion to determine who comes out of it as winners.” Meg Lanning noted, “We know each other inside out, so we’re able to do our planning and so will England. It’s a really big stage, probably the biggest we’ve played on so it’s about being able to perform on the day.”

Sunday April 06, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 63

BCB Diamond Jubilee Celebration

75th Anniversary Exhibition launched at NASS The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) Golden Jubilee celebration continued on Wednesday last when the Special Events Committee (SEC) launched a countywide exhibition at the New Amsterdam Secondary School (NASS). The exhibition features twenty-three informative banners that seek to educate on the rich history of Berbice cricket from 1939 – 2014 and is sponsored by the Berbice River Bridge Company. Addressing a large group of attentive students at the launching, Administrative Officer of the BCB, Alisa Moonsee stated that the main aim is to make sure that the younger generation of Berbicians is educated on the outstanding careers of their cricket heroes the likes of John Trim, Basil Butcher, Rohan Kanhai and Alvin Kallicharran. Ms. Moonsee urged every student to make the best uses of the exhibits while disclosing that it would be taken to every secondary school in the Ancient County, leading up to several public exhibitions in September, which has been named as the official month of the celebration. Herself, a former student of the school, Ms. Moonsee also urged the students to make sure that they make education a priority as it is the key to success in life. Chairman of the SEC and

75th anniversary committee, Hilbert Foster, stated that the BCB would make the anniversary celebrations a memorable one for every cricket fan in the Ancient County. He also disclosed that at the end of the exhibition at the secondary schools, a quiz competition on Berbice cricket would be organised for students with attractive prizes at stake. BCB First Vice President Anil Beharry in brief remarks stated that the exhibition was the first ever major cricket exhibition to be held in Guyana and urged every student along with their teachers to view the displays. He noted that that the last seventy five years has been very successful on and off the field for Berbice, Beharry stated that the BCB was working beyond the call of duty to make sure that the success continues for the next

generation of Berbicians. NASS Head Master, Mr. Dhanraj congratulated the BCB for organising the

exhibition and praised the board for creating opportunities for youths to fulfill their potential as

Guyana were leading by 113 runs with eight second innings wickets standing at the end of the second day of their sixth round match against the Leeward Islands yesterday in the Regional 4Day Tournament at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground in Antigua. Guyana, who made 240 in their first innings with skipper

Leon Johnson (110) scoring his maiden Regional FirstClass century with 15 fours and a six, dismissed the home team for 174 with fast bowler Keon Joseph (4-54) and offspinner Zaheer Mohamed Shadir (3-12) doing the bulk of the damage with the ball for the South Americans who were 47-2 from 20 overs in their second innings with

Trevon Griffith unbeaten on 30. In the other matches: T&T were 94/1 at the second day after making 244 in their first innings then bowling Jamaica out for 180, while Combined Campuses were 66/4 at stumps after making 225 in their first innings and dismissing the Windwards for 157.

Officials of the BCB pose with the Head Teacher and students of the NASS.

Johnson, Joseph shine as Guyana take 66-run lead from Leewards

Lodge dethrone St. George’s to...

Most Valuable Player of the Tournament Lodge’s Jamal Scoot collects his trophy from Ministry of Health official Trevor Thomas last evening. From page 63 McClaggon, while two other efforts slammed into the upright and crossbar respectively to sum up their night, before the final whistle sounded to send the Lodge

supporters into euphoric celebrations. Earlier, Dolphin eased to a comfortable 2-0 win over Christ Church with Dequan Matthews firing in a brace in the 23rd and 47th minutes of play to claim third

place. Lodge Coach Leon Bishop was voted the Best Coach, Marlon Nedd of Carmel was the tournament’s Highest Goalscorer, while Queenstown was voted the Most Disciplined School.

The winning team carted off $500,000 that will go towards a Project of their choice, while the runner-up received $300,000, 3rd place$200,000 and 4th place $100,000.

players. He stated that it was important for youths to balance their educational and sporting careers while also stressing the importance of developing a culture of discipline and commitment. After the exhibition was declared open students and teachers viewed the exhibits which include comprehensive career statistics of every Berbice Test player, ODI player and female West Indies players. Berbice records, profiles of outstanding administrators,

ODI matches played in Berbice also make up the exhibition. Among the players featured at the exhibition are John Trim, Rohan Kanhai, Basil Butcher, Joe Solomon, Roy Fredricks, Leonard Baichan, Sewdat Shivnarine, Alvin Kallicharran, Mahendra Nagamootoo, Clayton Lambert, Royston Crandon, Narsingh Deonarine, Veerasammy Permaul, Milton Pydanna, Shemaine Campbelle, Tremayne Smartt and Subrina Munroe.

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Kaieteur News

Stag Beer/EDFA Division One League

Two games on today at Grove

As the battle for supremacy continues in the Stag Beer sponsored East Bank Football Association division-one league, two more potentially exciting matches are fixed for the Grove Playfield, today. Soesdyke Falcons and Mocha champs will face off in the opening game from 13:00hrs with the feature game

bringing together Diamond United and Agricola Red Tr i a n g l e . Agricola, unbeaten to date have looked a solid unit but will have to be very careful against the ever improving Diamond side. T h e F a l c o n s will be coming out blazing as they seek another win over the struggling Mocha side.

Demerara take 1st innings points... From page 61 was caught. Yadram got 56 against the President’s X1 and 29 in his last game against Essequibo but again wasted a good start, falling for 23 yesterday. Persaud, one of only two batsmen with a three-figure score in the four-team competition, looked in prime touch and two elegant boundaries through extra cover in successive balls from Ramnarine were full of class. Kevin Sinclair made the breakthrough just after the 50 was posted in 11.5 overs when the right-handed Persaud seemed a bit unlucky to be given LBW off the inside edge with the home team on 54-2. A small turn out of mostly parents watched as Bookie and Kurt Lovell carried the score to 83 before Lovell who reached the ropes twice in his 15 was taken at slip off Ramnarine. Paul Thomas and the confident Bookie saw the 100 come up in the 27th over before Thomas (15) fell to pacer Junior Williams at 125-4 to give Berbice, who like Demerara, began the final round on 33 points, their only bowling point. Nedd joined the well entrenched Bookie who has unbeaten scores of 41 against the President’s X1 and 66 against Essequibo, and together they took the score to 175 before Nedd, who looked good, was run out just before Lunch for 34 from 36 balls with four fours. Reaz Alli (2*) and Bookie, who reached his 50 from 75 balls, 127 minutes with five fours, saw their team to Lunch when their allotted batting time expired. Ramnarine finished with 2-47. After the interval, Berbice, with 46 overs to bat, lost Budoo (13) LBW to pacer Antonio with the score on 33-1. Two wickets tumbled one run later when Nedd bowled Steve Deonarine for a duck and Ramnarine had his stumps disturbed by Antonio before he had scored as the team from the Ancient County slipped to 34-3. Kevin Sinclair and Javeed Karim joined forces to take the score to 73 with a 39-run fourth wicket stand before Karim was run out for 16. Junior Williams joined the fluent Kevin Sinclair but did not last long. He was trapped LBW to off-spinner Sagar Hathiramani before he had scored to begin the sensational collapse. Meanwhile, in the other match at DCC, Christopher Campbell fashioned an accomplished unbeaten 106 from 107 balls to put the President’s X1 in control against Essequibo when the opening day of their final round game ended. The left-handed Campbell, who plays for GNIC in GCA’s cricket, hit 12 fours and a six to follow up his half century against Demerara at DCC to give his team a first innings lead of 71. His undefeated ton spearheaded the President’s X1 to 187-4 from 43 overs at Lunch from their allotted batting time. Anil Singh supported with 21 while Shamar Dhasrat took 2-21. Essequibo replied with 115 all out with Orlando Jailall (22), Trevon Collins (21) Leonardo Bennett (17) offering token resistance to Stephon Wilson (4-15) and Junior Phillips (2-4). The President’s X1 in their second innings were71 for the loss of Anil Singh’s wicket enjoying a lead of 142 runs with Mark Ramsammy and Campbell both on 25. Today is the second and final day of both matches and play is scheduled to commence at 09:30 hrs.

Sunday April 06, 2014

Minister Anthony touts Ministry’s efforts in Budget presentation Minister of Culture Youth and Sports, Dr Frank Anthony, in his presentation during the Budget Debates in Parliament last week, touted the efforts being made by his ministry towards developing sports here. Questions will be asked of the Minister in due course as to the real efforts and development, but he made his and government’s case on what has been and is continuing to be done by the administration for sports. On the issue of the matters plaguing cricket, Dr Anthony stated, “Cricket has many off field difficulties, which has definitely impact on the dynamics of the game on the field. We hope that later in the year we will be able to pass the cricket legislation by consensus, which will assist the game to grow and develop.” There have been much back and forth in the press by the various stakeholders concerning that issue and it is hoped that some resolution is reached to return full stability to the game. Still on cricket, the Minister touched on the CPL; “Regionally, the WICB has given permission for the CPLT20, which had its first matches in 2013. This private sector venture really invigorated the game in the Caribbean. There were 24 matches in 6 countries, with 29 Broadcasters, in 25 countries, broadcasting 2,635 hours. The Mona School of Business & Management did an impact study of the tournament, it said that about $23.2m US was invested, direct impact was $36.4m, and that the direct and indirect

impact was about $105.6m across the Caribbean. This clearly shows the economic impact that this tournament has had on the Caribbean Economy. We therefore look forward to the 2014 edition. Negotiations have started to make Guyana one of the venues in the 2014 edition.” The Minister informed parliament that the athletic track at Leonora will be partially operational later this year. “By the end of this year the National Synthetic Track at Leonora, will be partially operational. We expect that by the end of the year, the synthetic track, the football field, the 2 Northern Stands, the parking, access roads and the Club House will be fully completed. With these sections completed the facilities can be put to use. We will however have to continue works to build two Southern Stands, these capital expenditures we anticipate will be in future budgets. During the latter part of the year the Ministry will by hiring staff to administer this facility, we would also be recruiting several full time athletic coaches, who would be offered programmes at the SAT.” “Development at the Guyana National Stadium will continue this year. The venue has become a popular destination for live entertainment. To this end the Ministry will procure two sets of mobile stands, which can be easily set up on the tarmac when they are concerts there,” he said about that venue. In terms of other

Dr Frank Anthony development, much emphasis and funding will be placed on developing community grounds, despite many questions being raised in the recent past of the state of some facilities, Dr Anthony stated, “We are once again pleased that 300 million dollars have been allocated to the development of community grounds. Over the last three years government would have spent 500 million on community grounds, this have resulted in a welcome transformation of these community assets. With close to 500 communities benefitting from this grant funding. Within the next few months, the lights at Albion will be completed. With its completion we can expect to see more night games at Albion.” Football and the motor racing fraternity are down for a boost from government based on the minister’s talk

in Parliament. “The Guyana Football Federation has approached the Government of Guyana to build a football training facility. The request is for the GoG to provide 10 acres of land, and the GFF would build the football facility using resources allocated through FIFA Goal Project. The projected investment over the next five years would be approximately 6.5 million US dollars. The government is supportive of this request and would be signing a MoU with the GFF shortly. Last year the Guyana Motor Racing Club became a full member of the FIA. The FIA has given the GMRC a grant to develop a master plan for the Timehri Circuit, with the aim of making it into a Class 3 Track. A team headed by Mr. Abed was recently in Guyana to commence discussion and designed of this Class 3 facility,” he informed the house. He also mentioned that, “We expect that later in the year the Guyana Karate College will commence construction of its Dojo on the one acre of land that government has allocated to them. This would create a permanent home for Karate in Guyana. We will also urge the Guyana Olympic Association to do the same. The Ministry remains open to develop partnership with National, Local organizations or individuals who would like to invest in the sports sector. We have received other expressions of interests (cricket, golf and tennis) and each of these would be considered on its merit.”

Milo/Petra Organisation Schools Football Competition

Lodge dethrone St. George’s to be crowned new champions - Dolphin clinch third place As predicted, the final of this year ’s Milo/Petra Organisation Schools Football Competition was a riveting slugfest that produced a new champion in Lodge Secondary who outlasted defending champions St. George’s to win 1-0 yesterday, before a crowded Ministry of Education ground on Carifesta Avenue. It took a Ryan Hackett strike in the 36th minute of the game to separate the two gladiators that thrilled fans

with some fantastic football that won the approval of everyone with many exclaiming that football was the true winner. Hackett, goal came through a neat piece of play which saw a long ball from the central mid-field that landed on the right side of the St. George’s defence, forcing their goalkeeper to come off his line in an effort to make the interception, but Lodge won the possession and a pass from right to left found the St. George’s custodian

and defence stranded, leaving Hackett unmarked and he lashed home from the left side into an empty net. The champions responded with venom, but Most Valuable Player Jamal Scott was equal to the task as he singlehandedly repelled the ferocious onslaught. The defending champions went down fighting as they created at least four chances, but luck was just not on their side as two one on one opportunities saw some poor finishing from their star striker Robby (Continued on page 59)

Dequan Matthews

Sunday April 06, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 65

Demerara take 1st innings points GBA to collaborate with St Lucian counterparts towards development as 8 Berbice Batsmen fail the score

Anthony Jones

David Christopher

By Michael Benjamin If President of the St Lucia Amateur Boxing Association (SLABA), David ‘Shakes’ Christopher gets his way the relations shared with his Guyanese counterpart, Steve Ninvalle would be greatly improved and local amateur boxers will benefit immensely from frequent international activity. M r. C h r i s t o p h e r i s Guyanese by birth, but now lives in St Lucia and shared these views in an exclusive interview with Kaieteur Sport at the Vigie Multipurpose Complex, St Lucia, March 29 last where boxers from the host country, Guyana and Martinique were battling for honours in a Tri-nation Goodwill championship. “Amateur boxing is on the rise in St Lucia and we are planning great things for our young fighters,” pronounced Mr. Christopher. He said that there has been an upheaval in the interest level and currently there are more than 120 youths that are honing their skills at the Island’s only boxing gym albeit at different periods of the day. The St Lucia boxing President said that there are many hurdles to cross if boxing in the Caribbean region should undergo a c o m m e n d a b l e metamorphosis. He said that he has committed himself to the task and has held fruitful discussions with his Guyanese counterpart, Steve Ninvalle, who had travelled to the Island to witness his charges in action. Mr. Christopher is somewhat peeved by the state of affairs in the Caricom community and feels that the sport is in dire need of a shot in the arm. “Boxing in the region is like

a sheep without a shepherd,” pronounced Mr. Christopher. He reminisced on the value of the now defunct Caribbean Amateur Boxing Association (CABA) tournament and bemoaned the fact that ever since its disbandment there has been no viable replacement. President of the SLABA since 2009, Mr. Christopher said that the time has arrived when countries in the region should pool their ideas to charter a way forward. He said that Caribbean nations will have to organize goodwill tournaments among themselves if the sport is to survive in the region. Recently, President of the Barbados Amateur Boxing Association, Anthony Jones, expressed similar views and lamented that boxing administrators in the Caribbean are lax in their approach to developmental strategies. Mr. Jones had spoken to Kaieteur Sport at the finals of the two days Horace Phillips Memorial Boxing Tournament at the Springer Memorial School, Barbados, March 8 last. He had disclosed that the Barbados boxing authorities had hosted a meeting between other territorial associations but everything boiled down to naught as the boxing officials returned to their respective countries and failed to follow up on the initiatives. “St Lucia did not have a representative at that forum,” declared Mr. Christopher. He said that he would have been delighted by any such proposal as it would have enhanced his objectives towards the development of the sport in the region. He also said that his organization has been the most dominant of all others

Steve Ninvalle in the region for the past four years. He said that the St Lucia tournament was conceptualized after he had held discussions with Mr. Ninvalle during the local tri nation tournament. “This is the kind of attitude needed if the sport is to develop in the region,” he said. Mr. Christopher said that he had attempted to broaden the scope for Caribbean boxers and had spoken with other territorial heads all to no avail. He said that those heads are not as dominant as they ought to be and this is compounded by problems in some countries. He mentioned Antigua and Barbuda where two warring factions are claiming the right to administrate the sport, while the heads of other territorial associations are not as proactive as they ought to be. It is after analyzing this s i t u a t i o n t h a t M r. Christopher has decided to forge stronger ties with his equal of the GBA. “St Lucia cannot do it alone so after observing the vibrancy of the officials of the Guyana Boxing Association I have taken a decision to join forces with them because they share our ideals,” said Mr. Christopher. The St Lucian boxing team has already started preparations for either of the Olympic Qualifiers in Mexico or Columbia, while Guyanese boxers are engaged in several tournaments including those recent exchange programmes with St Lucia and Barbados and if recent discussions with the two Presidents bear fruit, the heightened activity is sure to improve their chances at procuring that coveted gold medal at the 2016 Brazil Olympiad.

By Sean Devers Defending champions Demerara took first innings points from arch rivals Berbice on the first day of the deciding round of their Igloo Ice Cream under-15 InterCounty two-day cricket match at the Everest ground on Camp Road yesterday. Another unbeaten innings from 13-year-old DCC right-hander Alphius Bookie, who suffered his first dismissal in the competition in the second innings yesterday, led Demerara to 185-5 off 42 overs when their allotted two hours and 30 minutes batting time expired. Bookie, the leading run scorer in the recent DCB Inter-Association under-15 tournament, finished unbeaten on 64 from 117 minutes, 91 balls, with five fours and got support from Ashmead Nedd (34) and Joshua Persaud (23) to give Demerara a 94-run lead after the visitors were skittled out

for 92 from 32.5 overs despite a fighting 55 from opening batsman Kevin Sinclair. Sinclair hit four fours in his 109-ball and 130-minute half-century but got no support from the other end. Dineshwar Budoo (13) and Javeed Karim (16) were the only other batsmen to make any runs as eight batsmen failed to score in a dramatic collapse with saw Berbice slumping from 73-3 to lose their seven wickets for 19 runs. Left-arm spinner Ashmead Nedd (4-25) and fast bowler Anthony Antonio (2-9) secured two bowling points for the home team in addition to the six they got for the first innings lead. By the close, Demerara were 102-6 from 28 overs in their second innings as they extended their lead to 196. Sagar Hathiramani (1) and Azim Alli (0) were at the crease. Persaud was bowled by

Kevin Sinclair for 32 at 41-1 before Bookie was dismissed for the first time in the competition when he was run out for nine at 71-2. Yadram then fell to Seon Glasgow for an aggressive 40 with five fours at 88-3, Kurt Lovell (7) was LBW to Javeed Karim at 97-4 and two runs later Nedd (0) ran himself out for the second time in match. Paul Thomas (8) was LBW to Karim in the last over of the day. Earlier, Demerara won the toss in steaming hot conditions and elected to bat on a straw coluored track and a slightly parched and lightening fast outfield. In form openers Persaud and Yadram, who shared in a century second wicket stand against the President’s X1 in the first round at DCC, built a solid foundation with an attractive 41-run partnership before Skipper Yadram tried to hit left-arm spinner Kris Ramnarine over mid-on and (Continued on page 64)

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Kaieteur News

Sunday April 06, 2014

10th Universal Auto and General Supplies 11-Race Cycle Meet

Trophy Stall/EBFA U-15 League

Grove Hi Tech are champions, Soesdyke Falcons runner-up Grove, Trophy Stall 2014 U-15 Champions

Grove Hi Tech played flawless football to emerge as the top team in the inaugural Trophy Stall sponsored East Bank Football Association (EBFA) Under-15 League which concluded yesterday at the Grove Playfield, East Bank Demerara. The home team ended as the only unbeaten team of the two-round league with a 2-1 win over Herstelling, a much improved team that featured two female players. Yesterday’s other game saw Soesdyke Falcons overcoming Diamond to take the second place with a 4-2 win. Soesdyke were in a must win situation going into the game and pulled out all the stops against Diamond which defeated them (0-1) when the two

sides met in the first round. The Timehri boys never allowed Diamond to settle into a rhythm as they established their intentions from as early as the 7th minute joint top leading goal scorer Shane Meusa rocked the nets. Diamond fired back five minutes later through Teon Forde to draw level. Kevin Marshall, who netted a double for Soesdyke, fired in his first in the 33rd minute to restore the advantage for Soesdyke. He ensured that Diamond would not be a threat to their victory bid when he completed his double strike in the 39th minute. Diamond, kept on plugging away in search of more goals and were rewarded in the 69th minute

when Ixios Da Silva found the back of the nets to reduce the advantage but on the stroke of full time Shakeem Billson restored Soesdyke’s two goal cushion, with a goal of his own. Grove were pushed by Herstelling which have improved leaps and bounds, it was the champions closest margin of victory against the least experienced team of the league. Simeon Richardson handed the home team the lead 29 minutes into the encounter but Herstelling drew level in the 46th minute, compliments of an Adrian Sattaur strike. Even as Grove strove for goals, Herstelling put on the biggest performance of the competition as they stood solid in defence.

It took the effort of the tournament’s joint leading goal scorer Threvon Pluck to guide his team to a hard fought win when he breached the Herstelling defence in the 67th minute to seal the win and maintain Grove’s unbeaten record. The presentation of prizes to the teams and top individual performers will be done shortly. Trophies and medals will be awarded to the top three teams while the fourth placed team will also be rewarded as will the highest goal scorers; Threvon Pluck of Grove Hi Tech and Shane Meusa of Soesdyke Falcons who ended with 7 goals each. The Most Valuable Player, Best Goal Keeper and Best Coach will all be rewarded.

Robin Persaud tops field in feature race; Cleveland King takes juvenile event Seasoned campaigner Robin Persaud returned to winning ways when he took the top podium spot in the feature 35-lap school boys and invitational race at the 10th annual Universal Auto and General Supplies (UA&GS) 11-race cycling programme yesterday at the National Park. Persaud, who was one of 42 riders that faced starters orders, showed excellent form and stamina on a day which saw brilliant sunshine that tested the fitness of the field. The veteran cyclist pulled on his experience to come out as the champ on the day in One Hour 16 Minutes 17.18 Seconds. It was not easy sailing for the winner as there was a four-way sprint to the line where Marlon ‘Fishy’ Williams, Raynauth ‘Obeah Man’ Jeffrey and Mario King were all in contention. But Persaud would not entertain any fierce challenge from his experienced rivals and separated himself from the rest early on the final lap to claim victory in grand style. Williams got the better of Jeffrey to take the second spot with King taking fourth. Albert ‘Bertie’ Philander took the fifth place ahead of junior sensation, Michael Anthony who had to settle for sixth. The prime prizes were shared by Williams, Godfrey Pollydore and Jeffrey with two each while there was one for Hamzah Eastman and

Christopher Holder. Avish Ramlakhan won the 12-14 Boys and Girls race, while Stephen Fernandes (Under-50), Linden Blackman (Over-50) and Anthony Fariah (Over60) were the veteran winners. Taking the top spot in the juvenile event was Cleveland King. Clyde Jacobs topped the field in the Mountain Bike match-up with Sherwin Sampson winning the BMX 6-9 race yet again as well as the BMX 9-12 class. Ammo Gomes placed first in the BMX 12-14, w h i l e D a n i e l Vo s s e y achieved a similar feat in the BMX Open event. Race organizer and National Coach Hassan Mohamed expressed gratitude to sponsor Universal Auto and General Supplies and owner Shameer Baksh for committing to another year, the 10th successive year. M o h a m e d complimented the riders for their commitment also, while informing them that a hectic remainder of the year awaits them. Race sponsor Shameer Baksh is no stranger to the sport, he competes in the veteran Under-50 category, noted his pleasure in making a contribution to the development of Guyana’s talented riders. Mohamed and riders were assured by Baksh that the event in 2015 is secured.

All alone! Robin Persaud cruises over the line yesterday, unchallenged.

Sunday April 06, 2014

Kaieteur News

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Kevin Abbensetts - An athlete battling life’s vicissitudes on the way to the top He was born in the Cinderella County of Essequibo 19 years ago. He is currently an athlete operating out of the Mercury Fast Laners Athletic Club under the stewardship of Christopher Gaskin and on the verge of stardom. He has recently been selected to participate in the imminent Carifta Games scheduled for Martinique later this month and is currently engaged in stiff training with his sights set on a gold medal. While the above introduction may appear glossy, it was not always that way for Kevin Abbensetts, an aspiring athlete who was required to dig real deep while making the necessary sacrifices as he battled life’s many vicissitudes. Kevin’s father, Carlos Williams, was a middle distance athlete of some r e n o w n s o K e v i n ’s involvement was somewhat hereditary. He became involved in the sport while attending the J E Burnham Primary School, David Street, Kitty, at just eleven years old. Kevin said that his activities were restricted to the annual school sports. Subsequently, he wrote the Secondary School Entrance Examination and was awarded a place at Campbellville Secondary School where he met Gaskin who encouraged him while piloting his athletic development. However, despite his involvement in a sport that required a great amount of discipline, Kevin failed to conform to those requirements, was in constant trouble with the school administration and frequently summoned to the headmistress’ office. Kevin was always in a fight, frequently skipped classes and utilized most of

his time gambling. He was eventually expelled after appearing before the headmistress once too often on the same offence. After being expelled from Campbellville Secondary, Kevin enrolled, and was accepted in Tutorial High School. He said he continued to pursue his athletics dreams under coach Shabazz who piloted his enrolment into Roadrunners Athletic Club. One would have thought that his involvement at the club level would have forced Kevin to curb his excesses. It did not and after moving into the Sophia area in 2009, he decided to try his hand at cricket. It was during a match at the University of Guyana ground that he was accused of stealing a laptop computer from a student of that institution. He was arraigned in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, found guilty and because he was still a juvenile, was sentenced to 2 years detention at the Onderneeming Boys School. It was at this institution that Kevin realized that if he was to change his behaviour he would have had to engage in serious introspection. This decision prompted a fresh start and he dug into his athletics activities with fervour. Under the sports officer of that institution, Warrant Officer, Lawrence Kellman, Kevin set about repairing the damages to his life.“While at the NOC I played volleyball, netball, cricket, football and a host of other disciplines,” he intimated. Notwithstanding, his love for athletics remained intact and he represented the Onderneeming based institution with distinction.

Kevin Abbensetts with some of the accolades he has won.

His stint at the NOC turned out to be the catalyst for that all important metamorphosis and after serving his time Kevin engaged in serious introspection upon introduction into the free world. He became a full member of the Mercury Fast Laners and became deeply engrossed in athletics. One year after leaving the NOC he was selected to represent Guyana at the Hampton Games in Trinidad and To b a g o w h e r e h e participated in several events and managed to clinch a gold medal in the high jump. He also clocked a time of 10.9secs in the trials and was slated to represent Guyana at the 2013 Carifta Games when fortune dealt him a cruel blow. “Athletics officials instructed another trials and I lost that event to Jason Yaw which cost me a

place on that team,” reminisced Kevin. Undaunted, the young athlete persevered and earned selection in the 2013 Inter Guiana Games in French Guiana where he clinched 2 gold medals in the boys U-20, 100 and 200m respectively. “Despite these personal achievements I was a bit saddened after the (4x100) relay team was disqualified for improperly passing over the baton,” Kevin remembers. But he was no stranger to such adversaries and Kevin quickly reasserted himself.

His most recent achievement occurred on Sunday March 23 last during the Carifta Trials at the Police Sports Club, Eve Leary where he clocked a time of 10:04secs in the 100m race; the qualifying time was 10:05secs. Prior to this event, Kevin was introduced to the Director of Vizion Sounds, Wally Fraser, who has an eye for talent. Mr. Fraser immediately took a liking to the young athlete and is currently managing his affairs. “This is a decent youth with lots of potential

and given time, he will make a big impact on the athletic scene,” prophesied Fraser. As for Kevin, he has gelled nicely and is focused on the tasks ahead. He has since managed to change his ways for the better and feels qualified to issue advice to his contemporaries, “Life’s challenges should not be regarded as stumbling blocks but rather as stepping stones to success,” he philosophized. Such words are indeed meritorious coming from someone that has been there and done that.

t r o Sp

India v Sri Lanka, World T20, final

History of heartbreak between finalists

Australia v England, Women’s World T20, Final, Mirpur

Australia hunt for T20 hat-trick P.62

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MS Dhoni and Lasith Malinga pose with the World Twenty20 trophy on the eve of the final. (AFP)

Meg Lanning and Charlotte Edwards have the World T20 title in their sights. (Getty Images)

Milo/Petra Organisation Schools Football Competition Lodge dethrone St. George’s P.64 to be crowned new champions

-Dolphin clinch third place

Captain of new champions Lodge Secondary School, Jarel Grannum (centre) receives the winning trophy from Milo Representative Renita Sital in thepresence of teammates and other officials yesterday. 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