Wednesday April 09, 2014
Kaieteur News
NY court deals another blow to New GPC …denies blanket order for deposition Samuel Beckerman, the lawyer for the New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation moved to the court last month, to have Kaieteur News’ Editor-in-Chief, Adam Harris, be made available for to him for questioning. On Monday, the court headed by Judge Joan Kenney handed Beckerman another blow when she bluntly refused his application. By way of motion filed on March 7, last, Beckerman sought an order directing lawyers for Kaieteur News Inc, in New York, to “produce Adam Harris for the continued deposition of Kaieteur News Inc.” He had earlier moved to take a deposition from Adam Harris, but lawyers for Kaieteur News Inc, James Sullivan and John Corring, recognized that the plaintiff, the New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation was in effect, trying to drag the Guyana publication into the New York courts. In the end, Beckerman had no option but to depose the manager of the New York publication. What should have been conducted over three days lasted a mere 45 minutes. So angry was Beckerman that he immediately moved to the courts to subpoena Harris for
New GPC boss Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop
Kaieteur News’ Editor-in-Chief Adam Harris
the deposition. He went further. He wanted the court to produce any manager, director, any officer or employee, who may possess information necessary for the prosecution of the case. On Monday the court rebuffed him. Judge Joan Kenney ruled that New GPC has already commenced legal action against Harris in Guyana. “The plaintiff can, if it so chooses to, serve Adam Harris as a non-party to this action with a properly issued deposition subpoena.” “It is ordered that the further production of any other people with knowledge is denied without prejudice, in so far as the plaintiff must specify exactly who it seeks
to depose rather than seek a blanket order for persons in the defendants’ control with necessary and material information to prosecute this matter.” Beckerman had tried to get the Guyana publication in court during an earlier deposition. He produced copies of the Guyana issue and sought to question the New York manager. He was stopped in his tracks when lawyers for Kaieteur News Inc, James Sullivan and John Corring, informed him that he had in fact taken the New York issue to court and not the Guyana publications. Both New GPC and Kaieteur Inc are to appear in court in New York on June 26, next.
Teen charged for Brazilian’s murder A teenage boy was yesterday brought before the courts to be prosecuted for the murder of a 57-year-old Brazilian national who was reportedly beaten to death last week at 5 Miles, Arakaka, North West District. After being air dashed to the city, Samuel Allen was taken before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry yesterday morning, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court to be indicted for the capital offence. The 18-year-old is charged with murdering Joao De Souza at 5 Miles, Arakaka, in the North West District on April 3 (last Thursday). Allen was not required to enter a plea since the charge was laid indictably. Defence Attorney Adrian Thompson inquired whether it would be possible for the case to be heard at the city court. The Chief Magistrate stated that for such to be granted an application ought to be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Thompson told the court that his client had signed a document but “did not know the contents of the document since he had quit school at a
Dead: Joao De Souza
Murder Accused: Samuel Allen
young age” and as such did not possess the requisite knowledge to authenticate such a document. Inspector Michael Grant indicated that the Prosecution was in possession of a confession statement. He, however, did not reveal the details of the crime. The hearing lasted a total of three minutes and the teen was remanded. The matter was transferred to the Matthew’s Ridge Magistrate’s Court where it is expected to engage the attention of Magistrate Allan Wilson on May 6. According to previous reports, De Souza, a Brazilian national who had been living in Guyana for the past three
years, was beaten about his body during a robbery at 5 Miles, Arakaka, North West District around 20:30 hours last Wednesday. The accused allegedly then made good his escape before help could come to the badly injured De Souza. The Brazilian was taken to the Arakaka Health Centre and subsequently referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital. However, he succumbed while awaiting transportation at Matthews Ridge Airstrip at about 11:40 hours the following day. A post mortem examination revealed that De Souza died as a result of cerebral hemorrhaging caused by blunt trauma to the head.
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AFC executive member Sasenarine Singh resigns Executive member of the Alliance For Change, Sasenarine Singh, yesterday tendered his resignation from the party citing personal reasons. Singh, based in the United States, has been vocal on Government’s economy, and was also sitting on the party’s Management Committee, helping to coordinate the AFC’s US chapter. In his resignation letter to David Patterson, AFC’s General Secretary, Singh said that the resignation was immediate. “I hereby tender my resignation from the Alliance for Change with immediate effect for personal reasons. I take this opportunity to wish the Alliance for Change successes as it seeks to lead our people out of underdevelopment and away from the politics of nepotism, crony capitalism and pettiness.” Singh said he will re-enter active politics in Guyana when the opportunity for remigration to Guyana presents itself, “which I hope would be sooner than later.” “I would like to thank the leadership of the AFC for its guidance and for having
offered me the opportunity to serve the party and the people of Guyana.” Singh urged the people of Guyana the courage of conviction to “make the right turn” and to “vote out of office the corrupt and immoral politicians who continue to dominate the political landscape of Guyana”. Sasenarine Singh has been with AFC since 2010, upon migrating to the USA. He has been one of the resource persons along with Salim Nazurdeen, Lionel Peters and Tarron Khemraj who provided financial and political advice with the Management Committee to finalize the 2011 Action Plan for that party, for general elections of the same year. He has been working with the New York/New Jersey Chapter on fundraising projects, concentrating in especially the Queens, New York area where he lives. The party’s General Secretary confirmed that indeed a resignation letter was received. “We have received the letter of resignation from Mr. Sasenarine Singh. We take this opportunity to thank him for his service to the party. Sase worked hard for the AFC,
Resigned: Sasenarine Singh especially during the 2011 elections. His knowledge and understanding of financial matters especially was well respected and relied on.” Singh said that the party understands that Singh had personal reasons for resigning and respects those reasons. “There are no hard feelings and the mutual respect remains. We wish Sase all the very best in the future and look forward to the time when he will remigrate to his homeland to continue the struggle for a better Guyana. The members of the party and Sase will remain friends outside of the political arena.”
City Hall warns against “illegal” sale of Easter spots The Mayor and City Council has warned citizens against the “illegal” sale of Easter Holiday spots on the seawall by its Administration, stating that the sale of these locations is not authorized by the Council. In a letter to the media, the agency said that its Administration has taken it upon itself to commence the sale of the holiday spots which the Council has not yet approved. The release said that a letter was sent to the Council’s Chief Administrative Officer from Deputy Mayor Patricia Chase-Green expressing concern over the “arbitrary” sale. The letter read, “It has been brought to my attention that your office has begun
the sale of spots to those persons desirous of doing business for Easter Monday, April 21, 2014. I am aware that the council did not grant any approval for this activity. In fact, when this matter was discussed at the last Finance committee meeting, the chairman of that meeting advised the administration to justify the amount requested to do preparatory works and to activate the round robin system for council’s permission to carry out the
activity.” Chase- Green said that the administration failed to adhere to the instruction of the committee and proceeded to sell spots for the Easter Holiday. “This is irregular and demonstrates the disregard and disrespect you have for the elected Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown.” This alleged “arbitrary” sale of Easter Holiday spots (Continued on page 14)
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Kaieteur News
KAIETEUR NEWS Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: ADAM HARRIS Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
Editorial
THE TIMES HAVE CHANGED Many people say that the ruling People’s Progressive Party is the late Dr Cheddi Jagan’s party. Indeed it is the party of the late Dr Cheddi Jagan, but it is a far cry from the party that Dr Jagan envisaged and attempted to fashion. Many things are different; the people are no longer the grassroot people who walked with the people whose support they needed. The party members are more self-serving. At a glance they appear to live ostentatiously. The average Government Minister lives in a house that is palatial by the standards Jagan set way back when. Indeed the party people are better paid because they have access to large sums of money. People who need special favours are not averse to paying for those favours and the beneficiary of the person’s gratitude is not immune to being treated gratuitously. There are people who would go about and tell their friends that they are lucky to have known such a party official. The link is expanded and pretty soon many people seek the services of this government official, each offering something tangible. Such a system is said to have been in operation in certain Government Ministries that process job permits, residency standards, and other things pertaining to immigration matters. It is said to be the same with things pertaining to business and to issues of tax collection. It is to be expected that Guyanese businessmen would seek to pay as little of the due taxes as possible. This is where the country sees a growing brand of young people sporting untold wealth without the tax man batting an eyelid. This happens because in the days of Dr Cheddi Jagan, anyone reported to the late President Jagan would have been sent packing. Today, report as much as one wants, the mantra is for the complainant to provide the proof. Society has changed with the times. In the last days of the People’s National Congress, businesses placed orders via telephone. That, then, had to be followed by mailed invoices. It was a tedious process. The facsimile (fax) came and things moved quicker. In fact, there were people who called the fax machine the invention of the Twentieth Century. Today, the speed of communication between the buyer and the seller is unimaginable. The computer was the first instrument to facilitate such transactions. Today there are hand-held telephones and other gadgets that allow for easy communication. These gadgets also permit bank transactions and it is here that certain activities, even the nefarious, are facilitated. For all the talk about Guyana moving into the Twentyfirst Century, we are still lagging far behind the rest of the world. We have no legislation to deal with cybercrimes and amidst all the hullaballoo about money laundering, we are still incapable of following the paper trail. A man can move millions of dollars to a convenient location and the authorities will be none the wiser. Such loopholes allow for the corruption against which Dr Cheddi Jagan railed. The absence of legislation to cater for cybercrimes is what helps people to steal from banks. A bank teller can easily transfer cash to another account because our laws, as they stand, dictate that there must be the actual removal of cash. It is the same with our politicians who, until now, can move their money around with impunity. When the commercial banks reported suspicious transactions in keeping with the existing anti-money laundering legislation, the authorities could have done nothing. So we had a head of state who could have received two containers of house-building articles and who could have claimed them to be gifts. There is a law about gifts, but our head of state back then did not worry about the law because nobody raised a query. People within the ruling party are aware of those things that their founder found abhorrent but which have become a way of life for today’s leaders. They talk, but they simply cannot complain, because there is no one in authority to whom they could protest.
Wednesday April 09, 2014
Letters... Where your views make the news
THE MINISTER OF EDUCATION SHOULD LEAD BY EXAMPLE DEAR EDITOR, For years we have been constantly calling for strengthening the institution of Parliament to make it a fierce watchdog of the people’s interest, and monitoring spending by the Cabinet, public servants and State enterprises. Parliament should not merely be a tool of the Cabinet; in fact it must ensure the effective supervision of public expenditure to achieve transparency, accountability, good governance and lack of corruption? Further, Parliamentary Committees must be empowered with the authority and resources to investigate malfeasance and recommend criminal investigations into possible misconduct of public officials, including ministers. Although no one should be above the law some senior public officials and their relatives have committed traffic and other serious offences but were not charged and prosecuted. The majority opposition must ensure, for the sake of the people, that the minority PPP Government is
constitutionally obligated to conduct negotiations with the Parliament on the annual budget, national policies and legislation instead of the ritual of useless and senseless debate with its hollow posturing and grandstanding with the PPP Government always getting its way. When will the opposition act? We called for the transformation of Parliament from its current fish market rowdiness into the real august house it ought to be. Parliament should not be used for MPs to insult or abuse each other like what the Minister of Education Pyria Manickhand did to APNU MP, Mr. Jaipaul Sharma that caused him to resign. The minister ought to know that she should lead by example if she wants the children of Guyana to do the same. How can she rebuke any child who misbehaves in the school? Is this the case of do what I say and not do what I do? We need a Parliament with a genuine separation of powers that gives it dynamism, independence and creativity; a Parliament liberated from the dominance
by the government. We would like to point out that since independence in 1966, we have had massive waste, gross mismanagement and thievery and our Parliament has done absolutely nothing to stop it. And since Mr. Jagdeo assumed power in 1999, billions of dollars have been wasted or stolen under its very nose. No minister or public official has ended up behind bars, as they do in countries with real Parliaments or a Congress as is the case of the United States that keep an eye on the people’s interest. We need parliamentary committees with power to summon any public official to an enquiry and where nonattendance or perjury is offences with jail terms. Instead our impotent and manipulative Parliament facilitates corruption and does not have the power to prosecute anyone. What is happening is that huge sums of money are being allocated, spent, wasted or stolen, and there is no proper arrangement in the Parliament to hold anyone accountable, because the
Parliament is not functioning as a supervisory body. It is estimated that approximately 45 per cent of Government expenditure is wasted or stolen in Guyana and that the people only get value for 55 per cent. And the opposition has done very little to prevent this reckless squandering of the people’s money. This is not what the people voted for! Our MPs produce good deeds only when it profits them but very rarely do they truly put the people’s interest first. And that is the reason why there are hardly any good politicians in Guyana. Most are driven by selfishness and greed and not by the genuine caring for their country and countrymen, especially the poor and the working class. We believe that while genuine reform of the Parliament, the establishment of the PC and the passage of the AMLB will reduce corruption and bring good governance to the country, it will also hurt the fortunes of most in the regime, their relatives and friends. Dr. Asquith Rose and Harish S. Singh
POLICE TRANSFERS ARE INEVITABLE AND NECESSARY DEAR EDITOR, According to the media, over the last week, some Police Officers are lamenting the fact that there will be transfers in the Guyana Police Force, usually referred to as a ‘shake up.’ The media claims that some officers are not interested in transfers, and some are comfortable where they are, and so on. This is exactly why it is necessary to have ‘shake ups’ in the Guyana Police Force. Transfers are an important tool of police administration. No one should feel too comfortable in a given area, as this could breed complacency, and even more dangerous negative possibilities. If there is complacency and or other possible sinister realities involved, sudden transfers sharpen the ability of the Commissioner to control and manage. During the Burnhamite era, when the nation was criminalized by the ban on flour and every consumer and food product, some senior police officers I personally know in the Upper Corentyne, were involved in managing their own smuggling rings,
while others provided protection to other smugglers. Sometimes these very officers were used as ‘shake downs’ for their friends. I know this and saw it, and it happened because many officers were there for too long. If they were constantly moved, the possibility of such criminal activity would have been limited. It is known worldwide that transfers of Police leadership (Commanders) are the norm. It is also imperative that police middle and junior personnel be transferable. The appointment of a new Commissioner of Police is always a time of excitement and new ideas. If senior ranks were in districts for long periods, then it is time they
be switched around; giving way to fresh innovative ideas, and even better, they could be transferred into new other specialty areas, especially to those that they were not exposed to previously, to learn new skills, thereby making them more valuable to the Force, and even enhancing their own skills and talents. It is usual for profiles of personalities and qualifications to be done, and ranks placed to suit those. I am always a great respecter of the Police: the honourable, the decent, and the professional ones. My father was a senior serving police officer and served until retirement. I have since maintained a close
association with the Guyana Police in general, and specialized my studies in Police Technology. I am proud to be a friend of the Guyana Police Force. Citizens, of Guyana I ask you , in every community, everywhere, to form groups to help the police. Be their friends in professionalism, and not create alcoholic parties or corrupt transactions, hoping to enjoy an illicit friendship for personal favours. Promise and commit to pass on information of criminal activities of anyone, even if it is someone you know: of smuggling, or conspiracies, and even those prone to violence in families. Continued on page 23
GPOC offers an apology DEAR EDITOR, Thank you for the opportunity to respond to the article captioned, “Essequibo post offices cannot pay pensioners,” as carried in your newspaper on Tuesday April 8, 2014. Management of the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) wishes to sincerely apologise to Mr. Darchiville, the other affected pensioners and the general public for the inconvenience which came as a result of administrative and logistic challenges.
While we are aware that most of the Essequibo pensioners were paid between April 1 to April 4, Management is concerned when even one customer is denied service and we are currently revisiting the situation with a view to avoid any reoccurrence. Our sincere apology to all affected customers especially pensioners. Mr. Henry Dundas Postmaster General Guyana Post Office Corporation
Wednesday April 09, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news... Letters... Where your views make the news
Dr. Anthony must answer some questions Citizen’s apology to DEAR EDITOR, I missed the bulk of Minister of Culture Dr. Frank Anthony’s speech, including some of the specifics of his plans for the Caribbean Press. My routine check of the Press ‘website’, however, has informed me that in addition to the books promised by Reverend Gideon Cecil, and the speeches by Desmond Hoyte, along with books by local writers Pearl Lewis, Andrew Hutson and Portia Dodson, no mention is made of the collection of short fiction said to be due to be launched last year. But we have become accustomed to Dr. Anthony running from questions on assurances he has given in every aspect of his portfolio. With every attempt at obfuscation and deflection that Dr. Anthony and Caribbean Press Editor Dr. David Dabydeen engage in, a stronger case is made that this mechanism needs both an extensive investigation on how it is governed, and a detailed financial audit. I’d like to draw attention to a claim made in a letter by John Mair last year, and one which has not been corrected by either the Minister or Dr. Dabydeen: “The Caribbean Press was set up in 2008 after noted regional writers like Derek Walcott petitioned then President Jagdeo at Carifesta. Since then it has published 59 titles and 38 more are in preparation 30,000 copies of books in total. “All, bar author copies and Austin’s bookshop copies (which I hope I helped to facilitate) have been given to schools and public libraries in Guyana. All titles are available for free download on the Press website.” However, every single Caribbean Press launch or display event has featured a handful of books at best, and asked in Parliament last year to provide exact information on the number of books actually in the country, the Minister could not, despite being aware of the questions weeks in advance. It is my understanding that a small number of copies of the books ‘edited’ by Reverend Gideon Cecil and Petamber Persaud are currently in country, but that the bulk of the books will only be in country around June this year, at which time the titles will be launched, no doubt with much fanfare and rhetoric from Dabydeen. The question to be asked, though, is if the pre-print production of these books fell within budgetary year 20132014, and some printed copies of the books are available, why would the Minister and Dabydeen wait
until well into the budgetary year for 2014-2015 to bring in the rest? The timing of the launch of these books only until midyear is cause for serious concern because, all things taken into consideration, it appears that the Minister has printed a few books for show but is waiting until after what he presumes to be approval of the Sports and Arts Development Fund to print the rest. Also, what appears at least circumstantially is that the Caribbean Press is producing a small number of copies of books on demand, and not the 400 copies per title as Dr. Dabydeen has repeatedly said is the print run per title. Digital on demand printing has proven to be the economical choice for small presses like the Caribbean Press because traditional offset presses usually require a minimum print run of a few hundred copies while digital printing gives you the flexible option of printing 4 or 40 or 400 copies at a relatively low cost per copy. This scenario would explain several things: the ability of the Ministry to have a small number of copies in hand early in the year, with the rest slated to arrive a few months after; the limited number of titles available at the National Library; the limited number at Austin’s; the lack of evidence that the books are in the school system at the numbers claimed; the insistence on printing the books overseas since no local printer offers digital on demand printing; and, most importantly, the Minister ’s embarrassing avoidance of answering questions on the number of copies in country. And if it is that the Caribbean Press is printing less than the stated number of books, not only does this call into question the credibility of the principals involved, but also raises red flags about the Minister’s
claims about expenditure on printing. The business of producing books is a very straight-forward one in terms of record-keeping – you have specific prices for editorial services, and paperwork to support same; you have specific numbers of copies printed and specific costs per copy; you also have specific costs for shipping; and you have a system in place to track distribution and sale. Despite this, absolutely nothing that the Minister has claimed with regard to expenditure has been substantiated by documentation. I strongly advise the Parliamentary opposition, the AFC in particular, as a precondition for approving any monies related to the Caribbean Press, require that the Minister provide: · The company or companies used to print the Caribbean Press publications. · The method of printing – digital on demand or [web] offset printing. · The method of distribution to schools [a question that should also be posed to the Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, who by her silence has affirmed that this distribution is indeed factual, despite her Book Distribution Manager last y e ar reportedly never receiving any of the books for that purpose.] · The exact expenditure on printing so far with a detailed breakdown of printing costs associated with each individual title, with accompanying proof of payment. · The names, salaries of the person/people who provided secretarial services to the tune of $7.85M from 2009-2012 and proof of payment. · The names of the person/ people/business who received a total US $57,600 between 2010-2012 and proof of payment. · Quotations, invoices,
bank transfer information, receipts; delivery notes and other relevant documentation to support the Caribbean Press’ narrative. When you consider that both Drs. Dabydeen and Anthony have effectively forged ahead despite both ‘recognizing’ the need for and assuring the implementation of an oversight mechanism, the question should be raised why this is not being done. More than half a year ago, at the Guyana Prize awards, President Donald Ramotar himself assured that a Board would be put in place to oversee the Caribbean Press yet here we are. At this point in time, this is looking increasingly less like trying to save face in light of the exposure of the Minister’s incompetence and more like the cover-up of what I strongly believe only an investigation and audit would reveal. Taken all the money that has gone into the Caribbean Press so far, much more than the $3.9 million that is at the centre of the NCN scandal, and taking into account that the same Minister has strongly resisted any public audit insight into at least two enormous mismanaged projects under his watch, Guyana’s hosting of Cricket World Cup 2007 and of CARIFESTA 2008, I would consider it basic fiscal responsibility to probe precisely how the Caribbean Press has handled expenditure. If the political opposition fails in its duty to demand due fiscal accountability from Dr. Anthony on this, I will personally be filing a request for the accounts of the Caribbean Press under the Freedom Of Information Act. And that is just a start since a more than lingering examination of Anthony’s handling of both governance and expenditure over every single year of his tenure is troubling at best. Ruel Johnson
Mr. Jaipaul Sharma
DEAR EDITOR, I wish to express my sincere apology as a citizen of Guyana, to Mr. Jaipaul Sharma, Member of Parliament, for the comment made by OUR Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand in the National Assembly on Wednesday, 2 April, 2014. According to reports in the press, during the presentation of APNU, Member of Parliament Volda Lawrence who spoke about men not being held accountable for statutory rape, the minister heckled that Lawrence should ask her APNU member Sharma about this. This comment has since been the source of a number of actions which have resulted in affecting the productivity of the National Assembly in one way or another. It has resulted in the resignation of Mr. Jaipaul Sharma, adjournment of the National Assembly on April 3 and April 4, 2014 and a massive public debate on ethics and conduct of leaders among other things. I am apologising for OUR minister, not on behalf of the minister because that I have no authority to do. But surely if we are of the view that the minister’s action warrants an apology or the action of any one of our public officials or leadersfor that matter of fact, we can apologise for them in good faith. This apology is based on a principled position. Let us analyse not just what the
minister said but where it was said, the relevance of the comment in this instance and the precedent that can be set from allowing the minister’s comments to gowithout an apology. The minister is the Minister of Education and as such,is the role model for our children. The Minister by virtue of her position and, moreso, her previous position as Minister of Human Services, would no doubt have privileged information specific to the comment she made, the question here is, how the minister or any person in a privileged position such as the minister,uses that information. The minister is a lawyer by training, and therefore is well aware of how and when privileged information should be used. The parliament is a ‘neutral space’,as is the classroom and we need to protect the neutrality of that space, this is with good reason. The parliament is where our leaders from both sides of the house congregate to address issues of enormous importance to this nation and the people of this country. So our ELECTED leaders have a duty to use this space responsibly and practise emotional sustainability. About two weeks ago, I was engaging Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman in a discussion on television on the topic of the tenth Parliament and his plans Continued on page 23
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday April 09, 2014
This Budget is dangerously dividing Guyana into two nations - Granger “The Budget, despite its promise – A better Guyana for all Guyanese – is more likely to degenerate into a bitter Guyana for most Guyanese…This Budget is dangerously dividing Guyana into two nations. It is creating an East-West divide that separates everything West of the Essequibo River from what lies to the East.” Those were the words of Leader of the Political Opposition, Brigadier (rtd) David Granger, who was the final speaker at the western end of the chambers to make a presentation to the 2014 Budget debates.
centres for places like Bartica, Mahdia, Mabaruma and Lethem and called for them to be quickly upgraded to township status with their own mayors and town councils. “We must stop treating the hinterland as bush.” FINANCIAL PLAN The Opposition leader in his presentation said that budget 2014 did nothing to inspire hope, and added that a bold budget was needed to move the country forward at a faster pace. “Every budget is a plan, an economic plan, a financial plan… It must be forward, not
“It is not for workers, it is not for the young, it is not for the aged, it is anti-poor, anti-people and anti-progress, it is driven by politics, not economics,” - Granger Granger in expanding on his charge that the Budget seeks to divide the nation used as examples the allocations for physical infrastructure. “The roads to be repaired are mainly in the East Bank, West Coast, East Coast… not in the rich gold and diamond mining areas. This Budget perpetuates the divergences, disparities and divisions which have hindered development in our country.” The Opposition Leader was adamant that the hinterland underdevelopment crisis adumbrated by APNU Members of Parliament, will not correct itself.
Granger charged that the Potaro-Siparuni Region, the Barima-Waini and CuyuniMazaruni Regions to the north and the Rupununi Region to the South, might be the most picturesque parts of the country, but they are the poorest. He told the House that the hinterland communities do not need baubles, beads, toys and trinkets. “The hinterland, like everywhere else, needs reliable services such as community-based solar and wind, water and electricity generation.” According to Granger, the national budget must provide for regional administrative
backward looking if it is to be of any value.” He was adamant that a budget must have a clear vision, “a projection of what needs to be done tomorrow to solve today’s problems and the resources to achieve those objectives…It is not a recapitulation of previous administrations.” The Minister said that what the Budget did do “is throw a few crumbs to schoolchildren and pensioners that might please some of the people some of the time.” According to Granger, the Budget continues the neglect of youth education, employment and enterprise. “The PPP spends like a drunken sailor on a lot of little projects like the President’s Youth Choice Initiative and the President’s Youth Award Republic of Guyana, Youth Enterprise and Apprenticeship Programme; National Training Programme for Youth Empowerment - but it does not measure the impact of these schemes on careers and jobs for young graduates. What young people want are permanent institutions not ad hoc programmes.” The Budget, according to Granger, must include real measures that provide work for more young people. “The basic fact that all parties acknowledge about Budget 2014 is that there is little that it will, or can, change, for the mass of the young people…Young school leavers simply do not have the skills to equip many of them for the world of work…The economy simply is not providing employment opportunities for them,” said Granger. POVERTY
Opposition Leader David Granger presents his arguments during the 2014 Budget Debates.
The Opposition Leader conceded that Guyana, arguably, has never been wealthy, but the appearance of hordes of extremely poor, destitute, homeless persons and street children over the PPPC’s two decades is a manmade catastrophe. “Poverty is not an act of God…Poverty can be reduced and, perhaps, eventually eradicated, with good governance and sensible public policies.” The Opposition Leader said that Budget 2014 will be measured by its public impact and APNU reserves its right to disagree with provisions which are not in the national interest. He said that there is no way the country can move forward with such a budget that continues to disregard the needs of the most important factor in national development, the people. Granger was adamant that
the budget must be amended if the people are to enjoy a good life. “APNU signals that it disagrees with certain measures which have been proposed…When the questions are put, we shall exercise our constitutional right to express an agreement or disagreement,” Granger asserted. ANTI-POOR The House will from today and over the course of the next seven working days, resolve into a Committee of Supply and scrutinize each estimate line by line and the voting will begin. The Opposition Leader in his presentation to the 2014 debates was adamant that Budget 2014 is not a budget for the poor. “It is not for workers, it is not for the young, it is not for the aged, it is anti-poor, antipeople and anti-progress, it is
driven by politics, not economics,” argued Granger. He said that the 2014 Budget re-emphasises the need to establish, as early as possible, a parliamentary ‘Office of the Budget.’ “We need to build a permanent institution…We need to ensure that all sides of this National Assembly could comprehensively propose national measures needed for national development.” According to the Opposition Leader, with the presentation of the 2014 Budget it is clear that the Minister of Finance must be given the information and insights that are so desperately deficient in Main Street (Finance Ministry). Granger maintained that the budget does not provide the resources to transform the beautiful rhetoric of the Finance Minister, when he spoke, into reality.
Wednesday April 09, 2014
Kaieteur News
Kerry says willing to take blame for U.S. foreign policy failures (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry bristled at fierce criticism from U.S. senators yesterday, saying he would accept blame for foreign policy failures but was at least trying to make progress on Middle East peace and the crises in Syria and Ukraine. During a two-and-a-halfhour hearing, Kerry got pointed questions about the U.S. failure to end Syria’s civil war, prevent Russia’s annexation of Crimea from Ukraine and make peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians. While much of the criticism came from Republicans, Senator Robert Menendez, a Democrat who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, also pushed Kerry on negotiations with Iran on curbing its nuclear program and on U.S. policy on Syria.
Republicans have been hammering the Obama administration’s handling of foreign policy as weak and ineffectual, hoping to use the issue to make gains in the U.S. congressional elections in November. Critics also argue that a perception the administration’s foreign policy is in disarray weakens the United States, making it harder for Washington to negotiate with Tehran over its nuclear program and to deter countries such as Russia and China from aggressive behaviour toward their neighbours. Appearing before the panel, on which he served for 28 years, including as its chairman, Kerry seemed especially piqued by criticism from Senator John McCain, a fellow Vietnam War veteran with whom he worked closely to normalize relations with
Hanoi.“On the major issues, the administration is failing very badly ,” said McCain, an Arizona Republican who was defeated by Democrat Barack Obama in the 2008 U.S. presidential election. “Sure we may fail. You want to dump it on me? I may fail. I don’t care. It’s worth doing,” Kerry shot back. “It’s worth the effort and the United States has a responsibility to lead.” McCain, a critic of Obama’s foreign policy, was unflinching. “You’re about to hit the trifecta. Geneva II was a total collapse, as I predicted to you that it would be,” McCain said, referring to a U.S.Russian effort to broker a political solution to end Syria’s three-year civil war. “The Israeli-Palestinian talks, even though you may drag them out for a while, are finished,” McCain added.
Berlusconi may serve tax fraud sentence caring for the elderly (Reuters) - An Italian government agency has asked a court whether former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi can serve a oneyear sentence for tax fraud by working in a centre for the elderly, judicial sources said yesterday. The 77-year old centreright leader has dominated politics in Italy for decades, but was expelled from the Senate last November after being convicted for tax fraud at his Mediaset television network. A four-year sentence was commuted to one.
At a hearing tomorrow, judges are due to begin deliberating whether Berlusconi, who denies the tax fraud charge, should serve his time under house arrest or by doing social work. Prison was always unlikely because of the media mogul’s age and the non-violent nature of the crime. According to the proposal by the government social services agency and deposited with the court, Berlusconi would work just one day a week at the elderly centre, the judicial sources
said. The agency also proposed that Berlusconi be given the possibility of finishing his sentence in nine months, instead of a year, if his behaviour is impeccable, the sources said. It was unclear whether the agency, which makes suggestions on how to handle court sentences that require a convict to undergo rehabilitation or work in social services, was acting upon the request of Berlusconi’s lawyers.
Australian ship seeks signals from missing jet S Y D N E Y / P E RT H , Australia (Reuters) - An Australian ship which picked up possible “pings” from the black box recorders of a missing Malaysia Airlines jetliner has been unable to detect any further signals and time is running out to narrow the massive search, officials said yesterday. Angus Houston, head of the Australian agency coordinating the search for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, said the month-long hunt in the Indian Ocean was at a critical stage given the batteries in the black box beacons had already reached the end of their 30-day expected life. A U.S. Navy “towed pinger locator”
onboard Australia’s Ocean Shield picked up two signals consistent with black box locator beacons over the weekend - the first for more than two hours and the second for about 13 minutes. Houston said the signals represented the best lead in the search yet, but efforts to pick up the pings again had so far been unsuccessful. “If we don’t get any further transmissions, we have a reasonably large search area of the bottom of the ocean to prosecute and that will take a long, long time. It’s very slow, painstaking work,” said Houston. The black boxes record cockpit data and may provide answers about what
happened to the plane, which was carrying 227 passengers and 12 crew when it vanished on March 8 and flew thousands of kilometers off its Kuala Lumpur-to-Beijing route. Authorities say evidence, including the loss of communications, suggests the plane was deliberately diverted by someone familiar with the aircraft, but have not ruled out mechanical problems. Analysis of satellite data led investigators to conclude the Boeing 777 came down in an area some 1,680 km (1,040 miles) northwest of Perth, near where possible pings were picked up and the search is now focused.
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Venezuela opposition to join exploratory talks with government CARACAS (Reuters) Venezuela’s opposition said it agreed to attend exploratory talks yesterday with President Nicolas Maduro’s government in a bid to end the country’s worst political unrest for a decade. Clashes between security forces and pro-government militants on one side and hooded opposition demonstrators blocking streets on the other have killed at least 39 people since mid-February. Foreign ministers from the regional Union of South American Nations (Unasur) are in the capital Caracas, shuttling between meetings with the administration and opposition and seeking to persuade both sides to talk. Ramon Guillermo Aveledo, a top opposition official, said the Unasur ministers told them the government was open to opposition demands, including the presence of a “good faith” mediator at any substantive discussions. “We accept the foreign ministers’ proposal to hold an
Nicolas Maduro exploratory, preparatory meeting to agree the conditions, date and time for public dialogue,” Aveledo told reporters. As a condition for talks, the opposition has demanded they be broadcast live. It also wants freedom for what it calls “political prisoners” arrested since the start of the unrest, and the disbanding of armed
pro-government militant groups. Maduro said late on Monday he was ready to meet opposition leaders and that he had been suggesting talks in public or in private for weeks. But he said his foes rejected the offers. Ricardo Patino, Ecuador’s foreign minister, welcomed the decision to hold a preparatory meeting and said he hoped it would result in an agreement to hold weightier talks. Venezuelan media said Maduro would attend the discussions, due to take place at the Foreign Ministry. Protesters are calling for Maduro to resign and complain about a litany of problems from rampant crime to food shortages. The government says they are seeking a coup like the one in 2002 that briefly toppled Maduro’s late predecessor, Hugo Chavez. The fatalities have included supporters of the government, opposition protesters and several members of security forces.
- Drug policy reform advocate urges Jamaica not to cower in ganja decriminalisation effort Jamaica Observer - An international drug policy reform advocate is urging Jamaica to be fearless despite talk of a diplomatic backlash by the United States if the island decriminalises ganja. Kasia MalinowskaSempruch did not mince words as she spoke to reporters and editors at the Jamaica Observer’s weekly Monday Exchange about the dangers and backwardness of prohibition. “The sovereignty of your State is what you should have on your mind. I understand the concerns about the US. I get it. I think the prohibitionist flag that the US is carrying, and this big stick that it’s carrying has been disempowered,” she said. Malinowska-Sempruch is director of the Global Drug Policy Programme at the Open Society Foundations which advocates the implementation of drug policies that are based on human rights and which promote public health. The group’s promotional literature says it works in more than 70 countries to “advance health, rights and equality, education and youth, governance and accountability, and media and
Barack Obama arts”. Yesterday, MalinowskaSempruch pointed to the fact that some 20 American states legalised marijuana last year. “They have it in their own borders,” she said, and argued that drug prohibitionbased policies cause a rise in drug-related violence, prison overcrowding, and an increase in the HIV epidemic. The violence in Mexico, which has led to thousands of deaths, including multiple cases of mass murder, is a result of a failed war on drugs, she said, adding that her
organisation would be attending the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on Drugs in 2016 to argue the point that prohibition has not been effective and should be disbanded. She said Portugal had decriminalised all drugs for personal use without any dire effects on its society. Holland and the Czech Republic, she added, had long approved head shops, where people are allowed to purchase and smoke marijuana without being hassled by police, while Uruguay had snubbed its nose at the UN and legalised ganja. Her position was supported by Josh Stanley of Strains of Hope, who argued that prohibition of ganja was a retrograde step. He said the evidence was clear in his native state of Colorado where small ganja farmers, who were once hunted and locked up by agents of the State, are now contributing to a booming economy which has earned US$20 million since the plant was decriminalised last year. “We have replaced the crimes and fines with jobs and revenue. We put a regulatory framework around it,” he said.
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THE STRANGER NEXT DOOR As late as the early 1970s, when night fell, dinner consumed and the children completed their homework, members of the household would usually sit either in the sitting room or on the verandah and discuss various matters, but mainly the events of the day. In those days there was no television and for news we relied upon the radio. But that was not the only source of information. Those members of the household who worked would return with their own stories and the tidbits of information they had picked up. Even the housewives who went to the market would also return with stories they had heard. At nights, families would sit together and share these stories. They would also find some time to read or play cards before retiring. These activities tended to bond the household and provided an environment in which everyone looked out for his or her own family. Sometimes while chatting on the verandah, you would look over and see your
neighbour and his family doing the same. And you would exchange greetings and even discuss matters without having to leave your home. That was one of the benefits of living in a traditional society. Everyone within a street knew each other. And within the home there were hardly any secrets. Even when there was the odd dispute, there was no shortage of people to bring the two disputants together. There was also a strong sense of community. In any village, everyone got to know the other. Even within the towns, it was unusual for a resident to not know the households on the streets in which he or she lived. Thus, if someone had a problem he could always appeal to his neighbours for support, which was almost always forthcoming. Such, also, were the benefits of living in a traditional society. There are many reasons why Guyanese survived the hard times of the late seventies and eighties. One of those reasons was due to the free
exchange of information that took place within communities. If, for example, the then Guyana Stores would be selling cooking oil the following day and someone in the street got wind of this, that person would not keep this information to himself, but would pass it on to his or her neighbours. And if one member was short of a scarce commodity and another had, you could bet the latter would share with the person in need. This was the sort of system that helped to sustain Guyanese during the hard guava season. With economic liberalisation, things began to change. Liberalism is underpinned by the philosophy of personal initiative: that a man or a woman can become whatever he or she wants through his or her own effort. Economic liberalism placed the interests of the community as secondary to the individual. What developed was a rat race, whereby everyone tried to improve his or her own lot, without regard to the overall
Dem boys seh
A BIG MAN PUT BERRY BERRY PUN NOTICE
By now everybody know that Berry Berry fresh. He think a lot about himself but of course he friends and he family know that he ain’t nutten bout mouth and even that he can’t use prappa. De other day he get fresh wid another young gyal, but it was as if she didn’t mek he learn he lesson. He stand up and he see de gal. Just like wha he do over de weekend, he tell de gyal something fresh. Dem boys seh that she watch he and tell he to tek care of he eyes because dem is de only balls that he got. De woman then guh to slap him but she just walk away. This is de same Berry Berry who tell a young reporter that he is a bachelor and that he does still get erection. Dem boys seh that he must ask heself why he is still a bachelor. This is a man who is a doctor and dem boy seh that is a good thing he not in practice because if he not in practice and he doing all
dem thing to young gyal and women dem boys can imagine wha he would do behind closed doors. Is de same Berry Berry who quick to tell people how dem telling lie pun he. De big man hear bout de story wid Berry Berry and de li’l reporter. Everybody know that de big man is not a man like that. But he is a fair man, not only in complexion, because he look at de statement that de reporter give and he claim how is she word against Berry Berry word. That is when de reporter know that she lapse. From de time she approach Berry Berry she shoulda put on she recorder. But she was complacent because she expect a certain behaviour from a Government Minister. This is de man who can only live wid heself. But if he continue de big man gun mek he live wid some men in Camp Street or Lusignan. Talk half and don’t get complacent wid Berry Berry.
benefit of the community. In the process, social and communal ties which had helped to sustain us for so long began to fall apart. Communities became highly impersonal. And with this impersonality, residents have become strangers in their own villages. People do not mix as before. They also do not lend that degree of support that once existed. And this is one of the main reasons why each day, we can pick up the newspaper and be horrified at what we read. Each day we read about
fights within villages, about one person stabbing another over something trivial, of rat poison being forced down the throat of children, of neighbour breaking into the home of neighbour and of friends betraying the trust of each other. Attempts can be made to reverse these negative trends through the strengthening of community ties, but this task will always remain difficult if liberalisation continues to be the guiding philosophy within the country. Everything cannot be left to the invisible hand of the
market. We have got to return to those values which existed in an earlier time, a time before television, when family members sat together and shared their experiences, their dreams and their fears, a time when a neighbour would come running to your rescue without being asked, and a time when having more than your neighbour was not that important.
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THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
Death in Guyana, Death in Trinidad. So? A hospital in Trinidad turned away a Guyanese whose life, because of the nature of his illness, could have been saved if he had received emergency attention. The quicker you get treatment, the greater your chance of staying alive when a heart attack is on its way. This man’s death was an unnecessary tragedy. Soon after the death, crocodile tears began pouring down in certain quarters in Guyana, with the Minister of Foreign Affairs saying that Guyana doesn’t refuse emergency treatment
to foreigners. That is true. What is true also is that the emergency treatment is on paper. What took place in Trinidad takes place here. The man died in Trinidad where he does not pay taxes and where he does not live, and where the hospital may feel that they have no obligation to him. All of this is wrong of course. They should have offered emergency treatment. He was a human. His life was worth saving. The reality however is in Guyana, we do the same thing, only this time it is to Guyanese who live and
pay taxes here. In Trinidad there may be a professional investigation as to what happened at that hospital. In Guyana, we kill people at the Georgetown and Berbice hospitals and relatives are abused when they ask for explanations. Let me say boldly and unambiguously – what happened with that Guyanese man in Trinidad occurs in more cruel fashion at the Georgetown Hospital. Guyanese should feel sympathy for the man’s relatives, but they should wake up and face reality;
worse happens at the Georgetown Hospital. I am an authority on the horror story that is the Georgetown Hospital. In my columns, I must have devoted more than a dozen of the past fifteen years in exposing unnecessary deaths at this hospital. Let me say boldly and unambiguously again – the Georgetown Hospital kills people. I make no apology for that statement and will repeat it in any forum anywhere in the world. It is based on research. If there is any area where the PPP Government is
beyond redemption it is the function of the Georgetown Hospital. If there is any reason why you should vote against the incumbent government it is for the nonfunctioning of the Georgetown Hospital. What happened to that unfortunate Guyanese in Trinidad happens to foreigners and Guyanese at the Georgetown Hospital. Here are two examples. My Chinese neighbour on Hadfield Street was shot by robbers and died because of internal bleeding. That man sat on a bench at A&E for almost ten hours. While waiting, his internal organs were being poisoned. I will never forget the tears his wife and children shed in front of my wife and mother-in-law. The words of the Foreign Minister that Guyana doesn’t turn back foreigners in case of emergency are utter nonsense. We don’t turn them back. We don’t look at them and we let them die. No senior journalist in Guyana could look me in the eyes and tell that they have not had their share of horror stories of death and neglect at the Georgetown Hospital. A Cane Grove family spoke to me and Gerhard Ramsaroop in tears about how a family member went into the Berbice Hospital emergency room for simple belly pain. On their return hours after, the family member had died. Their inquiries were met with abuse by the doctors, an immorality than can only happen in Guyana. The second example
Frederick Kissoon relates to Dale Andrews of this newspaper. Dale did not collect his heart tablets one Friday morning. The next afternoon, I accompanied him to the Medical Block, but the section was closed. We went to A&E with his clinic card and explained to the doctor the situation. This female doctor was arrogant and rude. She refused to write a prescription. Another doctor did it. I was livid with her because Dale had a heart condition. I let her have my noisy vocabulary and Dale restrained me. Suppose Dale went home and had collapsed? The Director of Medical and Professional Services, Dr. Sheik Amir, leaves much to be desired. I honestly think he should be relieved of his post, because he is not doing a good job. As a matter of policy, he refuses to grant me interviews; as recent as last month when a pharmacist refused to dispense a prescription because she wanted to know what the diagnosis was. Prescriptions do not carry diagnoses, only the name of the drug. I have had hundreds of them in my lifetime, and I am sure you too. The Trinidadian bestiality is very much alive in Guyana.
LBI man set ablaze during domestic squabble A domestic squabble between a La Bonne Intention (LBI), East Coast Demerara couple, yesterday ended with a 29 year-old husband and father of one, nursing severe wounds at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. The man, who has been identified as Seelacknauth Persaud, a carpenter, was set ablaze by a lit kerosene stove yesterday. He is said to be nursing third degree burns at the hospital’s Burns Care Unit. The man‘s spouse, whom his relatives identified as “Shivanie,” reportedly left the house immediately after the incident. “She pack she things dem and gone by the mother. She nah tell we nothing wha happen. We nah hear back from she since then. She nah even come at the hospital wid we” The incident took place at around noon yesterday, at Persaud’s Lot 39 LBI, East Coast Demerara residence. Relatives claimed that the couple had been experiencing domestic problems. “He and he first wife lef’ and dem gat one child… He recently tek this girl, she is nineteen and he does complain about she steady … We nah really know what happen, he just dey at the back, he and he wife bin in the house alone. All we hear is somebody like dem ah holla and me son say look de house gat fire,” Dameswhar Persaud, the man’s brother explained. The man said that he went to his brother’s rescue after he saw the flames. “Me had to kick down the door and meh brother run out and roll up pun de ground. All he say is that ‘de stove bun me, de stove bun me’. We tek he and rush he down to Georgetown hospital. He get bun real bad.” Police later took Persaud’s reputed wife in for questioning. Investigations are continuing.
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Eccles Industrial Road to be upgraded Under the Ministry of Housing Central Housing and Planning Authority some sixteen bids ranging from $39M to $119M were opened for the upgrading of the new Eccles, Industrial Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD).
The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) received bids for the procurement of 875 bags of full cream powdered milk.
The Housing Ministry also received bids for the infrastructural development of Herstelling Plot ‘B’ EBD, Region Four. Meanwhile, bids were opened for the Ministry of Home Affairs for consultancy service for building works 2014.
There were 18 bids for the infrastructure development at Herstelling plot ‘C’ EBD, Region Four.
Finally in the Housing Sector, bids were opened for the infrastructure development at Perseverance, EBD.
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2014 Budget debates over, voting begins today The General Policy Debates on the 2014 Budget ended last evening in the National Assembly with Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh and Prime Minister Samuel Hinds defending the estimates and issuing a final call for support. The House will from today resolve itself into a Committee of Supply when it will begin consideration and voting. Referred to earlier in the day as a parallel treasury, the Finance Minister used the opportunity in his rebuttal to Opposition Speakers to assert that the monies held in the accounts of public corporations such as the Guyana Forestry Commission, the Guyana
- Finance Minister roasts Opposition presentations Geology and Mines and the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) are being done so lawfully. Dr Singh argued that the entities are created by statute, and as such, they are legally required to keep their revenues. Prime Minister Hinds told the House that it should be seen as local reserve. He said that the monies in the various agencies accumulated over years, and further, there have been transfers from time to time to the Consolidated Fund. The Prime Minister reminded of a time when he
held the Ministerial portfolio for mining and there were occasions when money from GGMC was used to repair the Bell 412 helicopter, “if not we would have heard issues of the helicopter there and not being fixed.” According to the Prime Minister, “off-budget financing is practiced in all jurisdictions and is used to give flexibility for executive government for the good of the nation.” In responding to the Alliance For Change Leader Khemraj Ramjattan who had pointed out that while in Jamaica they had sold their spectrum for US$25M, in
Guyana it is legislated to be given to friends, the Prime Minister said that there are two ways of allocating a spectrum - via auction or to charge fees annually. He said that if there is greater attraction to get into a marketplace then auction is way to go and when there is not so great appeal, fees is the preferred option. Touching on the criticism that there are no locals working on the construction of the Marriott in Kingston, the Prime Minister said that “it will take a decade to build such an efficient team and then it will be uncertain if we will find work in Guyana, but
Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh delivers his fiery rebuttal at present we want a hotel in good time.” Meanwhile, the Finance Minister in a fiery rebuttal to the Opposition Speakers took to task A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)’s Basil Williams, who accused him of lying to the nation for several years. Williams during his presentation had said that out of 182 countries surveyed Guyana was the fifth from the bottom as it relates to the Human Development Index. The Minister however produced a report which stated that Guyana was in fact ranked 118 out of the 186
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, staunchly defends the 2014 Estimates countries surveyed. “We have been regaled with such misrepresentations and when they were not readily at hand there was resort to insults,” Dr Singh argued. In responding to the Leader of the political opposition, Brigadier (rtd) David Granger, the Finance Minister said that he (Granger) had failed to acknowledge new schools built, the new hostels, new dormitories, new business being put up new commercial estate in Lethem or even of the $1B in allocations for the development of hinterland roads among other initiatives in the budget. He was adamant that A Partnership for National Unity was nothing but “a rebranded Peoples National Congress (PNC)”. Throughout the course of his presentations, the Finance Minister repeatedly sought to sully the performance of the then Finance Minister Carl Continued on page 24
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Govt. operates a parallel treasury The Alliance for Change (AFC) has charged that the budget has been cut long before it was even presented to the nation, as the government operates a parallel treasury in the form of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Guyana Forestry Commission among others which hold an additional $50B not accounted for in the national estimates. This is according to the AFC Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan, who in his presentation on the final day of the general policy debate yesterday, also brought into sharp focus the need for the constitutionally mandated Public Procurement Commission (PPC). Ramjattan charged that with a PPC in place, instances such as the drug purchases from the New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation (GPC), resulting in significant overpayments, would not have occurred. Ramjattan said that Government has continued to resist the establishment of the Procurement Commission because “they want to continue to gorge at the trough.” The AFC leader said that what the current administration would instead want to do is “have the tender board write up guidelines so that friends and family will forever benefit from those criteria…They don’t want to stop the gravy train.” He spoke of the recent changes in the qualifications for the supply of pharmaceuticals “so that only one can benefit…is only one person gonna get it and we all know that person….all of we know de man.” According to Ramjattan,
- Budget cut long before it was presented - AFC
AFC Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan the losses being made in the absence of the Procurement Commission is tenfold greater than the cost mentioned by the Junior Finance Minister, Juan Edghill, who according to the AFC Leader had called the setting-up of the Commission, “too pricey”. BAILOUT Ramjattan in his budget presentation also spoke of the $6B bailout for the sugar industry which, “touches a chord in all of us.” According to the AFC Leader, it is important that “we ensure that the sector succeeds but not with bailouts every year.” He pointed to the US experience when President Barack Obama was forced to bailout a number of companies and had demanded that the money be repaid and that the boards of directors be replaced. Ramjattan stressed, “We can’t give good money to the same bad managers.” “When they come saying they have plans for the sugar industry we have to check them properly, we have to ensure what they talking about reduces the cost of production.” The AFC Leader also suggested that there must be a rehabilitation of all
factories, not just the one at Skeldon, as well as the need to resort to more private cane farmers and the increased mechanization. “You have to get the skills back into the factory. What we see at management level, a lot of people who want to make assessments to make the industry are going to be asked to shut up. If we are going to move from where we are to where we ought to be it is better management, better governance…We could make lots more profit if it (the sugar industry) is managed better.” PARALLELTREASURY In expounding on his position of a parallel treasury, Ramjattan told the House that, “If government tightens up, the opposition will lighten up.” He said even if the opposition is to use its proverbial scissors, “the hatchet and shears have already been used” prior to the Budget reaching the House. The cuts have already been made, according to Ramjattan, because all of the revenue streams are not accurately reflected. The AFC Leader claimed that “if we put all revenue streams in the budget we would have lots more, it is in the vicinity of $50B cut, since before being laid here, monies are being hived off to accounts that belong to certain bodies”. He noted that the Guyana Forestry Commission had a balance at the end of last year of $1B that was never put in the consolidated fund. GGMC, according to Ramjattan, held $12B while the Lands and Surveys
Commission, held $365M that has not been put into the coffers. He said that the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority held another $742M in its accounts while the Central Housing and Planning Authority held $ 2.7B in its accounts. The AFC Leader spoke too of the lotto funds, some $1.1B, and NICIL hoarding some $9B. “These bodies have government monies or what is called public money, some $27.7B that is not there.” He said that it was akin to a husband earning $100,000 but only gives his wife $60,000 to manage the affairs of the home. “This is what we have here in the budget; we will not be in the position to know what is in the consolidated fund so that we will be in a position to know how much we can spend on what.” The AFC Leader spoke too of a number of bank accounts that hold billions of dollars that are not being put into the consolidated fund. According to Ramjattan “unless we have all that is there we will not have a true
representation of the state of our finances.” He charged that government representatives go on television and complain that the opposition has cut the budget but “I want the point made, billions have been hatcheted and axed…Not that Cabinet don’t know, they know.” Ramjattan maintained that the constitution demands that the money must go into Consolidated Fund, “a lot of additional spending is done without National Assembly approval.” He suggested that this could possibly be the case with the Marriott Hotel where the works are continuing despite the fact that there is no financial closure with respect to millions of dollars. The AFC leader lamented also that several billions are also being lost through the numerous tax exemptions. SPECTRUM
Ramjattan spoke too of the literal giveaway of national resources and pointed to the national spectrum. He drew reference to a recent auction in Jamaica which saw their spectrum being sold for US$25M. In Guyana, he said, friends, family and close associates will benefit from something that should be sold and the earnings placed in the Consolidated Fund. “The Constitution is supreme,” Ramjattan emphasised.” We must not have parallel treasuries…Don’t go and say we are chopping the budget when you chopping ten times more…that is why we can’t have money to increase pension to $15,000.” According to Ramjattan, with money in separate bank accounts and not being placed in the Consolidated Fund, Guyanese are being denied their rights.
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Guyana Police Force is free from political control - Rohee Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee has dismissed suggestions that the Guyana Police Force is being politically controlled. Delivering a fiery presentation during the 2014 Budget Debate in the National Assembly, Rohee said that what obtains now in the security sector is a far cry from what occurred under the regime of the People’s National Congress (PNC). “The fact is that the Guyana Police Force, being the foremost law enforcement agency in this country, notwithstanding all the bashing…it is free from political control as it used to be in the past,” Rohee declared. This was in direct reference to what many feel is the widely held belief that the Guyana Police Force is being used as a political tool, under the direct control of the Minister of Home Affairs. According to Rohee, there were days in the past
when persons opposed to the government were pulled off planes and prevented from leaving Guyana. This prompted heckling from the Opposition side that Guyana has become a police state. During his hour-long debate contribution, Rohee also quoted from published documents which referred to instances when it was alleged that orders were issued for the military personnel to shore up numbers at the major events such as party congresses of the then ruling PNC. At this point in Rohee’s presentation, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)’s Basil Williams rose on a point of order, claiming that Rohee was breaching Standing Order 41 (1), since his presentation was not relevant to the issue that was engaging the National Assembly. Speaker Raphael Trotman interjected and, quoting from
City Hall warns... (From page 3) comes a month after the “arbitrary” sale of Mashramani spots by Town Clerk Carol Sooba which caused several seasoned purchasers of Mashramani spots to pull out. Big names such as Banks DIH, and other small scale vendors abandoned the City Council when spot prices were doubled and even tripled during this year’s event. The Council had slammed the Administration for its sale on the locations without the permission of the Mayor and Councilors. To this end, the Mayor and Councilors remain torn from its Administrator and staff, resulting in a continued provision of mediocre service to city dwellers.
- APNU not impressed Standing Order 71 (2) which deals with financial procedures, reminded the House that “the debate shall be confined to the financial and economic state of the country and the general principles of government policy and administration as indicated in the budget speech.” Trotman noted that while several speakers throughout the debate had taken some latitude with their presentations, the House must ensure that the debate is confined in keeping with Article 71(2). He then cautioned the Minister that he would be monitoring the continuation of his presentation. But although this was acknowledged by Rohee, he continued his forceful presentation, pointing out to the National Assembly that he was merely making a comparison with what obtained in the security sector under the previous regime. According to Rohee, any talk of national security must be recognised within the context of what is taking place now in the world and one should not only focus on crime, which is only one aspect of national security. “In those days….the degree and scale of issues such as money laundering was totally non-existent. Drug trafficking was virtually non-existent. Gun-running,
piracy, human trafficking, domestic violence, if those things existed in those days, Mr. Speaker, it was miniscule, and did not warrant the attention as they do now,” Rohee told the National Assembly. In direct contrast to the earlier presentation made by Shadow Home Affairs Minister, Winston Felix of APNU, Rohee spoke of the tremendous changes that are taking place within the security sector, with specific emphasis on the Guyana Police Force. He revealed that the government is presently preparing to enter into negotiations with the InterAmerican Development Bank for a successor programme of the Citizen Security Programme, which will come to an end very soon. He added that the government has already settled on implementing four aspects that are critical to the reform process of the Guyana Police Force. These include succession planning, probity and integrity, recruitment and retention, and public relations and communication. He also spoke of the more than 47 police stations that are linked through a network, where data collected at the stations is sent to force headquarters so that there can be immediate action on an operational basis. “This never happened in the past,” Rohee stated. The Home Affairs Minister revealed that the administration is working to bridge the passport security system, pointing out that
within a few months, a new machine readable passport will be released with increased security features. “Already we have noticed that the current machine readable passports are being tampered with by people, who wish to steal the identity of persons. The marine wing of the Guyana Police Force is also on the cards for improvement. Minister Rohee heaped praise on the Police AntiNarcotics Unit and the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) for the increasing interdiction of drugs being t r a f f i c k e d t h r o u g h the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. “Rather than referring mockingly to CANU and the Narcotics Branch of the Guyana Police Force, we should give credit to the fact that they continue to detect and interdict persons…I continue to say Mr. Speaker, wherever they hide it we will find it,” the Minister announced to loud cheers from his colleagues on the government side of the house. But his presentation has not gone down well with APNU, who in a press statement yesterday said that Rohee refused to address the critical issues of crime, and lack of public confidence in the security sector. According to APNU, his speech was short on policy and administrative projections and long on hyperbole and political slander. “Rohee failed to address any plans to fight rampant gun-running, narcotrafficking, trafficking- inpersons, violent crime and the public’s lack of confidence in
Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee the Peoples Progressive Party-Civic administration to keep them safe. There was no plan articulated for the reform and re-training of the Guyana Police Force.” The main opposition coalition said that the Minister’s remarks prove that the Peoples Progressive Party- Civic has failed most seriously to address the Country’s most pressing problems - the public security crisis. “The party has not accepted responsibility for the high rate of armed robberies, murderous maritime piracy, rampant gunrunning, trafficking in persons, contraband smuggling, and drug trafficking and other violent and white collar crime.” APNU said it therefore views the remarks by the General Secretary of the PPP as scandalous and irresponsible and a tactic by the PPP to run away from its dismal record in the areas of law enforcement and public safety.
Wednesday April 09, 2014
Kaieteur News
Bail for radio announcer on assault charge After spending one week in remand, radio announcer Ossie Rogers was yesterday granted conditional bail by an East Coast Magistrate. Rogers is before the court on an assault charge involving a teenage girl, and using threatening behaviour. Rogers, who is attached to the National Television Network (NTN), appeared before Magistrate Alex Moore at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court and was ordered to comply with three conditions for bail. Last week, the Broadcaster was indicted before Magistrate Moore and was remanded to prison. He is accused of dealing a 13-year-old girl several slaps moments after barging into her Industry, East Coast Demerara (ECD) yard and confronting her about text messages she sent to a mutual male friend’s phone. Rogers was charged too for threatening behaviour towards the teen’s mother, who reportedly rushed to the teen’s aid. When the charges were first read to him last week, Rogers pleaded not guilty and submitted a bail application through his lawyer, Dexter Todd. Attorney Subas Ganesh is also representing Rogers. While both offences are bailable, the teen’s mother during the one-hour-long court hearing last week, claimed that she fears for her life since Rogers has been making other threats to her and her family. The case is being prosecuted by Inspector
Ossie Rogers leaves the courtroom in the company of his Attorney
Hattie Anthony, who on that occasion, was ordered to launch a probe into the new allegations. Yesterday, Inspector Anthony indicated that the investigations are incomplete and requested three weeks to conclude a probe into the allegation. She added that more charges will likely be laid against Rogers. Magistrate Moore, in response, stated that the cases of remanded prisoners are supposed to be expedited and since the investigations are incomplete he would grant conditional bail to the accused. For the assault charge, Rogers was granted bail to the tune of $25,000 bail and $15,000 for the threatening behaviour. Moore ordered Rogers to refrain from contacting the young lady or her mother
personally. He was instructed too to refrain from visiting their home or its environs. For bail, neither Rogers nor an agent acting on his behalf can violate the aforementioned terms. The latter condition was met with objections by his lawyer who opined that his client can be wrongfully blamed since “it is possible for purported agents to claim they were solicited by him.” Magistrate Moore, however, remained resolute on his three conditions. He indicated that it may be an uphill task, but if any such allegation is leveled it is something that must be proven in court. The prosecution was granted three weeks to complete its investigation. The case will be called again on May 8 for report.
‘Pet’ projects trickery used to... (From page 16) said, serious questions can be expected today in the Assembly’s Committee of Supply. “At this stage, the Party would make strong recommendations for the Finance Minister to amend his estimates or face the likelihood of not having the estimates approved.” It will be up to Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, to bring a budget that the House can approve. “At this late stage he must stand guided by what transpires in the Committee of Supply. The ball is in the Minister’s court. The Alliance For Change wants to make it clear that we have no desire to deprive any person of their job or their wages, or any community of real development. Neither is it our desire to ‘shut down’ this Government.” However, the party said, it is the duty of a responsible
government to separate bonafide, legitimate and reasonable spending from the areas of ‘slush and sleaze’. “Should the Government attempt to force on the opposition a budget riddled with ‘pet projects’ it would be to their detriment and they would have to answer to the people. While the AFC fully supports the vast majority of the allocations in the 2014 Budget, the Party would be hard pressed to support a few allocations, and it is in this context that the Party has made a lastminute appeal for dialogue.” This 10th Parliament has been the most difficult for the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) as for the first time, since assuming power in 1992, it no longer controls the National Assembly. It lost the majority by one seat in the 2011 General and Regional Elections. The Opposition, using that one-seat majority, has made cuts to the budget of
2012 and 2013, affecting a number of large-scale projects including the Amaila Falls hydropower project, the airport expansion at Timehri, the specialty hospital at Turkeyen and subventions to NCN and GINA. The controversial cuts went to court and earlier this year there was a ruling that the Opposition cannot make cuts but can disapprove of allocations when it is time to vote. Only the Minister of Finance has that power. However, the ruling of Chief Justice (ag) Ian Chang has left the door open for the Minister of Finance to adjust the budget and bring it back. It is believed that the Opposition may very well take this route to effect the cuts. The issue has raised questions of the independence of Parliament and the Executive (Government). A $220B budget was presented by the Finance Minister on March 24.
Page 19
Gold Board fraud…
Police probe source of staffer’s millions Police probing what appears to be a massive fraud scheme at the Guyana Gold Board (GGB) are said to be tracking how at least one staffer managed to amass millions of dollars in properties after just two years on the job. The woman, a senior official, reportedly bought a piece of land in Bartica for $48M. She is currently putting up a home that could cost more than that. Police are also reportedly looking at how she also acquired another property in the same area. With the staffer earning $70,000 monthly, it was unclear where
she raised that kind of money. On Friday, GGB announced that it had closed that Region Seven sub-office and had invited the police to investigate the tampering of gold purchased. Five staffers, including the accountant and manager, are said to be under the microscope. Yesterday, the manager reportedly turned herself in. The case is generating interest because it would have been the first time that an entire office was closed to facilitate a probe. The scheme is said to involve hundreds of millions each month. Kaieteur News was told
that the staffers allegedly colluded with dealers to deliberately record higher purity levels than what was actually bought. The Gold Board, in effect, ended up paying more money for gold that was of a lower quality. It is believed that the illegal windfall would be split between staffers and dealers. It is also believed that staffers from the Gold Board office in the city were involved, as a number of them were also being questioned. The scheme reportedly unraveled after a complaint was made and the Board of Directors of the state agency ordered an investigation.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday April 09, 2014
It would be legally and constitutionally reprehensible to cut the budget - AG Nandlall By Latoya Giles “If the Joint Opposition decides to make any cuts to the 2014 National Budget it would be legally and constitutionally reprehensible,” says Attorney General Anil Nandlall. According to the AG, the January 2014 court ruling by the Chief Justice Ian Chang confirmed his earlier edict that the Opposition has no power at law or under the Constitution to cut the National Estimates presented by the Minister of Finance. Nandlall said that it would be “a most calculated and callous abrogation of the Rule of Law and an assault on our constitutional democracy”. Hence, he told the National Assembly that there have been significant changes within his ministry since his last budget presentation. One of the
accomplishments Nandlall said was the Ministry of Legal Affairs after a 34-year hiatus, being able to conclude and present publicly the Revised Laws of Guyana. Nandlall said that the conclusion of this exercise was preceded by another historic achievement, with the completion and launch of Law Reports from 1997 to 2007. He told the House that with these signal achievements accomplished, work will now begin in 2014 to continue these exercises in order to avoid the protracted lapses to which he had made reference. The AG said that work will also begin on compiling another set of Law Reports from 2008 to date. “Updating and continuous revising of the laws have already begun, within the AG Chambers. A Law Revision Officer has been appointed and duly trained within that discipline.”
Attorney General Anil Nandlall Further, he said that the Official Gazette has been placed online, a venture which is being managed by the AG Chambers in collaboration with National Printers. Nandlall said that the response to this initiative has been remarkable. “The website has had over a million
hits and persons from as far as Australia, Fiji, India, Africa, and of course, Europe and North America, have been accessing the website with encouraging frequency.” Moreover, he said that the automatic voice recording equipment for the court system will be installed within a matter of days. Nandlall said that the initiative is expected to make a transformational change to the speed of litigation in the country. He said that while the equipment will only be installed in the Court of Appeal, the Courts of the Chief Justice, and the Commercial Court of the High Court, the intention is to replicate it in every superior court of record in the country. Nandlall stressed that accountability and people’s participation are important cornerstones of good governance. He said that he believes that no institution which is funded by public monies is exempt from scrutiny, not even the Judiciary. In this regard, he said that they have established a Civil and Criminal Justice Committee under the now concluded Modernization of the Justice Administration Sector Project. He explained that these committees are established and managed by those in charge of the Judiciary. Three Criminal Committees have been established, one in each of the three counties. There is one National Civil Justice Committee which
caters for the needs of the three counties. This Committee meets at the Secretariat which is established in the Court of Appeal building. The Committees meet quarterly. It was noted that their function is to monitor the work of the Magistrates court and the High court with a view of improving the quality and efficiency of service delivery. These Committees are specifically tasked to assist and make recommendations for the reduction of the backlog of both civil and criminal cases, reduction in the management and adjudication of cases and receiving complaints from court users in relation to the problems they are encountering in the system. Nandlall highlighted that 18 laptops were purchased and distributed to the judges of the Court of Appeal and the High Court with the expectation that it will assist in the prompt writing up of decisions. Almost three years after the completion of the Family Court, Nandlall said that it would finally be ready “within a few weeks”. He said that the last set of furniture purchased from “Fibre Tech Industries” Fibre Glass bucket chairs - will be installed within a few days. The rules for the Family Court have already been completed and are with the Chancellor to be brought into operation. Nandlall said that the
original cost submitted for the furniture was $32M. He said that cabinet had withheld its “no objection” to this award and the Court was eventually furnished at a cost of about $12M, saving the taxpayers nearly $20M. Nandlall noted that this year monies have been allocated to construct a building in the compound of the Supreme Court, Georgetown, which will house the Land Court of Demerara, a Registry and storage facilities for the Supreme Court. He said that the edifice will house a minimum of two courtrooms and chambers for the judges. The possibility therefore exists for one of those courtrooms to be used as an additional Court of the High Court. This year also, Nandlall said, it is expected that persons can see the completion of a new Magistrate’s Court building at No 51 Village, Corentyne. On or around June of this year, Nandlall said that construction will commence at Sparendaam in respect of a brand new, fully air conditioned, building, along with parking facilities, for Magistrates, to house a new Magistrates’ Court there. He said that the building is expected to accommodate two courtrooms along with chambers for the Magistrates. This would be the first time that two courts will be operating at that location.
Search continues for kidnapped businessman Police yesterday focused their search for kidnapped businessman Rajendra Singh on the East Coast Demerara backlands, but a fourth day ended with no clues about his whereabouts. The investigators had apparently suspected that the kidnappers might be East Coast Demerara residents, particularly since Singh’s car was found abandoned in an area not far from where they focused their attention yesterday. It is still unclear whether the ransom has been handed over. A caller claiming to be one of the kidnappers had
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instructed relatives of the auto spares dealer to hand over $50M on Saturday, which was the same day that he was abducted. They subsequently changed their demand to $25M. Singh was allowed to speak to his wife on Sunday and again on Monday, while demanding the video recording from the CCTV cameras that are mounted around the auto dealer’s business place. Commissioner of Police (acting) Seelall Persaud is cautioning media houses to be responsible in their reporting on the matter. On Saturday night, Singh, his wife Heema, and two employees were about to close his business to go home when two men asked for ‘Fat Man’, while pretending to be purchasers of auto spares came up. They then held their victims at gunpoint, before
Rajendra Singh bundling the businessman into the trunk of his Toyota Ist and driving away. The vehicle was later found abandoned at Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara. Police later detained a 26year-old woman after tracing the cellular phone that is being used by Singh’s kidnappers to her.
Wednesday April 09, 2014
Kaieteur News
Page 21
US President signs executive order to tackle gender pay gap
President Obama signs the Equal Pay order in the presence of women’s rights advocates. Surrounded by women rights and equality advocates, United States President Barack Obama yesterday signed directives that draw attention to women’s wages and the right for state workers to get information about workplace compensation. The executive order which was signed at the White House and coincided with the annual “National
Equal Pay Day” observance, addresses the issue of unequal pay among gender wage gap by mandating that contractors publish wage data — by gender and race — to ensure compliance with equal-pay laws. The administrative order also prohibits contractors from retaliating against employees who compare salaries. Pointing out that half a
century after the Equal Pay Act was signed in that country, women are still earning less than men. Obama charged that, “Restoring opportunity for all has to be our priority, making sure the economy rewards hard work for every single citizen...” “We are going to work to make sure that our daughters have the same chance to pursue their dreams as our
sons,” he added. The President urged the businesses community and the government to do more to hire women and achieve gender equality in a bid to lift families out of poverty and allocate more resources to childcare, college tuition and retirement savings. “We don’t have second class citizens in this country,” the President posited. A report from the US National Women’s Law Center (NWLC) recorded that on average, women earn only about 77 cents on the dollar compared with men. AfricanAmerican women and Latinas take home even less, just 64 cents and 54 cents, respectively, for every dollar earned by white men. These number the President “embarrassing,” and “wrong.” Mr. Obama responded to the critics. “Some commentators are out there saying that the pay gap doesn’t even exist,” he said. “They say it’s a myth. But it’s not a myth. It’s math.” The president lambasted
Republicans for opposing “any efforts to even the playing field for working families.” He added: “I don’t know why you would resist the idea that women should be paid the same as men and then deny that that’s not always happening out there. If Republicans in Congress want to prove me wrong, if they want to show that in fact they do care about women being paid the same as men, then show me. They can start tomorrow.” A report from the American Association of University Women (AAUW) related that one year after graduation, women earn 7 percent less than men. Differences in hours, occupation; sector, college major and other factors do not fully account for the
difference in pay, the report said. About one-third of the pay gap remains unexplained, and according to the report, researchers ascribed that differential to gender discrimination. The AAUW report related further that matters such as pregnancy leave and parttime positions adversely affect women’s paychecks, which amount to about 90 percent of what men make until women reach age 35; after that, median earnings for women drop to 75 to 80 percent of what men are paid. It was mentioned also that 40 percent of households with children under 18 years old, include mothers who are the primary source of income; and with a median annual income, they make up majority of the group.
Recreation does for you what it says literally. It creates you again. It refreshes the mind, renews the spirit, and motivates the body. Constant working towards some objective can do the opposite, unless we control it by rest and relaxation.
Page 22
Kaieteur News
PROPERTY FOR SALE
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 Plywood - All Sizes @ B. Sooklall, High Street, Opposite Carnegie School. Shop Grade $1909 per –Tel: 621-1979 3A Engine & gear box, front wheel drive, working condition - Tel: 216-1242 1 Black Lexus 470 SUV - Tel: 656-0878; 225-5334 Clean garden earth, also Bobcat & Excavator rentals – Tel:626-7127 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
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 One boat & Ice-box: 50ft in length, 9ft in width, 6ft in depth. Price negotiable. Call:234-0401 or 675-3985 Red Honda 250 Twister motorcycle – Contact:6713533; 681-2217 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
Race horse for sale - Contact: 601-0993 (Sea Rockette) For used TM 6x6, back dry shaft – Call:648-2413 Land with foundation, Curb walls, infill and columns @ Tuschen, Middle Income, H/Scheme E.B.E - $7M – Call:682-7220; 602-0268 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 One Mobile Food Caravan Contact: 675-5448 One small Canter- Call:6853883 One cabin crusier boat & one inboard propeller -Tel: 665-2314
1 newly built 2-storey concrete house @ Canal No # 2 Belle West - Tel:615-3333; 648-9428 Property at Third Street, East Meten- Meer-Zorg W.C.D – Contact: 277-3743 or 6620773. Price is negotiable. Two Storey concrete & timber building with three bedrooms at Parika - Tel: 660-3118 House & land, double lot @ New Rd, Vreed-En-Hoop W.C.D. Serious enquiries only. Contact Rock Star Blocks Yard:269-1406; 6179230 Vacant corner lot 58"X30" @ Garnette & Republic Streets, Newton Kitty – Tel:645-0616
Brand new 60" Samsung LED with 3D smart TV. Interested person - Call: 623-1615 One 91 Sprinter. Price$380,000 – Tel:229-6870; 696-3787 Parts by order: Tundra, Titan, Tacoma F-150 - Tel:226-5473
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 Taxi Service in operation – Tel:621-0400 Newly refurbished, threeseater suite – Tel:616-6060
Property for sale.Call:6275416 Double Lot with house - Tel: 220-9961 Prime Property for sale - Light Street, Alberttown - Contact: 639-3619, 619-7299
Foundations of Nursing Courses in First Aid and Child Care. Telephone:692-2063, 613-0803 or 685-9095
9 Courses, Diploma in Computer Studies - $35,000 @ Micrographics Te c h n o l o g y, Vr e e d - E n Hoop- Call:264-3057 (Individual Teaching) Earn a Certificate in Cosmetology Courses, full courses or half courses. Classes begin April 28th – Call:673-5794
Make Up Courses, Artist Trained & Certified in Trinidad. Call: 660-5257, 647-1773
One (1) Fielder Wagon, PNN series – Tel:666-7734 or 2251276 1 Honda Civic, 2001 Model, 1 Toyota Tundra V6 4X4 manual, 2 YamahaATV – Call:225-0709
Nail Technology & Hair care courses @ Beautopia, also available Brazilian, Indian, Malaysian & Peruvian Virgin Hair – Call:604-3002 or 6698477
P&A Auto Sales: Premio, Spacio, Raum, Rush, IST, AT 212. Call: 661-9651 or 681-8474 1 Toyota Verossa 18” Chrome rims, excellent condition, low milage Price:$3,000,000 - Tel:6823396; 665-7206
VACANCY One Trainee refrigeration A/ C Technician – Tel:231-2655 24 Hour East Coast Guy-oil needs night pump attendants, salesgirl & office assistant- Call: 670-8893/ 6959880/ 684-2838 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
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 One (1) Model M Winch Truck, GRR series – Tel:6667734 or 225-1276 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
LEARN TO DRIVE Shalom Driving School @ 2 Croal street. Fee $16,000Call:227-3869
Experienced cleaners & bartenders – Call:225-8572 (Between 7am to 9am)
Toyota Verossa, Price:$2.5M, PLL series, excellent condition Contact George: 603-7172
Alleyne’s Professional Driving School @ 651 East Ruimveldt, Best Prices Call :226-9181; 613-0223; 668-9331 Progressive Driving School offers: Efficient Tutoring and affordable rates – Call:661-2273
Enrol at Caribbean First Class Kindergarten – Grade 6. After school classes and reading programs available Tel: 684-7403 Kids Easter Computer Classes. Age 6 to 14, $3,000 – 3weeks @ Micrographics Te c h n o l o g y Vr e e d - E n Hoop Call:264-3057
One bottom flat apartment at Enmore, E.C.D - $35,000 monthly – Call:677-1495 Two bedrooms self contained lower flat apartment, $40,000 per month in Herstelling with garage – Contact:265-4346
VEHICLE FOR SALE
Quantum Auto: 2003 Dark blue Raum with Alloy Wheels, TV/Nav, Silver Premio. Excellent Condition Call: 624-7684; 617-2378
Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel:644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997 Practical Electronic courses begining 7th April @ Abdol Electronics - Tel: 226-6551; 225-0391
Bond and parking place for rent at Bartica – Tel:602-9302 One upper flat @ 6th Street Cummings Lodge ECD - Call: 622-3580
SALON
Canter Drivers, living in Essequibo & Berbice. Apply in person @ Alabama Trading Georgetown Ferry Stelling Stabroek
Ultravoilet Driving School @ 106 Brickdam. 25% discount – Contact:2312372;602-2583; 6584015
EDUCATIONAL
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 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 Two Bedrooms lower flat apartment, one month’s security - $38,000 per month @ Paradise Public Rd, E.C.D Contact: 625-9939; 672-2677 One 2 bedroom apartment at Triumph Village, Agriculture Road, ECD – Call:220-7937, 625-5257
Wednesday April 09, 2014
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 Fully furnished apartments - $4,000-$6,000 per night Call:223-0994 Space for CXC lessons $15,000 – Call:684-7403 Mature Christian working couples with no children, one bedroom apartment: Parking, telephone, water conveniences - $30,000 – Contact:623-8759, 218-3463
Federal Management Security Services: Armed, Baton Officers, bus drivers. Located @ 120 Peter Rose Street, Queenstown – Tel:226-0633, 226-0652, 2260637 Warehouse staff and truck drivers for more information call: 609-7132. Send Applications to Maya @ 24 Saffon Street, C/town, G/ Town.
CAR RENTAL Cars - $6,000.00 per day - Tel: 694-7817 or 668-0306
LAND FOR SALE House lots in Friendship. Tel: 692-8513 La Parafaite Harmonie Price:$1.5M, negotiable- Call: 684-6985 Promising mining blocks, already prospected - Tel: 683-9910 La Parafaite HarmoniePrices:$1.2M, $1.4M,$1.6M, Tuschen- $3.2M, Herstelling (110ftX58ft) - $4.5M (high income) - Tel:675-7292, 2185591
MASSAGE The Gents Spa: Deep tissue, Swedish massages, sport massage, aromatherapy, body scrubs Call:657-5979 Neisha’s Massage Service – Tel:674-8147 PEN PAL Meet your match! Lifelong partners/friends, singles only, confidential – Tel:592-223-8237; 592-648-6098. 8:30am-5pm (both phones same hours)
Dolly’s Car Rental - Call: 225-7126/ 226-3693 dollys autorental@yahoo.com/ www.dolly sautorental.com VEHICLE FOR SALE 1 AT 212 Carina (Private) Automatic, fully powered with AC, alarm - Price:1.3M Contact Rocky:621-5902 Toyota ACE small bus, excellent condition – Call: 666-2744/616-5622. Owner leaving country.
Toyota Raum, Spacio, AT212, AT192, NZE ,LTouring wagon, Nissan E24 Caravan, 4x4 Hilux Pickup – Tel:644-5096; 697-1453. One Pit-bull minibus, with 15 seats, just off the Wharf $3.6M & 1 used short based Canter (negotiable) – Tel:648-2834; 676-4243. 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 1 Suzuki R1 wagon (Jeep) Automatic, Fully Powered with A/C, hardly used – Price:$1.3M Contact Rocky: 621-5902/ 225-1400 1- AT 192 Carina (Private) automatic, fully powered, mags, A/C - price$1.2M Contact Rocky:225-1400 NZE, PSS series, in excellent condition with mags, alarm, CD player, chrome mirrors – Price: $1.750M – Contact Shahab: 613-5484. (Continued on page 23)
Wednesday April 09, 2014
Kaieteur News
Page 23
Letters... Where your views make the news DEAR EDITOR, I respond to a letter published in your newspaper’s letter column on Monday April 7, “Mr. Hugh Brian “Magic” October is a liar,” by Samantha Bryan Boat Cruise fan; a direct response to an article in your Sunday March 30 paper; “Hero seaman recalls risky boat cruise” in which I was featured.
Indeed the year stated in the article is incorrect as I told the interviewer that the boat ride incident would have occurred between 2008 and 2011, but was inadvertently specified as 2009. Against that, the account of what took place on that Parika to Supenaam boat cruise is not incorrect. Firstly, I apologise to the captain who would have
manned the cruise of that specific year. Honestly, I have never been to Bartica on a cruise and then again, what will it profit me to fabricate such a lie? The fact about it is that I am not trying to put a damper on boat cruise, and the fun of its fans at large, but for your information I have never been on a cruise ship much less cooked on one.
The workshop that the ruling party boycotted DEAR EDITOR, I was invited to a workshop on Democracy on Friday April 4, last, and was asked to mobilise a few interested residents who were willing to participate. I got 19 in all. I was very careful not to be seen as inviting only persons who share my political views. I even invited a Pastor. I went to some very prominent residents who are seen as being in opposition to my views and remarkably, they all declined my invitation. Being a bit worried, I called the PPP point person and asked whether he
could persuade at least six of his members to participate in the workshop. He told me bluntly that he couldn’t do that. This has forced me to conclude that the PPP is anything but democratic. If it was it would take every opportunity to ensure that its members are schooled in the tenets of democracy. I also came to the conclusion that the PPP wants to keep the residents in a state of ignorance. This will ensure continued manipulation. If the masses are educated, the manipulation is over.
I am therefore calling on all residents, not only in the Rupununi, but across Guyana, to learn about democracy and you will see what a band of masqueraders the PPP is when it talks about the return of democracy in 1992. Carl Parker Sr. Regional Councillor Region Nine PS: I was just informed that the village of Kumu was invited to the workshop but residents could not attend because they were instructed by the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs not to.
Citizen’s apology to Mr. Jaipaul... From page 5 to build strong social capital in the parliament. This is a clear example of how poor social capital in parliament (poor relations between political parties, lack of respect, lack of a common value system for conducting business in parliament, lack of principles by parliamentarians, etc.) can affect other capital, such as economic capital and progress (as in the case of the budget debate) among other things. I can see this scenario with the minister in Parliament being played out in a classroom. If a teacher is teaching a topic of crime and during a lecture on theft, a student remarks ‘thieving is like what Johnny’s father does’, even if the student has information to suggest that what is being said about Johnny’s father is true, it was inappropriate for a student to make that remark during a lecture in a classroom and the teacher has a right to reprimand that student who made the remark and an apology is quite appropriate for the student towards whom the remark was made. If the student refuses to apologise further disciplinary action should be taken against that student.
However, I can see that student who is reprimanded responding that the minister did the same thing in Parliament and did not apologize, so why should they have to apologise. My point is that whether the minister apologises or not, I am apologising for my Minister of Education and I would do it for any of our PUBLIC officials. Our teachers can now say to our students that wrong is wrong and right is right and citizens of this nation are not indifferent to that. What is wrong here is not the content of minister’s comment but rather the context – the place, the timing the person to whom it was addressed. Had the minister
called a press conference and said the same thing that would have been a different matter. It is against this background that I am apologizing to Mr. Jaipaul Sharma for the minister and I am asking that he accepts this apology and withdraws his resignation and return to the National Assembly, failing which I would appeal to the minister to apologise to Mr. Jaipaul Sharma and show smart leadership and let us continue with the Budget Debate and moving this nation forward TOGETHER! Nelson Mandela said that the key to being a successful leader is not about being bright but rather about being smart. Audreyanna Thomas
Police transfers...
From page 4 The Police are the protectors and friends of the people, and in reality the servants of the nation, paid by the people. I ask the members of the police force, to always remember that they have to win the hearts and minds of the people with positive contributions in the various districts by forming youth groups to motivate and prepare youths, and attending to the old. It is not unusual for Senior police officers to form such youth groups but they should also visit the old and the infirm in bed, to give a helping hand, a kind word. The Police MUST be more than mere police enforcers. I believe, the Police can become more than law enforcers. It is time for that new dispensation. The New Guyana Police Personality, A force that truly ‘Protect and Serve.’ Roshan Khan CEO/Founder: RK’s Security and Business Group
I attended college at Liverpool, England at the age of 21, after which I became a cook with license number 52055. Ms Bryan, you have no knowledge of whether I am a holder of a steering license. My first vessel was the Baron Belhaven which had a Scottish management who made it compulsory for each personnel onboard; from mess men right up, to have same, which I received from Captain Welsh. Let me state categorically, safety measures on these cruise have to be seriously reviewed; for example I have never seen life jackets in place on the lower deck where the party is taking place. I have never noticed at any time going on a cruise and the Captain, neither the crew demonstrating how to use a life jacket, in fact the deejay is usually the one balancing the boat. I am saying without apology that the maritime system of these party vessels is very poor. It is time meaningful measures are put in place because this could be disasters waiting to happen. I will add also that this letter has not been the first to discredit what I said as I received a personal visit from one of the boat cruise organizers whose concern was that I was messing with his livelihood. Nonetheless I would take this as constructive criticism from the passion of regular boat cruise attendees and suspect that the authorities would take the necessary step to ensure the party is enjoyed in the safest possible manner. We should take a page out of the Barbados book where they have the Jolly Rogers for such entertainment as well as other Caribbean countries. Hugh ‘Magic’ October VEHICLE FOR SALE One Toyota Hilux 4-Runner $1.5M negotiable - Call: 6827220 or 602-0268 Toyota Vigo Truck, Toyota Carina 212 and Nissan Pathfinder, excellent condition, negotiable – Call:644-1144, 225-8427, 2643732 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 TacomaCall:680-3154 AT192, 212, Allion, Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN & RZ & Pitbull minibuses, 7-Seater Super Custom. Cash / termsCall:680-3154 One Toyota Raum – Tel:6964078 One Toyota RAV 4 PNN Series- Contact: 650-7875. Serious Enquiries only! Sold by first owner!
(From page 22)
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 Repairs, sales & spares air conditioning, microwaves, washer, fridges & stoves. Ultra Cool, call: 225-9032, 6472943 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 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 Complete Vehicle Detailing Plus: wash, polish, interior steam cleaning, vacuuming, carpet cleaning & lawn mowing. Call:626-3126 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer call:2310655,683-8734 Omar Guyana Passport & Visa Forms Application, USA, Canada and England. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. HOUSE PLAN DRAFTING FOR ONLY $10,000CALL:694-9843/227-2766 WANTED Couple to work in the interior to cook and work in store – Tel:614-2464, 612-2057, 2251276 Urgently needed land to buy in low income areas especially La Parafaite Harmonie – Tel:675-7292 or 218-5591 Live out domestic babysitter and live in babysitter – Call:225-0188, 223-7500 (Monday to Saturday ) (8:15am-4:15pm) One intelligent female between 18-30yrs from Ruimveldt area for part-time work – Call:223-8237 (9am2pm daily) Attractive live in waitressCall:327-0252/674-4665
WANTED One Salesgirl for shop to work on the ECD, between age 17-24, text name & address to telephone # 617-7823 Do you need an excavator operator with 12 years experienced in mining? Contact: 696-2510 & 254-0624 One salon assistant, must know to do corn-row – Tel:622-2643 or 225-8701 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 Welders, carpenters, masons. Must be 25years and older – Tel:265-3586 Urgently! Joiners, spray painters (furniture), handyman and Upholster – Contact:225-6810 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:666-7734 or 225-1276 One Barber – Tel:225-6337 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 girls to work for 3 days per week – Tel:227-8535 Urgently needed live-in waitresses to work in bar & restaurant. Reasonable Salary Offer. Tel:259-0574 Fast Growing Food Manufacturer/Distributor seeks EXPERIENCED SALESPERSON with Valid Driver’s Licence for Berbice Sales – Tel:2318344, 223-1034 One female to cook at a home in the Interior Contact:681-6044 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 Two mechanics, assistant mechanic, secretary. Apply at J&J Service Center – Tel:227-4897 or 660-3360
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday April 09, 2014
The Georgetown High Court
Only one guilty verdict in 25 cases Local prosecution continues to take a battering with the revelation that the jury returned only one guilty verdict out of a total of 19 matters where verdicts were reached in the country’s high courts during the recently concluded criminal assizes. Information coming out of the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), reveals that there were a total of 25 completed matters in the three assizes, Demerara, Berbice and Essequibo. There were a staggering eight not guilty verdicts and six changes of plea to lesser offences, while the DPP nolle prosequi in writing three of the cases. The DPP in a detailed statement revealed that for the Demerara January criminal session, which commenced on January 15 and ended on March 28, only 18 out of the 233 cases listed to be heard were completed. Of the 18 completed cases, 16 were presented and two of them were nolle prosequi by the DPP.
According to the DPP, of the 16 matters presented, there were a total of 11 verdicts and five pleas. “For the eleven matters where there were verdicts there was one guilty verdict, eight not guilty verdicts and two hung jury verdicts. Five accused who were indicted for Murder, pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of Manslaughter,” the DPP stated in a press release yesterday. The Demerara January 2014 Assizes was presided over by four judges, Justices Franklin Holder, William Ramlall, James Bovell-Drakes and Navindra Singh. Justice Holder completed five matters. Of these five matters, four were for the offence of Murder and one was for Rape. In two of the Murder trials, the accused pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of Manslaughter and were sentenced to 18 years and 10 years imprisonment respectively. With respect to a third Murder matter, the accused
was acquitted after the jury returned a unanimous verdict of not guilty of Murder and not guilty of Manslaughter. In a fourth Murder trial, the two accused were ordered to face a retrial after the jury returned with a split decision of six guilty and six not guilty. The accused in the Rape trial was acquitted after the jury returned a verdict of not guilty. At the same time Justice William Ramlall disposed of three matters also for the offence of Murder. In all three matters, the Trial Judge upheld No Case Submissions and directed the jury to return formal verdicts of not guilty. In one of these matters in which two accused were indicted for the offence of Murder, the charge against the number one accused was discontinued by the Director of Public Prosecutions because of insufficient evidence. Meanwhile, in the one Murder trial before Justice Bovell-Drakes, which continued from the October
Triangular love affair leaves teenager wounded
A triangular love affair took an ugly twist just after 01:00hrs yesterday when a 17-year-old was stabbed to the abdomen by her older aunt at Hobo Hill, Mabaruma, in Region One. Up to press time, the injured teen was in the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC)’s recovery room. The girl was reportedly attacked by her 24-year-old aunt, who is now in police custody. The teen and her
- Attacker in police custody aunt live a short distance away from each other. At the centre of the controversy is the aunt’s male partner. According to information received, the woman found out that her partner was having an affair with her niece and confronted him. “When she found out that he was sleeping with her niece too she called him but instead of answering her, he called the
girl out her house. When he saw her, he hugged her in front of the aunt and that is how the stabbing occurred,” a source said. Kaieteur News was told that the 17-year-old was immediately rushed to the Mabaruma hospital where arrangements were made to transfer her to the GPHC. Investigations are ongoing.
2014 Budget debates over... From page 12 Greenidge whom he accused of “bankrupting Guyana”. The Finance Minister was adamant that with the exception of a few suggestions by members of the Political Opposition, during the course of the debates, instead of proffering “alternatives on how we could do things better, what we were regaled with is a series of regrettable misrepresentations and even more unfortunate a resort to insult.” Dr Ashni Singh in defending the 2014 Budget, said that many of what is being offered by the current administration includes many of the promises made by APNU in their Election Manifesto. “We included hundreds of millions for hinterland airstrips, a promise you (APNU) made. We are delivering on our promises and yours.” Dr Singh further pointed out that despite the promise of rehabilitated airstrips, the allocation was cut from the budget by APNU last year. “What you promised we are doing, but you can’t see that and acknowledge it, what you promise we are delivering.” According to the Minister, whether it’s a new bridge across the Demerara River, transportation assistance or tourism assistance, there is no acknowledgement in
the camps of the opposition. “APNU had promised in its manifesto tourism training, and when the current administration announces the same thing, they are told that there is nothing in the budget for jobs for young people.” In speaking to the financial management of the country, the Finance Minister was adamant that the ruling administration will never bankrupt Guyana at the altar of political expediency. Responding to a call by Granger to reduce the Value Added Tax (VAT) to 10 per cent, Dr Singh said that they could do that and then announce elections and would surely win a landslide victory but “we will never sacrifice the prosperity of our country on the altar of political expediency….We will never bankrupt the country like Mr Greenidge did.” According to the Finance Minister, the Government’s track record will speak for itself, “if one were to examine the responsibility with which we have discharged our stewardship of the economy the facts would speak for itself.” Dr Singh wrapped up by saying that over the coming days the estimates will be subjected to the most intense of scrutiny and once that is over he is hopeful that the opposition votes favourably.
2013 criminal assizes, the accused was ordered to face a retrial after the jury returned a hung jury verdict. Justice Singh disposed of seven cases for the offence of Murder in which there were four guilty verdicts and three not guilty verdicts. In the first Murder trial, the accused was sentenced to 18 years imprisonment after the jury returned a guilty verdict for the lesser offence of Manslaughter. In three other murder trials in which the accused pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of Manslaughter, two of these accused were sentenced to 10 years imprisonment , while a third accused was sentenced to a total of 47 years imprisonment on two counts of Murder, each being 21 years and 26 years respectively. In three other Murder cases, the accused were acquitted after Justice Singh upheld no case submissions and directed the jury to return formal verdicts of not guilty. With regards to the two matters that were nolle prosequi, one of these matters was for the offence of Murder where there was insufficient evidence to continue with the prosecution and the other matter was for the offence of Carnal Knowledge of a Girl under 15 years old in which the victim indicated by way of a statement that she did not
wish to proceed with the matter. In Essequibo, five matters were completed. Four of them were presented before Justice Nareshwar Harnanan and one was nolle prosequi in writing by the DPP. Of these four matters, three were for the offence of Murder and one was for the offence of Carnal Knowledge of a Girl between 15 and 16 years old. In two of the three Murder trials, the accused were acquitted. In the third Murder trial, a formal not guilty verdict was returned by the jury after the father of the deceased informed the Court that he did not wish to give evidence and did not wish to proceed with the trial. In the matter of Carnal Knowledge of a Girl under 15 years, the accused was acquitted after the jury returned a unanimous verdict of not guilty. During the Essequibo January 2014 Criminal Assizes, the DPP nolle prosequi one matter for the offence of Carnal Knowledge of a girl under 15 years because the virtual complainant indicated that she did not wish to proceed with the matter as she has migrated. During the same time, the Berbice October 2013 Criminal Assizes continued with Madam Justice Diana
Insanally completing three matters for the offence of Murder. One accused pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of Manslaughter and was sentenced to ten years imprisonment. In the other two Murder trials, one accused was found to be unfit to stand trial and was sent to the National Psychiatric Hospital for treatment for six months after which, he is to be examined to determine whether he can stand trial. In the other matter, Justice lnsanally ordered that the accused be taken back to prison based on evidence taken from a medical doctor that he was unstable, noncooperative and delusional. She directed the jury to return a formal verdict that the accused is insane and unfit to stand trial and ordered that the accused be treated for three months after which he should be reassessed to determine if he is fit to stand trial. The Berbice February 2014 Criminal Assizes commenced on February 4th and is currently in progress. So far one matter for the offence of Murder has been presented and completed before Justice Insanally. The accused pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of Manslaughter and was sentenced to 11 years imprisonment. Another charge for the offence of murder is presently in progress.
Swiss House Cambio boss murder…
Neighbour, retired Inspector testify as PI continues The Preliminary Inquiry (PI) into the death of former Swiss House Cambio Managing Director Farouk Razac continued before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry yesterday and two new witnesses were called to testify on behalf of the state. For a second time, Razac’s wife, Carol Ann Lynch, is charged with murdering him on May 7, 2007 at their Lot 106 Ireng Place, Bel Air Park, Georgetown residence. The PI got underway Tuesday last in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and is scheduled to be called again tomorrow. Yesterday, the Prosecution led by Corporal Bharat Mangru, attached to the chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) called retired Detective Inspector Sydney
Charles and the couple’s neighbour David Faulkner to the stand. Sergeant Lillian Scotland stationed at the Brickdam Police Station attached to the Criminal Investigations Division yesterday concluded her evidence in chief and the analyst report was tendered. They were cross examined by Defence Attorney Peter Hugh. Hugh represents Lynch in association with Attorney at Law Latchmie Rahamat. From the commencement last Tuesday to yesterday’s hearing, a total of thirteen persons have been called to testify on behalf of the State. The PI is scheduled to continue today. A total of 21 witnesses are expected to testify on behalf of the state.
Wednesday April 09, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Wednesday April 09, 2014
U.S. warns on Iran ‘breakout’ capability as nuclear talks start
European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton (L) and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif smile at the start of talks in Vienna yesterday. REUTERS/Heinz-Peter Bader
VIENNA (Reuters) - The United States said yesterday Iran has the ability to produce fissile material for a nuclear bomb in two months, if it so decided, as Tehran and six world powers swung into a new round of talks in Vienna on resolving their atomic dispute. Secretary of State John Kerry’s comments in Washington highlighted Western concerns about Iran’s nuclear intentions and the wide divisions between
the two sides that could still foil a deal. Iran says its nuclear program is entirely peaceful. The overarching goal of the powers - Britain, France, China, Russia, Germany and the United States - in the talks is to persuade Iran to scale back its program to the point that it would take it much longer, perhaps as much as a year, to produce fuel for a bomb if it chose to do so. “I think it’s public knowledge today that we’re operating with a time period for a so-called ‘break-out’ of about two months. That’s been in the public domain,” Kerry testified at a Senate hearing. Iran’s “break-out” time is defined as how long it would take it to produce fissile material for one nuclear weapon, if it decided to build such weapons of mass destruction. To lengthen this potential timeline, the powers want Iran to cut back the number of centrifuges it operates refine uranium and the overall amount of enriched uranium it produces, as well as to limit its research into new technologies and submit to invasive inspections by the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog. The Islamic Republic says its nuclear fuel-making activity is only for peaceful purposes such as electricity generation, and it wants the West to lift crippling economic sanctions as part of any final accord with the powers. The February 8-9 round is the third meeting between the powers and Iran since February and part of a series which they hope will culminate in a broad settlement of the decade-old nuclear dispute that threatens to sink the Middle East into a new war. The meetings so far have been used by the sides largely as an opportunity to spell out their positions on issues such as the scope of Iran’s uranium enrichment efforts, its contested nuclear facilities, rather than to narrow their differences. “We are involved in very detailed and substantial negotiations and we are trying as hard as we can to drive the process forward,” the spokesman for European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton, who coordinates the discussions on behalf of the powers, told reporters. Both sides say they want to start drafting a comprehensive agreement in May, some two months before a July 20 deadline for finalizing the accord.
“What matters most to us is that there is a good agreement. Clearly we want to make progress as fast as possible but the most important thing is the quality of the agreement,” Ashton’s spokesman, Michael Mann, said. “It has to be a good agreement that everyone is happy with. So we will work as hard as we can to achieve that.” Iranian and U.S. negotiators are wary that any deal will face criticism from conservative hardliners at home wedded to confrontation since Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution. The six nations have agreed internally to have a draft text of an accord by the end of May or early June, one diplomat from the powers said. But he added: “We’re still in an exploratory phase ... In the end, things will happen in July.” Yesterday’s opening session was chaired by Ashton and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, but their deputies later took over. The diplomat said issues to be discussed included how U.N. nuclear inspectors would verify whether Iran was meeting its end of any deal, suspected past atomic bomb research by Tehran, and how to deal with U.N. Security Council resolutions on Iran adopted since 2006. A senior Iranian negotiator, Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, said major issues discussed in previous meetings - Iran’s level of uranium enrichment and a heavy-water nuclear reactor project at Arak would also be covered. Refined uranium can be used to fuel nuclear power p l a n t s , I r a n ’s s t a t e d purpose, but can also provide material for a b o m b , w h i c h t he West suspects may be Tehran’s ultimate aim. The Arak reactor, once operational, can yield plutonium another weapons-usable fissile material - but Iran says it only intends to use it for medical and agricultural research ends. The goal of the negotiations begun almost two months ago is to hammer out a long-term deal to define the permissible scope of Iran’s nuclear program in return for an end to sanctions that have hobbled the OPEC country’s economy. In November, the two sides agreed an interim accord curbing some Iranian enrichment activities in exchange for some easing of sanctions.
Wednesday April 09, 2014
Kaieteur News
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U.S. accuses Russian agents of stirring eastern Ukraine unrest
Tit-for-tat gestures would replace Middle East talks
Pro-Russian protesters shout slogans behind barbed wires as they gather outside a regional government building in Donetsk. REUTERS/Maks Levin
WA S H I N G T O N / LUHANSK, Ukraine (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry accused Russian agents and special forces yesterday of stirring separatist unrest in eastern Ukraine, saying Moscow could be trying to prepare for military action as it had in Crimea. Armed pro-Moscow protesters were still occupying Ukrainian government buildings in two cities in the largely Russian-speaking east yesterday, although police ended a third occupation in a lightning night-time operation.
Ukraine’s security service said separatists occupying the security headquarters in Luhansk had planted bombs in the building and were holding as many as 60 hostages. Activists in the building denied they had explosives or hostages, but said they had seized an armory full of automatic rifles. The Ukraine government says the occupations that began on Sunday are part of a Russian-led plan to dismember the country. Kerry said he feared Moscow might repeat its Crimean operation. “It is clear that Russian special forces and agents
have been the catalyst behind the chaos of the last 24 hours,” he said in Washington, and this “could potentially be a contrived pretext for military intervention just as we saw in rimea”. Moscow annexed the Black Sea peninsula last month after a referendum staged when Russian troops were already in control. Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov dismissed Western accusations that Moscow was destabilizing Ukraine, saying the situation could improve only if Kiev took into account the interests of Russian-speaking regions.
Pistorius sobs while recalling shooting PRETORIA, South Africa (AP) — Oscar Pistorius broke down in sobs and howls while testifying at his murder trial yesterday, forcing the court to adjourn as the star athlete was describing the moments he said he first realized he had shot girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp through a toilet door in his home. “I sat over Reeva and I cried,” Pistorius said, telling how he broke open the stall door in his bathroom last year to discover his mortally wounded girlfriend slumped over in the cubicle. “I don’t know how long I was there for.” Pistorius has said he shot Steenkamp after mistaking her for an intruder in his bathroom. Yesterday marked the first time he has spoken publicly on the details of the fatal shooting. Prosecutors call Pistorius’ story an intricate lie and maintain he intentionally killed his 29year-old girlfriend, a model and reality TV show star, after an argument. The Olympian, 27, is
Oscar Pistorius, leaves the high court in Pretoria, South Africa, yesterday. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) charged with premeditated murder in Steenkamp’s death and faces a life sentence with a minimum of 25 years before parole if convicted on that charge. On the witness stand, he began to cry loudly while testifying, forcing the judge to rule a brief adjournment. Pistorius didn’t stand up when the judge left, and also started to wail as he sat slumped over on the witness
stand, his head in his hands. His brother and sister went over to him in an apparent attempt to comfort him and after a while he left the courtroom through a side door, still crying. When Judge Thokozile Masipa returned, she called an early adjournment. Pistorius had by that time had returned to sit, jaw clenched, in the witness box. Court was to reconvene today.
JERUSALEM (Reuters) If Middle East peace talks collapse this month, lawfare rather than warfare looks likely to fill the void, with the Palestinians set to confront Israel on the diplomatic stage rather than in any popular uprising. The Israelis will seek to retaliate in such a way as to avoid an international fire storm, analysts and diplomats say, still leaving open the vague possibility of a negotiated end to their seemingly perennial conflict at a later stage in history. After eight months of largely fruitless discussion aimed at achieving peace, the Israelis and Palestinians are at stalemate, prompting an increasingly glum U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry to call for a “reality check”. The two sides have until the end of April to step back from the brink, with their row focused on how to proceed and not on the core issues which have stymied previous peace efforts, such as the status of Jerusalem or the fate
of Palestinian refugees. But if the deadlock becomes a full blown failure, Palestinian leaders have already made clear they will seek to further their bid for nationhood via unilateral moves to join various international bodies and United Nations agencies. President Mahmoud Abbas signed 15 conventions last week, with around 50 others being primed, including a possible application to join the International Criminal Court. “Us going to the United Nations is a paradigm shift from our side, (a sign) that the bilateral talks might not be the only answer for ending occupation,” said Mohammed Shtayyeh, a senior member of Abbas’s Fatah movement. On Monday, Shtayyeh said moves to join U.N. bodies would be carried out in “phases”, suggesting the Palestinians would look to increase pressure on Israel and Washington in stages rather than in a single blitz. Kerry said last month that if Abbas applied to join U.N.
agencies, “he’s automatically in them tomorrow”. He added that if the Palestinians went down this path, they could “make life miserable for Israel”. The biggest threat for Israel comes in the shape of the ICC, with the Palestinians confident they could prosecute Israel there for alleged war crimes tied to the occupation of lands seized in 1967, including East Jerusalem and the West Bank. However, the legal fight might not be a one-way street. Israel’s Economy Minister Naftali Bennett, head of the nationalist Jewish Home party, has threatened counter suits tied to rocket fire out of Gaza - a Palestinian territory which is ruled by the Islamist group Hamas, but which receives financing from the Abbas administration in the West Bank. “If (Abbas) intends to sue Israel, he needs to know that a personal suit on war crimes that are committed daily by him and his treasury awaits him,” Bennett told Army Radio on Sunday.
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Brazil election jitters may hit investments in 2014 – source (Reuters) - Brazil’s presidential vote will likely delay some investment decisions this year but spending on infrastructure is expected to remain strong, a senior government official told Reuters. Although President Dilma Rousseff is the favourite to win the October 5 general election, many investors could withhold funds until the next government outlines its plans for the following four years, which could hamper the country’s already slow economic growth. “It is obvious that businesses will delay some investments until after the election to have more clarity,” said the official, who asked not to be named because he is not allowed to speak publicly. “But investment in infrastructure will not be affected because a lot of that construction is already under contract.” The official, who is involved in economic policy decisions, said the government expects investment commitments of about 100 billion reais (27.15 billion pounds) between 2014
and 2015 in roads, ports, airports, power generation and distribution projects. That figure was close to $83 billion in 2013. Rousseff, a left-leaning technocrat, launched a multibillion dollar infrastructure package in 2012 precisely to bolster investment, which is one of the main bottlenecks holding back the economy of the once-booming emergingmarket star. Investments in Brazil jumped 6.3 percent last year, but as percentage of GDP it remains stuck at only 18 percent, which is less than half of China’s investment rate. The central bank cited a sharp drop in investment as one of the reasons it revised down its economic growth forecast to 2 percent in 2014 from 2.3 percent. The economy has expanded on average about 2 percent per year since 2011, a far cry from the 4-percent growth rates of the past decade. The political climate in Brazil is considered the biggest deterrent for investment after high taxes and red tape in a survey of
foreign and local investors released in January by international accounting firm KPMG. The elections, in which governors and lawmakers will also be elected, already had an impact on the value of local assets. A drop in Rousseff ’s popularity in recent weeks helped spark a rally in local stocks. The decline raised hopes among investors that Brazil could see changes in policies that they blame for destroying the market value of state companies and undermining the economy. The stagnation of investment in Brazil has more to do with a series of business barriers known here as Custo Brasil or “Brazil Cost,” which includes high taxes, cumbersome red tape, faulty infrastructure and scarcity of qualified labour. “Potential investors are asking more questions about political risk in Brazil since the drop in Rousseff ’s popularity,” said Maria Luisa Cravo, investment manager at business promotion agency ApexBrasil.
Husband and wife released on near quarter million dollar bail on sexual charges PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - CMC – A 41-year-old man and his wife are due to return to court on May 5, charged with sexually assaulting their teenage girl over a four year period. Leroy Pascall and his wife, Annmarie, 43, were released on TT$100,000 (One TT dollar =US 0.16 cents) and TT$125,000 bail respectively when they appeared before
Senior Magistrate Gillian Scotland in a Chaguanas court, in Central Trinidad on Monday. The two are jointly charged with having sexual intercourse with the girl, during the periodJanuary 1, 2010 and February 28, 2014. In addition, the wife faces a charge that she committed an act of grievous sexual assault against the teen last
Christmas Eve. The teenager has alleged she was raped by the couple, and that the woman used adult toys to perform sexual acts on her. As conditions to the bail bonds, the parents have been instructed not to communicate with their daughter and to stay at least 100 metres away from her.
Wednesday April 09, 2014
Police arrest businessman as investigations continue into sex allegation against former minister PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – CMC – A 50-year-old businessman was arrested during a sting operation yesterday, as the police continue to investigate allegations against former minister Dr Glen Ramadharsingh. The police reported that the sacked government minister allegedly had a woman perform sexual acts on him wh e n s h e w e n t f o r assistance to fast track an application with the Housing Development Corporation (HDC). The police said that the businessman from Central Trinidad is expected to be charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice. They said the businessman, whose name has not been released, had gone to the home of the woman who made the allegation of sexual misconduct against the sacked minister and allegedly offered her a substantial amount of money to drop the investigation and withdraw from the case. The woman reportedly told the man she would comply and asked him to bring the money in cash and instead she contacted the police of the offer made to her. The man is reported to have returned to the house on Monday with the cash and was arrested by the police during the transaction. Ramadharsingh, who was fired last month by Prime Minister Kamla Persad
Dr Glen Ramadharsingh
Bissessar over his disorderly conduct onboard a domestic Caribbean Airlines (CAL) flight, has already said that the allegations published in the Sunday Express newspaper were untrue. In its front page story, the newspaper said that the woman, Patricia Singh, 47, accompanied by her attorney Nizam Mohammed had reported the matter to the police last Friday. The paper said the alleged sex acts occurred at the office of the then minister in 2011 and again eight weeks ago. But in a brief statement, Ramdharsingh, said he wished to “categorically and unequivocally refute all allegations contained in the
aforementioned article, and to further state that such a report is misleading, baseless and without any merit whatsoever. “As such, given the gravity of the matter, and the personal hurt, pain, and psychological suffering it has brought to me and m y f a m i l y, I h a v e n o w referred this matter to my Legal Counsel / Attorneys for their immediate a t t e ntion and to take all necessary steps to stop the publication of any further article, electronic, printed, or otherwise, which may be injurious to my reputation, and in addition to restore my personal and that of my family’s identity and reputation.”
T&T port workers strike P O RT O F S PA I N , Trinidad - CMC – Management and trade union officials in Trinidad and Tobago held a meeting yesterday in an effort to end the industrial action that has affected operations at the Port of Port of Spain. The workers, some of whom have stayed away from the port, have erected red flags on the main road leading to the facility and president general of the Seaman and Waterfront Wo r k e r s Tr a d e U n i o n (SWWTU), Michael Annisette has accused
management of being less than honest with the workers regarding salary increases. “The workers are frustrated, they are angry over the slow pace of negotiations. They have some health and safety issues too,” Annsiette said, noting that the union was also not pleased with the tactics of the Port Authority to upgrade three workers increasing their salaries and putting them outside of the bargaining unit without first discussing the matter with the union.
A mini health check is the first step to donating blood
He said the workers were also displeased that foreign workers were receiving bigger salaries than some of them, who were even more qualified than the expatriates working on the fast ferries. “Those issues would have triggered off some frustration and some anger from the workers quite understandably. “My position as the president general is that I have been making every effort to try and sensitise the powers that be to treat with the port negotiations with the urgency and seriousness it deserves,” he said. Annisette said that the negotiations have been ongoing for the past 29 months.
Wednesday April 09, 2014
Kaieteur News
Ian Thorpe: Australian swimming great admitted to hospital Swimming great Ian Thorpe is in a Sydney hospital receiving treatment for an infection in his shoulder, amid fears he may never compete again. Australian media have reported the 31-year-old may lose the use of his arm. However a spokesman for Thorpe played down those claims. The five-time Olympic champion, who has had a number of operations on his
left shoulder, was in “good health” while any suggestion to the contrary was “purely speculation”, the spokesman added. In January he was admitted to rehab for depression after being found by police behaving oddly near a car in Sydney. He had fallen after taking antidepressants and medication for a shoulder injury but was not under the influence of
alcohol. Jim Wilson, chief sports correspondent for Australian broadcaster Channel Seven, told BBC World Service: “It’s been a tough 12 months for Ian. He’s been suffering from depression and gone through his own battle with the demons. Let’s hope he can get himself right - he’s an icon of Australian sport and a worldwide superstar. (BBCsport)
Wednesday April 09, 2014 ARIES (March 21 April 19): An unexpected visit from someone who lives far away is likely to throw your schedule off kilter, Aries. Even though you'll be glad to see your friend, the visit could require a lot of calls to break appointments and postpone meetings. ******************* TAURUS (April 20 May 20): An unexpected financial setback could have you reeling at first, Taurus. Perhaps an emergency, such as a toothache or car breakdown, requires a substantial expenditure that you ha d n ' t planned for. ****************** GEMINI (May 21 June 20): You could be feeling restless and frustrated due to a temporary separation from a partner, Gemini, perhaps a business partner but more likely a romantic one. ******************** CANCER (June 21 July 22): A rather disconcerting rumor about your job could reach your ears, Cancer. Perhaps you'll hear that the company is being sold or undergoing a shakeup in the hierarchy. ********************* LEO (July 23 - Aug. 22): A number of great ideas either for new creative projects or enhancing ongoing ones could pop into your head during the day, Leo. If you don't write them down immediately, they could just as easily pop right out again, never to return! ******************* VIRGO (Aug. 23 Sept. 22): A person with whom you work, probably a woman, could leave suddenly without notice or stated reason, Virgo.
LIBRA (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) : Someone you've wanted to hear from for a long time, perhaps an old friend who lives far away, could ring you up today while you're out, Libra. You'll be happy to get the message, but it could result in a frustrating game of phone tag throughout the day. ********************* SCORPIO (Oct. 23 Nov. 21): A rather upsetting dream could disturb your sleep tonight, Scorpio. When you wake up and focus on the real world, it could seem so bizarre as to not be worthy of serious consideration. ******************** SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21): A colleague or possibly a romantic partner could be in a rather touchy mood today, Sagittarius. Therefore, you might find this person difficult to deal with. .********************* CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19): You tend to be very intuitive, Capricorn, but today you could find your psychic abilities short-circuit. If you give readings, don't schedule any for today. ******************** AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 Feb. 18): Some rather upsetting news about a friend could come to you today, Aquarius, probably over the phone. This could be the truth, but more likely the facts have been distorted in the retelling. ********************* PISCES (Feb. 19 March 20): Today you could receive a lucky career break of some kind that brings some extra money your way, Pisces. The downside is that you might have to put in many extra hours. Your good fortune could cause temporary problems in your personal life.
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CONCACAF, UEFA sign MoU of mutual commitment CONCACAF announced Saturday that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Union of European Football Associations ( U E FA ) f o r m u t u a l c o operation towards the development of the game. The MoU – similar in nature to that signed between CONCACAF and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in April 2013 – comes as the f r u i t of long dialogue between the two Confederations. CONCACAF President J e ff rey Webb and UEFA President Michel Platini, signed the agreement that will reinforce a mutual commitment to development in the Caribbean region, while providing for administrative an d operational cooperation between the two Confederations. The agreement is a
CONCACAF President Jeff Webb and UEFA President Michel Platini. framework to provide CONCACAF with technical assistance and support,
while fostering cooperation and dialogue for the purpose of building a strong legacy with sporting, social, cultural and educational benefits. “This is another important step as part of CONCACAF’s new vision of integration, which aims at gathering the best knowhow from each global football community to be able to customize it for the good of the development of our game,” said Webb. Platini, in his first visit to the Caribbean said, “It is the duty of us who are in the daily business of the game to join forces for the development of global football.” After his brief stop in the Cayman Islands, Platini will continue to tour the region with official visits to Grenada, Barbados and Antigua and Barbuda.
Singh, Savory slam half ... From page 34 Georgetown spinners restricted the scoring and East Bank lost Debidyal (19) and Viniesh Rampersaud (06) to be at 153-6. Despite the efforts of Brown and Daniel Barker down the order the visitors finished on 2058 when their 50 overs expired. Brown was dismissed for 41 (1x6) and Barker was left not out on 33 (1x4 1x6). Sankar grabbed 2-38 from eight overs and Michael Shallim 2-44 off nine. Savory was named man-of-the-match. The competition continues tomorrow with Georgetown facing West Demerara at Wales and East Bank playing East Coast at Everest.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday April 09, 2014
Guyana stun mighty Argentina in PAHF Indoor Hockey opener
Jamaican athletes Sherone Simpson and Allison Randall suspended over positive tests
-suffered a 4-7 loss to USA last night
Class act Jamarj Assanah exhibited his brilliance on a counterattack to elude the field and goalkeeper in the end to pepper Argentina. The Guyana National Men’s Hockey team opened their account at the 2014 Pan American Indoor Cup on an impressive note by shocking regional power house Argentina 5-3. This is the first time Guyana has beaten the perennial outdoor champions at any form of Hockey. The tournament being held in Montevideo, Uruguay from April 7 – 12 features both male and female competitions with Guyana only appearing in the former. The match started with Guyana playing a compact halfcourt defence and unleashing devastating counterattacks. Captain Devin Munroe delivered the opening blow by finishing one of those attacks in the second minute to quiet the partisan crowd. Just two minutes later, stalwart defender Shane Samuels put Guyana up 2-0 by burying a penalty corner flick in the top right corner of the Argentine net. As Argentina scrambled to overcome their shock at being down to the PAHF minions, Guyanese Aroydy Branford, on his international debut, produced
a moment of brilliance in the 6th minute to get around the Argentinean defence and give his side the 3-0 lead. As the early pace took its toll on the Guyanese, Argentina gained the upper hand and attacked in numbers but Guyana’s defence held strong led by inspired play by Aderemi Simon and goalkeeper Anthony Cole. Argentina’s pressure earned them a vital penalty stroke, but they were denied by the athletic Cole and it would take until the 16th minute before Argentina would register their opener on the board. With the score at 3-1, the second half mirrored the first with Guyana retreating to the halfway line and inviting Argentina to press high. Class act Jamarj Assanah then restored Guyana’s three goal cushion in the 28th minute when he intercepted a botched Argentinean penalty corner pass and ran half the length of the floor before eliminating the goalkeeper in trademark fashion. Argentina made no mistake on their next short corner a minute later to
close the gap to within two goals. With Argentina now employing a high press to claw their way back, the experienced Samuels slowed the momentum of the game, killing crucial minutes off the clock. Argentina’s high press however left them vulnerable at the back and the pace of Assanah and Robert France, on another devastating counterattack, saw France convert the pass to the last post, in the 37th minute. With Guyana up by 5-2 and time against them, Argentina then pulled their goalkeeper, opting instead for an additional attacking field player. Guyana retreated deep into their half in all-out defence, and although Argentina would score from a penalty corner at the stroke of full time, the game was already won by a hardworking and spirited Guyanese team. The USA men battled hosts Uruguay in the followup match with the USA pulling off a comfortable 4-0 victory. Meanwhile, the Guyanese lost to the USA last evening by a 4-7 margin, more details in tomorrow’s edition. The winner of each competition (male and female) will represent the Americas in the 2015 World Cup in Germany.
Sky Sports - Jamaican athletes Sherone Simpson and Allison Randall have been suspended after failing drug tests at the Jamaican trials last June. Simpson, the 2008 Olympic 100 metres silver medallist, has received an 18-month suspension from the Jamaica Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel. The 29-year-old, who won 4x100m relay gold in the 2004 Olympics and silver in the same event at the 2012 Games, tested positive for the stimulant, oxilofrine. Simpson said the substance was found in a new supplement given to her by Canadian physical trainer Chris Xuereb. Her agent Paul Doyle branded the suspension “unjust” and said Simpson would appeal. Meanwhile, Olympic discus thrower Allison Randall has been suspended for two years after testing positive for a banned diuretic.
Sherone Simpson
Allison Randall
The 25-year-old, who holds the Jamaican discus record with a distance of 61.21m, tested positive for hydrochlorothiazide - which reduces blood volume. Former men’s 100m world
record holder Asafa Powell was one of three other Jamaican athletes to fail tests last June when he tested positive for the same stimulant as Simpson. Powell will learn his fate tomorrow.
64 days to go to 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Romario (2nd right) in action at the 1990 World Cup
FIFA.com is counting down to the FIFA World Cup with a corresponding trivia fact on every one of the final 100 days. We continue with a look at Romario’s shortlived involvement in Italy 1990. The 1990 FIFA World Cup™ was Romario’s first,
but his involvement in Italy – due to injuries and suspension – amounted to just 65 goalless minutes. Four years later, though, it was a very different story. Romario quickly emerged as the star of USA 1994, striking up a potent partnership with
Bebeto and firing Brazil to the Trophy with five crucial goals. That contribution resulted in him winning the adidas Golden Ball, becoming the first Brazilian since Pele in 1970 to be crowned as the World Cup’s outstanding player.
Wednesday April 09, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Sunburst supports Edghill Alpha United thrilled ahead of Canadian Open with CCL qualification - tennis prodigy paired with Germany’s Lisa Lung By Edison Jefford Continental Group of Companies under its Sunburst Juices brand yesterday handed over funding to Chelsea Edghill ahead of the Butterfly 2014 Canada Open, April 9-13, where the local prodigy in table tennis has been paired with Belgium’s Lisa Lung. The Canadian Open is part of International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Global Junior Circuit Series and Sunb u r s t will continue E d g h i l l ’s preparation for the Youth Olympic Games in August, Nanjing, China in an arrangement dubbed ‘Road to Nanjing’. Sunburst Juices had also supported Edghill to compete at the Trinidad and Tobago’s Silver Bowl in March after announcing last
year that the top racquetwielder is on a path to become “The face of Sunburst Juices”. Edghill won three titles at the Silver Bowl. “I want to reinforce that the Continental Group with its Sunburst brand will continue to live up to its commitment with Chelsea. We promised that we will be behind her on this ‘Road to Nanjing’, and this is just another step,” Corporate Secretary at the Continental Group, Percy Boyce related in a brief comment following the formal sponsorship handover. According to Boyce, Chelsea “is a winner and we believe in her”; he indicated that they have lots of plans for Edghill. The Corporate Secretary took the opportunity to congratulate Edghill for the dominant performance she
turned in at the Silver Bowl in Trinidad. President of the G u y a n a Ta b l e Te n n i s Association ( G T TA ) , Godfrey Munroe indicated that the continued support from the company will “go a long way” in ensuring that Edghill develops at an international rate, so that she can be competitive at the Youth Olympics. “The Canadian Open will be a great te s t f o r Chelsea to see if she is on that international level in this preparatory phase for Nanjing, China. A lot of the top youth prospects will be there and will be bringing their A game to the competition,” Munroe stated, before thanking Continental Group on behalf of the association for their contributions to Edghill’s development.
GASA names strong training squad... From page 35 for Goodwill Games will be known following the Goodwill Time Trials set for July 4 6, 2014. Guyana has had encouraging returns at Carifta Games in the past with Jessica Stephenson being the nation’s gold winner in her power breast stroke category. The following swimmers have been named: Antonio Hussein, Samuel Clark, Monique Watson, Alisha Rambarran, Darius Duncan, Chelsea Deane, Satyanand Ramlagan, Lejaun Monroe, Raekwon Noel, Josiah King, Jonathon van Lange, Paul Mahaica, Zachary Persaud, Zayden Ramoutar, Elliot Gonsalves, Ethon Gonsalves, Patrice Mahaica, Antonia Dey, Aleka Persaud, Rehanna Urling, Leon Seaton, Sekhel Tzedeq,
David Scott, Shane Pearson, Ethan Skeete, Jayden George, Danielle George, Donna Carter, Naiomi King, Riley Nurse, Amber DeGoeas, Lian Winter, Nkosi Beaton, Daniel Scott, Nathon H a c k e t t , A l e x Wi n t e r, Alyssa Nurse, Sarah King, Kenita Mahaica, Amy Grant, Accalia Khan, Joseph deNobrega, Dylan Nurse, Dominic Skeete, Hannibal Gaskin, Omar Adams, Omari Dunn, Jamaal Skeete, Derick Ramsaroop, Adrian Rebeiro, Nnolika Millington, Anastacia Valenzuela, Leona Gonsalves, Morvin Jeffery, Anessa Miller, Vaughn Fredricks, Tamika O’Selmo, Selwyn Miller, Michael Miller, Teval Campbell, Valdemir Caldeira, Romeo Newton, Dayana Andrews, Josh Allen, Toris Recia, Daniel Jeffery, Brittiny
Simmons, Shania Allen, Angel Edwards, Romiana Joseph, Godfrey Norton, Angel Thomas, Brandon Parks, Sunita Lyte, Gregory Bernard, Jermy Campion, Massimo Rodrigues, Maria Christopher, Nico Lionel, Maya Defreitas, Kayanna Nedd, Selena Fiedtkou, Marissa Rodney, Nathan Allicock, Delicia Rodrigues, Abdulla Sue, Kevin Dare, Shirley Charles, Kevin Fitzallen, Marlon Daniels, Shane Pulmeyere, Nicholas Moore, Stephen Isaacs, Julian Griffith, Kobe Roberts, Marlon Griffith and Gaby Dundas.
Guyana’s Alpha United continues to lead the way as the flag bearer for the ‘Land of Many Waters’. Its qualification as one of the Caribbean Football Union’s three representatives to the 2014/15 CONCACAF Champions League (CCL) has been met with joy by head coach Wayne Dover, club management and players. Alpha, as well as Waterhouse FC (Jamaica) and Puerto Rico Bayamon FC (Puerto Rico), earned progression as a result of winning their respective groups in the 2014 CFU Club Championship last month. It was announced that the trio would advance automatically rather than have to play a final stage with Haiti’s Valencia. Since the Fédération Haïtienne de Football did not confirm Valencia was an active member of its association, the CFU Executive Committee — after consultation with CONCACAF officials – decided to allot the regional body’s CCL places to those teams that topped their firstround groups. The original plan called for the semifinal winners and the winner of the match for third place to receive the region’s berths in the confederation competition. Dover spoke to CONCACAF.com about his team’s achievement, noting that it came simpler than expected. “We are overjoyed having learnt about the good news from our President, Mr. Odinga Lumumba,” said Dover. “It has come easier than we have anticipated, but
my charges have been training very hard towards such qualification.” It will be the second time that Alpha has qualified for the CCL, participating previously in the 2011/12 edition. Many factors played a role in The Hammer ’s achievement, which came as result of Group 3 wins over Trinidad & Tobago’s Defence Force and Harbour View of Jamaica. “We spent a lot of time on defensive organization because we know that the teams were very organized and fit,” Dover noted. “They also play in a much more professional environment, so we felt that as long as we organized defensively and stuck to our game plan and work as a group, we can achieve our objective.” One of the keys to Alpha’s success was Grenada’s international player Kithson Bain. The 31-year-old, who scored a goal in both CFU games, is one of the most feared forwards in the region. He played in the group stage during the current edition of the CCL with Trinidadian side Caledonia AIA. “His addition to the team means a whole lot because he is very experienced and adds lots of spice to our offense,” commented Dover. “He is no doubt one of the best we
have in the Caribbean.” Another integral pillar of the Alpha team is forward Gregory Richardson. The Guyana international has seven career CCL goals and his experience at this level has been indispensable. “I can safely say the same thing about Gregory like I mentioned about Kithson in terms of his knowledge and skills,” Dover added. “He has come of age and is showing a lot of maturity so having him on the team really works well for us. “Though he has not scored in any of these games his contributions are well documented. He has featured in a number of assists too. One of the goals came from a free kick that he took where Kithson had a simple tap in and that in itself shows that his presence was felt.” Dover believes that hard work and overall club support are reasons for Alpha’s continued success. “I think this is justice in terms of us qualifying,” he finished. “We’ve spent the hours preparing, so I think this really means a lot to us and Guyana by extension. “We see ourselves as the flag carriers for this nation and we are happy to play such a role and will continue to see how best we can put our nation back on the map of football.”
Please send your letters, comments and suggestions to: 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown. Email us at: Kaieteur_Kaieteurgy @yahoo.com, or fax us at: 225-8473 or 226-8210
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday April 09, 2014
10th Busta Champion of Champions Cricket
Ivan leads RHT Gizmos and Gadgets to title over Albion
Busta winners, Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets pose with officials of Busta following the presentation. A brilliant all-round effort from the talented Rajiv Ivan supported by superb fielding from his teammates led Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets (RHTG&G) to a 25 run win over Albion in the finals of the 10th edition of the Busta Champion of Champions cricket tournament organised by the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club. Winning again this year meant that it was RHT Gizmos and Gadgets’ 9th title, Port Mourant won the other in 2005. Playing at a neutral venue, the Port Mourant Community Centre, RHTG&G won the toss and elected to bat first after play was delayed by 30 minutes due to extra moisture on the pitch. Delbert Hicks and Dominic Rikhi gave them
a solid start with an opening stand of 46 before Hicks was deceived by Under-17 off spinner Daniel Lewis and was caught by Balchan Baldeo for 24 (3x4). Jason Sinclair and Rikhi then carried the score to 57 in the 18th over when Rikhi was stumped off Gudakesh Motie for 25. Sinclair, who struggled with his timing, was joined by Ivan who from his first ball looked confident. Together they added 62 crucial runs off 14 overs, before Sinclair was bowled off the inside edge by off spinner Sharaz Ramcharran for 26. Ivan with support from his teammates then carried RHTG&G to 203 for 8 from their allotted 46 overs. Ivan made 80 off 74 balls (6x4 2x6), Clinton Pestano supported with 15 while
Shailendra Shameer and Keon Sinclair were unbeaten on ten each. Bowling for Albion, Motie ended with 2-37 from 9 overs while Jonathan Foo took 2 for 25 from his 9 overs. Needing to score at just over 4.5 runs per over to achieve victory, Albion lost Balchan Baldeo LBW to medium pacer Clinton Pestano for 4 at 14-1 in the 3rd over. Off spinner Troy Mathieson who opened the RHTG&G bowling then trapped Sewnarine Chattergoon for 9 to leave Albion at 14-2 in the 4th over. Worse was to follow for Albion as Sharaz Ramcharran was brilliantly run out by Dominic Rikhi for 2 to leave Albion reeling at 22-3 in the 6th over. Jonathan Foo and the
talented David Latchaya then played sensibly to add 61 in 17 overs to bring Albion back in the game before another brilliant piece of fielding from Shailendra Shameer resulted in the run out of Latchaya for 31 from 55 balls (1x4). Bishoo and Foo, who curbed his natural attacking style batted well to take Albion to 137 for 4 in the 32nd over before Foo, in a rush of blood holed out to Keon Sinclair at long on off Man-of-the-Match Ivan for a well played 70 off 81 balls (5x4). More brilliant work in the field resulted in the run o uts of Bishoo (22) and Veerapen Permaul (9) as Albion were dismissed for 179 off 44.3 overs. Troy Matheison bowled well to take 3-22 from 9.3 overs while
the impressive Ivan took 2-28 runs from his 9 overs. RHTY&SC Secretary/ CEO Hilbert Foster at the presentation ceremony said the tournament was a resounding success noting that it was not only well organized but had achieved all of its objectives. Club President Keith Foster who also heads the Berbice Cricket Board expressed gratitude to the Guyana Beverage Company for its continued investment in Berbice cricket, stating that it has grown into one of the premier tournaments in Guyana. Managing Director of Guyana Beverage Company, distributors of Busta, Mr. Robert Selman hailed the organising skills of the club whilst stating his satisfaction about the success of the
tournament. Selman said that the club was a role model organisation which has represented the Busta brand excellently. To loud applause, Selman announced that Busta would be renewing sponsorship for the 11th edition in August. He also congratulated both teams for their excellent performances in the final. Troy Mathieson received supplies of Busta products for the Best Bowler award along with Ivan who was named best batsman and man-of-thematch. Ivan also received a trophy and $10,000. Albion received the runner-up trophy and $50,000 while RHTG&G carried home the beautiful Busta trophy and $100,000.
One Love Reloaded football tourney
2013 Tenelec Inc. U-17 cricket – Berbice
- action continues on Friday @ Tucville Playfield
Baldeo 112*, Sukhwa 83* guide Albion into semis; Achievers also through
Action in this year’s NAMILCO, One Love Reloaded knock-out football tournament is set to continue on Friday with a double header at the Tucville Playfield. Opening at 18:00hrs brings together Sunburst Camptown and the Mocha based Riddim Squad in what is anticipated to be a keen encounter. Feature play pits home team Fruta Conquerors
and Pele Football Club in yet another potentially explosive
salvo. In latest play at the No. 5 Ground, West Coast Berbice, Sunburst Camptown were required to pull out all the stops to get past New Amsterdam United on penalty kicks 4-2 after regulation time failed to decide the outcome. In the main attraction, national champions and CONCACAF Champions League qualifiers, Alpha ‘The Hammer’ United got the better of Monedderlust, 2-0.
Recently resumed competition in the 2013 Tenelec Inc. Under-17 cricket tournament saw Albion Community Centre and Achievers advancing to the semi finals. At Albion, Albion Community Centre won the toss and sent in Blairmont Community Centre to take first strike and very quickly sent them packing for a paltry 36 in their first innings. For Albion, Asif Ally picked up 3-6 from 2.2 overs, Kevendra Persaud 3-7 from 6 overs and Balchand Baldeo 2-8 from 6 overs. In response, Albion rattled up 200 without loss; Baldeo, who represented Guyana last year at the Under-17 level slammed an unbeaten 112 and Guyana
Under-15 batsman Adrian Sukhwa was also undefeated on 83 by the end of the first of the two-day game. Sukhwa did not get the opportunity to register his first century nor did Albion get the chance to increase their lead as Blairmont Community Centre, probably daunted by the enormity of their task to even draw the match, did not show up for the second day’s play. Blairmont will now have to face the Competition’s Committee of the Berbice Cricket Board at a disciplinary meeting. In the other quarter final contested at the No.5 Ground, West Berbice Acheivers defeated Police by 47 runs with a day to spare. Winning the toss and taking
first strike, Achievers were bowled out for 123 in their first innings, bowling for Police, Leon Andrews took 5-77, Clifton Lindee 3-23 and Tyrell Peters 2-21. Police in reply could only muster 82 in their first innings, Guyana Under-17 pacer Grisean Grant snapped up 3-25 and Osbert Gain 2-3. With a first innings lead of 41, Achievers batted a second time and made 104-6 declared. Grant led with 30 and Titus Webster 26. Leon Andrews took 2-36 for Police. Police, set a target of 145 for an outright win were bowled out for 97. Andrews again led with 41. Randy Wade had figures of 5-3 from 3 overs and Osbert Gain 3-29.
Wednesday April 09, 2014
Kaieteur News
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Atwell is a product of the Friday Night fights-GBB President
Disciplinary and Referees Committees formed
Guyanese Boxer Clive Atwell will have the biggest fight of his relatively short Professional career to date when he matches gloves with WBC Featherweight Champion 32-year-old Jhonny Gonzalez on May 24 in Mexico as the Mexican defends his title which he won with an upset first round KO of Abner Mares last August in the USA. Gonzalez wants to stay active until Mares is ready to face him in a rematch. Mares who was scheduled to come up against Gonzalez in Mexico City in February was forced to withdraw because of a rib injury. González is a two-division world champion, having formerly held the WBO Bantamweight Championship and also he won three master degrees on science. At a press conference yesterday at Abdool’s Insurance Brokers headoffice in Georgetown, the 25year-old Atwell, who now lives in Dominica, disclosed that he is ready for the fight despite his inexperience compared to his opponent’s. Atwell has 12 wins and 1 draw in a 13-fight professional career. His last seven fights have come via knock-outs. However, has never fought outside of Guyana or an opponent of Gonzalez’s pedigree. The Mexican has 63 professional fights, winning 55 of them including 47 by way of knock out while suffering eight losses. But Atwell is not fazed by this and explained that once he can condition his mind for the job, that will be the most important thing in his favor. “I know he is a good fighter but I am confident that once I am properly prepared I can beat him. Of course fighting in Mexico where the altitude is much higher than here will be a new experience for me. We should arrive there at least one week before the fight,” the Boxer explained. His Management team of
Ronald Burch-Smith and Andrew Arjoon of Dogpound Promotions said that they plan to arrive earlier to give their fighter the best possible opportunity to acclimatize. He thanked the Boxing Board for helping to produce another World Champion and said the hard work has now started. Atwell admitted that he is not at peak fitness as yet but assured that come fight night he will be ready. When he was told that he looked a bit chubby he said because of his body type he would usually ‘swell up’ if he stops a rigorous training programme. Atwell had told this newspaper recently that boxing activity in his adopted homeland is somewhat stifled and he merely engages in roadwork activities and other boxing related activities while staying fit. “Boxing is not such a big thing there so I stay in shape with the basic exercises and roadwork until I receive an offer to fight,” said Atwell. He said that he jogs for approximately 15 miles per week in the morning. “During those sessions I also engage in shadow boxing and jump rope exercises along with
several rounds on the heavy bag,” said Atwell. He also said that he engages in weightlifting sessions at least twice per week. Asked if he had the opportunity to see videos of Gonzales the Guyana reveled that he does not believe in focusing on that since a fighter could change his style overnight. President of the Guyana Boxing Board Peter Abdool said that the Government and especially Director of Sports Neil Kumar must be highly commended for its contribution to the fistic sport locally. “The Sports Ministry has been actively involved in the Friday Night Fights and it must be noted that Atwell is a product of those fight cards,” Abdool informed. Abdool added that Dexter Marks is another fighter that he hopes gets a crack at a World title and was high in praise of Leon Moore who is working along with Atwell while describing Lennox Daniels as the best Boxing Coach in the Caribbean. Kumar said he always knew that Atwell had it in him to fight for a world title which in itself is a tremendous feat.
The struggling Guyana team which remains winless in this year’s Regional fourday cricket tournament and at the bottom of the points table going into Friday’s final round game against Trinidad & Tobago at Providence, have been hit by more injury problems. Left-arm spinners Veerasammy Permaul and batsman Chanderpaul Hemraj are both injured and will be replaced by dropped leg-
spinner Devendra Bishoo and batsman Vishal Singh. Permaul and Hemraj have contracted chicken pox and are not expected to get better by the start of the match on Friday. Guyana have lost four of their five matches so far while holding on for a draw against the Winwards and the selection of Bishoo ahead of West Indies Under-19 left-arm spinner Godakesh MottieKhanai is a strange one while
Singh who was unlucky to be dropped in the first place, returns to the side. The team reads: Leon Johnson (Captain), Assad Fudadin, Amir Khan, Trevon Griffith, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Zaheer Mohamed, Ronsford Beaton, Anthony Bramble, Devendra Bishoo, Shimron Hetmyer, Raun Johnson, Keon Joseph, Vishaul Singh. The Coach is Esaun Crandon and Manager, Alvin Johnson.
Clive Atwell is flanked by his management team Ronald Burch-Smith (right) and Andrew Arjoon
Two changes to Guyana team for final round match vs T&T
GFF President Christopher Matthias (left) with members of the Disciplinary Committee (from left) - Earl O’Neal, Chairperson- Attorney-at-Law Sharon Small and Clifton Rollox (2nd right). Absent is Committee member Adepemo Peters. Also in picture are: Ms. Mabiola Howard- General Secretary’s Assistant and Mr. Noel Adonis, General Secretary (GFF). Attorney-at-Law Sharon Small was elected to Chair the Disciplinary Committee of the Guyana Football Federation when the Body was formed last Friday, during a meeting which was conducted at the entity’s headquarters in Section ‘K’, Campbellville.
According to a release from the GFF, other members on the Committee are Earl O’Neal, Clifton Rollox and Adepemo Peters and they are expected to commence work immediately. Meanwhile, in another release, the GFF announced the formation
of its Referees Committee which will be headed by President of the Federation Christopher Matthias and also include Head of Referees Roy McArthur, while Abdulla Hamid, Virgil Watts, Trevor Beckles and John Callender are the Committee Members.
Successful Cheddi Jagan Memorial volleyball tourney concludes
GDF overpower Achievers to win male title; Vanguard take female crown The Guyana Defense Force male volleyball team pulled out all the stops to reigning Demerara champions Achievers in the final of the Demerara Volleyball Association (DVA) Jagan Memorial Volleyball second division one-day competition on Saturday last at the Guyana National Gymansium, Mandela Avenue, Georgetown. The female competition produced a winner in Vanguard who overcame the challenge of the Guyana Defense Force to win. Five teams (3 male, 2 female) competed on a roundrobin format, namely Achievers, University of Guyana and the Guyana Defense Force for males while on the distaff side there were Vanguard and the Guyana Defense Force. In the male final, Achievers, the top Demerara team came into the game hyped up to arrest the army team but the soldiers were determined not to let the match end in straight sets. The GDF lost the first set at 25-19 and this was followed by a fiercely contested
second set which the GDF eventually won. In the third and deciding set, both teams dug deep as they demonstrated power, athleticism, accurate passing, and accurate ball placements in trying to outwit each other. The GDF went on to win as the match ended in their favour 25-19, 24-26, and 1315. In round-robin play, GDF had lost to Achievers in straight sets 25-20, 25-12; Achievers also got past University of Guyana 25-21, 25-21. In the female clash, Vanguard took the lead against the GDF on account of some accurate and powerful serving led by Krystal Sukra as they cantered to an 8-2 lead. The newly formed GDF side seemed astounded but gathered themselves and went on to tie the score before moving on to win the first set 29-27, a close tussle. The second set was also a demonstration of determination but powerful and accurate serving and spiking saw Vanguard leveling the score with
victory 18-25. They held their composure to also win the third set 11-15 as the first team to reach 15 would have been declared the winner. Copping the male MVP and Best Server awards was Juan Valasquez of the GDF while the Best Spiker trophy went to Creston Rodney of Achievers. For females, the MVP award was captured by Danielle Samaroo and Best Server Krystal Sukra, both of Vanguards. Best Spiker was the GDF’s Tiffany Whittington. GVF President Mr. John Flores and Director of Sport Mr. Neil Kumar were both present and m a d e b r i e f remarks at the presentation. Kumar said he was very impressed with the level of play and assured Flores that he has his support to take the game forward. He further stated that this event can become an annual one. Flores assured the players that 2014 will be a very good year for the sport while encouraging the players to continue training hard to keep upgrading their skills.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday April 09, 2014
Diamond Fire & General Insurance U-19 cricket
Singh spurs East Coast to win over West Demerara
By Sean Devers East Coast started the Diamond Fire & General Insurance Company sponsored Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) InterAssociation Under-19 50over campaign with a fourwicket win over defending Champions West Demerara at the GCC ground, Bourda yesterday. Led by an accomplished 76 by diminutive 16-year-old right-hander Ronaldo Renee and an attractive 43 from Malcome Hubbard, West Demerara piled up a challenging 225-8 off their allotted 50 overs. East Coast left-hander Rudolph Singh responded with a compact 97 in a Manof-the-Match performance to spearhead his team to 226-4 off 48 overs. Ramnarine Chetura, a 15 year-old righthander, supported with an even half-century to set up the win. West Demerara won the toss and elected to bat on a slightly heavy outfield and a pitch which had nothing in it for the bowlers. A small but vocal crowd saw the first wicket fall at 6-1 when Keshram Seyhodan (6) was run out. Skipper Travis Persaud (11) and Renee, one of nine players in the West side unit with national youth cricket experience, took the score to 43 in steaming heat before offspinner Satish Jainarine, whose action looked suspect, removed the talented
Persaud. It was 64-3 when left-arm spinner Irfan Alli got rid of Chiatnarine Pooran (7) before Renee and Malcolm Hubbard who made a brisk 43 played several enterprising shots as putting together 66 for the third wicket. Renee stroked the ball sweetly and reached his halfcentury with his eighth four, courtesy of a glorious square drive past point. His 50 came from 60 balls but when 24 short of his ton, he pulled a long hop from Alli straight to backward square to leave at 130-4. Hubbard and Navindra Persaud took the score to 167 with a well put together 37run stand before off-spinner Vivian Albert bowled Hubbard and Persaud (23) run out at 185-6. Daniel Basdeo (5) then ran past Brian Sattaur, who also trapped Avinash Dhaniram LBW for a duck with his innocuous off-spin as three wickets tumbled for one run. Kevin Paul (25*) and Kelvin Sewpersaud (14*) then added 37 in their unfinished stand as Alli (2-37) and Sattaur (2-30) were the most successful bowlers for East Coast. When East Coast began their reply the dangerous Sattaur savagely cut Paul for four but like he has done so often ,he was found guilty of hitting the ball too much in the air and was taken at deep mid-off for six in the first over to leave East Coast on 6-1. Deoraj Chunilall (14) edged
East Coast captain introducing the sponsors and DCB Executives to the players. From right: Rabindra Budhai (DFGI Accountant), Rabindranauth Basil (DFGI Assistant Manager), Anand Sanasie (DCB Vice-President) and Nazimul Drepaul (DCB Chairman of Junior Selector) Dhaniram to the keeper and East Coast had slipped to 452. Singh then launched a vicious attack on the hapless bowlers with the teenager, who overcame a shaky start, caressing Paul for two delightful boundaries before disdainfully pulling the pacer for six into the Kenny Wishart stand when he bowled short in his second spell. Singh smashed Dhaniram for two fours which reached the boundary like bullets before he jumped into Looknaught and dumped him for consecutive sixes, the second one landing on Regent Street. Chetura played a great supporting role but
both batsmen seemed to be nervous as they approached their landmarks and the scoring rate took a significant dip. When three away from what would have been his first century at any level, he was stupendously caught at longon by Navindra Persaud who pulled off a stunner, diving full length forward, as Looknauth broke the 134-run stand and left the score on 173-3. Chetura, a 15-year-old Mahacony student, soon reached his 50 but an injudicious shot at a wide from Hubbard ended his innings stumped. East Coast had lost their pair of set
batsmen in the space of 13 runs to leave them on 186-4 and West Demerara’s hopes of a sensational victory was still alive. However, Vishwanauth Ramlakan (24*) and Albert (18) kept their heads and their wickets to see East Coast to safety. Representatives from Diamond Fire and General Insurance Inc. met the teams prior to the start of the competition. Diamond Fire and General Insurance Inc. Accountant, Rabindra Budhai, told the players that they have been supporting youth cricket in Berbice and other parts of the county over the years, and
they are happy to join the DCB this year. Budhai urged the players to give their best and be competitive, and respect the game and each other. He further added that he and other Diamond Fire and General Insurance Inc personnel will be following the competition keenly, charging the players to make their teams and the sponsor proud. Vice-President of the DCB, Anand Sanasie thanked the sponsors for their interest in the development of youth cricket. He assured them that they will get value for their investment.
Diamond Fire & General Insurance U-19 cricket
Singh, Savory slam half centuries as Georgetown overcome East Bank By Zaheer Mohamed Opener Sunil Singh and wicketkeeper batsman Kemol Savory stroked half centuries as Georgetown defeated East Bank by 62 runs in their first round game of the Demerara Cricket Baord (DCB)/ Demerara Fire and General Insurance company Inter Association Under-19 50 over tournament yesterday. Georgetown posted 267-8 off their allotted 50 overs after deciding to bat at the Demerara Cricket Club ground. Singh and fellow opener Tevin Imlach laid the foundation for a sizeable total with a stand of 78 before Imlach was bowled by Irshad Alli for 20 (2x4).
Hakeem David joined Singh and the pair continued to frustrate the opposition taking the score to 119 with level headed batting on a flat surface. The dismissal of David for 20 (2x4) saw a mini collapse for the host, losing the wickets of Singh for a well played 50 which contained five fours, Sherfene Rutherford (07) and Michael Shallim (10) to be at 146-5. Savory dominated a sixth wicket partnership of 30 with Clevon Mc Ewan who was out for 12 and then added a further 46 with Steven Sankar 21 (1x4 2x6). The left handed Savory slammed one four and two sixes before he went in the penultimate over for 50.
Tariq Dharanlall was left unbeaten on 26 (3x4). Rickey Debidyal was the pick of the bowlers with 2-19 off three overs while Deonarine Seogobin, Stephan Brown, Ryan Shun and Irshad Alli had one each. In reply, East Bank lost the early wicket of Ryan Shun (10) at 17 in the fifth over. Seogobin and Andrew Chung took the score to 45 but poor communication between the two resulted in Chung being run out for nine. Ian Bell (09) followed shortly before Seogobin and Debidyal steadied the chase with a fourth wicket partnership of 50. Seogobin, after looking well set for a half
Sunil Singh century pulled a long hop from leg spinner Steven Sankar and was taken at mid wicket for 46 (7x4). Consistent bowling by the (Continued on page 29)
Kemol Savory (right) collects his man-of-the-match award from the chairman of the DCB junior selection committee Nazimul Drepaul.
Kaieteur News
Wednesday April 09, 2014
Page 35
GASA names strong training squad for upcoming meets way of offering the right foods and nutrition, enough time to attend training sessions and even provide transportation especially for the early morning and late night sessions that may be implemented to maximally prepare the athletes. Carifta Games 2014, which will be held in Aruba from April 22 to 26 and Guyana, will be represented
Ivan Persaud, new GASA President
Female swimmers competing at GASA Nationals last November. The National Training Squad Committee (NTSC) of the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) has named a strong squad of swimmers to represent the Golden Arrowhead in upcoming competitions. Sixty (60) swimmers from the various clubs in Guyana will go into training with Goodwill Games just around the corner and a number of other international competitions set to be staged. Among the upcoming events are – Caribbean Islands Swimming Championships in Barbados in July, which will be the first time that a Guyana team will be represented, the Commonwealth Games scheduled for Glasgow; followed by the Inter Guiana Games (July) and Youth Olympic Games (July/August) The selected squad will be under the watchful eyes of Head Coach, Mr. Sean Baksh along with coaches Ms. Stephanie Fraser and Cuban coach, Ms. Isabel
Couso Fals. At a recent meeting held at the National Aquatic Centre, Liliendaal, swimmers along with their parents or guardians were addressed by Sean Baksh and newly elected President of GASA Mr. Ivan Persaud
who is also Vice President of the Guyana Football Federation. Baksh stressed the importance of discipline and dedication from the swimmers while outlining the plans the coaches have for the swimmers. He
stressed the need to have all swimmers for all the sessions to have a settled unit. Meanwhile, Persaud said that since the best management team has been assigned to prepare the young swimmers he expects that as a team, Guyana competes and not just participate as was evident in previous years. He spoke highly of the important role of the parents to support the athletes by the
by a three member team; Britany van Lange and Soroya Simmons in pool with Stephanie Fraser on deck as coach. Meanwhile, this year’s Goodwill Games will head east to Suriname on August 15 -17 and will see representation in all categories for both boys and girls. The final touring squad (Continued on page 30)
t r o Sp
Guyana stun mighty Argentina in PAHF Indoor Hockey opener -suffered a 4-7 loss to USA last night
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Young Aroydy Branford scores for Guyana.
Captain Devin Munroe and striker Kevin Spencer smother an Argentine forward.
Alpha United thrilled with CCL qualification P.31
Sunburst supports Edghill ahead of Canadian Open - tennis prodigy paired with Germany’s Lisa Lung
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Alpha United Head coach Wayne Dover (polo shirt) addresses his players during a recent training session.
Corporate Secretary at the Continental Group of Companies, Percy Boyce (left) hands over the sponsorship package to table tennis phenom, Chelsea Edghill yesterday.
Atwell is a product of the Friday Night fights-GBB President P.33
Disciplinary and Referees Committees formed
P.33
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