Monday April 06, 2015
Kaieteur News
Nigeria’s neighbours hope for a fresh start with Buhari (Reuters) - Surveying the charred ruins of the northern Nigerian town of Malam Fatori, which Chadian troops and his own soldiers from Niger liberated from Boko Haram last week, Colonel Toumba Mohamed paused to reflect on Nigeria’s landmark election. As the two nations’ forces poured into the border town on Tuesday, driving out the Islamist fighters, Nigeria’s election commission was announcing the victory of opposition candidate Muhammadu Buhari. “We hope that finally the armies of Chad and Niger will be able to fight Boko Haram side by side with the Nigerian army,” said Toumba, who expects to see changes when Buhari, a former general and Muslim from the north, is sworn in. Boko Haram’s six-year insurgency in northern Nigeria, and incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan’s failure to decisively counter the threat,
Muhammadu Buhari were a key issue in the Nigerian election. Gains by the Islamist movement, which is seeking to carve a caliphate out of Nigeria’s northeast, even forced a poll delay as a regional force launched an offensive to drive them back. But it has been Chad’s battle-hardened troops, and not Nigeria’s, that have led in the offensive, expelling
Boko Haram from the major towns in the north in just a matter of weeks. Malam Fatori - seized by Boko Haram in November in fighting that sent hundreds of Nigerian troops stationed there fleeing into Niger - was one of the group’s last border footholds. The fall of the town marked the end of the first phase of regional action, General Seyni Garba, Niger’s army chief of staff, told private Niger television station Ténéré. “The second phase is to secure the whole of the conquered territory with mopping up operations everywhere that Boko Haram can be found. We need to be able to secure the whole of the Lake Chad basin,” he said on Sunday. Buhari has called Nigeria’s reliance on neighbouring armies a disgrace and has vowed to restore the territorial integrity of Africa’s most populous nation. There is still work to be done.
Anti-EU party predicts more defections from Cameron’s Conservatives (Reuters) - Several lawmakers from British Prime Minister David Cameron’s Conservatives will join the anti-EU UK Independence Party if he renews a coalition with the pro-EU Liberal Democrats, UKIP’s leader Nigel Farage said. Cameron, whose party has been in coalition with the Liberal Democrats since 2010, has promised a referendum on Britain’s membership of the European Union by the end of 2017 if he is re-elected next month. Two Conservative lawmakers defected to UKIP last year and several other eurosceptic members of Cameron’s party were rumoured to be considering following suit at the time. “There are Tory (Conservative) backbenchers who do not want a coalition again with Mr Clegg under any circumstances,” Farage said in an interview in the Sunday Times newspaper. “If Cameron comes back as prime minister in a coalition deal with Clegg and the terms of the referendum are on Clegg lines not Farage lines then you may very well see a more serious fracture in the Conservative Party,” he said. “They are terms which I find wholly unacceptable and all those Tory backbenchers would too,” he added, predicting “more than a handful” would defect. With most polls showing the Conservatives neck-and-
Nigel Farage neck with the opposition Labour Party ahead of the May 7 election, neither is
expected to win a majority outright, leaving smaller parties vying to extract concessions in return for their support. The Financial Times reported this week that Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg, who only favours holding an EU referendum if more powers are transferred to Brussels, could demand including under-18s and EU migrants in the vote in return for his backing. UKIP, who are expected to win as many as six seats at the election, have said they will support a minority Conservative government in return for a referendum by the end of 2015.
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Kaieteur News
Monday April 06, 2015
Monday April 06, 2015
Kaieteur News
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COUNTING HEADS AT RALLIES Political rallies are never a good gauge about the support of political parties in the regions where these rallies are kept. All political parties bus in supporters to their rallies. There is no renting of crowds. No one is paid to go to these rallies. People go there voluntarily to show support for their parties or simply to hear what the politicians have to say. Not everyone at a rally is a supporter. Some go for the entertainment; some go to listen, some go to make up their minds as to who to vote for. People are mobilized in the areas near to where the meetings are held. But a great part of the crowd at political rallies is not from the area where the rally is being held. Recently, the APNU-AFC coalition held a political rally at Whim. A great many of those present were part of a massive motorcade from Georgetown, East Coast and
the West Coast of Berbice. A great part of that crowd was not from the Whim area. But there were persons from other nearby areas and from other parts of Berbice. The persons who went there were overwhelmingly supporters of the coalition. What many political observers were interested in however was the turnout from Whim since this is the village of Moses Nagamootoo who is the designated Prime Ministerial candidate for the coalition. Observers were interested to see what sort of support he would pull from Whim since one of the assumptions that led to the formation of the coalition was a certain political arithmetic. The coalition is premised on the belief that if the AFC can bring its 11% and APNU holds its 40%, there is the possibility that the coalition can win the Presidency. This assumption of course ignores the fact that
large numbers of supporters of the PPP did not vote at the last elections and therefore if these persons turn out in their numbers, then this throws the entire equation into imbalance. The coalition’s arithmetic also fails to consider the fact that the AFC by joining with APNU has effectively degraded its third force status. Many of the supporters of the AFC are persons who wanted to be part of a third force and saw in the AFC that option. With the AFC now part of a coalition with APNU, many of the former PPP supporters are going to return to the bosom of the PPP. That is another thing that the architects of the coalition did not factor into their political arithmetic. In this context, it was important to test the AFC’s support in Berbice and particularly its support amongst East Indians, the majority of whom in past
Dem boys seh...
Wha Rohee mek? Lab or labba? Rohee mek a big noise when he open a $400-plus million lab at Turkeyen. He seh that wid dis lab de police gun solve all dem crime. Now dem boys want fuh know if is a lab or a labba. Dem got nuff unsolved murder. Dem still got to spend millions of dollars overseas fuh do tests that de Rohee labba shoulda been doing. And fuh mek matters wuss, dem had a fire. Dem boys want fuh believe dat is a cook house because when dem check, somebody tell dem that Rohee was roasting de labba fuh he and Donald. He and See-all end up eating out de labba and Donald ain’t get none. Dat building give away $300 million out of de $400 million of de taxpayers money wha dem seh dem spend. Dem give away more than $30 million of de $46 million wha dem seh dem spend pun de Number 51 courthouse. Every house owner who build house in Diamond, and all over spend less than $10 million pun something of de same size. Dem give away Guyana too. Bai Shan come from till in de last part of China (Inner Mongolia) and become de third largest claim grabber in Guyana overnight. De way Jagdeo and Donald share out de tax dollars and assets, some people want fuh know if dem
own anything. De Waterfalls boss man going to de Registry to check if he still own de paper. De amount of things—money and assets— Babbie get from Jagdeo, de boss man frighten he wake up one morning next week and hear that he nah own de Waterfalls paper; that somebody give it away and lock out he and de staff. Of course, de promise follow de giveaway and is part of de manifesto. Since 2011 dem promise Local Government Elections. Dem promising again. Dem promising to fight corruption; dem promise to be transparent, dem promise procurement commission, dem promise accountability
yet dem refuse to set up de IFMAS fuh ketch dem when dem thief. Dem boys seh dat dis is de biggest laugh since Cheddi dead. De people in deh fuh more than 20 years. Dem boys want fuh know who gun believe that dem gun keep these promises if dem go back. Not even an idiot with half a brain and one ball gun believe that absurdity. Talk half and mek fresh promises.
elections supported the PPP/ C. The assumption also was that Whim was also a good testing ground since if East Indians came out from this area it would signal that the AFC was holding its base in Berbice and therefore could deliver the 11% that is expected of it. The fact of the matter is that this latter assumption is based on false premise concerning just where the AFC draws the bulk of its support in Berbice. While the AFC did make significant inroads into the PPP/C’s support base in the Whim area, an examination of the 2011 results would show that the spread of AFC support was not confined or dominated by any few areas. AFC’s Berbice support was widely spread. It drew support, marginal as it may be in terms of the overall vote, from many areas and not just the Whim-Port Mourant area where it did far better than expected. The bussing in of crowds posed a serious problem in terms of assessing this factor of the AFC holding its support base. In fact there were many who left with the view that the AFC did not demonstrate at
the rally that its support base in Berbice was intact. Rallies are however not good indicators of specific areas of support. Rallies are what the name implies. They are intended to rally the supporters, to bring them out from all over in their numbers and to drum into their heads the fact that victory is in sight. This is what rallies are about. Counting heads at political rallies is therefore not an effective gauge as to the division of the electorate. But they do create illusions amongst persons. And illusions can move people in untold ways. In the last elections, APNU had a low keyed campaign. They did not have impressive numbers at their rallies, except for their final
rally which had the largest turnout of any rally they had hosted then or what the PNC/ R had ever hosted in the past. That last rally was massive. The otherwise relative low-keyed campaign by APNU In 2011 had the effect of lulling the supporters of the PPP/C into complacency. These supporters assumed that the PPP/C would cruise to victory and so tens of thousands of them did not turn out to vote. That is not likely to happen again. Therefore the bussing in persons to rallies may actually hurt the coalition more than it benefits them.
Monday April 06, 2015
Kaieteur News
SALON
VACANCY Work from home: Earn $5,000 - $20,000 daily, 9am - 5pm, Monday to Saturday - Call: 233-6517/ 638-0595 or www.jobfairworldwide.com One live in maid, must be from country, know to cook Indian dishes – Tel: 662-1124; 611-0200 SECURITY GUARDS, CANTER DRIVERS, SALESMEN, MARKETING ASSISTANT with Drivers Licence. Accommodation Available. Tel. 266 4427 Floor Supervisor, Bond Supervisor, Delivery Clerk, apply with written application & passport size picture @ Survival, 173 Sheriff St., Campbellville –Tel: 227-5286-9 Cashier @ Shell Service Station Providence E.B.D shift work – (6am-3pm & 3pm12pm) email:shellramsburg@gmail.com; submit to name above International Cruiselines, receptionists, cooks, waitresses, carpenters, cleaners, storekeepers, electricians, welders Contact Professional Recruitment Agency - 231-6296, 650-9880 Experienced Cleaner & bartenders – Call: 225-8572 between 7am-9am Experienced hauler driver, porters, rip saw & plane operator @ Eccles Industrial Site E.B.D - Call Richard: 6097675; 674-1705; 233-2614
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LEARN TO DRIVE Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel:644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997
WANTED Senior Accounts Clerk, 5yrs experienced, CAT or equivalent. Email: snow198390@hotmail.com
PROPERTY FOR SALE Parfaite Harmonie, West Minister, Onderneeming, Cornela Ida, Tushcen, etc Contact: Pacific Development Inc # 223-6035; 231-8480 Houses & land available for sale in Non- Pariel, Enmore, Providence & Diamond Contact: Pacific Development Inc # 223-6035; 231-8480 Two storied concrete house, two bedrooms upstairs, two bedrooms downstairs $20Million @ Block “8” Mon Repos, E.C.D- Tel:625-1514 Property situated in East La penitence, Georgetown, 2 storied concrete buildings in need of repairs, price negotiable –Tel: 662-6173
LAND FOR SALE EDUCATIONAL Phonics, Reading, Spelling Classes for children of all ages, limited space available – Tel: 675-4379
Make Up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, Black Opal and Sacha cosmetics. Call: 647-1773/660-5257 Experienced hairstylist & Barber @ Gtmemoirs Salon & Spa, Farm E.B.D –Tel: 6543614; 667-3999
Blankenburg, 3 lots 75X76 each, $15M, all 3 lots, Parika, Peter Street, lot size 38’X150' - $7.9M-Contact # 650-0402/ 260-4988 50 Acres titled farm land @ The Belle, Upper Dem, River Front $100M negotiable, serious enquiries only! – Tel: 669-8152 Parfaite Harmonie -$1.3M (80ftX45ft), $1.5M (80ftX50ft) –Tel: 675-7292
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Business/Economics Writer, email application to snow198390@hotmail.com Office clerk: CXC English, mathematics. Live in, live out babysitter/domestic - Call: 219-5354 Salesgirls & porters, apply with written application @ Best Buy Food Supplies, Dennis & Middleton Street, Campbellville. 1 OFFICE ASSISTANT: Must have motorcycle, car/ van license, able to work flexible hours, from E.B.D. Email: snow198390@hotmail.com Tug captain, engineer, must gave knowledge of Quarry areas - Tel: 227-2027; 227-5500 One handy boy to work in interior - Tel: 691-6260 Live in domestic or couple to in Mahaicony River – Tel:225-6571; 644-6905 1 mechanic to work in the interior must know about 6BT Cummings and Perkins –Tel: 691-6260 Live in domestic must know to cook Indian dishes, salary $60,000 monthly, boarding & lodging free – Tel: 610-3974 Porters to work in Grocery Stall, experienced is an asset @ Stabroek Market – Tel: 2269800 Diesel mechanic to work in Georgetown, accommodation provided –Tel: 218-5105 Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665 1 Male cook to work in the interior - $100,000 monthly – Tel: 694-2310 Experienced counter servers, roti/puri cook, pastry makers, cleaners, apply Hacks Halaal, Lot 5 Commerce St. Hauler for rent monthly for interior, 6 months contract Call: 612-6090
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SERVICES
FOR SALE
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.–CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Advertisements; Guyana Passport & Visa Forms Application, USA, Canada and England. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. Repairs & spare, fridge, freezer, A/C, washers, stoves. Contact Nick: 683-1312, 627-3206 Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building Call Sabita: 225-6496, 6626045
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, motors, etc -Call: 225-9032, 647-2943
Mahadeo Construction for all construction, carpentry, masonry, pluming, painting etc. Free estimates and plan Contact # 669-7376 Accounting & Taxation Services: tax returns, compliances, financial statements. Avinash Persaud Tax Consultancy, 163 Parika, EBE - Call: 260-4762. Exchange your empty HP & Canon printer ink cartridges for a full one & pay only $2,000 & $2,500 - Call:6507699 Your Dream Yard Today! Stunning designs, Assortment, colourful plant choices, Professional Landscapers Tel: 219-0468/ 648-1821 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer Call Omar: 2310655, 683-8734 Balloon decorating for birthdays, weddings, anniversary etc, make your event extra special! Tel Maya: 642-6664 Mukesh Plastic Welding & Crack Wind Screen repairs: water tanks, bumper, side m i r r o r, d o o r l o c k & radiators etc. Call: 6822893; 692-9813 For the best deals on tents – Call Vicky Rocky: 276-0548; 276-0299. Enjoy our special prices for weddings Eagle’s fridge re-gas - $8,000 & washing machine repairs. Phone: 697-2969, 646-0966 REPAIRS AT LOW COST: FRIDGES, AIRCONDITIONERS, WASHING MACHINES, TVS, MICROWAVES, FREEZERS- CALL:6294946 OR 225-4822 HOUSE PLAN DRAFTING AND ESTIMATES FOR ONLY $15,000- CALL:6949843/227-2766 MASSAGE The Gents Spa: Beautiful sophisticated masseuses, massage done by Tiffany – Call: 657-5979
Great Deals on video games and all gaming consoles – Call: 672-2566; 265-3232 Bridal and mini bridal dresses. For more information call: (592) 6216120 1 Miller Bob Cat, Welding generator 225 amps –Tel: 6165424; 680-0378 Fluffy pups. Call: 642-6664 Three storied building @ South Road, established business on Third Floor, 12 offices, brand new – Tel:6013369; 218-2029 1 Dyna Canter Truck GJJ series - $2M negotiable, serious inquiries only – Contact: 690-9051 10 Acres of front line, Road Side, for hotel, housing, farming, Ressort Kuru Kururu Soesdyke Linden Highway – Tel:601-3369; 218-2029 250 Rebel Motorcycle, one 250 nighthawk motorcycle, one Toyota 4X4 pickup for more information contact: 662-8715; 680-1198; 7715388-87 XBOX360 4 GB + Kinect and 2 games- $80,000, PS3, XBOX games – Tel Ray: 627-6215
VEHICLE FOR SALE Toyota Prado, Price$4.7M Neg. Call: 643-2403 Smart Choice Auto: Premio, Allion, Bluebird, Spacio, Fielder, Carina 212, Sienta, IST – Call: 652-3820/665-4529 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma - Call: 680-3154 AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms- Call: 680-3154 One Noah Van - $1.4M negotiable – Tel:641-2763; HL2 Hilux - $6.4M negotiable – 641-2763 First Class Auto: Allion, Premio, Bluebird, Sienta, Runx, Axio, Verossa, Mark 2-Call : 609-8188; 638-3045 Toyota Avensis $2.550M negotiable – Tel:645-0078; 603-0078 1 Dyna Canter GPP - $2M, 1 Mitsubishi GNN - $1.5M, both vehicles are in excellent condition – Tel: 680-3863 Toyota Hilux Vigo GSS series – Tel:656-3561; 6976510 New Model Allion $3.300, 2004 Spacio $2.050, Registered Spacio $1.7M Call: 655-3400 Toyota Voxy to be registered in “B” series - $2.1M & ‘G’ series - $1.7M – Tel: 617-2891 Unregistered Posh, Toyota IST –Tel: 657-1796 Unregistered Corolla Fielder, 2003, body kit, fog, TV/ navigation, dark interior, rear spoiler, roof rack. Call: 617-5536 RAV 4, excellent condition, teacher driven, very reasonable price – Tel: 618-5592
TO LET
Unregistered 2008 Nissan XTrail fully loaded -$5,550,000 negotiable- Tel: 611-1833
Furnished 2 bedroom apartment with AC Available for long/short term rentalCall: 665-2548
Blow Out Sales @ Star Cars Auto Sale- Premio, Spacio, Bluebird, IST, Benz, Alteeza, free alarm- Tel: 679-3140
Spacious semi furnished 2 bedrooms house at Parfaite Harmonie –Tel: 680-6137; 6283889 Kitty one (1) fully grilled three (3) bedrooms downstairs Tel: 641-2939
L-Touring with original skirts, excellent condition, 15" rims, DVD, Alarm Call: 6946609/233-2538
VEHICLE FOR SALE Toyota AT212, AT192, AE100 Sprinter, EP-71 Starlet, Hilux 4 Runner, RZ Mini bus, Yamaha R6-Tel:644-5096; 697-1453
2-20 Ton Dump Truck, American- Tel: 661-6161 Blow Out Sale!!! Unregistered Toyota IST $2,150,000- Bodykit, TV, Spoiler, Fogs, Alloy Wheels, Crystal Lights & Alarm – Call: 643-6565, 226-9931 1 Mini bus 2 RZ BPP series $1M negotiable –Tel: 615-3904 One Three (3) Ton Canter, $ 600,000- Contact # 650-0402/ 2604988 Continued on page 24
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Kaieteur News
Monday April 06, 2015
Letters... Where your views make the news...Letters... Where your views make the news
CITIZENS STILL WAITING WITH BATED BREATH FOR POSITIVE CHANGES IN THE POLICE FORCE
DEAR EDITOR, I was prompted to write as a Guyanese citizen out of an abundance of concern for the continued lack of professionalism amid allegations of misconduct by members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF). I do believe that I speak for the majority of peace loving law abiding citizens on the urgent need to reform the organisation which has pledged to serve and protect all within the borders of this dear land of ours. Over the past twenty-four months we have been regaled with the Minister of Home Affairs’ intention to have a
(From page 23)
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Wash bay and snackette @ 15 Good Hope E.B.E – Call: 680-4990; 277-3033 Business spaces for rent @ West Shore Plaza Building, Ruimzeight, W.C.D, Public Road – Tel:269-1524; 6563561 GT TOOL RENTALS: COMPACTOR; CHIPPING HAMMER RANSOM & FLOOR SANDER, , JACK HAMMER, CONCRETE SAW & MORE - CALL: 675-0767, 627-5098 2 Bedrooms to rent located at D5 Wallers Delight W.C.D Tel: 674-4929; 662-0187 Concrete 3 bedrooms upper flat house fully grilled, parking available @ Agricultural road Mon Repos, E.C.D- Call:687-1050
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reformed police force even to the extent of a name change. However, sad to say, citizens are still waiting with bated breath for manifestations of positive change in the behaviour and attitude of our policemen and women. It is with the latter view in mind that I seek in the spirit of goodwill, and in the interest of public safety and security to express the following thoughts. Editor, I have taken the liberty of perusing the GPF’s Strategic Plan on the ministry’s website and I have observed that what is intended therein speaks to improving operational and administrative efficiency of the Force. A closer examination reveals that with respect to the modernisation thrust, some attention is being paid to improving the organisation’s infrastructure in terms of facilities and machinery. While these interventions are to be applauded I am sure most of us would agree that modernisation does not necessarily bring about reform, nor does it result in a democratic police service. However, with the much publicised statements on ongoing reforms emanating from the ministry, I am of the humble view that so far there is a marked absence in the public domain of the form these reforms are expected to take, and what image a reformed GPF will project to the public. As it presently stands there appears to be less than organisational support for the minister’s vision in that regard a situation which if true poses a serious challenge to institutionalising reform in the Force. In essence, the prevailing view is that whatever the proposed reforms are, they do not seem to have been transmitted to all members of the Force. If the public is to go by the continuing reports
of police misconduct, the only reasonable conclusion would be that the prevailing attitudes and behaviours have grown worse compared to any previous era. I am therefore compelled to seek some guidance from the Minister of Home Affairs and the police hierarchy on a few important questions. 1. How will a reformed GPF be expected to operate? 2. What attitudes, knowledge and behaviour will members be expected to demonstrate? 3. Have these expectations been transmitted to the rank and file? If yes, by what means have they been disseminated? 4. Are there clearly defined goals of the reform process with milestones for measurable achievement? 5. Has there been organisational commitment and buy-in to the proposed reform? 6. Has the Force’s administration made efforts to instill in the hearts and minds of ranks a desire to develop a culture that supports the change effort? 7. Has the reform elements been incorporated into the Force’s policies and procedures? 8. Is it true that a certain department is being set up as the scapegoat for the police’s failure to implement changes? Editor, those are but a few of the burning questions which - if not addressed, will only lead to a stymieing of the best efforts in spite of the resources the government throws at the Force. The public quite rightly expects that its police force as the most visible manifestation of government authority responsible for public security, should reflect a respect for fundamental human rights, integrity and police codes of conduct. These are the major elements of democratic policing. The GPF can only enhance the legitimacy of the state if its
members demonstrate in their daily work that they are responsive to public needs and expectations, and use the authority of the state in the people’s interests. Fair and impartial treatment by the police toward all during the elections period will certainly win respect, support and co-operation and help regain the public’s trust and confidence. A reformed GPF informed by democratic principles requires that police consider themselves to be accountable to citizens, their representatives, the state and the law. This makes it all the more critical that police activities, ranging from the behaviour of individual members to policing strategies and policies, human resource and budget management, must be transparent and open to scrutiny. It is therefore to be hoped that the minister’s comments on expanding oversight of the GPF will be realised in the shortest possible time. It is my sincere hope that serious consideration be given to including among the reform agenda emphasis on adherence to the Rule of Law; impartiality, tolerance, discretion, honesty, integrity
and fairness; politeness, hygiene, appearance and general manners; personal communication; abuse of authority; performance of duties; lawful orders; confidentiality; sobriety; general conduct; security and privacy; professionalism; development of trust; service to the community; special considerations to be given to the mentally ill; abuse and misuse of authority; off-duty behaviour; and use of official position. It is also to be hoped that appropriate measures will be developed to prevent, detect, punish and eradicate the scourge of corruption in the police. It should be borne in mind that all efforts will be useless if the conditions that breed corruption and temptations faced by the frontline ranks including extortion, kickbacks, payoffs and gratuities perjury; direct and indirect corruption are not confronted to bring to justice those who are corrupt. Editor, as someone who has challenged injustices sometimes in circumstances amounting to civil disobedience, it is incumbent upon me to offer a word on the police management of civil disturbances. A reformed GPF should be able to act with
the level of professionalism to avoid a repetition of the Linden July 2012 tragedy. This means that the GPF must be equipped to assess crowd situations objectively and be able to understand crowd psychology and behavior. There should be revised procedures and guidelines for dealing with civil disturbance to include persuasion, negotiation, mediation, escalation and de-escalation of events. Finally, as a concerned Guyanese I am very much aware that due to the nature of their work, our law enforcement officers are exposed to incidents or situations that cause stress, which can take a toll on their work and private lives. Therefore a reformed GPF must ensure that all its members are equipped to manage stress with an awareness and control of the sources of stress and be able to achieve the right work-life balance These are just a few of my observations which - if addressed, will give Guyanese a level of comfort and confidence that the organisation’s reforms are on the right track and heading in the right direction. Sandra Barton
Guyana’s 2015 Election Campaign: The Intellectual Pygmy and the Charlatan DEAR EDITOR, Now that Guyana’s regional and general election campaign season is in full swing, the country is once again blessed or cursed, depending on your point of view, of having one of the country’s most polarizing figures, former president Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo, fulminate about the evils of the opposition seeking to displace the corrupt, incompetent and lawless PPP government. I’m on record as saying that Donald Ramotar as a leader is out of his depth and hearing him speak confirms that he was hand-picked to be president precisely because of his leadership deficits and malleability by former president Bharrat Jagdeo. From day one Ramotar was never his own man when he adopted Bharrat Jagdeo’s entire cabinet of ministers as his own. Mr. Ramotar owns all of Bharrat Jagdeo’s failures, lock stock and barrel. Likewise, Mr. Jagdeo has a vested interest in not letting the opposition replace the PPP, because when that happens, it is likely that Mr. Jagdeo and many of his
cronies will have a lot to answer for in a court of law. It is sad to see the levels to which Guyana’s political discourse has devolved since Bharrat Jagdeo cloaked himself in hubris, and with each passing day, behaves in a manner that is beneath the dignity of the office of president and is simply nothing more than a race baiting charlatan. Bharrat Jagdeo is a farce, wrapped in fraud inside a hollow sham who misled the nation into believing he was legally married and we all know how that turned out. He is the same person who claimed to have tapes of criminals committing all manner of acts but never turned over said tapes to his police force for prosecution. His latest insinuation about knowing who the perpetrators are in the assassination of Guyana’s most recent patriot, Mr. Courtney Crum-Ewing, fits the pattern of his ability to dissemble without consequences in the name of fomenting racial animus. The PPP wants Guyanese to suspend logic and make believe that the dystopian society that currently exists
is the opposition’s doing, even though the PPP has led Guyana for almost twentythree unbroken years. State condoned/ sponsored torture of its citizens at the hands of the police, unchecked narcotrafficking, money laundering as a parallel economy accounting for more than 25% of the official economy, endemic corruption, nepotism, marginalization, institutionalized racism, mistreatment of Amerindians, rampant crime, failure of the sugar industry are just a few on an exhaustive list that the PPP has presided over. Worst of all, after twenty-three years, the PPP still cannot deliver reliable electricity, a basic utility and a major driver of economic productivity and prosperity. The time has long passed for the PPP to be shown the door and made to give account in a court of law for all the atrocities they’ve committed either by omission or by commission. It is time. It is time for forensic audits. It is time for justice. It is time to vote based on issues and not race. Nigel Jason
Monday April 06, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 25
Govt. is a set of drunken Man burns house after murder attempt on wife sailors with tax dollars - “Court house $46M price tag is totally ridiculous” - Harmon The court house
A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition has yet again expressed disappointment in the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government for its “irresponsible” utilization of tax dollars. The grievance is now with the amount of money used to construct a flat building to house the No. 51 Village Magistrate’s Court. While the coalition has no problem with the construction of a courthouse, it believes that way too much money has been spent to construct such a building. During an exclusive interview with Kaieteur News yesterday, one of APNU+AFC spokespersons, Joseph Harmon said that the amount of money quoted for the construction of the building is totally ridiculous.
Harmon said that the quotation of that exorbitant amount surely represents yet another scam being pulled off on Guyanese. “The PPP/C has been taking advantage of the electorate and will do so even more now that Parliament has been dissolved. It is a scandalous act…This government is like a set of drunken sailors with the taxpayers’ monies.” The politician, who also practices civil law, said that it is “impossible” for the building to cost $46M, and questioned, “What the cement has inside, Gold and Silver?” Harmon said that the No. 51 Village courthouse reminds him of the NIS building where the roof cost taxpayers “an arm and a leg”. Further, Harmon recalled that the government claimed that it paid $424,000 per toilet
Cops deny detained... (From page 3) alleged mastermind, but that they are still to locate and question him. While not disputing that police were privy to information about the motive and the individuals involved in Abrams’ murder, the police release refuted that this information was provided by the two suspects, who are at present on remand. “The Guyana Police Force categorically refutes the allegation that its investigators have received such information from either of the two men as the investigations continue,” the release stated. Noting that this inaccurate information to the Kaieteur News has been attributed to “top police sources”, the Guyana Police Force wishes to remind media operatives that the authorised persons within the Police Force from whom information on criminal investigations can be sought are the Commissioner of Police, the Assistant Commissioner ‘Law Enforcement’, the Public Relations and Press Officer and the respective Divisional Commander.” Eyewitnesses to the February 26 attack had said that Abrams was driving past the Demerara Distilleries Limited (DDL) compound around 10:00hrs, when a Toyota 212 stopped in the middle of the road. Two men, dressed in dark clothing, and armed with “a long gun” and a handgun emerged and opened fire on the Toyota Allion which Abrams was driving. The wounded man managed to drive away from the scene, but ended up in a canal. He was already dead when residents and police pulled him from the vehicle. Kaieteur News was told that the only thing police recovered from Abrams’ car was a bag containing a flash drive, his national identification card and other personal documents.
bowl procured for the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Expansion Project. He said, “God knows if the toilet bowls for the courthouse cost the same amount as those procured for the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Expansion Project.” “This is the so called respect they have for taxpayers and they are just investing in these things only to cream off the bulk of the monies to gift to certain sections of the electorate during the election period,” he added. Harmon expressed optimism that the PPP will be unseated and such acts will not continue at the expense of taxpayers as “this will be corrected come May 11…Trust me, when the APNU+AFC assumes office, all these scandalous contracts and projects will be reviewed and those responsible will have to face the music.” In all the reports from government associated media houses on the multi-million dollar building, little was said about what facilities in the building had jacked up the price to $46M. According to reports, the flat building is “state-of-theart” and is said to be “fully air-conditioned, equipped with an internal Police outpost and has a briefing area for Prosecutors.” The No. 51 Village Magistrate’s Court was constructed next to the old court building by Ramesh Kissoon Contracting Company between February and August 2014. As the President commissioned the building, he said that over the past five years, government upgraded all the Magistrate’s Courts in the country and soon the new court house at Lethem will be commissioned. Before the end of the year, the Magistrate’s Court at Plaisance will also be upgraded, the President said.
A drunk Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo farmer last evening went berserk and burnt down the family’s house after he failed to hack his wife to death. A relative said that the farmer, Bo Isbran, of Last Street, Phase One, Tuschen Housing Scheme, was in one of his usual drunken bouts. After a heated exchange with his wife, the man reached for the cutlass, threatening to sever the woman’s neck from her body. The couple’s son, who lives just next door, overheard his mother’s scream and rushed to her aid. A relative said the son snatched the cutlass from his father and gave him a good thrashing. Afterwards, the wife, Christine and other family members left the house and went to sit outside. Bo Isbran then proceeded into the house and shortly thereafter, the family noticed smoke coming from inside the building. The man had set the house afire and came outside with his gun. He later tried to go back into the house in a bid to burn himself alive, the relative said, but others prevented him. The Police and Fire service were summoned and Isbran was arrested while sitting in the grass with his gun. He boasted to Police that it was his house so he could destroy it. “He didn’t really want dead because he
Bo Isbran shortly after his arrest. could’a shoot heself, but is just bluffin he bluffin, and look wha damage he cause,” a resident stated. His distraught wife was also taken to the Police station as the lawmen tried to figure the matter out. It was unclear what started the argument with the couple. But relatives and neighbours said heated exchanges were common at the house and anything could have started last evening’s incident.
People’s Progressive Party The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) extends Easter Greetings to all Guyanese, in particular our Christian brothers and sisters. Easter which is celebrated in observance of the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is celebrated throughout the world with prayers and flying of kites. This year’s Easter celebrations is taking place at a critical time in our political life when the country is preparing itself for another general and regional elections which resulted from a power-hungry political opposition. These elements are trying feverishly to deceive and betray the Guyanese people through subterfuge and false promises. But like Jesus Christ who tested the will and eventually triumphed over the betrayal by his one time disciple Judas, in same manner the democratic forces will prevail over our present day Judases who is prepared to sell their soul for the gratification of their egos
and political ambitions. The PPP remains confident however that the Guyanese people will allow good sense to prevail and reject these power hungry elements who are so obsessed with the love for power that they will stop at nothing to realize their ambitions. The PPP takes this opportunity to call on all Guyanese to reflect on the teachings of Jesus Christ and his humility and exemplary life. Let us also at this time reflect on the enormous progress we have made as a country over the years and to strive to ensure that the gains made over the years are not squandered by those with unpatriotic and anti-national predisposition. As we celebrate Easter let us re-commit ourselves to do all within our power to help our beloved country to soar to even greater heights in the true spirit of Easter.
People’s National Congress Reform The People’s National Congress Reform extends Easter Greetings to all Guyanese and more especially to members of our Christian Community, both here and around the world, on the occasion of the celebration of one of the most important events in the Christian Calendar. This festival, which commemorates the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, contains both in its symbolic significance, and its secular relevance, important and powerful messages. For the members of the Christian Community, the Easter story represents the fulfillment of God’s Prophecy that mankind would be offered the hope of eternal life through the sacrificial death of His son, Jesus Christ and His subsequent Resurrection from the dead. It is this faith which has kept the worldwide Christian Church alive and enabled its followers to significantly contribute towards making the earth a better place for all mankind. The Easter season in Guyana is best known for the widespread kite flying activity that is seen by many as a representation of the theme of the Resurrection. Whatever may
have been its origins, kite flying attracts widespread participation of Guyanese, from all walks of life, regardless of religion, ethnicity or culture. It, therefore, offers another opportunity for Guyanese to share common experiences and understand each other better. As we celebrate Easter this year, we, in the PNCR, bemoan the corruption, crime and general moral decay that have become pervasive in our land. On May 11th our country has an opportunity with the Coalition, A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) to experience good governance through a Government of National Unity; a chance for a rebirth of national pride and national unity. Let us hope that the symbolism of our kites soaring to the heavens inspire all Guyanese to emulate the example of Jesus for the renewal of hope for the resurgence of the conditions needed for the future development and prosperity of this our Dear Land of Guyana. A HAPPY AND BLESSED EASTER TO ALL!
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US interested in Jamaica, Suriname central bank governor visits Saudi Arabia to says Foreign Minister KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — Minister of foreign affairs and foreign trade, Senator A. J. Nicholson, says the visit by US President, Barack Obama demonstrates that the United States is taking an interest in what is happening in Jamaica. Obama is expected to visit Jamaica from Wednesday to Thursday while on his way to the seventh Summit of the Americas in Panama. “It means a lot when a president of the United States visits a Third World country. It means a lot to us, not only because the media focus will be on Jamaica, but it also means that the president and the government of the United States of America is taking an interest in what is taking place in Jamaica. Now, that is something you cannot pay
A. J. Nicholson for,” he said. The minister was speaking at a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) ‘Think Tank’, held last Thursday at the agency’s head office in Kingston. The discussions also
focused on the 6th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference scheduled to take place at the Montego Bay Convention Centre from June 13 to18, 2015, under the theme: ‘Jamaica and the Diaspora Linking for Growth and Prosperity’. Nicholson said that Jamaica’s progress within international circles over the past few years has led to the president’s visit. “Make no bones about it, one of the reasons that President Obama is coming to Jamaica is because of Jamaica’s improvement within international circles for the past few years. There is no question about that,” he stated. The minister said it is his hope that the visit will foster greater collaboration between the two countries.
T&T Opposition ahead in latest poll
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - CMC – The main opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) is currently leading in a poll published yesterday that was commissioned by the Trinidad Express newspaper. The poll puts the PNM ahead at 31 per cent and the ruling People’s Partnership coalition government at 25 per cent with the 33 per cent of the electorate still undecided. However, the rating of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s continues to be high with 50 per cent rating her favourably, and 33 per cent unfavourably, while opposition leader Dr Keith Rowley’s favourability remains at 40 per cent. The poll stated that the electorate is generally disapproving of recent actions of the Government. When asked about the prime minister’s decision to remove former minister of national
security Gary Griffith from office, 38 per cent disapproved while 28 per cent approved while 19 per cent were either not sure and 15 per cent had no opinion. Concerning the economy, 44 per cent disapproved of the way the Government is handling the compared to 24 per cent of those who approve. The poll was conducted by data analysis firm Solution by Simulation (SBS) and led by pollster Nigel Henry. Four hundred and eighty five persons were interviewed during the period March 23 – 25t 2015 via live telephone calls. An address-based sample was used which involves matching publicly listed telephone numbers to location. Respondents within households were at least 18 years old and willing to participate. The margin of error is +/ - 4 percentage points.
expand ties with Islamic Bank
Suriname’s Central Bank Governor Gillmore Hoefdraad (left) meets with chairman of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, Dr Ahmad Mohamed Ali, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia — Suriname’s Central Bank Governor Gillmore Hoefdraad and his accompanying delegation met with the chairman of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, Dr Ahmad Mohamed Ali, on March 24 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, according to a press release from the bank’s headquarters. Hoefdraad conveyed a message of appreciation on behalf of the president of Suriname, Desi Bouterse to the IsDB chairman, praising the existing relations between his country and the IsDB and underlining Suriname’s desire to promote further cooperation. According to Hoefdraad, the responses from the various entities of the IsDB Group have been very
favourable especially in the health and education sectors of Suriname to which the bank has contributed US$75 million. The meeting focused on discussing the progress made in the implementation of the partnership strategy between the government of Suriname and the IsDB Group, signed last November, under which the IsDB Group is focusing on supporting the priority sectors set by Suriname, according to the press release. Hoefdraad stated that his country currently benefits from IsDB’s “reverse linkage” program for exchange of expertise amongst member countries, based on which Suriname is currently cooperating with Malaysia to take advantage of Kuala
Lumpur’s expertise in the development of agriculture, particularly in Suriname’s rice industry. The IDB chairman expressed pleasure at the tangible progress made by Suriname, as well as the cooperation between Suriname and Malaysia. Dr Ali stated that the visit by Hoefdraad will help uplift the existing relations between Suriname and the IDB Group. Suriname joined the IDB in 1997. Since then, the IsDB has approved US$108 million for financing various development projects in the country with a focus on the health and transport sectors. IDB comprises 56 member countries, of which Suriname is the only one from the South American continent. (Caribbean News)
Brazil demonstrators demand end to police violence Rio de Janeiro (AFP) Demonstrators in Rio de Janeiro took to the famous sands of Copacabana yesterday to protest the death of boy who was killed in the crossfire during a police gunfight in a favela. Members of the Brazilian non-profit group Rio de Paz marched along the beach and symbolically buried a white coffin in the sand in a show of solidarity for the 10-yearold victim, who died
Thursday. Police say Eduardo de Jesus Ferreira died during a shootout between officers and drug traffickers. But his family insists he was killed by police. Tensions have been high since the killing and security concerns in the Brazilian city are again under the spotlight ahead of next year’s Olympics. About 20 activists carried placards with the names of 18
children who have been killed during clashes between police and drug gangs in the favelas between 2007 and 2015. Antonio Carlos Costa, the founder of the activist group, told AFP the purpose of the demonstration was to “wake up” Rio’s population to the major cause of these violent deaths: the gap between rich and poor. “How will the city of Rio de Janeiro respond? It will host the 2016 Olympics, yet here is the death of a poor child, the victim of stray bullets. How can we expect peace in such an unequal city?” Costa said. In a statement, President Dilma Rousseff expressed solidarity with parents of the slain boy and called for those responsible to be punished. Brazil’s government has carried out a drive to crack down on crime in Rio ahead of the 2014 World Cup and next year’s Olympics.
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Sri Lanka alleges ‘billions’ lost in Republicans push demand for a vote on Iran nuclear deal corruption at national carrier COLOMBO (Reuters) Sri Lanka’s new government has ordered a criminal investigation into alleged corruption at the state-run national airline that it says involved “billions of dollars”. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe’s office said an inquiry, led by an anticorruption lawyer, had found “shocking details of corruption running into billions of dollars” at Sri Lankan Airlines, as well as “irregularities” in its $2.3 billion 2013 deal to buy 10 Airbus aircraft. The statement, issued on Saturday, contained no allegations of wrongdoing by Airbus. Airbus said it had no comment on the Sri Lanka government statement. According to the statement, the inquiry recommended investigations into the national carrier’s “entire refleeting process”. The statement also said that former airline chairman Nishantha Wickremasinghe, who it identified as a brotherin-law of former president Mahinda Rajapaksa, “should be prosecuted”. Efforts to contact Wickremasinghe for comment were unsuccessful. Wickremasinghe resigned as the airline’s chairman shortly after Rajapaksa, who had been Sri Lankan president for 10 years, was defeated in a January election by Maithripala Sirisena. The statement also said staff at the airline had knowingly ignored conflicts of interest with companies and individuals it hired, and that the inquiry found cases of the manipulation of
Nishantha Wickremasinghe
Mahinda Rajapaksa
contracts. It also alleged that Rajapaksa changed the management of the lossmaking airline, which is 51 percent government-owned, to ensure the purchase of the Airbus planes despite the availability of cheaper alternatives. Rohan Weliwita, Rajapaksa’s media coordinator, said yesterday the former president had no comment yet on the government statement. The corruption allegations are the latest in a series leveled at Rajapaksa by President Sirisena, who has
ordered an investigation into all financial deals sealed by his predecessor. Rajapaksa and former government officials have rejected the allegations and said they are ready to face any investigation. Sri Lankan Airlines has a fleet of 21 aircraft including six Airbus A340 jets, seven A330s and eight A320 planes. Under the deal with Airbus, the airline bought six A330s and four A350s, the European plane manufacturer said in a statement in 2013. Sri Lankan Airlines received the first of the A330s in October.
(Reuters) - Senate Republicans yesterday pressed their demand that the U.S. Congress be allowed to vote on a nuclear agreement with Iran, but signaled they are willing to wait for last week’s interim agreement to be finalized before passing judgment. “Look, the President needs to sell this to the American people, and Congress needs to be involved,” said Senator Bob Corker, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Corker did not condemn the framework deal reached by Iran and major powers in Switzerland on Thursday after months of negotiations, but he cited concerns over inspection provisions and differing accounts from Washington and Tehran over what was actually agreed. The Tennessee Republican said his committee will go ahead with a planned April 14 vote on legislation requiring President Barack Obama to submit a final nuclear agreement to Congress for review and approval. The deal reached last Thursday is supposed to be
Plan to up UWI numbers Daily Nation - Government’s plan is to get student enrolment at the Cave Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies back up to 9 000-plus as quickly as possible. In fact, said Minister of Finance Chris Sinckler Saturday, priority has to be given to ensuring that persons who put their university education on hold after Government insisted they would have to pay their own tuition fees, back into the classroom before they lose interest. In an interview with the SUNDAY SUN, the minister said: “Our goal is that as many people as can be accommodated reasonably and affordably at the university should be allowed to do so and if it means bringing that number back up to 9 000 . . . we would have to work towards that.
Chris Sinckler
Bob Corker the framework for a final agreement to be struck by the end of June. The bill, supported by both Republicans and many Democrats, would prohibit Obama from suspending sanctions on Iran during a 60day congressional review. In that period, Congress could approve or disapprove the agreement, or take no action. Corker told Fox News Sunday that he had backing from key Democrats for the bill, including New York Senator Chuck Schumer, a prominent Jewish lawmaker who is line to be the new Senate Democratic leader in early 2017. Israel has been strongly critical of the nuclear deal. Corker acknowledged he did not know if backers of the legislation in the Senate would have the 67 votes needed to override an expected veto by Obama, who says passing the measure would undermine the negotiations with Iran. “I don’t know if we have 67 votes. ... We have 64 or 65 that we are aware of today. There are many more that are considering this,” Corker said.
With Republicans mostly united on the issue, and some, including potential 2016 presidential candidates, fiercely condemning the deal, the key role likely will be played by lawmakers from Obama’s Democratic Party. Many do not trust Iran and fear the verification measures are not adequate and face energetic lobbying by Israel, whose Prime Minister, Benyamin Netanyahu, says the deal as currently configured threatens his country’s security. While many Democrats are skeptical of Iran, they may be unwilling to hand the U.S. president a major foreign policy defeat. “Wavering Senate Democrats have been circumspect about the deal reached in Switzerland,” said Daniel Harsha, a former Democratic staffer on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Until the agreement is finalized and Secretary of State John Kerry testifies about it on Capitol Hill, “you aren’t likely to see many Senate Democrats, even those who have publicly backed new sanctions legislation ... publicly pan the agreement,” said Harsha, now at Harvard University’s Kennedy School.
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Defoe’s cracker seals Serena Williams beats Carla Suarez derby win for Sunderland Navarro to win Miami Open
Serena Williams celebrates her victory over Carla Suarez. (Reuters) BBC Sport - World number one Serena Williams thrashed Spain’s Carla Suarez Navarro to win her eighth Miami Open title. The 33-year-old raced to a 6-2 6-0 victory in 56 minutes to secure her third straight title at Crandon Park. The American won the final 10 games as she outclassed Suarez Navarro, who will make her top-10 debut next week. Williams said: “It feels really good to have eight under my belt. I’d like to believe the older I get, the better I get.” Suarez Navarro, 26, went into the biggest final of her career having won just 10 games in four previous meetings with the younger Williams sister, and the 12th seed could add only two more. The Spaniard began well, even threatening a break of serve at 2-2, 30-30, but Williams slammed the door shut with successive aces and was soon 4-2 in front.
A thumping forehand winner brought up a third set point for Williams after little over half an hour and Suarez Navarro could only fire long. Williams had hit 16 winners to just two from her opponent and, faced with a break point for the first time at the start of the second set, she produced three unreturnable serves. It heralded a passage of utter dominance as Williams reeled off 23 out of 25 points. Suarez Navarro, who will enter the world’s top 10 for the first time next week, asked for advice from coach Xavi Budo at a changeover but she was being overwhelmed. She at least avoided a repeat of her 6-0 60 defeat against Williams at the US Open two years ago, but the American brought a swift end to the contest before the hour mark. Williams will now head to Europe for the clay-court season unbeaten in 2015 on a 21match winning streak.
LONDON (Reuters) Jermain Defoe made himself an instant Sunderland hero with a sensational volleyed goal to seal a vital 1-0 win over North East rivals Newcastle United in the Premier League on Sunday. Londoner Defoe, signed in January from MLS side Toronto to help Sunderland climb away from danger, sent a dipping thunderbolt over Newcastle keeper Tim Krul just before halftime to send the home fans into delirium. It proved enough to earn Sunderland a first league win in eight attempts and give manager Dick Advocaat a victory in his second match in charge since replacing Gus Poyet. Relegation-haunted Sunderland moved up to 15th place in the table, three points above third-from-bottom Burnley who had earlier drawn 0-0 at home to Tottenham Hotspur. It was Sunderland’s fifth derby win in a row and they deserved the spoils after playing the better football in a typically frenetic clash, with Defoe impressive throughout. His winner arrived out of nowhere in first half stoppage time and in its own way was just as spectacular as Stoke City midfielder Charlie Adam’s 60-metre goal at Chelsea on Saturday. A long punt forward was flicked on by Steven Fletcher and Defoe, lurking just outside the area, connected with his left foot, sending the ball on an unstoppable trajectory over Krul.
Sunderland’s Jermain Defoe and Patrick van Aanholt celebrate at the end of the match. (Reuters/Andrew YatesLivepic) The former England striker appeared close to tears as he walked off the Stadium of Light pitch at the break and was given a standing ovation when he was substituted later. “It’s unbelievable,” Defoe told Sky Sports as he watched a video monitor showing his goal. “I just concentrated on the strike. As soon as it left my foot I knew it was a goal. An unbelievable feeling, words can’t describe the way I felt.” Newcastle applied some late pressure in a desperate bid to avoid a fourth consecutive league defeat and the home fans had their hearts in their mouths when Ayoze Perez fizzed a volley just over the crossbar as fulltime approached. Newcastle remained in 13th place with 35 points. TOTTENHAM HELD If there was tension aplenty at Sunderland,
Burnley’s home stalemate with a lacklustre Tottenham side resembled a training ground kickabout at times. Spurs barely managed an effort on target while Burnley’s best two chances fell to striker Danny Ings. He fired straight at Tottenham keeper Michel Vorm after some sloppy defending early on and then forced a fine save from the Dutchman with a curling effort just before the interval. Spurs, who could have moved above Liverpool into fifth with a victory, showed little attacking intent with England new boy Harry Kane, captain for the day, largely anonymous. Burnley remained in the relegation zone but moved back above Queens Park Rangers into 18th place, two points behind Aston Villa who lost 3-1 at Manchester United on Saturday.